GDP reading ties in with some surveys suggesting UK plc has kept up momentum despite rising fuel costsThe UK economy unexpectedly grew during the first full month of the Iran war, according to official figures, suggesting the Middle East conflict has not yet affected growth as much as feared.Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed growth of 0.3% in gross domestic product (GDP) in March, from a revised 0.4% rise in February and 0% growth in January. The ONS had originally est
GDP reading ties in with some surveys suggesting UK plc has kept up momentum despite rising fuel costs
The UK economy unexpectedly grew during the first full month of the Iran war, according to official figures, suggesting the Middle East conflict has not yet affected growth as much as feared.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed growth of 0.3% in gross domestic product (GDP) in March, from a revised 0.4% rise in February and 0% growth in January. The ONS had originally estimated that the economy grew 0.5% in February and 0.1% in January.
Reputation of Australia’s big supermarkets takes another hit as federal court finds Coles misled shoppers by promoting fake discountsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastColes’s “Down Down” promotion is one of Australia’s best known campaigns. But the supermarket has been caught red-handed after a federal court judge found Coles misled shoppers by promoting fake discounts.Through its proceedings, Australia’s competition regulator has given consumers an intriguing look-behin
Coles’s “Down Down” promotion is one of Australia’s best known campaigns. But the supermarket has been caught red-handed after a federal court judge found Coles misled shoppers by promoting fake discounts.
Through its proceedings, Australia’s competition regulator has given consumers an intriguing look-behind-the-curtain moment, exposing how a major supermarket sways shoppers to buy its products.
Reform UK leader records video with Essex pastor to support his battle against council banning orderNigel Farage has been criticised for giving his full support to a Christian church leader who preached that homosexuality was an “abomination” and would lead to eternity in hell.The Reform UK leader recorded a video with Stephen Clayden after Colchester council applied for a banning order to limit his street preaching. Continue reading...
Reform UK leader records video with Essex pastor to support his battle against council banning order
Nigel Farage has been criticised for giving his full support to a Christian church leader who preached that homosexuality was an “abomination” and would lead to eternity in hell.
The Reform UK leader recorded a video with Stephen Clayden after Colchester council applied for a banning order to limit his street preaching.
Member of army squad sent with medics to assist suspected hantavirus patient recounts descent to remote islandThe hardest part of the parachute jump, according to Capt George Lacey, is falling backwards through the air. It is Saturday and Lacey, and his squad of six plus two medics, have just leapt out of an RAF transport, 2,500 metres over the south Atlantic.“The parachute can only go forward so quickly,” he says, meaning that it has to be pulled at precisely the right moment. “So you have to t
Member of army squad sent with medics to assist suspected hantavirus patient recounts descent to remote island
The hardest part of the parachute jump, according to Capt George Lacey, is falling backwards through the air. It is Saturday and Lacey, and his squad of six plus two medics, have just leapt out of an RAF transport, 2,500 metres over the south Atlantic.
“The parachute can only go forward so quickly,” he says, meaning that it has to be pulled at precisely the right moment. “So you have to turn into the wind and basically fly backwards, which is a very weird sensation, as you can imagine.”
As Keir Starmer’s leadership totters, investors warn a Labour leadership contest ignoring public finances and market realpolitik could be disastrousA rise in borrowing costs and warnings to avoid a “Liz Truss moment”. As Keir Starmer faces a potential leadership challenge, the spectre of the bond market looms large.Amid febrile conditions in Westminster, the prospect of Britain switching prime ministers for a sixth time in seven years has fuelled a sharp sell-off in the market for UK government
As Keir Starmer’s leadership totters, investors warn a Labour leadership contest ignoring public finances and market realpolitik could be disastrous
A rise in borrowing costs and warnings to avoid a “Liz Truss moment”. As Keir Starmer faces a potential leadership challenge, the spectre of the bond market looms large.
Amid febrile conditions in Westminster, the prospect of Britain switching prime ministers for a sixth time in seven years has fuelled a sharp sell-off in the market for UK government debt.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said his government had already implemented several austerity measures, including reducing convoy sizes, cutting salaries of ministers and MLAs, and promoting the use of electric vehicles for official travel.Speaking to reporters in Mandi, Sukhu welcomed recent efforts to reduce official expenditure and said the state administration had been pursuing similar measures for some time.“I have already reduced the size of my convoy veh
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said his government had already implemented several austerity measures, including reducing convoy sizes, cutting salaries of ministers and MLAs, and promoting the use of electric vehicles for official travel.
Speaking to reporters in Mandi, Sukhu welcomed recent efforts to reduce official expenditure and said the state administration had been pursuing similar measures for some time.
“I have already reduced the size of my convoy vehicles. It is a good thing that the governor has also reduced his convoy,” the chief minister said.
He added that the state government had cut ministers’ salaries by 30 per cent and reduced the salaries of MLAs by 20 per cent as part of wider cost-saving initiatives.
“We have tightened finances and taken several such decisions,” Sukhu said, adding that officials had also been directed to further scale down his convoy.
