Canada’s intelligence agency has flagged Khalistani extremists as a national security threat, stating that a small network uses Canadian institutions to promote a violent extremist agenda. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), in its 2025 Public Report, said such activities continue to threaten Canada and its interests abroad. The report noted some individuals spread extremist messaging and raise funds, later diverted toward violence. It emphasised only a limited group is involved, distinguishing violent extremism from legitimate peaceful political expression within the broader community. It further warned that certain actors are well connected to Canadian citizens, leveraging institutional access to mobilise support and collect funds from unsuspecting community members for extremist purposes. (PC: AFP)

Tensions escalated in Bhowanipore ahead of West Bengal’s vote counting after the All India Trinamool Congress alleged a security breach involving vehicles carrying Bharatiya Janata Party flags entering a counting centre. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, raised concerns over unauthorised access to premises storing EVMs. TMC workers claimed a “suspicious” vehicle was allowed inside despite strict security by CAPF and alleged they were pushed back when protesting. Though officials reportedly assured action, the vehicle remained briefly before leaving. The incident adds to mounting allegations of irregularities and heightens political tensions ahead of the crucial May 4 results.

India’s Drishti Satellite, developed by GalaxEye, marks a breakthrough in Earth observation by combining multispectral imaging and synthetic aperture radar in one platform. Launched aboard Falcon 9 by SpaceX, it can capture high-resolution images through clouds and darkness, addressing limitations faced in tropical regions like India. With 1.5-metre resolution and plans for a larger constellation, Drishti enhances applications in defence, agriculture and disaster management. Experts say such sovereign capability reduces reliance on foreign data, a gap highlighted during recent conflicts, strengthening India’s strategic autonomy and surveillance capabilities in a geopolitically sensitive region. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has approved a multi-billion dollar defence deal to acquire new squadrons of F-35 Lightning II and F-15IA aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The agreement, part of a broader 350 billion shekel military modernisation plan, aims to strengthen long-term air superiority and counter regional threats. Deliveries are expected from 2026 into the early 2030s. The plan includes expanding Israel’s F-35 fleet toward 100 aircraft and procuring up to 50 F-15IA jets while upgrading existing F-16s. Officials said lessons from the recent Iran conflict underscored the importance of advanced air power and the US-Israel strategic partnership. (PC: Reuters)

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)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers at a strongroom in Kolkata’s Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. Party workers claimed eight trunks of postal ballots were brought at 4 am and moved to a room lacking CCTV coverage, raising concerns over transparency. Protests erupted at the site, with BJP leaders arriving and countering that TMC was creating unrest anticipating defeat. Similar tensions surfaced at Barasat, where TMC alleged a 17-minute CCTV outage, though officials attributed it to monitor cable issues and promised footage access. The EC also dismissed a viral video from Purba Bardhaman as old, clarifying it showed authorised technical work. (PC: PTI)

Diljit Dosanjh paused his Calgary concert during his Aura Tour after spotting pro-Khalistan flags being waved by some attendees. He asked those involved to stop disrupting the event and directed organisers to remove them. Addressing criticism over appearances on Kaun Banega Crorepati and global platforms, he said his intent has always been to highlight Punjab’s issues, not self-promotion. He reiterated that he uses every opportunity to represent Punjab internationally. Videos of the incident have gone viral, drawing strong reactions online. His upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is scheduled for release on June 12.

A 34-year-old passenger on a Sharjah-Chennai Air Arabia flight opened an emergency exit and jumped off the aircraft while it was taxiing at Chennai International Airport early Sunday. The plane, carrying 231 passengers, had landed and cleared the runway but was still moving slowly when the incident occurred. Officials said the man appeared unwell and had vomited twice during the flight. The pilot halted the aircraft immediately and alerted authorities. CISF personnel secured the passenger and handed him over to police for questioning. No injuries or damage were reported. The incident caused temporary disruption, with the runway briefly shut and flights diverted as authorities launched an investigation into the safety breach. (PC: X)

Vinesh Phogat has raised serious concerns ahead of her comeback at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda after nearly 18 months. In a video message, she warned that the Indian government would be responsible if any untoward incident occurs involving her, her team, or supporters during the event. She also expressed apprehension about possible biased officiating, alleging that the competition venue is linked to individuals close to former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The remarks have intensified scrutiny around the tournament’s fairness and security arrangements as the decorated wrestler prepares to return to competitive action. (PC: AP)

Pakistan has come under scrutiny after an incorrect map was reportedly displayed during informal peace talks with Afghanistan in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting, part of a Track 1.5 diplomatic dialogue involving former officials and experts, aimed to reduce rising military tensions between the two neighbours. The controversial map allegedly omitted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, sparking strong reactions and confusion among participants. Social media users and observers questioned the accuracy of the presentation, while some suggested it may have been a design error. The incident has added further strain to already fragile Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, where border disputes and security concerns continue to dominate discussions despite ongoing mediation efforts by regional facilitators. (PC: NDTV)