Latest news with #Scotch
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
John Swinney insists he pushed whisky tariffs issue with Donald Trump after President appeared to rubbish the claim
The meeting had raised hopes Mr Trump could drop the hefty US import tariffs on Scotch whisky WHISKY BUSINESS John Swinney insists he pushed whisky tariffs issue with Donald Trump after President appeared to rubbish the claim Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN Swinney insisted he pushed the issue of whisky tariffs with President Trump just a day after the US chief appeared to rubbish the claim. Donald Trump told reporters he and the First Minister 'did not really discuss' the issue of levies on the key export. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 3 The First Minister insisted he pushed the issue of whisky tariffs with President Trump Credit: Getty 3 Donald Trump told reporters he and the First Minister 'did not really discuss' the issue Credit: Reuters This was despite insistence from the SNP leader and senior aides that the chat had 'opened the window' to a possible exemption to punishing tariffs on the sector as part of the US/UK trade deal. The meeting had raised hopes Mr Trump could drop the hefty US import tariffs on Scotch whisky, which is costing the industry here £4million a week. Asked about Mr Trump's comments, Mr Swinney said: 'I've seen what President Trump said about the whisky issue and he said that we didn't talk about it much. That's different from not at all. 'So yes, we talked about it. I had a conversation with President Trump over dinner which lasted at least an hour and a quarter, maybe even longer, so we talked about a lot of things, including whisky.' We told how Mr Trump had also made the questionable claim there was no crime in Scotland, despite evidence to the contrary. Asked about this, Mr Swinney said: 'I think I made it clear to President Trump that we had lower crime in Scotland than we used to have but we still have crime.' He also failed to rush to the defence of his predecessor Ms Sturgeon who the US leader had labelled 'terrible' in a slapdown on Wednesday. Mr Swinney said: 'I am not able to determine all the things that the President says.' The First Minister, speaking at an event with the Edinburgh International Festival on the eve of the start of the Fringe, also insisted he believed the SNP would secure a majority at the Holryood election next year. The Nats chief had earlier set the party on a collision course with the UK Government over independence, claiming a majority would spark a second vote. Five moments you missed from a weekend with Donald Trump in Scotland However polling suggests the SNP could fall well short of a majority which has only ever been achieved once in 2011. Pushed on whether this was just a trick to boost his vote knowing how unlikely it was, Mr Swinney said: 'Of course I believe in it, I wouldn't have put it forward if I didn't.' Asked if he was 'delusional' to think he would get a majority at next year's Holyrood election, Mr Swinney insisted it is the 'reliable way' to get a second independence referendum. He also appeared to hit out at Humza Yousaf and Ms Sturgeon for their past indy wheezes, including claiming a majority of SNP MPs or a Holyrood pro-indy majority would deliver a referendum. The First Minister said: 'If people look at the circumstances of the last 15 years it is clear that the only moment in which there was a referendum on independence followed the election of a majority of SNP MSPs. 'Other things have been tried, if I can put it as delicately as that, and they haven't worked.' Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: 'Scots are sick and tired of the SNP focusing on independence, when they should be cutting sky-high taxes and fixing the public services they've broken. 'But, as usual, John Swinney is more interested in appealing to diehard nationalists than delivering on the priorities of ordinary Scots.'
