In an industry long considered the domain of men and machines, Ritika Jatin Ahuja is rewriting the rules – at full throttle.
As the founder of Queen’s Drive Club, India’s first all-women supercar collective, Ahuja is on a mission to change how females are seen in the automotive world.
What began as a personal love for driving has blossomed into a nationwide movement, connecting women who share a passion for power, performance and the open road. She is also the chief operating officer of Big Boy Toyz, a leading pre-owned luxury car brand in India, founded by her husband Jatin Ahuja.
Having carved a bold path that merges business acumen with a powerful vision, Ahuja is proof that there is plenty of room for women – both behind the wheel of a Lamborghini and in leadership.
The inspiring motoring enthusiast spoke to Eastern Eye about female empowerment, the world of supercars, her groundbreaking club, and advice for women aiming to thrive in male-dominated fields.
Instagram/ ritika_jatin_ahuja
What made you want to launch an all-women supercar club?
When Jatin and his friends went for drives, they were always happy for me to join, but I wanted more women to share that experience. I started looking for female car enthusiasts, and Queen’s Drive Club was born. Today, we are India’s first and largest all-women supercar club.
Tell us about the club.
Queen’s Drive Club is about uplifting and empowering women. It breaks stereotypes around women and driving. We have built a community of women with shared interests and a desire to connect. With committed members, the club continues to grow.
What challenges did you face in establishing yourself in the supercar world?
One of the biggest challenges was entering a male-dominated industry where women were often overlooked. I overcame this by proving my capabilities and creating spaces for women to support each other. Queen’s Drive Club was born out of that need – a platform for women to express their passion for cars without judgement. Balancing a family business while creating my own identity was also difficult, but perseverance and focus helped me navigate it.
How has the perception of women in the automotive space changed since you began?
I see more women taking the wheel and participating confidently. It has been a long-time dream of mine to launch an initiative through the club to help women learn driving and eventually find employment as drivers. I have a friend who once hesitated to drive, thinking it would only mean chauffeuring the family. I helped her see the freedom driving offers – now, she is a huge car enthusiast.
How else is your platform empowering women?
Queen’s Drive Club has become a motivational space. People see us enjoying our drives and want to join. When women support each other, there’s no stopping us. We come from different walks of life, and our shared experiences create a beautiful synergy. The club has inspired many women to learn how to drive, creating a ripple effect.
As a mother of two, how do you manage a work–family balance?
I am very organised. I do not let my schedule overwhelm me and make sure to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Even when work gets hectic, I always spend time with my children. Fortunately, Jatin is a very hands-on father, so we have a rhythm – one of us is always available. Weekends are strictly reserved for family.
What advice would you give to young women pursuing unconventional or challenging careers?
Dreams are important, but nothing happens until you take that first step. My advice to young women is to strive for independence – especially financial independence. Do not wait for someone to drive you or pay your way. Take control and create your own path.
What advice would you give women trying to succeed in male-dominated industries?
Stand your ground and communicate your boundaries. Be excellent at what you do – your work will speak for itself. There is nothing women cannot achieve. So many women have led by example, showing that nothing is impossible.
Which supercar best represents your personality?
I would say the Range Rover SVR – it is the perfect “mum car” with the right mix of power, performance, space and comfort. It is safe and dependable, which reflects how I like to manage both family and work. But when I am not with the kids, I enjoy the thrill of the Lamborghini Urus – bold, edgy and high-performing, just like my ambitious side.
Do you have a life mantra?
My mother, despite being incredibly studious and talented, did not have the freedom that many women enjoy today. Yet, she stood by me like a rock. Her support taught me to be fearless. My guiding mantra has always been: Everything can be achieved if you are willing to try. That mindset has helped me overcome every challenge.
You have ambitious goals for Big Boy Toyz and Queen’s Drive Club – what inspires you?
I am inspired by anyone who dares to dream and takes the steps to pursue it – whether that is my husband, my mother or everyday women breaking norms. But above all, I believe in self-inspiration. I am proud of what I have accomplished, and knowing I have made a difference keeps me moving forward.
