A recent anti-Hindu parade at Toronto's Malton Gurdwara has ignited concerns about rising Khalistani extremism in Canada. Video footage shared by journalist Daniel Bordman showed participants demanding the deportation of 800,000 Hindus. The event follows the third vandalism attack on Surrey's Lakshmi Narayan temple, where pro-Khalistan graffiti was found. Critics are questioning if newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney will take a firmer stance than Justin Trudeau. Bordman accused authorities of neglecting growing hate crimes, raising alarm over Canada's political will to confront extremist threats targeting minority communities. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On May 4, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offered Russia’s assistance in helping India and Pakistan resolve escalating tensions over the Kashmir region. In conversations with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and earlier with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Lavrov emphasized the need for a political settlement, particularly in light of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed at least 26 people. The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted its readiness to mediate, contingent on mutual interest from both Islamabad and New Delhi. This development comes amid longstanding conflict in Muslim-majority Kashmir, which has been the source of numerous wars, insurgencies, and diplomatic crises between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: PTI)

The UN Security Council will convene today to address escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. India attributes the attack to the Islamic Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, halted visas for Pakistani nationals, and expelled diplomats. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Shimla Agreement, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and expelling Indian diplomats. Border skirmishes have since intensified. Pakistan has requested the UNSC meeting to discuss what it terms India's "aggressive actions," including the treaty suspension. The meeting, under Greece's presidency, aims to address the deteriorating regional stability. (PC: Wikipedia & India Today)

India has intensified its crackdown on Pakistani imports, placing customs on high alert to intercept goods rerouted through third countries like the UAE, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Despite negligible official trade, approximately $500 million worth of Pakistani products—including fruits, textiles, and leather—are entering India via repackaging and relabeling. The government’s May 2 directive bans all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, aiming to further strain Pakistan’s already vulnerable economy. This move follows the 2019 withdrawal of Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation status and the imposition of a 200% customs duty, which drastically reduced bilateral trade. Authorities emphasize that “terror and trade” cannot coexist, reinforcing national security priorities. (PC: AFP & Deccan Chronicle)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), spanning multiple sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. Unlike previous localized incidents, these violations are now widespread. The Indian Army has responded promptly and proportionately to these provocations. Notably, sectors like Kupwara and Akhnoor have experienced near-daily ceasefire breaches. This escalation marks a significant shift from past patterns, indicating a broader strategy by Pakistan to destabilize the region. The situation remains tense, with both nations on heightened alert. (PC: Al Jazeera)

At the CII Partnership Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's preference for equal partnerships over unsolicited guidance, subtly addressing European nations. He highlighted India's ascent to the fifth-largest global economy and its ambition for further growth through robust international collaborations. Jaishankar underscored the necessity of domestic advancements in manufacturing and infrastructure to enhance India's global credibility. He noted that India's political stability and modernization efforts make it an attractive partner worldwide. Recent engagements, such as hosting Germany's largest overseas business event and the integration of the African Union into the G20 during India's presidency, exemplify India's expanding global influence and commitment to fostering equitable international relationships.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday declared, “What you desire will certainly happen,” in response to growing public calls for retaliation after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Singh added, “It is my responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack our country,” reinforcing India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. His remarks follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi granting the armed forces full operational freedom. Pakistan, accused of backing the April 22 attack, has put its forces on high alert and warned India against any "misadventure." Diplomatic pressure is mounting globally for both sides to exercise restraint. (PC: ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reiterated India's resolve to deliver a "befitting reply" to its enemies, amid growing tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Singh's statement adds weight to PM Narendra Modi’s earlier warning, as India blames Pakistan-based terror outfits for orchestrating the strike. Addressing a gathering, Singh said India will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty and will respond decisively. His remarks come as diplomatic and military discussions intensify. The Indian government has also called for international action against terror sponsors, emphasizing national unity and strength against cross-border aggression. (PC: India Today)

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Pakistan, calling it a "failed state," and urged PM Narendra Modi to respond forcefully to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Speaking at a public rally, Owaisi said, “Pakistan must think 100 times before sending terrorists again.” He recounted past attacks, including 26/11, and demanded the victims be recognised as martyrs. Owaisi also criticised politicisation of terrorism and urged unity among Indians. He condemned a former Bangladeshi officer’s provocative remarks and called for Pakistan's inclusion in the FATF grey list. “It’s time for response, not reflection,” Owaisi declared. (PC: Hindustan Times)

India has halted water flow through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Reports suggest similar action is being considered at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River. Officials say sluice gates at Baglihar were lowered as a short-term punitive measure, signaling India’s readiness for coercive steps. Tensions have risen with repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan and its missile tests. India has also imposed economic and transport bans on Pakistan, intensifying diplomatic pressure after the deadly attack. (PC: Reuters)