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Threw My Teen a Surprise Party—and It Was an Epic Parenting Move
One mom shares why she threw her 15-year-old a surprise party at a hotel and how she pulled it off. Let's take a moment of silence for parents raising teens. These years are challenging. It's the hormones, their desperate need for independence, and our inability to let go. Our teens are pushing us away and calling our hugs cringe. But when it comes to their birthday, we still want to share it with them and make it special. When planning my 15-year-old's birthday, I thought a surprise hotel party was the perfect way to bring us closer together. And I felt it would be something he would truly enjoy. Surprise parties are not the easiest to pull off but here's what helped me give my teen the ultimate celebration. Find Your Why Before embarking on the party planning process, I think it's important to know your why. The truth is we only have a few years left with our teens until they're off to college or to start another new life experience. Some of us will be empty nesters for the first time and will miss them deeply. We start to wonder if we spent enough time with them or if they still remember the lessons we've taught them. We would love for them to have memories to hold on to that make them feel loved. The celebration I planned did just that. My son hugged me and thanked me so many times. And if you're with me in this parenting stage you know that hugs are so few and far between. Choose the Right Location We opted for a New York City staycation at the Loews Regency Hotel and booked two rooms. Homes in the Big Apple tend to be small and it's really hard to surprise a teen that lives with you. This hotel screamed luxury and that was the feeling that I wanted my son and his friends to experience. A hotel party also helps to make things stress-free. It's a controlled space and the staff is able to help with setup, catering, and cleanup. My advice is to provide the hotel with enough notice of the party so that they can also be on the ready to help or make it special. Our concierge provided us with 15-year-old-themed balloons which added a special touch. The Loews team often checked in to see if I needed anything for my setup and were kind enough to source the Scotch Tape (that I swore I packed) for the room decor. My son and his friends were able to be themselves, play video games, and eat pizza without me hovering because I knew they were just in the other room. This party could easily be pulled off at an event space or a public park, but there was something nice about not having to worry about the weather or cleaning up after teenage boys for the weekend. Keep It Intimate Large parties can be overwhelming for just about anyone. The celebrant has to divide their time between making sure they check in with each guest and trying to have fun. It becomes less about the person we're celebrating and more about the people who attend. For my son's party, we invited three of his closest friends who would stay overnight and a small representation of his village. It was very important that I spoke to each kid's parent to make sure they had my contact information and a detailed plan so that they felt safe leaving their children in our care. I was raised by a very overprotective mom, so I go out of my way to make sure the parents know that I care and want their children to be safe. Figure Out Your Lie We spend our kids' entire lives telling them to be honest, but for a surprise party, a good lie is a must. I am a part of a huge village, and we are constantly helping each other fulfill our dreams. So, when I told my son I was helping one of his aunties on a film shoot, it didn't throw him off one bit. I warned him the night before that we may need his help on set, but that I would give him a heads up. I left the house early that morning with my Hulken tote bag in tow, and I was off to 'set.' I kept my son busy that day by scheduling a haircut appointment because I wanted him to show up to his party looking fresh. On his way home from the appointment, I told him I needed him to run to the city with his PlayStation so we could use it as a prop for a scene where the actor was playing video games. He asked if it could be his dad's Xbox, but I told him the script specifically said PS5, and that he needed to bring it over at 2 p.m. When he arrived in the lobby, one of his aunties escorted him to the 'set.' Moments later, surprise! He was shocked! My son was grateful, and he felt loved. Personalize the Theme My son has an obsession with Epic: The Musical. In case you don't know, that's a concept album created by Jorge Rivera-Herrans. It's been hard for me to grasp this idea of a musical that isn't performed anywhere but has millions of TikTok fans. I had to remind myself that this party was not about me. It was an opportunity for me to learn more about my son. It was an opportunity for his family to learn more about what his current interests are and what he's become since that Thomas the Tank Engine-obsessed 5-year-old. I learned that Epic is an adaptation of Homer's Odyssey, mixing anime, video games, and musical theater. This allowed me to understand why my son was so into it—it blends all of his favorite things. Get Some Help When Needed