France, Italy, UK order more air defence missiles
Live Events(You can now subscribe to our(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channelPARIS: Paris, Rome and London said Friday they had ordered new air defence missiles after a shock US policy shift in ties with Europe.European governments are under pressure to step up on defence after US President Donald Trump questioned whether the United States - the guarantor of Europe's security since World War II - should continue its central role in NATO "France, Italy and United Kingdom , confirm the order of 218 additional Aster missiles and the acceleration of delivery of already ordered Aster missiles," the countries said in a joint statement.The deal underscored "the unwavering commitment of France, Italy and United Kingdom to bolster their air defence capabilities," they said.It would also ensure "speedier delivery, from 2025, of 134 missiles previously ordered" in December 2022, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on X.Aster 15 and 30 missiles are produced by pan-European manufacturer MBDA.The order is for an unspecified number of new Aster 30 B1 missiles, to enter into service next year, that are to be used in the future French and Italian SAMP/T land-to-air defence systems as well as the navy ships of the three nations.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 19:08 UTC
EU beer and winemakers fear business will dry up under Trump’s tariffs
From picturesque vineyards that produce Côte de Beaune fit for Manhattan supper soirées to Belgian breweries whose beers delight blue-collar Americans, one question is on the minds of Europe’s drinks industry: how do we survive Trump’s tariffs? Trump’s threat came after the European Commission said it would impose a 50 per cent surcharge on US whiskey imports in response to tariffs on steel and aluminium. Advertisement“We met a huge number of MEPs before they took the decision to increase the charge on imported bourbon. Fear has gripped wine businesses across Spain, particularly in the rioja and cava-producing regions of the north. Trump’s tariffs may halt the sparkling wine’s triumphant conquest of the US.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 18:26 UTC
Jack Quaid finds saying goodbye to 'The Boys' 'bittersweet'
It's going to be very bittersweet, but we're about halfway done shooting and it's going to be awesome. But I don't think she's trying to say that I'm not a nepo baby. I think she's just trying to say that, in her opinion, it undermines my talent. "I know that I work hard, and I know I've heard 'no' way more than I've heard 'yes.' So no, I don't think she was trying to say that I'm not a privileged person.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 17:28 UTC
I’ve spent £70,000 on childcare — inside Britain’s nursery crisis
As part of our new parenting section, we are selecting some of the best content from our archive. This piece was originally published in March 2023I first learnt to worry about childcare when my daughter, now five, was three days old. I cried as the health visitor explained I’d left it far too late to secure her a nursery place for a year’s time. As those newborns grew, childcare slots would become a similarly sought-after commodity. Finding one was high on my to-do list but, naively, I concentrated on having the baby
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 14:03 UTC
David Raven, British Drag Performer Known as Maisie Trollette, Dies at 91
David Raven, who was better known as Maisie Trollette and was believed to be the oldest drag performer in Britain, died on Wednesday in Brighton, England. His death was confirmed by a friend, Scott St. Martyn, who said that Mr. Raven had been living in a nursing home. Mr. Raven performed as Maisie Trollette for over half a century, wearing a blonde wig, a thick layer of makeup and long sequined dresses while singing old show tunes and cracking naughty jokes. He became a mainstay of the British drag circuit, a regular presence at the Brighton and Hove Pride event and a mentor to younger drag queens. Mr. Raven began performing in drag as the form became popular with the rise of Danny La Rue, a famous British drag performer (who was, according to Mr. St. Martyn, a big fan of Mr. Raven’s).
