White House drops WSJ from Scotland press pool over Epstein report
Tarini Parti, a White House reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was initially scheduled to serve as the print pool reporter during the final two days of Trump's four-day visit to his golf courses in Turnberry and Aberdeen, Scotland. However, according to Politico, Parti was removed from the official trip manifest by the White House.Trump will head to Scotland next week, visiting areas where his family owns two golf courses and is opening a third. The President will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade ahead of an official state visit to Britain in September.Trump's trip, scheduled from July 25–29, will include stops at Turnberry -- home to a historic golf course and hotel he purchased in 2014 -- and Aberdeen, where one Trump golf course has operated since 2012 and a new one is set to open in August, the White House said last week.During the trip, Trump plans to meet with Starmer to 'refine' a previously announced trade deal, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.Located on the Ayrshire coast, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southwest of Aberdeen, Trump Turnberry is one of 10 courses on the rotation to host the British Open -- the oldest of the four major championships in men's golf -- but it hasn't staged the event since 2009, before Trump bought the resort.- EndsWith inputs from Associated Press
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14 minutes ago
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Banking, airlines, railways, coal, jute, newspapers: Ramkrishna Dalmia's business-building spree
Ramkrishna Dalmiya was one of India's leading industrialists, with diverse business interests spanning sugar, cement, chemicals, glass, dairy, aviation, biscuits and more. He continued to play a role in the freedom movement, providing financial support to political leaders and the Congress party. He had acquired a taste for dabbling in politics and enjoyed the company of many political leaders including Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel and Nehru. His deep friendship with Jinnah also continued. Ramkrishna had realised that together with his brother and son-in-law, they formed a formidable team. The two younger men left all financial decisions and acquisitions to Ramkrishna, recognizing his financial acumen. On their part, Jaidayal and Shanti Prasad concentrated on managing the operations of their various enterprises, demonstrating their ability to run and oversee diverse businesses. The business group, known as the Dalmia-Jain Group, had grown steadily in prominence and was counted among the biggest and best in the country. In 1943, Ramkrishna established Bharat Bank. Ramkrishna decided almost overnight that he wanted to acquire the bank. The authorised capital of the bank was Rs 50 lakh, but in no time, Ramkrishna raised it to Rs 20 crore. He appointed new directors, including well-known individuals such as state chief ministers. Appointing political leaders as directors in his companies was a strategic way for Ramkrishna to oblige them. While he sometimes provided financial support directly, he found that offering directorships or partnerships in managing agencies was a more refined approach. The directors of Bharat Bank appreciated the prestige of their positions as well as the money they earned. The bank soon expanded to 292 branches across the country. At the time, there was no centralised banking system, so each branch operated independently, catering to local markets and industries. Each branch had its own board, and Ramkrishna continued to appoint prominent individuals to these positions. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, many British companies had seen the writing on the wall, realising that India would soon gain its independence. Britisher owners therefore sought to sell their companies to local businessmen and industrialists and return to Britain. Ramkrishna saw a huge opportunity in this environment to acquire diverse companies. Being a risk-taker, he was willing to accept losses in some ventures. Jaidayal and Shanti Prasad supported him. The managing agency system allowed Ramkrishna to invest a small amount and acquire less than 10 per cent stakes in the companies he identified. Leveraging his network in the market and his growing reputation as an industrialist, he was able to get the shares of the acquired companies sold in the stock market. The Dalmia-Jain Group went on an acquisition spree, securing a majority stake in three jute mills. Jute was a thriving industry in India at the time, and Andrew Yule managed three mills: Albion Jute Mills Ltd, Lothian Jute Mills Ltd and New Central Jute Mills Ltd. Ramkrishna bought a controlling stake in all three mills just before Independence. Some years later, the Group bought two more mills, this time in Bombay – Madhowji Dharamsi Manufacturing Co. Ltd and Sir Shapurji Broacha Mill Ltd. By the end of the Second World War, the Dalmia-Jain Group forayed into the automotive sector. They purchased 50,000 American vehicles, including jeeps, weapon carriers and command cars. These war-used vehicles were repaired and reconditioned at the workshops of Allen Berry & Co. Ltd, a company Ramkrishna had acquired earlier. Along