Britain Financial News
17.03 / 06:03
COST
UPS
FIVE
Career
voice
Profiles
Indian professional in super-expensive London refuses to work 5 days in office. Her back-up plan is ready
Three days ago, Vinaykiya voiced her thoughts on LinkedIn, addressing the return-to-office mandates, escalating living costs, and stagnant wages affecting Gen Z professionals. “I will not be in the office four or five days a week. Full stop,” the 25-year-old declared in her LinkedIn post. According to her profile, she serves as a Global Influencer Strategy Manager at the Lego Group. She attributed her firm stance against in-office work to the soaring cost of living in the UK capital.
17.03 / 02:05
COST
Action
Election
Department
rights
UK finance minister Reeves to set out action plan to slash 'red tape'
Labour government will on Monday set out details of how it plans to slash red tape to boost business, as it struggles to deliver growth nine months after winning power. Chancellor Rachel Reeves' shake-up comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer took aim at the nation's «flabby state», sparking anger from unions who called on him to avoid the «incendiary rhetoric» of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in the US. The finance ministry said regulators would be summoned to the prime minister's Downing Street office on Monday to hear Reeves announce her «action plan to deliver on the pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter». The «radical» plan would cut «costly red tape» such as the «hundreds of pages of guidance on protecting bat habitats which goes far beyond legal requirements», said a statement, referring to the £100 million ($130 million) spent on a bat tunnel by the company building Britain's new high-speed HS2 train line. The tunnel has become a lightning rod for criticism of the planning system, with the Prime Minister describing it as «absurd».
16.03 / 09:47
Waters
Food
Fishing
beautiful
pop
aquatics
Makhana and machli are a deadly combo: Why fish farming is complementary with growing fox nuts
Pag pag pokhari maach makhan, saras boli muski mukh paan” is a Maithili saying that describes how the land has ponds at almost every step full of fish and the prickly water plants that produce makhana, whose popped seeds are becoming big business. In Greek mythology, Euryale was a Gorgon, a beautiful woman with monstrous features like the snakes for hair of her better-known sister Medusa. When a British botanist came across what looked like a beautiful water lily with menacing spikes on its stalks and leaves, he invoked the Gorgon in its scientific name, adding ferox, or ferocious, for emphasis. Euryale ferox seeds are sometimes called Gorgon nuts. The name was appropriate for another reason. Euryale means ‘far-roaming’ and the prickly plants grow across much of eastern Asia, probably distributed by migratory waterfowl. In 'Soup for the Qan', a translation of a 14th century CE dietary manual for China’s Mongol Emperor, many dishes are made with Euryale seed flour. These are clearly distinguished from the seeds of that other aquatic plant, the lotus, but in time this distinction became blurred. Makhana is often called lotus seed but in Chinese cuisine, actual lotus seeds are now more popular.
16.03 / 09:47
Digital
awards
WhatsApp
innovations
International
PM Modi hails RBI for being selected for Digital Transformation Award
Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed as a «commendable accomplishment» the Reserve Bank of India being selected for the Digital Transformation Award 2025, and said it reflects an emphasis towards innovation and efficiency in governance. In a post on X, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it has been selected for the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London, UK.
16.03 / 09:13
markets
COST
Manufacturing
Trade
War
country
information
Drop ‘Made in’ labels: They’re a major reason for today’s trade war
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Where is a Toyota Camry or iPhone made? There is a label that identifies the country in which the final product assembly takes place, but it says nothing about where the product is actually ‘made.’ It is unable to do so because for goods that have inputs (material or intellectual) that are traded across international borders, the answer is never a single country.
16.03 / 05:33
markets
COST
Manufacturing
economy
Trade
War
show
Charting the global economy: Tariffs fuel US inflation concerns
A preliminary March survey of consumers showed sentiment sank by more than projected, while long-term inflation expectations jumped as the Trump administration pushes forward with higher duties on foreign goods just as price pressures showed signs of easing. Meanwhile, the UK economy shrank unexpectedly at the start of the year on weaker manufacturing and construction. In China, the economy remains hamstrung by persistent deflation.
16.03 / 05:33
FIVE
WhatsApp
social
innovations
information
reports
International
Can technology help more survivors of sexual assault in South Sudan?
Five months after the assault, she lay on a mat in a displacement camp in South Sudan's capital, rubbing her swollen belly. «I felt like I wasn't heard… and now I'm pregnant,» she said. The Associated Press does not identify people who have been raped. Sexual assault is a constant risk for many women in South Sudan. Now one aid group is trying to bridge the gap with technology, to find and help survivors more quickly. But it's not easy in a country with low connectivity, high illiteracy and wariness about how information is used. Five months ago, an Israel-based organization in South Sudan piloted a chatbot it created on WhatsApp. It prompts questions for its staff to ask survivors of sexual assault to anonymously share their experiences. The information is put into the phone while speaking to the person and the bot immediately notifies a social worker there's a case, providing help to the person within hours. IsraAID said the technology improves communication. Papers can get misplaced and information can go missing, said Rodah Nyaduel, a psychologist with the group. When colleagues document an incident, she's notified by phone and told what type of case it is.
