Stephen Colbert (file photo)

TOI correspondent from Washington: American late-night television, that unique, bizarre institution where presidents are mocked, celebrities are fawned over and audiences applaud on cue, is preparing for a funeral. After 33 years, CBS is shutting down The Late Show stephen colbertIts eponymous host took his final bow this week — marking the end of not just a show, but perhaps an era when comedians doubled as political opposition.CBS emphasizes that the decision is “purely financial”, which, as one article stated, may be true in the same way that there was a “water management issue” with the Titanic. According to the network, late-night television is losing money in the streaming age, with young viewers migrating to social media memes, clips and podcasts hosted by hosts broadcasting from basements and bunkers. Advertising revenues for late night TV have declined dramatically in recent years, even as production costs have increased.Yet some people in America believe that money is the reason for the demise of the top-rated late-night franchise. Suspicion deepened after Colbert blamed Paramount Global – CBS’s parent company – for settling a lawsuit brought by President Trump, and called the payment a “big fat bribe.” A few days later, CBS announced the show’s cancellation as Paramount sought regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media, as the late-night show had become politically and commercially radioactive.At MAGA USA, comedians are now treated less like clowns and more like hostile political actors. Trump has long viewed late-night hosts as enemies, regularly attacking Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers on social media. The trio, along with Jon Stewart and John Oliver, have leaned into political satire since the rise of Trump, turning the monologue into a nightly prosecution summary. Critics called it liberal quacking, but for fans it was therapy.As the end of the week approached, late at night the fraternity closed ranks with surprising tenderness. Kimmel and Fallon reportedly opted for a rerun rather than compete with Colbert’s farewell episode, and they, along with Meyers and Oliver, appeared in a symbolic on-air group hug. He joked that Jon Stewart, who was not with him, was a “designated survivor”. Even David Letterman, the patron saint of sardonic late-night television and Colbert’s predecessor, recently joined him in throwing CBS office furniture off the roof in a mock revolt. Apparently American television executives can cancel the show – but not their beloved drama.Colbert himself alternated between gallows humor and visible bitterness, saying with some disbelief that his staff would be effectively laid off immediately after the final show. And what’s next for the 62-year-old host? Amid reports that he will co-write a Lord of the Rings film with his son Peter, he is also expected to shift towards streaming and podcasting.Interestingly, India has often featured in Colbert’s comic universe. During Trump-era outsourcing concerns, he once joked that American jobs were being sent to “a call center in Bangalore, which has better customer service even for scam calls.” He often chided Indian-Americans for their academic knowledge, joking that spelling-bee champions “sound less like kids and more like junior tax consultants.” When PM Modi visited the US, he quipped that Trump and their bonding at big rallies was the geopolitical version of two DJs comparing crowd sizes.“But the broader resonance may lie elsewhere, including India. As political polarization deepens globally, comedians on both sides of the globe are learning that satire now comes with legal notices, troll armies, and ideological surveillance. Indian stand-up comics know this pressure intimately from police complaints, canceled venues and legal cases. America’s late-night readers are now discovering only what they have long understood: Power laughs loudest at jokes aimed not upward, but downwards. Late night television once promised Americans catharsis before bed. After this it will be morning soon.

The AI-generated image shows a young Briton visiting Australia.

Like countless young people dreaming of a fresh start abroad, 23-year-old Tom Cowan left home in search of better opportunities, brighter days and the promise of a more secure future.But while many Britons move to Australia chasing sunshine, beaches and a comfortable lifestyle, the Welshman’s journey around the world is rooted in something far more personal, the hope of one day returning home, buying a house and earning enough money to give his family a better life.The former business management student from Blaenau Ffestiniog in north Wales moved to Melbourne, nearly 17,000km away, earlier this year with one goal in mind – save £50,000 in two years so he can buy a house in Wales and support his family.

