The Seattle Community Police Commission has recommended police chief Adrian Diaz to suspend officer Daniel Auderer without pay over his comments joking about and downplaying the death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. Auderer was heard laughing and suggesting the department "write a check" for $11,000 for Kandula's life after she was fatally hit by a speeding cop car. The commission termed Auderer's remarks "horrifying" and said it raises concerns over his attitude and ability to investigate cases without bias. Auderer claims his comments were taken out of context. The incident has damaged community relations built over years, said officer Mark Mullens. Kandula, 23, from Andhra Pradesh died in January when a cop car struck her while speeding at 119kmph. She was pursuing a master's degree in the US.

Canadian singer AP Dhillon reacted to the cancellation of Shubh's India tour amid controversy by issuing a statement appealing to "spread love not hate". Dhillon said he avoids social media knowing it's a "lost cause" and called out political groups for using artists to further their agenda. "Let’s start thinking for ourselves and not let hateful influences program our beliefs. We are ALL one. Let’s not let man-made social constructs divide us," he stated. Shubh's tour was cancelled after backlash over his earlier post of a distorted India map. Dhillon requested people to focus on unity and not get influenced by hate.

Expressing disappointment over cancellation of his India tour, Canada-based Punjabi singer Shubh said he was "extremely disheartened", though he was highly enthusiastic to perform in his home country. BookMyShow cancelled Shubh's tour after he shared a distorted map of India on Instagram omitting certain regions, which led to backlash and boycott calls. Shubh had posted the map with words "Pray for Punjab". He later clarified his sole intent was to pray for Punjab after reports of electricity and internet shutdowns. "There was no other thought behind it, and I definitely didn't intend to hurt anyone's sentiments," the singer stated in an Instagram post denying any wrongdoing. Read his full statement on his Instagram page @shubhworldwide

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau reiterated allegations that Indian agents were involved in separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing in Canada. During a press conference at the UN in New York on Thursday, Trudeau claimed "credible reasons" for the charges but provided no evidence, despite India firmly denying any role. He also called on India to ensure full transparency and accountability on the matter. However, Trudeau failed to present any concrete proof corroborating his accusations, merely repeating the charges. India confirmed on Thursday that Canadian citizens will not get Indian visas even if applying from other countries after it suspended services in Canada.

According to a new CNN poll, Indian-American biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has surged to second place behind Donald Trump in New Hampshire's Republican presidential primary race. The poll shows Trump leading with 39% support among likely GOP voters, while Ramaswamy garnered 13% and Nikki Haley followed at 12%. Once seen as Trump’s major rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis slipped to 6% from 26% in July. Ramaswamy drew more non-Republicans and younger voters, while Haley led among the highly educated and moderates. The poll indicates Ramaswamy’s rising prominence in the field of potential 2024 candidates.

India alleged Canadian diplomats in the country are interfering in its internal affairs, and informed Canada it wants a reduction in their numbers. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Canadian staff strength in India is much higher than India's presence in Canada. He accused Canada of diplomatic interference in India's affairs, which is factoring into parity being sought in rank and size of missions. Bagchi said discussions are ongoing but Canada's numbers in India will likely decrease. His remarks came as Canada's high commission adjusted staff over social media threats amid escalating tensions sparked by Canada's accusations about India's role in a Sikh separatist's killing.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Home Minister Amit Shah seeking urgent resolution of the India-Canada dispute affecting Indians abroad. Badal said the row is impacting Punjabis and Sikhs who made sacrifices for India's independence but now face negative perceptions. He highlighted concerns of Indian students in Canada worried about visa denials jeopardizing studies. Badal urged exercising restraint instead of escalation, noting over 18 lakh Indians, many Punjabis, live in Canada. Earlier, Badal said that he is writing a letter to PM Modi to quickly settle the matter before it spirals. India recently suspended visa services amid the diplomatic crisis sparked by Canada's allegations about India's role in a Sikh separatist's killing.

Amid escalating tensions, India has urged its citizens and students in Canada to exercise caution due to rising anti-India activities and hate crimes. This comes as India-Canada relations deteriorate over the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing row. India has advised registering with the High Commission in Ottawa or Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver via their websites or the MADAD portal. MADAD allows seamless connectivity between consulates and Indian citizens in emergencies. With over 300,000 Indian students in Canada, India wants them to stay vigilant and use MADAD for safety. The advisory highlights India's concerns about security risks for Indians as diplomatic ties with Canada worsen.

India confirmed on Thursday that Canadian citizens will be unable to obtain Indian visas even if applying from other countries, after it suspended services in Canada. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said no visas will be issued to Canadians from any location following the halt. Earlier, India suspended visa operations in Canada citing security threats faced by officials that disrupted functioning. MEA said the threats to diplomatic staff forced the shutdown of visa processing for Canadians worldwide. The move escalates an ongoing diplomatic spat sparked by Canada's allegations about a Khalistani activist's killing.

India termed Canada's allegations about India's role in a Khalistani activist's killing as "politically driven," amid an escalating diplomatic row. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India told Canada it's open to reviewing any evidence, but Canada hasn't shared specifics before or after the charges made by PM Justin Trudeau. Bagchi said India has given Canada detailed information on certain individuals, but Canada hasn't acted. He asserted India has specific intel on people in Canada, while Canada has provided no concrete material to back its claims. India signaled the row is being fueled by political motivations.