Category: Politics

The UK government is considering ideas to lower the charge that pension schemes pay into an industry-wide rescue fund, with the goal of freeing up more funds for economic investment. The PPF collects this charge from corporate schemes and uses it to provide a financial cushion to shield employees from potential losses if individual pension schemes fail.

According to government sources, the PPF is in good financial shape, and the government is considering ways to make it simpler to cut the fee. While exact savings have not been announced, the government believes that lowering the charge will free up millions of pounds. This action is part of a larger push to boost economic growth through private investment. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell emphasised the need to modernise obsolete legislation to avoid excessive levies on pension schemes, freeing up funds for investment.

The idea builds on various changes adopted by the Labour government since July to unlock the financial potential of the pension system. This plan is considered a response to Britain’s continued economic issues, namely weak growth and constrained public finances.

Despite increases in company investment, UK levels remain lower than those of key international competitors, according to OECD data.

The UAE is positioning itself as a major participant in the global nuclear energy business, with plans to transfer its knowledge around the world. The country is especially focused on the United States, where an increase in artificial intelligence (AI) development is driving record electricity demand.

Emirates Nuclear Energy Co. (ENEC) is actively seeking to increase its influence. “We want to capitalise on our success,” the company’s CEO told the Financial Times, citing the US as a vital market due to its significant investments in AI-powered data centres.

The United States recently announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure program called “Stargate.” Of this, $100 billion has been dedicated to the construction of data centres in Texas, which would increase energy demand even more.

Beyond the US, the UAE is considering investing in other significant areas. ENEC is in talks about contributing to the UK’s Sizewell C nuclear power project. There are also discussions about the establishment of a future nuclear power facility in the Philippines.

Currently, the UAE is the only Gulf nation with a nuclear power plant, which generates 5,300 megawatts. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is making efforts to enrich and commercialise its uranium assets.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently in the UAE, met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday. During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s heartfelt greetings and his best wishes for the UAE’s continuing prosperity.

Jaishankar took to X and conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the UAE President. He emphasised that their conversations centred on advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “I am honoured to call on HH Mohamed Bin Zayed. I conveyed PM Narendra Modi’s warm regards. We discussed the continuous progress of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Jaishankar wrote, “Value his insights for its future growth.”

The meeting, held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, addressed a wide range of issues, including economic, geopolitical, and regional cooperation. The UAE President responded by extending his greetings to PM Modi and wishing India continued success.

Earlier, Jaishankar met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. They talked about strengthening economic, commercial, and cultural ties. Additionally, he met with Crown Prince Zayed to strengthen bilateral collaboration.

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about major subjects such as trade, immigration, and defence cooperation. The discussion was their first since Trump’s inauguration last week.

Following the call, Trump expressed confidence that India will “do what’s right” in terms of returning Indian immigrants who had unlawfully entered the US. He emphasised the importance of increasing India’s buying of American-made security equipment and establishing a fair bilateral economic partnership.

Trump later informed reporters that Modi is slated to visit the US in February. The White House confirmed that the visit was discussed, but no definitive date has been determined.

According to a White House statement, the two leaders held a “productive call” aimed at increasing bilateral cooperation. They also spoke on security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

India-US trade totalled $118 billion in 2023-24, with India retaining a $32 billion surplus. The United States regards India as an important strategic partner in combating China.

Despite tariff concerns during Trump’s re-election campaign, PM Modi maintained their friendship by calling Trump a “dear friend” in a social media post. Both leaders emphasised their desire for a mutually beneficial and trustworthy collaboration.

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister and other OPEC+ representatives met for talks following former US President Donald Trump’s call for lower oil prices. Trump said that lower oil prices could bring an end to the current conflict in Ukraine.

“I’ll ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to cut oil prices. “They should have done it long ago,” Trump stated. He said that rising oil prices allow Russia to fund its military operations, extending the conflict. “If oil prices fall, the issues will cease immediately. They bear some responsibility for what is going on.”

Trump also wanted global interest rates to fall, emphasising that a drop in oil prices will result in cheaper borrowing costs worldwide.

Despite Trump’s request, sources indicate that OPEC+ is unlikely to reduce prices. The alliance, founded in 2016, includes major oil producers such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. OPEC members own more than 79% of the world’s proven crude oil reserves and control global supply.

Historically, OPEC decisions have shaped global economies. In 1973, an oil embargo led to serious fuel shortages in the US. Today, any increase in OPEC+ output could provide a threat to American oil companies, particularly shale producers, whose costs are higher than those of OPEC members.

