Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has announced a $100,000 reward for the citizen's arrest of Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma in Canada. Accusing Verma of diverting focus from the Hardeep Singh Nijjar assassination probe by falsely raising an Air India terror threat, Pannun intensifies tensions between the nations. Pannun, known for threatening Air India passengers, claims Verma's actions hinder the investigation. This development further strains diplomatic relations, already fraught since Trudeau's Khalistani allegations. Pannun's provocative move adds a concerning dimension to the ongoing diplomatic standoff between Canada and India.

India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, and his wife, Kyoko Jaishankar, marked Diwali with a diplomatic touch during their official visit to the United Kingdom. Meeting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street, Jaishankar presented a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Virat Kohli, symbolizing the cultural and sporting ties between the two nations. Expressing delight on Twitter, Dr. Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's best wishes and highlighted the active efforts to reframe India-UK relations for contemporary times. The visit, scheduled from November 11-15, aims to bolster the growing bilateral partnership, reinforcing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2021.

External affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar celebrated Diwali at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) in London during his recent UK visit. The Hindu temple, Europe's first authentic and traditional built Hindu temple, was Jaishankar's stop on November 12th as part of his 4-day trip aimed at boosting India-UK ties. Jaishankar will meet UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and other leaders to give momentum to the growing strategic partnership between the nations. The ministers will hold discussion on the ways to deliver on the India-UK Roadmap 2030. Jaishankar's visit to the Neasden Temple on the auspicious occasion highlighted the importance of cultural connections as part of bilateral relations. The trip advanced shared political and economic interests.

Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Mayor’s office, praised the historic decision to observe Diwali as a public school holiday for the first time. He attributed this achievement to years of dedicated advocacy by the Indian diaspora and Indian-American community. Chauhan said the community worked tirelessly to make this a reality. He highlighted the significance of Diwali as a festival of light over darkness. With the holiday, children can spend time with family and celebrate without missing school. Chauhan called it a great initiative and wished everyone a happy Diwali. The decision came after legislation designating Diwali a school holiday, a major win for local families.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reiterated allegations of India's involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Trudeau said he reached out to allies to investigate the claims and that Canada will always uphold the rule of law. He criticized India's expulsion of 40 Canadian diplomats in response, calling it a violation of the Vienna Convention that endangers international relations. Trudeau maintained Canada has tried to work constructively with India but will stand firm on the rule of law. "This is not a fight we want to be having right now. But we will unequivocally always stand up for the rule of law because that's who Canada is," Trudeau further said.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti celebrated Diwali at the US Embassy in New Delhi. He shared a video on X of himself and embassy officials dancing enthusiastically to Bollywood songs during the festivities. Garcetti, dressed in a blue kurta, grooved to the popular song 'Chhaiya Chhaiya'. Previously, a video of American women embassy staff dancing to 'Dilbar' had gone viral on social media. Users praised the fun dance performance and festive spirit of the US diplomats. The Bollywood-style celebrations with lights, rangoli and sweets showcase the Embassy's embrace of Indian culture and festivals.

Harpreet Singh Uppal, described as a "higher-level figure" in Canadian organized crime, was fatally shot alongside his 11-year-old son in Edmonton. The daytime attack is considered a disturbing escalation of gang violence. Police report the intentional killing of the child after discovering his presence. The assailants remain at large, with a suspect vehicle found burned. Uppal faced prior charges related to cocaine possession and trafficking. Authorities are exploring potential connections to broader gang conflicts, as Canada grapples with a surge in shootings and gang-related incidents. [ photo courtesy:OsintTV/X ]

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas greetings on Saturday, expressing hope for a brighter future. In his message, the Hindu leader referenced his Indian heritage as the first British Asian PM. Sunak said the lighting of diyas represents "the triumph of light over darkness" and a "determination to change things for the better." He called the festivals a celebration of the "fantastic ethnic and cultural diversity" of the UK. Earlier this week, Sunak hosted a Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street attended by prominent British Indians and Bollywood celebrities. The residence was decorated with vibrant decor as Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty marked their first Diwali since he became PM.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom from November 11-15 for discussions with his counterpart James Cleverly. The Ministry of External Affairs said Jaishankar's visit aims to boost the India-UK strategic partnership and give impetus to friendly relations. The two countries launched a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Roadmap 2030 last year. The visit comes amid Israel-Hamas tensions in West Asia. It is unclear if the delayed India-UK free trade agreement will be discussed.

African-American singer Mary Millben wished Indians a happy Diwali, saying "My favorite time of year has come! Diwali!" The singer shared a video on social media handle X (formerly Twitter) wearing Indian attire, she sang the devotional hymn 'Om Jai Jagdish Hare' and wrote, "I look forward to celebrating with you this weekend and officially on November 12th." Millben extended "Happy #Diwali to Indian communities across the world!" and said, "Take your candle, the light inside of you, and go light the world!! I love you." The singer conveyed warm Diwali greetings to Indians globally in a video singing a Hindu hymn, saying Diwali is her favorite time of year.