Reduced tariffs under India-UK FTA will strengthen textile sector: Experts
The Indian textile industry has welcomed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), recognizing it as a significant step towards increasing India's presence in the UK market. "Experts believe that the reduced tariffs under the FTA will drive demand for Indian textiles in the UK, resulting in increased export volumes.The agreement is also expected to stimulate investment and enhance the ease of doing business for textile stakeholders in both countries.A. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for their instrumental roles in securing this historic trade pact. "This is a Himalayan achievement that will provide a strong impetus to India's textile exports and boost employment and growth in the sector," said Sakthivel.He added, "The India-UK FTA is expected to pave the way for long-term growth, attract investment, and create a more favourable business environment for textile stakeholders in both countries. "Industry leaders believe the India-UK FTA marks the beginning of a new era for Indian textiles, with long-term benefits anticipated in market access, innovation, and global branding.
Source:The Times
May 07, 2025 09:45 UTC
UK plans crackdown on misuse of study, work visas for asylum claims
Live EventsYou Might Also Like: UK set to restrict visas for nationalities most likely to claim asylumYou Might Also Like: India, UK drop key demands in FTA talks to respect mutual sensitivities: OfficialYou Might Also Like: UK's Keir Starmer accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit IndiaThe UK government on Tuesday said that it is building intelligence around foreign nationals who abuse study and work visa grants to go on to claim asylum in the country, a category led by Pakistanis. The UK Home Office has not revealed details around the expected crackdown, first reported in 'The Times', with more on the plans expected to be laid out in its proposed 'Immigration White Paper' later this month.However, official government statistics reveal that the largest increase in asylum claims came from Pakistani nationals, rising 79 per cent in the last year to 10,542. "To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster," a Home Office spokesperson said. "We keep the visa system under constant review and where we detect trends, which may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action. Under our Plan for Change, our upcoming 'Immigration White Paper' will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system," the spokesperson said.
Source:The Times
May 07, 2025 06:22 UTC
Auto cos fear lower UK tariffs may lead to Chinese dumping
New Delhi:The Indian automobile industry reacted with caution to FTA with the UK, which aims to reduce import duty to 10%. Companies, which are awaiting finer details, fear that lower tariff rates may be replicated in other trade agreements under discussion. The auto industry is looking for details, such as by when (time period) the import duty for cars from the UK will come down to 10%. "Indians might be able to buy premium cars from UK at right price point as soon as they are launched globally. It probably won't shake up our local car manufacturers too much because most Indian consumers still prefer more affordable options."
Source:The Times
May 07, 2025 02:12 UTC
Exporters hope to offset US losses
The India-UK trade agreement brings optimism to Indian garment makers, offering a 10% duty cut and a level playing field against competitors like Bangladesh. This deal, expected to boost apparel exports and create jobs, also benefits sectors like gems, jewellery, and frozen prawns, potentially offsetting losses from US trade uncertainties. New Delhi: Indian garment makers, whose products often lost out to cheaper goods from Bangladesh, can now hope to gain some shelf space in London stores, thanks to a 10% duty cut under the trade deal with the UK. "With zero tariffs, we can hope to increase our exports to around $2.5 billion over the next one-and-a-half or two years. It will help us fill up some of the gap caused by the US actions," said Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.
Source:The Times
May 07, 2025 01:38 UTC
Poor me! My rich friends have left the UK. Here’s why I’m staying
Taxes, government debt, violent crime and the cost of living are all at record highs. This is no place for the wealthy and successful. Or so everyone’s saying these days in Chelsea, Notting Hill and Mayfair, between Pilates, property valuations and prepping for the next half-term escape. And yes, I have several wealthy acquaintances who have recently upped sticks. A friend from university, now a partner at a private equity firm with a stake in a Premier League football team, put his children in boarding schools in Berkshire
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 23:11 UTC
UK to restrict study and work visas for citizens of Pakistan
Pakistan (10,542), Afghanistan (8,508) and Iran (8,099) were the most common nationalities claiming asylum in 2024, together representing 25% of people claiming asylum. Asylum grants permanent UK residency, unlike work and study visas, which are temporary. However, the number of UK work and study visas dropped in 2024, compared to the year before. Nearly 10,000 claimants living in taxpayer-funded accommodation, including hotels, were originally on work or study visas, The Times reported. Asylum seekers can claim protection for family members, with a surge in Indians and Nigerians claiming study and work visas with dependants in the last three years, reported The Times.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 21:50 UTC
Lionesses may have 11 players at seven-a-side event weeks before Euro 2025
England are likely to have more players at a lucrative seven-a-side tournament this month than any of their main rivals at Euro 2025. The final four of eight teams involved in the inaugural edition of the World Sevens Football (W7F) have been confirmed. Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Rosengard have joined the quartet announced two weeks ago: Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Ajax. England are the only country represented by two clubs, and their national team could be the most affected by the competition, which falls six weeks before Euro 2025. City have crucial England players
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 18:58 UTC
Tesla Sales Fall in Germany and U.K. to Lowest Point in 2 Years
Britain has especially been a hot spot for anti-Musk satire and art, helping to fuel the pushback against the American brand, which once dominated electric car sales across much of Europe. Norway, where Tesla has played an essential role in helping the country reach its goal of having all new vehicles sold be emission-free by the end of this year, was an outlier. Registrations there of the Model Y increased in April. But more than half of those were for used cars, not the latest updated Juniper version, according to the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council. It noted that Tesla’s share of the market, which it long dominated, had slipped to 11 percent, down from 18 percent a year earlier.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 16:49 UTC
Coproduction of healthcare services: what is it all about?
