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.
The date Friday the 13th has long been linked to misfortune. Whether you are superstitious or not, it is a date that stands out, referenced in films, books, songs and urban legends alike. But where did this association with bad luck begin, and does it really deserve its eerie reputation?
Biblical roots of the superstition
The origins of the Friday the 13th superstition are widely believed to stem from Christian tradition. According to Biblical accounts, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, the day he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was also the 13th guest at the Last Supper. This combination of the number 13 and the day Friday laid the groundwork for its ominous legacy.
Is Friday the 13th really unlucky?
Despite its reputation, there is no scientific evidence that Friday the 13th brings more bad luck than any other day. Still, the superstition persists.
A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation: even though fewer people drove on Friday the 13th, the number of transport-related accidents was higher than usual. However, the findings were based on data from only one town, leading to questions about the study's validity.
In contrast, a 2011 German study found no increased risk of accidents or bad luck on Friday the 13th compared to other days.
Some researchers believe it's not the day itself that’s unlucky, but that people may act differently because they expect bad things to happen, potentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A phobia with a long name
If Friday the 13th fills you with dread, there’s an official name for that fear: friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term comes from ‘Frigga’, the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named, and ‘triskaidekaphobia’, the fear of the number 13.
Historical events on Friday the 13th
While there’s no proof the day is cursed, several tragic events have happened on Friday the 13th, fuelling the superstition:
13 October 1307: Hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested by the French monarchy, many later executed.
13 September 1940: Buckingham Palace was bombed during WWII.
13 March 1964: Kitty Genovese was murdered in New York, sparking a national conversation on bystander apathy.
13 November 1970: A cyclone in Bangladesh killed over 300,000 people.
13 October 1972: A plane crashed in the Andes, later portrayed in Society of the Snow.
13 September 1996: Tupac Shakur died following a shooting in Las Vegas.
13 January 2012: The Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the Italian coast, killing 30 people.
Of course, tragic events occur on many other dates too. But Friday the 13th continues to capture the imagination, precisely because of its long, often grim, cultural history.
Whether you see it as superstition, coincidence or cultural myth, Friday the 13th has cemented its place as the world’s most infamous date. While there's no proof it's any more dangerous than any other day, its eerie reputation ensures it never goes unnoticed.
Jeremy Clarkson confirms TB has been detected at Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire
The infected cow is reportedly pregnant with twins
Infected or suspected cattle must be slaughtered under official regulations
Bovine TB spreads between animals and can affect humans
Oxfordshire is classed as a TB “edge area”, with recent local cases reported
Government maintains commitment to ending badger culling before next election
Clarkson confirms farm infection on social media
TV presenter and farming advocate Jeremy Clarkson has announced that his farm, Diddly Squat, in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Clarkson’s Farm host said, “We’ve gone down with TB,” adding that everyone at the site is “absolutely devastated.”
Clarkson later revealed that one of the infected cows is pregnant with twins.
What is bovine TB and how does it spread?
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease that affects cattle and other mammals, including humans. It is primarily a respiratory infection, passed on through nose-to-nose contact, as well as via saliva, faeces, urine, and milk.
Cattle typically become infected through close contact with other infected animals or their waste. The disease spreads both from cow to cow and from wildlife—particularly badgers—to cattle.
Legal and veterinary response to TB detection
Under UK regulations, cattle that test positive for TB, or those with inconclusive results across two consecutive tests, must be classed as “reactors.” These animals are isolated and then sent for compulsory slaughter to help prevent further spread of the disease.
The emotional and financial impact of TB outbreaks is significant, particularly for small or independent farms such as Clarkson’s.
Oxfordshire among regions at risk
Diddly Squat Farm lies within an officially designated “edge area” for bovine TB—regions that act as buffer zones between high-risk and low-risk areas. In such areas, herds are typically tested for TB every six months by default.
According to the ibTB mapping platform, which monitors TB cases across England and Wales, several recent outbreaks have been recorded near the Chadlington area.
Badger culling and the Government's stance
Badger culling has long been a controversial part of the Government’s approach to controlling bovine TB. While many farmers support the measure as a necessary biosecurity step, wildlife and animal welfare groups have consistently criticised the policy.
Last month, the Government confirmed it would not extend the cull and reiterated its intention to phase out badger culling entirely before the next general election.