A new highly transmissible Covid variant, known as ‘Nimbus’, is raising concerns among health experts as cases rise sharply in parts of Asia and begin to appear in the UK. Official data shows that the strain, which has been labelled N.B.1.8.1, could drive a summer wave of infections due to its increased contagiousness and potential to evade immunity from earlier vaccinations or infections.
Cases detected in the UK
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 13 confirmed cases of the variant have already been recorded in England, and 25 British samples have been submitted to international databases since the end of March. However, experts say these figures likely underestimate the true spread, given the current limited Covid testing regime compared to the height of the pandemic.
UKHSA data up to 1 June reveals that 6.1 per cent of those tested for Covid were positive—the highest weekly figure for 2025. This marks a 7 per cent increase from the previous week and a 97 per cent rise compared to early March.
Rapid international spread
Nimbus, which is a descendant of the Omicron family of variants, has been linked to a spike in cases in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Globally, it now accounts for around 10.7 per cent of Covid infections, up from just 2.5 per cent a month earlier, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO has designated the variant as a ‘variant under monitoring’, which means it is being tracked for its potential impact but is not currently classified as a variant of concern.
Scientists warn of summer spike
British scientists are now warning that the new strain could fuel a rise in cases over the summer months, particularly as people become more socially active during the warmer weather.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said: “We are very likely to see a spike of infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month or in July. But it’s difficult to predict the level of this infection wave.”
He explained that population immunity from previous vaccinations or infections is likely waning, and unlike flu, Covid continues to spread in hot and humid weather. Laboratory studies also suggest that Nimbus is more efficient at infecting human cells and may have enhanced abilities to evade the immune system.
No evidence of increased severity
Despite its contagiousness, there is currently no indication that Nimbus causes more severe illness or higher mortality rates than earlier strains. However, experts caution that vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, people in care homes, and those with weakened immune systems—remain at risk of serious illness.
Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that Covid contributed to just over 300 deaths in England during May 2025.
Symptoms and vaccine protection
The symptoms of the Nimbus variant appear to be consistent with those of previous Covid strains. These include fatigue, fever, sore throat and muscle aches.
There is currently no suggestion that the variant causes different or more severe symptoms. Moreover, scientists believe that existing Covid vaccines, reformulated to tackle Omicron and its descendants, should still offer protection against Nimbus.
UKHSA data shows that people who received a Covid booster last spring were 45 per cent less likely to require hospital treatment compared to those who remained unvaccinated.
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
In the UK, free Covid vaccinations are currently being offered to:
Adults over the age of 75
Residents and staff in care homes
Individuals with weakened immune systems
The UKHSA has urged all eligible people to take up the vaccine offer to help protect themselves and others from severe illness, particularly with the rising presence of the Nimbus strain.
Officials closely monitoring situation
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director at UKHSA, confirmed that the agency is closely tracking the spread of the N.B.1.8.1 variant both domestically and internationally.
“UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports,” she said.
“NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases.”
As the summer approaches, experts are reminding the public that even though the pandemic is no longer dominating daily life, Covid continues to evolve. The emergence of Nimbus underscores the need for vigilance, particularly among those at higher risk.
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Ranganathan discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past and the steps he has taken to improve his mental health
Comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan has opened up about his long-term mental health challenges, describing how he has found effective ways to manage his wellbeing and now feels he is in “one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Ranganathan discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past and the steps he has taken to improve his mental health. He also reflected on his Sri Lankan heritage, his upbringing, and the difficulties his family faced during his youth.
Managing mental health with daily routines
Ranganathan said he uses running, reading and breathing exercises to help maintain his mental wellbeing. These habits have become an important part of his routine.
“One of the things I’ve noticed when it comes to mental health is you do stuff that works… and then for some reason you just stop doing it,” he said. “You go, ‘Oh, I’ve done that every day for a week, I’m really feeling better, shall I just stop? Yeah!’ And then a few weeks later, wonder why I feel much worse.”
He described recognising when his mental health dips as “half the battle”, explaining that he is now better equipped to respond to difficult periods. “Sometimes I just go through a dark period and I know that I’ve got to do something about it,” he said.
