Latest news with #subcontinent
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK-India trade deal to give huge boost to economy – but there's STILL bad news for Rachel Reeves
AN INDIAN trade deal signed today will boost Britain's economy by £4.8billion a year - but will come too late to bail out Rachel Reeves before the Budget. Sir Keir Starmer will host his counterpart Narendra Modi to ink the long-awaited agreement that tears down tariff barriers. 2 The post- Brexit pact will also exempt Indian temporary workers in the UK from paying National Insurance, and vice-versa with our citizens employed on the subcontinent. But ministers insist it will not increase net migration, which was one of the main fears when subsequent Tory PMs tried to get a deal done. Indian average tariffs on UK exports will be slashed from 15 to 3 per cent, while whisky producers will toast an immediate duty cut from 150 to 75 per cent. Trade Department analysis reckons the deal will add £4.5billion to UK GDP every year, boost wages by £2.2billion and rake in £1.8billion in tax receipts. However it is understood that the benefits of the deal - which needs to be ratified by both countries' Parliaments - will not be taken into account by the OBR in time for the Budget. Sir Keir said last night: 'Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britian. 'It will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth in every corner of the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.' In April 2022 then PM Boris Johnson pledged an Indian trade deal 'by Diwali' but negotiations were held up by demands for more visas for Indian migrants. Current Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith last night hailed Brexit allowing Britain to strike out alone and make trade agreements. Moment Trump drops paperwork for US-UK trade deal after confirming it's 'done' alongside Starmer at G7 summit in Canada He said: 'This deal is only possible because of Brexit delivered by the Conservatives. 'Our slow learner of a Prime Minister must take note and stop capitulating to Brussels via his lopsided EU reset deal. 'Any trade deal that can successfully cut regulation which stops Britain's makers from creating new jobs and wealth will be a step in the right direction.' 2
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Prada Scandal Proves the Power of India's Troll Army
Retailing for as little as $10, India's beloved Kolhapuri sandals are a staple in wardrobes across the sub-continent. So when luxury brand Prada SpA debuted a new type of footwear at Milan Fashion Week that bore a stark resemblance to them, it didn't take long for the fury to build online. The saga underscores how much power the South Asian giant's digital tribe holds, where online outrage regularly influences public debate — especially when citizens perceive their heritage is under attack. International firms eyeing one of the world's fastest-growing markets should weigh the risks of these cultural missteps.
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
From soap operas to Instagram reels: Have we lost the plot on love and marriage?
Between the Asiatic cholera and the Covid pandemic, another scourge that had afflicted the subcontinent was the television soap opera . The typical symptoms of the contagion that hit every household in the region, irrespective of religion and social status, included nausea, vomiting, and headache among others. A venomous mother-in-law, and a slew of daughters-in-law battling each other to win her over and snatch the key to power and richness hanging from the chatelaine of the lady of the house. The victims, or martyrs, in the conflict that rocks the haveli from the very first episode to the last over several years, include DILs who self-immolate, hapless sons who shoot own mums, and revengeful sisters-in-law setting fire to the kitchen, et al. Fast forward to another decade, we have had a series of mythological productions where deities, demons and even biblical characters used drone-like machines to kill dragons and snakes, fired fake patriotic missiles and threw fake rocks and even mountains made of cardboard. Those were the days of 24 carat harmony with the have-nots who couldn't afford to buy the idiot box crammed into the living room of any good neighbour to watch those mega serials. The Muslims opened their doors to the Hindus and the Hindus to the Christians and the Christians to the Dalits so that no Indian was left out of the last bus to salvation. Then came the era of the smart phone which offered a handy alternative to the television. Movie clips to soundtracks to falsehoods were watched and shared by millions in a few seconds. Social media, even at its nascent stage, turned out to be more contagious and deadlier than the Covid pandemic. The elixir to all maladies that have afflicted humankind — samples of Ganga jal to zamzam and the holy water blessed by a priest in St Peter's Basilica in Rome— were bottled and sold through social media. Greedy humans mint and lose money on the platforms. Love is pronounced and divorces are handed through social media. Life is at the mercy of digital creators like Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Coming to this moment, when I write this column with no help from ChatGPT or DeepSeek or Copilot, humans are entertained, educated and serenaded by reels of few seconds. Corporate marketing to financial tips, movie to tech reviews, infotainment to terror classes, and philosophies to literature were reeled out by those who haven't even stepped into the corridors of knowledge in a university. Some uncanny real estate influencers lead you to bankruptcies, some yesteryear stars promoting shortcuts to richness show you the door to hell, self-styled literati rendering verses of love push you down the nunatak of romance, and self-styled educators promoting unlisted unis abroad shut the doors of knowledge on unscrupulous youngsters. The reel-o-mania is so deep-rooted in every stratum of society it sucks the juice of life from the veins of a civilisation. Yours truly, who typically hits the bed past 2am, now wakes up before sunrise and lies down on a recliner to watch reels about key institutions that make up a perfect marriage. Not because I am going to a divorce attorney tomorrow morning, but because I am aghast at the negative campaigns these influencers have embarked on. To me about 90 per cent of reels that come up on my screen make a mockery of marriage, mostly painting the female partners in bad shades. They are invariably portrayed as wicked, power-hungry, money-minded, plotters and dumbos whereas the men are clever, hardworking breadwinners and loving and caring yet victims of a one-sided game called marriage. The same old soap opera of patriarchy and misogyny. Like my colleague Karishma asked me the other day, why is the universe plotting against the institution of marriage? It's a sacred union of two minds solemnised to last forever and ever, regardless of what they are. It's on the partners to work towards becoming inseparable soulmates or to make amends to live and let live under one roof as best friends. It's small things that make a successful marriage: Respect for each other's personality, giving and taking the much-craved-for freedom and space, being there for each other and being the first to wipe each other's tears and share each other's joy. And the rest, as they always say, is love and luck. And there's this new breed of love-fluencers who eulogise hearts that never unite. They celebrate and cherish failed romance as the one that is heavenly. As if the planet is like a pigeon-hole too small to accommodate genuine love. But there are some geniuses like India's 'spoken word artist' Shachi Pathak whose rendering of a verse transports me to a different world. She prefers love to be nipped in the bud in order to preserve its purity, sanity and sanctity. Like a stillborn child. The verse serenades me into a trance where the Father sprinkles holy water in Commendation of the Dying of a big dream. In the hope of a second coming. Amen!
