‘Spite might be greatest incentive’: Bengaluru CEO on employees working weekendsA Bengaluru-based CEO has revealed that his employees are voluntarily working late nights and weekends — not for better incentives, but to spite a rival company Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
Tim Cook was happy at Compaq. One meeting with Steve Jobs changed his mindIn a 2014 interview with journalist Charlie Rose, Tim Cook had recalled how he ended up at Apple. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:54:20 IST By Sanya Jain Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link On Monday
From Greater Noida to Delhi: 47-km bus ride ends in gang-rape of 16-year-oldThe Class 11 student, who lives in Mainpuri, left home on August 3 without informing her parents, the Delhi Police said. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:53:15 IST By Hemani Bhandari Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The
In August last year, Rafikul Biswas was picked up from his home in Bengaluru, and accused of being an undocumented migrant from Bangladesh. Biswas, who is originally from Nadia district in Bengal, spent four months in a detention centre in the city
IMDbPro is providing free premium memberships to Indian entertainment professionals. This initiative removes financial barriers for actors, directors, and crew members. Eligible professionals can access career tools and networking opportunities
Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state
Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
The prime minister said in July that the UK would shift its position unless Israel met several conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and committing to a long-term peace process leading to a Palestinian state co-existing alongside Israel.
The Israeli leadership has ruled this out since the start of the war following Hamas's attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023 in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
The PM's move has drawn fierce criticism from the Israeli government, families of hostages held in Gaza and some Conservatives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously said recognition of a Palestinian state "rewards terror".
The decision to recognise a Palestinian state represents a major change in UK foreign policy, after successive governments said recognition should come as part of a peace process and at a time of maximum impact.
However, ministers argue there was a moral responsibility to act to keep hopes of a long-term peace alive.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza - let alone a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict - have faltered. Israel sparked international outrage when it carried out an air strike on a Hamas negotiating team in Qatar.
Government sources said the situation on the ground had also worsened significantly in the last few weeks. They cited images showing starvation and violence in Gaza, which Sir Keir previously described as "intolerable".
Israel's latest ground operation in Gaza City, described by a UN official as "cataclysmic", has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee.
It is the latest Israeli offensive in the nearly two-year war which has seen much of the Palestinian territory's population displaced, its infrastructure destroyed, and at least 65,208 people killed, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures.
Earlier this week, a United Nations commision of inquiry concluded Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which Israel denounced as "distorted and false".
Ministers have also highlighted the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law, as a key factor in the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said "now is the time to stand up for" a two-state solution.
He told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "Will this feed children? No, it won't. That's down to humanitarian aid. Will it free hostages? That must be down to a ceasefire.
But does this mean that you get, or hold out for, that two-state solution and stand by the Palestinian cause being a just cause? That was the determination that I and the prime minister made at the end of July.
Lammy said the timing of the recognition had been made "based on what's happening on the ground".
He cited the controversial E1 settlement project - which critics warn would put an end to hopes for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state - and the recent Israeli strike in Qatar.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK's recognition pledge when he visited Sir Keir earlier this month, with Downing Street saying both leaders had agreed Hamas should play no role in the future governance of Palestine.
Husam Zomlot, its UK representative, told the BBC that recognition would mean "ending the denial of our existence" and that "the British people should celebrate today, when history is being corrected, when wrongs are being righted".
The question is never why should the UK recognise the state of Palestine," Zomlot said, "the question is why didn't the UK recognise the state of Palestine all along?
He added: "Recognition is not a gift, it's not a favour, it's an inalienable right."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she wanted to see a two-state solution in the Middle East.
But she wrote in The Telegraph over the weekend: "It is obvious, and the US has been clear on this, that recognition of a Palestinian state at this time and without the release of the hostages, would be a reward for terrorism."
Meanwhile, in an open letter to Sir Keir on Saturday, family members of some of the hostages taken by Hamas urged the prime minister not to take the step until the 48 still in Gaza, of whom 20 are thought to still be alive, had been returned.
The announcement of the forthcoming recognition had "dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones", they wrote. "Hamas has already celebrated the UK's decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal."