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 13:36 UTC
BST Hyde Park 2025 confirms full line-up for Zach Bryan with special guest
Bryan’s performance at the summer concert series will mark his first UK festival headlining slot. He was originally announced to headline only Saturday 28th June, but due to "incredible demand" a second date was added on Sunday. BST Hyde Park 2024 featured headline performances from Stevie Nicks, Kylie Minogue, Stray Kids, SZA, Kings Of Leon, Morgan Wallen, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams and Shania Twain. Email address Sign Up By entering your details you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 10:10 UTC
Delhi tries last-resort attempt to appeal Sanjay Bhandari extradition judgment
Sanjay BhandariLONDON: The Indian govt has applied to the London high court for a point of law of general public importance to be certified to allow India to appeal the Sanjay Bhandari extradition judgment in Britain’s Supreme Court.The Indian authorities are seeking to extradite Bhandari (62), a defence middleman residing in London, to face criminal charges of money laundering and wilfully evading taxes in India by not declaring foreign assets and foreign income on his Indian income tax returns, claiming he evaded Rs 197 crore in taxes, contrary to Sec 51 of the Black Money Act.In the tax years 2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016 Bhandari, an Indian national, declared he had nil foreign assets despite having amassed Rs 731 crore of foreign assets, the charges state.On Feb 28 two high court judges, Lord Justice Holroyde and Mrs Justice Steyn, ordered Bhandari’s discharge on two grounds, namely that his extradition him to India would be a breach of both Articles 3 (torture) and 6 (fair trial) of the ECHR ( European Convention on Human Rights ).The judges said he would be at real risk of extortion, accompanied by violence, from other prisoners, and also from prison officials inside Tihar jail — where he would be detained — as he was “perceived to be rich”.They commented that “incidents of prison officials, including senior officials, taking bribes, engaging in, and facilitating, extortion, occur all too commonly” in Tihar jail and the risk was not removed by India’s assurances, amounting to an ECHR Article 3 breach.They also said because Bhandari would have to prove the attempt to evade tax was not wilful, rather than prosecuting authorities having to prove it was wilful, this was a flagrant denial of his rights under Article 6.A high court official told TOI: “An application was filed on Wednesday by the respondent (Indian govt) to certify two points of law of general public importance; and grant leave to appeal to the Supreme Court in relation to those two questions.”TOI understands that Delhi’s argument is that reversing the burden of proof is not a “flagrant denial of justice” as per Article 6. Delhi also claims that it should have been asked to provide further assurances about Bhandari’s treatment in Tihar jail rather than the extradition being turned down under Article 3.Bhandari, represented by Edward Fitzgerald KC, had appealed in the high court under six grounds, but the other four grounds were dismissed.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 09:32 UTC
Holi auspicious timings in US, UK, Canada and countries where it is celebrated
Holi, Holika Dahan timings in US, UK, Canada and other countriesHolika dahan, holi timing in the USHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timing in the UKHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in CanadaHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in NepalHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurta (11:41 PM to 12:13 AM)Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Purnima Tithi Begins - 10:50 AM on Mar 13, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends - 12:38 PM on Mar 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in MauritiusHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurta (09:56 PM to 12:19 AM)Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Purnima Tithi Begins - 09:05 AM on Mar 13, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends - 10:53 AM on Mar 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in Trinidad & TobagoHolikaDahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurta (06:17 PM to 08:40 PM)Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Purnima Tithi Begins - 01:05 AM on Mar 13, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends - 02:53 AM on Mar 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in FijiHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurta - 06:22 PM to 06:53 PMHoli, Friday, March 14, 2025Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:05 PM on Mar 13, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends - 06:53 PM on Mar 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in BangladeshHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurta - 11:56 PM to 12:07 AM, Mar 14Holi, Friday, March 14, 2025Purnima Tithi Begins - 11:05 AM on Mar 13, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends - 12:53 PM on Mar 14, 2025Holika dahan, holi timings in AustraliaHolika Dahan, Thursday, March 13, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurta - 07:23 PM to 09:43 PMHoli, Friday, March 14, 2025Purnima Tithi Begins - 04:05 PM on Mar 13, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:53 PM on Mar 14, 2025Holi in 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, with Holika Dahan observed on the evening of Thursday, March 13. Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, involves lighting a bonfire and is traditionally performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening) after sunset. The auspicious time, or muhurat, for Holika Dahan varies by location.As per Drik Panchang countries where holika dahan and holi is celebrated will follow the auspicious timings for the rituals.Holika Dahan Muhurat (07:14 PM to 09:39 PM)Purnima Tithi begins at 01:05 AM on March 13, 2025Purnima Tithi ends at 02:53 AM, March 14, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurat (06:02 PM to 08:29 PM)Purnima Tithi begins at 05:05 AM on March 13, 2025Purnima Tithi ends at 06:53 AM, March 14, 2025Holika Dahan Muhurat (07:22 PM to 09:48 PM)Purnima Tithi begins at 01:05 AM on March 13, 2025Purnima Tithi ends at 02:53 AM, March 14, 2025While the date of Holi remains the same across countries where it is celebrated, for hyperlocal regions the exact muhurat for Holika Dahan can vary based on local sunset times and time zones. It's advisable to consult local temples or community organizations in these countries for precise timings. Performing Holika Dahan at the appropriate local time ensures adherence to traditional practices and auspiciousness.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 09:28 UTC
