Both the countries signed the new UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) agreement
Chris Hayward, policy chairman at City of London Corporation (R) with NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam during the signing of the UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB). (Photo: X)
THE Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being negotiated between India and the UK is in the final stages with both sides within finger-touching distance to clinch an agreement, NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said.
The FTA, negotiations for which were launched in January 2022 before being stalled due to general elections in both countries, is aimed at significantly enhancing the estimated £38.1 billion a year bilateral trading partnership.
During the signing ceremony for the new UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) agreement, both sides were keen to stress that the bilateral partnership is not being held “hostage” to the FTA even as the newly elected governments on both sides remain committed to it.
“I think this is a deal that is in the last slab. The two sides I would say are not even at hand-shaking distance, the fingers are touching. It’s just a question of that extra five inches and you can grab the deal,” Subrahmanyam said while addressing a panel discussion on the future of India-UK trade.
“The relationship between two countries should not be hostage to a trade deal… India-UK partnership has many, many dimensions to it – infrastructure finance, climate, technology… FTAs enable a sense of familiarity to get things accelerated, in addition to massive opportunities, not only in goods but in services on both sides. It’s a perfect fit, perfect match."
From L: Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, BVR Subrahmanyam and Chris Hayward.
The UKIIFB, signed between NITI Aayog and City of London Corporation in London on Wednesday (4), is aimed at facilitating international investments into India’s ambitious infrastructure projects and is seen as a sign of the economic partnership moving at pace unencumbered by the FTA talks.
“I’m not betraying any negotiating secrets when I tell you, we believe we are close. But, of course, the proof of the pudding is not just in the eating, but in ensuring that it comes out of the oven at the right time. So, we are in the process of sort of getting the last bits in place and those are always the hard yards,” said Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami.
“But the FTA, in totality, is a very important part but (only) one part of the larger strategic relationship we seek to have the UK… that includes opportunities such as this UKIIFB to look at the financial services sector and essentially create a long-term viable channel for capital to be deployed profitably in India for the benefit of both economies; to look at technology; to look at research and innovation."
Ben Mellor, director at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) India and Indian Ocean Directorate, noted that the newly elected Labour government had the India FTA – talks for which began under the former Conservative regime – as a manifesto commitment.
“It is something that we will seek to get agreement on as soon as possible. I think we need to be very realistic about the prospects and the challenges that still remain to get the deal across the line,” said Mellor, referencing the “protectionist instincts” within sections of both economies.
“The deal will deliver economic opportunity, growth and jobs in both our countries. Therefore, it is really important for those of us who are strong believers in the UK-India relationship to continue to make the case for why a good, substantial free trade agreement is in both our country’s interests. But an FTA is not the only thing that speaks to that relationship."
UK business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds had announced at the end of July that teams would be “entering negotiating rooms as soon as possible”, with the trade talks expected to pick up from the fourteenth round where they were left off.
The airline did not provide details on the departure time, number of passengers or crew on board, or how long the flight was in the air before returning. (Representational image: Getty Images)
A BRITISH AIRWAYS flight bound for Chennai returned to London mid-air on Sunday after reporting a technical issue.
The airline said the aircraft landed safely and passengers and crew disembarked normally. “The aircraft returned to Heathrow as a standard precaution after reports of a technical issue,” British Airways said in a statement.
The airline did not provide details on the departure time, number of passengers or crew on board, or how long the flight was in the air before returning.
Live flight tracking data from Flightradar24.com showed that British Airways flight BA35 was scheduled to depart at 12.40 pm and arrive in Chennai at 3.30 am. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from London Heathrow at 1.16 pm, following a delay of more than 35 minutes.
According to the website, the flight remained airborne for nearly two hours before returning to London. It also flew in multiple holding patterns before landing at Heathrow.
“Our teams are working hard to get their journeys back on track as soon as possible,” British Airways added.
Meanwhile, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Hyderabad also turned back mid-air on Sunday, Flightradar24.com showed. The reason for the diversion was not known.