Asked about this, Lammy said he had been discussing the issue with relatives, adding: "I think it's also right to say that there are many hostage families who are shocked and appalled that the prospects of a ceasefire have been set back just in the recent days."
He also said it was important to recognise that "Hamas is not the Palestinian people".
Sources in government said ministers will be setting out next steps for sanctioning the group in the coming weeks.
During a state visit to the UK this week, US President Donald Trump also said he disagreed with recognition.
Sir Keir had set a deadline of the UN General Assembly meeting, which takes place this week, for Israel to take "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution".
He said in July: "With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act."
A number of other countries including Portugal, France, Canada and Australia have also said they will recognise a Palestinian state, while Spain, Ireland and Norway took the step last year.
Palestine is currently recognised by around 75% of the UN's 193 member states, but has no internationally agreed boundaries, no capital and no army - making recognition largely symbolic.
The two-state solution refers to the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel currently occupies both the West Bank and Gaza, meaning the Palestinian Authority is not in full control of its land or people.
Recognising a Palestinian state has long been a cause championed by many within the Labour Party. The PM has been under mounting pressure to take a tougher stance on Israel, particularly from MPs on the left of his party.
Shortly before he gave his speech in July, more than half of Labour MPs signed a letter calling for the government to immediately recognise a Palestinian state.
However, critics questioned why the government had appeared to put conditions on Israel but not Hamas.
Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, called on the government to pause its decision.
"The intended recognition is not contingent upon a functioning or democratic Palestinian government, nor even upon the most basic commitment to a peaceful future," he said.
Astonishingly, it is not even conditional upon the release of the 48 hostages who remain in captivity.
Government sources insisted their demands for Hamas to release the hostages and agree to a ceasefire had not changed.
But officials in the Foreign Office argued statehood was a right of the Palestinian people and could not be dependent on Hamas, which the government considers a terrorist organisation.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state on Sunday Keir Starmer Under Pressure Keir Starmer In China UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Arrives In India On BA 9100 Keir Starmer reaches China for 3-day visit UK PM Keir Starmer tries to shore up authority UK leader Keir Starmer backs his Treasury chief over claims she misled the public about the economy UK PM Keir Starmer Arrives In Mumbai For First Official Visit Keir Starmer hails Premier League's programme in India UK PM Keir Starmer lands in Mumbai for first India visit
Victoria Beckham's fashion and beauty business has made an operating profit for the first time since she founded it in 2008, the company has said. Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd, which is led by the former Spice Girl as creative director, made an operating profit of £7.3m in 2025, accounts show
58 minutes ago
Wendell Berry dies at 92: Cause of death, wife, children, famous quotes, poems and moreThe Kentucky farmer-poet Wendell Berry, who championed small farms and criticised industrial agriculture, died at his Port Royal home. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
58 minutes ago
As per reports, no new domestic LPG connection has been provided since March 2026 in the wake of the Middle East crisis. New Delhi: As September is about to begin, key changes related to LPG and PNG, including price changes, connections, e-KYC updates, and more, are up for implementation
59 minutes ago
Stock market falls as Iran tensions return; Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq dropUS stocks fell as Iran tensions returned, pushing oil prices higher. Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropped, while August gains remained intact. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 21:00:52 IST By Durva More Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
58 minutes ago
India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal led the country's largest-ever business delegation to Japan last week in a bid to expand trade and investment ties between the two countries. His visit came as Japan's deepening push into Asia's third largest economy has become increasingly more apparent
59 minutes ago
Below normal rain likely in September after warmest August since 1901: IMDThe overall monsoon deficit stood at 14% on August 31, with this expected to increase through September. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:53:27 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok, Pallavi Singhal Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The
58 minutes ago
‘Rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’: Ex-Pakistan batter drops bombshell behind ‘ruining of cricket’Babar Azam had an outing to forget at Lord's, returning with two single digit scores. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:47:32 IST Written by Vishesh Roy Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
58 minutes ago
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday (August 30, 2026) he will encourage G20 members to re-examine terms of trade with China to shrink global imbalances and press Beijing to rebalance its economy away from exports and toward domestic consumption.U.S
