Border Security Force is reportedly assessing a proposal to deploy venomous snakes and crocodiles along unfenced stretches of the India–Bangladesh border where terrain makes fencing difficult. The 4,096-km border remains about 20% incomplete, with 175 km unsuitable due to marshy, flood-prone conditions. An internal memo, linked to directions from Amit Shah, asked field units to evaluate feasibility and risks. Officials flagged safety concerns for local communities and logistical challenges. The move comes amid heightened border security measures under Narendra Modi’s government, alongside criticism from rights groups over its handling of migration and alleged targeting of minorities. (PC: MSN)

The Embassy of India in Vietnam has advised Indian travellers visiting Phu Quoc Island to be cautious about visa restrictions and passport-related risks. While the island offers visa-free entry to Indians, this exemption applies only within Phu Quoc and does not permit travel to mainland cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City without a valid visa. The advisory warns that emergencies requiring departure from the island may lead to complications for those without visas. It also highlights that losing a passport requires filing a police report and obtaining emergency documents, followed by a mandatory wait of three to five working days for an exit permit from Vietnamese authorities.

Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, Abhishek Banerjee sparked controversy by warning of retaliation after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif allegedly threatened Kolkata. Speaking at a rally, Banerjee criticised Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh for remaining silent, vowing strong action if his alliance comes to power. Mamata Banerjee also questioned the Centre’s response, accusing it of ignoring Bengal’s security concerns. The exchange follows escalating rhetoric, with both sides issuing warnings, intensifying political tensions during ongoing election campaigning.

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to review escalating military developments and their global security implications. Both sides emphasized peaceful conflict resolution and the urgent need to ensure freedom of navigation in critical maritime routes. The situation has directly impacted shipping, with 16 Indian-flagged vessels reportedly stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint. The developments underline growing risks to international trade, energy supplies, and regional stability amid intensifying geopolitical uncertainty.

Members of Sikhs for Justice held protests outside Hindu temples in Brampton and Surrey. The rallies came days after Canada’s House of Commons passed Bill C-9 on hate crimes. The protests took place near Triveni Mandir and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Demonstrators raised slogans while police kept them at a distance. The proposed law will ban intimidation at places of worship. Hindu groups welcomed the move for safety. Police said they support peaceful protest but warned that unlawful acts will not be allowed. Security was tightened around both sites. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Navy guided LPG vessel Green Asha through the Strait of Hormuz as part of Operation ‘Urja Suraksha’. The ship is expected to reach India within 24 to 36 hours.   This is the ninth vessel assisted under the mission. Earlier, Green Sanvi crossed the route and is heading to Dahej with LPG cargo.   The Navy is giving real-time guidance to ships in the Persian Gulf. Warships take over escort after vessels exit the Gulf.   Officials said the mission is closely monitored at the top level. More ships, including Jag Vikram, are waiting for clearance to pass safely. (PC: India Today)

India has helped eight of its ships cross the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing tensions. Sixteen India-flagged vessels still remain in the Persian Gulf. Officials said India is in touch with Iran to ensure safe passage. Iran has allowed ships from countries it considers friendly to pass through with coordination. Most of the ships that crossed are LPG tankers. One more vessel is currently moving through the strait. The route is key for global oil trade. Around one-fifth of oil and gas supplies pass through this channel. (PC: The Indian Express)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning to India, stating that any “future misadventure” by New Delhi could lead to retaliatory strikes, specifically mentioning Kolkata as a potential target. The remark comes amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, following strong statements from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about an “unprecedented response” to provocations. Asif also suggested a “false flag” narrative, further intensifying the war of words. The exchange highlights growing volatility in bilateral relations and increasing concerns over regional security. (PC: X)

Iran shared a message for India after the seventh LPG tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict. The tanker, named Green Sanvi, completed its passage on Friday. The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai said India and Gujarat hold a “cherished place” in shared history. It was replying to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who called the move a “victory for Indian diplomacy”. Iran also referred to ancient links, likely pointing to Lothal, which connected early trade routes between regions. (PC: India Today)

Indian-origin writer and translator Padma Viswanathan has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize. She translated On Earth As It Is Beneath by Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia from Portuguese into English. Judges called the book “brutal, haunting and hypnotic”. They said it builds “an entire moral universe” in a remote prison setting. The prize is worth GBP 50,000, shared between author and translator. Each shortlisted work gets GBP 5,000. The winner will be announced on May 19 in London. (PC: X)