Nepal has printed a new Rs 100 currency note featuring a map that includes disputed territories with India - Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. The decision was made by the council of ministers, chaired by PM Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda, following a proposal from Nepal Rastra Bank. The updated map was approved in meetings on April 25 and May 2. The new currency note has been authorized for release, despite India's objections to the inclusion of these territories in Nepal's map. This move is likely to escalate tensions between the two nations.

In a shocking incident, Afghan Consul General Zakia Wardak was caught attempting to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth ₹18.6 crore into India on April 25. Wardak and her son arrived at Mumbai airport from Dubai and used the green channel, indicating they had no declarable luggage. However, DRI officials stopped them and discovered the gold after a search. The duo initially denied carrying any dutiable goods or gold. This incident raises questions about diplomatic immunity and the abuse of power. An investigation is underway.

Canadian police have arrested three Indian men suspected of being part of "Hit Squad" involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year. The suspects, aged 22-28, were identified and surveilled for months before their arrest in a multi-province operation. Police are investigating their possible ties to the Indian government. The men allegedly played various roles in the assassination, including shooters, drivers, and spotters. More arrests are possible as the investigation continues, with police working with US law enforcement agencies.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, highlighted the country's progress in women's leadership in local governance. The Panchayati Raj system, a unique model of decentralised power, has enabled women to play a crucial role in decision-making processes. A constitutional amendment in 1992 reserved at least one-third of elected roles for women, and today, over 1.4 million of the 3.1 million elected representatives are women. This significant increase in women's participation reflects a societal shift towards recognising and valuing women's contributions to governance and community development. India's commitment to gender equality has made it a model for inclusive decision-making processes.

A devastating multi-vehicle collision in Ontario, Canada, has claimed the lives of four people, including an Indian couple and their three-month-old grandson. The couple, aged 60 and 55, were visiting from India. The crash occurred when a police pursuit of a liquor store robbery suspect went wrong, with the suspect driving the wrong way on Highway 401. The suspect, 21, also died in the collision. The infant's parents, 33 and 27, were injured, with the mother in serious condition. The incident has left a community in shock.

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Indian government has issued a travel advisory for citizens visiting both countries. The Ministry of External Affairs has urged Indians to "remain vigilant" and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy. The advisory comes after the Indian embassy in Israel issued a similar warning earlier this month, advising citizens to follow local safety protocols. The government is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with local authorities to ensure the safety of Indian nationals.

An Indian couple visiting Canada and their three-month-old grandchild were among four killed in a multi-vehicle collision during a police chase. Ontario police pursued a liquor store robbery suspect driving the wrong way on Highway 401 in Whitby. The victims, including the grandparents and their grandchild, were pronounced dead at the scene. The parents of the infant sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The collision involved at least six vehicles, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Investigations by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are ongoing into the tragic incident.

Iran has freed all crew members, including 17 Indians, from the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries. Iranian Foreign Minister confirmed the release during a call with his Estonian counterpart. The ship was seized after turning off its radar in Iranian waters, endangering navigation security. Iran detained the vessel under judicial rules but released the crew, including the sole woman cadet among the Indians, on humanitarian grounds. The crew, comprising nationals from India, Estonia, and other countries, can return home if the ship's captain accompanies them, according to Iranian authorities.      

India has taken a subtle dig at the US government's handling of democracy, amid ongoing protests on American university campuses. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson emphasized the need for balance between freedom of expression, responsibility, and public safety in democracies. Over 2,100 students have been arrested in the US for participating in protests. India urged its citizens to respect local laws, but noted no Indian students sought assistance related to the protests. The comments are seen as a veiled critique of the US government's approach to democratic values, turning the tables on Washington's frequent lectures on democracy.

Indian expatriates' think-tank, Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), criticized the USCIRF report on religious freedom in India, urging the US State Department to reject it. FIIDS accused USCIRF of bias, presenting partial data and flawed conclusions. Chief of Policy and Strategy at FIIDS, Khanderao Kand, stated the report utilized partial data, omitted context, and generalized isolated incidents, misrepresenting India. FIIDS highlighted positive trends and questioned USCIRF's recommendation, citing India's status as a democracy with a peaceful civilization. They emphasized the report's contrast with 2023's analysis, indicating improvement.