Latest news with #Britian
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
BREAKING: David Lammy ultimatum to Israel over Gaza 'affront' applauded at UN
David Lammy has blasted the Israeli government - saying its "drip feeding" of aid to Gaza is an "affront" to the world. The Foreign Secretary was applauded at the UN General Secretary as he said the UK would recognise the Palestinian state by September unless Israel acts. In a brief speech he said: "The devastation in Gaza is heartbreaking. "Children are starving and Israel's drip feeding of aid has horrified the world. These are an affront to the values of the charter of the United Nations." The Foreign Secretary went on to say Britian "bears a special burden of responsibility" for a two-state solution. He said: "Let me be clear - the Netanyahu government's rejection of a two state solution is wrong. It's wrong morally, and it's wrong strategically. It harms the interests of the Israeli people." "Our demands on Hamas remain absolute and unwavering," he clarified. In a statement from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said the Palestinian people have "endured terrible suffering" with "catastrophic failure of aid". He added: "We see starving babies, children too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime. The suffering must end." Earlier on Tuesday, UN-backed experts said "the worst-case scenario of famine" was currently playing out in Gaza and warned of "widespread death" without urgent action. It came as the Prime Minister held an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss a peace plan for the region. He had summoned ministers back from the summer recess to discuss the proposals, which have been shared with France, Germany and US President Donald Trump. Downing Street said the PM "opened by saying that he had called the meeting to address the situation in Gaza which was getting more desperate by the day".
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
India's New Deals Leave US to Catch Up
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On a sweltering afternoon beside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood beside Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for the island nation's 60th birthday. It was not only ceremonial, however. Three agreements and four memorandums of understanding were signed with a country that had once been seen as inching into China's orbit. Days earlier and at a different place on the diplomatic scale, Modi had inked a new trade agreement with former colonial power Britian — calling it "a blueprint for our shared prosperity." But as the world's most populous nation forges a new global diplomatic playbook, one country appears conspicuously left out and with a trade deal still hanging in the balance: the United States. "We wish to engage with the world, including the West, on equal terms," Sanjeev Sanyal, a key member of Indian Prime Minister Modi's Economic Advisory Council told Newsweek. "We understand that Western countries have their interests, but we also have ours. So, we will speak up for our interests. This does not mean that we won't be willing to engage or make reasonable trade-offs." India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2L) inspects a guard of honour during his ceremonial reception at the Republic Square in Male on July 25, 2025. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2L) inspects a guard of honour during his ceremonial reception at the Republic Square in Male on July 25, 2025. Photo by Mohamed Afrah / AFP A U.S. State Department spokesperson described India as "a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including on its relationship with Russia and problematic actions by China." "We deeply value our relationships with fellow Indo-Pacific nations like India and Maldives. We will continue to work with our partners to advance American interests by ensuring the region remains free and open, and continues to become more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient," the spokesperson said. White House In a sign of India's importance for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, he was an early visitor to the White House in the second Trump term. But the optics of India's recent diplomatic activity are hard to ignore. India's diplomatic calendar this month reads like a G20 cheat sheet: France, UAE, Egypt, Iran, Russia — now Britain and the Maldives. And in a move that would have been unthinkable even a year ago, India just resumed offering tourist visas for Chinese citizens, ending a five-year freeze following deadly clashes in a disputed border area in 2020. "China and India should adhere to the direction of good neighborliness and friendship," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a July 15 meeting with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar. "China is willing to work with India to promote sustained, healthy, and steady development," he added. These moves reflect India's deepening role as a global swing power, geopolitical analysts said. "Power—not justice, not fairness, not laws, rules, or ethics—but raw, unadulterated, crude and unhinged power has become the key determinant of international relations," Gautam Chikermane, Vice President at Observer Research Foundation told Newsweek. "Threats have become the new vocabulary, whims are the new rules. Every country must have Plan B and Plan C in place. India already does." India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 24, 2025. