Your World Tonight - India-Pakistan reach ceasefire deal, Russia proposes new peace talks, Ukraine hosts European leaders, new innovation to reduce Canada's reliance on the U-S and more

Episode Date: May 10, 2025

India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire in their latest round of fighting. But both sides accuse each other of violating that deal as leaders from around the world push for a more stable diplomatic solution.And: Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes new peace talks with Ukraine on May 15th in Istanbul. This after leaders of major European powers met in Kyiv in a show of unity. They were putting pressure on Moscow to sign up to a 30 day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday. Also: A greenhouse in Ontario is producing lettuce made entirely by machines. The grower hopes that his produce will help Canada be less reliant on the U-S market.

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When debts got you, you've got us. Give Credit Counseling Society a call today. Visit NoMoreDets.org. This is a CBC Podcast. The issue now is to make that an enduring and lasting ceasefire because this is a very concerning situation. Just hours after coming into effect, the ceasefire between India and Pakistan remains shaky, with reports of multiple explosions over the skies of Kashmir.

Welcome to Your World Tonight. I'm Gavin Day, also on the podcast. Ukraine's allies are applying pressure on Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to show he's serious about peace. And later... It feels like I'm getting compensated for my hours of work daily I put into this. Canadian social media influencers say they have to leave home to do what they love. India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire in their latest round of fighting, but both sides are accusing each other of violating that deal.

And leaders from around the world are pushing for a more stable diplomatic solution. The CBC's Salima Shivji has more from Mumbai. After four days of heavy shelling, blackouts and drone attacks over the contested Himalayan region of Kashmir, with both India and Pakistan accusing the other of targeting military bases, finally a breakthrough. A ceasefire negotiated between the two nuclear powers, this news anchor tells her viewers. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirming

that the head of military operations for each country spoke on Saturday afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea. With immediate effect and a jubilant response from Kashmiris living along the contested line of control that separates the Pakistan controlled side from the Indian section, where more than two dozen people have been killed in the strikes. We're so happy to hear there's a ceasefire, Anas Khan says, nobody wants war.

Thank God we'll sleep soundly tonight, Munir Ahmed says. The war kept us awake, it's no solution. The escalating clashes broke out after a militant attack in Indian- controlled Kashmir where gunmen killed 26 men, mostly tourists. India blames Pakistan, but Islamabad denies involvement. But the day's peaceful silence didn't last long. As night fell, New Delhi accused Pakistani forces of violating the truce repeatedly,

mere hours after it came into effect. Misri says Indian armed forces are responding strongly. We take very, very serious notice of these violations. Even as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif ignored those allegations in a nationwide address. It deflated some of the hope of the afternoon when US President Donald Trump first announced the halt in hostilities and congratulated both sides on their common sense. The ceasefire mediated by the US in frantic overnight talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Vice President JD Vance taking the lead. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UK also

helped the ceasefire come about. Some three dozen countries were involved in the diplomatic push. Cheers in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, fading. Replaced with explosions and red flashes and questions over what comes next. Promise talks in a neutral location on the larger issue of disputed Kashmir now seem unlikely. Global leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are watching closely. The issue now is to make that an enduring and lasting ceasefire because this is a very concerning situation.

Two nuclear-armed rivals who fought over Kashmir for nearly 80 years now, proving the region is still the dangerous flashpoint it ever was. Salima Shivji, CBC News, Mumbai. The US played a key role in brokering the halt to fighting between India and Pakistan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance reportedly engaged both sides in talks. This is a turnaround from Friday when Vance said the US wouldn't get involved. The CBC's Aaron Collins is in Washington. Aaron, what do we know about the US involvement in this ceasefire? Aaron, what do we know about the US involvement in this ceasefire? Yeah, well, Gavin, whether or not this ceasefire actually holds, we know that the US was happy

to break the news about it, right? President Trump, as he often does, announcing the big development on social media and not afraid to take some credit for the deal, right? Writing in that social media post that the ceasefire came after a long night of talks mediated by the United States. And we also know that this is, as you mentioned, a pretty big shift in the US approach to this conflict. Have a listen to Vice President J.D. Vance from just a couple of days ago. We're not going to get involved in the middle of war that's fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America's ability to control it.