with establishing his presence in the automotive sector, Ramkrishna expanded his aviation interests. Indian National Airways, which had been acquired during the pre-war years and had been part of Govan Brothers Ltd, continued to fly its planes. A new company, Dalmia-Jain Airways Ltd., was formed, which flew cargo planes. Ramkrishna's vision was to use these airlines to link up with other aviation companies and connect upcountry destinations with existing trunk routes. Ramkrishna already had a presence in the railways sector, having previously acquired a small rail company for transporting raw materials to Dalmianagar. With his businesses now spread across the country, Ramkrishna expanded the railway company as well. The business empire was growing, with the Dalmia-Jain Group continuing to acquire companies. Much of the momentum was due to Ramkrishna's trademark fast decision-making. 'How is it that you are able to take decisions so quickly, Pitaji?' asked Shanti Prasad one day, amazed by the speed at which his father-in-law processed information and analysed the viability of a business. 'I really don't know, son. Maybe it is god-given, or perhaps it is something I developed during my years in the speculation business, where every minute – no, every second – is important. I think I unconsciously honed this skill during those days. But, I also think it is instinctive,' Ramkrishna replied after a moment's reflection. Shanti Prasad nodded in understanding. He had seen his father-in-law in action and realised that this ability was not something that could be learnt over time. 'You know that every minute, nay, every second is important when speculating. So, I think I have unconsciously developed this skill,' Ramkrishna continued. He spoke slowly as if reflecting and getting the answer from within. 'That makes sense, Pitaji,' he agreed. 'My advice to you, son, is to make quick decisions. Decide as quickly as you can. And don't worry about making wrong decisions. Not all your decisions will be correct – maybe eight out of ten will be right – but the gains from those eight decisions will usually outweigh the losses from the two wrong ones,' advised Ramkrishna. In the absence of a son of his own, he regarded Shanti Prasad as one. 'I will remember this, Pitaji,' promised Shanti Prasad solemnly. By the mid-1940s, the Dalmia-Jain Group, under Ramkrishna's leadership, had acquired a wide range of businesses. They owned several collieries, including Kharkhari Coal Co. at Junnardeo in the Central Province, Maheshpur Collieries Ltd in Jharia and Bharat Collieries Ltd, which had mines in Jharia, Barabani and Raniganj. Besides these, the Group had several other companies, including Patiala Biscuit Manufacturers Ltd, located in the state of Patiala. It produced biscuits and a range of other food products. Ramkrishna also acquired Lesco Chemical Works Ltd, which manufactured pharmaceutical products in Kanpur. The Group had a presence in the chemicals sector through Dhrangadhra Chemical Works in Kathiawar, Gujarat, which produced soda ash and sodium bicarbonate. It also owned Rampur Distillery & Chemical Works Ltd, which utilised molasses from the sugar mills to manufacture spirits and liquors. There was more. Rampur Maize Products produced glucose, starch and similar food products, while Shevaroy Bauxite Products Ltd, based in Yercaud, dealt in bauxite, emery and grinding paste. With its presence in various industrial sectors and locations across the country, the Dalmia-Jain Group was the third-largest business conglomerate in India. Only the Tatas and the Birlas were bigger. Yet, despite managing such a wide variety of businesses and factories, Ramkrishna had set his sights on one more sector – he aspired to enter the media industry. Ramkrishna held strong views on various aspects of politics and on cow protection. He had observed the influence newspapers wielded over public opinion, especially during his fight with ACC. He had already been funding the National Herald newspaper since its launch in 1938. The newspaper was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as its editor and chairman of its board. At the newspaper's inception, National Herald was in need of funds. Mohanlal Saxena, a close associate of Nehru, approached Ramkrishna to sell shares of the newspaper. Ramkrishna had agreed and asked how much money was required. Saxena explained that even if he bought shares worth Rs 5,000 and gave them only 25 per cent of the money (Rs 1,250), it would be enough to meet the newspaper's immediate needs. After listening to Saxena, Ramkrishna decided to buy shares worth Rs 25,000 and assured him that he would pay the full amount within ten days. Ramkrishna also nominated Shanti Prasad as a director on the National Herald's board. Even after many years, the Jain family continued to hold 25,000 preferential shares of the newspaper. Through this, Ramkrishna became a significant shareholder of the National Herald. He had seen the critical role the newspaper played in shaping public opinion, especially in the fight for freedom. Inspired by this, Ramkrishna decided that he, too, wanted to own a newspaper. He firmly believed that he could better serve his country by having a platform to reach millions of Indians. A newspaper, to his mind, was the best way to achieve this.