Sharing mental health experiences responsibly
The 47-year-old broadcaster also reflected on the challenges of discussing mental health publicly, particularly when such conversations might affect others.
“You’ve got to be careful because it’s triggering [for other people],” he told presenter Lauren Laverne. “The way that I try and tackle that is to talk about it… I’m trying to destigmatise it to make the conversation normal.”
Mental health should be something people feel able to talk about openlyBBC Radio 4
However, Ranganathan acknowledged the fine line involved in public disclosures. “You do also have to be mindful of the fact that people may have been affected by that,” he said. “You don’t always get it right, but I think the rewards outweigh the risks.”
He explained that, like physical illness, mental health should be something people feel able to talk about openly. But he also emphasised the importance of being sensitive to those who may have personal experiences with suicide or depression.
Personal losses and long-term challenges
Ranganathan revealed that his struggles with mental health date back to his teenage years. He recalled particularly difficult moments during his A-levels, when his father was imprisoned for fraud, and the wider financial difficulties the family faced at the time.
“I’ve been through in my life a number of periods of suicide ideation,” he said. Despite these challenges, he said he currently feels mentally strong and positive. “As I speak now, this is running close to one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life mentally.”
His father died in 2011, but Ranganathan continues to reflect on his parents' lives and the lasting impact they’ve had on him.
Honouring his mother’s strength
During the interview, Ranganathan spoke warmly about his mother, Shanthi, and described her as “one of my heroes”. He shared how his parents moved to the UK from Sri Lanka in 1970, eight years before he was born.
While his father embraced British culture, socialising and working, Ranganathan said his mother had a very different experience. “That’s a 19-year-old girl who had kids in a foreign country,” he said. “My dad was going off to work… my mum is at home and going to the shops, but… there’s a strong argument he should’ve implemented more boundaries than he did.”
He admitted that one of his biggest regrets is “not having enough empathy or understanding” of his mother’s situation when he was growing up.
Family challenges and early life
Ranganathan recalled a difficult period when he was 12, and his father lost his job and struggled financially. “He was trying to make money in his sort of Sri Lankan Del Boy way, and it wasn’t working out,” he said. “He couldn’t keep up the mortgage repayments on their house.”
His father was later arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for fraud, an event that deeply affected Ranganathan during his teenage years.
Despite these hardships, Ranganathan eventually found success in comedy in the early 2010s and has since become a household name in the UK. He now hosts a weekend show on BBC Radio 2 and has fronted numerous popular television programmes.
Music and reflections
As part of his Desert Island Discs appearance, Ranganathan selected songs from artists including Kanye West, Eminem, and Huey Lewis and the News. His musical choices reflected different stages of his life and emotional journey.
The interview provided a rare and honest glimpse into the comedian’s personal experiences and mental health journey, offering encouragement to others who may be facing similar struggles.
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Priya Mulji with participants at a Thailand retreat
I turned 43 recently, and it was the best birthday of my life. Special for so many reasons. For the first time since my twenties, I spent my birthday abroad. (In case you were wondering – Phuket, Thailand.)
Last year, I impulsively booked myself onto my friend Urvashi’s mind, body and soul expansion experience. Since then, life has taken some unexpected turns – including being made redundant from my day job – so this trip could not have come at a better time.
Before leaving, I was apprehensive. I had never been to East Asia. Would I like it? Would I get on with the other women? Should I really be going on a two-week trip without a job? What vaccinations would I need? Would the street food give me Delhi belly?
I need not have worried. Within the first day, all my fears melted away. The group of women on the trip were inspiring – each there for her own reasons – and across the week, I connected with them in unique and beautiful ways.
We ranged in age from 37 to 53. Some of us were single, others married with grown-up children. Some were high-flying execs, others unemployed.
But there was no sense of hierarchy – no “I’m better than you.” Just acceptance.
It was a trip of firsts. I got up at 5.30am on my birthday to do a four-kilometre mountain hike to see the Big Buddha. I got in a kayak and floated in the middle of the ocean, despite being a terrible swimmer. I took a Thai cooking class and finally learned how to make some of my favourite dishes.
