Data from the Ministry of External Affairs shows over 3 crore Indians are currently living overseas, with 1.34 crore being NRIs and 1.86 crore being PIOs (Person of Indian Origin). The UAE hosts the maximum number of NRIs at 34 lakh, followed by 26 lakh in Saudi Arabia and 12.8 lakh in the US. For PIOs, the US leads with 31.8 lakh, followed by Malaysia and Myanmar. The data reveals the preferred destination countries for Indians settling abroad or going for vacations, as per Tourism Ministry figures showing over 2 crore chose international travel. The US also sees a five-fold rise in illegal Indian immigrants caught yearly, pointing to its draw despite risks.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has banned issuance of airport entry passes to visitors at Delhi and Punjab airports as a precautionary measure following a threat to Air India flights by pro-Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice. The BCAS order comes after the group's founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video threatening to blow up an Air India flight on November 19, the day of the ICC World Cup final. BCAS has also made secondary ladder point checks mandatory for all Air India flights at these airports. India has asked Canada to scale up security for Air India and take action against Pannun over the threats. The moves follow Pannun's call for Sikhs worldwide to avoid Air India flights from November 19 due to a "global blockade."

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage India's capacities to halt Israeli actions in Gaza during a recent phone call. Raisi condemned the killing of innocent civilians and supported global efforts for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and lifting the Gaza blockade. He emphasized Palestinian resistance groups' legitimate right to confront Israeli occupation. Both leaders stressed the importance of preventing escalation and discussed bilateral cooperation, including the development of the Chabahar port. PM Modi had similar discussions with other world leaders amid the Israel-Hamas conflict since October 7.

Amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel's construction industry has requested the government's approval to hire up to 100,000 Indian workers, replacing the 90,000 Palestinians whose work permits were revoked since the October 7 attack. The Israeli Builders Association is in negotiations with India, awaiting the Israeli government's decision. This move follows a May agreement allowing 42,000 Indians to work in Israel, addressing the labor shortage in construction and nursing sectors. The preference for foreign workers stems from their reliability amid frequent disruptions in Palestinian labor due to regional conflicts.

Efforts to repair diplomatic relations between India and Canada face challenges despite India's recent decision to partially restore visa services. Tensions arose after Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in a Sikh separatist leader's murder. While India's move to ease visa restrictions raised expectations, experts believe a full resolution is distant. The strained ties affect Indians in Canada and hinder trade discussions. Both nations engage in "quiet diplomacy," but obstacles like Canada's ongoing murder investigation and India's upcoming elections contribute to the complexity, making a significant diplomatic breakthrough unlikely in the near future.

Indo-Canadian MP Chandrasekhar Arya hosted a Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill in Ottawa and raised the Hindu flag with the sacred symbol 'Om'. Arya, who hails from Karnataka, said the event on Sunday saw a large turnout of Indians from cities across Canada. He expressed pleasure at hosting Diwali at Parliament Hill and using the opportunity to raise the Hindu flag on the federal government premises. The event was supported by 67 Hindu and Indo-Canadian organizations across Canada. It coincided with Diwali being celebrated as part of the Hindu Heritage Month across Canada this year. The celebrations come amid strained India-Canada ties following PM Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian agents' involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June.

Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport will witness increased connectivity as four prominent airlines — Batik Air, Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and Scoot — offer direct flights to the holy city from their hubs in Malaysia and Singapore. Starting from November 8, Malaysia Airlines will commence two weekly flights, connecting Punjab to various cities in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Scoot's adjusted schedule provides seamless connectivity, offering a total of 3,430 seats per week. The move aims to cater to the growing demand of the Punjabi diaspora residing in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian countries.

Philip Mathew, an Indian man residing in Florida, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the gruesome murder of his wife, Merin Joy, in 2020. Mathew stabbed Joy 17 times, ran over her body, and fled the scene. Joy, a nurse from Kerala's Kottayam, was attacked as she left her workplace. Despite revealing her attacker's identity before succumbing to her injuries, Mathew pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a life sentence without parole. Joy had planned to end her relationship with Mathew before the tragic incident. [ photo from X ]

Australia's Federal Court has ruled that Navdeep Singh Suri, India's ex-high commissioner to Canberra, must compensate former domestic employee Seema Sherghill with over 136,000 dollars plus interest. Sherghill, who worked at Suri's Canberra home, alleged unfair working conditions, detailing seven days a week and 17.5 hours per day. The court decision followed an ex-parte proceeding, raising questions about the timing of the case. Despite being issued an official passport, Sherghill defied Indian government orders, later acquiring Australian citizenship. The Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the ruling. [photo courtesy Navdeep Suri/X ]

British PM Rishi Sunak and Indian PM Narendra Modi spoke on Friday about the need to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. The leaders condemned Hamas attacks on Israel but agreed innocent lives in Gaza must be safeguarded and aid allowed. On India-UK ties, they discussed progress in free trade agreement negotiations and the importance of securing an ambitious deal benefitting both sides. Sunak also congratulated Modi on India's cricket World Cup performance and hoped England would have better luck in upcoming India tests. The two prime ministers underscored working together to reduce Middle East tensions and strengthen bilateral partnership.