Posts

Showing posts from February, 2025

Starmer speaks to Trump and Zelensky following White House row

A statement from No 10 confirms he spoke with both and "retains unwavering support for Ukraine".

Watch: Decoding the PM's meeting with Donald Trump

Watch: Decoding the PM's meeting with Donald Trump

UK-US trade deal could mean tariffs 'not necessary', says Trump

The US president says a trade deal could happen very quickly and avoid taxes on UK imports.

UK-US trade deal could mean tariffs 'not necessary' - Trump

The US president says a trade deal could happen very quickly and avoid taxes on UK imports.

Key takeaways from Starmer's talks with Trump

A surprise letter from King Charles III to a possible trade deal - the key moments from Starmer's visit to the White House.

King invites Trump for 'unprecedented' second state visit

Keir Starmer hands the US president an invitation letter as the pair meet at the White House.

UK and US trade deal could happen 'very quickly', says Trump

The US president says an agreement could see the UK avoiding the trade tariffs he has been threatening.

Trump 'inclined' to back UK's Chagos Islands deal

The UK has offered Trump an effective veto on the deal because of its implications for US security.

King invites Trump for 'unprecedented' second state visit

Keir Starmer hands the US president an invitation letter as the pair meet at the White House.

Gatwick second runway backed by government

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says she is "minded to approve" the expansion, which faces opposition.

Gatwick second runway backed by government

If the airport wins permission for its controversial expansion plan, construction would start almost immediately.

Ukraine needs US security guarantee to deter Putin - PM

The PM stresses the importance of US help but Trump suggests responsibility lies with Europe.

Chagos deal will not go ahead if Trump rejects it - Lammy

David Lammy says the UK "a shared military and intelligence interest" with the US in the territory.

Trump accelerated UK military boost, says former defence chief

General Sir David Richards said the decision "almost certainly would not" be happening if not for Trump.

Will Starmer's defence hike win over Trump?

The prime minister has set out plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027.

Jailed MP Mike Amesbury urged to quit Commons

The Runcorn and Helsby MP was jailed by magistrates on Monday after he admitted the assault.

New powers to search homes for stolen phones

The Crime and Policing Bill will give officers powers to make Britain's cities safer, the home secretary says.

UK fooled by faith in international law, says Badenoch

The Conservative leader says "the world has changed" and the UK needs a realistic response.

Conservative councillor defects to Reform

Kevin Towill has become the party's sole representative in the council chamber.

Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

Customers' photos and documents stored online will no longer be protected by end-to-end encryption.

Trump says Starmer and Macron 'haven't done anything' to end Ukraine war

Trump's criticisms come as the UK and French leaders prepare to visit the White House next week.

Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

Customers' photos and documents stored online will no longer be protected by end-to-end encryption.

Government finances in surplus but pressure builds on Reeves

The state collected more in tax than it spent in January but the figures fell short of forecasts.

UK and Europe must step up over Ukraine, says ex-Army boss

Sir Nick Carter says "others are going to have to step up to the plate" if the US does not want to.

The worrying pitfalls ahead of Starmer's US trip

When Sir Keir Starmer touches down in Washington next week, he will be treading a fine diplomatic line.

Welsh under-21s get £1 bus fares in Labour-Lib Dem deal

Welsh government and Lib Dem leader announce deal on budget, with money for childcare and councils planned.

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump calls him 'dictator'

It comes as Western officials say less than 30,000 troops could be stationed in Ukraine as part of a peace deal.

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump 'dictator' claim

The prime minister spoke to Zelensky on the phone and expressed support for "Ukraine's democratically elected leader".

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump 'dictator' claim

The prime minister spoke to Zelensky on the phone and expressed support for "Ukraine's democratically elected leader".

Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump 'dictator' claim

The prime minister spoke to Zelensky on the phone and expressed support for "Ukraine's democratically elected leader".

New knife laws will make difference, says victim's sister

Retailers must report suspicious purchases and there will be tougher sentences for selling to under-18s.

MPs criticise 'wealth-hoarding' boomers stereotype

A report from the Commons' women and equalities committee says age discrimination is widespread.

British Army 'absolutely ready' if ordered to deploy to Ukraine

It comes as 2,500 UK troops take part in Nato's largest exercise this year near Ukraine's border.

