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 UK is expected to enjoy warm weather this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 23°C, higher than those in Ibiza. The mild conditions come after a week of sunshine, with London hitting 24°C on Wednesday.
Most parts of the country are likely to experience sunny spells and above-average temperatures over the weekend. However, northern and eastern areas may see cooler conditions, along with patches of drizzle.
While the warm weather is expected to extend into the early part of next week, forecasters have indicated that the bank holiday weekend could bring more unsettled conditions, including rain in some regions.
The anticipated rainfall would be timely, as the Environment Agency has issued a warning of a medium risk of drought in England this summer. This follows a relatively dry start to spring, raising concerns about water levels heading into the warmer months.
Although the warm spell is a welcome change, experts are continuing to monitor weather patterns closely ahead of the summer. Britons are being advised to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, with the outlook for the long weekend remaining uncertain.
A COUNCILLOR was on Friday (15) acquitted of encouraging violent disorder for saying far-right activists should have their throats cut amid riots last year, drawing claims from right-wing politicians of a hypocritical "two-tier" justice system.
Ricky Jones made the comments at a counter-protest in London after three girls were murdered in Southport last summer and he was suspended by the Labour party.
Jones, 58, was cleared by a jury following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He had made the remarks to a crowd gathered near an immigration advice centre in London after reports that far-right supporters were planning a protest.
"They are disgusting Nazi fascists ... We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all," he said, running a finger across his throat.
Jones gave evidence that he did not intend his words to be taken literally and said his comments referred to far-right stickers with hidden razor blades found on a train.
Right-wing politicians and activists said his case was an example of how Britain had an unfair police and justice system, with those who voice concerns about immigration treated differently to those who support liberal or left-wing causes.
They contrasted Jones' treatment with that of Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative councillor who was jailed for 31 months for inciting racial hatred for a post urging mass deportation of migrants and the burning of their hotels.
Unlike Jones, she had pleaded guilty to the offence.
Misinformation on social media last year said the teenager who committed the Southport murders was an Islamist migrant, fuelling days of violent riots including attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
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Hitchin residents can look forward to a fine and settled weekend
Mostly dry conditions expected across Hitchin with clear to partly cloudy skies.
No rain forecast from Friday through Sunday.
Temperatures will peak at 28°C on Friday before easing slightly over the weekend.
Moderate breezes throughout, with winds up to 19mph.
Weekend outlook
Hitchin residents can look forward to a fine and settled weekend, with dry conditions and a mix of clear and partly cloudy skies from Friday through Sunday. The absence of rain and comfortable temperatures will make it an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities.
Friday: Warmest day of the weekend
Friday will bring partly cloudy skies with the warmest temperatures of the weekend, reaching a high of 28°C and dipping to 16°C overnight. Humidity will sit at around 67%, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere. Winds of up to 17mph will provide a refreshing breeze.
Saturday: Mild with a steady breeze
On Saturday, conditions will remain partly cloudy, with temperatures easing slightly to a high of 25°C and a low of 15°C. Humidity will rise marginally to 69%, though the air will remain comfortable. Winds may pick up to 19mph, adding a gentle breeze to the day.
Sunday: Clear and settled finish
Sunday will be the clearest day of the weekend, offering bright skies and calm conditions. Temperatures will peak at 24°C before falling to 12°C overnight. Humidity will reduce to around 65%, while winds will ease to 16mph, making for a serene close to the weekend.
Commuting conditions
With no rainfall predicted and only moderate winds, commuters should find conditions favourable whether travelling by car or bicycle. Cyclists should be mindful of breezier spells on Friday and Saturday.
Best time for outdoor plans
The dry and mild forecast makes this weekend ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnics, or visits to local parks. The clear skies on Sunday in particular may appeal to those planning barbecues or longer walks. Residents are advised to stay hydrated on Friday, when higher temperatures are expected.
Virgin Media customers reported severe pixelation during Liverpool’s season opener at Anfield.
The disruption lasted for more than 15 minutes, causing many to miss Hugo Ekitike’s first-half goal.
Fans took to social media to complain, criticising the service cost and reliability.
Virgin Media apologised, confirming the issue has since been resolved.
Broadcast disruption frustrates fans
Liverpool fans were left frustrated after a major broadcast fault affected Virgin Media’s coverage of the club’s first Premier League home game of the season against Bournemouth.
