New UK PM appoints cabinet, names country's first female chancellor
London: In a historic move, newly appointed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has named Rachel Reeves as the nation's first female Chancellor of the Exchequer and Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister. This announcement came on Friday, following the formation of Starmer's new cabinet.
Starmer's cabinet includes a record 11 women among its 25 members. Notable appointments include Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary, David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, and John Healey as Defence Secretary. Other key positions include Shabana Mahmood as Justice Secretary, Wes Streeting as Health Secretary, Bridget Phillipson as Education Secretary, and Ed Miliband as Energy Secretary.
In his inaugural speech at Downing Street, Starmer pledged to address the country's "struggling" healthcare system, secure British borders, and meet the needs for schools and affordable homes. He also said that the country has voted decisively for change and a return to public service politics.
"Our country has voted decisively for change and a return of politics to public service," Starmer stated. He acknowledged that "changing a country is not like flicking a switch" and noted the increasing volatility of the world.
Starmer assured that the work for change would begin immediately but would take time. He emphasized his focus on issues that matter to "working-class families" like his own. "If I asked you now whether you believed that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no -- and so my government will fight until you believe again," he declared.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