Highlighting the government’s emphasis on sustainable transport, the chief minister said he personally travelled in a small electric vehicle.
“I travel in a small electric car,” he remarked.
Sukhu also took aim at the opposition BJP, accusing the previous administration of wasteful spending on infrastructure projects with limited practical value.
“They constructed buildings worth thousands of crores, but many of them are not useful today,” he said.
The chief minister further stated that the state government would review the court verdict concerning KNH Hospital before deciding on future action.
Escalating his criticism of the BJP, Sukhu accused the party of failing to adequately support the people of Himachal Pradesh while still seeking to regain power in the state.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he questioned the status of financial assistance previously announced for Himachal Pradesh.
“Prime Minister Modi had announced Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh, but BJP MPs and leaders do not have the courage to ask where that money is,” Sukhu said.
He added that his government remained committed to fulfilling its promises and strengthening the state’s economy through self-reliance.
The prime minister has also instructed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to increase the use of electric vehicles within his security fleet, while making it clear that no new vehicles should be purchased specifically for the transition.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in country’s deadly anti-drug crackdown that saw thousands killed Philippine authorities are seeking to confirm reports that a lawmaker wanted by the international criminal court (ICC) secretly left the Senate premises where he had spent days evading arrest, an official said.Presidential communications undersecretary Clare Castro told a press conference that authorities were trying to confirm the whereabouts of senator Ronald de
Senator Ronald dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in country’s deadly anti-drug crackdown that saw thousands killed
Philippine authorities are seeking to confirm reports that a lawmaker wanted by the international criminal court (ICC) secretly left the Senate premises where he had spent days evading arrest, an official said.
Presidential communications undersecretary Clare Castro told a press conference that authorities were trying to confirm the whereabouts of senator Ronald dela Rosa, after reports suggested he had slipped out of the heavily guarded building undetected before dawn.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday urged the Uttar Pradesh government to intensify relief and rescue operations on a “war footing” after severe storms and rain-related incidents claimed at least 56 lives across the state.In a post on X, the Samajwadi Party chief described the devastation caused by strong winds and heavy rain as “extremely saddening” and said districts including Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Sonbhadra and Badaun were among the worst affected.“Fifty-four people have died d
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday urged the Uttar Pradesh government to intensify relief and rescue operations on a “war footing” after severe storms and rain-related incidents claimed at least 56 lives across the state.
In a post on X, the Samajwadi Party chief described the devastation caused by strong winds and heavy rain as “extremely saddening” and said districts including Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Sonbhadra and Badaun were among the worst affected.
“Fifty-four people have died due to severe storms and strong winds, while lakhs of people have been badly affected after houses, trees and walls collapsed,” Yadav said.
ये बेहद दुखद है कि भीषण आंधी-तूफ़ान की वजह से उप्र के भदोही, फतेहपुर, सोनभद्र, बदायूं व कई अन्य स्थानों पर 54 लोगों की मृत्यु हो गयी है और घर, पेड़, दीवार गिरने से लाखों लोग बुरी तरह प्रभावित हुए हैं।
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister demanded immediate medical assistance for the injured and called on the government to ensure adequate arrangements for food, drinking water and temporary shelter for affected families.
He also urged authorities to conduct a swift assessment of losses to lives, homes, crops and vehicles so compensation and insurance claims could be processed without delay.
“Proper and dignified last rites should be conducted for those who lost their lives,” Yadav said, while extending condolences to bereaved families.
Appealing to party workers to step in, the Samajwadi Party leader asked cadres in unaffected areas to assist victims “in every possible manner” during the crisis.
The appeal came amid widespread destruction caused by unseasonal storms and heavy rain across Uttar Pradesh, where uprooted trees, collapsed structures and lightning strikes disrupted normal life in multiple districts.
India has imposed a ban on sugar exports until 30 September 2026 in a bid to safeguard domestic supplies and keep prices under control amid concerns over lower-than-expected production.The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced the decision through a notification revising the country’s export policy for sugar.Under the new rules, the export status of raw sugar, white sugar and refined sugar has been changed from “restricted”
India has imposed a ban on sugar exports until 30 September 2026 in a bid to safeguard domestic supplies and keep prices under control amid concerns over lower-than-expected production.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced the decision through a notification revising the country’s export policy for sugar.
Under the new rules, the export status of raw sugar, white sugar and refined sugar has been changed from “restricted” to “prohibited”. The restrictions will remain in place until the end of September next year or until further government orders are issued.
However, exports to the European Union and the United States under existing CXL and Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) arrangements will continue through established procedures outlined in official public notices.
Authorities also clarified that exports carried out under the Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS) would still be permitted in line with the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and the associated Handbook of Procedures.
India, the world’s second-largest sugar producer after Brazil, had previously approved exports of around 1.59 million metric tonnes after estimating that production would comfortably exceed domestic demand.
The latest restrictions are expected to tighten global sugar supplies and could support international raw and white sugar prices. Analysts believe the curbs may create opportunities for competing exporters such as Brazil and Thailand to increase shipments to markets across Asia and Africa.
