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 Duchess of Sussex has shared a light-hearted video of herself dancing while heavily pregnant with her daughter Lilibet, as part of a series of posts marking the princess’s fourth birthday.
The clip, posted on Instagram, shows Meghan and the Duke of Sussex dancing in a hospital room as they attempted a TikTok challenge set to the song Baby Mama by Cameron J. Henderson. The track, which includes the lyrics "been pregnant for way too long", was part of a social media trend encouraging expectant parents to dance in the hopes of inducing labour.
Meghan wrote: “Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work – there was only one thing left to do!” It is not known whether the dance actually brought on her labour.
The video was accompanied by a collection of intimate family photos featuring Princess Lilibet. One black-and-white image shows Meghan holding Lilibet on her lap, both appearing windswept, possibly on a boat. Another photo captures a tender moment from 2021, with Meghan cradling her daughter shortly after birth.
In her caption, the duchess wrote: “Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives – and each day is brighter and better because of it. Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!”
A further image shows Lilibet as a newborn looking up at Prince Harry. Another photograph captures a candid moment of the Duke of Sussex walking barefoot on the sand with his daughter in a dress, their backs turned to the camera. Meghan commented on the father-daughter bond, writing: “The sweetest bond to watch unfold. Daddy’s little girl and favourite adventurer. Happy birthday Lili!”
While Meghan typically shares photos of her children with their faces hidden for privacy, one new picture reveals the top half of Lilibet’s face, including her eyes, while the rest is covered by Meghan’s embrace.
Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born on 4 June 2021 in California, is the younger child of Prince Harry and Meghan. She became a princess when her grandfather, King Charles III, ascended the throne. Her elder brother, Prince Archie, is six years old.
The duchess has also hinted at future plans involving her daughter. During an episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan said: “I wonder if one day I’ll be in business with Lili and we’ll be building something.” Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, who was a guest on the episode, responded: “That’s the best.”
Last week, Meghan shared another clip showing herself and Lilibet beekeeping together, both in full protective gear. “Like mother, like daughter – she’s even wearing my gloves,” she captioned the video.
Lilibet is named after Queen Elizabeth II, who was affectionately called “Lilibet” by close family after struggling to pronounce her own name as a child.
NHS to offer nirsevimab injection to 9,000 premature and high-risk babies from late September
Aims to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe illness in infants
Premature babies are 10 times more likely to need intensive care for RSV
Nirsevimab offers immediate protection and lasts for six months
Neo-natal units across the UK will deliver the jab
Thousands of premature and high-risk babies in the UK will soon be offered a new immunisation to protect against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a common winter virus that can cause serious lung infections and hospitalisation. The NHS will begin delivering the nirsevimab injection from late September, aiming to shield vulnerable infants before the colder months set in.
Premature infants at higher risk from RSV
RSV typically causes coughs and colds, but in some children — particularly those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions — it can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and breathing difficulties. NHS England says premature babies are three times more likely to be hospitalised due to RSV and ten times more likely to require intensive care compared to full-term infants.
Each year, around 30,000 children under five are admitted to hospital in the UK with RSV, and approximately 30 of them die from complications related to the virus.
New immunisation to deliver immediate protection
While most full-term babies receive protection through maternal vaccination during late pregnancy, those born before 32 weeks miss the opportunity to build sufficient immunity. These infants will now be offered nirsevimab, a long-acting antibody that provides immediate protection for six months in just one dose.
Unlike traditional vaccines that take time to activate the body’s immune response, nirsevimab delivers ready-made antibodies, offering instant defence against infection.
NHS clinics to deliver jabs across the UK
Neo-natal clinics throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will administer the injection. Families of vulnerable infants — including those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems — will be advised on how to access the immunisation by their healthcare teams.
Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director for NHS England, said the immunisation “will offer a long-lasting defence, helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations and serious illness, giving babies the best possible start in life and shielding them from harm.”
Clinical trial success and personal testimony
Ceri Cox, a 33-year-old paediatric nurse, enrolled her two-year-old son Harry in an international clinical trial for nirsevimab at University Hospital Southampton. Having seen the effects of RSV firsthand, she described the rollout as “amazing” and hopes it will help reduce the number of young patients in hospital this winter.
