For the first time, Gujarati-origin candidates are contesting Canada’s federal election. Four Gujaratis—Jayesh Brahmbhatt, Sunjiv Raval, Ashok Patel, and Minesh Patel—are running for seats in Brampton and Calgary. Punjabis have long dominated Canadian politics, but Gujaratis are now stepping in. They have built strong community ties and businesses over the years. Experts say this is a big step in increasing Indian representation. Punjabis like Jagmeet Singh and Anita Anand remain key figures. Canada’s election is on April 28, and Indian-origin candidates are expected to play a major role in shaping the country’s future. (PC: Reuters)

Punjab Police arrested two men, including Pakistan-based Shahzed Bhatti, for hurling a grenade at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's home in Jalandhar. The blast occurred at 1 am Tuesday, damaging property but causing no injuries. CCTV showed the attacker arriving in an e-rickshaw. Police identified Zeeshan Akhtar as another key conspirator. ADGP Arpit Shukla said links to banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International are being probed. A forensic team examined the scene, and the autorickshaw used was recovered. Since October 2024, Punjab has faced 16 grenade attacks targeting police, civilians, religious sites, and now a political leader, raising serious security concerns. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Minister Nir Barkat expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting Modi was the first global leader to call Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, offering India's support. Barkat emphasized that Israel will "never forget" this gesture, highlighting the strong personal rapport between Modi and Netanyahu. Following the attack, PM Modi condemned terrorism unequivocally, stating, "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel... We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour." This underscores the deepening ties and mutual support between India and Israel. (PC: The Times of Israel & Sunday Guardian)

The U.K. High Court has denied India's request to appeal the discharge of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari's extradition. Bhandari, accused of tax evasion and money laundering, successfully contested his extradition by highlighting potential risks of extortion and violence in Tihar Jail, as well as concerns over an unfair trial in India. The court found merit in these arguments, leading to his discharge. India's subsequent attempt to appeal this decision was rejected, effectively ending the extradition proceedings. This outcome underscores the challenges faced by Indian authorities in securing the return of individuals facing serious charges abroad. (PC: India TV News)

A Delhi man who migrated to Canada expressed deep regret over his decision, labeling the experience a "scam" in a viral Reddit post. He criticized Canadian colleges and the government for exploiting international students, leading to worthless degrees and poor work-life balance. He urged Indians to reconsider moving abroad, highlighting India's growing opportunities and economic progress. The post ignited a heated online debate, with some agreeing and sharing similar experiences, while others defended their choice to migrate, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and adaptability before moving abroad. (PC: Yatra & Very Well Mind)

Microsoft terminated employees Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal following protests during its 50th-anniversary event. Aboussad interrupted AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's speech, accusing him of being a "war profiteer" and alleging Microsoft's AI technology supports Israeli military actions. Agrawal disrupted a session with Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and Satya Nadella. Both had previously urged colleagues via email to advocate for ending Microsoft's contracts with the Israeli government. The company cited their aggressive conduct and lack of remorse as reasons for termination. Both were associated with "No Azure for Apartheid," opposing Microsoft's dealings with Israel. (PC: Hindustan Times & The Hindu)

A 36-year-old Indian-origin man, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla from New Jersey, has been indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting a fellow passenger on an American Airlines flight from Bozeman, Montana, to Dallas, Texas, on January 26, 2025. Charged with abusive sexual contact under U.S. aircraft jurisdiction, Shukla faces up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release if convicted. He is scheduled for arraignment on April 17, 2025. The FBI, ICE, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police are investigating the case. (PC: The Telegraph & India Lawyers)

During Microsoft's 50th anniversary event, Indian-American software engineer Vaniya Agrawal confronted CEOs Satya Nadella, Bill Gates, and Steve Ballmer, accusing them of complicity in the deaths of 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza through Microsoft's technology. Labeling Microsoft a "digital weapons manufacturer," she criticized a purported $133 million contract with Israel's Ministry of Defense and the use of AI and Azure technologies in military operations. Agrawal announced her resignation, urging colleagues to hold the company accountable. Earlier, employee Ibtihal Aboussad similarly protested against AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, accusing him of war profiteering. (PC: CNET & Mint)

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has granted visas to 1,942 Sikh pilgrims from India for the Khalsa Sajna Diwas celebrations in Pakistan. This event, marking the foundation of the Khalsa, is scheduled from April 12 to 21. Pilgrims will visit sacred sites including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib. This initiative aligns with the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, emphasizing Pakistan's dedication to facilitating religious tourism and fostering people-to-people connections. Charge d'Affaires Salman Sharif extended heartfelt felicitations, wishing the pilgrims a fulfilling journey. (PC: Wikimedia & Dawn)

On April 7, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the swift finalization of a bilateral trade agreement, emphasizing its importance amid impending U.S. tariffs on Indian imports. The U.S. had announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with a specific 26% tariff on Indian goods effective April 9. Despite these measures, India does not plan to retaliate, focusing instead on ongoing negotiations to enhance trade relations. Both nations aim to conclude the trade deal promptly, reflecting a mutual commitment to a fair and balanced economic partnership. (PC: Z2Data & X)