The announcement comes shortly after an industry report showed that sugarcane production in India had risen by roughly 10 per cent compared with the previous year, providing support for both sugar manufacturing and ethanol production.
However, the report noted that growth across the sector remained uneven, with stronger gains largely concentrated among mills that have integrated ethanol production facilities.
Woodland Trust also finds significant north-south divide in tree cover, leaving many people at risk of poor health Nigel Farage’s constituency of Clacton-on-Sea is a “tree desert”, leaving people more exposed to air pollution, poorer health, lower life expectancy and the impact of rising temperatures, according to a new report.The Essex town is rated the worst-performing for equal access to trees in England, with the highest proportion of urban residents – 98.2% – living in neighbourhoods with c
Woodland Trust also finds significant north-south divide in tree cover, leaving many people at risk of poor health
Nigel Farage’s constituency of Clacton-on-Sea is a “tree desert”, leaving people more exposed to air pollution, poorer health, lower life expectancy and the impact of rising temperatures, according to a new report.
The Essex town is rated the worst-performing for equal access to trees in England, with the highest proportion of urban residents – 98.2% – living in neighbourhoods with critically low access to trees.
Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation label federal court ruling against mining giant’s Solomon Hub iron ore operation ‘unsatisfactory’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastYindjibarndi traditional owners are considering an appeal against the federal court’s record $150m compensation payout, saying it is “unsatisfactory” and will not cover the cultural and financial losses suffered since Fortescue began mining their
Yindjibarndi traditional owners are considering an appeal against the federal court’s record $150m compensation payout, saying it is “unsatisfactory” and will not cover the cultural and financial losses suffered since Fortescue began mining their land.
On Tuesday, mining company Fortescue was ordered by the federal court to pay compensation to Yindjibarndi traditional owners for cultural losses caused by its multibillion‑dollar Solomon Hub iron ore mine, plus $100,000 for economic losses – the largest compensation payout in native title history.
US President Donald Trump entered high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday amid growing political pressure at home to adopt a tougher stance on China over trade, human rights, Taiwan and national security.The summit, taking place at the Great Hall of the People during Trump’s three-day visit to China, marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since their encounter on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan, South
US President Donald Trump entered high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday amid growing political pressure at home to adopt a tougher stance on China over trade, human rights, Taiwan and national security.
Before the meeting, Trump received a ceremonial welcome featuring military honours, national anthems and greetings from children waving Chinese and American flags. Opening the talks, Trump described Xi as a friend and expressed optimism about future relations between the two countries.
“It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” Trump said.
The summit comes as bipartisan voices in Washington intensify demands for stronger action against Beijing. In one of the most prominent appeals, Congressman James Walkinshaw and Senator Tim Kaine urged Trump to confront China over its treatment of North Korean refugees.
The lawmakers accused Beijing of violating international obligations under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention by forcibly repatriating North Koreans despite the severe risks they face upon return, including torture, imprisonment, forced labour and execution.
Their intervention followed reports from the Congressional-Executive Commission on China alleging that Chinese authorities deported around 600 North Korean refugees in October 2023 — described as the largest such operation on record — followed by a further 200 in April 2024.
The appeal drew support from several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley and Peter Welch, alongside Representatives Ami Bera, James McGovern and Suhas Subramanyam.
Trade disputes also remain central to the talks. Republican lawmakers led by Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington called on the administration to push for the removal of China’s 10 per cent tariff on American cotton, arguing that Chinese retaliation had caused US cotton exports to China to plunge by 87 per cent this year.
The lawmakers stressed China’s importance to global textile production, noting that China and India together account for more than half of worldwide textile mill consumption.
Meanwhile, senior Senate Democrats accused Trump of weakening America’s strategic position ahead of the summit. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the administration’s handling of export controls, alliances and efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer warned against any concessions that could undermine US manufacturing, semiconductor development or Taiwan’s security.
“Donald Trump may have no interest in helping the American people get ahead, but he certainly seems willing to give China a leg up,” Schumer said.
At the same time, the US House of Representatives prepared to vote on a resolution urging Trump to raise the cases of political prisoners during the talks. The resolution, introduced by Congressman Chris Smith, highlighted jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, detained religious leaders, Uyghur detainees and imprisoned American citizens in China.
“America will not be silent while the Chinese Communist Party imprisons the innocent and reaches across borders to threaten their families,” Smith told lawmakers during debate on the measure.
Beyond trade and human rights, the summit is expected to address the escalating conflict involving Iran and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and global commodities. Trump is reportedly seeking Chinese cooperation in efforts to stabilise the region and restore secure maritime passage.
Taiwan and technological competition, particularly in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development, are also expected to dominate discussions.
Some analysts believe North Korea may feature in the talks as well, given Trump’s repeated interest in reviving diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and China’s continued influence over Pyongyang.
Following Thursday’s formal meetings, Trump and Xi are scheduled to visit Beijing’s Temple of Heaven before attending a state banquet. Further discussions are planned over tea and a working lunch on Friday before Trump departs for Washington.
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