
Lookout notice for missing Russian woman, child; top court suspects 'collusion'
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that a lookout circular has been issued and that the government is in contact with the Russian Embassy."She did not leave the country using legal channels," Bhati said.She also mentioned that the woman's last known financial transaction was on July 6 and that her Canara Bank account now shows a balance of only Rs 169."She has frugal means... She may have gone somewhere on foot," the ASG stated.The bench replied, "She may not have travelled by air, but there are other means."It directed the police to gather information from all major railway stations and transport hubs to determine whether she was still in the National Capital Region or had left."They need to be found immediately," the bench stressed.In its latest affidavit, Delhi Police said it has issued appropriate directions as per the court's July 17 order. Police visited the woman's last known rented address on May 22 and have since deployed personnel at key locations in and around the Defence Colony area.Authorities have also reached out to Instagram and Gmail seeking access to her digital activity, the court was told. The woman's maternal grandmother could not be contacted.The custody dispute dates back to an earlier court directive, which gave the father 20 hours a day with the child and the mother the remaining four hours, a schedule later modified to alternate three and four-day custody each week.However, Saikat Basu approached the court again earlier this month, alleging that Victoria had vanished with the child and was seen entering the Russian Embassy's back gate with luggage, reportedly accompanied by an embassy official. He expressed fears that the two may have left India.The Supreme Court has asked Delhi Police to expedite the investigation and continue providing status updates.- EndsTrending Reel

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Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Those misusing democratic freedoms must be held to account: PM Modi
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Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Congress ‘fell short' of understanding OBC issues, opened up space for BJP, says Rahul Gandhi
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Economic Times
21 minutes ago
- Economic Times
India, UK start a new chapter with FTA
India and the UK signed a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the aim of doubling imports and exports to more than $100 billion by 2030 from $56 billion now, marking the first of several key accords the Narendra Modi government expects to reach amid global upheaval sparked by US President Donald Trump's tariffs. Next up is likely a bilateral trade agreement with the US; both sides are said to be close to a CETA with the former colonial power is India's 16th such trade pact and will remove taxes on labour-intensive products such as leather, footwear and clothing in the British market, unlocking nearly $23 billion in opportunities. Similarly, whisky and cars from Britain will be cheaper in agreement between the world's fourth- and sixth-largest economies was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer after three years of negotiations amid the Trump-led tariff uncertainty. The accord will require the British parliament's approval before it can take effect, a process that may take about a year. The accord is critical for the island nation as it provides greater access to the fastest-growing economy in the world, five years after Brexit. As part of the agreement, India will cut import duty on Scotch whisky and gin from the UK to 75% initially and to 40% by the 10th year from 150% now. Tariffs on automotive imports will fall to 10% from over 100% under quotas on both sides. Indian manufacturers will gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota system. 'A new chapter begins today in the India-UK economic partnership!' Modi said in a post on X. 'The signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reflects our shared commitment to enhancing trade, driving inclusive growth and creating opportunities for farmers, women, youth, MSMEs, and professionals.'India's exports to the UK rose 12.6% to $14.5 billion, while imports grew 2.3% to $8.6 billion in FY25. India's tariffs on British products will drop to 3% from 15%.Modi added: 'India-UK CETA will add momentum to the 'Make in India'-led growth and export promotion. This agreement will also provide Indian consumers with high-quality goods at competitive prices. The future indeed holds the promise of greater prosperity and deeper ties between our nations!'Since 2014, the country has signed five trade pacts — with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, EFTA and the said the deal would bring 'huge benefits' for both countries, making trade cheaper, quicker and easier. 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India said it has protected the interests of domestic farmers by excluding dairy products, edible oils, oats and apples in the trade pact while securing zero duties on 95% of agriculture and processed food items. 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Airbus & Rolls-Royce will soon begin delivering Airbus aircraft — with over half powered by Rolls-Royce engines — to major Indian airlines as part of around £5 million worth of contracts recently agreed part of the reinvigorated partnership, the UK and India have also decided to strengthen cooperation in tackling corruption, serious fraud, organised crime, and irregular migration through enhanced intelligence sharing and operational deal will also facilitate easier access for temporary business visitors, though visas are not covered. Britain and India also agreed to ensure workers no longer have to make social security contributions in both countries during temporary postings in the other has also secured an agreement on the Double Contribution Convention. This will exempt Indian professionals and their employers from social security payments in the UK for up to three years, improving the cost competitiveness of Indian CETA provides greater market access for IT and IT-enabled services, financial and legal services, professional and educational services, and digital trade.'Indian professionals, including those deployed by companies to work in UK across all services sectors, professionals deployed on contracts such as architects, engineers, chefs, yoga instructors, and musicians, will benefit from simplified visa procedures and liberalised entry categories, making it easier for talent to work in the UK,' the commerce and industry ministry the trade deal, British firms will be able to access India's procurement market for projects in sectors such as clean energy, and it also covers services sectors such as insurance.'They have got limited access in our procurement but we have got unfettered access in theirs,' said the official cited for a separate bilateral investment treaty are continuing.'Women and youth entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen, startups, and MSMEs will gain new access to global value chains, supported by provisions that encourage innovation, promote sustainable practices, and reduce non-tariff barriers,' the ministry added. Bhagalpur silk, Pashmina shawls, Kolhapuri chappal, and Thanjavur dolls will now potentially get shelf space in malls and shops across Britain as the free trade agreement will provide duty concessions to a host of traditional products manufactured in India. Makhana, shahi litchi, Araku coffee, and Kashmiri saffron will also gain greater access to the UK market.