Prince Philip's "Spiteful" Nickname For Meghan Markle Revealed In New Book

A forthcoming book by the UK royal family biographer Ingrid Seward has revealed Prince Philip's purported "spiteful" nickname for Meghan Markle, a report claimed. The late Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021 at the age of 99, allegedly referred to Markle as the "Duchess of Windsor" in what is described as a reference to the controversial American socialite Wallis Simpson.

The upcoming book, titled "My Mother And I," delves into Philip's perspective on Markle, drawing parallels between the two women. Seward suggests that Philip found it "uncanny" how much Markle reminded him of Wallis Simpson.

The historical context of Wallis Simpson's marriage to Edward VIII in 1937, after his abdication from the British throne, seems to have influenced Philip's perception of Markle. Much like Simpson, Markle entered into matrimony as a divorced woman, having been previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 until their separation in 2014.

Queen Elizabeth II, as per Seward's account, initially held a more favourable opinion of Markle. Allegedly "approving" of the actress after being introduced to her by Prince Harry in 2017, the Queen's approval did come with a hint of reservation, a New York Post report claims. She reportedly found fault with Markle's wedding dress, deeming it "too white" due to Markle's previous marriage.

Markle and Prince Harry made the decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020, relocating to California. This move draws parallels with the exit of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, who fled to France after his abdication.

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Complaint Against Mani Shankar Aiyar's Daughter For 'Objectionable' Remark

A police complaint has been lodged against Suranya Aiyar, daughter of Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, for allegedly posting an 'objectionable statement on social media.'

The complainant, Ajay Agrawal, a Supreme Court advocate and a BJP leader, alleged that Suranya Aiyar made objectionable remarks on different social media platforms on January 20, 2024, and other dates.

He also provided a link to the video clip posted on January 20.

"Ms. Suranya Aiyar has posted a seriously objectionable statement on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms on January 20, 2024, and other dates," Ajay Agrawal said in his complaint to the Delhi Cyber Crime Police on Saturday.

Adding the link to Suranya Aiyar's video, BJP leader Ajay Agrawal requested the Delhi Police crime branch register a case in this regard.

"Please go through this entire clip and register an FIR under Section 153-A (for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) and other sections of IPC and also under other relevant sections of IPC and other acts as you deem appropriate after watching the entire 36-minute video," he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) of Delhi's Jangpura Extension on Wednesday asked Suranya Aiyar to move out after she condemned the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's Ram Temple in a social media post.

The notice issued by the RWA stated, "A hate speech and act by a resident like you, Ms. Aiyar, for announcing a 3-day fast in a peace-loving locality where most residents inhabiting here came from Pakistan after losing all their wealth and fortune is highly unfortunate."

READ | "Kindly Move Out": Mani Shankar Aiyar, Daughter Told After Ram Temple Post

"In case you are unhappy with the consecration of Ram Mandir, which is a matter of pride for every citizen, you may go to the court and challenge its own verdict. But once again, don't delve into such activities that create hatred and tension around the colony," it added.

The notice went on to read, "In case you still think what you have done in protesting against the consecration of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, we would suggest you kindly move out to another colony, where people and RWA's can turn a blind eye to such hatred."

READ | "I Don't Live There": Mani Shankar Aiyar's Daughter On "Move Out" Notice By Delhi Colony

The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's historic temple was held on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the Vedic rituals, led by a group of priests.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Being Given To Ensure...": Akhilesh Yadav On Bharat Ratna To LK Advani

Hours after the Centre announced its decision to honour former deputy prime minister LK Advani with the Bharat Ratna, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said it is being done to ensure that the BJP's votes do not get scattered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that LK Advani would be conferred with the Bharat Ratna and praised the contribution of the BJP's longest-serving president to public life.

Akhilesh Yadav was in Balrampur district to attend a programme to pay tributes to senior SP leader and MLA Shiv Pratap Yadav, who died on January 26.

