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Hamas hands over hostage bodies after Israel threatens aid cut

Hamas handed over more bodies of deceased hostages to Israel on Tuesday, one sign of progress after a number of apparent setbacks in the day since US President Donald Trump touted his plan to end the Gaza war.
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Israelis are identifying the second group of bodies handed over by Hamas as tenuous truce holds

Israel has identified more bodies of dead hostages that were handed over by Hamas to ease pressure on a fragile ceasefire in its war with Israel
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Gaza ceasefire live: Israel reportedly planning to open Rafah crossing and increase aid into Gaza

Israel previously said the flow of aid would be cut by half and Rafah crossing would not open as planned due to delay in returning bodies of hostages

Israel limits aid into Gaza in dispute over hostages’ remains

Donald Trump has said that Hamas will be forced to disarm after questions swirled around the group’s status following the signing of a ceasfire deal meant to bring an end to the war in Gaza.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Trump said:

If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them and it will happen quickly and perhaps violently.

[Hamas] are standing because they do want to stop the problems, and they’ve been open about it, and we gave them approval for a period of time.

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Exiled Hong Hong dissidents say UK plan to restart extraditions puts them in danger

Legislative change comes five years after treaty suspended in response to city’s crackdown on pro-democracy activists

Exiled Hong Kong dissidents say they fear UK government plans to restart some extraditions with the city could put them in greater danger, saying Hong Kong authorities will use any pretext to pursue them.

An amendment to UK extradition laws was passed on Tuesday. It came more than five years after the UK and several other countries suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong in response to the government crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, and its imposition of a Beijing-designed national security law.

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Vets could be made to publish prices after UK watchdog investigation

Market ‘not fit’ for purpose and must be modernised, CMA says, with pet owners paying 16.6% more at large groups

Vets in the UK could be forced to publish their prices and whether they are part of a larger group after an investigation by the markets watchdog into claims chain-owned surgeries have left pet owners with dwindling choice and higher bills.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found pet owners pay 16.6% more on average at large vet groups than at independent vets and called for a market that is “not fit” for purpose to be modernised.

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New York health officials confirm state’s first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus

A person living in New York tested positive for the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in the first reported transmission within the US in six years, officials said on Tuesday.
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Newlyweds found dead days before celebrating their first anniversary as police probe possible murder-suicide

An officer who believed the car was disabled saw its hazard lights flashing and, upon checking, found both occupants deceased.
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PlayStation Network Down: Map Shows Where Servers Are Busy Across US

“Some services are experiencing issues,” says a network service status message from PlayStation.
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Tata Capital reduces business loan rates following RBI’s repo rate cut

Tata Capital Lowers Business Loan Rates Amid RBI’s Policy Shift: A Big News for Borrowers

Tata Capital has announced a reduction in its business loan interest rates, following a significant policy shift by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aimed at making borrowing more affordable for businesses. This move responds to the RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 0.25% in February 2025, which encourages companies to pursue loans for expansion and operational costs, reports 24brussels.

The recent adjustment to Tata Capital’s interest rates reflects the broader market changes resulting from the RBI’s policy. Competitive rates now start from 12% per annum for self-employed professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, while non-professionals can expect rates beginning at 14%. Such modifications elevate the ease of access to financial resources for various business sectors.

Tata Capital’s floating-rate loans are tied to the RBI’s repo rate, meaning borrowers may benefit from reduced equated monthly instalments (EMIs). The bank offers a choice between fixed and floating rates, catering to the diverse needs of borrowers. While fixed rates provide predictability, floating rates can lead to cost savings in a declining rate environment.

The implications of this rate change may lead to an increase in borrowing as businesses take advantage of lower costs. Nevertheless, Tata Capital emphasizes that rates will still vary based on individual borrower profiles, including credit history and business stability.

In the competitive landscape of India’s lending market, borrowers should remain aware of all costs involved, including processing fees that can rise to 3% of the loan amount plus applicable taxes. Full transparency on charges will assist customers in making informed decisions without hidden surprises.

Types of Loans and Requirements

Tata Capital provides a wide range of business loan products, including both fixed and floating interest rate options. To streamline the approval process, potential borrowers must submit various documents that affirm their financial standing and business viability, including identity proof, income tax returns, and business licenses.

To enhance the likelihood of securing a favorable interest rate from Tata Capital, borrowers can take specific steps, such as maintaining a robust credit score and presenting a solid business plan that outlines growth strategies. Strong financial health, characterized by high turnover and positive cash flow, can also bolster their application.

The recent RBI policy adjustment has indeed set the stage for a more favorable borrowing climate, and Tata Capital’s proactive approach to lowering interest rates stands to benefit numerous businesses seeking financial support for their growth and development.

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Storm decimates 2 Alaskan villages and drives more than 1,500 people from their homes

Storm decimates 2 Alaskan villages and drives more than 1,500 people from their homes [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now