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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

The killing of Yahya Sinwar should mark a turning point in Israel’s more than year-long campaign to debilitate Hamas and secure the release of its hostages held in Gaza. Ever since the militant group’s horrific October 7 attack, killing the ruthless architect of the assault and decapitating Hamas’s leadership has been a prime Israeli objective. Israel has now taken out most of Hamas’s top commanders in Gaza, its political leader Ismail Haniyeh and severely degraded the group.

It was a moment for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take his military wins, reach a deal to end the Gaza war and save the hostages. Instead, Israel’s offensive grinds on, deepening the catastrophe for Palestinians trapped in the enclave and prolonging the agony for the families of hostages.

The scenes in northern Gaza over the past week have been horrific. Scores have been killed in the days since Sinwar’s death — the toll from Israel’s onslaught is nearing 43,000 people, according to Palestinian officials. Thousands have been forced from their homes. Even the US took the unprecedented step of warning Israel it would suspend arms sales if it did not do more to ease the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Israel has also intensified its assault on Hizbollah, wreaking havoc in Lebanon as its bombs flatten buildings — including non-military targets — while its forces push on with an invasion in the south.

Netanyahu is also preparing his retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on Israel three weeks ago. The region will then wait anxiously for the next round of escalation. Hizbollah, meanwhile, weakened by the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, continues to fire missiles into the Jewish state.

Israel, it seems, is locked in endless wars on multiple fronts. The suspicion is that Netanyahu has bet that with the Biden administration focused on the US election, he has a window to strike hard against Israel’s foes and ignore international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza or with Hizbollah. He is likely to be calculating that a victory for Donald Trump, who during his first term gifted Netanyahu a number of pro-Israeli policies, would give him even greater licence to strike against Israel’s foes and the Palestinians.

Yet the Biden administration seems to be dancing to Netanyahu’s tune: despite calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon one minute, it supports Israel’s goal of degrading Hizbollah the next. None of this serves the stability of the Middle East — or Israel’s long-term security interests. Hamas and Hizbollah can be decapitated and devastated but will not disappear. Many Hamas fighters are believed to be orphans of previous conflicts as cycles of violence breed new generations of militants. When one leader is killed, another takes over. When a group’s military capacity is debilitated, it reverts to guerrilla tactics.

Military history — including Israel’s past experiences in Lebanon — is littered with the follies of mission creep; of technically superior occupying armies becoming bogged down by insurgencies, often with radical forces filling the void when they depart.

US President Joe Biden must end the year-long cycle of death and destruction. The threat of a full-blown Middle East war grows by the day. It is in the west’s — and the region’s — interest to pressure Netanyahu to take the diplomatic off-ramps that are available. An all-out regional conflict risks drawing American forces into conflict with Iran and its proxies. It would put the Gulf’s oil infrastructure at risk, threaten more disruption to shipping through vital trade routes and fuel more extremism.

Biden has the tools to rein in Netanyahu. He must halt the offensive arms sales to Israel that enable its relentless bombing of Gaza and Lebanon. He can do so without breaking Washington’s commitment to Israel’s defence, including providing air-defence systems. But Biden’s message should be clear: the bombing must stop and the day after must begin. If not, the devastation and suffering in the Middle East will come back to haunt the west.

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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

The writer is an FT contributing editor

At the farmers’ market on Detroit Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan, there are three ways to pay. You can hand over cash. For some vendors, you can swipe a credit card at the stall. Or you can stop by the market office trailer, swipe a credit card and in exchange receive what the market informally calls wooden nickels — tokens, printed with the market’s logo, good for five American dollars.

American companies have handed out wooden nickels since the early 20th century, as tokens for store credit. During the Depression, a few communities relied briefly on the nickels as a circulating currency when local banks failed. Since then, they’ve functioned mostly as souvenirs. Anyone who grew up as a Boy Scout in America, for example, will remember collecting nickels at jamborees. The coins at the market in Ann Arbor were manufactured by the Old Time Wooden Nickel Company. As the name suggests, Old Time specialises in novelty coins for museums and events.

The value of the nickels in Ann Arbor rests in part on American nostalgia. But only in part. They are a real, functioning currency, managed with care and accounted for with precision by the city office that runs the market. When you present your credit card for nickels, the city pays the swipe fee, sparing farmers at the market the costs of America’s payments infrastructure. Historically, cities and states have used complementary currencies such as wood tokens or paper scrip when money is too tight, during a financial crisis. The fivers at the farmers’ market in Ann Arbor, however, solve a different problem: payments in America are too expensive, particularly for places like farmers’ markets, which in the past relied on dollar cash.

