Can India’s BJP make a uniform civil code a reality?

The Saudi capital is changing, as demonstrated by the MDLBeast Soundstorm festival, an electronic dance music event held late last year on the outskirts of Riyadh. After trying to diversify its oil-dependent economy, Saudi authorities are now looking to develop the entertainment industry. Partying legally in Riyadh is rare, but is now possible. However, human rights groups are warning that this change, however welcome, should not overshadow the kingdom's crackdown on free speech. Our regional correspondent reports.

Government critics accuse the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP of using so-called demolition drives to intimidate the country's Muslim minority. But authorities say they are only targeting illegal structures.

The British prime minister has begun a two-day visit by talking up post-Brexit trade. But clouds are looming back home as parliament votes on whether he misled the House of Commons in denying COVID lockdown breaches.

Britain and India have signed a new defense cooperation agreement. The two countries are also seeking to complete a free trade deal by the end of the year.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in New Delhi for her first official visit. She is set to hold talks on climate change, trade and security.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks in New Delhi. Climate and trade security — as well as the conflict in Ukraine — dominated the agenda.

Will Smith is planning to practice yoga and meditation, according to an insider.

India has been reluctant to criticize Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The two countries have close and historical ties, especially in the defense industry.

Earlier this month, India's northwest sweltered under a heatwave that came unusually early. Every year, hundreds of people die during heatwaves in India and the country usually also suffers severe water shortages. There are fears that because of climate change, heatwaves are coming earlier and may be more severe. Nagraj Adve, a climate activist and author of "Global Warming in the Indian Context", tells us more.

At least 11 people were killed by electric shock after a decorated pickup truck struck a high-voltage cable during a parade organized by a Hindu temple in southern India.

Temperatures in Delhi are expected to hover around 44 degrees C until Sunday. Meanwhile, a large blaze has erupted at an enormous rubbish dump in the city's north.

During his tour of Europe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will need to walk a fine line between building ties and maintaining India's neutral stance on Russia's war in Ukraine.