15.03 / 20:41
Action
country
social
reports
rights
Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning to Iran
Trump said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use «overwhelming lethal force» until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. «Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,» Trump said in a social media post. «No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.» He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country «fully accountable» for the actions of its proxy. The Houthis reported a series of explosions in their territory Saturday evening. Images circulating online show plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility. The extent of the damage was not yet clear. The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel's blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then.
15.03 / 20:41
Remark
Southern
Forbes
Trade
country
reports
Videos
How Alberta is responding to Donald Trump’s tariffs — and which other provinces have joined in
The move comes as a direct response to Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, which Alberta Premier Danielle Smith condemned as an «economic attack» on Canada.
15.03 / 13:33
SUN
Manufacturing
Pride
country
audience
electronic
rights
Tamil a sweet language; PM wants every language to get its due respect: Union Minister Vaishnaw
Participating at the inauguration of a manufacturing factory of Zetwerk Electronics at Sriperumbudur, Vaishnaw said he was lucky as he got a professor by name Sadagopan while pursuing his academics at IIT Kanpur who taught him about the Tamil language. Greeting the audience with a traditional 'Vanakkam' (Namaste) in Tamil language at the beginning of his speech, Vaishnaw said, «Tamil is a very very sweet language. All I know is three words — Vanakkam, Eppadi Irukeenga (How are you) and Nandri (Thanks).» Referring to his interaction with Sadagopan at IIT Kanpur, the Minister said, «Sadagopan introduced me to Tamil language and in North India, Tamil is generally known as masala dosa, right?.. He taught me so many facets of Tamil culture… It is a very, very deep culture, very ancient culture. We all respect Tamil culture and we all respect the Tamil language.» «This is one of our assets of our country and this is also one of the assets of the world and lets take pride in that. Let's take joy in that and let's enjoy all the Indian languages. And that is the spirit with which our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is working today making sure that every Indian language gets its big place under the Sun and make sure they get the respect which is due to them, make sure that they get the exposure,» he said.
15.03 / 11:17
security
Remark
President
country
gatherings
UK PM Starmer tells global leaders to 'keep the pressure' on Putin over ceasefire in Ukraine
Keir Starmer has told global leaders to «keep the pressure» on Russian President Vladimir Putin to back a ceasefire in Ukraine. In his opening remarks Saturday to a virtual gathering of what he has termed the "coalition of the willing," Starmer said Putin will «sooner or later» have to «come to the table.» Unlike the first summit on March 2, the meeting of what Starmer has termed the «coalition of the willing» is being conducted virtually. The call is expected to delve into how countries can help Ukraine militarily and financially as well as gauging support for any future possible peacekeeping mission. «If Russia finally comes to the table, then we must be ready to monitor a ceasefire to ensure it is a serious, and enduring peace,» Starmer told leaders, in remarks released by his office ahead of the meeting. «If they don't, then we need to strain every sinew to ramp up economic pressure on Russia to secure an end to this war.» Like last time, there will be no representative from the United States, which has shifted its approach on the war since the return of President Donald Trump to the White House. The change of approach relative to that taken by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, became particularly notable after Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Feb. 28 in the Oval Office.
15.03 / 05:21
markets
UPS
Provident
SPY
Trade
War
If it comes to a stand-off, Europe has leverage over America
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. “THE ACTION that is needed has to be bold and determined," declared Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, this week. She was talking about how the European Union should respond to Donald Trump’s habit of tearing up supposedly “ironclad commitments", thereby threatening “European values".
15.03 / 03:43
Progressive
Assurant
President
information
Videos
peace
Russia must accept proposal for 30-day ceasefire: French President Macron
Emmanuel Macron on Friday (local time) called on Russia to accept the US-brokered proposal for an interim 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that «atrocities must stop.» Macron criticized Russia for its «delaying statements» on the proposed deal following his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer. «I spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and then with Prime Minister Kier Starmer following the progress made during the meeting between the United States and Ukraine in Jeddah on Tuesday. Russia must now accept the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. The Russian aggression in Ukraine must end. The atrocities must stop. So must the delaying statements,» Macron wrote in a post on X. Macron assured France's unwavering support to Ukraine to achieve peace and informed that all partners will hold a video conference today to discuss the issue.
14.03 / 16:11
UPS
MET
Trade
War
country
Allies wrap up G7 meeting overshadowed by Trump's tariffs, Canada taunts
Diplomats from three countries said they believed they were 99 per cent of the way toward completing a joint statement that would reflect the group's positions. «There is a great deal of unity within the G7,» Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Friday. «We talked about many different things.… We support the US proposal for a ceasefire, which is supported by the Ukrainians, and we are waiting for the Russian response.» British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the group arrived at common positions on Ukraine, the Middle East, wars in Africa and Chinese activity in the South China Sea.