Background on RSV and current vaccination efforts
In 2023, the UK introduced a maternal vaccination programme offering the RSV jab Abrysvo to pregnant women from 28 weeks and to adults aged 75 to 79. The vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system, passing protection to the baby during the first few weeks of life. However, this method is not viable for premature births, hence the need for nirsevimab.
RSV symptoms to watch for
RSV symptoms typically appear a few days after infection and include:
Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Sneezing
Fever or chills
Tiredness
Infants may also show:
Feeding difficulties
Irritability
Wheezing
Rapid or irregular breathing
Loss of appetite
Severe cases can escalate to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, particularly in high-risk infants.
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The diagnosis has prompted a wave of public attention
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a vascular condition affecting blood flow in the legs
CVI occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart, often leading to swelling and discomfort
The condition was confirmed following visible leg swelling and bruising
Though not life-threatening, CVI can worsen without treatment
Trump’s case has sparked public interest in the risks and management of the condition
Trump diagnosed with common but chronic vein condition
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects the proper circulation of blood in the legs. The announcement followed public speculation after Trump was seen with visible swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hand during recent public appearances.
According to a statement from White House medical staff, tests ruled out more serious cardiovascular conditions. Trump, 79, remains under regular observation, with the condition described as benign and manageable.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a long-term circulatory disorder in which the veins in the legs fail to efficiently pump blood back to the heart. This is typically caused by weakened or damaged valves inside the veins, leading to blood pooling or flowing backwards—a condition known as venous reflux.
Unlike a sudden or acute event such as a blood clot, CVI develops slowly over time, often unnoticed in its early stages.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can range from mild to more serious, and commonly include:
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Aching, cramping, or heaviness in the lower limbs
Visible varicose veins
Skin thickening or discolouration, especially near the ankles
In more advanced cases, ulcers or open sores
The symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting, and may ease with movement or leg elevation.
Who is at risk?
CVI is more common among:
Individuals aged 50 and above
People with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Those who are overweight or sedentary
Individuals with high blood pressure
Pregnant women and those with a family history of venous disease
Age is a major risk factor, particularly for individuals in their 70s and beyond. Trump’s diagnosis falls within this common demographic.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, followed by imaging tests such as duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow and valve function in the leg veins.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Options include:
Compression stockings to improve circulation
Lifestyle modifications such as exercise, leg elevation, and weight management
Medications to reduce inflammation or thin the blood if needed
Minimally invasive procedures, such as laser therapy or sclerotherapy, for more severe cases
Trump’s condition is reportedly being managed conservatively, with no indication of surgical intervention at this time.
Why does it matter?
Although not life-threatening, CVI can affect comfort and mobility, especially in older adults. In Trump’s case, the diagnosis has prompted a wave of public attention, highlighting the pressures of health scrutiny for leaders in high office.
The condition itself is common and treatable, but left unmanaged, it can lead to chronic swelling, discomfort, and skin complications. Trump’s medical team has confirmed that his overall health remains stable, with regular monitoring in place.
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She is wearing a turquoise dress with a rainforest-themed print featuring monkeys, toucans, and lemurs
Queen Camilla turns 78 and is expected to celebrate privately at home
Official birthday portrait taken at Raymill House, Wiltshire
Outfit features rainforest-themed print; jewellery includes iconic diamond ring
Recent royal duties include state visits, Trooping the Colour, and military engagements
Appointed Vice Admiral of the UK on the same day
Queen Camilla marks birthday with relaxed countryside portrait
A new photograph of Queen Camilla has been released by Buckingham Palace to mark her 78th birthday. The image, captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson, shows the Queen leaning on a metal gate in a field at her private home, Raymill House, in Wiltshire.
She is wearing a turquoise dress with a rainforest-themed print featuring monkeys, toucans, and lemurs. Her accessories include gold drop earrings, her wedding band, a five-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, and a distinctive gold ring composed of circular plaques.
