Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket ahead of England tour
"It's an absolute honour to represent my country in whites," the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for all the love and support over the years."
Rohit played 67 Test matches, scoring 4,301 runs with an average of over 40. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the team's tour of England starting next month. He will continue to play in the 50-over format.
Rohit played 67 Test matches, scoring 4,301 runs with an average of over 40. His record includes 12 centuries, with a highest score of 212 against South Africa in 2019.
"It's an absolute honour to represent my country in whites," the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for all the love and support over the years."
Rohit had earlier stepped away from T20 internationals along with Virat Kohli after India won the World Cup in Barbados last year. He recently led India to an ODI Champions Trophy title in Dubai.
India will begin a five-Test series in England in June and July. The team will now need a new Test captain.
Rohit's last Test appearance was in Melbourne last year, where India lost to Australia by 184 runs.
He did not play in the final Test in Sydney, stepping down as captain due to poor form. India lost the match and the series 2-1.
Rohit scored only 31 runs across five innings during his three Test appearances in the Australia tour. Indian media had speculated that he might retire from the format after the series.
Rohit made his Test debut in 2013. He found success as an opener five years later and eventually took over the Test captaincy from Virat Kohli.
Zayn Malik attended BLACKPINK’s Deadline Tour concert in New York on 27 July with his daughter Khai.
He shared a rare father-daughter photo on Instagram, thanking the K-pop group for the experience.
This marks one of the very few public appearances Zayn has made with Khai since her birth in 2020.
The post has sparked fan buzz online, with many hoping for a BLACKPINK-Zayn collaboration.
Zayn Malik surprised fans by attending BLACKPINK’s sold-out Deadline Tour concert at Citi Field in New York on 27 July with his daughter Khai. The former One Direction singer, known for his low-profile lifestyle, posted a rare photo from the concert on his Instagram Story, thanking the K-pop supergroup for the evening.
The snapshot featured Zayn holding Khai close while enjoying the high-energy show led by Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. The concert marked the latest stop on BLACKPINK’s ongoing world tour, which has seen enthusiastic turnouts across the United States.
Zayn Malik shares rare glimpse of Khai in an Instagram postInstagram/zayn
Why was Zayn Malik at BLACKPINK’s concert in New York?
Fans were pleasantly surprised when Zayn Malik joined the sea of BLINKs at BLACKPINK’s Deadline show in New York. Although he typically avoids public events, the singer made an exception to enjoy a musical night out with his four-year-old daughter.
On his Instagram Story, Zayn shared: “@blackpinkofficial thank you :) me and Khai loved it.” The post instantly went viral, with screenshots circulating widely across fan pages and pop culture accounts. Many praised the singer for spending quality time with Khai and speculated about a potential musical collaboration between Zayn and BLACKPINK in the future.
Instagram Screengrab/zayn
How often does Zayn Malik share moments with daughter Khai?
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid welcomed Khai in September 2020. Since their separation, both parents have taken great care to shield their daughter from public attention. Hadid had previously requested paparazzi and fan pages to avoid sharing unblurred photos of Khai.
Zayn has largely followed this approach, rarely sharing images of his daughter online. However, in 2023, he did post a heartfelt tribute to her on her birthday, calling Khai “the most important person” in his life. On the Happy Place podcast in 2024, Zayn spoke openly about how fatherhood changed him, making him more patient and giving him new depth as a songwriter.
Zayn recently wrapped up his solo tour across the US and UK and is reportedly gearing up to release a new track titled Fuchsia Sea later this year. While no official release date has been confirmed, fans are hopeful it will mark a return to the moody, genre-blending style Zayn is known for.
Outside music, the singer has also ventured into lifestyle branding with Scoville Season, a line of kitchen essentials inspired by his love for cooking. In an interview, Zayn said, “It gives me a chance to share my kitchen habits with fans, from aprons to tea towels.”
Zayn performs at O2 Academy Leeds on November 23, 2024Getty Images
Why is Zayn Malik’s BLACKPINK appearance trending?
The sight of Zayn Malik, a global pop star with Pakistani-British roots, at a BLACKPINK concert, accompanied by his rarely seen daughter, created a perfect storm for fan frenzy. It follows Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas also showing up at the same concert weekend and expressing their admiration for the K-pop group.