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 24, 2025. Photo by KIN CHEUNG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Landmark Deal with Britain India's landmark deal with the UK is seen as much about geopolitics as about goods and services. It wasn't rushed. Negotiations began in May 2022, took three years, and involved tough domestic balancing acts—protecting farmers, small businesses, and service sectors on both sides. "It is not easy to sign a trade agreement like this," said one senior Indian trade official involved in the deal. "But both sides were patient. We weren't desperate, and we didn't take ultimatums." "This agreement is more than just trade," UK opposition Conservative MP Bob Blackman told Newsweek. "It reflects a shift in how both nations perceive power and partnership. No longer limited to Commonwealth nostalgia, the UK–India relationship is maturing—grounded in democratic resilience and pragmatic alignment." In contrast, there is still no trade deal with the United States despite some optimism voiced by President Trump and India. "The United States is very close to a trade deal with India... I think we'll get it done soon," Trump said at a recent press briefing. Yet, almost in the same breath, he reiterated his frustration with India's trade stance, immigration policies, and neutrality on Russia. "The era of building factories in China and hiring workers in India is over," Trump added—comments that have left New Delhi watching with a wary eye. Trump has also threatened secondary tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil—a clear warning to India, which continues buying discounted energy from Moscow in what it sees as a vital economic hedge, not a geopolitical endorsement. "India's successful trade deal with the UK demonstrates that it has global trading options and that it is not desperate enough for a trade deal with the United States to open up its agricultural sector," Lisa Curtis, director at the Center for a New American Security told Newsweek. "The Trump administration would be wise to make concessions for India in the interest of the larger strategic partnership." "One of the greatest foreign policy accomplishments of the first Trump administration was elevating the U.S.–India strategic partnership," Curtis continued. "It would be a mistake for the second Trump administration to sacrifice those gains."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India-UK FTA: Zero duty to boost India's generic drug, medical device exports to Britain
Exports of generic medicines and medical devices like X-ray systems and surgical instruments will get a boost as Britian has agreed upon zero duty under the free trade agreement. The trade agreement between India and the UK was singed on Thursday in London in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK premier Keir Starmer. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Design Thinking Degree others PGDM Leadership Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Management Data Science Product Management Digital Marketing MCA Cybersecurity Others healthcare Public Policy CXO Project Management Healthcare MBA Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details "Significant share of medical devices like surgical instruments, diagnostic equipments, ECG machines, X-Ray systems will not attract any duty," PTI reported quoting a commerce ministry official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist: The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo The deal will reduce costs for Indian med-tech companies and make products more competitive in the UK market. "Given the UK's shift away from reliance on Chinese imports post-Brexit and COVID-19, Indian manufacturers are poised to emerge as a favoured, cost-effective alternative, especially with zero-duty pricing for medical devices," the official told PTI. Live Events The commerce ministry has said that zero tariff provisions under the FTA are expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian generics in the UK market, which remains India's largest pharmaceutical export destination in Europe. Currently, India exports $23.31 billion globally and the UK imports nearly $30 billion, but Indian pharma accounts for under $1 billion, indicating significant headroom for growth. The pharma sector has only 56 tariff lines, which is just 0.6 per cent of the total, the document stated. Despite the small representation, pharmaceutical sector holds high value and strategic importance, especially in global trade, the document stated. India's pharmaceutical industry is the world's third largest by volume and 14th largest in terms of value. The sector's exports rose 10 per cent year-on-year to $30.5 billion in FY 2024-25. The industry is leading in the manufacture of high-quality generic drugs at competitive prices over the last 30 years. India is the largest supplier of generic medicines with a 20 per cent share in the global supply by manufacturing 60,000 different generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories. Indian products are shipped to over 200 countries around the globe, with Japan, Australia, West Europe and the US as the main destinations. The current market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be $11 billion and expected to reach $50 billion by 2030.
