George RR Martin will be relasing a Game of Thrones-themed colouring book. Evan Agostini / Invision / AP File
George RR Martin will be relasing a Game of Thrones-themed colouring book. Evan Agostini / Invision / AP File

George R R Martin overseeing GOT colouring book



George R R Martin is joining the adult colouring-book game. Bantam announced on Monday that Martin will be overseeing the release of the Game of Thrones-themed colouring book, featuring 45 new black and white illustrations by leading fantasy illustrators that are inspired by his A Song of Ice and Fire novels. The book is scheduled for release this fall and represents another interim project from Martin as his millions of fans await the next instalment of his series. Last year, Martin collaborated on The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones, an ­illustrated guide. Adult colouring books have been one of this year's hottest genres, led by Johanna Basford's Enchanted Forest and Secret Garden. – AP

Maggigate: Bolly stars still in the soup

A new complaint has been filed against Nestlé India and three former Bollywood brand ambassadors – Amitabh ­Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Madhuri Dixit – over the continuing controversy over excessive lead content in Maggi noodles. An activist with the Watchdog Foundation in Mumbai filed a petition in a local metropolitan magistrate court on Monday that accused the food giant and celebrities of "sale of noxious food" and "negligently doing an act that could be dangerous to health". Both offences attract a maximum punishment of six months or a fine. Nestlé India has recalled the product nationwide amid growing food contamination fears. – The National staff

B B King estate fight looms for family, aide

A battle over B B King's estate is moving from the headlines to the courthouse in Las Vegas. Lawyers for the blues legend's designated ­executor have filed documents to fend off a family group's bid for ­control. Brent Bryson, a lawyer for King's long-time business manager, LaVerne Toney, says he'll ask a probate commissioner on Friday to make official what King said in his will that he wants: to keep Toney in charge. King died on May 14 at his home in Las Vegas at age 89. Bryson says ­accounting is in progress to determine the value of King's estate. Lawyer Larissa Drohobyczer says she represents at least five of King's 11 surviving adult children, including daughters Karen Williams, Patty King and Rita Washington. They want Toney out of the picture. – AP

Harper Lee misses Writers Hall of Fame ­induction

To Kill a Mockingbird ­author Harper Lee missed her ­induction as an inaugural member of the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame just weeks before the release of her ­second book. Organisers say the 89-year-old Lee couldn't attend the event held on ­Monday night in Tuscaloosa. There was no other ­explanation given for Lee's absence, but she is known to only make rare public appearances. The author is in declining health and lives in an assisted-living home 240 kilometres away in the south Alabama town of Monroeville. Lee and 11 other writers were honoured as the hall's first class. Lee's second book, Go Set a Watchman, is being released in July. It was written before the Pulitzer Prize-­winning Mockingbird (1960), but takes place 20 years later. Lee's agreement to release the book stunned the literary world. – AP

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
Analysis

Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more

Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule

1st Test July 26-30 in Galle

2nd Test August 3-7 in Colombo

3rd Test August 12-16 in Pallekele