Gowtham Varma

India and the UK have finalized a Free Trade Agreement, poised to boost economic growth and trade relations. The agreement eliminates tariffs on approximately 99% of traded goods, benefiting sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and automotive. It also includes provisions for professional visas and reduced duties on products like Scotch whisky and cars, fostering job creation and deeper collaboration.

Amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan plans to increase its defence budget by 18%. India, a major military power, spends significantly more but faces resource allocation challenges. With China's support for Pakistan and its own growing military strength, India confronts a two-front challenge. Recent actions include ceasefire violations, mock drills, and nuclear modernization, highlighting the complex security landscape.

India has a massive advantage over Pakistan in a conventional war. But when it comes to nukes, there is very little that separates the two

The army chief, Gen Syed Asim Munir, who usually works behind the scenes, has been shaping Pakistan’s tone in the crisis over Kashmir with his own tough talk

Top CEOs, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella, are urging the U.S. to mandate computer science and AI education in K-12 schools. They warn that America is lagging behind countries like China and Singapore. The leaders emphasize that a single computer science course could boost wages by 8% and unlock significant economic potential.

Indian ambassador Akhilesh Mishra strongly criticized The Irish Times for its editorial on the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing it of downplaying terrorism and echoing narratives that support its perpetrators. Mishra highlighted the editorial's failure to condemn the attack unequivocally and its criticism of PM Modi.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly refuted the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) statement regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, labeling it "absurd and misguided." The MEA spokesperson accused Pakistan of manipulating the OIC to issue a self-serving statement, rejecting any interference in India's internal matters.