Eight civilians were killed Wednesday as violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered a third straight day, deepening the region’s unrest. According to sources, four people died in Dhirkot, two in Muzaffarabad, and two in Mirpur. This follows two deaths reported Tuesday in Muzaffarabad, bringing the toll to 10 in just 72 hours.

The protests, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have triggered a shutdown of markets, businesses, and transport, paralyzing daily life. Demonstrators accuse Islamabad of decades-long denial of basic rights, with demands ranging from economic relief to political reforms. A major flashpoint is the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, which locals say dilutes representative governance.

Tensions escalated when protestors hurled stones and toppled shipping containers placed on bridges to block their march towards Muzaffarabad. The JAAC has alleged that Pakistani Rangers and the Army opened fire and shelled civilians, causing several deaths.

JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir warned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government that the current strike was only “Plan A,” with harsher strategies in reserve. The group has also demanded compensation and jobs for victims’ families, while calling for the ISI-backed Muslim Conference to be designated a terrorist outfit.

Donald Trump’s dramatic escalation of H-1B visa fees to $100,000 has sent shockwaves through corporate America, prompting firms to re-evaluate their global workforce strategies. With restrictions tightening around skilled immigration, economists and industry leaders say US companies are accelerating a shift of critical, high-value work to India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

India already hosts 1,700 GCCs—over half the global total—and has evolved far beyond its traditional back-office role. Today, these centres drive innovation in artificial intelligence, drug discovery, product design, and cybersecurity. Experts argue that the new visa curbs will turbocharge this trend, transforming India into an even stronger hub for strategic and innovation-led mandates.

“GCCs are uniquely positioned for this moment. They act as resilient, in-house engines,” said Rohan Lobo of Deloitte India, noting heightened activity in financial services and technology. Lalit Ahuja of ANSR added that urgency among US firms is unprecedented, with many fast-tracking India plans that were once long-term.

Big Tech and Wall Street giants—Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, JPMorgan, and Walmart—already operate extensive GCCs in India. Now, rather than battling immigration hurdles, companies may double down on expanding these centres. Some may also explore nearshoring to Mexico, Colombia, or Canada, but India remains the largest and most cost-effective ecosystem.

By 2030, India is projected to host over 2,200 GCCs worth nearly $100 billion—a target that may arrive much sooner under Trump’s policies. Yet, risks loom. Proposals like the HIRE Act, which could impose a 25% outsourcing tax, threaten to disrupt India’s service exports.

Still, analysts believe that even if traditional IT revenues take a hit, rising demand for GCC-driven services could cushion the blow. In effect, Trump’s crackdown may inadvertently hand India’s GCC ecosystem a historic growth spurt.

India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title with a commanding all-round display, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. Chasing a modest 147, India were in early trouble as Abhishek Sharma (5), skipper Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill (12) fell cheaply. Sanju Samson steadied the innings with a handy 24, but it was Tilak Varma who rose to the occasion with a composed half-century, guiding India home in style. Varma’s calm temperament with Dube's power hitting under pressure proved decisive, ensuring India crossed the finish line with confidence.

Earlier, Pakistan began brightly after being asked to bat first. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35 balls) stitched a strong partnership, putting India on the back foot in the powerplay. At 84 for no loss, Pakistan looked set for a big total. However, the game turned dramatically once the Indian spinners came into play. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with a superb four-wicket haul, dismantling the middle order. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel chipped in with two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah’s disciplined bowling earned him two scalps as well. Pakistan collapsed to 146 in 19.1 overs, leaving India to script a memorable title triumph.

Canada is positioning itself as a new hub for global technology talent in the wake of sweeping changes to the United States’ H-1B visa program under President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney signaled that Ottawa intends to capitalize on the uncertainty, particularly for highly skilled workers who would once have headed to Silicon Valley.

Trump’s recent executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas has left tech firms scrambling. For decades, the program has been the backbone of U.S. innovation, enabling companies to hire software engineers, data scientists, and specialists from around the world. Now, with mounting costs and red tape, many firms are questioning whether they can continue relying on the pipeline.

Carney, speaking in London, said Canada will craft a “clear offering” aimed at absorbing displaced workers, especially from the technology sector. “What is clear is that the opportunity to attract people who previously would’ve got so-called H-1B visas,” he noted, underlining Ottawa’s intent to seize a competitive edge in the global war for talent.