Parents everywhere have been using artificial intelligence (AI) for help in their day-to-day. Now I understand why. I procrastinated on the decor because I didn't know where to start so I used ChatGPT as a resource. I uploaded a photo of the hotel room and provided the Epic theme. It delivered a rendering that allowed me to execute the vision without even having to explain what the musical was. Instant relief! I sent the ideas to my cake baker and purchased all the decorations online. The final result was, well, epic! Add Special Moments in the Itinerary Create a flexible itinerary that you share with everyone before the event. The first day, we stuck to the plan. It was the surprise party first, followed by the after party at Dave & Buster's, and then gaming in the hotel suite. The second day, the boys opted for brunch, walking around Times Square on their own, and then going to the movies to watch Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning in 4DX. One of my favorite moments was having breakfast with my son and his friends. I asked them to put away their phones so that we could have some meaningful conversations. I asked them what they're looking forward to most about college and what they dream of doing when they get older. I tried to ask about any crushes, but I was told that was off-limits. As my children get older, I realize that time is fleeting, and I want them to have celebrations they won't forget. So, if you're thinking about throwing your teen a surprise party, just do it. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
CNBC
19 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
CNBC's Inside India newsletter: Why an India-U.K. trade deal does not make U.S.-India agreement any easier
Just a week after India secured a landmark free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was slapping 25% tariffs on the South Asian country beginning August 1. Caught between protecting favorable terms in its deal with the U.K. and bargaining for more concessions with the U.S., the Indian government has so far responded cautiously, stating it was "studying its implications. Trump's move also marks a sharp reversal from the optimistic tone of recent negotiations with the White House. When I met with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal just last week, he told me that talks were "progressing extremely well" and that he was confident India would secure a "preferential tariff compared to our peers and our competitors." The acrimony with Washington, though, is a world away from the positive mood surrounding the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement concluded with the U.K. earlier this month. The deal is projected to boost Britain's GDP by £4.8 billion annually and increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion in the long run, according to the U.K. government. It could also add £2.5 billion in additional revenues to British government coffers by the end of the day, according to economists at Deutsche Bank. The deal is reciprocal, meaning the U.K. will eliminate tariffs on 99% of all Indian goods, up from about 73% currently, making the effective tariff rate for Indian exporters close to zero, according to the team led by Sajjid Chinoy, JPMorgan's chief India economist. The tariff on Scotch whisky, a major U.K. export, will be cut from a staggering 150% to 75% on the first day of the agreement and will be phased down to 40% over the next decade. Similarly, tariffs on U.K. autos, which can be as high as 110%, will be reduced to 10% under a new quota system. "I think it is much more than a trade deal," said Keshav Murugesh, chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry UK India Business Forum and CEO of WNS. "It's a proper strategic partnership for the future now." Despite the comprehensive nature of the agreement, the final deal does not include an exemption for India from the U.K.'s carbon tax, which is set to begin in 2027. Goyal said India would oppose any such measures, which he characterized as "non-tariff barriers." "India will continue to explore every option that's available to us under the World Trade Organisation to stop such measures from hurting trade between the two countries," Goyal said. "We deserve the right to take appropriate actions under international law. " The two nations also did not reach an agreement on a new investment treaty as part of the trade deal. India exited its previous investment treaty with the U.K. and several other countries in 2017. Goyal downplayed the significance of its absence, suggesting that foreign direct investment into India has "only grown by leaps and bounds" despite the lack of such investor protection guarantees. Crucially, India also did not permit tariff-free access for the U.K.'s diary and agricultural products. Nearly half of India's population is involved in agriculture, and government views them as a sensitive voting bloc. "We are always very sensitive to the interests of our farmers, the interests of our [Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises], and will ensure that our areas of concern are well protected," Goyal said. [vowed feels a bit strong] Here, it appears, India's willingness to open its markets has hit its limits, as U.S. President Donald Trump's fevered posts on