You know, America can't tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can't tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. Or maybe they can, Gavin, and maybe they did just do that, although it's not clear at this time if anyone's listening. Aaron, do we have a sense of why the US decided to get more involved? Aaron, do we have a sense of why the US decided to get more involved? Yeah, you know, it's tough to know what's motivating this administration. We heard, as you mentioned, from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, who said that he and JD Vance had been directly involved in negotiations for the last couple of days, which would mean in and around the time the vice president was signaling that the US was staying out of this But I think what is safe to say is that no one like the trajectory that this conflict was on may still be on

Especially when two nuclear powers are involved So there's a sense from some experts that the US didn't really have much of a choice here, right? Have a listen to Sajid Gohel, the International Security Director for the Asia Pacific Foundation. I think for the US itself, the region of South Asia is of considerable strategic importance and significance. I think also for the US, they have been watching with some alarm how this conflict has escalated. And the question now, Gavin, whether this fragile ceasefire is going to hold. India has already accused Pakistan of breaking this truce.

Pakistan has denied that. We may already be back to where we started the day. Two sides are expected to meet again on Monday. CBC's Aaron Collins in Washington. Thanks Aaron. You bet. Russian President Vladimir Putin is proposing new peace talks with Ukraine on May 15th in Istanbul. He's been speaking to reporters early Sunday morning in the Kremlin, this after leaders

of major European powers met in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Saturday in a show of unity. They were putting pressure on Moscow to sign up to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday and will see Putin's latest proposal as a delaying tactic. Philipp Lee Shanok reports. Standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev's Medan Square, the leaders of France, Germany, Britain and Poland honor the fallen defenders of Ukraine. And they stood as a united front behind a plan to stop hostilities and begin peace talks to end the three-year Russian-Ukrainian war.

Ukraine is ready to move toward peace quickly. Zelensky says the first step is for Russia to accept a ceasefire for at least 30 days beginning Monday. We accept the American proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. Russia, as of now, is rejecting even that. It means they don't want to end the war at all. Only one country started this illegal conflict and that was Russia and Putin. The leaders of the four major European countries met with Zelensky in person,

but British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that many other countries, including Canada, support the plan. The position we've now got to today is absolute unity across a whole range of countries around the world, including the United States, that there must be that 30-day unconditional ceasefire. We will ramp up sanctions and increase our military aid for Ukraine's defense to pressure Russia back to the table. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Coalition of the Willing stands behind this ultimatum to Russia, and its members will enforce the ceasefire.

And it's very important to engage with the U.S. for them to be in charge of the monitoring with the assistance of all those who want to join and France is obviously ready to join. In March, the United States proposed an immediate limited 30-day truce, which Ukraine accepted, but the Kremlin had held out for better terms. U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed frustration with how negotiations were going, at one point signaling willingness to abandon talks. From the Oval Office Friday, Trump demanded progress be made. And I say get this stupid war finished. That's my message for both of them. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed chances of Russia agreeing to a ceasefire. If we speak about ceasefire,

what are we going to do with the shipments of weapons coming every day from the United States and from European countries? We have to continue military operations. And he says the U.S. should be bringing pressure to bear on Ukraine to accept more concessions in exchange for peace. Philippe Chanok, CBC News, Toronto.

Still ahead, how some Canadians are reducing reliance on American produce with the help of innovative greenhouse technology. That's coming up on Your World Tonight. Alberta's Information Watchdog says the government broke its own freedom of information laws. The multi-year investigation looked at all 27 of the province's ministries and it found that every single one of them was at fault. The CBC's Madeleeline Cummings has more. Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod spent nearly two years investigating how the Alberta government handles access to information requests.

Her report released Friday found the government broke its own laws by refusing requests unnecessarily and contravening its duty to help applicants. McLeod launched her investigation in 2023 in response to a series of complaints about access requests the government had refused. Some came from the Globe and Mail, which was investigating freedom of information systems across the country. The government denied requests for not having enough detail, asked applicants to narrow or split requests, and placed time limits on searches.

None of this surprises University of Victoria journalism professor Sean Holman, who researches freedom of information. Oftentimes it feels like the government is gaslighting journalists and the public about their right to know. And this report makes it clear that that is what is happening. He says abusing laws in this way compromises democracy by denying citizens ability to find out what governments are doing.

They have not made any effort to improve access to public records. Irfan Savier is the justice critic for the Alberta New Democratic Party opposition. He says the report confirms that the United Conservative Party government is secretive. They introduce further changes that will make it even harder to access government records.

But Holman says the NDP shares some of the blame. Because the NDP didn't fix these problems when they were in power because it was too convenient for them to maintain the level of secrecy that exists within the Alberta government. McLeod is recommending internal policy changes. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction says the government is considering her findings and will work to address all the concerns.

