A fire broke out at Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford, east London, injuring five diners on Friday night. A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. CCTV showed masked attackers setting the fire. Three women and two men were taken to hospital with burns; two remain in life-threatening condition. Firefighters rescued victims while others escaped. The restaurant, run by Rohit Kaluvala, suffered major damage. Police believe two more victims fled before officers arrived. Investigations continue, with appeals for witnesses to come forward. (PC: India Today)

India is fast-tracking plans to build the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Dam in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China’s $170 billion mega-dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. Delhi fears Beijing could divert up to 40 billion cubic meters of water, reducing Brahmaputra flows by 85% during dry seasons. The Indian dam, with 14 BCM capacity, aims to stabilize water supply and absorb potential surges. However, fierce resistance from Arunachal’s Adi community whose villages and livelihoods face submersion has stalled progress. Despite protests, some villages have begun cooperating. Experts warn of seismic risks, while India weighs strategic water security against environmental and social costs. ( PC: Scroll.in & Reuters)

An American man has gone viral for singing the Indian classical thumri Aaj Khelo Shyam Sang Hori. The clip, shared by Eric O’Daly on Instagram, shows his soulful performance that many online users called “beautiful and full of devotion.” Eric explained he first heard the thumri over 10 years ago and learned it from Pandit Nayan Ghosh. The composition, set in Raag Kafi, is often sung during Holi and celebrates playful moments of Krishna with gopis. Social media users praised Eric’s effort, saying his voice carried “bhaav and bhakti,” essential to the spirit of the song.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance revealed that President Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian imports are part of a strategy to exert “aggressive economic leverage” aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance said the tariffs are designed to disrupt Russia’s oil-driven economy by targeting nations like India that purchase discounted crude. Despite criticism, India maintains its energy decisions are based on national interest and market dynamics. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded sharply, saying, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” The move has strained U.S.-India relations, especially as similar scrutiny hasn’t been applied to China or Europe. (PC: The Economist & NBC News)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, declaring they are “paying a very heavy price” for their aggression. Speaking from the Israeli Air Force command center in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s resolve to strike anyone who attacks or plans to attack the country. The Israeli Air Force targeted multiple sites in Sanaa, including the presidential palace, fuel depots, and power stations. Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the palace was destroyed, though reports from Yemen remain unconfirmed. The strikes followed a Houthi missile attack using a cluster bomb warhead. Six people were killed and 86 injured, intensifying regional tensions. ( PC: Reuters)

India will continue purchasing oil from wherever it secures the best commercial deal, prioritizing energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, said Indian envoy to Russia, Vinay Kumar, in an interview with TASS. Amid U.S. criticism over discounted Russian crude, Kumar emphasized that trade is driven by national interest and market dynamics. He called U.S. tariff hikes “unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified,” reaffirming India’s stance. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also responded, stating, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” Kumar highlighted that other nations, including the U.S. and Europe, continue trading with Russia. India’s cooperation with Russia contributes to global oil market stability. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US Vice President JD Vance said Donald Trump used “aggressive economic leverage,” including tariffs on India, to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war. Speaking to NBC, Vance said secondary tariffs on India aimed to cut Moscow’s oil revenue. Washington has often criticised India’s Russian crude imports, arguing they fund Russia’s military. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hit back, saying, “If you have a problem, don’t buy Indian oil.” Trump earlier doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, linking part of the hike to Russian oil trade. Despite tensions, Vance said Russia has made some concessions in talks. (PC: India Today)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit India soon, with dates currently being finalized, according to Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk. The visit follows recent telephonic conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Zelenskyy, and an earlier meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York last September. Polishchuk confirmed that PM Modi extended a formal invitation to Zelenskyy, and both governments are actively coordinating to confirm the schedule. The envoy described the upcoming visit as a “great achievement” in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Ukraine. The diplomatic engagement signals a deepening of strategic dialogue amid evolving global dynamics and regional priorities. (PC: PTI)

A viral video featuring an Indian man showcasing desi food items at a Walmart in Dallas has stunned the internet with unexpectedly high prices. Items like Maggi noodles, Parle-G biscuits, and Haldiram snacks that staples in Indian households were displayed with U.S. price tags that far exceed their cost in India. The man’s humorous commentary and disbelief over the pricing struck a chord with viewers, sparking conversations about diaspora spending and the global reach of Indian brands. Social media users expressed both amusement and concern, highlighting how nostalgia comes at a premium abroad. The video underscores the cultural connection Indian expats maintain through food, even when it’s marked up. (PC: NDTV)

The UK government has taken control of Liberty Steel’s South Yorkshire plants, Rotherham and Stocksbridge linked to Indian-British tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, safeguarding 1,450 jobs after a London court ordered the winding up of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK). Gupta’s GFG Alliance, once hailed as the “saviour of steel,” has struggled since Greensill Capital’s 2021 collapse, which had extended $4.5 billion in financing. The court rejected Liberty’s plea for more time, citing doubts about Gupta’s credibility. Advisory firm Teneo will manage operations under the government’s official receiver. The plants are deemed strategic assets, and independent investors may revive production. Gupta’s empire faces scrutiny amid ongoing fraud investigations by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. (PC: Reuters)