Viewers complained of a heavily pixelated screen and frozen coverage from around the 15th minute of play, with the problem lasting well into the first half. The fault meant many missed Hugo Ekitike’s 37th-minute goal, which gave Liverpool the lead.
Fans vent on social media
Supporters voiced their anger on X, formerly Twitter, describing the feed as “unwatchable”.
One viewer said: “First match of the season ruined. Unacceptable when paying £120 a month for the service.”
Another user, Andy Lycett, wrote: “Anyone else’s Virgin Media gone all squiffy? It’s like watching it on a dodgy stick.”
Julie B added: “Unbelievable! 30 minutes into the football and Virgin Media fails on TV and online! We pay all that money plus extra for Sky Sports and this happens on the first match of the season.”
Others confirmed that rebooting their television boxes and Wi-Fi routers did not resolve the problem.
Virgin Media response
In a reply to affected customers, Virgin Media confirmed it was aware of an issue impacting Sky Sports channels.
A spokesperson said: “We apologise to customers who experienced pixelation issues with their television services earlier this evening. Our teams worked swiftly to identify the fault and have now restored services to normal.”
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Ramdas Athawale, Harrow mayor Anjana Patel and Rajrajeshwar Guruji
The Indian community gathered in large numbers at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow on Thursday to mark the 79th anniversary of India’s Independence with a day of cultural performances, interfaith participation, and tributes to ties between India and the UK.
The event opened outdoors with the Indian national flag hoisted by Harrow Mayor Anjana Patel, joined by visiting dignitary Pankaj Bhai Modi from Gujarat, saints from India, and Rajrajeshwar Guruji. The ceremony was followed by the national anthem and a performance by a Maharashtrian Dhol group.
Inside the main hall, guests received tricolour-themed caps and shawls before speeches reflecting on India’s progress since 1947, the role of the diaspora in Britain, and values shared by the two nations.
Pankaj Bhai Modi praised the sense of unity at the gathering, describing it as “a garland of pearls” representing different Indian states. Mayor Patel highlighted India’s “unstoppable” progress since independence and the contributions of Harrow’s Indian community.
India’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, marking his first Independence Day in London, acknowledged the diaspora’s role in the UK, praised Guruji’s community work, and recalled B.R. Ambedkar’s years of study in the capital. Guruji underlined the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — and announced a Shiv Katha to be held from 18 to 22 August in memory of the victims of the Air India plane crash.
Flag hoisting ceremony
The programme also included representatives from Harrow Interfaith and the local council, alongside uniformed officers from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and St John Ambulance.
A highlight came when Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, recently appointed Commander of the North West Basic Command Unit, was formally honoured. Pankaj Bhai Modi emphasized the importance of police-community ties, while Williams said he hoped to “work closely with all communities, learning from one another, and strengthening shared values of respect, safety, and unity.”
The day concluded with children’s dances, music, and youth speeches, showcasing the community’s efforts to preserve cultural traditions among younger generations.
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The memorial event, held in the Gandhi Hall of India House, also included a photographic exhibition tracing the history of the Partition. (Photo: X/
THE High Commission of India in London on Thursday (14) commemorated Partition Horrors Remembrance Day with a special photography exhibition and a documentary screening reflecting on India’s Partition in August 1947.
Community leaders and Indian diaspora members recounted memories of the past on the eve of the country’s 79th Independence Day.
“When we recall Partition, we must also recall that this was a tragedy for everybody, because it was a tragedy that happened to all communities,” Indian high commissioner, Vikram Doraiswami, told the gathering.
Many people were uprooted to come to India and likewise in Pakistan and that impact is still seen in the way people deal with each other even now, the envoy said.
"That at least should tell us, if nothing else, that the experiment that is the modern Indian nation is a valid argument,” he added.
“Our continued existence as a state that is there for all Indian citizens is the best answer we can give anybody who seeks to suggest that we are different by virtue of our faith or by dealing with the absence of faith,” Doraiswami added.
UK-based filmmaker Lalit Mohan Joshi presented an abridged version of his documentary Beyond Partition, with film-makers Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani and Gulzar whose work features themes of Partition.
“My film explores the trauma of Partition and how it impacted on filmmakers from the Indian subcontinent,” said Joshi.
The memorial event, held in the Gandhi Hall of India House, also included a photographic exhibition tracing the history of the Partition.