1 days ago
Step inside Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth's first home in Chennai: 18th-floor gem that blends vintage and modern styles Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:10:07 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A look inside Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth's first home in Chennai
1 days ago
Goa nightclub fire case: SC upholds HC order cancelling bail of club ownersGoa nightclub fire case: SC upholds HC order cancelling bail of club owners Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:03:27 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link New Delhi
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Add a little shine and sparkle to your lips with these 5 glitter lipsticksIf you are bored of your regular lipsticks then its time to switch to glitter lipsticks
1 days ago
Techie lands in Bengaluru from US via Amsterdam, calls out Delta, KLM over missing bagA techie landed in Bengaluru from the US via Amsterdam, only to discover his checked baggage was missing. Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 12:10:34 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A techie
1 days ago
Grand Canyon flash flood update: Scary visuals emerge as 1 dies and 15 remain unaccountedVideos and images from Grand Canyon National Park show helicopters rescuing stranded hikers and damaged trails which forced major closures across the park. Published on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
A heartbreaking video from flood-hit Nepal has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to the plight of two young siblings amid the devastation. The children were reportedly separated from their parents and were seen trying to find them in the aftermath of the disaster
1 days ago
The summer transfer window may have been open since 15 June but several Premier League clubs are still scrambling to get key deals over the line before Tuesday's 23:00 BST deadline. From Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez to Cody Gakpo and Ismaila Sarr
1 days ago
₹2.8 crore trauma care upgrades planned for hospitals in Gurugram, FaridabadThe facilities will get HEPA-filtered systems, sealed doors, laminar airflow and specialised infrastructure for emergency and surgical care. Published on: Aug 31, 2026
1 days ago
Marital status can't disqualify daughters from compassionate jobs: Chhattisgarh HCMarital status can't disqualify daughters from compassionate jobs: Chhattisgarh HC Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 13:42:55 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bilaspur
1 days ago
Daughter takes mother to movie theatre for the first time with her own earnings: ‘This is priceless’A daughter used her own earnings to give her mother her first movie theatre experience. Updated on: Aug 31, 2026, 13:36:14 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A daughter
1 days ago
In the run up to the Global Fintech Fest 2026, Madhusudanan R, co-founder of M2P Fintech, spoke to The Economic Times Digital about the new frontiers of challenges for India in the age of AI, how fintechs have to walk a tightrope and why India is a better market than the US
1 days ago
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced a milk procurement price increase to Rs 44 per litre. He also revealed plans for a semiconductor park and new electricity corridors in Kanchipuram. Meanwhile, Mumbai's milk prices will rise by Rs 9 per litre starting September 1, 2026
1 days ago
Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during a US Open first-round defeat by Argentina's Mariano Navone which provided further evidence age is fast catching up with the 39-year-old great. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was overcome by emotion in the deciding set of a dramatic match where he struggled
1 days ago
Jenny Lupton death: Southwest Airlines flight attendant's nephew reveals unusual circumstances, ‘Her bed was untouched’In a conversation with HT.com, Jenny Lupton's nephew, Samuel, described her as a “very friendly person” who knew “exactly how to make anyone laugh or smile
1 days ago
The government has notified the scheme with an outlay of Rs 1.27 lakh crore to boost the in the country.The scheme has been divided into six segments covering designing of chips by Indian firms, setting up units for capital equipment required for chip production, semiconductor fabs, chip assembly
1 days ago
Four suspected members of an armed group were killed in a gunfight with the Meghalaya Police in the East Garo Hills district on Sunday. Two pistols, along with live and used rounds of ammunition, were recovered from them, said the East Garo Hills Police
1 days ago
Anti-conversion bill won’t be tabled in Goa assembly: BJP lawmakerRuling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Michael Lobo said the government acted in haste in having the bill cleared in the Cabinet Published on: Aug 31, 2026, 14:06:30 IST By Gerard de Souza Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
1 days ago
An FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on a purification ritual. The Congress party criticized the Uttarakhand government for this action. They questioned why no case was filed against those who performed the ritual. The Congress stated they would respond through democratic and legal
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed a case against Dehradun gym owner Deepak Kumar, who had opposed the harassment of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper by alleged Bajrang Dal members in January, Live Law reported. The bench also stayed the Uttarakhand High Court’s March order restraining Kumar from
1 days ago
