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US commerce secretary Ross cancels India trip

US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross has canceled plans to visit India this week for a business forum due to "inclement weather" and other logistical issues, a spokesman for the agency said in a statement on Wednesday (13).

Ross was due to co-chair the US-India CEO Forum set to begin on Thursday in New Delhi. The last-minute cancellation comes as tensions have risen between the two countries over trade and investment policies.


"Due to inclement weather, technical problems that led to the cancellation of his flight and other logistical issues, secretary Ross regrets he is no longer able to attend the CEO Forum and Commercial Dialogue in person," the spokesman said, noting that Ross would participate remotely.

The United States is considering revoking India's zero-tariff status, sources told Reuters last week. Differences between the two countries have grown as India introduced new restrictions on e-commerce and US president Donald Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.

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London tourist levy

The capital recorded 89 m overnight stays in 2024

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London to introduce tourist levy that could raise £240 million a year

Kumail Jaffer

Highlights

  • Government expected to give London powers to bring in a tourist levy on overnight stays.
  • GLA study says a £1 fee could raise £91m, a 5 per cent charge could generate £240m annually.
  • Research suggests London would not see a major fall in visitor numbers if levy introduced.
The mayor of London has welcomed reports that he will soon be allowed to introduce a tourist levy on overnight visitors, with new analysis outlining how a charge could work in the capital.
Early estimates suggest a London levy could raise as much as £240 m every year. The capital recorded 89 m overnight stays in 2024.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give Sadiq Khan and other English city leaders the power to impose such a levy through the upcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. London currently cannot set its own tourist tax, making England the only G7 nation where national government blocks local authorities from doing so.

A spokesperson for the mayor said City Hall supported the idea in principle, adding “The Mayor has been clear that a modest tourist levy, similar to other international cities, would boost our economy, deliver growth and help cement London’s reputation as a global tourism and business destination.”

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