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Huge concern that England's seamers being out-bowled at home
On his Test return, Archer has reaffirmed that he possesses both pace and great skill. But, for all the qualities of Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, their approach with the new ball is different to that of Anderson and Broad – generally bowling more back-of-a-length, with the result that more deliveries bounce up at a height that can be left alone. The visitors have not met England with classical-style seam, but with an attack tailor-made for flat wickets. After England's loss last week, Ben Stokes likened conditions in Edgbaston to those in the subcontinent. While Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation bowler, the approach of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj reflects their experience bowling in India. Indian pitches generally offer less lateral movement than those in England. What seam movement there is in India tends to dissipate quickly, leading new-ball bowlers to embrace attack during their small window of opportunity. So quick bowlers in India tend to bowl straighter, attacking the stumps more and forcing the batsmen to play at more deliveries – accepting the risk of being driven that comes from embracing a more adventurous approach with the new ball. Rhythm of Test cricket in England has changed This template is ideally suited to the English summer of 2025. A combination of slow, docile pitches and the lack of assistance offered after the Dukes ball has gone soft means that the rhythm of Test cricket in England has changed. Rather than seam bowlers enjoying considerable assistance throughout the innings, they are neutered after the new ball. It is a challenge that India's quick bowlers have adapted to better than England's. So far this series, India's seamers have generated both more swing and seam movement than England's, and simply possessed a greater threat. While India's seamers average a combined 33.9, England's average a combined 44.3. The gap of 10.4 runs would be even greater had Bumrah and co received better support from India's fielders in the first Test at Headingley. The first half of the series has presented England with an unfamiliar problem: the sight of their own seamers being out-bowled at home. England's prospects of winning the series hinge on whether their quick bowlers can close the gap.
Geek Vibes Nation
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Tarzan Goes To India' Blu-Ray Review - Jock Mahoney Debuts As The Lord Of The Jungle
No need to land the plane when Tarzan flies to India. Just fly over an inland lake and the loin-clothed hero will leap into its blue depths! Jock Mahoney, who two years earlier portrayed Tarzan's foe in Tarzan the Magnificent, makes his splashy debut as Tarzan in this tale about the Ape-Man's rescue of elephants who will be doomed when a newly built dam unleashes its waters. John Guillermin (Tarzan's Greatest Adventure, The Towering Inferno) directs, combining colorful subcontinent locales with battles large and thunderous (massive bull elephants), small and fierce (cobra versus mongoose), cunning and treacherous (Tarzan against human foes). No matter where the jungle, there is but one jungle lord! For thoughts on Tarzan Goes to India, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: Video Quality Warner Archive presents Tarzan Goes to India with a lovely 1080p master transfer sourced from a new 2K scan on the Interpositive when this disc was released in 2019. Warner Archive is one of the most dependable labels around, and this release is another winner. The transfer is nearly entirely free of dirt and damage, giving this an appealing appearance that can blend in with any era. The level of detail and clarity is first rate with a valuable amount of natural film grain intact. The film features bold colors within the environments that radiate off the screen. Black levels are in good shape with firm stability throughout, and highlights are just as tight with no signs of blooming. There do not appear to be any serious digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such shortcomings. Tarzan fans will admire this effort. Audio Quality Warner Archive has provided a fine DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio presentation that has been restored with a considerate hand. The powerful Ken Jones score supports the film commendably as it comes through with righteous fidelity. Dialogue comes through crisply and clearly even during more thrilling moments. The track balances vocals with the environmental sounds with due clarity. There are no moments when the track ever appears weak or unstable. Warner Archive has provided a pleasing audio presentation that does not exhibit any overwhelming instances of age-related damage. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided. Special Features There are no special features provided on this disc. Final Thoughts Tarzan Goes to India is the first outing from Jock Mahoney as the iconic figure, and he appears to do a decent job of taking over the role. The narrative itself seems slightly geared towards a younger audience, which does not help him stand out with rich material. There are a ton of cute elephants that are a delight to watch, but this does not hold up as one of the more thrilling or complex outings. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a fantastic A/V presentation but nothing in the way of special features. If you are a Tarzan fan, this is a great addition to the collection. Recommended Tarzan Goes to India can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