Madeline Cummings, CBC News, Edmonton. With the surprise election of Chicago-born Robert Prevost as the new pope, many people whose lives are shaped by Catholic doctrine are wondering what the papacy of Leo XIV will mean to them. Two SLGBTQ- plus Catholics are among them. Megan Williams reports from the Vatican. Pope Francis did a lot to make two SLGBTQ plus Catholics feel more welcome in their

church. There was his, who am I to judge comment not long after his election in 2013. There were his meetings with same-sex couples encouraging them to baptize their children, to claim their place in parishes. There was his approval of a new church measure to allow priests who wanted to, to bless same-sex unions. Let's not forget, before he came along, the Vatican described gay people as those with homosexual tendencies, who were intrinsically disordered. Dominum Robertum Franciscum, Sancte Romana Ecclesiae, Cardinalem Prevost.

Still, despite the huge change in tone under Francis, among all the flags from around the world fluttering in the bright sunshine of St. Peter's Square, as Leo was announced Pope, none had a rainbow. Observers say it's a reflection of the fact that while the Catholic Church, at least in the global north, is more accepting of its gay members, it's still not celebrating them. And they say that while they don't think Pope Leo will take things back, there's little sign he'll move things forward. He had a pretty conservative stance in the beginning, says Vatican observer Andrea Vride of statements then-bishop Robert Prevost made a decade or so ago.

Same-sex relationships, he was not very open about that, not very favorable about that, but that is church teaching. On the other hand, we know that he supported the Francis Initiative of the Blessing for Same-Sex Couples. Jesuit priest and longtime Vatican watcher Thomas Rees says a new pope can often defy expectations. Certainly, no one thought Argentine Francis would be the first pope to say the word gay. But based on what he's seen of Prevost... Well I think he's going to continue the policy of Pope Francis, which was open, welcoming,

pastoral. But he's not going to change church doctrine, just as Pope Francis did not change church doctrine. Francis de Bonardo is head of the Catholic LGBTQ plus advocacy group New Ways Ministry. He says the fact that Pope Leo was born in 1955, two decades after Francis, should mean he has a better understanding of LGBTQ plus people, just from life experience. He should have more knowledge and awareness of LGBTQ people than Francis did. Although, you know, you have to take into account that most of his adult life was spent in very homophobic institutions.

From a male religious order to the Vatican. And so, as Pope Leo begins his reign, 2S LGBTQ plus Catholics are watching closely, hopeful he'll continue the gentler tone of Francis. But also aware that tone alone doesn't change lives. Megan Williams, CBC News, The Vatican. More often than not, shopping for lettuce in Canada means having to buy American. It's a tough pill to swallow for many in light of the ongoing trade war, but a greenhouse grower in Ontario is hoping his produce will help this country be less reliant on the American

market. It's lettuce produced entirely by machines, and he says he hopes his method will catch on with other farmers. Lisa Shing explains. An hour north of Toronto, in a building the size of several city blocks, an indoor field of greens as far as the eye can see. One by one rows of lettuce move from the field onto a conveyor belt transported to another room for harvesting. They'll do like up to a hundred trays a minute. J Wilmot, the founder of Haven Greens, says his greenhouse lettuce growing operation is the first of its kind in Canada on this scale. From seed all the way to harvest, everything is done by machines.

We have sensors that measure temperature, light intensity, humidity levels, pressure levels. Everything within this greenhouse is automated by that central computer. In fact, it's even more technologically advanced than that. The optimal growing conditions, the precise amount of water, light and nutrients, all done by artificial intelligence. No one touches this crop. He says his system grows fresher, better lettuce locally. I was sick and tired of effectively old, slimy, smelly lettuce.

Another timely benefit. People are suddenly buying domestic. Did I see the trade war coming? No, I did not. A homegrown option in a sector where more than 90% of our leafy greens come from the U.S. The federal government and at least two provinces have invested millions in AI agriculture. They require less labor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with fewer trucks needed to haul produce across the continent. It's definitely the future. Some say the technology has to be made available to everyone. Rosita Dara researches AI in food systems at the University of Guelph. We have to keep small farmers, you know, smaller businesses also in mind because we want them Rosita Dara researches AI in food systems at the University of Guelph.

We have to keep small farmers, you know, smaller businesses also in mind because we want them to operate and thrive in this situation. There are other concerns says Kelly Bronson, the Canada Research Chair in Science and Society at the University of Ottawa. If you think about the energy costs of sustaining an indoor farming environment, they're pretty huge. At Haven Greens, Wilmot says he's using solar energy recapturing emissions aiming to be net zero in a couple of years. Betting that produce like his is the future of the bi-Canadian movement. Lisa Sheng, CBC News, King City, Ontario. listening CBC News,. Just tap on the local icon and press play. Russia says a Soviet-era spacecraft has plunged to Earth more than 50 years after its failed launch to Venus. The Soviet Union built Cosmos 482 as part of a landing mission, but it never

left orbit because of a rocket malfunction. It's not known how much of the half-ton spacecraft survived the descent. Scientists say it's exceedingly unlikely someone could have been struck by the debris. Some of Canada's rising social media stars are also finding it hard to skyrocket to fame. Canada's top online creators draw millions of views on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. But for many, staying in Canada means giving up ad sharing revenue from those platforms. They're simply not eligible to be paid in this country. And as Alexander Silberman reports, the idea of working in the US offers the prospect of more fame and money. What's up guys it's time to make another custom rug.