Private birthday after a year of public engagements
Unlike last year, when Queen Camilla carried out official duties on her birthday during the State Opening of Parliament, this year’s occasion is expected to be celebrated in private.
The photo, taken earlier this month, provides a personal glimpse of the Queen in a more relaxed setting, offering contrast to a busy few months of public service.
A year of significant royal activity
Earlier this year, Queen Camilla and King Charles III celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Despite the King’s ongoing cancer treatment, the couple have maintained a strong presence in national and international events.
Recent engagements have included:
Hosting French President Emmanuel Macron during a UK state visit
Attending Trooping the Colour in June
Visiting Canada in May for the opening of the country’s parliament
This week, the Queen also visited a children’s hospice in Devon and HMS Astute, a nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarine, docked in Plymouth.
A one-of-a-kind birthday gift from the Royal Navy
While aboard HMS Astute, Queen Camilla received a unique birthday present from Commander Christopher Bate: a roll of clingfilm mounted in a commemorative holder. The material had previously been used to fix a defect in the submarine’s main engines. A plaque on the holder read: “Clingfilm keeping nuclear submarines at sea.”
Camilla appeared amused and appreciative, remarking: “There's nothing more useful, brilliant, how wonderful.”
Royal Navy honour on birthday
On the same day as her visit to HMS Astute, it was announced that Queen Camilla had been appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. The honorary military title recognises her continuing support of the Royal Navy and its service personnel.
The new portrait and the appointment reflect both the personal and public aspects of Queen Camilla’s evolving royal role as she enters her 79th year.
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8 babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from 3 people
Eight babies were born in the UK using DNA from three individuals to prevent mitochondrial disease
The technique combines egg and sperm from parents with mitochondria from a donor egg
Legal in the UK since 2015; results show children are meeting expected milestones
One in 5,000 babies are born with mitochondrial disease; no known cure exists
Newcastle scientists pioneered the technique, now used under NHS specialist service
UK births mark milestone in preventing inherited mitochondrial disease
Eight babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from three people in a pioneering effort to prevent incurable mitochondrial disease, doctors have confirmed. The technique, developed by researchers in Newcastle, represents a significant breakthrough in reproductive medicine and genetic science.
These births are the first proven cases in the UK of healthy children being born free of devastating mitochondrial disorders thanks to this technique, which has been legal in the country since 2015.
Mitochondrial disease, affecting about one in every 5,000 births, can cause heart failure, seizures, blindness, and early death. The newly available technique offers families affected by the condition the chance to break the cycle and give birth to children without the disease.
How the process works
The procedure involves combining the egg and sperm from the biological parents with healthy mitochondria from a donor egg. Both the mother's and the donor's eggs are fertilised with the father's sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are carefully processed: the nuclear DNA from the parents is transferred into the donor's embryo, which contains healthy mitochondria but had its own nuclear DNA removed.
The resulting embryo is mostly composed of the parents' genetic material but includes a small fraction—about 0.1%—of DNA from the donor. This change is heritable and would be passed on by any female offspring.
Results and reactions
A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that 22 families have undergone the procedure through the Newcastle Fertility Centre. Eight babies have been born so far—four boys and four girls, including a pair of twins—with one pregnancy still ongoing.
None of the children have shown signs of mitochondrial disease and all are developing normally, meeting their expected milestones. One child experienced a self-resolving case of epilepsy, while another is being treated for a non-related heart rhythm condition. Doctors have not linked these instances to the mitochondrial technique.
Parents involved in the programme have chosen to remain anonymous but shared written statements expressing gratitude. "After years of uncertainty, this treatment gave us hope—and then it gave us our baby," one mother said. Another noted: "The emotional burden of mitochondrial disease has been lifted, and in its place is hope, joy, and deep gratitude."
Monitoring and concerns
Intensive follow-up is being carried out to monitor the long-term health of these children. In five cases, no diseased mitochondria were detected in blood or urine samples. In three other cases, between 5% and 20% of faulty mitochondria were identified—well below the 80% threshold typically associated with disease.
While these results are encouraging, researchers emphasise the need for further investigation into how to minimise the transfer of defective mitochondria during the process. "The findings give grounds for optimism," said Professor Mary Herbert of Newcastle and Monash University, "but further research is essential to improve treatment outcomes."