14.03 / 16:11
security
Remark
wellness
President
United G7 warns Russia to back Ukraine truce
Meeting at a rustic hotel in rural Quebec, G7 foreign ministers also backed Ukraine's fight for its «territorial integrity» and spoke of Russia's «aggression,» terminology earlier eschewed by Trump as he reached out to Moscow. The consensus on Ukraine came despite mounting tension within the G7 — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States as Trump slaps punishing tariffs on allies and questions the very sovereignty of host Canada. A G7 statement backed a US-led call for a 30-day truce embraced by Ukraine and «called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully.» «They discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means,» such as using frozen Russian assets.
14.03 / 12:39
markets
economy
'Tough year ahead' as UK GDP shrinks 0.1% in January
According to data from the Office for National Statistics released today (14 March), the GDP decline was mostly the result of a fall in production output, which sank by 0.9% in the first month of the year. UK named 'market hotspot' for 2025 despite negative news surrounding economy Similarly, construction output decreased by 0.2% in January 2025, after a similar 0.2% fall in December last year. However, the sector by 0.4% as a whole, in the three months to January 2025. Meanwhile, the UK's monthly services output expanded by 0.1% in January, but stood below the 0.4% growth ...
14.03 / 12:37
FIVE
Manufacturing
economy
Election
show
performer
UK economy unexpectedly shrinks in January, in blow to Treasury chief ahead of key statement
Treasury chief Rachel Reeves before a key statement about the state of the public finances later this month. Official figures Friday showed that the economy, the world's sixth-largest, saw output drop by 0.1% during the month, in contrast to expectations for a modest increase and December's solid 0.4% gain. The Office of National Statistics said the weak performance was largely due to bad weather affecting the manufacturing and construction sectors, despite a solid performance by the services sector, which accounts for around 80% of the British economy. Though monthly figures are notoriously volatile and prone to future revision, the decline puts in sharp relief the struggles the Labour government, elected last July after 14 years in opposition, is having in generating growth. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said raising the U.K.'s economic growth is his government's number one priority over the next five years. Since the global financial crisis in 2008-9, the British economy's growth performance has been historically lackluster.
14.03 / 10:25
SPY
War
Courts
politician
peace
As Trump thaws ties, Russia has a new public enemy number one: Britain
Russia's foreign intelligence service calling Britain «a warmonger.» And a threat from a top ally of Vladimir Putin to seize UK assets inside Russia. As the U.S. under Donald Trump seeks to reset ties with Moscow and broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, Britain has been granted the status of Russia's public enemy number one. It's a mantle it has held on and off over the past two centuries. «London today, like on the eve of both World Wars of the last century, is acting as the main global 'warmonger',» Russia's foreign intelligence service said in an unusually charged public statement on Monday. It accused London of trying to derail Trump's efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. «The time has come to expose them and send a clear message to 'perfidious Albion' and its elites: you will not succeed,» the agency, known as SVR, said.
14.03 / 10:25
UPS
Williams
Racing
Parke
Oscar
testing
Headlines
Lewis Hamilton ready to race for Ferrari for the first time in F1's season-opening Australian GP
Lewis Hamilton racing a Ferrari for the first time. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen arriving without a lot of mileage in his Red Bull. Lando Norris helping McLaren set a benchmark with his pace in testing. Formula 1 is expecting a hyper-competitive milestone 75th anniversary season in 2025, and it starts this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix. There's no shortage of unknowns in terms of the pecking order, and the weather. Most of the headlines ahead of Sunday's Australian GP have revolved around Hamilton's move to Ferrari from Mercedes. The normally relaxed pre-event news conference at Albert Park was overflowing with journalists and photographers on Thursday to hear from a rejuvenated Hamilton about how much he's enjoying the prancing horse-ride. The 40-year-old British driver is going into his 19th season in F1 but has had a different outlook since his first day in January at the Scuderia's Maranello HQ, where he's teammates with Charles Leclerc.
14.03 / 10:09
Target
security
President
Doge
show
social
Department
What if DOGE doesn’t actually save any money?
Treasury Department releases numbers on how much money the US government took in and paid out the previous one. You can get them straight from the source, or in simplified form at the Hamilton Project’s Tracking Federal Expenditures in Real Time site. What they show so far is that, despite all the noise from Washington about layoffs and canceled programs and other cutbacks, the federal government has been spending money faster since President Trump took office on Jan.
14.03 / 03:13
Chevron
wellness
President
stage
gatherings
Features
Interviews
AI leading to faster, cheaper oil production, executives say
AI took center stage in many sessions at the world's largest energy gathering. Oil producers are seeking ways to remain profitable in an environment of plummeting oil prices and worries that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs could slow global energy demand. UK oil major BP is using AI to steer drill bits and predict potential problems in wells before they happen, said Ann Davies, BP's senior vice president of wells.
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