Dan Rodo takes his 1.8 million TikTok followers along as he creates a rug with the PlayStation logo, the most viral video on his art account. And then I grab the right colors. The Canadian content creator racked up more than 47 million views on this clip. In the United States, the video could earn Roto anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars paid by TikTok itself. But on a Canadian account, he gets nothing.

And I saw other content creators in the States making a full-time paycheck on just views alone. Roto was part of a growing number of Canadian creators looking to opportunities south of the border. In 2022, the dual-citizen moved from Toronto to Austin, Texas. He now gets paid for views, is landing bigger brand deals and experiences like a recent collaboration with skateboarder Tony Hawk. I do find that there's a ceiling in Canada that will eventually get hit as you grow higher and higher.

In Saskatchewan, Nick Myers left his job in media relations to focus on content creation full-time. He posts under the name Leroy and Leroy, sharing comedy sketches about the quirks of rural life on the prairies. If you're in Saskatchewan and you find yourself heading south on highway 19 towards Chaplin, the road doesn't go straight in this part. Myers relies solely on brand deals to earn a living and says it's frustrating to see American creators have a significant advantage. There's someone who posts what they make on TikTok and they have a third of the followers I have and they're getting checks from TikTok every month for like multiple thousands of

dollars and in Canada on TikTok we make not a cent. Doug Campbell is CEO of Creator Aid, a Saskatchewan based agency that helps creators land brand deals. He says compensation varies from a few hundred dollars for a post to six figures for a long-term ambassador deal. Partnerships for creators in Canada are significantly important to allow them to continue to do what they love. There you guys have it. Thank you so much for watching. In Texas, Roto's income from videos is inconsistent. Some months he earns more than ten thousand dollars U000 US. Other months just a few hundred.

But he says the move was worth it. It feels like I'm getting compensated for my hours of work daily I put into this. Roto and other influencers say their work is a passion. They want to see Canada force social media giants to share a slice of their revenue. Meaning they can stay home to do what they love. Alexander Silberman, CBC News, Regina. to share a slice of their revenue, meaning they can stay home to do what they love. Alexander Silberman, CBC News, Regina. Canada has won its first game at the World Hockey Championship in Stockholm, Sweden,

defeating Slovenia 4-0. In comes Mackenzie Weigert back for McKinnon with a shot, scores! NHL superstar Nathan McKinnon scoring the game's second goal. He and other NHL players are suiting up for Canada after their teams were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Three Canadian teams are still in the hunt for the Cup. The Winnipeg Jets tied up their second round series against the Dallas Stars last night, while the Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the Florida Panthers in overtime, but the Leafs

still lead that series. Two games to one. And finally, tonight... A tune that has brought joy to generations of kids. For decades, Thomas the Tank Engine has been a staple in many living rooms, my own included. This new musical arrangement was created by its original composer to commemorate the character's 80th anniversary. The beloved talking Tank Engine debuted in a book published in 1945

and was later adapted into a TV show. Alongside special theme music, show producers have also released a never-before-seen version of the very first test episode. Come on, wave the fireman. The driver leaned out of the cab to see where they were going. Now, said Thomas to himself. Hurrah! laughed Thomas, and he followed the trucks into the side." The pilot episode was pieced together from film cans that show producers stumbled across in storage. They also found a reel which contained the original voice recording of narrator and Beatles drummer Ringo Starr,

synonymous for many fans with the show itself. While it bears little resemblance to what the show sounds and looks like today. Producers credit that evolution for why it's still going strong. Ian McHugh worked on the program from 2010 to 2020. I think it's really a case of how we handle the show. You know, we make sure that it evolves with time, with new audiences. You know, and I think over the, it's built up this amazing fandom, but that we keep thinking about our next generation of Thomas fans and keep it relevant for today.

But we always remember the themes, the messages of friendship and teamwork and communication and just make sure they're just fun, wholesome adventures. But I think there's a lovely charm and innocence about it. Safe to say, it's a show that hasn't gone off track even after all these years. This has been Your World Tonight for Saturday, May 10th. I'm Gavin Day. Good night. For more CBC podcasts, go to cbc.ca slash podcasts.