The UK and India have signed a major Free Trade Agreement that will help both economies grow. The deal removes or reduces import taxes (tariffs) on 90% of UK products sold to India. This includes big British exports like Scotch whisky, beauty products, medical devices, and cars. For example, whisky tariffs will fall from 150% to 40% over 10 years, creating more jobs and boosting exports by up to £1 billion. British-made medical and cosmetic products will become cheaper in India, helping small businesses grow. Car tariffs will also drop sharply. The deal is expected to add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and increase wages by £2.2 billion every year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “This landmark deal with India will grow the economy and deliver for British people and businesses. It’s a win for workers, exporters, and consumers.” It’s the UK’s biggest trade deal since Brexit. (PC: Sky News)

India will conduct major air exercises along the International Border with Pakistan on May 7 and 8 amid heightened tensions following recent ceasefire violations and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued for drills primarily in Rajasthan under the South Western Air Command of the IAF. Flights in the area will be suspended during the night exercises. The move comes as Pakistani forces continue unprovoked firing along the LoC, undermining the 2021 ceasefire pact. The exercises underscore India’s readiness as cross-border hostilities spread across multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir. (PC: PTI)

Diljit Dosanjh made a powerful cultural statement at Met Gala 2025, wearing a turban, kurta, and tehmat to honor Sikh identity and Punjabi heritage. His team attempted to borrow the iconic 1,000-carat Cartier necklace made for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, but the request was denied as it is sealed in a museum. Instead, Indian jeweller Golecha designed a custom jewel set, including a turban brooch and layered diamond necklace. Diljit completed the look with a lion-headed, jewel-studded kirpan. He posted, “Main Hoon Punjab,” celebrating his roots and thanking collaborators for helping him represent his culture globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the newly signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement as a “historic milestone that will catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation and innovation” in both nations. Finalised during a phone call between PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the landmark pact lowers tariffs on goods like whisky, lamb, and auto parts, while establishing import quotas. The agreement also strengthens economic and people-to-people ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM Starmer called it a key step in his “Plan for Change” to build a stronger, more secure UK economy. Modi invited Starmer to visit India soon.

Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed on Tuesday in an IED explosion targeting their vehicle in Balochistan’s Kalat district, according to Pakistan's military. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. This follows a series of recent violent incidents in the region, including the abduction of five police officers after an assault on a prison van last weekend. Militants have also torched government buildings and a bank. Balochistan, a resource-rich province, remains a hotspot for separatist insurgency, with frequent attacks on state forces and infrastructure projects, particularly those with foreign investment ties. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Amid heightened tensions with India following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a chilling threat, saying, “If our existence is in danger, then either we survive, or no one does.” His statement, seen as an indirect nuclear threat, drew sharp criticism. Asif also compared India's stance to Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing India of pushing Pakistan toward conflict. The remarks come after the April 22 attack that killed 26 tourists, prompting India to consider military options. BJP leaders in India called Asif’s comments “hollow threats,” saying Pakistan’s leadership is panicked and desperate. (PC: Reuters)

The Odisha government has clarified that no sacred neem wood from Puri's Jagannath Temple was transported to Digha for idol-making, quelling the recent controversy. The statement follows an internal probe by the temple administration and retraction by a sevayat who previously made the claim. However, Odisha’s Law Minister has objected to the use of the term ‘Dham’ in the name of the newly built temple in Digha, urging West Bengal to reconsider it. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee responded sharply, denying any wrongdoing and accusing critics of spreading falsehoods for political mileage. (PC: Anandabazar Patrika)

Five Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Monday in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Balochistan, a province long plagued by separatist violence. The explosion occurred amid a surge in militant activity, following recent incidents where Baloch rebels kidnapped security personnel and blocked highways. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), known for targeting infrastructure and security forces, is suspected to be behind the attack. Balochistan, rich in resources and key to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has witnessed escalating unrest as local insurgents accuse the state of exploitation and marginalization.

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer announced the successful conclusion of a landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement and a Double Contribution Convention, marking a major milestone in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The agreements aim to boost trade, innovation, job creation, and economic cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized the historic nature of the deal and its potential to elevate bilateral ties. PM Modi invited PM Starmer to visit India, reinforcing their shared commitment to deepening collaboration. PM Starmer highlighted the deal as part of the UK’s broader strategy to build a stronger, more secure economy through global partnerships.(PC: India Today)

For the third consecutive year, Cherthala-based Neytt by Extraweave has crafted the Met Gala carpet, showcasing Kerala's artisanal excellence on a global stage. The 2025 carpet, spanning approximately 6,960 square meters, was meticulously woven from sustainable sisal fibers sourced from Madagascar. Designed under the guidance of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the carpet features elegant S-shaped curves, paying homage to the "Line of Beauty" aesthetic. After a 60-day weaving process in India, the carpet was hand-painted by artists in New York, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. This collaboration underscores India's growing influence in global fashion events, highlighting the fusion of sustainability and artistry. (PC: Mathrubhumi English & News 18)