Tom says the decision was extremely personal

“My mother gave me and my little sister everything,” she said in a video documenting her life abroad. “She never spent money on herself. I want to be in a position where I can eventually give back.”Unlike many expats who pursue luxury, Tom has adopted a naked lifestyle. He shares a room with his girlfriend, works long construction shifts, avoids unnecessary expenses and spends his free time in outdoor public gyms rather than expensive fitness centers.“I don’t need new clothes or instant gratification,” he said. “I just want stability and opportunity for my family.”

From overdraft to foreign gambling

Tom’s journey began with a difficult financial situation. He says his bank balance after graduating from Liverpool University in 2025 was minus £400.Determined to move to Australia, he spent seven months working as a ground labourer, saving about £11,000 before flying to Asia and eventually settling in Melbourne in March.

economics immediately understood

Tom says he now earns around £20.50 an hour in Australia, which is significantly higher than the £15 an hour wage he earns for similar work in the UK. Despite the high cost of living in Australia, he claims that overtime opportunities and cheap shared accommodation have helped him save up fast.Their target is ambitious: saving around £400 a week for two years. So far, he has managed to set aside almost £2,000.Social media accountability turns her into an unexpected inspirationTo keep himself disciplined, Tom started documenting his savings journey on Instagram, expecting only a few people to see it. Instead, thousands did.Within a few weeks, his page gained over 2,000 followers, many of whom now keep track of his spending habits, gym routine and work updates.The reaction surprised him. Strangers have offered advice, jobs and even temporary housing.Tom says the online attention also keeps him accountable.“If I suddenly stopped saving money or stopped exercising, people would notice,” he joked.One of his most emotional videos – where he discussed leaving his family behind to pursue a better future – was recorded in Welsh rather than English.He admitted, “I can express my feelings better in Welsh.”

Why are more Britons eyeing Australia?

Tom’s story comes as increasing numbers of Britons are considering moving to Australia.New data from Australian property platform realestate.com.au reportedly shows that searches for rental homes by UK-based users have increased by 28 percent over the past year.Migration experts say pessimism over Britain’s economic outlook, political uncertainty and rising living costs are driving many young professionals to seek opportunities abroad. And Tom is far from alone.

‘The mountains will pull me back one day’

However, for now, Tom says he’s focusing on the bigger picture. He misses his family and the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, but believes the temporary hardship is worth it if it creates long-term stability.“I feel happiest when I’m working toward something,” he said.Some people may find their lifestyle joyless – long shifts, tight budgets and little social spending.But for Tom, discipline has become beneficial in itself. “It gives me respect for myself,” he said. “that makes me happy.”

The dream that sometimes draws people back home

British-born Annie Symonds once made the jump from London to Sydney in exchange for beaches and sunshine and gray skies.She established her life in Australia, gaining permanent residency and settling in the affluent Kirribilli suburb of Sydney after falling in love with an Australian man.But after seven years abroad, homesickness eventually drew him back to Britain.Their experience shows that many expatriates face the emotional pull of balancing career opportunities abroad with the allure of family, familiarity, and home.

US President Donald Trump; Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian

Iranian media reported on Sunday that the United States “made no concrete concessions” in its latest response to Tehran’s proposed agenda for talks aimed at ending the war that began with joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 and has been stalled since April 28.Mehr news agency reported, “The United States, while not making any concrete concessions, wants to obtain concessions that it failed to obtain during the war. This will lead to a stalemate in the negotiations.”According to Fars news agency, Washington presented a list of five conditions, including:

In its resolution, Iran had called for an end to the war on all fronts, including Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, as well as an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports from April 13. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict after Hezbollah, the terrorist group based in the country and supported by Tehran, entered the war following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of hostilities.Meanwhile, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry during a press conference last week, Iran also demanded the removal of all US sanctions and the release of its assets frozen abroad under long-standing US sanctions.According to Fars, the resolution emphasizes that Tehran will continue to control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor that it has largely closed off since the beginning of the war. About 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi warned US President Donald Trump against resuming attacks on the Asian nation.“The desperate US president must know that if his threats are implemented, his country’s resources and military will be forced to face unprecedented, aggressive, surprising and turbulent scenarios,” Shekarchi said, according to state television.Similarly, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hamidreza Hajibabai warned against targeting Iranian oil infrastructure.“If Iranian oil is damaged, Iran will take measures that will prevent the United States and the world from accessing oil from the region for a long time,” Hajibabai was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency.(with AFP input)