The move aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy, which has consistently emphasized skilled migration as a driver of economic growth. Over the past decade, Canada has streamlined work permits for STEM professionals, launched targeted visa programs, and fostered tech clusters in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Other nations are also stepping up. Germany has expanded its “Blue Card” scheme, while the UK is touting its Global Talent Visa as a pathway for skilled migration post-Brexit. But Canada’s proximity to the U.S. and established multicultural workforce give it a unique advantage.

As barriers rise in the U.S., Canada is betting that openness and opportunity will draw the next generation of innovators northward.

A devastating tragedy struck Tamil Nadu on Saturday as a stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Karur claimed over 30 lives. Police sources said the chaos began when several people fainted amid a massive surge forward in the packed crowd.

Officials estimate that nearly 30,000 people had gathered at the venue, awaiting Vijay’s arrival after his Namakkal rally. However, his schedule ran over six hours late, during which time the crowd swelled uncontrollably. The delay, combined with inadequate crowd management, is being viewed as a critical factor behind the disaster. 

At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India strongly rebutted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that glorified terrorism and distorted facts about recent hostilities. Exercising its right of reply, Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot said terrorism remains “central to Pakistan’s foreign policy” and accused Islamabad of shielding terror outfits like The Resistance Front, which carried out the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. She also reminded the global community that Pakistan sheltered al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden for a decade while claiming to fight terror.

Gahlot dismissed Sharif’s claim of “victory” during Operation Sindoor, pointing out that Pakistan had itself pleaded for a cessation of fighting on May 10 and that evidence of destroyed runways and hangars contradicted Islamabad’s narrative. “If burnt-out hangars look like victory, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” she said.

On Sharif’s call for dialogue, India made clear that sincerity must begin with dismantling terror camps and handing over wanted terrorists. Gahlot also rejected Sharif’s allegations over the Indus Waters Treaty, suspended after the Pahalgam attack, stressing that any issue with Pakistan would be resolved bilaterally, without third-party mediation. India reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism and its sponsors.

India has successfully test-fired its intermediate-range, nuclear-capable Agni Prime missile from a specially designed rail-based launcher, marking a major milestone in strategic defence capability. The test, announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, places India alongside Russia, the United States, and China as nations that have developed or operated railcar-based missile systems.

The Agni Prime, with a range of 2,000 km, was launched from a train pulled by an Indian Railways locomotive, proving India’s ability to integrate missile systems with its 70,000 km rail network. This breakthrough provides significant operational advantages. Unlike fixed silos, rail-based launchers are highly mobile, allowing missiles to be moved and concealed in tunnels, thereby evading enemy surveillance. They also provide more dispersed storage and launch options during wartime, reducing vulnerability to pre-emptive strikes.

However, the system has limitations: launches are restricted to railway tracks, which could be sabotaged during conflict, and precision targeting requires specific conditions. Despite these challenges, the development greatly enhances India’s deterrence posture. By diversifying launch platforms, India ensures that its nuclear arsenal remains credible, survivable, and ready to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met in New York on Monday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting centered on advancing strategic cooperation between India and the United States across key sectors such as trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.

Rubio, in a post on X, called the discussions “constructive,” noting they aimed at generating prosperity for both nations. The US State Department reaffirmed India’s “critical importance” to Washington and highlighted continued collaboration on core areas, while also stressing joint efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through the Quad.

Jaishankar, describing the talks as “constructive,” underlined the value of sustained engagement to progress on priority issues. “Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international concerns. We will remain in touch,” he posted on X.

The meeting comes after trade frictions escalated when President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. Despite tensions, both sides signaled renewed commitment to strengthening ties.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale voter deletions from Congress strongholds during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi claimed that voter IDs were deleted through fake logins and phone numbers originating outside the state, and that the deletions were being executed not manually but via software in a “centralised operation.”

Citing the Aland constituency in Karnataka, Gandhi said 6,018 voter IDs were targeted for deletion. “This was exposed only by coincidence when a booth-level officer found her uncle’s name missing and questioned her neighbour whose credentials had been misused. Neither the voter nor the person whose details were used to delete the vote knew what had happened,” he alleged.

He claimed this incident was proof of a wider pattern across India where communities perceived to support the Opposition were systematically targeted. “We have 100 per cent proof of this. This is not about one election, this is about protecting the Constitution and democracy,” Gandhi said, holding up a copy of the Constitution during his remarks.