"The BJP has given the honour before its tenure (at the Centre) comes to an end so that its votes do not get scattered," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters in an apparent reference to LK Advani being conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

"This Bharat Ratna is being given to consolidate votes, it is not being given out of respect," he said.

On seat-sharing in the opposition INDIA bloc, Akhilesh Yadav said there is almost a consensus on it.

"The basis for distribution of seats is 'jeet' (victory) and seat," he said, adding that he has already talked to the Congress leadership and there is no dilemma regarding the distribution of seats.

Asked if he would join Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the SP chief said he has not received any invitation so far.

On Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joining the NDA, Akhilesh Yadav asked "which magic of the BJP" encouraged him to do so.

He said the issue of caste census will not be sidelined and the SP will take it forward.

According to a statement issued by the SP in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav participated in several programmes in Balrampur, Gonda and Barabanki on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Gonda, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The BJP has become the biggest land mafia party. There is no district left where land mafias are not operating." The chief minister himself has admitted that many land mafias have come to Gorakhpur, the SP leader said.

"It seems that law and order has become zero under the BJP government," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Ladakh Shuts Down As Thousands March For Statehood In Freezing Cold

A complete shutdown was observed across Ladakh as thousands marched demanding statehood and constitutional protections under the sixth schedule for the Union Territory.

Protests were jointly organised by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Thousands of men and women marched across the main city of Leh in freezing temperatures, shouting slogans demanding statehood for Ladakh, the implementation of the sixth schedule of the Constitution, and also separate parliament seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The shutdown was observed despite the Centre's announcement to hold a second round of talks with representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. 

The Centre has already constituted a high-powered committee headed by Minister of State (Home Affairs) Nityanand Rai to address the demands of the people of Ladakh.

The people of Ladakh said they couldn't live under an unending bureaucratic rule in the Union Territory and only a full statehood - where they elect their representatives to govern the region - could fulfil their demand.

In December, the Center held its first meeting in Ladakh and asked both the bodies from Leh and Kargil to submit their demands.

Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory after Article 370 was scrapped and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated and downgraded into two Union Territories in August 2019. 

But within just two years, the people of Leh and Kargil felt politically dispossessed and have jointly risen against the Centre. 

Over the last two years, they have held multiple protests demanding statehood and constitutional guarantees to protect their land, jobs, and distinct identity, something they used to enjoy under Article 370.

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When Sunny Deol And Dharmendra Went To Udaipur By Gaddi

We have some amazing news for all the Deol family fans out there. Veteran actor Dharmendra and his son, actor Sunny Deol, are busy exploring the beauty of Udaipur, the City Of Lakes. How do we know? The Gadar 2 star has shared an update on Instagram along with a picture. Dressed in their casual best, the father and son duo, in the stunning click, can be seen posing in the middle of a road. The picture appears to be taken during a pit stop on a highway. Referring to his hit song from the 2001 blockbuster film Gadar, Sunny Deol wrote, “Main Papa Nikla Gaddi Leke to Udaipur.” Dharmendra's younger son Bobby Deol was among the first to drop a comment under the post. He picked a set of red hearts for his comment. Actress Esha Deol too left a bunch of black hearts and an evil eye emoji in the comments.

G.O.D.TECH New World Order star Prince Malhotra wrote, “Safe travels.” Broken But Beautiful actress Poppy Jabbal, Indian kabaddi player Rahul Chaudhari, and TV star Kunal Bakshi dropped red hearts under the post.

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A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol)

Last month, Sunny Deol dropped a montage of multiple pictures featuring himself and his father Dharmendra. In the video, the Apne stars can be seen posing with their arms around each other. Sharing the clip, Sunny Deol wrote, “Papa and me Jan 24, 2023.”

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A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol)

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Sunny Deol, in December last year, talked about his equation with his dad Dharmendra. The actor said, "The fear factor should be there. My dad was a fear factor for me. If dad comes here, I will just get up and move and be completely shut. It is the way it is. That's the beauty of it."