Thames Water secures £3bn lifeline after court ruling

The UK's largest water and waste company was set to run out of money by the end of March.

Thames Water secures £3bn lifeline after court ruling

The UK's largest water and waste company was set to run out of money by the end of March.

Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal

The PM says "a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again".

Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal

The PM says "a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again".

Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal

The PM says "a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again".

Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal

The PM says "a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again".

Plans to protect UK steel industry as tariff threat looms

US President Donald Trump is set to impose 25% taxes on steel entering America "without exceptions".

What we've learned about Rachel Reeves's expenses - and the Labour response

Senior figures defended the chancellor after we revealed her expenses were investigated before she was an MP.

How fast is the UK's economy growing?

How the health of the UK economy is measured, and why the GDP calculation matters.

Reform UK sets out plan to tax renewable energy

Deputy leader Richard Tice argues net-zero policies are to blame for higher energy bills in the UK.

Labour suspends 11 councillors over WhatsApp group

The group, which is being investigated by the party, has already led to the suspension of two Labour MPs.

Labour suspends 11 councillors over WhatsApp group

The group, which is being investigated by the party, has already led to the suspension of two Labour MPs.

UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador tells BBC

In his first day on the job, Lord Peter Mandelson says "we have to respect and understand what drives" the US president.

Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate

MPs are holding a debate in the House of Commons on Labour's plans to overhaul border measures.

Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate

MPs are holding a debate in the House of Commons on Labour's plans to overhaul border measures.

MP behind assisted dying bill suggests scrapping High Court approval

It comes after concerns were raised over the court's capacity to hear each individual case.

Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate

MPs are holding a debate in the House of Commons on Labour's plans to overhaul border measures.

Second Labour MP apologises over WhatsApp comments

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan says his comments in the group were "completely unacceptable".

Second Labour MP apologises over WhatsApp comments

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan says his comments in the group were "completely unacceptable".

National-level powerlifter shot dead in Sonipat

Image

Protest rallies, Abhaya clinics mark RG Kar victim's b'day

Image
On the 32nd birthday of the late RG Kar doctor, her family and supporters held rallies and set up Abhaya clinics to honor her memory. Patients received saplings symbolizing her spirit. Despite the main accused being sentenced to life, there are calls for capital punishment. Junior doctors and local residents marched, reaffirming their commitment to seeking justice. On the 32nd birthday of the late RG Kar doctor, her family and supporters held rallies and set up Abhaya clinics to honor her memory. Patients received saplings symbolizing her spirit. Despite the main accused being sentenced to life, there are calls for capital punishment. Junior doctors and local residents marched, reaffirming their commitment to seeking justice.

Mizoram government bid to hand over airport to IAF stirs political row

Image
The MNF vowed to prevent Lengpui airport from being handed over to the Indian Air Force, criticizing ZPM's financial management and highlighting potential civilian-military conflicts. They express concerns about economic impact, noise pollution, and strategic military targeting. The previous MNF government had already proposed constructing a second runway. The MNF vowed to prevent Lengpui airport from being handed over to the Indian Air Force, criticizing ZPM's financial management and highlighting potential civilian-military conflicts. They express concerns about economic impact, noise pollution, and strategic military targeting. The previous MNF government had already proposed constructing a second runway.

Three women labourers, toddler killed as dumper falls on them

Image
A sand-laden dumper truck overturned at a road construction site in Banaskantha district, killing three women and a toddler. The incident occurred as the driver lost control while navigating a narrow turn. Emergency services worked for two hours to rescue the victims, who were pronounced dead at a government hospital. A sand-laden dumper truck overturned at a road construction site in Banaskantha district, killing three women and a toddler. The incident occurred as the driver lost control while navigating a narrow turn. Emergency services worked for two hours to rescue the victims, who were pronounced dead at a government hospital.

Rape case fabricated, 3 get court relief after 4 years in jail

Image
A fast track court in Dehradun acquitted three men who were jailed for four years on false rape charges under the Pocso Act. The court found the woman was in a consensual relationship with one of the accused and fabricated the case when he refused to divorce his wife. A fast track court in Dehradun acquitted three men who were jailed for four years on false rape charges under the Pocso Act. The court found the woman was in a consensual relationship with one of the accused and fabricated the case when he refused to divorce his wife.

