The LPG tanker MT Sarv Shakti, flagged in the Marshall Islands, has successfully cleared the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and is now en route to Visakhapatnam. Carrying 46,313 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and staffed by 20 crew members, including 18 Indians, the vessel exited the high-risk corridor on May 2. Its safe passage comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region that have disrupted maritime routes and energy supplies. The tanker is expected to arrive in India on May 13, offering reassurance over continuity of LPG imports and highlighting the resilience of critical supply chains during regional instability.

Karambir Singh Kang from Gurdaspur has become Canada’s first Sikh marine engineer to serve while maintaining a beard, marking a major milestone for workplace inclusion. Sikh employees in Canada’s maritime sector have long faced restrictions around religious identity, particularly beards and turbans. After nearly four years of sustained efforts, an agreement between the World Sikh Organisation and BC Ferries and Marine Workers’ Union enabled this breakthrough. Kang has now joined BC Ferries in his role. In another significant step, Gurpreet Bajwa became the first turbaned Sikh deck officer and captain, signalling broader progress for equality and representation in British Columbia. (PC: The Tribune)

Fresh reports claim gunshots were fired near comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe in Surrey, Canada. This is said to be the fourth such incident since 2025. Social media posts linked the firing to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and claimed threats were issued to Sharma and the cafe owner. The posts warned him to “fall in line”. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed. Earlier, similar firing incidents were reported in July, August and October 2025. Sharma had said earlier that local authorities may lack control over such incidents. The situation has raised concerns about safety around the cafe. (PC: News18)

An India-linked supertanker carrying about 45,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a key cooking fuel, has attempted a rare exit through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict in West Asia. The vessel, identified as Sarv Shakti, was tracked moving past Iranian islands into the Gulf of Oman, highlighting a cautious breakthrough in disrupted shipping routes. The move reflects India’s urgent efforts to ease a severe domestic cooking gas shortage caused by the Hormuz blockade and geopolitical tensions. Despite some successful transits, the route remains highly volatile, posing continued risks to energy security and supply stability. 

India and Bangladesh have started steps to restore full visa services after months of strain. Bangladesh has resumed visas for Indian citizens in all categories. India plans a gradual restart of its visa services in the coming weeks. Riaz Hamidullah said operations that were paused last year were restored in February. Officials said visa services for Bangladesh citizens are now running at limited capacity, with priority for medical and family cases. The two sides are also working on improving political ties. High-level meetings and closer cooperation in trade and energy may follow soon. (PC: The Indian Express)

Zohran Mamdani faced criticism after saying he would urge King Charles III to return the Kohinoor diamond before meeting him at the 9/11 Memorial. Critics described the remark as “rude” and said it focused too much on colonial issues during a sensitive visit. Mamdani made the comment before the brief interaction, though officials shared no details about what was discussed. The Kohinoor has long been a subject of dispute between India and the UK. The exchange drew political reactions, with some questioning Mamdani’s approach. (PC: X)

An Indian worker in the US on an H-1B visa could not reach India before his mother died of cancer due to visa delays. He tried for weeks to get an appointment for visa stamping but failed to secure a slot. Travelling without it risked his job and legal status in the United States. He stayed back and could only speak to his mother on video calls. She died before he could return. He later said, “I will carry that pain forever.” The case has drawn attention to visa issues faced by many Indian professionals working abroad. (PC: AI)

An Indian wedding procession on Fifth Avenue has gone viral online. The video shows bride Pankti Doshi and groom Avish Jain leading a lively baraat with music and dance. The couple sang Bollywood songs live from an open vehicle. Guests in traditional clothes danced on the street. The clip was shared by Amrish Patel with the caption, “When the bride & groom shut down 5th Avenue and live-sing their way into their Baraat.” Such events in New York need permits and police coordination. Reactions online were mixed, with some praising the celebration and others questioning the disruption.

Iraganaboyina Chandu, a 26-year-old from Kurnool, died by suicide in the United States. He had completed his master’s degree in Chicago. He could not find a job for weeks. Family members said he felt stressed and worried. He was concerned about his father’s debt. His father works as a security guard. The Indian community has raised over $76,500 to support his family. The money will help bring his body back to India. Authorities are trying to speed up the process. (PC: gofundme.com)

Mohammad Salim Dola, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, used the name “Hamza” while living in Turkey, reports said. Officials said the fake identity was linked to a Bulgarian passport. Its validity is under investigation. Dola was deported to India on April 28 and is in custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau till May 8. He was detained by Turkish agencies after an Interpol Red Notice. Officials said, “Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate.” He is linked to multiple drug cases and had been absconding for years. (PC: HT)