News for 'UK Cabinet'

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

Rediff.com2 days ago

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership, potentially triggering a Labour leadership contest.

UK Calls for Negotiation After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

UK Calls for Negotiation After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The British government has called for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation of conflict in the Middle East following joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, emphasizing the safety of UK nationals and the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

UK law firm challenges legality of Hasina's death penalty in Bangladesh

UK law firm challenges legality of Hasina's death penalty in Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A leading British law firm has challenged the fairness and legality of the trial and death sentence handed down to deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing violations of international law and a politically hostile environment.

Patriot Review: Mammootty-Mohanlal's Power-Packed Combo In A Grounded Thriller

Patriot Review: Mammootty-Mohanlal's Power-Packed Combo In A Grounded Thriller

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Mahesh Narayanan's Patriot is a cerebral spy thriller that delves into the weaponisation of digital surveillance against civilians and the targeting of whistleblowers, featuring Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Fahadh Faasil.

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Prince Andrew vacates his Royal Lodge residence as scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. UK police investigate new information, while a former UK ambassador faces investigation over his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Why India-US Trade Deal Is Key For Growth

Why India-US Trade Deal Is Key For Growth

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

The deal shifts the US posture towards India from hostile to neutral, and that matters for growth, points out T T Ram Mohan.

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

India, EU free trade deal to likely conclude on Jan 27

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

India and the European Union are set to announce on January 27 the conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement, which is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs, an official said.

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

'India Should Not Rush To Celebrate Trump's Trade Announcement'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'Trump says India will buy over $500 billion of US goods.' 'At present, India's annual imports of goods and energy from the US are under $50 billion.' 'Reaching $500 billion would likely require more than 20 years, suggesting the figure refers to a long-term aspiration rather than a near-term commitment.'

Truss plans shake-up of UK cabinet, Sunak unlikely to join

Truss plans shake-up of UK cabinet, Sunak unlikely to join

Rediff.com5 Sep 2022

Britain's Prime Minister-elect Liz Truss will spend Monday putting finishing touches to her new cabinet after being elected Conservative Party leader and is expected to unleash a complete shake up of outgoing leader Boris Johnson's top team.

Insurance: Lack of legacy distribution network a challenge for foreign cos

Insurance: Lack of legacy distribution network a challenge for foreign cos

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet's decision to raise the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector to 100 per cent is unlikely to significantly boost foreign investment as distribution remains a critical factor, requiring overseas players to partner with Indian businesses, experts said.

India, UK to sign trade pact on July 24; Goyal to accompany PM Modi

India, UK to sign trade pact on July 24; Goyal to accompany PM Modi

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi to London for the signing of the free trade agreement between India and the UK on July 24, an official said on Monday. The two countries announced the conclusion of the negotiations for the trade agreement on May 6.

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

In a federal democracy, the people must have a say (indirect or direct) in an office as important as that of governor. Especially in a governor who can now effectively veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it, argues Harishchandra.

India to submit updated climate goals in December: Yadav

India to submit updated climate goals in December: Yadav

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India will publish its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2035 period by December, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Monday, while urging developed nations to achieve net zero targets ahead of their current timelines.

Landmark day: Queen Elizabeth attends UK cabinet meet

Landmark day: Queen Elizabeth attends UK cabinet meet

Rediff.com18 Dec 2012

Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating the diamond jubilee of her reign, on Tuesday scripted history when she attended a cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, becoming the first British monarch since 1781 to do so.

UK to remove Chinese surveillance cameras from sensitive sites

UK to remove Chinese surveillance cameras from sensitive sites

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

It says the move builds on action taken last year to halt the installation of new equipment on the government estate and will provide "reassurance" that departments are removing surveillance equipment from sensitive sites.

M for Metreweli? Britain's MI6 gets first female boss

M for Metreweli? Britain's MI6 gets first female boss

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Metreweli, 47, has been promoted from current role as Director General, or 'Q', responsible for technology and innovation in MI6 and has previously held a director-level role at MI5 - the UK's domestic security service.

Teenagers Beware: Hidden Danger Behind 'Dusting'

Teenagers Beware: Hidden Danger Behind 'Dusting'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'She didn't think she'd die. It was just a trend -- a video. But it took her away in seconds.'

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

PM Sunak ends speculation, announces UK election on July 4

PM Sunak ends speculation, announces UK election on July 4

Rediff.com23 May 2024

In an address from the lectern on the steps of 10 Downing Street on a rainy London evening, Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage confirmed a summer poll in six weeks' time and that the Parliament would soon be dissolved after he formally informed King Charles III of the election timeline.

India briefs envoys on Pahalgam terror attack, links to Pakistan

India briefs envoys on Pahalgam terror attack, links to Pakistan

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

India briefed envoys of the US, UK, France, China, Russia, Germany and several other countries on the Pahalgam terror attack and its link to cross-border terrorism. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri apprised the diplomats about various aspects of the dastardly terror attack on innocent civilians and India's firm policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism. The briefing was held a day after India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post. The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmed up the punitive measures against Pakistan in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. Diplomats of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Norway, Italy, Indonesia and Malaysia were also part of the briefing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish terrorists behind the strike and said India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

World urges India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and US President Donald Trump, have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to the ongoing tensions. The calls for calm come after India conducted airstrikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack. Leaders from the US, Russia, UK, China, UAE, Qatar, and Japan have expressed concern over the escalating situation and emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation.