But the biggest lesson from this impactful trip was this: it is so important to find people who bring good energy, who listen without judgment. Surround yourself with those who offer wisdom and support, not force their opinions on you. Who remind you that you are respected. That you are loved.
For anyone feeling lost, unloved, or unsure of how to navigate life, know that your tribe might be out there, waiting to meet you in the most unexpected of places. I found a new sisterhood in just one week. So take a chance. Step out of your comfort zone. Do something you never imagined doing.
I will leave you with the words of Usha, who was on the trip: “We are all devis in our own way.” I dedicate this column to Jaymini, Leena, Nina, Usha, Iram and Rinku – for helping me in ways they may never fully understand.
And to my darling Urvashi, thank you for bringing us all together. You created magic. You gave me the best birthday gift I could ever have asked for.
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The 2025 summer beauty bag is available exclusively in-store
Marks & Spencer’s popular summer beauty bag has returned for 2025, offering shoppers the chance to enjoy a wide range of premium skincare, haircare and make-up products for just £35. The curated bundle is valued at £210 and includes products from major brands such as Estée Lauder, Color Wow, REN, This Works, and Arkive.
The beauty bag contains a total of eleven items: four full-size products and seven travel-sized minis, all packed in a vibrant pink and peach wash bag. Ideal for holidays or everyday use, the zipped bag is roomy enough to store essentials and is designed with travel convenience in mind.
Available only in stores due to cyber attack
Unlike in previous years, the 2025 summer beauty bag is available exclusively in-store. This is due to an ongoing cyber attack that has disrupted M&S’s online operations. The company has paused orders through its website and app, with services not expected to resume until mid-July. Reports suggest the incident has already cost the retailer around £300 million.
What’s inside the 2025 beauty bag?
Shoppers will find a mix of classic products and newer releases inside the beauty bag.
Among the highlights is Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Spray (£19.50), known for taming frizz and protecting hair from humidity and heat. This Works’ body smoothing wash (£14.40) and Bloom & Blossom’s ultra-nourishing moisture body cream (£24) offer a two-step bodycare routine for soft, hydrated skin.
markandspencer
For facial skincare, the bag includes REN’s newly launched Clean Screen SPF 50 (£36), which provides high protection without leaving a white residue, making it suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Dr Paw Paw’s original balm (£7.25) is also included, offering a versatile solution for dry lips and skin.
Haircare is covered with Arkive’s Good Habit Hair Oil (£15), formulated with baobab and jojoba oils to boost shine and fragrance. A compact Tangle Teezer brush (£10.50) is also included, ideal for detangling hair while travelling.
Make-up and fragrance additions
The collection features two Estée Lauder products: a full-size Double Wear mascara (£18.15), which promises up to 15 hours of wear, and the Revitalising Supreme+ moisturiser (£58), which is enriched with peptides to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Two travel-sized fragrances are also part of the package. Discover’s Sweet Frangipani (£10) offers a summery floral scent, while Floral Street’s Electric Rhubarb (£29) delivers a fresh, fruity fragrance.
High street support
With online services currently unavailable, M&S is encouraging shoppers to head to physical stores to purchase the beauty bag. The limited-edition bundle offers strong value for money and continues to be a popular seasonal offering for customers looking to stock up on premium beauty items.
The M&S Summer Beauty Bag 2025 is available in-store for £35, while stocks last.
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Baseless online rumours that Meghan wore a prosthetic baby bump during both her pregnancies
A light-hearted video posted by Meghan Markle to mark her daughter Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday has reignited long-standing conspiracy theories questioning the authenticity of the Duchess of Sussex’s pregnancies.
Viral video shared on Instagram
The 80-second Instagram reel features Meghan, visibly pregnant, lip-syncing and dancing to the "Baby Mama Dance" trend in what appears to be a hospital room. The video also includes brief appearances by Prince Harry and is captioned: “Four years ago today… 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!”
