Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Meghan Markle has opened up about the early days of her relationship with Prince Harry, describing the period as being “in the trenches” — a remark many interpret as a subtle reference to the challenges they faced within the royal family and the intense media scrutiny.
Speaking on the debut episode of Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, the Duchess of Sussex gave a rare insight into her personal life and the evolution of her relationship with the Duke of Sussex. The conversation comes shortly after the launch of her new lifestyle and wellness brand, American Riviera Orchard, and her Netflix show With Love, Meghan.
Markle, 43, began dating Prince Harry, 40, in 2016. The couple announced their engagement in 2017 and married in 2018. They are now parents to two children — Archie, aged 5, and Lilibet, aged 3.
Discussing the early stages of their relationship, Markle told Lima: “You have to imagine, at the beginning it's all butterflies – but then we immediately went into the trenches together. Right out of the gate, like six months into dating.”
Her reference to “the trenches” is widely believed to allude to the pressures the couple faced from the British press and tensions within the royal household. Their relationship was made public in late 2016, and shortly after, Kensington Palace released a rare statement criticising the “wave of abuse and harassment” Markle experienced, particularly from tabloids and online commentators.
The couple have since spoken openly about their struggles with media attention and their relationship with the royal family. In previous interviews, they have said that they were not sufficiently supported by the institution. Markle has also spoken publicly about her mental health challenges during her first pregnancy, claiming she was discouraged by royal officials from seeking professional help due to concerns about how it would be perceived.
Despite these past challenges, Markle described her relationship with Harry as stronger than ever. “So now, seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And that’s why I feel like it’s more of a honeymoon period for us now,” she said.
She went on to describe her husband in affectionate terms, calling him “a fox” and praising both his appearance and his character. “If you haven’t noticed, my husband is very, very handsome. But his heart is even more beautiful,” she said. Markle also expressed her belief that their marriage would last, saying, “We’re going to be together forever.”
Her remarks on the podcast follow another moment that was interpreted as a veiled reference to the royal family. In the final episode of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the duchess gave a toast during a gathering with friends and family, including Prince Harry and her mother, Doria Ragland.
“I just want to raise a glass to you guys,” she said. “This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited that I’m able to share and I’ve been able to learn from all of you. So I just thank you for all the love and support.” She added: “All of that is part of that creativity that I’ve missed so much, so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes have relocated to California and focused on building a new life away from the monarchy. Their projects, including the Netflix series and Markle’s new brand, are being seen as markers of this “new chapter”.
While the duchess did not explicitly name the royal family in her comments, her remarks continue to generate speculation about her ongoing relationship with the institution she left behind.
Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his century with Washington Sundar during day five of the 4th Test between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 27, 2025 in Manchester. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA drew the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford on Sunday, taking the five-match series to a final decider at The Oval.
The tourists finished their second innings on 425-4, leading by 114 runs, as centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar ensured they avoided defeat.
England remain 2-1 ahead, with the last Test starting on Thursday in south London. An India win at The Oval would level the series.
Gill leads India’s resistance
India faced early trouble in their second innings, collapsing to 0-2 on Saturday after Chris Woakes struck twice in the first over, following England’s large first-innings total of 669.
However, captain Gill steadied the innings with 103 during a seven-hour stay, sharing a 188-run partnership with KL Rahul, who made 90.
“It was a very brave effort,” said Gill. “We were put under a lot of pressure, but the way we responded, especially after losing two wickets, was pleasing.”
Jadeja and Sundar frustrate England
Jadeja, who was dropped on the first ball by Joe Root, went on to score 107 not out, his first century of the series. Sundar, unbeaten on 101, made his maiden Test hundred. Their unbroken stand of 203 frustrated England on a flat pitch.
Despite the efforts of captain Ben Stokes, who bowled through pain and had earlier scored 141 and taken 5-72 in India’s first innings, England could not break the partnership. “That partnership was massive, they played incredibly well,” said Stokes.
Stokes battles injury, match ends with late drama
India resumed on Sunday at 174-2, with Gill on 78 and Rahul on 87. Stokes, who has taken 17 wickets in the series at an average of 25.23, trapped Rahul lbw for 90 early in the day.
Gill was caught behind off Jofra Archer with the score at 222-4, but Jadeja and Sundar remained solid.
In the final stages, both batters closed in on centuries. Stokes refrained from using his main bowlers to avoid risk ahead of the next Test, bringing Harry Brook to bowl.
Jadeja hit Brook for six to complete his 182-ball century, while Sundar reached his hundred off 206 balls with a two. The match ended immediately after.
