India and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement after talks ended in December 2025. The deal covers 20 areas, including goods, dispute rules and legal terms. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said it was completed in nine months, showing “depth of trust and shared ambition”. New Zealand has committed $20 billion investment over 15 years. Indian exports will get zero duty access. The deal also offers 5,000 work visas for Indian professionals for up to three years. Both sides will ease trade in wine, farm goods and key industries. (PC: HT)

India and New Zealand will sign a free trade agreement to double bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years and boost investment. The pact, to be signed by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, offers duty-free access for Indian MSMEs in sectors like textiles, leather, and processed foods, while easing access for pharmaceuticals and temporary employment visas. New Zealand gains tariff reductions on 95% of exports, including meat, wine, and fruits. India has excluded sensitive sectors such as dairy, sugar, and edible oils to protect domestic industries, marking a significant step in economic partnership.

Ajit Doval met Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss regional security and strengthen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He conveyed greetings from Narendra Modi and reviewed cooperation across defence, trade, and economic sectors. The visit is part of India’s intensified Gulf outreach amid rising West Asia tensions and maritime security concerns, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Doval’s engagement follows talks in Saudi Arabia, signalling a coordinated diplomatic push. India emphasised de-escalation, protection of civilian infrastructure, and uninterrupted global commerce while safeguarding its diaspora and strategic energy interests in the region. (PC: The Tribune)

Sharp differences between Iran and United Arab Emirates blocked a joint statement at a BRICS officials’ meeting in New Delhi, reports said. The April 23-24 meeting focused on the West Asia conflict after attacks involving Israel, the US and Iran. Sources said both Iran and the UAE wanted condemnation of attacks on their territories, but no agreement was reached. Efforts by other members to bridge the gap were unsuccessful. India later issued a chair’s statement instead of a consensus document. Members also discussed Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Sudan. (PC: @MEAIndia/via PTI)

Indian gangster Salim Dola, who has alleged links to Dawood Ibrahim, has been detained in Turkey, reports said. Officials said he was held in a joint operation by Turkish intelligence and police after an Interpol notice. Mumbai Police wanted Dola in a major narcotics case. Investigators said he began by selling gutkha, later moved into marijuana and synthetic drugs. He was earlier arrested in India in separate drug cases. Police said he later fled to the UAE and then Turkey. Indian authorities are now expected to seek his extradition for further investigation.

Global pop icon Rihanna made headlines during her Mumbai visit after attending an intimate gathering at Antilia, home of Mukesh Ambani. Invited by the Ambani family, she participated in traditional rituals including a puja and aarti, and celebrated Phoolon Ki Holi. Rihanna was warmly welcomed by Isha Ambani, Shloka Mehta, Radhika Merchant, and Anant Ambani, with cultural performances and festivities. The visit also featured a specially curated lunch. In India for her Fenty Beauty launch, Rihanna’s embrace of Indian traditions went viral, highlighting a unique blend of global celebrity and cultural exchange. (PC: India Today)

An Indian journalist described panic after a gunshot was heard at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington. Saurabh Shukla said he saw Secret Service officers react within seconds. “I heard a gunshot. I turned back and saw Secret Service jump,” he said. Around 2,000 people were at the event when security teams quickly moved guests to safety. Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated and were safe. Officials said the suspect was taken into custody as the investigation continued.

A large brass astrolabe, described as a 17th Century “supercomputer”, once owned by Sawai Man Singh II, will be auctioned at Sotheby's in London on 29 April. It later passed to Gayatri Devi before entering private hands.   Experts say it may be the largest astrolabe known. “It is perhaps the largest in existence,” said Benedict Carter of Sotheby’s.   Made in Lahore by brothers Qa'im Muhammad and Muhammad Muqim, it was commissioned by Mughal nobleman Aqa Afzal.   Astrolabes were used to track stars and time. “You can do so many things with them,” said historian Federica Gigante. (PC: BBC)

Six passengers were injured after a SWISS international flight from Delhi to Zurich suffered an engine failure that led to a fire during takeoff at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Airbus A330, carrying over 230 people, aborted takeoff when one engine malfunctioned and caught fire. The crew initiated an emergency evacuation on the runway using slides. Passengers were rushed out safely, but six sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, highlighting aviation safety concerns and the importance of swift emergency response during critical situations. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the shooting incident at a White House event attended by Donald Trump, asserting that violence has no place in a democracy. Expressing relief, Modi said Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were safe and unharmed. He emphasized that such acts must be unequivocally condemned and reiterated the importance of peace in democratic societies. The incident triggered global concern, with leaders highlighting the need to uphold democratic values and ensure safety at high-profile political events. (PC: HT)