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Negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom resumed in New Delhi, marking a significant step after a months-long hiatus. UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, met with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the advanced-stage talks aimed at tripling bilateral trade, currently valued at $20 billion annually, over the next decade. Goyal described the potential deal as "pathbreaking," emphasizing the need for a robust agreement that benefits both nations in the long term. Both ministers highlighted the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship, which could unlock business opportunities and strengthen existing ties. They also clarified that immigration issues are not part of the trade negotiations, with Goyal reaffirming that discussions focus solely on trade and investment. The FTA talks began on January 13, 2022, and are seen as a priority for both countries. 
Published: Feb 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPope Francis has shown a "slight improvement" in his health, according to a statement from the Vatican, as he continues to be hospitalized for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent 11 days receiving treatment, and the latest update indicates that there have been no episodes of asthmatic respiratory distress, alongside some positive changes in laboratory test results. The Vatican's evening bulletin noted that while the Holy Father's condition remains critical, the signs of improvement offer a glimmer of hope for his recovery. The Pope's health has been closely monitored, and this update comes as the global community continues to express concern and support for the leader of the Catholic Church.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that the ongoing war in Ukraine could conclude "within weeks" during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. The discussion focused on potential pathways to end the conflict, with Macron emphasizing the necessity of including Ukraine in any negotiations. This comes as Trump has initiated direct talks with Moscow regarding the war, raising concerns about the future support for Kyiv. Macron's insistence on Ukraine's involvement highlights the delicate balance of diplomacy as both leaders navigate the complexities of the situation. The meeting underscores the shifting dynamics in international relations as the conflict continues to impact global stability.
Published: Feb 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a stern warning to Bangladesh regarding its fluctuating stance towards India, following a recent meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain in Muscat. Jaishankar criticized the interim government's tendency to blame India for domestic issues, calling some claims "ridiculous" and urging Dhaka to clarify its intentions for future relations. He emphasized the need for Bangladesh to choose a consistent approach, highlighting the historical ties between the two nations since 1971. Additionally, Jaishankar expressed concerns over rising communal violence against minorities in Bangladesh, which he stated affects bilateral discussions. He reiterated India's desire for a peaceful relationship, cautioning against the normalization of terrorism, particularly in light of Pakistan's influence in the region. The meeting also touched on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with both sides acknowledging obstacles to its progress.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA British couple in their 70s, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, raising urgent concerns from their family. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, revealed that the couple, aged 75 and 79, were apprehended by the Taliban's interior ministry on February 1 while running educational programmes in the country. Initially, they maintained contact through text messages, reassuring their four children of their safety, but communication ceased three days later. Entwistle is now calling on the British government to exert pressure for their release, stating that the family can no longer wait for answers. The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is assisting the family but offered no further details. Reports indicate that the couple, along with a Chinese-American associate and a translator, were arrested for allegedly using a plane without notifying local authorities. Britain currently advises against travel to Afghanistan due to risks of detention.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inKash Patel, the newly appointed director of the FBI, has sparked speculation about his allegiance to Liverpool FC after being photographed wearing a tie adorned with the club's iconic Liverbird emblem during a Senate confirmation hearing. The tie, featuring the club's red and white colors, has led to mixed reactions on social media, with some Liverpool fans expressing concern over Patel's conservative political affiliations, given the club's historical ties to socialist and working-class values. Notably, legendary manager Bill Shankly is credited with fostering this ethos, a tradition continued by his successors, including Jurgen Klopp. Comments on social media ranged from disapproval of Patel's support for the club to playful banter among fans. Born in New York and raised in East Africa, Patel has held various roles, including National Security Advisor, and is a graduate of the University of Richmond and University College London.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNetflix is reportedly considering reducing the screen time of Liam Payne in the upcoming talent competition, _Building The Band_, following his tragic death last October. The former _One Direction_ star had been filming the reality series, which features individual singers striving to form a new band, alongside judges Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, with AJ McLean as host. According to a source, Netflix executives are prioritizing sensitivity, aiming to balance Payne's contributions to the show with the emotional impact on his loved ones. The show, one of Payne's final projects, is expected to be released later this year, despite being put on hold after his passing. Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, with toxicology reports indicating the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time. He first gained fame on _The X Factor_ in 2008 before joining _One Direction_ in 2010.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 9 pmeznews.inGoogle's DeepMind has unveiled AlphaGeometry2, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) math system that surpasses human gold medalists at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Capable of solving 84% of geometry problems, AlphaGeometry2 outperforms the average gold medalist's 81.8% success rate. Initially launched in January last year, the AI had already matched the performance of silver medallists but has since been enhanced to tackle more complex problems, including those involving object movements and linear equations. The improvements have increased the system's coverage of IMO geometry problems from 66% to 88%. Despite this progress, Google acknowledges limitations in the AI's capabilities, particularly regarding variable points and non-linear equations. Researchers aim for full automation in geometry problem-solving, focusing on improving inference speed and system reliability in the future.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA violent clash at a Bangladesh Air Force base in Cox's Bazar on Monday resulted in the death of a local trader, Shihab Kabir, and injuries to several others, including four Air Force personnel. The confrontation reportedly began when air force personnel stopped a biker at a checkpoint, leading to an aggressive response from over 200 locals. The military's Inter Service Public Relations stated that "miscreants" attacked the base, while the Air Force fired blank shots to protect the installation, denying the use of live ammunition. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with claims that Kabir was shot by Air Force personnel. Amid rising crime concerns, the government has initiated "Operation Devil Hunt," resulting in over 8,600 arrests in a crackdown on alleged gangs linked to the previous regime. The military has pledged to maintain order until a new elected government is established, emphasizing the need for restraint in their operations.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia and the UK have announced the resumption of trade agreement negotiations, as confirmed by Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal during a joint press conference with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in New Delhi. The talks, which were paused last year due to general elections in both nations, are now being expedited in light of increasing global uncertainties, including potential import tariffs from the U.S. The discussions aim to establish a bilateral free trade agreement and an investment treaty, marking the first negotiations since the UK Labour Party took power in July 2023. Reynolds emphasized that securing a deal is a "top priority" for the UK government. Additionally, UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson plans to engage with investors in Mumbai and Bengaluru to encourage Indian investments. Current bilateral trade between the two countries reached £41 billion ($52 billion) in the year leading up to September 2024.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 6 pm
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