A California Senate bill (SB 509), aimed at curbing "transnational repression," has ignited tensions between pro-Khalistani groups and Indian-Americans, including Sikhs and Hindus. Backed by Khalistan supporters, the bill would train police to recognize foreign government efforts to intimidate diaspora members. Critics argue the bill risks stigmatizing Indian-American communities as proxies of the Indian state, without evidence of such issues in California. Co-authored by Sikh-American lawmaker Jasmeet Bains, it cites cases involving Khalistani figures Pannun and Nijjar. Indian advocacy groups call it vague, politically motivated, and potentially harmful to free speech and peaceful activism. (PC: India Today)  

French YouTuber Victor Blaho was left traumatised after a grueling 46-hour train journey across India. Documenting his travels from Mumbai to Delhi via Varanasi and Agra, Blaho experienced multiple railway classes, encountering overcrowded coaches, noise, dirt, rats, and cockroaches. In a YouTube video titled “DO NOT Attempt a 46H Train Journey in India – It BROKE ME!”, he shared his ordeal, including sleepless nights and unwanted interactions. Expressing despair, Blaho urged travelers to avoid budget train classes and book premium options if possible. “I want to go home now,” he confessed, citing a need for peace, cleanliness, and rest. (PC: YouTube@samesamevic)

Veeraswamy, London's oldest Indian restaurant, faces closure just shy of its 100th anniversary due to a lease dispute with the Crown Estate. Established in 1926 by Edward Palmer, the restaurant has hosted notable figures like Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando. The Crown Estate plans to repurpose the building for office space, refusing to renew Veeraswamy's lease expiring in June. Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani is seeking a two-year extension to relocate without interruption. Since 1997, MW Eats has operated Veeraswamy, which earned a Michelin star in 2016. Mathrani criticizes the decision, stating the Crown Estate disregards the restaurant's historical significance. The case is currently under legal review. (PC: Foodaholic & Veeraswamy)

A brief gunfight erupted between terrorists and security forces in Lasana village, Surankote, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday night. Acting on intelligence about terrorist presence, a joint operation by the Army and Police established contact with the militants. During the encounter, one Army personnel sustained injuries and was promptly hospitalized. The Army's Jammu-based White Knight Corps confirmed the incident on X, noting that additional troops have been deployed, and search operations are ongoing to prevent the terrorists from escaping. The situation remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of the region. (PC: PTI)

Mehul Choksi, wanted in the PNB bank fraud case, was arrested in Belgium on Sunday. India has asked for his extradition. A team from India will visit Belgium before his bail hearing next week. Choksi’s lawyer says he will ask for bail, citing cancer treatment. The lawyer may also oppose extradition, claiming Indian jail conditions are inhuman. Choksi fled India in 2018 and got Belgian residency last year. He and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are accused of cheating PNB of over Rs 14,000 crore. India’s CBI issued two non-bailable warrants against him. The case may take time to resolve. (PC: IANS)

Saudi Arabia has reportedly slashed India's private Hajj quota by 80%, affecting approximately 52,000 pilgrims. This sudden move, involving the cancellation of Mina zones previously allocated to private tour operators, has sparked concern among Indian leaders. People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti labeled the development "disturbing" and urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene with Saudi authorities. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the distress faced by pilgrims who have already paid for the pilgrimage. Both leaders have called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to engage with Saudi counterparts to resolve the issue and alleviate the uncertainty for affected pilgrims. (PC: Wikipedia & AFP)

Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, is set to lose his Antiguan citizenship and be extradited to India, according to Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Browne emphasized that Choksi's citizenship will be revoked, stating, "He is allegedly a crook... he will be extradited back to India to face charges." Choksi had acquired Antiguan citizenship in 2017 through the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Browne assured that due process will be followed, allowing Choksi to exhaust all legal options before repatriation. Indian authorities remain engaged with Antigua regarding the extradition, while Choksi claims medical unfitness as a reason for not returning. (PC: PTI)

A record 65 Punjabi-origin candidates are contesting Canada's 2025 federal elections, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political landscape. This surge includes 22 candidates from British Columbia, 20 from Ontario, and 12 from Alberta, with the remainder spread across other provinces. Notably, 42 candidates are affiliated with the Liberal Party, 13 with the Conservative Party, and 10 with the New Democratic Party. The Punjabi community's growing political engagement reflects their increasing influence and representation in Canadian politics. This development underscores the community's commitment to shaping the country's future and highlights the multicultural fabric of Canada's democratic process. The active participation of Punjabi-origin individuals signifies a broader trend of diverse communities contributing to national governance. (PC: The Tribune & PTC News)

Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud, has been arrested in Belgium, ANI reported. Choksi fled India in 2018 and acquired Antiguan citizenship. He was detained from a Belgian hospital, where he was reportedly undergoing cancer treatment. Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, acted on non-bailable warrants issued by Mumbai courts. Choksi’s legal team is preparing to seek bail and oppose extradition, citing health concerns. In February 2025, he revealed he was in Antwerp. He and his wife, Preeti, recently obtained Belgian F-residency cards. Choksi may now face an extended legal battle. (PC: Antiguanewsroom)

Dr Joy Saini, a Punjab-born Indian-origin pelvic surgeon, was among six killed in a plane crash in Copake, New York. The Mitsubishi MU-2B crashed Saturday during a trip to the Catskills for Passover. Victims included her husband, neuroscientist Dr Michael Groff; daughter Karenna Groff, 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year; son Jared Groff; his partner Alexia Duarte; and Karenna’s boyfriend James Santoro. The plane missed its approach and crashed after a low-altitude alert went unanswered. Joy Saini was founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness. Her family remembers her as a brilliant doctor and devoted mother.