The times, they are a changin’, but not for the better
Trump promised change, saying he would make America great again, and at the same time that he would deliver prosperity for the benefit of ordinary Americans. This is the relevant chart:That index has now fallen by more than ten per cent since its peak, which happened as recently as 19 February. The belief that Trump might deliver for the USA has very clearly already evaporated. Neo-fascism of the type now seen in so many countries is, however, no alternative. The times, they are a changin', to quote Bob Dylan, but none of the potential outcomes are looking good.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 07:39 UTC
John Lennon gets honored on UK coin collection in what would have been his 85th year
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Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 07:04 UTC
NHS England axed: the rise and fall of the world’s biggest quango
There were gasps in NHS England’s headquarters near Waterloo station on Thursday morning as Sir Keir Starmer announced live on television that the organisation was being abolished. The 15,000 staff working for the central NHS body were blindsided by the prime minister’s decision. More than half will be sacked, with the rest merged into similar roles at the Department of Health. It marks one of the biggest reorganisations in NHS history, bringing to an end a decade-long experiment to give the health service greater independence from government. Like its demise, the birth of NHS England resulted from a party leader needing a big announcement that would wrongfoot his critics.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 06:23 UTC
Newspaper headlines: 'Starmer's shock NHS takeover' and Putin's ceasefire terms
Sir Keir Starmer's decision to scrap NHS England gets a warm reception in the Mail. The Financial Times says abolishing NHS England leaves "a slew of unanswered questions" about how the health service will be run once ministers take direct control. The former Conservative defence minister and British Army officer, Tobias Ellwood, has written a comment piece for the paper, external. The Telegraph says the Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, has been using artificial intelligence to come up with policy ideas, external. The prince tells the paper that he starts moving himself and his children around the house quite quickly - in the hope that it will change his side's luck.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 06:05 UTC
Sigmund Freud ancestor’s Cotswolds hotel most romantic in UK
The Times has compiled its annual list of the 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for another year and several places in the county make the cut. 2025’s list features individual awards for specific categories, and the “Best Romantic Hotel” gong has been added to an Oxfordshire venue. Bull on High Street in Burford opened in 2023 and has been impressing visitors ever since thanks to its two restaurants, cocktail bar and modern rooms. READ MORE: New restaurant Oak opens at Oxfordshire Crazy Bear hotelSigmund Freud. (Image: Britannica)“There’s nothing we like better than when a local buys the town’s much-loved pub to safeguard it from potential descent into anonymity,” said The Times.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 03:50 UTC
Unfazed by critics, Meghan Markle stands her ground, dismissing harsh Netflix reviews and declaring she’s not going anywhere
FAQs(You can now subscribe to our(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channelMeghan Markle isn't letting the criticism of her new Netflix series With Love, Meghan stop her. Disregarding criticism and celebrating the success of her second season renewal, the Duchess of Sussex is still concentrating on building her audience, as per reports.“With Love, Meghan,” Meghan Markle's new Netflix series, has received mixed reviews. Some critics have criticized the idea of a second season.Meghan Markle dismisses harsh criticism of the Netflix series, saying she "is here to stay. "I'm not even 30 seconds into the first episode and I already know that With Love, Meghan is the FAKEST stuff ever," argued one individual. "She's brushing it off and focusing on her supporters, according to experts, who believe she's determined to build a loyal fan base.Yes, despite mixed reviews, Netflix has renewed the show, indicating Meghan's Hollywood career is far from over.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 03:34 UTC
British woman alleges rape; social media contact, one more held
New Delhi: A British national was allegedly raped and molested at a hotel in southwest Delhi's Mahipalpur on Tuesday night. When the woman reached a hospital, which then informed police about her allegations, the cops arrested the two men.The woman told the cops that she came into contact with Kailash in Feb on social media, and they became friends. The woman alleged that Kailash then raped her.Police have found phone chats between the accused and the survivor. The British visitor told the cops that finding her intoxicated, Gulfham, on the pretext of helping her to the lift, touched her inappropriately. In 2022, a 40-year-old cab driver was arrested for making obscene gestures while ferrying a woman passenger, a British national, in Dhaula Kuan.
Source:The Times
March 14, 2025 01:20 UTC