Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Modi calls for better regional connectivity at BIMSTEC meet

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has called for better regional connectivity at the recently concluded BIMSTEC meet in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Modi said India was committed to work with the BIMSTEC member states to enhance regional connectivity and combat the menace of terrorism and drug trafficking. Modi also emphasised the need for “cooperation and coordination” among member states in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, reported news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).


“There is no country in the region which has not suffered from terrorism and trans-national crimes such as drug trafficking linked to networks of terrorism,” he said.

The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 per cent of the global population, and has a combined gross domestic product of $2.8 trillion.

“We not only have diplomatic relations with all BIMSTEC countries but are strongly connected by civilisation, history, art, language, cuisine and shared culture,” said the prime minister.

The summit was attended by Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena and leaders from Thailand, Bhutan and Myanmar.

On Friday (31), Modi held a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions with his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha and Myanmar president Win Myint.

"Mr Prayut Chan-o-cha and I had a great meeting. Our talks focussed on boosting cooperation between India and Thailand for the mutual benefit of our citizens," Modi tweeted.

"The prime minister of Thailand, Mr. Prayut Chan-o-cha and PM @narendramodi held productive talks in Kathmandu. Their discussions focussed on strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Thailand," the prime minister's office tweeted.

Modi also met Win Myint and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

"Our discussions were centred around enhancing cooperation in trade, energy and several other sectors," Modi said.

More For You

Visa UK

Since April 2024, British citizens and settled residents have needed to earn at least £29,000 to apply for a partner visa. (Representational image: iStock)

Getty Images

Migration committee advises lower income threshold for UK family visas

THE UK’s independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has said the government could lower the minimum income requirement for family visas but warned that doing so would likely increase net migration by around 1 to 3 per cent.

Since April 2024, British citizens and settled residents have needed to earn at least £29,000 to apply for a partner visa.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legendary Novelist Frederick Forsyth Passes Away at 86

Forsyth’s reporting took him to politically volatile regions

Getty Images

Frederick Forsyth, master of the thriller genre, dies aged 86

Frederick Forsyth, the internationally renowned author of The Day of the Jackal, has passed away at the age of 86. His agent, Jonathan Lloyd, confirmed the news, describing Forsyth as one of the world’s greatest thriller writers.

With a career spanning more than five decades, Forsyth penned over 25 books, selling 75 million copies worldwide. His work, including The Odessa File and The Dogs of War, set the standard for espionage and political thrillers. Bill Scott-Kerr, his publisher, praised Forsyth’s influence, stating that his novels continue to define the genre and inspire modern writers.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK business district

The Canary Wharf business district including global financial institutions in London.

Getty Images

UK unemployment rises to 4.6 per cent, highest since 2021

THE UK’s unemployment rate has increased to its highest level since July 2021, according to official data released on Tuesday, following the impact of a business tax rise and the introduction of US tariffs.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the unemployment rate rose to 4.6 per cent in the three months to the end of April. This was up from 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Austria school shooting

Policemen are seen on a street close to a school where 10 people died in a school shooting, including the attacker.

Getty Images

10 killed in Austria school shooting, including suspected gunman

TEN people were killed on Tuesday after a suspected shooter opened fire in a school in Graz, southeastern Austria, according to the city’s mayor.

Mayor Elke Kahr told Austrian press agency APA that the victims included several students, at least one adult, and the suspected shooter.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer had indicated last month that he would reverse the cuts. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Government restores winter fuel benefit to 9 million pensioners after backlash

THE GOVERNMENT will reinstate winter fuel payments to millions of pensioners this year, reversing an earlier decision that had removed the benefit for most recipients in England and Wales. The move comes after months of criticism and political pressure on prime minister Keir Starmer.

After taking office in July, Starmer's Labour government had removed the winter fuel payments for all but the poorest pensioners as part of broader spending cuts.

Keep ReadingShow less