The Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, one of Canada's oldest Sikh temples established in 1906, was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti early Saturday morning. The Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS), which manages the gurdwara, condemned the act, calling it a "painful moment" for the community. The slogans, including “Khalistan Zindabad,” appeared just hours before the world’s largest Vaisakhi parade in nearby Surrey. The gurdwara had recently barred pro-Khalistan groups from participating in its own Vaisakhi event. Vancouver Police have launched an investigation. KDS stated the vandalism aims to divide the community and dishonors the legacy of Sikh pioneers in Canada. (PC: NDTV)

A Gurdwara in Vancouver, Canada, was vandalized with pro-Khalistan graffiti, including slogans like "Khalistan Zindabad" and death threats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Khalsa Diwan Society condemned the act, attributing it to a small group of Sikh separatists aiming to create division within the Canadian Sikh community. Vancouver Police have initiated an investigation into the incident. This vandalism is part of a series targeting religious structures in Canada, including Hindu temples, raising concerns about rising extremism. The Khalsa Diwan Society urged all Canadians to unite against such extremist acts and reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity, and respect. (PC: The Economic Times & Times of India)

In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police's 'Operation Clean Sweep' dismantled a transnational heroin trafficking network spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR. The operation led to the seizure of 1,667 grams of high-quality Afghan-origin heroin and 130 grams of a suspected chemical substance. Investigations revealed that one accused utilized the online game PUBG to establish contact with a heroin supplier. The probe commenced with the interception of Faheem Farooq from Jammu & Kashmir, leading to the arrests of key operatives including Shazia Peer, who disclosed connections in Afghanistan, the UK, the US, and Punjab. Subsequent arrests included Javed and Parminder Singh Deol, alias Harry, further unraveling the cartel's extensive network. (PC: Epic Games)

US Vice President JD Vance, along with his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children, is set to arrive in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner in his honor and hold talks focused on trade, tariffs, and strengthening bilateral ties. The Vance family will visit Delhi’s Akshardham Temple, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. The vice president is also expected to address an event at the Rajasthan International Centre. The visit comes amid ongoing discussions around Donald Trump’s tariff policies affecting India-US trade. (PC: AP)

At just 15, Indian-American teen Sabrina Bhattacharjya is revolutionizing how Lexington, Massachusetts, commemorates its pivotal role in American history. Driven by a desire to make history engaging, she launched Lexington250.com at age 7, funded by her parents. The site, now a comprehensive guide to local history and amenities, gained attention for its cheeky T-shirts featuring slogans like "Lexington AF," prompting both amusement and controversy. As the town approaches its 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War's onset, Sabrina's youthful enthusiasm contrasts with the official Lex250.org site, leading to some community confusion. Nonetheless, her efforts have sparked renewed interest in local history among younger audiences. (PC: New York Times)

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children, is set to arrive in Delhi on Monday for a four-day visit. The agenda includes discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade, tariffs, and the proposed India-U.S. bilateral trade agreement, especially following President Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs effective April 2. The Vance family will visit cultural sites in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, including the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple and Amer Fort. They will stay at the ITC Maurya Sheraton in Delhi. The visit underscores both diplomatic and personal ties, given Usha Vance's Indian heritage. (PC: The New York Times)

Rahul Gandhi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hugplomacy" with former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that such gestures won't mitigate the economic repercussions of U.S. tariffs on India. In a conversation with Delhi Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, Gandhi highlighted issues like high unemployment, economic system failures, and societal disharmony. He emphasized that the U.S. tariffs will have significant economic consequences, which symbolic acts cannot resolve. Gandhi also drew parallels between the current economic scenario and the colonial era, suggesting that the alliance between the British and Indian Maharajas then is akin to the present relationships between the government and major industrialists like Adani and Ambani. (PC: Business Today)

The U.S. government has clarified that recent student visa revocations are not specifically targeting Indian nationals. This statement follows a survey indicating that approximately 50% of students receiving visa notices were from India. The U.S. emphasizes that visa decisions are based on individual circumstances and compliance with immigration laws, not nationality. Indian students constitute a significant portion of the international student population in the U.S., and the country remains committed to facilitating their educational pursuits. Efforts are ongoing to ensure transparency and fairness in visa processes, aiming to maintain strong educational and cultural ties between the two nations. (PC: AP & The Economic Times)

Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa, a 21-year-old student from Punjab studying at Mohawk College in Canada, was tragically killed in Hamilton after being struck by a stray bullet during a violent altercation between two groups. She was reportedly waiting at a bus stop on her way to work. The incident has deeply shaken her family in India, who have pleaded with the Indian government to help repatriate her body for last rites. The case has reignited concerns over the safety of international students in Canada. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Saudi Arabia on April 22-23, 2025, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This marks Modi's third trip to Saudi Arabia and follows the Crown Prince's visit to India in September 2023. The visit will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors including trade, energy, defense, and people-to-people ties. Additionally, the discussions will cover regional security issues, such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader security concerns in West Asia. (PC: AP)