Flight LH752, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departed from Frankfurt at 14.29 instead of its scheduled departure time of 13.05 pm. The flight was due to arrive in Hyderabad at 1.20 am, according to the website.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Fans express concern over Bieber’s intense Instagram updates
Bieber posted over a dozen updates in a matter of hours, many of them laced with frustration. One post read, “Happy daddy day to me u lil ho,” while another simply stated, “quit f–ing with me. I’m really not the one.” Accompanying the messages were moody selfies and a video of him silently shaking his head with the caption “how I feel about you.”
The timing raised even more eyebrows. Just days earlier, Justin had an angry confrontation with paparazzi outside Soho House in Malibu. When one photographer wished him a happy Father’s Day, Bieber snapped: “You don’t go to people you don’t know and say sh–t out of nowhere with a camera in their face.” He went on to say, “I’m a father. I’m a dad. You guys are on private property.”
The next day, he followed up with unseen photos of his baby boy, Jack Blues, and captioned it with a middle finger emoji and the phrase “ay bay bay.” His wife Hailey, who gave birth to their son in August 2024, liked the post, but fans remained unsettled.
Fans express concern over Bieber’s emotional health
Longtime followers have noted a pattern in Bieber’s recent behaviour. Last week, he lamented on Instagram about feeling drained by “transactional relationships.” In his story, he wrote, “If I have to do something to be loved, that’s not love.” In another post, he added, “I don’t think any of us can handle hearing ‘try harder and you’ll be like me.’”
Though some fans supported his right to speak openly, many expressed worry. Comments ranged from “I love you but I’m worried, king,” to “I just hope you find peace.”
While his representative previously dismissed drug rumours as “pitiful and exhausting,” Bieber’s emotional vulnerability and anger continue to fuel speculation. As of now, he hasn’t addressed the backlash or clarified the meaning behind his Father’s Day posts.
In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, London came together in an emotional outpouring of grief and unity at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow. Over two solemn days, the revered spiritual haven hosted a series of powerful ceremonies led by His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji, drawing together faith leaders, public figures, and residents from across communities.
On the day of the tragedy, Guruji led a spiritually charged recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa 12 times, joined by a team of spiritual practitioners from India. The prayer created a deep atmosphere of collective mourning and healing.
“Prayer is our greatest strength in the face of such loss,” Guruji said. “We do not grieve as Hindus, Muslims, or Christians — we grieve as one humanity.”
The prayer service was attended by several distinguished figures, including Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports.
Two days later, on June 14, Siddhashram partnered with the Harrow Interfaith Forum to host a candlelight vigil — a remarkable expression of unity, attended by representatives of Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, and Zoroastrian communities. Children from the temple led the lighting of candles, setting the tone for an evening of shared sorrow, solidarity, and prayer.
Key dignitaries included:
Simon Ovens DL, Representative of His Majesty King Charles III, who read a message of royal condolence and described the gathering as a reflection of “true British compassion.”
Cllr Anjana Patel, Worshipful Mayor of Harrow, who spoke with visible emotion as a member of the grieving Gujarati community.
Bob Blackman CBE, MP for Harrow East, offered messages of comfort and pledged support for those affected.
Kareema Marikar, former Harrow Mayor, recited a heartfelt Muslim prayer.
Mahavir Foundation’s Nita Sheth and Mukesh Kapashi, who led Jain prayers.
Bobbi Reisel, Jewish representative from Bereavement Care Harrow, who offered messages of solace.
Dorab Mistry, representing the Zoroastrian community, and
Gopal Singh Bhachu, Chair of Harrow Interfaith Forum, who led Sikh prayers with fellow community leaders.
PC Elaine Jackson, Met Police Faith Officer, attended in support of the event’s interfaith spirit.
Attendees travelled from across the UK, including Leicester, to be present. Musicians lifted spirits through devotional melodies, and volunteers ensured all were cared for on a sweltering summer day.
The Siddhashram Shakti Centre, long a sanctuary for spiritual guidance and community healing, once again stood at the heart of London’s collective conscience. As Guruji reflected, “In our unity, we find peace, in prayer, we carry the light of those we lost.”