SC raps cops for 'faulty probe', acquits man on death row

Image
The Supreme Court set aside the death penalty of Gambhir Singh due to inadequacies in the investigation of a 2012 murder case involving his brother's family. The court highlighted lapses by Agra police and the prosecution, noting improper evidence and investigation flaws. The Supreme Court set aside the death penalty of Gambhir Singh due to inadequacies in the investigation of a 2012 murder case involving his brother's family. The court highlighted lapses by Agra police and the prosecution, noting improper evidence and investigation flaws.

PM Modi let Biren stay despite loss of life, says Congress

Image
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused PM Narendra Modi of allowing Biren Singh to continue as Manipur CM despite violence and division in the state. Gandhi urged Modi to visit Manipur, listen to the people, and restore peace. Congress linked Singh's resignation to mounting public pressure, SC investigation, and a no-confidence motion. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused PM Narendra Modi of allowing Biren Singh to continue as Manipur CM despite violence and division in the state. Gandhi urged Modi to visit Manipur, listen to the people, and restore peace. Congress linked Singh's resignation to mounting public pressure, SC investigation, and a no-confidence motion.

Bid to save face, says tribal body; BJP defends ex-CM

Image

After Biren red card, all eyes on Delhi's next pick for captain

Image
Following the removal of N Biren Singh as Manipur CM, BJP is urgently seeking a new leader to navigate the state's ethnic tensions and fractured governance. Potential candidates include Yumnam Khemchand Singh, T Biswajit Singh, and T Satyabrata Singh, with decisions anticipated from BJP's central leadership in New Delhi. Following the removal of N Biren Singh as Manipur CM, BJP is urgently seeking a new leader to navigate the state's ethnic tensions and fractured governance. Potential candidates include Yumnam Khemchand Singh, T Biswajit Singh, and T Satyabrata Singh, with decisions anticipated from BJP's central leadership in New Delhi.

Militants loot arms from IRB outpost in Thoubal

Image
Militants raided an IRB outpost in Thoubal, Manipur, looting six SLRs, three AK-series rifles, and ammunition. The attack left three security personnel wounded while additional forces managed to recover most of the weapons. A Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) militant is identified as one of the attackers. Militants raided an IRB outpost in Thoubal, Manipur, looting six SLRs, three AK-series rifles, and ammunition. The attack left three security personnel wounded while additional forces managed to recover most of the weapons. A Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) militant is identified as one of the attackers.

Bengaluru cops pull the plug on Ed Sheeran the busker

Image
Ed Sheeran's impromptu street performance in Bengaluru was cut short by police due to lack of permission and footpath encroachment. The incident sparked a debate on the flexibility needed for spontaneous artistic expressions, with Sheeran's team insisting they had permission, while local authorities denied any such claims. Ed Sheeran's impromptu street performance in Bengaluru was cut short by police due to lack of permission and footpath encroachment. The incident sparked a debate on the flexibility needed for spontaneous artistic expressions, with Sheeran's team insisting they had permission, while local authorities denied any such claims.

Meitei 'saviour' Biren appeals against separate tribal set-up

Image
N Biren Singh resigned as Manipur's chief minister, emphasizing the importance of the state's territorial integrity and addressing the Kuki tribe's demand for autonomy. He called for stringent action against infiltrators from Myanmar and highlighted the state's battle against drug-related issues. He praised security forces for destroying illegal poppy cultivation areas before stepping down. N Biren Singh resigned as Manipur's chief minister, emphasizing the importance of the state's territorial integrity and addressing the Kuki tribe's demand for autonomy. He called for stringent action against infiltrators from Myanmar and highlighted the state's battle against drug-related issues. He praised security forces for destroying illegal poppy cultivation areas before stepping down.