Besides his father, Sunny Deol also gave his two cents on his younger sibling Bobby Deol, who recently appeared in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's blockbuster Animal. The actor said, "I am so happy for him. It was high time it happened and people were not fair to him. I can say that. I cannot talk about myself but I can talk about him. Because he is nice, people said he is such a sweet boy and they will say all those things and nobody is doing anything." The actor added, "I mean they don't have to do anything but they know his capacity. They know everything about him but I feel somehow nobody wanted to let it happen."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Dharmendra is awaiting the release of his upcoming romantic movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. The Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah directorial is headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The movie is slated to hit the theatres on February 9. 

Sunny Deol, after his blockbuster Gadar 2, will be next seen in Rajkumar Santoshi's Lahore 1947.

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"Great To See This": PM Modi Lauds Launch Of UPI At France's Eiffel Tower

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the formal launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, saying it "marks a significant step towards making UPI global."

"Great to see this--it marks a significant step towards taking UPI global. This is a wonderful example of encouraging digital payments and fostering stronger ties," said PM Modi in a post on X.

Great to see this- it marks a significant step towards taking UPI global. This is a wonderful example of encouraging digital payments and fostering stronger ties. https://t.co/jf1sTf41c5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 2, 2024

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been formally launched at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Indian Embassy in France said on Friday and termed it part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "vision of taking UPI global."

The UPI was formally launched at the Republic Day reception held in France.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in France stated, "UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. Implementing PM @narendramodi's announcement & the vision of taking UPI global."

The UPI is India's mobile-based payment system and allows people to make round-the-clock payments through a virtual payment address created by the customer. UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into one hood.

In 2023, India and France committed to nurturing a thriving ecosystem and building collaborations that empower their citizens and ensure their full participation in the digital century, according to the India-France joint statement. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and France's Lyra Collect executed an agreement to implement the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France and Europe.

During his visit to France in July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and France have agreed to use the UPI payment mechanism and it will begin from the iconic Eiffel Tower. PM Modi said that Indian tourists in France will now be able to make payments in rupees.

While addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris on July 14, PM Modi said, "Be it India's UPI or other digital platforms, they have brought a huge social transformation in the country and I am happy that India and France are also working together in direction. India and France have agreed to use UPI in France. I will leave after the agreement. However, it is your job to move forward. Friends, in the coming days, its beginning will be made from Eiffel Tower, which means that Indian tourists will now be able to make payments in Rupees, through UPI, at Eiffel Tower."

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron visited India to attend the Republic Day Parade as Chief Guest. During their visit, Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a tea stall and interacted with each other over a cup of tea in Jaipur. Macron used UPI to make a payment there. Earlier, PM Modi explained the UPI digital payments system to Macron as the two leaders visited a local shop during their visit to Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Blindfold Taken Off Justice Statue In Civil Code Draft For Uttarakhand

In a strong symbolic message, a photo of the statue of Lady Justice on the draft of the Uniform Civil Code submitted to the Uttarakhand government does not have a blindfold to signify that the law will now treat everyone equally. The blindfold on the statue, incidentally, is meant to represent impartiality and objectivity, and sources said removing it takes this a step further.  

The symbolism extends to the title of the draft, which was submitted by a government-appointed panel to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday. The draft is titled 'Fostering Equality Through Uniformity'. 

The Uniform Civil Code aims to provide a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. In June last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a big push for a Uniform Civil Code and said the country couldn't run on two laws, much like it didn't work to have "different set of rules for different members of a family".

A special four-day session of the Uttarakhand Assembly will be held from February 5 to February 8 to pass legislation on the Uniform Civil Code.

If the bill is passed and the law gets implemented, Uttarakhand will become the first state in the country after Independence to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, and several other BJP-ruled states - including Assam and Madhya Pradesh - have also expressed interest in bringing in a similar law. Goa has had a common civil code since it was under Portuguese rule.

The five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, had been set up by the Uttarakhand government in May 2022, soon after the BJP returned to power in the state with the Uniform Civil Code as a campaign promise. The panel was given four extensions to submit its report.

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