Executives from the Madhvani Group, including Shrai Madhvani, his wife Aparna Madhvani, and director Nitin Gadhia, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi on Saturday to discuss the group’s proposed investments in India, including the acquisition of Hindustan National Glass Ltd (HNGIL).
The meeting focused on the group's plans to invest in India through INSCO, which is seeking to acquire HNGIL, the country’s largest container glass manufacturer. The acquisition is currently awaiting approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), following key rulings by the Supreme Court of India on January 29 and May 16, 2025.
On the same day, the Committee of Creditors, led by the State Bank of India, approved INSCO’s resolution plan with 96.14% voting in favour.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the proposed investment, highlighting its potential to generate employment and contribute to India’s economic development.
During the meeting, Madhvani presented Modi with Tide of Fortune, a book written by his late father, Manubhai Madhvani, and Flowers from the Bhagavad Gita, authored by his brother, Kamlesh Madhvani. Aparna Madhvani also shared two poems she had written for the Prime Minister as a personal tribute.
Keep ReadingShow less
Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life
Canadian comedian and writer Nathan Fielder has long been known for his unconventional television work. Gaining recognition through Nathan for You, Fielder built a reputation for creating boundary-pushing, satirical content that blurred the lines between reality and performance. One of the most talked-about episodes involved a frozen yoghurt flavour that deliberately tasted unpleasant, while The Rehearsal, another of his projects, explored the complexities of human behaviour by meticulously recreating real-life scenarios to prepare people for difficult conversations or events.
Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life, the blending of public and private personas, and the anxiety surrounding authenticity. His limited media presence and rare interviews add to the intrigue, leaving audiences unsure whether he is playing a version of himself or deliberately maintaining a fictional persona.
The Curse and a shift to fictional storytelling
In 2023, Fielder made a significant shift in his career by co-creating and starring in The Curse, a limited series that further explored his interests through scripted drama. Co-created with filmmaker Benny Safdie, the show also stars Academy Award-winner Emma Stone. This marked a departure from Fielder’s earlier, semi-documentary style work and introduced him into the realm of fictional narrative television.
The Curse follows a married couple, played by Fielder and Stone, who are producing a home improvement reality show while also trying to start a family. Their personal and professional lives take a dark turn after an unsettling encounter with a young child who places a curse on them. The story examines themes such as performative activism, media manipulation, and the illusion of kindness, set against the backdrop of a seemingly well-intentioned couple who struggle with their own moral contradictions.
Nolan’s high praise for the series
Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan expressed his admiration for The Curse in an interview, describing it as a rare and groundbreaking piece of television. “It’s an incredible show, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before,” Nolan said. “There are so few shows that come along that have genuinely no precedence. You’re going back to things like Twin Peaks, or The Prisoner, or Dennis Potter’s The Singing Detective… you’re in an amazing space, and I can’t wait to catch up with the climax.”
Nolan’s comments place The Curse among some of the most influential and surreal television dramas of the past, underlining its unconventional storytelling and emotional impact.
Critical reception and cultural relevance
The Curse has received praise for its sharp commentary on social media, authenticity, and the performance of morality in the public eye. The show’s unsettling tone and layered narrative structure have sparked discussions around the ethics of entertainment and the lines between fiction and reality.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes TV
Emma Stone’s participation in the project aligns with her previous roles in unconventional films, particularly her collaborations with director Yorgos Lanthimos. Her performance, alongside Fielder’s restrained and often ambiguous portrayal, has been noted for adding depth to the show’s central themes.
A bold entry into prestige television
With The Curse, Nathan Fielder has successfully transitioned into the world of prestige television drama, maintaining the thematic interests that defined his earlier work while exploring them in a new, scripted format. The show’s ability to provoke discussion, confuse genre expectations, and attract praise from figures like Christopher Nolan marks it as a standout series in today’s media landscape.
Whether audiences view it as satire, drama, or something in between, The Curse demonstrates Fielder’s continued commitment to challenging conventional storytelling, and his growing influence in both comedy and drama alike.