Stokes, despite his personal performance, said: “I’d give the bottle of champagne and the medal in a heartbeat if we were on the right side of the result.”
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Police and SDRF personnel at the site after a stampede broke out at Mansa Devi temple, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (PTI Photo)
AT LEAST six people died and several others were injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on Sunday (27) morning. The tragedy occurred around 9am (local time) when panic spread among devotees after a rumour of an electric current near the temple stairs caused chaos.
India's prime minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on social media platform X, he said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
Located over 500 feet above sea level on the Shivalik Hills, the Mansa Devi temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every day, especially on weekends and during festive periods.
According to Haridwar senior superintendent of police Pramendra Singh Dobal, the panic was caused by a false rumour that electric current had spread through the area near the temple entrance.
"Around 35 people were taken to hospital and six of them died. More than 10 are still under treatment,” he said.
Visuals from the site showed anxious family members waiting outside the hospital, seeking information about their loved ones. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire services were quickly deployed to assist with rescue efforts.
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that a magisterial inquiry had been ordered. "A stampede broke out at the Mansa Devi temple in the morning because of a rumour. We have ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and those responsible for spreading the rumour will face strict action," he said.
Uttarakhand Minister Ganesh Joshi, in red shirt, meets an injured lady undergoing treatment at a hospital after a stampede broke out at Mansa Devi temple, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (PTI Photo)
In a post on Facebook, Dhami also shared his condolences and assured that relief operations were ongoing. “SDRF, local police and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am constantly in touch with the local administration and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mata Rani for the safety of all the devotees,” he said.
Stampedes at religious gatherings are, unfortunately, not uncommon in India. In recent months, similar incidents have claimed lives in Odisha, Goa, and Prayagraj. Experts have often pointed to poor crowd management and lack of infrastructure at pilgrimage sites as major factors behind such accidents.
As investigations begin, officials have urged pilgrims to stay calm and cooperate with the administration. Security and crowd control measures around the temple have since been stepped up to prevent further incidents.
(Agencies)
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US president Donald Trump plays golf at Trump Turnberry golf course on July 26, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump played golf under tight security on the first full day of a visit to Scotland on Saturday (26), as hundreds of protesters took to the streets in major cities.
Trump played at his Turnberry resort on the southwest coast of Scotland with son Eric and the US ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, waving to photographers. He arrived in his mother's birth country on Friday (25) evening.
His presence has turned the picturesque and normally quiet area into a virtual fortress, with roads closed and police checkpoints in place.
Police officers -- some on quad bikes and others on foot with sniffer dogs -- patrolled the famous course and the sandy beaches and grass dunes that flank it.
Secret service snipers were positioned at vantage points while some other golfers on the course were patted down by security personnel.
The 79-year-old Trump touched down on FridayFriday at nearby Prestwick Airport as hundreds of onlookers came out to see Air Force One and catch a glimpse of its famous passenger.
The president has professed a love of Scotland, but his controversial politics and business investments in the country have made for an uneasy relationship.
Speaking to reporters on the tarmac, Trump immediately waded into the debate surrounding high levels of irregular migration, and lashed out at renewable energy efforts.
Demonstrators gather at Union Terrace protesting against the visit of President Trump to Scotland on July 26, 2025 in Aberdeen, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
"You better get your act together or you're not going to have Europe anymore," he said, adding that migration was "killing" the continent.
"Stop the windmills. You're ruining your countries," he added.
Trump's five-day visit, which is set to mix leisure with business and diplomacy, has divided the local community.
Over on the east coast, several hundred protesters demonstrated outside the US consulate in the capital Edinburgh and further north in the city of Aberdeen, near where Trump owns another golf resort.
The protests were organised by the Stop Trump Coalition, which has called on Scotland's First Minister not to attend a scheduled meeting with Trump.
Participants held placards with slogans like "Scotland hates Trump" and waved Palestinian flags.
"I am here because of fascism in America under Trump's rule. I am here because of genocide in Gaza that is being funded and enabled by British and American governments," said 44-year-old Amy Hanlon in Aberdeen.
No demonstrations could be seen near Turnberry.
Not everyone was against his visit.
At Prestwick Airport on Friday evening a boy held a sign that read "Welcome Trump" while a man waved a flag emblazoned with Trump's most famous slogan -- "Make America Great Again".
"I think the best thing about Trump is he's not actually a politician yet he's the most powerful man in the world and I think he's looking at the best interests of his own country," said 46-year-old Lee McLean, who had travelled from nearby Kilmarnock.
