The Supreme Court of Yemen rejected an appeal against the death sentence for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from Kerala, imprisoned since 2017 for murdering a Yemeni national. Priya was convicted of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi after injecting him with sedatives while trying to retrieve her passport. The Delhi High Court urged the Centre to decide within a week on Priya's mother's request to travel to Yemen to potentially negotiate 'blood money' compensation with Mahdi's family for her release. However, the court refused to order the Centre to negotiate, only asking it to pursue legal measures against Priya's conviction. (Image Courtesy: @myvakil on X)

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met US President Joe Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception, expressing honor at the encounter. Goyal, attending the APEC Summit in San Francisco, also engaged with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade Juan Carlos Mathews, and Qualcomm President Alex Rogers. Discussions included progress on the India-Peru Free Trade Agreement and collaboration opportunities in India's semiconductor sector. Goyal highlighted positive sentiments towards India's investment landscape. Additionally, he welcomed the announcement of the US-India Green Transition Fund, aiming to support India's renewable energy goals.

Canadian Minister Mary Ng emphasizes a focus on India's cooperation in investigating Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, stating, "Our focus is, of course, on this investigation, that work has to take place." Ng asserts Canada's commitment to allowing the probe to proceed before considering the resumption of trade talks. Amid strained relations, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar seeks evidence from Canada. Canada-India ties soured after PM Trudeau's September allegations of potential Indian agent involvement in Nijjar's death, labeled "absurd" by India. While Canadian businesses continue in India, Ng ensures support tools for investors. Relations hinge on the investigation's progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Voice of Global South Summit, condemned civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas war. Stressing India's anti-violence stance, he called for restraint and dialogue as essential conflict-resolution elements. Referencing the October 7 Hamas attacks, Modi highlighted India's condemnation and efforts, including humanitarian aid to Palestine. Emphasizing global south unity in the face of emerging challenges, he urged collective action for the greater good. The summit aims to facilitate collaboration on shared concerns among nations primarily in Asia, Africa, and South America.

A Sikh restaurateur in Australia, Jarnail Singh, running a restaurant in Hobart, Tasmania, reported facing racial targeting over the last two to three months. Incidents include dog excrement smeared on his car handles and racist graffiti telling him to "Go home, Indian." Singh, stressed by the continuous attacks, reported the incidents to the police, though lack of video evidence hinders identification of the perpetrators. Tasmania Police are investigating, stating that racial motivation can be an aggravating factor in sentencing. Singh, residing in Australia for 15 years, urges action against such harassment. [ photo source : Dawat the invitation/Facebook] 

India reiterates its call for de-escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law amidst rising civilian casualties. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a weekly briefing, stated India's intention to send additional humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Responding to Israeli troops' actions at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, Bagchi emphasized India's consistent stance on avoiding civilian casualties, observing humanitarian law, and supporting relief efforts. India strongly condemned both Hamas attacks on Israel and the October 7 terrorist incident, reaffirming zero tolerance for terrorism and advocating for the hostages' immediate release.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's "long-standing concerns about pro-Khalistan extremism in the UK" during his visit. He stressed Britain should guard against the "misuse of freedom of expression and speech." Referring to the attacks on the India House, Jaishankar said "the gravity of the situation is sharply recognised" and India expects requisite protection for its diplomats to work "unrestricted." He said, "We have been trying to get the government here to understand that while we as a fellow democracy certainly understand the importance of freedom of expression, and of speech, they should be on guard against the misuse of these freedoms." Jaishankar warned the UK against letting freedoms be misused by pro-Khalistan elements, conveying India's concerns over extremism.

In a commendable humanitarian effort, SpiceJet, India's low-cost carrier, has successfully orchestrated ten special flights to evacuate over 3000 Thai nationals from conflict-ridden Tel Aviv, Israel. Operating Airbus A340 aircraft, the airline executed precise repatriation missions from October 20 to 31, connecting Tel Aviv to Bangkok and Tel Aviv to Fujairah, UAE. The airline previously played a crucial role in evacuating Indian nationals from Israel under "Operation Ajay", from Ukraine under "Operation Ganga" and "Operation Kaveri" from Sudan, showcasing its proactive engagement in critical situations.

In a conversation, hosted by the High Commission of India in London, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the India-Bangladesh relationship as a "model" in the subcontinent. Responding to Bangladesh's High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem, Jaishankar emphasized the resolution of territorial disputes and transformative changes over the past decade, noting infrastructure developments and energy collaborations. He recognized the economic progress of Bangladesh since the 1971 India-Pakistan War, emphasizing its positive trajectory. The comments reflect the diplomatic commitment to regional cooperation. The conversation, held at the Royal Over-Seas League Club, addressed sensitive historical events, emphasizing the importance of managing disruptions skillfully. [Video: Watch the video in the LINK below]

During an event titled 'How a billion people see the world' hosted by the High Commission of India in London, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, During his UK visit, asserted India's vital role in softening global oil and gas markets amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He highlighted India's strategic oil purchase approach, preventing a surge in global oil prices and securing discounted Russian supplies despite Western sanctions. Jaishankar stated, "I'm waiting for the thank you." The conversation covered diverse topics, shedding light on India's growth momentum and diplomatic relations. The conversation, part of Jaishankar's UK visit, covered India's role in global reforms and recent achievements like G-20, BRICS and India's role to fight Covid. [Watch the video in the LINK below]