Ethical and legislative landscape
The UK was the first country in the world to legalise mitochondrial donation after Parliament approved the procedure in 2015. This marked a controversial but decisive step in reproductive ethics, as the addition of donor mitochondrial DNA results in heritable genetic change.
Concerns at the time centred around the possibility of creating genetically modified "designer babies". However, scientists and medical professionals involved in the procedure have been keen to stress its limited and therapeutic purpose.
"This is the only place in the world this could have happened," said Professor Sir Doug Turnbull of Newcastle University. "There’s been world-class science, legislation, NHS support, and now we have eight children free of mitochondrial disease. What a wonderful result."
Hope for the future
Families affected by mitochondrial disease have hailed the development as a major breakthrough. Kat Kitto, whose daughter Poppy, 14, lives with the condition, described its impact: "We have a lovely time as she is, but there are moments where you realise how devastating mitochondrial disease is."
Her older daughter Lily, 16, may benefit from the technique in the future: "It's the future generations like myself, or my children, who can have that outlook of a normal life."
The NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, which oversees the procedures, expects demand for 20 to 30 such births annually. The Lily Foundation, a charity supporting families affected by mitochondrial disease, called the births a long-awaited step forward. "For many affected families, it's the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition," said founder Liz Curtis.
While challenges remain, the birth of these eight children free from mitochondrial disease stands as a landmark achievement in modern medicine—and a beacon of hope for future generations.
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The rollout is part of Sainsbury’s broader Nectar Prices strategy
Sainsbury’s will roll out Your Nectar Prices to physical checkouts nationwide from 25 July.
Scheme gives loyalty members access to personalised discounts based on shopping habits.
Over 17 billion tailored offers generated since launch; £60m saved by customers in the last year.
More than one million shoppers currently use the feature weekly.
Offers now available in-store, online, via app, and soon, at checkout.
Sainsbury's brings personalised loyalty savings directly to the tills
Sainsbury’s will extend its Your Nectar Prices programme to checkouts across the UK starting Friday, 25 July. The move allows Nectar members to receive personalised discounts directly at the tills for the first time, as part of the retailer’s continued investment in digital loyalty.
The supermarket has already issued over 17 billion tailored offers since launching the scheme, with more than one million customers using it weekly. According to the retailer, these offers have helped shoppers collectively save £60 million over the past year.
Previously, Your Nectar Prices was available only through the SmartShop app, Sainsbury’s website, and the Nectar app. Now, with the expansion to checkouts, the scheme becomes more accessible to in-store customers.
How it works
To take advantage of the Your Nectar Prices discounts, customers must be digitally registered with Nectar. Each Friday, users need to “tap to unlock” their personalised deals via the Nectar app or website. Once activated, the offers are automatically applied at checkout – in-store or online.
Shoppers can receive up to 10 tailored discounts per week, based on their regular buying habits. Sainsbury’s estimates these could amount to savings of over £150 annually per customer.
A key milestone in loyalty personalisation
Mark Given, Chief Marketing, Data & Sustainability Officer at Sainsbury’s, commented on the expansion:
“Over the past few years, we’ve made significant strides with Nectar, with Nectar Prices being a big part of that success, bringing great value to millions of customers.
But what really sets us apart is that we’re leading the way by making loyalty personal. Shoppers want to feel recognised and rewarded and while Nectar Prices are for everyone, we know our customers love an offer that is made just for them.”
“Every week over a million customers are making the most of their personalised discounts and, by rolling this out to our checkouts, we’re opening the door for millions more to grab fantastic offers on the items they already purchase and maybe even discover some new favourites.”
Part of the wider Sainsbury Nectar Prices strategy
The rollout is part of Sainsbury’s broader Nectar Prices strategy, which offers savings on thousands of everyday items to all Nectar cardholders. The retailer encourages customers to use both the standard and personalised offers for maximum benefit.
Your Nectar Prices, launched four years ago, covers a wide range of categories including fresh food, household essentials, health & beauty, baby items, and pet care.