Business Journals
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
GLP-1 Drugs: Essential insights for employers
GLP-1 medications have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their success in managing diabetes and contributing to weight loss. As these medications continue to gain traction, employers may encounter an array of opportunities and challenges, especially concerning cost control and employee health. What are GLP-1 drugs? Originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, these medications are now frequently prescribed for weight loss as well. However, this increase in demand has had a notable impact on overall pharmacy spending, making it essential for employers to pay attention to how these drugs affect their health care costs. Why should employers care? One major concern is the skyrocketing price of GLP-1 medications. Pharmaceutical companies are charging Americans 10 times what they do in other countries such as Britian, Australia and France. When families and employers make a significant investment, we want the results to be successful. The rising appeal of GLP-1 drugs for cosmetic weight loss has led to a significant increase in off-label prescribing, which can result in the potential for unnecessary claims, legal or ethical dilemmas and the risk of poor health outcomes for individuals who may not receive the right support for their condition. How Univera Healthcare helps employers manage this trend As the GLP-1 landscape evolves, we are dedicated to keeping our policies aligned with the latest data to ensure the best outcomes for your team. On January 1, 2025, Univera Healthcare made important updates to our prior authorization criteria to align them with bariatric surgery standards. BMI requirements were increased to greater than 40 mg/kg2 or greater than 35 mg/kg2 with one more weight-related comorbidity. We did this to focus our resources on members facing the highest risks of serious medical issues and life-threatening complications. This decision came after thorough analysis and reflection of our commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our groups and their members. To combat inappropriate prescriptions and further ensure the safety of employees, we employ utilization management programs. The prior authorization process requires health care providers to certify that a member is enrolled in an approved weight loss program and meets the necessary medical criteria for GLP-1 therapy. This careful approach aims to maintain access to requisite treatments while effectively managing costs. Through this management of GLP-1 use, Univera Healthcare has realized cost savings, as indicated by the graph below: expand 'Univera Healthcare is using what appears to be the most sensible weight loss GLP-1 prior authorization criteria in the marketplace, without significantly disrupting rebates.' — USI Partner What we know about the future of GLP-1 drugs In 2024, there were significant advancements with GLP-1 indications. Zepbound® received an expanded indication for the treatment of sleep apnea, enhancing its role in patient care. Wegovy® also expanded its indications by gaining approval for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Additionally, as of January 2025, Ozempic® is now approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes who also have chronic kidney disease. These developments represent important progress in the management of various health conditions under one drug. Given the market success of these products, there has been significant interest and investment in obesity medications. Many manufacturers are now exploring new approaches, including new drugs, alternative delivery methods, and improved side effect profiles. More than 15 new obesity medications are expected to gain approval over the next five years. Partner with Univera Healthcare While GLP-1 drugs possess the potential to enhance employee health, they must be utilized responsibly. By partnering with a pharmacy benefits provider such as Univera Healthcare, employers can better control costs, protect their bottom line and ensure their workforce receives the appropriate care.
Qatar Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Syria and UK re-establish ties in first top-level visit since 2011
dpa Damascus Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa received British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Damascus on Friday, marking the first visit by a senior British official to Syria since diplomatic ties were severed more than a decade ago. According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, the meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The discussions also touched on regional and international developments. In a separate session, Foreign Minister Al Shibani held an extended meeting with Lammy to discuss enhancing political dialogue and cooperation across various areas of mutual interest. Lammy discussed discuss bilateral cooperation, political transition, and regional security and emphasized UK support for Syria's reconstruction, inclusive governance, and justice for victims of the former regime, according to a statement issued by the British Foreign Office. Britain also announced new funding, including £2 million ($2.7 million) to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in eliminating remaining chemical weapons in Syria. London also pledged £94.5 million in humanitarian and development aid to support Syrian livelihoods, education, and countries hosting Syrian refugees. Lammy also met with Syrian Civil Defence (White Helmets) teams and women-led businesses supported by UK aid programs. A stable Syria is in the UK's national interest, he said, citing priorities such as counterterrorism, curbing irregular migration, and dismantling remnants of chemical weapons programme dating back to the era under long-time ruler Bashar Al Assad who was overthrown in December. Britian suspended its diplomatic relations with Syria in mid-2012 following the escalation of anti-government protests and civil unrest. Lammy's visit signals a potential shift in Western engagement with Damascus as regional dynamics evolve.