This article explores the concept of coproduction and looks at how we can use it to build more sustainable and cost-effective services. Citation: Rodger S (2025) Coproduction of healthcare services: what is it all about? A patient who has a significant knowledge of their condition and treatment, in addition to self-management skills, is a huge resource for health services (Boulet, 2016). Evaluation could help take coproduction from the outskirts of the health service into the middle, proving its worth. Coproduction, if done well, will also foster stronger relationships within communities and with health services, which will aid a shift towards services that are focused on prevention and partnership rather than on consumers and providers.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 16:16 UTC
My daughter, 17, was knifed 15 times by ex in real-life Adolescence plot… pathetic jail term means he’ll soon walk free
A-LEVEL student Ellie Gould was a vivacious 17-year-old with a bright future ahead of her when she met Thomas Griffiths. “The justice system let Ellie and our family down. “Less than 24 hours later, he murdered her, and it’s an insult we haven’t got the justice we deserve. We haven’t included the details of the sentence Ellie’s murderer must serve – in order not to spoil proceedings ahead of the mock TV court hearing. We certainly don’t believe his minimum sentence is justice for Ellie and it makes me so upset.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 16:01 UTC
KPOT Opens 100th Location, Celebrates with Times Square "Thank You" Video
On Friday, April 25, the brand marked a significant milestone with a celebration in the heart of New York City. This milestone marks more than 80% growth in just 18 months, cementing KPOT as one of the fastest-growing concepts in the restaurant industry. KPOT offers a diverse culinary experience with an extensive selection of premium meats, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables for both its BBQ and Hot Pot offerings. Times Square VideoKnown for its high-energy, interactive approach to Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, KPOT has become a go-to destination for communal dining, blending traditional flavors with a modern, tech-savvy experience. On Friday, April 25, the brand marked a significant milestone with a celebration in the heart of New York City.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 11:55 UTC
Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood says shows cancelled after 'credible threats'
Representative Image (AI-generated)LONDON: Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood on Tuesday said two of his forthcoming shows with Israeli-born rock musician Dudu Tassa had been cancelled due to " credible threats ".The guitarist and keyboardist had been due to perform two dates with Tassa in the western English city of Bristol and in London in June. pro-Palestinian activist movement that advocates political and economic action against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians welcomed the announcement. "Palestinians welcome the cancellation of both of their UK shows. "Radiohead performed in Tel Aviv in 2017 despite being urged to cancel as part of a cultural boycott. "We don't endorse Netanyahu any more than Trump, but we still play in America," he added.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 11:45 UTC
Prince Louis' best moments: All the times the youngest royal stole the show
He may be the youngest royal, but Prince Louis has quickly emerged as one of the favourites. His unapologetic mischief has provided much-needed comic relief at almost every one of his appearances, with fans eagerly awaiting what the young prince does next. Bring it on, Prince Louis.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 10:33 UTC
Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti reach verbal agreement over Bernabeu exit - Paper Talk
THE SUNCarlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement over his exit, according to reports. Image: Carlo Ancelotti looks on during last month's game between Real Madrid and ValenciaHarry Kane and his Bayern Munich team-mates were blocked by club officials from holding a title party in Ibiza. DAILY MIRRORDominik Szoboszlai has sent a heartfelt message to Trent Alexander-Arnold, urging him to "enjoy" what's next after the defender confirmed his Liverpool exit. The defender joined Gers in 2022 after spending time in the academy set-ups at Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City. Celtic are pricing Gustaf Lagerbielke out of his dream move to Dutch football, according to Twente Enschede technical director Arnold Bruggink.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 09:29 UTC
Visa applications for some nationalities could be restricted
Latest Home Office figures, external show that more than 108,000 people claimed asylum in the UK last year - the highest level since records began in 1979. In total, 10,542 Pakistani nationals claimed asylum - the most of any nationality. Some 2,862 Sri Lankan nationals and 2,841 Nigerian nationals claimed asylum in the same period. The number of UK work and study visas dropped in 2024, compared to the year before. New rules introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a bid to reduce migration levels appear to have contributed to the fall.
Source:The Times
May 06, 2025 08:01 UTC