Chances Of War With India ‘Real’, Says Pakistan Defence Minister; Amit Shah Switches To Zoho Mail, Announces It In Trump-esque Fashion; And More

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‘Chances Of War Real’: Pakistan Defence Minister 

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued stark warnings Tuesday about potential conflict with India, stating the "chances of war with India are real" and that he was "not denying that possibility."

Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif expressed confidence despite the escalating tensions: "I do not want escalation, but the risks are real and I am not denying that. If it comes to war, God willing, we will achieve a better result than before."

The minister made controversial claims about India's historical unity, asserting that "India was never one united nation, except briefly under Aurangzeb." He contrasted this with Pakistan's founding, saying "Pakistan was created in the name of Allah."

Asif emphasized national unity during external threats: "At home, we argue and compete. In a fight with India, we come together."

His comments follow recent cross-border tensions after India's Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist facilities following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

IMF Chief Hails India as "Key Growth Engine" Amid Global Trade Tensions

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has lauded India as a "key growth engine" for the global economy, highlighting its rising prominence as China's growth decelerates.

Speaking at the Milken Institute ahead of next week's IMF-World Bank meetings, Georgieva said the global economy is "doing better than feared, but worse than we need." She noted that growth is expected to slow "only slightly this year and next," supported by stronger performance in the United States and emerging economies, particularly India.

Her remarks come amid trade tensions following US President Donald Trump's tariffs, including a 50 per cent levy on Indian imports. Georgieva observed the world has "avoided a tit-for-tat slide into trade war—so far," though warned "global resilience has not yet been fully tested."

WHO Seeks Clarification on India Cough Syrup Exports After Child Deaths

The World Health Organization has requested information from India regarding whether Coldrif cough syrup, linked to over 15 child deaths, has been exported internationally. The WHO has not yet issued a Global Medical Products Alert pending response from Indian health authorities.

At least 17 children under five have died after allegedly consuming the syrup containing toxic diethylene glycol (DEG). Manufacturer Sresan Pharmaceuticals of Tamil Nadu is under investigation.

A December 2023 government order prohibited use of certain cold medications, including those containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine found in Coldrif, for children below four years.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists urged manufacturers Wednesday to ensure proper age-restriction labeling, noting "this information is either missing or not prominently displayed" on some products, raising patient safety concerns.

Other developments

Bengaluru Police Register Zero FIR Against Lawyer Who Attacked CJI; Punjab Police Crack Down on Social Media

Bengaluru Police registered a zero FIR Wednesday against lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai in the Supreme Court. The 71-year-old was charged under sections 132 and 133 of the BNS following a complaint by the All India Advocates Association president.

Alert security personnel prevented the Monday attack. Kishore later claimed to the media that he was upset over the CJI's remarks during a hearing concerning restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho's UNESCO World Heritage temple complex.

Meanwhile, Punjab Police launched a crackdown on social media content targeting the CJI, registering FIRs against over 100 handles, including popular YouTuber Ajeet Bharti. 

FIRs were filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for content promoting enmity, intentional intimidation, and attempts to provoke violence against constitutional authority.

Amit Shah Switches to Zoho Mail, Adopts Trump-Style Sign-Off In Message

Home Minister Amit Shah officially transitioned to Indian email platform Zoho Mail, announcing the move on X Wednesday with a post that drew attention for its Trump-esque sign-off style.

Shah shared his new Zoho email ID, stating "I have switched to Zoho Mail" and requesting all correspondence be sent there. His sign-off echoed US President Donald Trump's signature phrase, "Thank you for your kind attention to this matter."

The minister joins growing ranks of senior Modi government officials embracing Swadeshi technology. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously announced his shift to Zoho's suite.

Zoho Mail, positioned as a rival to Gmail and Microsoft Outlook, offers ad-free email with end-to-end encryption and promises not to sell user data to advertisers. The platform organizes emails into personal, business, and promotional tabs.

Experts suggest Shah's endorsement may prompt other officials to follow suit, boosting Indian tech platforms amid US tensions. Zoho's messaging app Arattai has also gained attention. 

Starmer Hails India-UK FTA as "Unparalleled Opportunity" During Historic Mumbai Visit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer began his first official visit to India Wednesday, calling the India-UK Free Trade Agreement "the biggest deal we've struck since we left the European Union" and describing the opportunities as "unparalleled."

Accompanied by approximately 100 entrepreneurs, cultural representatives, and university vice-chancellors, Starmer arrived in Mumbai for a two-day visit focused on leveraging the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in July.

"It's not just a piece of paper, it's a launchpad for growth," Starmer said, noting India is set to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer on X, calling it a "historic first visit" with the UK's largest-ever trade delegation. The two leaders will meet Thursday and address the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.

The CETA aims to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually, with the UK offering duty-free access on 99.1 per cent of tariff lines. However, Starmer reportedly indicated the UK would not revisit visa requirements for Indians, stating visas "played no part" in the agreement.

Starmer also visited Yash Raj Films studio to strengthen cultural ties, with three new Bollywood productions planned for UK locations from 2026.

Mamata Banerjee Warns PM Modi Against "Acting Prime Minister" Amit Shah, Compares Him to Mir Jafar

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah Wednesday, accusing him of behaving like an "acting Prime Minister" and warning PM Narendra Modi not to "trust him always."

Banerjee compared Shah to Mir Jafar, the 18th-century general who betrayed Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey. "Shah may one day become his Mir Jafar," she said, alleging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was at Shah's behest.

"One day, he will turn out to be your biggest Mir Jafar. Be alert while you have the time," Banerjee cautioned Modi.

You’re all caught up. Until next time.