Pictures of buffalo, one named after Donald Trump and the other after Benjamin Netanyahu (Source/X)

Albino buffaloes in Bangladesh that resemble global leaders US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have become a major attraction ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, with crowds gathering daily at animal farms in Narayanganj near the capital Dhaka to catch a glimpse of the unusual animals.One of the buffaloes, a 700 kg albino animal, named after Donald Trump, has gone viral on social media as visitors described his resemblance to the US President.The buffalo was named ‘Donald Trump’ because of its blonde hair and facial features, reports The Independent.One visitor told local newspaper Prothom Alo, “When I saw his photos on Facebook, he looked exactly like Donald Trump. His facial structure and even hairstyle matched Trump.”He joked, “Buffalo is very quiet and polite by nature,” which certainly doesn’t match Donald Trump.Ziauddin Mridha, the owner of the animal, said that a large number of people come to the farm every day to see the buffalo and take photographs.“My younger brother jokingly named it Donald Trump after seeing the hair on its head. It is very peaceful by nature. Albino buffaloes are generally calm and not aggressive unless provoked,” he said, according to The Independent.According to reports, the buffalo has already been sold at the rate of Rs 550 per kg and will be handed over to its new owner before Eid.Another albino buffalo attracting attention in Narayanganj has been named after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Weighing more than 750 kg, this buffalo is reportedly known for its aggressive behaviour. Local reports claimed that the animal’s hair and eyes resembled Netanyahu’s.“I came here after hearing about this buffalo,” local media outlets quoted one visitor as saying.A manager of SS Cattle Farm said that this buffalo named ‘Netanyahu’ was difficult to handle.The manager said, “Netanyahu is very mischievous and his wit is devious. Even when we go to feed him he hisses and tries to bite us.”The farm has six albino buffaloes, all of whom are known for their temperamental behavior.“Huge crowds are coming every day to get a glimpse of him,” the manager said.

Tommy Robinson marched in London

London saw one of its largest security operations in recent years as thousands of people gathered for far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march as well as a huge pro-Palestinian Nakba Day rally.The demonstrations sparked a £4.5 million police operation amid fears of violent clashes between rival groups.According to The Independent, the Metropolitan Police said at least 43 people were arrested for “various offences” at both events, although officials said the demonstrations were “largely without significant incident”.Police also said the investigation into several additional hate-crime allegations related to the pro-Palestinian protests was ongoing.More than 4,000 officers, supported by 660 personnel from forces outside London, were deployed across the capital.Police horses, dogs, drones, helicopters and armored vehicles were also used as officials described it as an “unprecedented” security challenge.

Elon Musk Britain was called a ‘prison island’

Reacting to the events, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk resumed his criticism of the UK government and free speech laws.Posting on X in response to Robinson, Musk wrote: “Thousands of British people jailed simply for social media posts or speaking out, they need to be released!”“No more prison islands!!” He added.Responding to Musk’s comments, Robinson wrote: “Thanks as always to Elon for saving free speech, for giving the world a true 360° view of everything. Without X, none of this would be possible. We will unite the States and the West.” The future belongs to patriots.”Musk has repeatedly criticized the way the UK government deals with immigration and freedom of speech issues, previously claiming that Britain risks becoming George Orwell’s “worst nightmare”.