"Most politicians should really be looking at the best interests of their own country first before looking overseas," he said.
Trump had no public events scheduled for Saturday, but he posted on his Truth Social network to say he was talking with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand in a bid to end their border conflict that has left at least 33 people dead.
Trump is due to discuss trade with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry on Sunday (27).
He is also due to meet prime minister Keir Starmer, before heading to Balmedie in Aberdeenshire where he is expected to open a new golf course at his resort there.
Trump is scheduled to return to the US on Tuesday (29) but will be back in the UK for a state visit between 17-19 September, when he will be hosted by King Charles III.
(AFP)
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India's KL Rahul (L) walks off the field with India's captain Shubman Gill (R) at the end of play on day four of the fourth cricket test match against England at Old Trafford, in Manchester, north England, on July 26, 2025. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
A SUPERB 174-run partnership between India captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul frustrated a previously dominant England on day four of the fourth test, narrowing the hosts' lead to 137 runs.
Chris Woakes took two wickets in two balls in the first over of India's second innings to leave them reeling on 0-2 before lunch, after captain Ben Stokes' first century in two years fired England to 669, their fifth highest test total.
Gill and Rahul survived to return for the afternoon session and steadied the ship as India ended the day on 174-2, despite England continuing to create chances.
The top scorers in this series settled in as the day wore on and piled on the runs, without being overly troubled. Gill will resume on Sunday (27) unbeaten on 78, with Rahul 13 from his century.
Stokes, who took five wickets in India's first innings, elected not to bowl after retiring hurt with cramp when batting on Friday (25).
India's battling recovery takes the fourth test to a tantalising final day, with England holding a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
"It was very frustrating," England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick said. "We expected to get more wickets after the first over of the innings.
"The ball was nipping around but they batted really well. They were positive, but we still felt we could pick one or two up.
"He (Stokes) is a bit stiff and sore. He has had a big workload in the last few weeks. Hoping with another night's rest he will be back and can bowl tomorrow."
Resuming on 544-7, with Stokes on 77, the skipper looked nervous as he edged towards a long-awaited ton. He pointed to the skies -- in tribute to his father -- when he reached three figures early on Saturday (26).
Ben Stokes of England walks off after being dismissed for 141 runs during Day Four of the 4th Rothesay Test match against India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 26, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Stokes became only the fourth England player in test history to take five wickets and make a century in the same match and was the first captain to do so.
After Liam Dawson had been dismissed, Stokes started playing more freely once he had scored his century. He belted a huge six and another four to cross 7,000 test runs and take the hosts past 600.
Stokes joined West Indian great Gary Sobers and South African Jacques Kallis as the only test players to have scored 7000 runs and take 200 wickets.
The boundaries continue to flow, with Brydon Carse getting in on the act before Stokes was out for 141. Carse attempted one six too many and was also caught on the boundary for 47 to bring England's colossal innings to an end.
With 15 minutes to navigate before lunch, India crumbled under the pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught in the slips by Joe Root and Sai Sudharsan followed him back next ball.
Gill, who has three centuries already this series, reached his eighth test fifty in cruise control.
Rahul became only the 13th visiting opener to score more than 500 runs in England in a series and the second Indian opening batsman after Sunil Gavaskar.
"Both today and tomorrow, we just need to take it hour by hour," India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters. "They (Gill and Rahul) showed great determination. They batted brilliantly. Rahul has been outstanding in this series."
(Reuters)
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Prime minister Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi pose with children practising cricket at the ground in Chequers on Thursday (24)
What’s it like to be in the British prime minister’s country residence tucked away deep in the idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside?
The British and Indian prime ministers, Sir Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi, presided over a “historic” occasion when the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, known informally as a Free Trade Agreement.
It was certainly very special for me as this was my first time at Chequers. It was also a privilege to witness “the first draft of history”.
Modi arrives at Chequers
Lord Swraj Paul, the Indian steel tycoon, has a 250-acre estate in Buckinghamshire called The Grange not too far away (where I have interviewed him on many occasions). When Gordon Brown was prime minister, he was accused of being too close to the wealthy Paul. To wind up such critics, Paul used to joke that “there is a tunnel connecting The Grange with Chequers”.
Understandably, on Thursday (24) the place was bristling with security, possibly to make sure neither Jeremy Corbyn nor Diane Abbott sneaked in to spoil Starmer’s big day. An armed police officer very politely asked us to open the boot of our car, perhaps to make sure neither Rahul Gandhi nor Mamata Banerjee were similarly intent on ruining Modi’s big moment.