This week America’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a set of rules to encourage open banking. If finalised, the rules would force banks to share their data with each other and third-party apps. The rules could also mark a first step towards allowing consumers to pay for vegetables or anything else through direct transfer from their bank accounts, an innovation long adopted in other countries. America’s mighty banking lobby has already announced its opposition, since the rules could also make it easier for consumers to take their deposits from one bank to another.

The wooden nickels in Ann Arbor show just how important it is to pry at the banks’ grip on American policy. Ann Arbor is not the only city to offer this service. The US Department of Agriculture doesn’t keep comprehensive records on swapping token money for credit cards at state and city-run markets, but other examples are easy to find — at the Crescent City Market in New Orleans, for example, or the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market in Virginia. The wooden nickels are an ingenious innovation to deal with federal shortcomings.

These cities didn’t adopt their own token currencies expressly to avoid swipe fees. Originally, they wanted to encourage more Americans on food assistance programmes to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. By the early 2000s, states and the federal government had completed a transition from offering physical coupons — what Americans used to call “food stamps” — to supplying Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, something like an ATM card for public benefits.

The new EBT cards presented a challenge to farmers’ markets. It was cumbersome and expensive to get accredited to accept them, so in the 2010s the markets began to take on the burden, to put local farmers on an even footing with supermarkets. The infrastructure, then, began as a way to adapt a federal benefits programme to local needs. Many states and cities will also match Federal benefit spending at local markets; the wooden nickel currency systems are an efficient way to introduce a subsidy.

According to the Department of Agriculture, more than 500 markets report accepting EBT at a central location. The EBT tokens are common enough that the Farmers Market Coalition, an advocacy group, has published guidelines for implementing them — offer both five- and one-dollar tokens, for example, so farmers don’t return change in hard-dollar cash.

Since food assistance can only be used for specific items, markets have to distinguish their EBT tokens from credit card tokens, using different colours. But both kinds of tokens suggest the same lack of infrastructure in America — insufficient wireless coverage, federal inattention to small vendors, inadequate banking rules. In America, even as people use fewer hard-dollar Federal Reserve notes, farmers’ markets still have to create something that looks an awful lot like cash.

HARVESTER has launched its biggest plate of food yet – a gut-busting mountain of meat for £50.

The restaurant chain has added the enormous dish to its latest menu and it contains a whopping 3,769 calories.

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Greedy diners can feast on half a rotisserie chicken, a half rack of BBQ ribs, a short of beef rib and a massive cheddar and jalapeño sausage.

The giant plate is finished with a heap of salsa, pink pickled onions, corn bread, chips and coleslaw.

If that’s not enough, food fans can still top it off with a bowl of Harvester’s famous self-service salad bar.

The Ultimate Rib Roundup is described as a ‘sharer’ dinner on the menu and comes with a price tag of £49.99.

Harvester, however, has told customers: “Perfectly grilled, packed with flavour and made for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).”

Brenda Gliddon visited her local branch in Kent with her grown-up son to try the Ultimate Rib Roundup.

She said: “My son can out eat anyone I know but even he left some.” Other Harvester fans have also been eyeing up the new calorific dish as a meal for one.

One wrote on the restaurant chain’s Facebook official page: “I love sharing but I’d rather keep this all to myself!”

Another added: “That’s a single portion!”

Tagging in a pal, third commented: “You’ve got to try this. You might get more than 4 ribs on your plate!”

The Ultimate Rib Roundup is available in all 165 UK branches of Harvester.

It has been added as a new addition to the eatery’s Grills and Combos section of the menu.

Listed as a ‘Supreme Flavour Fan Sharer’, the description reads: “A hearty feast for true grill lovers: half of our succulent rotisserie chicken, a half rack of BBQ glazed ribs, a tender short beef rib and a Cheddar & jalapeño sausage paired with charred corn & black bean salsa and pink pickled onions.

“Served with sage & onion seasoned chips, our new hot honey drizzled corn bread and hot slaw.”

Indian Cuisine Takes the UK by Storm: British Indian Good Food Guide Reveals Top 20 Restaurants Nationwide

In a year where British dining continues to diversify, the British Indian Good Food Guide Has unveiled its Top 20 Indian Restaurants across the UK, reflecting the nation’s love affair with Indian cuisine. 

From traditional flavours to innovative dishes, this year’s guide represents the very best the UK has to offer, proving that Indian cuisine remains a cornerstone of British dining culture.

With the ongoing evolution of the food scene, this list underscores the rising demand for authentic regional Indian dishes—from Keralan fish curries to Indian street food, capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of diners up and down the country.

Raval Leads the Charge in the North

Among the selected venues, Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, located on the iconic Tyne Bridge, stands out as the Best Indian Restaurant Outside London. 

