THE World Trade Organization (WTO) found Thursday (31) that India had improperly subsidized exports to the tune of billions of dollars, upholding complaints lodged by the US.
A WTO arbitral panel gave New Delhi three to six months to remove the prohibited subsidies, which were the target of a WTO complaint lodged last year by Washington.
US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer hailed the WTO's findings as a "resounding victory for the United States."
The USTR office said thousands of Indian companies received subsidies totaling more than $7 billion a year, causing covered exports to skyrocket in recent decades.
On trade, US president Donald Trump this year has blasted India, accusing the giant Asian economy of unfair trade.
Earlier this year, he stripped India of benefits which allowed some duty-free exports to the US, claiming that India had refused to grant wider access to American-made goods.
In June, India slapped duties on dozens of US products, including hundreds of millions of dollars in almonds from California as well as other US fruits and nuts.
SS Rajamouli wraps up Kenya schedule of upcoming film SSMB 29
Director pens heartfelt note thanking government and locals for support
Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra join international cast in action-packed shoot
Film expected to release in more than 120 countries, reaching a billion viewers
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has officially wrapped the Kenya schedule of his highly anticipated movie SSMB 29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, and expressed his gratitude to the country’s authorities. The director shared a heartfelt note on X, describing Kenya as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” while thanking the government and local communities for their “tremendous support and hospitality.” The schedule strengthens Kenya’s role as a major international filming hub, bringing Indian cinema’s global ambitions into sharper focus.
Kenyan leaders hail SS Rajamouli as SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra wraps historic shoot X/MusaliaMudavadi
Why did SS Rajamouli thank Kenyan authorities?
Rajamouli, known worldwide for RRR and Baahubali, praised Kenya’s vast landscapes and wildlife diversity. He called the experience “one of the most memorable moments” of his career.
Filming took place across Masai Mara, Naivasha, Samburu, and Amboseli, locations that have now become part of what is expected to be Asia’s largest film production. By acknowledging the country’s role, Rajamouli has, in fact, spotlighted Kenya as a key partner in Indian cinema’s expanding global footprint.
SS Rajamouli shares a thank you note after completing the Kenya schedule of SSMB 29X Screengrab/@ssrajamouli
What did Kenyan leaders say about the shoot?
Kenyan politician Musalia W Mudavadi shared photos with Rajamouli and his team, including moments of the director signing a guest book. Praising Rajamouli’s vision, Mudavadi wrote that Kenya had become “the stage for one of the world’s greatest filmmakers.”
He added that Kenya’s sweeping plains and rugged terrains were now immortalised in the film. Highlighting the project’s scale, Mudavadi said the film is scheduled for release in more than 120 countries and is expected to reach a billion viewers, which in itself is an unprecedented figure for an Indian production.
— (@)
What is SSMB 29 about?
The project, tentatively titled GlobeTrotter, marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Mahesh Babu. A teaser was released on Mahesh Babu’s birthday last month, though the official title has yet to be confirmed.
Earlier, videos from Odisha’s Koraput region showed Mahesh Babu in intense action sequences, while actor Prithviraj Sukumaran was also spotted shooting alongside him. Priyanka Chopra recently joined the team in Kenya, adding further global star power to the production.
With international locations, large-scale action, and a worldwide release plan, SSMB 29 is being positioned as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious ventures.
— (@)
When will the film release?
While the makers have not announced a final release date, industry reports suggest a 2026 rollout. The film will be distributed in over 120 countries, making it one of the widest releases for an Indian film to date. Given Rajamouli’s track record with RRR which grossed more than £125 million (₹1,300 crore) worldwide, expectations for SSMB 29 are extremely high.
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Newly appointed home secretary Shabana Mahmood arrives at Number 10 at Downing Street as Keir Starmer holds a cabinet reshuffle on September 5, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
The King approved a series of new appointments on Friday. David Lammy becomes lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice, and will also serve as deputy prime minister. Yvette Cooper has been named secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth and development affairs.
Mahmood moves from justice secretary to the Home Office. Lisa Nandy will stay on as culture secretary despite months of speculation about her future.
Steve Reed is the new secretary of state for housing, communities and local government. Pat McFadden has been appointed secretary of state for work and pensions.
Peter Kyle is the new secretary of state for business and trade and president of the Board of Trade. Liz Kendall takes over as secretary of state for science, innovation and technology. Emma Reynolds becomes secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs. Douglas Alexander has been named secretary of state for Scotland.
Jonathan Reynolds has been appointed parliamentary secretary to the Treasury (chief whip) and will sit in cabinet. Sir Alan Campbell becomes lord president of the council and leader of the House of Commons, and will also attend cabinet.
Darren Jones has been appointed chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and will continue as chief secretary to the prime minister.