Gandhi further alleged that the Karnataka CID had written 18 times to the Election Commission over 18 months seeking crucial technical data such as IP addresses and OTP trails linked to these deletion attempts. “If this information is revealed, it will expose where the operation is being run from. By withholding this, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is protecting those destroying our democracy,” he charged.

Sources within the ECI, however, dismissed Gandhi’s accusations as “incorrect” and “baseless.” They clarified that voter deletions cannot be done online by the public and that due process, including notice to the voter, is mandatory. The ECI also noted that the FIR Gandhi cited was filed by the Commission itself after detecting unsuccessful deletion attempts in Aland.

India continued their impressive run in the Asia Cup 2025 with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Captain Suryakumar Yadav once again rose to the occasion, guiding his side home with a composed unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. India wrapped up the modest 128-run chase in just 15.5 overs, underlining their supremacy in the high-pressure clash.

The chase had a fiery start thanks to Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 31 from just 13 balls, dismantling Pakistan’s new-ball attack. Though Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope by dismissing Abhishek, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma, India’s captain ensured there were no further slip-ups. His calm yet authoritative innings kept the scoreboard ticking until the winning runs were struck.

Earlier, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed against India’s spin-heavy attack. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) spun a web around their opponents, while Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) provided crucial breakthroughs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan’s 40 was the lone bright spot before Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo of 33 off 16 balls lifted Pakistan to 127/9, saving them from complete humiliation.

India’s balanced display with bat and ball left no doubt about their credentials as tournament favourites.

A massive march organised in London by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people on Saturday and turned violent as some supporters clashed with police separating them from counterprotesters. The demonstration, branded “Unite the Kingdom,” quickly escalated when bottles were thrown and officers were punched and kicked.

The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured, including four seriously, with injuries ranging from broken teeth and a possible broken nose to concussion and spinal damage. At least 25 people were arrested for violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage. More than 1,000 officers had been deployed, reinforced by riot units after cordons were nearly breached.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the violence, noting that while many attended lawfully, “there were many who came intent on violence.”

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a founder of the nationalist English Defence League and a leading figure of Britain’s far right. He addressed the crowd hoarsely, claiming migrants enjoyed greater rights than the “British public.”

The rally attracted international figures. Far-right French politician Eric Zemmour spoke of a “great replacement,” while Elon Musk appeared by video, warning that “massive uncontrolled migration” was eroding Britain’s identity.

Participants waved Union Jacks and St George’s flags, chanting “we want our country back” and holding placards reading “stop the boats” and “save our children.” Counterprotesters, numbering about 5,000, rallied under the banner “March Against Fascism,” chanting “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.”

The rival demonstrations reflected Britain’s growing divide over migration, inflamed by Channel crossings and recent anti-migrant protests outside asylum-seeker hotels.

Despite the large turnout, the march fell short of last year’s 300,000-strong pro-Palestinian rally, but it underscored how polarised the country remains on immigration and national identity.

The Finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations held a call on Friday to explore tougher economic measures against Russia and potential tariffs on countries aiding its war in Ukraine. The meeting, chaired by Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, focused on increasing pressure to halt Russia’s aggression by expanding sanctions and targeting oil revenue streams.

According to a statement from Canada, which currently holds the G7 presidency, the ministers discussed accelerating efforts to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense. They also considered broader economic actions, including new sanctions and trade measures such as tariffs on nations enabling Moscow’s war effort.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G7 allies to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. In a joint statement with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Bessent emphasized the need for a united front to "cut off the revenues funding Putin’s war machine."

The U.S. also called for “meaningful tariffs” on Chinese and Indian goods to pressure both nations to reduce their Russian oil imports. President Donald Trump recently raised tariffs on Indian goods by an additional 25%, escalating total duties to 50%. However, he has refrained from imposing further tariffs on China, citing sensitive trade negotiations.

Bessent is scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid to discuss trade tensions, TikTok’s U.S. operations, and anti-money laundering efforts.

Speaking earlier on Fox News, Trump said his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin is “running out,” though he stopped short of announcing new sanctions. He acknowledged the need for stronger action, especially from European allies, stating, “We’re going to have to come down very, very strong.”

The G7 continues to explore coordinated strategies to disrupt Russia’s wartime economy and reinforce support for Ukraine.