Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Lord Karan Bilimoria takes top role at UK International Chamber

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the world’s largest business organisation representing 45 million firms with one billion employees in 170 countries.

Lord Karan Bilimoria takes top role at UK International Chamber
Lord Karan Bilimoria

BRITISH Asian peer Lord Karan Bilimoria has been appointed chair of the International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (ICCUK).

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the world’s largest business organisation representing 45 million firms with one billion employees in 170 countries. The ICCUK is the chamber’s representative voice in the UK. It helps facilitate the UK industry to shape international policy, standards and rules.


Bilimoria said: “The ICC is uniquely positioned as a champion of pragmatic trade solutions, and I see opportunities to strengthen our relationships with key economies, as well as across government, including No 10 Downing Street, ministers, and regulators.

“As we look to 2025, I am keen to deepen our engagement on international trade priorities, including the G7 and G20, and contribute to the UK’s international trade and industrial strategies.

“The new government’s energy and focus on growth provide a unique opportunity for ICC to position itself as the leading voice for international business and trade. I look forward to working with our members, partners, and international networks to advance this mission and drive meaningful outcomes for UK businesses and the global economy.”

Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, will take the reins at ICCUK in the new year when the India-UK FTA negotiations are expected to resume following a meeting between prime ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil last week.

“There are huge benefits for both countries in goods, investments, and services. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and Indian companies are already significant investors in the UK,” said Bilimoria in a statement following the announcement of his new ICCUK role last week.

As a champion of closer India-UK trade ties, the businessman welcomed the renewed “committed and concerted effort” to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and called on both governments to set a deadline for completion.

“An FTA will turbo-charge the special relationship between both countries and unleash significant untapped potential going forward. Both Prime Ministers should set a deadline, for example, June 30, 2025, by which to complete the deal, and the completion should be celebrated by the biggest prime ministerial-led delegations to both countries,” Bilimoria said.

The peer will succeed fellow businessman Paul Drechsler CBE at the ICCUK.

“Over the past four years, we have worked to position ICC as a trusted voice on the international stage, driving trade policies that foster inclusivity, investment, and economic recovery. I am confident that under Karan’s leader[1]ship, ICC will continue to strengthen its influence, and I look forward to remaining part of this important community,” said Drechsler.

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less