S. Jaishankar met Annalena Baerbock to discuss the escalating West Asia conflict and its global implications, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution under the United Nations framework. The disruption threatens global trade and energy supplies, with India heavily reliant on oil and gas shipments through the strait. Baerbock warned of rising oil and fertiliser prices and broader instability affecting regions like Gaza and Lebanon. The meeting also touched on UN reforms and the need for more representative global governance structures.

An Indian wedding procession transformed Fifth Avenue into a vibrant celebration, as couple Pankti Doshi and Dr Avish Jain led their baraat with live singing and dancing. The viral video shows the duo performing Bollywood songs while moving through one of New York City’s busiest streets, turning it into an open-air stage. Unlike traditional baraats, the couple themselves became the centre of the performance, adding a personal touch. The event required official permits and coordination with local authorities. While many praised the creativity and cultural display, others debated the scale and disruption caused in such a high-profile public space.

Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, was deported from Turkey to India after his arrest in Istanbul, marking a significant step in tackling transnational drug networks. The 59-year-old, accused of running a global narcotics operation, arrived in Delhi on April 28 and is currently in custody for interrogation by central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau. Wanted under an Interpol Red Corner Notice, Dola allegedly fled India in 2018 and continued operations across West Asia and Europe. Officials believe his questioning could reveal crucial links within international drug syndicates and strengthen India’s efforts against organised crime.

Salim Dola, a close aide of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, was deported to India and brought to Delhi early Tuesday under heavy security.   He was recently arrested in Istanbul during a joint operation by Indian and international agencies. Officials said he played a key role in a large drug network linked to D-Company.   He arrived on a special aircraft and was taken into custody at the airport. He is now being questioned at an undisclosed location.   Authorities said he may soon be handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau or Mumbai Police for further action. (PC: X)

Donald Trump is facing a key deadline as he continues US military action in Iran. Under the War Powers Resolution, he must act by May 1 or risk violating the law without approval from Congress. Officials say Trump has three options. He can reach a peace deal with Iran. He can seek approval from Congress to continue action. Or he can ignore the deadline and face legal challenges. The conflict has raised pressure on the administration. The coming days are seen as critical for both policy and legal decisions. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian crew members were injured after their vessel was hit by shrapnel near the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. The ship, MT Chiron 7, was not directly targeted. Ankit Kumar and Sagar Chand suffered minor injuries along with Egyptian national Zeyad Taha. The Directorate General of Shipping said there were no deaths and all crew members are safe. The vessel had 17 Indians among 24 crew. It is now heading towards Sharjah, tracking data showed. Officials said shipping in the region has been affected due to ongoing tensions and repeated incidents involving vessels passing through the strait. (PC: HT)

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)