Priyanka called Lisa a “queen,” while Nick shared clips of the couple enjoying BLACKPINK’s biggest hits. With multiple international celebrities now seen supporting the group’s world tour, BLACKPINK’s global influence continues to grow, and Zayn’s unexpected outing has only amplified the buzz.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Over the last few years, British South Asian participation in football has increased
The FA has launched a new initiative to address the longstanding underrepresentation of British South Asians in English football. The three-year plan titled Build, Connect, Support marks the first time the FA has created a strategy focused exclusively on improving accessibility and opportunities for the UK’s largest minority ethnic group within the sport.
The plan targets five key areas: grassroots football, the National League and women’s pyramid, coaching and talent ID, refereeing, and education. Each is aimed at removing barriers to entry and promoting sustained engagement. By embedding South Asian inclusion into regional structures and providing more mentoring, leadership programmes, and faith-based community events, the FA hopes to raise awareness and create more accessible pathways into football.
Positive Steps Forward
Over the last few years, British South Asian participation in football has increased. Nowhere is this more evident than in east London, where Sporting Bengal United has emerged as a trailblazer. The Mile End-based club has rapidly progressed from Sunday league level to step four of the non-league pyramid, also making appearances in the FA Cup.
Their success reflects both a shift in attitudes and the power of community-led football, with east London’s significant South Asian population creating a strong foundation for growth. Sporting Bengal United’s progress is indicative of an emerging trend: recent figures show that over 11% of South Asian adult men and 15% of women are now involved in football activities.
2024 marked one of the strongest years to date for grassroots engagement. According to FA data, participation has risen across multiple demographics, with a notable increase in female involvement. This has been fuelled by the inspirational impact of national team success, that’s been bolstered by huge media coverage.
For example, Lioness and World Cup finalist Alessia Russo got her own BBC Sounds show in 2024. Fellow players like England captain Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly have collected millions of followers on their social channels. From lucrative television deals that put more games on TV screens to the celebrity status of both male and female players, and better engagement with fans through social media, the game’s accessibility has grown.
Indeed, the ubiquitous nature of the sport in media and entertainment is further exemplified by the likes of the football-themed special edition of comedy gameshow I Literally Just Told You with Jimmy Carr, and the new Football Roulette live casino online game that offers an alternative to more traditional versions of the gambling favourite. In iGaming, this roulette variation is a continuation of the success of slots like Football LuckyTap, which have together reinvented the sport in new ways.
As football’s reach continues to expand across media, grassroots, and professional levels, the conditions are ripe for long-overdue change in representation. The increasing visibility of the sport - and those who play it - has the power to inspire young British South Asians to believe there is a place for them in the game.
Initiatives like the FA’s Build, Connect, Support plan are vital in turning that belief into opportunity, removing structural barriers and building lasting pathways into football. If the progress seen in east London can be replicated across the country, the sport will not only better reflect the rich diversity of modern Britain, but it will be stronger and more inclusive because of it.
Keep ReadingShow less
The controversial American Eagle ad featuring Sydney Sweeney in head-to-toe denim
American Eagle’s Fall 2025 campaign starring Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney draws criticism.
The slogan “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” called out for racial and genetic implications.
Social media users and commentators accuse the brand of tone-deaf marketing.
American Eagle’s stock price jumped 16% despite controversy.
American Eagle’s new campaign for its Fall 2025 denim collection, fronted by Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney, is facing online backlash over its central tagline: “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” While intended as a denim pun, many critics say the slogan plays too closely with “great genes,” a phrase historically tied to racial purity and eugenics rhetoric.
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle look for the Fall 2025 collection rolloutInstagram/americaneagle
Why is Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad controversial?
The controversy erupted soon after American Eagle unveiled billboards in Times Square and Las Vegas, presenting Sydney Sweeney modelling denim looks beside the now-debated slogan. In one ad, Sweeney is seen painting over the word “genes” and rewriting it as “jeans” as a cheeky nod to the pun, but one that critics argue failed to consider deeper social implications.
Online reactions were swift. Social media users noted that the phrase “great genes” has historically been used to uphold narrow beauty standards like white, thin, and able-bodied, and that choosing Sweeney, a blonde, blue-eyed actress, as the face of this message sends the wrong signal.
“This is what happens when there are no people of colour in the room,” one user commented on American Eagle’s Instagram post. Another called it “a clever pun built on decades of exclusionary ideals.”
Does the phrase ‘great genes’ have a problematic history?
Yes, and that’s why the campaign is drawing so much criticism. The phrase “great genes” has long been linked to eugenicist language, which in the early 20th century promoted the reproduction of certain groups, mainly white and able-bodied, while discouraging or even forcibly preventing others from reproducing.
