Salim Dola, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, has been deported to India after being detained in Turkey. He arrived in Delhi on a special flight following a coordinated operation involving Indian intelligence and international agencies, acting on an Interpol red corner notice issued at India’s request. Dola is currently being questioned and is expected to be handed over to Mumbai Police, where he is a key accused in a major synthetic drugs case. Investigators allege he ran a large narcotics network from abroad after fleeing India in 2018 using a UAE passport under a false identity. (PC: India Today)

Despite a US-led blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, oil and LPG tankers continue reaching India, exposing limits of maritime enforcement. Ships, including Indian-linked vessels, have navigated via routes hugging Iranian territorial waters or exiting near Chabahar before entering international waters toward Mumbai. Another speculated path runs along Pakistan’s Makran coast, though experts consider it risky due to political tensions. Under maritime law, foreign vessels enjoy “innocent passage” in territorial waters, restricting US intervention. Analysts say the blockade mainly targets Iran-linked traffic, while neutral ships face fewer constraints. Indian naval coordination and diplomatic clearances further ensure safe transit, maintaining energy flows amid heightened regional tensions. (PC: X)

An Indian student in Canada, Jyoti Kharayat, shared her struggle of balancing studies and part-time work through a viral social media video. She described being “stuck in a loop,” constantly moving between classes and work shifts, including at Starbucks, to manage tuition and living expenses. Her routine highlights the financial pressures faced by international students, who often rely on jobs to sustain themselves. Despite the challenges, she expressed resilience and positivity. Her story resonated widely online, with many acknowledging similar experiences and the demanding reality of managing academics alongside work abroad.

India and New Zealand signed a “historic” free trade agreement aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. The pact, finalised within nine months of negotiations, will be implemented later this year. It was signed by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay in New Delhi. Under the agreement, New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all Indian imports, while India will remove or reduce tariffs on 95% of its imports from New Zealand. Leaders from both nations described the deal as a major milestone, signalling deeper economic integration and expanded bilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

A Togo-flagged tanker, MT Ceylon, carrying 17 Indian crew members, was intercepted by Iran Coast Guard near Oman, where warning shots were fired. India confirmed all crew are safe and said authorities are closely monitoring maritime security in the Persian Gulf. The incident occurred on April 25 near the Oman Outer Port Limit and comes amid escalating regional tensions affecting shipping routes. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is tracking developments, highlighting concerns over seafarer safety and trade disruptions as geopolitical instability continues to impact critical global maritime corridors. (PC: India Today)

An Indian student in Canada has shared her daily struggle of managing studies and work. Jyoti Kharayat posted a video on Instagram showing her routine. She said she moves from classes to work without much rest.   Kharayat explained she needs money to pay her fees, so she must keep working. “I feel stuck in a continuous loop,” she said. She added that after a short break, she returns to studies and then work again.   Despite the pressure, she said she feels happy. Many users online said they relate to her situation and praised her effort. (PC: NDTV)

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)