Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations by sharing masala chai at Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s official residence, on October 10, 2023. This event celebrated the signing of the eagerly awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement, aiming to enhance trade ties between the two nations.

A charming tea stall, complete with a banner proclaiming “Freshly brewed masala chai. Sourced from India, brewed in London,” was set up on the picturesque lawns of Chequers. The stall featured Akhil Patel, a UK-based entrepreneur and founder of Amala Chai, serving freshly brewed cups of the spiced tea to the leaders. The moment was captured and shared by Modi on social media, showcasing a personal touch to high-level diplomacy. His post read, “Chai Pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!”

The image quickly gained traction online, resonating with audiences not only due to its political significance but also because of Patel’s engaging presence. Social media users referred to him as the “London Chaiwala.” In a video shared by Amala Chai’s social media channels, Modi can be seen eagerly anticipating his tea, exclaiming, “You can have a taste of India.” Patel, dressed in a traditional Indian kurta, highlighted the tea’s unique spice blend, which includes cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Handing a cup to Modi, he remarked with a smile, “From one chaiwala to another,” to which Modi responded with appreciation. Starmer also took a sip, exclaiming, “Oh, lovely. Yeah, really lovely, nice.”

Akhil Patel’s journey is emblematic of the cultural and entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the Indian diaspora. The founder of Amala Chai, a brand known for its dedication to authentic chai brewing, Patel has deep personal connections to both India and the UK. His grandmother migrated to the UK over 50 years ago, and Patel studied management at the London School of Economics before transitioning into the tea business. Reflecting on his childhood memories, he shared on LinkedIn, “I grew up with masala chai; my dad brewed it every morning.”

Frustrated by the lack of authentic chai options in UK cafes, Patel decided to launch Amala Chai in 2019, inspired by the recipes passed down from his grandmother. The brand focuses on using single-origin tea leaves and spices sourced from family-run farms in Assam and Kerala, aiming to provide a genuine taste of India.

The tea moment at Chequers not only celebrated a strategic trade agreement but also highlighted the cultural connections that underpin India-UK relations. By sharing chai, a beverage steeped in tradition, Modi and Starmer underscored the importance of personal connections amidst political negotiations. For Patel, serving tea to a leader who once sold tea on railway platforms was a dream come true, representing both personal achievement and a broader narrative of shared histories.

As the India-UK partnership continues to deepen through trade and political ties, the symbolic act of sharing chai serves as a reminder that these relationships are built on cultural understanding and mutual respect. The event at Chequers encapsulated the essence of diplomacy, where even a simple cup of tea can forge stronger connections between nations.

The year 2025 has been marked by six significant global conflicts, contributing to millions of casualties and a dramatic rise in arms sales. The ongoing disputes, which include the India-Pakistan conflict, the Ukraine-Russia war, and the Israel-Hamas confrontation, have resulted in widespread destruction and humanitarian crises. The latest escalation is the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, which adds to the list of clashes that have defined this tumultuous year.

Overview of Major Conflicts

From South Asia to the Middle East and Africa, the consequences of these wars have been severe. The conflicts have not only led to loss of life but have also devastated infrastructure, displacing millions of people and prompting a surge in military spending across the globe. Here’s a detailed look at the destruction, loss of life, and arms trade associated with each of these six conflicts.

1. India-Pakistan Conflict

On May 7, 2025, India conducted a series of missile strikes in “Operation Sindoor” targeting militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba within Pakistan. This operation was a direct response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Pakistan retaliated, claiming that India’s actions constituted an act of war, using drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft. A ceasefire was eventually called on May 10, 2025.

The conflict led to significant casualties on both sides. In India, 16 civilians, including five children, were killed, alongside extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan reported 40 civilian deaths, including 7 women and 15 children, and 11 soldiers were killed in the strikes. The conflict has spurred an estimated $5 to $10 billion increase in arms spending, with a high demand for drones and missile systems.

2. Cambodia-Thailand Conflict

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand escalated on July 24, 2025, when Thailand launched airstrikes using F-16 jets against Cambodian military installations. This followed Cambodian drone and rocket attacks as tensions flared over long-standing border disputes surrounding the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. The violence has resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure.

Thailand reported 14 deaths, including 13 civilians, and around 46 injuries, with damage to critical facilities such as gas stations and hospitals. Cambodia claims to have suffered approximately 20 fatalities. The conflict has displaced between 40,000 and 100,000 individuals, leading to increased demand for military equipment in the region.

3. Ukraine-Russia War

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the war in Ukraine has continued into 2025, fueled by geopolitical tensions over NATO expansion and energy resources. The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating losses, with over 10,000 civilian deaths and an estimated 500,000 military casualties, including 350,000 Russian and 150,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Approximately 70% of Ukraine’s infrastructure has been destroyed, with major cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv suffering catastrophic damage. The war has displaced 12 million people, with 5 million seeking refuge in other countries. The arms trade has flourished, with more than $80 billion in military sales recorded from 2022 to 2024, as both sides continue to procure advanced weaponry.

4. Israel-Hamas War

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israeli retaliatory strikes have led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has seen over 43,000 fatalities, primarily among women and children. The destruction of essential infrastructure has left 2 million people, constituting 90% of Gaza’s population, displaced.

