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HCLTech announced this week that it is setting up an artificial intelligence/cloud native lab in Singapore that will be ready next year. Singapore is the fifth country — after the US, UK, Germany and India — where the Noida-based company is setting up such a facility. The announcement comes days after India's second largest software services provider, Infosys, collaborated with University of Cambridge to establish an AI lab in London, adding to over a dozen such centres it has globally.

Japan is planning an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka to make up for a shortage of truck drivers

Thousands of people have marched in London to demand a cleanup of Britain’s sewage-clogged waterways

Goa tourism department is getting a punishment posting — no, not in the Andamans. The vindaloo god's own country was hoping to roll out the red carpet to global tourists at the World Travel Market that's starting in London this week, and earn some precious dollars and mind space of high-end Western tourists — as opposed to the usual 'Dum Maro Dum' lot.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has also expressed interest in either purchasing the national carrier or establishing a new provincial airline, tentatively named "Air Punjab." On Saturday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif confirmed that his daughter and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had sought his advice on whether the provincial government should pursue the acquisition of PIA or launch a new airline, Dawn reported. «Maryam proposed that the Punjab government launch a new airline, Air Punjab, and I advised her to proceed with further consultations on the potential acquisition of the PIA,» Sharif shared from New York.

Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times has revealed that King Charles and Prince William’s private estates are receiving significant funds from cash-strapped charities and public services. The estates, known as the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, reportedly earn millions from leasing land and buildings. The investigation found that the royals’ estates have amassed at least £50 million from leasing land to public services including the NHS, state schools, and prisons. One notable contract involves the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS hospital trust in London, which will pay £11.4 million over 15 years to use a warehouse owned by the Duchy of Lancaster for its electric ambulance fleet. King Charles is also expected to generate an estimated £28 million from windfarms, as the Duchy of Lancaster charges fees for cables crossing the foreshore. In addition, Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall has agreed to lease Dartmoor prison to the Ministry of Justice for £37 million over 25 years. Despite this, the Ministry must handle all repairs for the currently unoccupied facility.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. For those who started their fashion careers in the 1990s—a time when the industry was just starting to find its place—Rohit Bal was a guiding light. And this was borne out when almost every member of the fashion industry, from designers and stylists to photographers, models and fashion writers, had a special memory to share of working with him, soon after the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announced the death of legendary designer on 1 November.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India and is building towards that magic moment, Britain's minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific said during a special Diwali reception in London. Catherine West, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), referenced the previous Conservative government's Diwali 2022 deadline to complete the FTA negotiations as she reiterated the recently elected Labour government's commitment to get the deal done. The FTA negotiations, which were paused for general elections in both countries, are aimed at significantly enhancing the estimated GBP 38.1 billion a year bilateral trading partnership. «As the new government, we're still extremely keen to be getting on with our trade deal, which was meant to be signed a couple of Diwalis ago. But we don't mind, what's a Diwali between friends,» said West, addressing the FCDO's gathering of parliamentarians, community leaders and professionals at Lancaster House to celebrate the Festival of Lights. «Our new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is in the works, and all of these things go to building towards that magic moment where we light the candle on the free trade agreement. While I'm thinking of a lot of different things (this Diwali), it would be good to light the candle on that deal. Please pray for those negotiations, so we can have the light that goes on to the best positive feelings and the magic that you do get when you get a deal,» she said.

British Treasury chief Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her first budget in Parliament

flights per week flight movements this winter despite rising travel demand. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is all set to provide an extensive network of travel options for its passengers with 3,372 weekly flights--2,361 weekly domestic and 1,011 weekly international flights-- for the winter schedule 2024, the private airport operator said. Significantly, as per the winter schedule for the Indian Airlines announced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) earlier this month, the Indian airlines will operate 25,007 flights every week to and from 124 airports, which is 5.37 per cent more compared to the winter schedule of 2023. The winter schedule this year started from October 27, 2024 and will continue till March 29, 2025.

As wenoted yesterday, debt capital markets (DCM) bankers at Citi in London have been afflicted by unexpected job cuts involving Colm Rainey head of corporate and financial institutions group debt capital markets for UK & Ireland, Christian Rose, an MD in Stockholm, Santhi Athreya, head of corporate DCM for France, Belgium and Luxembourg, Bruno Sáenz de Miera, head of debt capital markets for Iberia and others. 

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. With every restaurant opening, there seems to be a renewed focus on aesthetics, signifying they’re catering to diners who eat with their camera first. This month, one of the pioneers of the Instagram café phenomenon unveiled its first outlet in India.

Tommy Robinson, a prominent figure in the UK's far-right movement, is at the center of escalating tensions in London following his recent arrest for contempt of court. Over the weekend, thousands gathered to support Robinson, demanding his release during a rally called “Unite the Kingdom.” This event underscores Robinson's influence within Britain's far-right circles, particularly concerning immigration and nationalism. Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is the founder of the English Defence League (EDL), a nationalist and anti-Islamist group known for its confrontational stance. The protests attracted many participants who carried British and English flags and displayed signs with slogans like “Make America Great Again,” a phrase popularized by former US President Donald Trump. Trump, who is currently seeking another term in the US elections, is noted for his strong anti-immigration policies. The march was not without opposition; a counter-demonstration led by Stand Up to Racism was held nearby, where supporters advocated for welcoming refugees and denounced Robinson’s influence. This juxtaposition of rallies highlighted the deep divisions within British society. The protests included a separate demonstration by families mourning loved ones lost in police custody, who stood in solidarity with anti-racism campaigners by holding signs denouncing hatred and fascism.

Thieves with a nose for fine cheese have pulled off a massive cheddar ripoff in London

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The 1995 BBC Pride And Prejudice miniseries is an iconic piece of pop-culture that has passed into canon for Jane Austen fans.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. U.S., Arab and Israeli officials are planning to meet this weekend in Qatar to renew talks over a cease-fire in the war in Gaza, with mediators proposing a short-term pause in fighting that could build toward a permanent agreement. Negotiators are skeptical of a breakthrough in the talks, which are scheduled for Sunday in Doha.

Oliver Mudie, the former nicest guy in Bank of America's London equities team, has got a new job.

Sam is a financial journalist with a focus on cryptocurrency market news, based in London. With a Master’s Degree in Development Management from the London School of Economics, Sam’s passion for...

Singapore when all of us can't wait to land at Changi Airport and start our Diwali-to-Christmas shopping. But when the someone badmouthing is Lee Hsien Yang, younger son of Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, you hold on to your buffet ticket at Raffles Singapore just a wee bit tighter.

Jeffrey Gogo is a journalist with 20 years of experience in business, finance, cryptocurrency, and climate change news and analysis.

Angelina Jolie and British rapper Akala are allegedly getting closer. Angelina Jolie, 49, and her alleged boyfriend Akala, 40, spend two nights together in her London hotel. According to a report by Page Six, the 49-year-old ‘Maleficent’ star secretly brought the 40-year-old musician to her hotel suite at The Corinthia in London last week. Akala joined the actress two hours after her arrival. The pair spent Wednesday and Thursday nights together inside the hotel and did not leave.