Several publications, including Salon and B&T Australia, pointed out that the ad’s wordplay inadvertently evokes these associations. Critics also highlighted that even if unintentional, such messaging reinforces outdated and exclusionary ideals.
A viral post summarised the sentiment: “It’s not about how she looks in jeans. It’s about what this campaign is subtly saying about who gets to be seen as genetically superior.”
As of now, neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney has issued a statement addressing the backlash.
In official materials, the brand positioned the campaign as a celebration of self-expression and denim culture. The “Sydney Jean,” a custom style co-created by Sweeney, is part of the rollout and features a butterfly motif representing domestic violence awareness. American Eagle announced that 100% of the net proceeds from the jean will go to Crisis Text Line, a non-profit providing free mental health support via text.
Despite the backlash, the campaign is still live across multiple platforms and locations. It includes interactive AR filters, virtual try-on tools, and 3D billboards showcasing Sweeney.
The campaign sparked a wave of online debate, but the financial response has been surprisingly positive for American Eagle. According to market watchers, the brand’s stock surged by up to 16% following the campaign’s launch. Analysts attributed this to “meme stock” behaviour, where retail investors jump on trending brands based on viral attention, much like the GameStop phenomenon of 2021.
However, experts warn that such surges are often short-lived and may not reflect long-term brand strength or consumer trust.
Sydney Sweeney’s limited-edition Sydney Jean is part of a charity collaborationInstagram/americaneagle
Final takeaway: clever marketing or cultural misstep?
Sydney Sweeney’s campaign is a reminder of how language, even when playful, can carry unintended meanings. What may seem like harmless wordplay to some can alienate others, especially in a media landscape where consumers expect more accountability and awareness from brands.
While the controversy may boost short-term visibility and stock value, American Eagle now faces a larger question: Can a brand reclaim pop culture relevance without alienating the diverse audience it hopes to attract?
Keep ReadingShow less
Deepika Padukone named the only Indian in The Shift’s 90 Women Shaping Culture list
Deepika Padukone named in The Shift's list of ‘90+ Women Shaping Culture’ for her mental health advocacy
The global list honours changemakers like Zoya Akhtar, Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, Amal Clooney, and Zoya Akhtar
Deepika’s Live Love Laugh Foundation recognised for raising awareness around mental health in India
The actress is also set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has been honoured by The Shift as one of the ‘90+ Women Shaping Culture’, joining a powerful group of global influencers including Zoya Akhtar, Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez, and Billie Eilish. The list, unveiled in celebration of Gloria Steinem’s 91st birthday, spotlights women who are redefining leadership, creativity, and activism across the globe.
The 39-year-old actress, known for her blockbuster films and public advocacy, was recognised for her efforts in mental health awareness and women’s empowerment, especially through her Live Love Laugh Foundation, which has played a key role in normalising conversations around depression and emotional well-being in India.
What is The Shift’s ‘90+ Women Shaping Culture’ list about?
The '90+ Women Shaping Culture' list is a special editorial initiative by global publication The Shift that celebrates women making significant impact across sectors. The 2025 edition pays tribute to feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem by highlighting 90-plus voices from around the world that are actively challenging norms and shaping a better future.
Names on the list include Hollywood A-listers like Angelina Jolie and Emily Blunt, singer-activists like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, and legal icons like Amal Clooney.
Deepika’s inclusion on the list is tied to her consistent mental health advocacy, which began after she went public with her own experience battling depression in 2015. Since then, through the Live Love Laugh Foundation, she has launched campaigns to raise awareness, fight stigma, and expand access to support services, especially in rural India.
In a quote featured by The Shift, Deepika explained:
“To me, success isn’t just about professional achievements, but about well-being, where mental health and self-care matter as much as discipline and determination. I hope to inspire a generation that values patience, balance, consistency, and authenticity.”
Deepika shares the honour with global icons like Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez and Billie EilishGetty Images
What else is Deepika Padukone working on?
Beyond her philanthropic work, Deepika continues to dominate headlines for her international milestones. She will become the first Indian actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, joining the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Rami Malek in the Class of 2026.
On the film front, she recently starred in Singham Again and is now preparing for her next major release, a sci-fi action film with Allu Arjun, directed by Atlee and produced by Sun Pictures. Tentatively titled AA22xA6, the project marks Deepika’s second collaboration with Atlee after Jawan.
She is also set to return in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, where she plays the mother of the lead character. Production for the sequel begins in December 2025, with over 30% of the shoot reportedly already completed.
Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun in Atlee pan India epic AA22xA6 Youtube Screengrab/ Sun TV
How Deepika’s influence extends beyond Bollywood
Deepika Padukone’s selection as a cultural shaper reinforces her position as one of India’s most globally relevant voices. She is not only representing Indian cinema on the world stage but also using her platform to spark vital conversations about emotional resilience, gender equity, and the modern definition of success.
Her feature in The Shift cements her legacy as an actress, activist, and cultural force who continues to impact both art and society.
Keep ReadingShow less
Google updated the algorithm powering AEA to better handle large-magnitude events
Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts system failed to deliver top-level alerts during Turkey’s devastating 2023 earthquake.
Only 469 “Take Action” warnings were sent out, despite 10 million people being within range of the epicentre.
Half a million users received lower-level alerts that would not have woken them at night.
Google has since admitted detection errors and updated its algorithm after re-simulating the quake.
Scientists warn of over-reliance on tech-driven alert systems in the absence of national alternatives.
Millions missed life-saving alerts during deadly Turkey quake
Google has acknowledged that its Android Earthquake Alerts system failed to send high-level warnings to millions of people during the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey on 6 February 2023.
Despite more than 10 million people being within 158 kilometres (98 miles) of the epicentre, only 469 users received the system’s most urgent “Take Action” alert. The system, which uses Android phones to detect ground movement and send early warnings, vastly underestimated the quake’s strength.
The 2023 disaster killed over 55,000 people and injured more than 100,000, as buildings collapsed across Turkey’s southeast in the early hours of the morning.
Underestimated magnitude led to warning failure
According to a new analysis published by Google researchers in Science journal, the system initially misjudged the earthquake’s magnitude as between 4.5 and 4.9 on the moment magnitude scale (MMS), when in reality it was 7.8 — a catastrophic difference.
This meant that instead of issuing the serious “Take Action” alert — which overrides silent settings and activates loud alarms — the system sent out the milder “Be Aware” notification to around 500,000 users. These alerts are designed for light shaking and do not override a device’s Do Not Disturb mode.
This failure was especially critical because the first earthquake struck at 04:17, when most people were asleep. The “Take Action” alert is designed specifically to wake users and give them seconds to seek shelter before the tremors arrive.
Post-event review shows alert system could have worked
Following internal reviews and public pressure, Google revisited the earthquake data using an updated version of the system’s algorithm. The re-simulation indicated that the system could have generated more than 10 million serious alerts to those closest to the epicentre and 67 million lighter alerts to those further away — had the algorithm been tuned correctly at the time.
The same day, a second major earthquake also occurred. This time the system performed somewhat better, sending “Take Action” alerts to over 8,000 users and “Be Aware” alerts to nearly four million.
Critics say transparency came too late
Experts have raised concerns about the delay in publicly acknowledging the system’s failure. Assistant professor Elizabeth Reddy of the Colorado School of Mines said:
“We’re not talking about a little event – people died – and we didn’t see a performance of this warning in the way we would like. I’m really frustrated it took so long.”
Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, warned that governments may wrongly assume Google’s system can fully replace national earthquake warning infrastructure.
“Would some places make the calculation that Google’s doing it, so we don’t have to?” he told the BBC. “Being very transparent about how well it works is absolutely critical.”
How Google’s earthquake alert system works
The Android Earthquake Alerts (AEA) system operates in nearly 100 countries and is managed directly by Google, not local governments. It relies on the motion sensors in Android phones — which make up over 70% of Turkey’s smartphone market — to detect seismic activity and triangulate the location and strength of earthquakes.
Due to the relatively slow speed at which seismic waves travel through the earth, even a few seconds of warning can be life-saving.
Google’s system offers two types of alerts:
“Take Action”: A loud, screen-filling alert for dangerous shaking that overrides silent settings.
“Be Aware”: A quieter, lower-priority alert for mild tremors, not suitable for life-threatening scenarios.
System improvements and ongoing questions
Following the 2023 disaster, Google updated the algorithm powering AEA to better handle large-magnitude events. The company maintains that the tool is designed as a supplementary system — not a replacement for state-run infrastructure — though it is often used in regions with limited national warning capabilities.
Google told the BBC:
“We continue to improve the system based on what we learn in each earthquake. Every earthquake early warning system grapples with the same challenge — tuning algorithms for large magnitude events.”
The BBC has requested information from Google regarding the AEA system’s performance during the 2025 Myanmar earthquake but has yet to receive a response.