Delhi-Katra e-way to take one more year to be completed: Govt

Image

After almost 3 years, NHAI bids out project to be built with full private investment, zero govt funding

Image

India Energy Week 2025 to start from Feb 11, minister Hardeep Puri to share details at presser tomorrow

Image

‘Resignation not enough, restore peace’: Rahul Gandhi dares PM Modi to visit Manipur after Biren Singh quits

Image

With Delhi polls done 'right', eyes on BJP's CM face to rule Rajdhani

Image
With the BJP's decisive win, the focus now shifts to selecting the next Delhi chief minister. Key contenders are Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, Virendra Sachdeva, Harish Khurana, and Bansuri Swaraj. The decision is likely to be made after PM Modi's return from the US. The BJP may choose an unexpected candidate to ensure better control. With the BJP's decisive win, the focus now shifts to selecting the next Delhi chief minister. Key contenders are Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, Virendra Sachdeva, Harish Khurana, and Bansuri Swaraj. The decision is likely to be made after PM Modi's return from the US. The BJP may choose an unexpected candidate to ensure better control.

In a first, Army, IAF chiefs fly Tejas together

Image

Uttarakhand government's Munsyari mountaineering institute to hold Basic Ski Course from February 14

Image
The Pandit Nain Singh Surveyor Mountaineering Training Institute in Munsyari will hold a Basic Ski Course from February 14-27, 2025. Led by Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu, the course costs Rs 12,000 and is open to beginners and those looking to enhance skiing skills in the Himalayas. The Pandit Nain Singh Surveyor Mountaineering Training Institute in Munsyari will hold a Basic Ski Course from February 14-27, 2025. Led by Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu, the course costs Rs 12,000 and is open to beginners and those looking to enhance skiing skills in the Himalayas.

‘Atishi danced after Kejriwal’s plan to defeat her failed’: BJP leader Anurag Thakur

Image

'After everything was ruined': Congress says Manipur CM Biren Singh’s resignation came 'too late'

Image
The Congress criticized the timing of Manipur CM N Biren Singh’s resignation, arguing it should have happened earlier to prevent the state's crisis. Singh resigned after meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing gratitude for central government support while Congress leaders blame him for deepening community divides. The Congress criticized the timing of Manipur CM N Biren Singh’s resignation, arguing it should have happened earlier to prevent the state's crisis. Singh resigned after meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing gratitude for central government support while Congress leaders blame him for deepening community divides.

N Biren Singh, first BJP CM in Manipur, who faced uphill crisis in hill state

Image
Nongthombam Biren Singh resigned as Manipur's chief minister following severe ethnic clashes since May 2023. Despite the central government's efforts to restore peace, including deploying additional security forces and implementing new measures, challenges like Myanmar fighter infiltration persisted. Singh, a former footballer and journalist, had struggled to manage the conflict, leading to his resignation. Nongthombam Biren Singh resigned as Manipur's chief minister following severe ethnic clashes since May 2023. Despite the central government's efforts to restore peace, including deploying additional security forces and implementing new measures, challenges like Myanmar fighter infiltration persisted. Singh, a former footballer and journalist, had struggled to manage the conflict, leading to his resignation.

'Protests, torn letter': What happened when Biren Singh tried to resign as Manipur CM in 2023

Image
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh submitted his resignation amid political tensions and opposition pressure for a no-confidence motion. Singh's previous 2023 attempt to resign due to ethnic violence was thwarted by supporters, leading him to clarify he would not resign. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh submitted his resignation amid political tensions and opposition pressure for a no-confidence motion. Singh's previous 2023 attempt to resign due to ethnic violence was thwarted by supporters, leading him to clarify he would not resign.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh quits: Why the resignation came now?

Image
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh resigns amidst threat of a no-confidence motion against his government by Congress in the upcoming assembly session. His resignation follows ongoing ethnic violence in the state and accusations of governance failures. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh resigns amidst threat of a no-confidence motion against his government by Congress in the upcoming assembly session. His resignation follows ongoing ethnic violence in the state and accusations of governance failures.

'MCC openly violated': Manish Sisodia, AAP leaders allege foul play after dismal Delhi election results

Image
After a significant defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, the AAP alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct and claimed systemic bias against them. Despite raising earlier concerns, AAP only secured 22 seats. Party leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, acknowledged their loss and pledged to serve as a constructive opposition. After a significant defeat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, the AAP alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct and claimed systemic bias against them. Despite raising earlier concerns, AAP only secured 22 seats. Party leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal, acknowledged their loss and pledged to serve as a constructive opposition.