Truth Social indicate. India is challenged by the complexity of the World Trade Organisation's "Most Favored Nation" principle. The MFN clause requires that any tariff reduction offered to one country in a bilateral negotiation must be extended to all other WTO members. If India were to concede to U.S. demands for lower tariffs on sensitive products like agriculture, it would likely be obligated to offer those same terms to competitors like the United Kingdom and European Union, potentially triggering a wider, albeit unintentional, multilateral trade liberalization. The outcome of negotiations with the U.S. will be a defining test for India's officials. "I think people trust India. People enjoy working in India. India is where the action is. India is the fastest-growing large economy in the world today," Goyal added. For now, though, action is centered on getting a deal over the line with the United States. Sakshi Gupta, principal economist at HDFC Bank, said that while government spending and support for infrastructure and capital goods remain strong, consumption growth in India is lagging. Abhinav Bharti, head of India equity capital markets at JPMorgan, said that capital raising in IPOs usually takes a "breather" when there's extreme volatility in the secondary markets. Anubhuti Sahay, head of India economics research at Standard Chartered Bank, said India can absorb the cost of shifting from Russian to U.S. crude oil if sanctions hit. U.S. President Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs on India. In addition to that levy, India will also have to pay a "penalty" for its trade policies, which Trump sees as unfair, and for buying military equipment and energy from Russia, the president announced Wednesday. India outstrips China in smartphone exports to the U.S. According to data from research firm Canalys, 44% of U.S. smartphones imported during the second quarter were assembled in India, higher than the 25% from China. Chinese nationals can get Indian visas again. New Delhi resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens on July 24. It marks a de-escalation in tensions between the two countries, which traded blows in June 2020 over their disputed Himalayan border, according to stocks have lost steam this month with the the Nifty 50 index down 3% for the month. The index has risen 4.7% this year. The benchmark 10-year Indian government bond yield has ticked up slightly to 6.35% mark, flat from last week. August 1: Gold jewelry manufacturer Shanti Gold International IPO, HSBC Manufacturing PMI in July August 5: Security and surveillance firm Aditya Infotech and non-bank finance company Laxmi India Finance IPOs, HSBC Services PMI in July August 6: Reserve Bank of India interest rate decision, pre-engineered building firm M & B Engineering, real estate company Sri Lotus Developers and Realty, and securities depository National Securities Depository IPOs
Scotsman
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 9 best whisky bars in Edinburgh - including 'must visit' venue
From historic pubs to newly renovated bars, here are some of the best whisky bars in Edinburgh to visit for a dram or two. Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar (Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX) The renovated Queen Street premises of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society opened its whisky bar to the public in 2017, to the great delight of whisky fans. With more than 200 rare single malt whiskies and other spirits are available at the Kaleidoscope bar each month, visitors are encouraged to explore its ever-changing spectrum of whisky flavours, The Kaleidoscope, in conjunction with the Society, focuses on flavour profiles, instead of distillery or region, with staff on hand to guide you through the various styles offering advice on each dram and where to go next. The Society's catalogue of single cask single malt whiskies, which are all categorised by flavour, allow for the ultimate customisation of the drink. Whisky lovers can experiment with twelve twists on their tipple with flavour profiles ranging from Old & Dignified to Young & Spritely. Good for: something unexpected Teuchter's Landing (1c Dock Pl, Edinburgh EH6 6LU) Located on the popular Shores of Leith, the Teuchter's Landing is a great place to grab a pint, head to their beer garden and enjoy the sunshine on a summer's day. But if you're visiting when the weather isn't so good, you'll want to stay inside and admire the bar's excellent array of over 100 whiskies, including single malts, blends and international names. Good for: a cosy dram Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder (2-4 Hope St, Edinburgh EH2 4DB) If you're looking to enjoy your dram in historical surroundings of the Edinburgh Vaults then Usquabae is the place for you. With over 400 whiskies on offer, you'll be able to try anything from blends to single cask single malts from the sixties and everything in between. Run by some of the most knowledgeable whisky aficionados in Edinburgh, there's always a tour guide on hand to take you through the world of Scotch whisky be you a beginner or a seasoned veteran. Why not take away the hassle of having to choose a dram by checking out their excellent tailored tasting flights? These include themes