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Tone, clarity, and intention matter more than following trends
Gen Z views several common emojis as outdated, overused, or passive-aggressive
Emojis like 👍, ❤️, and 😂 are still widely used, but may carry unintended tones
Cultural and generational context matters, especially in British Asian households
Alternatives like 💀, 🙌 and 🥲 are gaining popularity among younger users
Tone, clarity, and intention matter more than following trends
Emojis have long been a quick way to express tone, mood, and personality. But with each generation, interpretations change. Gen Z—roughly defined as those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—are now driving new emoji norms, and some symbols once considered friendly or expressive are now seen as outdated or awkward.
For British Asians and Indians navigating multi-generational WhatsApp groups, family chats, or workplace conversations, knowing how emojis are perceived can help avoid crossed wires. Here are 10 emojis that Gen Z reportedly considers out of fashion—and why they matter.
1. 👍 Thumbs-Up
Although intended to signal approval, Gen Z often sees this emoji as blunt or dismissive in casual chats. In workplace settings, it may come across as cold or overly formal—especially if sent alone.
2. ❤️ Red Heart
Once a universal symbol of love or support, the red heart can feel generic or overused to younger users. Alternatives like 💖 (sparkling heart) or 🥲 (bittersweet smile) are considered more expressive.
3. 😂 Face with Tears of Joy
This emoji was Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year in 2015, but many Gen Z users now associate it with millennial humour. It’s often replaced with 💀 (skull emoji), used to express “dead from laughter”.
4. 😭 Loudly Crying Face
While still widely used, this emoji has lost its emotional weight for many younger users. It’s often employed ironically or exaggeratedly, which may confuse recipients expecting sincerity.
5. 😊 Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes
Though meant to be friendly, Gen Z sometimes reads this emoji as passive-aggressive—particularly if it’s used in awkward or emotionally charged conversations.
6. 👌 OK Hand
Previously a sign of agreement or reassurance, this emoji has become less popular due to its dated tone. It’s now less common in everyday digital conversations.
7. 🙈 Monkey Covering Eyes
Once used to express embarrassment or playfulness, this emoji can come across as childish. Gen Z tends to prefer more direct or sincere expressions.
8. 👏 Clapping Hands
Often used for emphasis or celebration, it may now feel performative—especially when used between words for dramatic effect .
9. 😬 Grimacing Face
This emoji is sometimes misunderstood, with younger users finding it inauthentic or awkward. It’s fallen out of favour in favour of emojis that express clearer emotions.
10. ✔️ Check Mark
This emoji is still common in formal or list-based messages, but in casual texts it can appear impersonal. Gen Z often opts for typed responses like “noted” or “done” instead.
Cultural context matters
In British Asian households, emojis are often used across generations—from grandparents to teens. The thumbs-up or red heart, for instance, may still be seen as polite or affectionate by older relatives. Similarly, symbols like 🙏 or 🧡 are frequently used to convey blessings, gratitude, or family warmth.
There’s no need to stop using these emojis entirely—but awareness of how different age groups interpret them can help avoid miscommunication, particularly in professional or cross-generational chats.
For British Asians and Indians navigating multiple social circles—family, professional, or peer-based—it’s helpful to consider how emojis might be received. Gen Z isn’t cancelling emojis entirely, but rather reinterpreting their meaning.
The key is simple: choose emojis that match the tone of the message, the relationship you have with the person, and the context of the conversation. After all, communication—emoji or otherwise—should feel genuine.
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Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is only available via specialist NHS weight management services
Novo Nordisk loses $70bn (£52bn) in market value after major share price slump
Company cuts annual forecasts for both profit and revenue
Faces mounting competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and unauthorised compound drugs
Executive reshuffle announced as Maziar Mike Doustdar takes over as CEO
UK access to weight-loss jabs remains tightly restricted under NHS guidelines
Novo Nordisk hit by sharp fall as rivals gain ground
Novo Nordisk’s shares fell by more than 20% on Tuesday—its steepest one-day drop—wiping $70bn (£52bn) off its market capitalisation. The crash follows a revised outlook by the company, which lowered its full-year profit and sales expectations amid growing competitive pressure in the obesity drug market.
The fall pushes Novo Nordisk behind European luxury brands LVMH and Hermès in the rankings of the continent’s biggest listed companies, just weeks after reclaiming the top spot.
Profit warning and weaker sales forecast
The Danish drugmaker revised its 2025 guidance, with sales now expected to grow between 8% and 14%, down from 13% to 21%. Projected profit growth was similarly trimmed to 10%–16%, compared to the earlier range of 16%–24%.
The downgrade is attributed to several factors, including increasing demand for cheaper compound drugs—unlicensed versions of Novo’s injections—as well as competition from Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 rival, Mounjaro (Zepbound in the US).