The dance, popularised on TikTok by expectant mothers, involves light twerking and is intended as a fun way to pass time while waiting for labour to progress. Meghan's video appears to join this trend, but instead of ending speculation around her pregnancies, it has given rise to further unfounded claims on platforms such as X, Reddit and YouTube.
Persistent ‘fake pregnancy’ theory
Baseless online rumours that Meghan wore a prosthetic baby bump during both her pregnancies began circulating shortly before the birth of her son Archie in 2019. These claims allege that Meghan used a surrogate and faked her pregnancies using a commercially available product known as a “Moonbump”.
Some users pointed to the shape of Meghan’s stomach in the recent video as evidence of a fake bump. However, a midwife consulted by media outlets explained that the visible outline was likely cardiotocography (CTG) equipment, which monitors foetal heart rates and contractions in high-risk labours – a category Meghan falls under, given her disclosure of preeclampsia.
Other claims questioned the placement of Meghan’s cannula, but experts confirm that an IV line placed halfway up the arm is standard procedure in many hospitals.
Timeline discrepancies debunked
Conspiracy theorists also disputed the authenticity of the clip by questioning the timing of the "Baby Mama Dance" trend. Some falsely claimed the trend didn’t exist until 2023, despite widely available videos of the dance circulating online as early as 2018.
Another widely circulated comment suggested Meghan appeared too slim to be heavily pregnant, despite her public statements that she gained around four stone during each pregnancy. Critics claim the weight does not show in the video, but health professionals note that it is common for some women to carry most of their pregnancy weight in the abdomen.
Ongoing attempts to dispel rumours
This is not the first time Meghan has attempted to publicly address speculation about her pregnancies. In May, she shared a collage on social media for her wedding anniversary, which included an ultrasound image and a photo of her bare bump. These, too, were picked apart online, with critics alleging the ultrasound lacked identifying details and the bump looked overly smooth or shiny.
The Sussexes’ approach to privacy has added fuel to the fire. Meghan and Harry chose not to follow royal tradition by conducting a hospital steps photoshoot after Archie’s birth in 2019. Instead, they held a private photo session two days later at Windsor Castle. This departure from royal norms, as well as their decision to give birth at the Portland Hospital rather than the Lindo Wing, prompted speculation that they were hiding something.
Some conspiracy theorists even claimed that early photos of baby Archie featured a lifelike doll and that an official tweet announcing a surrogate birth was deleted, both claims for which there is no credible evidence.
Experts weigh in on conspiracy psychology
Professor Sander van der Linden, a social psychologist at the University of Cambridge, explains that directly addressing conspiracy theories often backfires. “Generally, the more you try and refute a conspiracy theory, the more you fuel the idea that there’s something to it,” he said. “It legitimises it – why would you respond unless it’s something credible?”
He adds that in an era where artificial intelligence and video manipulation are widespread concerns, even legitimate personal footage can become the subject of suspicion. “It creates an extra cloud of confusion,” he said.
Van der Linden also pointed to a broader issue of underrepresentation of women of colour in media portrayals of pregnancy. This lack of visibility may contribute to public confusion or misguided expectations, making it easier for misinformation to take hold. He cited the similar case of Beyoncé, who was also targeted with fake pregnancy claims.
Meghan’s mental health struggles
The Duchess has previously spoken candidly about the toll online abuse has taken on her mental health, particularly during her first pregnancy. In interviews, Meghan described how relentless tabloid scrutiny and online trolling affected her well-being during that period.
Despite the criticism, Meghan's recent post may simply have been a personal memory of a challenging time. Some women online responded positively, sharing that they too had danced to the same song in late pregnancy. One user, Drea Humphrey, commented: “When you’re that pregnant, you don’t care about looking bizarre.”
Cringe factor or calculated response?
Whether the video was meant as a deliberate response to trolls or simply a moment of levity during labour, it has reignited debate. For some viewers, the focus is less on conspiracy and more on the awkwardness of sharing such an intimate moment publicly.
But for Meghan and Harry, whose every public gesture is analysed under a microscope, the line between transparency and overexposure remains difficult to navigate. With their children still in the public eye and conspiracy theorists undeterred, even a seemingly playful post carries unexpected consequences.