Pakistan has issued over 2,800 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the Baisakhi celebrations, scheduled between April 10 and 14 in Punjab province. Pilgrims will enter via the Wagah border and attend the main ceremony at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, marking the 327th Khalsa Janam Din. The delegation will also visit key religious sites including Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. Pakistani authorities have completed security and hospitality preparations, ensuring accommodation, transport and essential facilities. The annual pilgrimage highlights cross-border religious engagement and cultural ties, even as broader diplomatic relations remain complex between the two countries. (PC: PTI)

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals to remain indoors for 48 hours as a deadline set by Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Citizens have been urged to avoid power grids, military installations and upper floors of buildings, and to coordinate any travel with the Embassy. The advisory follows continued US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28. India has already facilitated the evacuation of thousands, including students and fishermen, via neighbouring countries. Authorities said efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indians in the region.

WO2 (Ret’d) Satyasagar Ghale has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his service to the Gurkha community. The honour recognises his long work supporting veterans and their families. After a 21-year career with the Brigade of Gurkhas, he joined the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Since 2005, he has helped 94 ex-servicemen and their families in India. Officials said his work reflects “the highest standards of public service.” The award highlights his continued role in welfare efforts after retirement. Authorities also congratulated him on receiving the honour. (PC: X)

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has begun a visit to India aimed at resetting bilateral ties with Bangladesh after a period of strain. He is scheduled to meet S Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri and Ajit Doval to discuss strategic, economic and security cooperation. Talks will focus on expanding energy collaboration, including an existing diesel supply agreement, and reviving delayed infrastructure projects in rail and road sectors. The visit follows a slowdown during Bangladesh’s interim government phase, with both sides aiming to restore trust, accelerate projects and strengthen engagement across key sectors. (PC: X)

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)