Leadership shake-up at a critical time
Novo Nordisk announced that Maziar Mike Doustdar, currently leading international operations, will assume the role of chief executive. He will be tasked with reviving flagging demand, especially in the crucial US market.
Doustdar pledged to “increase the sense of urgency and execute differently”, aiming to “turn the picture around” in the US where market share is slipping.
Mounjaro closes in on GLP-1 dominance
GLP-1 drugs, designed to mimic hormones that regulate appetite and satiety, have become central to the growing global demand for weight-loss treatments. A recent head-to-head clinical trial, funded by Eli Lilly, showed Mounjaro delivering 20% average weight loss over 72 weeks—outperforming Novo’s Wegovy, which delivered a 14% reduction.
In May, Eli Lilly surpassed Novo Nordisk in its share of the US GLP-1 market for the first time.
Legal battles and regulatory hurdles
Novo continues to challenge unauthorised versions of its obesity jabs in court. Despite intervention by the US FDA to limit the proliferation of these compound drugs, Novo claims that mass production persists under claims of customisation and personalisation.
The company says these imitations not only pose regulatory risks but also endanger patient safety.
Limited NHS access in the UK
In the UK, Eli Lilly has gained an advantage with approval for Mounjaro to be prescribed through GP surgeries. In contrast, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is only available via specialist NHS weight management services.
Strict eligibility applies: patients must have a BMI over 40 and at least four related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea to qualify.
Novo’s UK chief, Sebnem Avsar Tuna, recently called on the government to broaden access, suggesting the UK could “be a role model” in tackling obesity through innovation.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has echoed support for wider use, stating that access should be “based on need and not the ability to pay”. The government is now piloting accelerated schemes for rollout of such treatments.
Siddhashram in London witnessed a profound spiritual surge as hundreds of devotees marked the first Monday of Shravan, which is the sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva, with unwavering faith and devotion.
The temple gates opened at 6:00 am, and from dawn till dusk, streams of worshippers offered jal abhishek, prayers, and silent meditation. The evening’s Bhajan Sandhya emerged as the day's spiritual pinnacle, led by His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, accompanied by Saint Jentiram Bapa from Jamnagar, India. The resonant chants of Om Namah Shivay and traditional bhajans enveloped the temple, creating a divine ambience.
In his address, Guruji reflected on the inner meaning of Shravan, urging devotees to view rituals as doorways to introspection and spiritual elevation.
“Temples bring us closer not just to God, but to ourselves. Bhajans and mantras cleanse the mind and awaken the soul,” he said.
Guruji spoke about the Samudra Manthan legend, where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the cosmos, becoming Neelkanth. “Offering milk and water is symbolic,” he explained. “Milk represents the moon, while water signifies the sacred Ganga flowing from Shiva’s locks, both gestures of love and reverence.”
He also traced the origin of Shravan to the Shravana Nakshatra, associated with Lord Vishnu and the act of divine listening. The month, he added, is ideal for chanting, satsang, and spiritual practices.
Concluding the evening, Guruji left devotees with a simple but profound message:
“True peace lies in selfless service. When we serve others with love, we serve God Himself.”
Upcoming Events at Siddhashram:
To continue the spiritual fervour of Shravan, Siddhashram has planned a series of devotional events:
Saturday, 2 August: 108 Hanuman Chalisa Path (from 10 AM), followed by a satsang by Swami Mahendra Das Ji Maharaj (Ayodhya Dham – Ghar Ghar Ram, Har Ghar Ramayan).
Monday, 4 August: Shravan Bhajan Sandhya with Guruji.
Thursday, 15 August: Flag Hoisting Ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day.
15–17 August: Shivyog Workshop with Ishan Shivanand at Harrow Leisure Centre.
Aldi recalls 750g packs of Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza
Risk of illness or injury due to potential glass contamination
Affected product has a best-before date of 27 March 2027
Sold in stores across six Australian states and territories
Customers advised to return item for a full refund
Aldi issues urgent recall over frozen gyoza product
Aldi has announced the recall of a popular frozen food item amid fears it may contain glass. The affected product is the 750g pack of Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza, with a best-before date of 27 March 2027.
The potential presence of glass poses a risk of illness or injury if consumed.
Product sold across multiple regions
The recalled item was sold in Aldi stores across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Customers who have purchased the product are strongly advised not to consume it and to return it to any Aldi store for a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required.
Customers who have purchased the product are strongly advised not to consume itAldi
Health and safety advice
Anyone concerned about their health after consuming the product should seek medical advice.
Further information is available via the Aldi Stores Food Recall Hotline on 1800 709 993.
The supermarket has apologised for the inconvenience and reiterated its commitment to product safety.