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 wil
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 an
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 co
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 th
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
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." T
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 he
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
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 practice
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 hit