Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

British lead on UK-India FTA deal, Harjinder Kang, takes on new role in Mumbai

British lead on UK-India FTA deal, Harjinder Kang, takes on new role in Mumbai

BRITAIN has appointed an India-born healthcare leader as the country’s trade commissioner for south Asia and deputy high commissioner for western India.

Harjinder Kang, who will be based in Mumbai, said he is committed to “fostering a strong relationship between the UK and south Asia.”


In his new role, he will oversee the UK Department for Business and Trade’s work in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

As the deputy high commissioner for western India, he will represent the British government’s interests in Goa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states.

Prior to his appointment on Wednesday (3), Kang was Britain’s chief negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

He served as the director for trade policy in the areas of intellectual property, government procurement and core text and previously worked as the director for healthcare, life sciences and bio-economy in the Department for International Trade.

Kang attended Harvard Business School and Warwick Business School.

Prior to joining the government, he spent 27 years with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. He joined the firm as a chemist and went on to become its global commercial director.

Born in the north Indian city of Jalandhar, he moved to the UK along with his parents when he was aged three. Kang is married and has three children.

“We are excited to welcome @harjinderkangUK as the new Deputy High Commissioner for Western India & His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia. Harjinder succeeds @alangemmell and starts in his new role today from #Mumbai,” the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai tweeted on Wednesday.

More For You

Multi-Vehicle Crash on Tavistock Road Brings Plymouth to a Standstill

Tavistock Road between William Prance Road and Manadon Roundabout

iStock

Multi-vehicle crash on Tavistock Road causes major delays in Plymouth

A three-vehicle collision on Tavistock Road in Plymouth led to significant traffic disruption on Thursday, May 15.

The crash occurred at around 11:00 BST and prompted an immediate response from Devon and Cornwall Police, the fire service, and paramedics. Emergency services attended the scene to manage the incident and assess those involved.

Keep ReadingShow less
FCA-Reuters

The FCA said the money will be returned to investors as soon as possible. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

FCA confiscates over £305k from fraudsters

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has secured confiscation orders totalling £305,284 from Raheel Mirza, Cameron Vickers and Opeyemi Solaja for their roles in an investment fraud. The orders cover all their remaining assets.

The confiscation proceedings against a fourth defendant, Reuben Akpojaro, have been adjourned.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shabana Mahmood

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said at a Downing Street press conference that the changes were necessary as male prisons in England and Wales are expected to run out of space by November.

Getty Images

Emergency plan to free recalled offenders sparks safety concerns

THOUSANDS of criminals, including domestic abusers and sexual offenders recalled to prison for breaching licence conditions, will be released after 28 days under new emergency measures to manage the prison capacity crisis.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said at a Downing Street press conference that the changes were necessary as male prisons in England and Wales are expected to run out of space by November. “That would lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” she said.

Keep ReadingShow less
 Harvard's copy of Magna carta

They traced its likely path through a prominent landowning family

Harvard

British scholars claim Harvard's copy of Magna carta is 'genuine'

A document long believed to be a mere copy of Magna Carta has been identified as a rare original dating back to 1300, making it one of the most valuable historical manuscripts in existence, according to British academics.

The discovery was made after researchers in the UK examined digitised images of the document, which has been held in Harvard Law School’s library since 1946. At the time, the manuscript was purchased for just $27.50 – approximately £7 at the then exchange rate – and described as a damp-stained 14th-century copy. Today, that sum would be roughly $450 (£339) adjusted for inflation.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK region hit by tap water bacteria

Yorkshire Water said boiling tap water before consumption

iStock

‘Do not drink’ warning after bacteria found in tap supply in Yorkshire

A temporary 'do not drink' notice was issued to residents in parts of North Yorkshire this week following the detection of coliform bacteria in the local water supply, indicating possible contamination with human or animal waste.

Yorkshire Water advised nearly 200 postcodes across High Bentham, Low Bentham, and Burton in Lonsdale not to consume tap water unless it had been boiled, after routine testing identified above-average levels of coliforms. These bacteria are found in the digestive systems of humans and animals and can include strains such as E. coli. While coliforms themselves can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhoea and stomach cramps, their presence may also indicate the risk of other harmful bacteria in the water system.

Keep ReadingShow less