Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, has been ranked fifth among the world's best cities for tourists, according to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" 2025 survey. The Pink City scored 91.33, surpassing Florence, Italy, which came in eleventh place with a score of 90.08. International tourists who participated in the survey praised Jaipur for its opulent hotels, excellent shopping options, and rich cultural past. San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, known for its distinctive cultural environment and affordability, topped the list. Chiang Mai in Thailand, Tokyo in Japan, and Bangkok in Thailand are also among the top five.
In a heartwarming tribute, a leading Iranian newspaper dedicated a full-page feature to the Bollywood classic "Sholay" on its 50th anniversary. The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai shared the news, noting the film's unforgettable story of friendship resonated deeply with Iranian audiences. The post described "Sholay" as a cornerstone of cinematic memory in Iran, highlighting how many Iranians still associate Bollywood with this epic. Despite decades of censorship and geopolitical shifts, "Sholay" continues to be loved in Iran. An Iranian actor, Navid Mamza, even drew inspiration from Gabbar Singh, mimicking his looks and mannerisms for a villainous role.
India and the UK are expected to sign a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) soon, potentially during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to London. Sources indicate the agreement is ready to be signed, with the announcement possibly coinciding with Modi's visit. The FTA aims to increase bilateral trade, remove trade barriers, and allow duty-free entry of goods. Under the deal, 99% of Indian exports to Britain would benefit from zero duty, including textiles, while Britain will see reductions on 90% of its tariff lines. The FTA is expected to boost Indian exports of textiles, leather, and engineering goods while cutting levies on British whisky, automobiles, and medical devices. The agreement is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, from the current level of $60 billion.