This Newcastle Gateshead gem not only captures the imagination with its unique blend of spices and ingredients but also contributes significantly to the resurgence of the North East’s culinary scene.

“Raval has redefined Indian dining in the region,” said Phil Shaw, Marketing Director at the British Indian Good Food Guide.

 “Their focus on innovation and authenticity is unmatched, which is why they’ve earned a place at the top of our guide.”

With dishes such as Lobster & Mango and Darjeeling Lamb Cutlets, Raval is a testament to how Indian cuisine is constantly evolving while staying true to its roots.

Top 20 Best Indian Restaurants in the UK

This year’s guide features an impressive lineup of restaurants, showcasing culinary excellence across the country:

1. Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar (Newcastle Gateshead) – Best Indian Restaurant Outside London.

2. Quilon (London) – Michelin-starred for its coastal Indian flavours.

3. Benares Restaurant & Bar (London) – A fine-dining experience blending Indian and British cuisines.

4. Dishoom Manchester – Nostalgic Irani café fare with iconic dishes.

5. Tharavadu (Leeds) – Celebrated for its authentic Keralan cuisine.

6.Tamarind (London) – Michelin-starred for its refined, contemporary Indian cuisine.

7. Kanishka by Atul Kochhar (London) – Innovative tasting menus pushing culinary boundaries.

8. Asha’s (Birmingham) – Renowned for its authentic Indian dishes.

9. Swadish (Glasgow) – Modern twists on traditional Indian recipes.

10. Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food (Edinburgh) – Vibrant Indian street food offerings.

11. Purple Poppadom (Cardiff) – Fusion of Indian and Welsh flavours.

12. Mowgli Street Food (Liverpool) – Authentic street food inspired by India’s bustling markets.

13. Veeraswamy (London) – Showcases vibrant, fresh ingredients.

14. Masala Junction (Nottingham) – Diverse menu reflecting India’s rich flavours.

15. Urban Choola (Sheffield) – Innovative takes on Indian classics.

16. Mumtaz (Bradford) – Celebrated for its authentic Punjabi cuisine.

17. The Chilli Pickle (Brighton) – Modern twists on traditional dishes.

18. Darjeeling Express (London) – Authentic, home-style Indian food inspired by Kolkata’s royal Mughlai cuisine.

19. Tamatanga (Leicester) – Lively atmosphere with delicious curries.

20. Kachori (London) – A celebration of Rajasthani street food, known for bold flavours and vibrant dishes

This diverse selection illustrates the UK’s widespread appreciation of Indian food, highlighting how Indian culinary innovation extends far beyond the capital.

The Broader Picture: Why Indian Cuisine Thrives

The influence of Indian cuisine on British culture has never been stronger. With over 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK contributing significantly to the economy, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. 

The rising interest in authentic regional dishes—like Goan and Keralan cuisines—reflects the UK’s growing demand for not just curry, but an array of diverse Indian dishes.

According to Phil Shaw, “Indian restaurants are no longer just places for a night out—they’re cultural landmarks, representing the diversity and vibrancy of British food culture.”

Explore the Full List

For those looking to experience the best Indian food the UK has to offer, the British Indian Good Food Guide invites you to explore the full list of restaurants on their website, showcasing the finest dining experiences from Birmingham to Brighton.

Visit : British Indian Good Food Guide for more information.

END OF RELEASE

Notes for Editors:

For further information, please contact:

Alan Brown, Marketing Manager

Email: Alan@BritishIndianGoodFoodGuide.com

Address: British Indian Good Food Guide,  Suite7, Marlborough Cres, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EE

Website: British indian good food guide

Facebook: British indian good food guide

About the British Indian Good Food Guide:

The British Indian Good Food Guide is the ultimate resource for discovering the best Indian restaurants across the UK. 

Our mission is to celebrate the diversity and excellence of British Indian cuisine, highlighting top dining experiences through an annual guide that reflects authenticity, taste, and service. 

Each restaurant featured undergoes a thorough review process, ensuring a truly exceptional dining experience for food lovers across the country

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The stories that matter on money and politics in the race for the White House

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will lay bare the US electorate’s glaring gender divide on Friday, with rival campaign stops expected to feature pop diva Beyoncé and Joe Rogan, a podcaster popular with young men.

With just a week and a half until election day on November 5, the duelling campaign events in Texas — a Republican stronghold — will see Harris seek to shore up women’s support while Trump makes another pitch to his male supporters.

While Harris has leaned heavily into abortion access and women’s rights in the final stretch of her campaign, Trump and his allies have increased their rhetoric around masculinity, including sometime vulgar language — fuelling what analysts say could be a historic gender split when Americans vote next month.

