Canada's new citizenship framework to benefit Indian diaspora, proposed law removes first-gen limit
The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-3 to address citizenship issues related to the 2009 “First-Generation Limit” (FGL), which previously denied or revoked citizenship for many born abroad or with foreign-born children. The bill proposes automatic reinstatement of citizenship for those affected and allows Canadian parents born outside Canada to pass citizenship to children born or adopted abroad, provided the parent has lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth, according to Firstpost.
This act is intended to benefit thousands of immigrant groups, particularly those of Indian origin. It is currently under parliamentary review and must pass all readings and gain royal assent before becoming law. The Ontario Superior Court has also ordered the government to change the current guidelines by November 20, warning that failing to do so may result in the FGL provisions being overturned or curtailed.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has tightened immigration regulations, including issuing an executive order to abolish birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents on temporary visas, complicating immigration for many people, including Indian nationals, Firstpost reported.
China offers “green channel” for rare earth exports to EU
China has proposed creating a “green channel” to fast-track rare earth exports to the European Union, aiming to address concerns over new export licensing rules introduced in April. The proposal was made following a meeting between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, according to Firstpost.
China, the global leader in rare earth mining and refinement, has stated that it is willing to accelerate approvals for appropriate EU applications and maintain timely communication. The ministry emphasized the move aligns with international practices.
Beijing also asked the EU to take equivalent measures to promote high-tech trade. The talks also addressed EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, with negotiations in the final stage ahead of a summit next month, Firstpost reported.
Ronaldo rejects offers to play at Club World Cup
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he will not take part in this month’s FIFA Club World Cup, having declined offers from several participating teams. His contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr expires at the end of June, and he stated that a decision on his future is “almost final”, BBC reported.
Despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino's suggestion that Ronaldo may join another team for the tournament, the forward responded, "You can't catch every ball." Al-Nassr is confident about extending his contract, having scored 99 goals in 111 outings since joining the club in 2023.
Ronaldo recently secured Portugal’s place in the UEFA Nations League final by scoring the winning goal against Germany, according to BBC.
Bangladesh opposition rejects 2026 election schedule
Bangladesh's two major parties, the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have rejected Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' proposal to hold nationwide elections in April 2026.
The announcement, made during his Eid address marking ten months in power, was criticized as an attempt to delay the electoral process, according to Firstpost.
Following a meeting headed by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the BNP stated that Yunus' speech went beyond a festive message and ignored the Interim Government's three-point mandate.
Both parties are demanding elections be held by the end of 2025, Firstpost reported.
Musk deletes post alleging Trump-Epstein link amid feud
Elon Musk deleted a social media post suggesting that US President Donald Trump was mentioned in secret files about Jeffrey Epstein, according to Firstpost.
The post, made during a heated public feud between Musk and Trump, provided no evidence. Musk originally defended the statement, but later removed it.
The White House denied the allegations, stating that document assessments are ongoing. There are no official records linking Trump to Epstein's misdeeds. The conflict stems from Musk's criticism of a major Trump-backed funding measure, which heightened tensions following his recent resignation from a key White House advisory role, Firstpost reported.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to deepen strategic partnership
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Saudi strategic ties during a meeting in Makkah.
The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in political, economic, and security areas, guided by a shared vision and strong bilateral ties. They also discussed the situation in Gaza and regional stability, according to The Hindu.
Alongside high-ranking officials, Sharif congratulated Saudi Arabia on its Hajj preparations and wished everyone a happy Eid. The Crown Prince accepted his invitation to make the trip to Pakistan.
Russia strikes Ukraine in most intense attack on Kharkiv
Russia launched its most intense attack on Ukraine’s Kharkiv early Saturday, firing 48 Shahed drones, two missiles, and four guided bombs, causing over 40 explosions, according to Ukrainian Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
Three individuals died and 21 were injured, including two children. The attack caused damage to 18 apartment complexes, 13 homes, a company, and a school, according to BBC.
Ukraine's Air Force reported 215 projectiles fired nationwide, including 206 drones and three missiles, with 174 intercepted—marking one of the heaviest bombardments of the war.
Four Nepalis found dead in United States
Four Nepali nationals, including two children, were found shot dead in their residence in the United States on Thursday night, according to local police.
Officers attended to a welfare check in the 9400 block of Lantern Lane around 10:40 p.m. and discovered the dead of Santosh Pariyar, 38; Anju Shrestha, 36; a 2-year-old boy; and an 8-year-old girl. A handgun was found at the scene, according to The Washington Post.
The family had recently moved from Nepal to the United States. All four died from gunshot wounds. The incident is still under active investigation.