Modi and Starmer at the Norton Motorcyles stand set up in a tent in the grounds of Chequers
Ok, ok, ok, just joking.
The police were all very polite but one did do a camera sweep under our car. A helicopter noisily passed overhead but it was reconnoitring the countryside for Chequers is set in more than 1,000 acres of rural England.
There was a sense of anticipation in the air but there was a calm interlude to take in the atmosphere of the Grade I listed house which has been the British prime minister’s country residence since 1917. I foresee more people from Eastern Eye’s Rich List buying such properties in the years to come.
Chequers, country residence of the British prime minister since 1917
Chequers dates back to 1565 when it was built by a landowner called William Hawtrey, from possibly the reconstruction of an earlier building. There is a drawing room named after Hawtrey where Starmer and Modi made their initial opening statements. Shailesh Solanki and I were later set up to interview Starmer in The Great Hall but he wanted somewhere quieter and more relaxed so we ended up back in the Hawtrey Room.
Another helicopter, which landed in a nearby field, heralded the arrival of the Indian prime minister and his retinue. He was driven to one of the arched entrances and walked alone to where Starmer was waiting to receive his guest. I must say Modi’s crisp white clothes stood out in contrast to the summer green of the trees and the grass. He walked confidently in a straight line for the now familiar embrace. Leaders like the French president, Emmanel Macron, are better at this kind of greeting. Starmer reciprocated manfully but the former director of public prosecutions is not naturally a touchy, feely sort of guy.
Starmer and Modi at Sainsbury's stand
Starmer asked Modi if he had been to Chequers before. Modi replied he had. That was on 13 November 2015 when David Cameron was prime minister and escorted the Indian prime minister, who had been elected the previous year, to his famous meeting at a packed Wembley Stadium.
A decade on, Modi has flown the Indian flag all over the world. This is his fourth prime ministerial visit to Britain. Neither prime minister took questions from the gathered media but Modi came across as someone in command of the nitty gritty of the trade deal. My impression is that if there is one country that can help rescue the sluggish British economy, it is India, given the growing size of its dynamic middle class and also the scale of Indian investment into the UK.
Starmer and Modi watch school children playing cricket Getty Images
The formal signing of documents between Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, and his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, the commerce and industry minister, took place in The Great Hall. They appear to be good mates, not least because Reynolds bought Goyal an icecream some weeks ago when they were walking and talking in Hyde Park in London. Portraits from Britain’s imperial past, of lords and ladies and aristocrats, looked down on the assembled gathering – and Indians and their former colonial masters parleying on equal terms. Starmer did say the deal was between the world’s fifth and sixth biggest economies but he didn’t say which was which.
The prime ministers visit the Purejewels stand
There were plenty of pictures, first of Reynolds and Goyal as they did the formal exchange of documents. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, looked happy as she got a hug from Goyal. Soon, the line up for the “family photograph”, from left to right, included Seema Malhotra (UK immigration minister), Ajit Doval (Indian national security adviser, so the two sides must have talked about terrorism and defence), Rachel Reeves, Goyal, Reynolds, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (India’s external affairs minister), and Jonathan Powell (the UK’s national security adviser – I noticed he had to persuade the police to allow him to jump the queue when he arrived at Chequers, with his demeanour faintly suggesting, ‘Don’t you know who I am?’)
"Family photograph" in The Great Hall - (from left ) Seema Malhotra, Ajit Doval, Rachel Reeves, Piyush Goyal, Jonathan Reynolds, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Jonathan Powell
Later, I spotted the health secretary, Wes Streeting, and told him he looked relaxed despite the doctors’ strike. He hasn’t yet seen Nye at the National Theatre, which I urged him to do, and also read the classic 1937 novel, A J Cronin’s The Citadel, which has “been credited with laying the foundation in Britain for the introduction of the NHS a decade later”. Streeting, only 42 and tipped by many as a future prime minister, made a note of it on his phone. His constituency, Ilford North, has many Indian voters. Significantly, he appears to understand that the Labour party needs to repair its relationship with the new generation of politicians in India. Also, Indian doctors are a key factor in the NHS, and the Free Trade Agreement might mean there will be increasing medical collaboration between the two countries.
Starmer and Modi at the English Premier League stand
After lunch, Modi left to see King Charles at Sandringham. It was clearly an historic and enjoyable day for those of us who have not been to Chequers before. There will be quite a few moments to remember, especially Akhil Patel’s cheeky remark, “From one chaiwalla to another!”, as the Indian prime minister was handed a cup of masala chai. Modi put the encounter on his social media post.