A USA Today/Suffolk University poll this week offered a stark picture of the divide, with women backing Harris over Trump by 53 per cent to 36 per cent. But Trump held a similar edge with men. A similar vote on November 5 would mark the largest partisan gender gap in modern US history.

Harris, who would be the US’s first the female president, will speak in Houston on Friday night in what her campaign has billed as a major address on reproductive freedoms she says have been eroded by Trump.

The Democratic candidate has made abortion rights a centrepiece of her campaign, blaming her Republican rival for the overturning of Roe vs Wade and hardline abortion laws enacted subsequently in Republican states including Texas.

She is expected to be joined on stage by pop star Beyoncé, whose song “Freedom” has become an anthem for the vice-president at rallies and in advertisements. The signal of support from Beyoncé would be the latest from celebrities including Taylor Swift, who endorsed Harris in September.

Representatives for Harris and Beyoncé did not respond to requests for comment on reports of their joint appearance.

Trump hammered one of his campaign messages — clamping down on immigration at the US-Mexico border — at an event in Austin, where he would also be interviewed by podcaster Joe Rogan, according to two people familiar with his schedule.

Trump and his allies have for months leaned into a hyper-masculine message, from a Republican National Convention headlined by the signer Kid Rock and the wrestler Hulk Hogan, to the ex-president’s recent comments about the late golfer Arnold Palmer’s anatomy.

Right-wing media celebrity Tucker Carlson, campaigning for Trump, this week stoked outrage when he described the ex-president as an angry father who would come home to give a “vigorous spanking” to a disobedient daughter.

Trump and his allies have also invested millions of dollars in television ads attacking Harris over her support for transgender rights. In one ad, a narrator says: “Kamala’s agenda is they/them, not you.”

Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, is among the most popular in the US, with some 14.5mn followers on Spotify. The controversial programme is especially popular with younger male listeners — a demographic that tends to vote less but which the Trump campaign thinks could help elect him if it turns out in large numbers.

Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh said the rival campaign events in Texas underscored how the candidates were positioning themselves 11 days before the election.

With the Financial Times’ poll tracker showing Harris and Trump in a virtual tie nationally and in all seven battleground states, Marsh argued that Trump was betting on lower propensity voters propelling him to victory, while Harris was banking on a strong turnout from women.

“There are no women to appeal to left for him. He has hit his ceiling,” she said. “What he is now trying to do is get younger men. Because young women are voting in droves, and they are voting in droves for Kamala Harris.”

THIS ultra-rare £10 note triggered an intense eBay bidding war – and sold for a whopping £255 – but can you tell what’s wrong?

The note was advertised as having a “rare mint error” that’s related to its printing.

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The £10 is certainly rare, sporting a completely blank side that left bidders baffled.

Sold in September, the tenner attracted a whopping 27 bids from those desperate to get their hands on the bizarre note.

The poster even manage to nab themselves an extra £12.95 just for delivery, all the way from Denmark.

A blank note of this kind is practically impossible to find elsewhere.

From our research, the only other £10 blank note we could find appeared to sell for £156.11 on eBay.

It comes as a rare 50p coin sold for 200 its usual value because it was missing a tiny “mark”.

The King Charles Atlantic Salmon 50p was advertised as having “no privy mark” on eBay.

It later sold for a whopping £102 following 23 bids from eager collectors.

A privy mark is a tiny crown symbol stamped onto some coins on the “heads” or “obverse” side – or on the rim.

In the case of the King Charles Atlantic Salmon 50p, first minted in 2023 in celebration of Charles‘ ascension of the throne, the privy mark is a small Tudor crown.

It can be spotted just behind the King’s head.

How to spot rare coins and banknotes

Rare coins and notes hiding down the back of your sofa could sell for hundreds of pounds.

If you are lucky enough to find a rare £10 note you might be able to sell it for multiple times its face value.

You can spot rare notes by keeping an eye out for the serial numbers.

These numbers can be found on the side with the Monarch’s face, just under the value £10 in the corner of the note.

Also if you have a serial number on your note that is quite quirky you could cash in thousands.

For example, one seller bagged £3,600 after spotting a specific serial number relating to the year Jane Austen was born on one of their notes.

You can check if your notes are worth anything on eBay, just tick “completed and sold items” and filter by the highest value.

It will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay for some notes.

But do bear in mind that yours is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

This is also the case for coins, you can determine how rare your coin is by looking a the latest scarcity index.

The next step is to take a look at what has been recently sold on eBay.

Experts from Change Checker recommend looking at “sold listings” to be sure that the coin has sold for the specified amount rather than just been listed.