such as: For Peat's Sake - a flight that explores different styles of peat such as Bruichladdich Octomore 9.3 and a Laphroaig 27 year old. Good for: rare finds The Canny Man's ( 237 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4QU) Established in 1871, The Canny Man's is an Edinburgh institution and described by chef Rick Stein as "the best pub in the world". The first thing visitors may notice is the gantry with its bright red paint job and the hundreds of bottles that rest there. There's over 250 whiskies on offer here and the staff are deadly serious about helping you to enjoy them, so pull up a pew, ask for some advice and let the people behind the bar regale you with tales of the pub's rich history as you take in the eclectic decor that's been gathered by the patrons of the pub since it first opened. The team also run a free of charge buffet Monday to Thursday between the hours of 5 and 6pm. Good for: a dram and a chat Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar (354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE) For award-winning food as well as a great location and over 440 whiskies, you can't go wrong with the Amber Restaurant and its accompanying whisky bar. The restaurant, which is part of the Scotch Whisky Experience, offers whisky and food pairings as well as fantastic Scottish Tapas. Also on offer are a selection of regional tasting trays for those of you who want to get the most out of your whisky tasting experience. We also recommend you take a look at the McIntyre Whisky Gallery, a beautifully lit bar which offers direct access to the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection (described as one of the 7 wonders of the Scotch whisky world). Good for: whisky enthusiasts Whiski (119 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG) Situated smack bang in the middle of the Royal Mile, this traditional bar is an easy find for any tourist (or local) looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the hoards of shoppers outside. The perfect place to enjoy a dram, Whiski's gantry is always well stocked and filled with a range that would make any whisky collector jealous (there's over 300). The bar provides all day dining which means no matter the time of day, you can grab a bite to eat while you take a seat and decide on which whisky to enjoy next. Visitors can also book a whisky tasting which are held daily in the tasting room - located next to the whisky shop. These tastings include: Introduction to Whisky and the tasty Whisky and Cheese and Whisky and Chocolate tastings. Good for: whisky tastings Whiski Rooms (4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP) Taking the baton from its stablemate and cranking it up a notch or two, the Whiski Rooms, which is also situated near the Royal Mile, offer a brilliant selection of drams in a far grander setting. Perched on the Mound, the bar offers dramatic views over Princes Street and offers daily tutored tastings, a dedicated whisky shop and is home to an Ardbeg private dining room. Good for: a dram with a view The Bow Bar (80 West Bow Edinburgh EH1 2HH) Located on Victoria Street (also known as West Bow), and situated close to both the Castle and the Grassmarket, the dog-friendly Bow Bar is one for fans of truly traditional pubs. Hidden behind its unassuming frontage of blue paint and plain glass windows, you'll find a classic gantry filled to the brim with whisky – over 300 – and a traditional bar that offers more than its fair share of real ales. With friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere, this is a real hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh. Good for: a traditional atmosphere Tipsy Midgie (67 St Leonard's Hill, Edinburgh EH8 9SB) This award-winning bar is close to Edinburgh's Holyrood distillery making it a great place to visit before or after a tour. It's also an ideal spot for a cosy dram in the winter or as a pit stop during the hectic days of the Festival. Owned and run by chef Colin Hind, the bar has a huge number of Scotch and world whiskies. You can also book for tastings and pairings such and whisky and chocolate or whisky and cheese. The bar has rave reviews with some calling it a "must visit" and many praising the food and whisky pairings and guided tastings. During the Fringe there's midnight whisky tastings and canapes, which can be booked online. Good for: food and whisky pairings
News18
21 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Trump's Trade War Isn't About Policy—It's About Power