Mint
14 minutes ago
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Who is Ghislaine Maxwell and why her testimony could change the Jeffrey Epstein case
Ghislaine Maxwell, the former British socialite and convicted sex offender, may be ready to speak out about her long-standing association with Jeffrey Epstein. According to a report in the New York Post, Maxwell is expected to meet US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to explore the possibility of a deal in exchange for cooperation with federal authorities. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence at a low-security prison in Florida, was convicted in 2021 for recruiting and grooming young girls for Epstein, who died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. 'She's going to make a deal,' said noted lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who once represented Epstein. 'That's how it works. They make deals with mafia members, and they'll likely do the same here.' Ghislaine Maxwell is the daughter of late British media tycoon and former Member of Parliament Robert Maxwell, who once owned the Daily Mirror and publishing giant Macmillan. Known for her elite connections, Ghislaine was a regular in high society circles and even counted Britain's Prince Andrew among her close friends, often being spotted at royal residences, including Windsor Castle, the news agency AP reported. However, her life took a dramatic turn after her father's mysterious death in 1991, when he fell off his yacht. Investigations later revealed that Robert Maxwell had embezzled millions from his companies' pension funds, sending shockwaves through the UK. It was soon after his death that Ghislaine Maxwell was seen seated beside American financier Jeffrey Epstein at a memorial service, marking the beginning of a controversial partnership. Maxwell reportedly dated Epstein and later became a key figure in his inner circle, managing his multiple residences and staff. She has since been convicted for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking operation and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in the US. Legal experts believe Maxwell could hold critical information about the full scope of Epstein's sex trafficking operation, including names of both victims and alleged perpetrators. Some of Epstein's victims were reportedly forced to recruit others, further complicating the case. Maxwell, often referred to as the 'Rosetta Stone' of the Epstein scandal, is believed to have deep insight into both Epstein's circle and his finances. Though she has largely remained silent, Maxwell has indicated through her brother Ian Maxwell that she is willing to testify before a Congressional committee. If that happens, it would mark the first time her full version of events is heard by federal authorities. Until now, she has maintained her innocence and refused plea negotiations. The case has resurfaced after the US Justice Department announced plans to release information from recent FBI raids on Epstein's properties, only to later reverse the decision. This renewed focus has made Maxwell's account more significant than ever. The Justice Department has maintained there is no existing 'client list' linked to Epstein's alleged network. Maxwell's brother, Ian, has echoed that claim, stating that what some refer to as a 'list' was merely a high-profile address book, not evidence of trafficking. He also insists that his sister should never have been prosecuted, citing Epstein's 2007 plea deal in Florida, which promised immunity to his co-conspirators. However, New York prosecutors successfully argued that the deal was not applicable outside Florida. Maxwell has been incarcerated since 2022 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee. Her family has repeatedly raised concerns over her safety, citing poor living conditions, solitary confinement, and a lack of adequate staffing at the prison. With her legal appeal options dwindling, barring a final petition to the US Supreme Court, Maxwell may now be more inclined to cooperate in hopes of a sentence reduction. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who has previously dismissed the Epstein case as a 'hoax,' responded to the news of possible cooperation by saying, 'It sounds appropriate to do, yeah,' according to Politico. As questions around Epstein's death and his powerful connections continue to spark speculation, Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony may finally shed light on one of the most scandalous and mysterious criminal cases of recent decades.
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First Post
14 minutes ago
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FTA signing, talks on Khalistan and more... Why PM Modi's UK visit is important
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is off for his fourth trip to the United Kingdom. The visit, which begins today (July 23), is expected to witness the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Modi's discussions with British PM Keir Starmer will also touch upon a range of bilateral issues including security and technology read more PM Narendra Modi will hold talks with British PM Keir Starmer on a range of issues. File Photo/Reuters Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday (July 23). The trip is expected to witness the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. The two sides had concluded negotiations for the trade agreement on May 6. During his trip, Modi will discuss various issues with British PM Keir Starmer concerning bilateral relations. From the UK, PM Modi will depart for Maldives for a state visit from July 25-26. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the Indian leader begins his two-nation tour, here's what's on the agenda during the UK visit. Recent uptick in India-UK ties The relations between India and the UK have been on the rise in recent years. The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to Enhanced Partnership for the Future in 2010. The historical ties have got a boost since Brexit. In 2021, India and the UK upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also adopted Roadmap 2030 to boost the relations in trade and investment, defence and security, and people-to-people contact and so on. In 2023, India and the UK established the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue. Last year, they launched the Technology Security Initiative. In May, New Delhi and London concluded talks to reach a bilateral Free Trade Agreement deal, discussions for which first began in January 2022. Business ties have also enhanced between India and the UK, with goods trade surpassing $23 billion in 2024-25, Indian Express reported, citing data by Indian government sources. PM Modi in the UK PM Narendra Modi, who is on his fourth visit to the UK, will hold discussions with his British counterpart Keir Starmer on a range of bilateral issues. 'They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the official announcement. The Indian leader is also slated to meet King Charles III. PM Narendra Modi interacts with Britain's Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2024. File Photo/Reuters During the visit, PM Modi will review the state of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), 'with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people to people ties,' the MEA said. PM Modi is also likely to interact with business leaders in the UK. FTA, Khalistan & more A key part of PM Modi's UK visit is the finalisation of the trade agreement between the two countries. India and the UK are expected to sign the FTA on July 24. 'We are working on legal scrubbing and other last-minute work that needs to be done,' Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of PM Modi's visit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The India-UK FTA would eliminate duties on 99 per cent of Indian exports to Britain, including key sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery and auto parts and engines. In return, India will reduce or remove tariffs on 90 per cent of British products, including medical devices and alcoholic beverages. According to British estimates, the India-UK FTA will enhance bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040. PM Modi had announced the trade deal with the UK on May 6, calling it 'ambitious and mutually beneficial'. The UK government has described the agreement as 'the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal'. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany PM Modi to London for the signing of the India-UK FTA. The talks will reportedly feature matters related to security and technology. India is likely to raise the issue of a surge in Khalistani threat in the UK. 'The presence of Khalistani extremists…we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK. This should be a matter of concern for our partners as well,' Misri told the media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Modi had flagged the issue to Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada in June. The two leaders had also interacted during the G20 Summit in Brazil last year. The extradition of fugitives could also be among the top agendas during PM Modi's UK visit. India is seeking the extradition of Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, who are wanted for financial fraud, from the UK. 'There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and justice in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we continue to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India. Obviously, there is a legal process that such requests and such issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,' the Indian foreign secretary said. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