In Israel, approximately 1,200 fatalities and 3,000 injuries were reported in 2023. The conflict has led to more than $10 billion in arms sales, with both sides heavily investing in advanced military capabilities.

5. Sudan Civil War

A violent civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army erupted in April 2023 and has continued into 2025. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and left around 33,000 individuals injured. The fighting has caused significant damage, with an estimated 60% of buildings in Darfur and Khartoum affected.

The war has displaced 10 million people, with millions facing extreme hunger. The arms trade has also been significant, with an estimated $5 billion in military sales attributed to the conflict, as both sides acquire advanced weaponry.

6. Iran-Pakistan Tensions

In January 2024, tensions escalated as Iran launched a counterattack against militant targets in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated, leading to casualties primarily among militants. Although the death toll was relatively low, the conflict has displaced thousands and caused destruction of local villages and militant camps.

The arms trade has seen an uptick, with an estimated $2 billion in sales as both countries increased military capabilities, including drones and aircraft.

Implications for Regional Stability

The ramifications of these conflicts extend beyond their immediate borders. Increased tensions, particularly in South Asia, threaten regional stability and could impact India’s strategic interests, including the Chabahar Port project and broader foreign policy objectives. The ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan underscore the need for enhanced disaster management and humanitarian relief capabilities.

As global demand for advanced military technology rises, the changing landscape of warfare necessitates a re-evaluation of national defense strategies. Countries must adapt to these challenges, focusing on indigenous development of defense systems and responding to the complex humanitarian landscape emerging from these conflicts.

On Friday, opposition leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc engaged in a symbolic protest against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstration took place on the Parliament premises, marking the fifth day of ongoing protests by these political figures.

Key figures such as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav took part in the protest. They tore placards emblazoned with “SIR” and disposed of them in a dustbin, signifying their disapproval of the electoral revision process.

Accusations Against the Election Commission

Alongside the protest, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge voiced strong criticism of the ECI’s decision to implement SIR nationwide. In a post on the social media platform X, Kharge alleged that the initiative was politically motivated. He stated, “The Modi government wants to suppress the votes of the poor, Dalits, tribals, backward classes, minorities, and the deprived.” He further claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) aimed to use the revision process as a means to disenfranchise marginalized groups.

Kharge added, “The RSS-BJP has always sought to deprive the weaker sections of society of their voting rights, and now, through the use of SIR, it is determined to fulfil its long-standing agenda.”

Details of the Special Intensive Revision

The Election Commission announced on June 24, 2023, its plan to commence a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across India. According to the official order, the initiative is part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to maintain the integrity of electoral rolls. The Commission stated, “The Commission has now decided to begin the Special Intensive Revision in the entire country for the discharge of its constitutional mandate.”

During the protest, Kharge joined his fellow MPs from the INDIA bloc in a march from the Gandhi statue on the Parliament premises, demonstrating their collective opposition to the ECI’s actions. A video shared by Kharge on his X account captured the moment he tore a placard and disposed of it, further emphasizing the leaders’ stance against the electoral roll revision.

The ongoing protests reflect a deepening rift between the opposition and the ruling government over electoral processes and the perceived implications for democratic participation among vulnerable communities in India.

The Karnataka cabinet has approved a significant piece of legislation that makes child engagements illegal, a move aimed at addressing the rising incidence of child marriages in the state. The new law, titled the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to strengthen protections for minors and ensure they are not subjected to early marriage planning.

Key Provisions of the New Law

The newly approved Bill goes beyond simply prohibiting child marriages; it explicitly makes it illegal to engage minors to be married in the future. This means that any attempts to arrange a marriage for a boy or girl under the legal age could result in serious legal consequences.

The legislation includes specific provisions that outline the punishments for those involved in arranging child engagements or marriages. Under the new Section 9A, individuals attempting to facilitate a child marriage or engagement can face penalties including:

– Imprisonment for up to two years
– A fine of up to ₹1 lakh
– A combination of both imprisonment and fines

Additionally, Section 12A states that any engagement of a minor will be considered null and void, meaning it will not hold legal validity. Courts will also have the authority to intervene before an engagement takes place. Under Section 13A, if a judge receives credible information that a child is about to be engaged, they can issue an injunction to prevent the engagement from occurring. This injunction can be directed at any parties involved, including family members and event organizers.

The law has also been amended to hold accountable those who assist in the preparation of child marriages, not just those who perform or attend the ceremonies.

Addressing the Child Marriage Crisis

The urgency of this legislation follows alarming statistics, with nearly 700 child marriages reported in Karnataka between 2023 and 2024. This figure highlights the ongoing challenge the state faces in protecting children from early marriages. In response to this crisis, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Panchayats to emphasize the need for robust action against child marriages.

HK Patil, the Law Minister, expressed the significance of the new Bill, stating, “Not just child marriage, but even betrothing minors is not acceptable.” He noted that previous legislation allowed many individuals to evade consequences, but the new law aims to create accountability.

The enactment of this Bill is a crucial step towards safeguarding the rights of children, particularly girls, who are often disproportionately affected by the practice of early marriage. By criminalizing the engagement of minors, the Karnataka government sends a clear message that children must be allowed to grow, learn, and make their own choices regarding their futures when they reach adulthood.

This legal reform reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing the prospects for children across Karnataka.