The US's disputes with India and Brazil are purely a result of an arrogant display of power, disregarding the interests of friendly nations It was supposed to be a trade deal between the world's most powerful nation and the fourth-largest economy by gross domestic product (GDP). But there's now a possibility that it may turn into a source of serious geopolitical tension—with Brazil, Russia, India, and China bundled on one side. If that happens, President Donald Trump cannot evade responsibility for causing the greatest harm to the India–US strategic partnership—which had evolved over the last two decades—merely to satisfy his ego. While the US's resistance to Russia and China is strategic and understandable, the disputes with India and Brazil are purely a result of an arrogant display of power, disregarding the interests of friendly nations. The US President wants to be known as a global peace broker. Delhi has no objection to that. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied him the pleasure of interfering in India's recent actions against Pakistan. To begin with, India's trade negotiation team had little clue about the US decision to impose a 25 per cent (reciprocal) tariff plus a 10 per cent penalty—on merchandise trade—for buying Russian arms and oil. The penalty component was not even on the table as recently as last week. Delhi has recently entered into a path-breaking Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK, under which India opened 89.5 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 91 per cent of UK exports. India has agreed to reduce import duties substantially on key British interests such as automobiles, Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical devices, silver, etc. This transition will occur in a phased manner. Delhi had offered a similar, if not better, set of concessions to the USA but refused to open the market to genetically modified (GM) food, dairy, and a few other agricultural products. India has strict policies on these items, and even countries like New Zealand were denied market access for dairy. A separate negotiation was underway regarding the reduction of non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Indian sources say US trade negotiators were 'satisfied" with India's proposals, and the draft agreement had been awaiting the President's approval for over a week. The general consensus in Delhi was that Trump would eventually seek personal credit for 'forcing' India to open its markets. On July 20, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told an American TV channel that the August 1 deadline for new tariffs was sacrosanct. If countries failed to reach trade deals by then, the previously announced reciprocal tariffs would take effect—though trade negotiations could still continue. 'Nothing stops countries from talking to us after August 1," he said. Accordingly, India completed scenario planning as early as last week to prepare for a 25 per cent US tariff until a deal was reached. The 10 per cent 'penalty" was not anticipated. The US accounted for just over one-fifth of India's $371 billion goods exports in 2024–25. A 35 per cent tariff will inevitably affect some of that trade. Apparently, Trump is using this as leverage to pressure India. According to some sources, Trump personally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to credit him for stopping the India-Pakistan war—an appeal Modi declined. Meanwhile, Modi clarified on the floor of Parliament that US Vice-President JD Vance had unsuccessfully tried to persuade him to halt Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. 'The US Vice President tried to contact me three or four times, but I was in meetings with the armed forces," PM Modi said on July 29. When he returned the call, Vance warned of a 'big attack from Pakistan," to which Modi responded that any attack on India would be met with a 'much bigger attack". While the prime minister's statement in Parliament effectively ended the debate over US interference in India's response to Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism, Trump, on the same day, reiterated his 'role' in preventing an India–Pakistan war and hinted at imposing a 20–25 per cent tariff on India. On Wednesday, the US announced a deal to develop Pakistan's 'massive oil reserves". It remains unclear what reserves he was referring to. At best, the US may be aiming to gain control over some of Pakistan's mineral resources, outbidding China. As one Indian official put it: 'We are in a peculiar situation where decisions on trade and tariffs are no longer linked to economic arguments." The submission of Japan, South Korea, and the European Union may have bolstered Trump's ego. But given India's historical defiance—like the 1998 nuclear tests—it would be unwise to underestimate its nationalist resolve. Delhi has a history of resisting foreign pressure. What works in India's favour is that roughly 4–5 percent of its growth is domestically driven. While exports help boost growth figures, India is not as export-dependent as, say, Vietnam, which relies heavily on US markets. In his latest outburst, Trump warned that India and Russia would 'take their dead economies down together". He claimed the US has little business interest in India. We will have to wait and see how American industry—especially giants like Apple—react to such outrageous claims. But one thing is certain: India is in for a few difficult quarters on the export and growth front. A silver lining lies in ongoing litigation in the US challenging the legality of Trump's reciprocal tariffs. The US President invoked an emergency law to take sweeping action, bypassing Congress. Pratim Ranjan Bose is an independent columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : donald trump India-Pakistan ties pm narendra modi tariffs United states view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 31, 2025, 14:36 IST News opinion Opinion | Trump's Trade War Isn't About Policy—It's About Power Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