Confederate flags, anti-Starmer slogans dominate Robinson rally

Robinson’s supporters marched through central London waving union flags and chanting slogans such as “We want Starmer out” and “Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Robinson”.Many protesters wore red “Make England Great Again” hats, while others carried wooden crosses and shouted “Christ is King”.Addressing supporters from a stage in Parliament Square, Robinson urged followers to become politically active ahead of the next UK general election in 2029.“Are you ready for the Battle of Britain?” he asked the crowd. “If we don’t send a message in our next election… we will lose our country forever.”The event also included speeches from media personality Katie Hopkins, former TV presenter Ant Middleton, actor-turned-activist Laurence Fox and former Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen.

Business failures teach important lessons, but simply enduring them is not enough. Ray Dalio’s “Pain + Reflection = Progress” emphasizes systematic reflection over heroic effort. Image Credit: Wikipedia

Most of us react to our business failures the same way we react to harsh weather. We take shelter, weather the storm, and hope for better results tomorrow. Our society tells us that we should dust ourselves off and move on as fast as possible. However, while it is important to be flexible, going somewhere rapidly and aimlessly is simply doing the same thing faster but with less progress. When it comes to a high-stakes decision-making environment, the least you can do is go through the pain and not learn important lessons from it.As a billionaire hedge fund manager, Ray Dalio boiled this entire philosophy down to almost a mathematical equation: Pain + Reflection = Progress. Although it may sound like a catchy slogan, the real value of this statement lies in pointing out exactly where business development fails. While most businesses have been trained to deliver the first part of this equation, the bad pitch, faulty assumption, or failed launch, what is truly extraordinary is the ability to systematically reflect on that experience to create a better process for the future.In an official outline provided at PrincipleThe pain itself does not matter. The process of struggle cannot be considered of a heroic nature; It simply becomes part of the content. The real change occurs during the “conversion phase.” The person experiences pain but abandons the reflex; In such a case, he fails to take any steps forward and spends huge amounts of effort trying to learn anything.Reflections on heroic enduranceIn the culture of many enterprises, a strange phenomenon occurs when employees begin to put even more effort into their work after making a mistake. People work overtime, email excessively, and put in even more effort to compensate for their mistakes and errors by the amount of effort spent. Dalio’s equation implies a completely different approach to solving such problems; One needs to consider how quickly he or she will learn the lesson.This shift in focus from effort to intelligence is supported by research Harvard Business School. The article points out that “near-misses” are also a goldmine of information. When teams feel safe enough to consider a disaster that was narrowly avoided, they can innovate and improve systems without paying the true cost of a complete failure.

Organizations that learn quickly from mistakes and implement changes gain significant competitive advantages, turning experiences into lasting upgrades. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Once a team gets really good at reducing the time between pain and new operating models, an incredible competitive advantage is established. Suppose there are two organizations and both make the same mistake. One rewrites its internal workbook in forty-eight hours, while the other organization says, “We’re going to try harder.” It doesn’t take long before the first company starts leaving the other company in the dust. This is where the competitive advantage lies – not in avoiding mistakes, but in upgrading as quickly as possible.To create a mechanical process for developmentThe best thing about this theory is that it is very easy to implement in practice. Besides, you don’t need to have an intense emotional experience every time you reflect on your mistakes. Instead, all you need is fifteen minutes and complete transparency about what happened and what can be improved.This process of “looping” information back into the organization is the primary engine behind Dalio’s success. He argues that the human default after failure is usually either denial or self-blame, neither of which leads to progress. However, structure creates progress. By asking what perception failed or what signal was missed, you remove the ego from the situation and focus solely on reality.This can be done only by changing behavior in some way. This may create a new checklist or change the current approval process. In short, it all depends on how the individual decides to put their insights back into practice. This is important because, without implementing any change in his behavior, reflection remains an observation, but not a skill.In short, the equation proposed by Dalio is a hint that either you write the rules or they write you. Whatever makes you uncomfortable in your career is probably the result of having a slightly inaccurate view of reality. This indicates that there is a rule that should be changed. If you have the self-control to stop and write a new testament, you turn any experience into permanent upgrade.