Uttarakhand has made history as the first Indian state to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). On Monday, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the groundbreaking initiative, which includes an official internet portal and represents a key legal milestone for the country.

Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami referred to the UCC as a “new era of equality and harmony,” emphasising its significance in delivering the ruling BJP’s 2022 election promise. He thanked the people of Uttarakhand for their assistance, saying, “This stream of equality emanating from Devbhoomi will irrigate the entire nation.”

The UCC aims to unite personal laws from all religions, focussing on fundamental issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession. It abolishes customs such as halala, iddat, and triple talaq from Muslim Personal Law and ensures equal rights for women throughout cultures. The law does not apply to Scheduled Tribes or Uttarakhand locals who have migrated beyond the state.

Marriage, divorce, and live-in relationship registrations are required by law, and marriages after March 26, 2010, must be recorded within six months. Pregnancies that result from live-in partnerships must be reported within 30 days of birth.

In an effort to strengthen social ties and encourage community involvement across the nation, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has proclaimed 2025 as the Year of Community. The UAE has been utilising yearly themes to direct activities since 2016. These themes centre on important societal ideals every year.

The 2025 tagline, “Hand in Hand,” embodies the objective of promoting cooperation and a sense of community among locals. This program places a high priority on fostering intergenerational relationships, protecting Emirati cultural heritage, and bolstering family ties. “Hand in hand, we will endeavour to cultivate shared responsibilities and strengthen social bonds, paving the way for sustainable growth,” said President bin Zayed.

Volunteering, community service, and other worthwhile endeavours that enhance neighbourhoods and people’s lives are promoted among the locals. Programs and events for 2025 will emphasise Emirati values, community togetherness, and group advancement. The government wants to give people and organisations the chance to grow and make valuable contributions.

Through previous themes like the Year of Giving (2017) and the Year of Tolerance (2019), the UAE has continuously highlighted societal values.

Thailand and France recently unveiled an official logo to commemorate two historic milestones: 340 years since their first contact in 1685, and 170 years of established diplomatic relations in 2026. The event was held on January 15 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, in partnership with the French embassy.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Lalivan Karnchanachari emphasised the two countries’ long-standing friendship and collaboration, which has lasted more than three centuries. She stated that these ties originated when Chevalier de Chaumont, under King Louis XIV, paid a visit to King Narai the Great’s court in Siam.

Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, France’s ambassador to Thailand, joined Lalivan in announcing the winner of the logo design competition, Karakot Chaiyon, a student at Ubon Ratchathani University. Karakot’s design, titled “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” depicts fireworks over Bangkok’s Wat Arun and Paris’ Eiffel Tower, symbolising the nations’ unification.

The Thai Association of French Teachers produced a historical exhibition for the event, which also featured musical performances by Thai and French artists. Karakot’s award included round-trip tickets to Paris sponsored by Air France.

The festival demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to developing relations with France through cultural and strategic collaborations.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has authorised a rise in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season. The MSP has been hiked to ₹5,650 per quintal, up ₹315 from the previous year’s price of ₹5,335 per quintal. This step attempts to raise jute farmers’ revenues and improve their financial security.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised that the new MSP provides a 66.8% return on the All-India weighted average cost of production. The decision is consistent with the government’s objectives to promote sustainable farming practices and secure fair prices for farmers.

The steady increase in raw jute MSP throughout the years is noteworthy. Since the 2014-15 marketing season, the MSP was fixed at ₹2,400 per quintal. The rate has now increased by 2.35 times, demonstrating the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the continuance of the National Health Mission for another five years. Union Minister Goyal praised the NHM’s vital role in improving healthcare delivery nationwide. Between 2021 and 2022, almost 12 lakh healthcare personnel joined the mission, which was critical during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The High Commission of India, in partnership with the Singapore Film Society, is organising the Indian Film Festival 2025 (IFF 2025) to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. The festival will emphasise the rich cultural interchange between the two countries by showing 18 Indian films to the Singaporean audience.

Dr. Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner, declared that attempts will be made to make this occasion a yearly custom. The festival, which takes place from January 24 to March 2, 2025, will include a wide range of films, from well-known regional hits to timeless masterpieces.

“The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation of India are supporting the non-commercial organisation of this festival,” Dr. Ambule said on Wednesday.

Every weekend, there will be screenings at Golden Village Cinema, which is situated in Singapore’s Central Business District’s busy Suntec City complex. To provide accessibility for Singaporean consumers, the films will be available in seven Indian languages with English subtitles.

The program will feature both contemporary cinematic treasures and timeless masterpieces by renowned Bengali director Satyajit Ray.