Angela Rayner, Lucy Powell and Ian Murray have left the government.
Rayner resigned earlier after admitting she had underpaid stamp duty on a seaside flat. In a letter to Starmer, ethics chief Laurie Magnus said Rayner had failed to "heed the caution" of legal advice and considered the ministerial code to have been breached.
"I accept that I did not meet the highest standards," Rayner wrote in her resignation letter, adding she would also step down as housing minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party. "I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice. I take full responsibility for this error."
In his reply, Starmer said he was "very sad" to see her leave government but added: "You will remain a major figure in our party."
Rayner confirmed she had underpaid stamp duty following reports that she had saved £40,000 ($53,000) by removing her name from the deeds of another property.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Essex Police said the two men driving the cars, both from Barking in east London, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. (Representational image: iStock)
TWO students from Telangana, India, have died in a two-car collision at a roundabout in Essex, south-east England. Five other students were seriously injured in the crash, police said.
The accident took place early Monday at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout on the A130. Chaitanya Tarre, 23, died at the scene, while Rishi Teja Rapolu, 21, died later in hospital.
Essex Police said the two men driving the cars, both from Barking in east London, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. They have since been released on bail until November 20.
“Sadly, one man died at the scene while another died in hospital. Specialist officers are supporting their families. Five other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries,” Essex Police said in a statement.
“Our investigation into the collision is ongoing,” the statement added, while appealing for information, including CCTV or dash cam footage from the area.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK issued a statement expressing condolences. It said the students were believed to have been returning from a Ganesh Visarjan celebration with their peer group.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Essex, UK, involving nine students from the Telugu community,” NISAU UK said.
“The accident has claimed the precious lives of two young students, Chaitanya Tarre and Rishi Teja Rapolu. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” it added.
NISAU said several other students remain in hospital and under urgent medical care. “We are keeping them and their families in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for their swift and full recovery.”
The group said it is working with the Telangana community and consular authorities to provide support after the accident.
(With inputs from agencies)
Suggested tags: essex car crash, indian students, telangana, nisau uk, uk accident
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India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure would be simplified from four slabs to two, with reductions across several sectors. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA announced a major cut in consumption taxes on Wednesday, days after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods.
India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure would be simplified from four slabs to two, with reductions across several sectors. In some cases, levies have been reduced by more than half.
The tax changes will make a range of consumer goods, including soap bars and motorbikes, cheaper. However, the move could add pressure on government finances.
The announcement comes after US president Donald Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India, raising concerns of a slowdown.
Sitharaman said the GST cuts were not linked to the tariff issue. "These reforms have been planned for a long time," she said.
India's prime minister Narendra Modi welcomed the measures. "The wide ranging reforms will improve lives of our citizens and ensure ease of doing business for all, especially small traders and businesses," his office said in a social media statement.
The revised system removes tax on insurance premiums, including life and health coverage. Levies on motorbikes and small cars have been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.
A finance ministry note also said dozens of life-saving drugs will now be tax exempt.
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The protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping triggered a series of demonstrations across the country during heightened tensions over immigration. (Photo: Getty Images)
AN ETHIOPIAN asylum seeker, whose arrest in July led to protests outside a hotel near London where he and other migrants were housed, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and another woman.
The protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, about 20 miles (30 km) from London, triggered a series of demonstrations across the country during heightened tensions over immigration.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was convicted at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was also found guilty of attempting to sexually assault the girl, inciting her to engage in sexual activity, and harassment.
"This was an incident which became a cause of deep concern for the local community," said prosecutor Rebecca Mundy.
Immigration has become the main political issue in Britain, overtaking concerns about the economy, with record numbers of asylum claims and migrant arrivals by small boats across the Channel.
Prosecutors said that on July 7 the girl had offered Kebatu pizza because he looked hungry. He then tried to kiss her, touched her thigh, said he wanted a baby with her and her friend, and invited them back to the hotel.
The next day, when the girl was in her school uniform, he again attempted to kiss her.
District Judge Christopher Williams said the girl’s evidence was consistent and he did not believe she or other witnesses fabricated their accounts.
Kebatu, who had moved to the Bell Hotel about a week before the incident, denied the charges, telling the court he was "not a wild animal".
The asylum seeker said he was a teacher in Ethiopia and claimed the woman had given him her phone number and repeatedly invited him to her home.
His arrest sparked protests outside the hotel, some of which turned violent. The local council obtained a temporary injunction to prevent asylum seekers from being housed there, but it was overturned last week after a government appeal.
Opposition politicians accused prime minister Keir Starmer of prioritising migrants’ rights over those of local residents.
Government data shows that just over 32,000 migrants were housed in hotels across the UK as of the end of June. The government has said it will end the practice before the next election, scheduled for 2029.