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'You can be sure that the Pakistanis knew when the Indian Air Force aircraft took off, which type these were, and what their likely targets were.' 'The question was: How would they determine that the IAF wanted to fire, and when to bounce them?', notes Shekhar Gupta.

UK PM calls emergency meet amid unprecedented rioting

UK PM calls emergency meet amid unprecedented rioting

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an emergency COBRA meeting of senior ministers and police chiefs at 10 Downing Street in London on Monday after a weekend of riots across several cities in the country, which he termed a 'far-right thuggery' that will face the full force of the law.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

The woman in salwar kameez in Cameron's Cabinet

The woman in salwar kameez in Cameron's Cabinet

Rediff.com14 May 2010

She is the only woman to wear the famous Asian outfit salwar kameez in David Cameron's Cabinet.

UK polls: Record 26 Indian-origin MPs elected to House of Commons

UK polls: Record 26 Indian-origin MPs elected to House of Commons

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

Navendu Mishra (Stockport) and Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) were among the other Labour MPs re-elected with convincing majorities.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

FTA: UK, India not working towards Diwali deadline

FTA: UK, India not working towards Diwali deadline

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India are no longer working towards a Diwali deadline though negotiations are progressing well, UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has said as New Delhi expressed confidence on Friday of an "early date" for a mutually beneficial deal. "There are ongoing negotiations as we know on the FTA. There is interest on both sides to see if we can work towards a deal, an FTA, that is beneficial to both the countries at an early date," external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters in New Delhi. It came as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his UK counterpart, James Cleverly, and referenced the Roadmap 2030 bilateral agreement signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former UK PM Boris Johnson in May last year, with no specific reference to the FTA.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Raj strikes back! Suella Braverman leads Indian-origin contenders for UK PM post

Raj strikes back! Suella Braverman leads Indian-origin contenders for UK PM post

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

Even before Boris Johnson stepped out of 10 Downing Street on Thursday to deliver his resignation speech as Conservative Party leader and triggering a leadership race for a new British prime minister, at least one Indian-origin candidate is already lined up to compete for the "best job in the world".

Pakistan-origin MP appointed new UK home secretary

Pakistan-origin MP appointed new UK home secretary

Rediff.com30 Apr 2018

Sajid Javid, the son of a Pakistani bus driver whose family migrated to Britain in the 1960s, becomes the first South Asian origin MP to hold a key portfolio in the UK Cabinet.

Hopes of sealing India-UK trade deal in Oct may be fading

Hopes of sealing India-UK trade deal in Oct may be fading

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

The hope that the ongoing 13th round of negotiations towards an India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) could conclude with a deal for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to sign off in time for the India versus England World Cup cricket clash in Lucknow on October 29 seem to be fading, according to a UK media report on Wednesday. The Financial Times quoted officials briefed on the negotiations to say that a lack of movement towards opening up of the Indian market to British professional services in the field of law and accountancy is among the factors for the slowdown. So much so that cricket fan Sunak's proposed return visit to India after an inaugural visit as UK Prime Minister to New Delhi for the G20 Summit last month is looking "very, very unlikely to happen".

UK PM's Deputy resigns over bullying allegations

UK PM's Deputy resigns over bullying allegations

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

Sunak had been handed the independent report into allegations made by several civil servants on Thursday and a decision on Raab, who is also the UK Justice Secretary, was anticipated ever since.

Bangladesh to seek Interpol help to repatriate Hasina

Bangladesh to seek Interpol help to repatriate Hasina

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Bangladesh's interim government on Sunday said it will seek Interpol's assistance in repatriating deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, and other 'fugitives', to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

Bangladesh launches $5 billion graft probe against Hasina

Bangladesh launches $5 billion graft probe against Hasina

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

An anti-graft panel in Bangladesh has launched an investigation against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family in connection with the allegations of embezzling $5 billion in the Rooppur nuclear power plant, according to a media report.

Boris Johnson fights to keep chair amid cabinet revolt

Boris Johnson fights to keep chair amid cabinet revolt

Rediff.com7 Jul 2022

Boris Johnson is in a 'buoyant mood' and 'will fight on' to stay as the British Prime Minister, one of his top aides has said, despite some of the embattled premier's most loyal cabinet ministers, including Home Secretary Priti Patel, joining the mutiny and demanding his resignation.

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

BJP Concedes AIADMK Demands In Eagerness For Alliance

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

EPS has had its way on most things, alliance-wise. A week earlier, he reiterated that he would not re-admit OPS and Sasikala Natarajan back in the party. It was a message not just to detractors in the AIADMK. It was even more so for the BJP leadership in Delhi. Even more important for the AIADMK was their demand for accepting EPS as the chief ministerial candidate of any alliance that the party would form, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sunak allies find no space in Liz Truss cabinet

Sunak allies find no space in Liz Truss cabinet

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

Prime Minister Liz Truss has unveiled one of the United Kingdom's most diverse cabinets, with key frontline posts going to ethnic minority members of Parliament, including Indian-origin Suella Braverman as the home secretary.

Sunak sacks Indian origin home secy; Ex-PM Cameron brought in

Sunak sacks Indian origin home secy; Ex-PM Cameron brought in

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday sacked his Indian-origin Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, and replaced her with James Cleverly, while former premier David Cameron, in an unusual move, is back in the frontline government as the new foreign secretary.