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On Saturday, India summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission to formally protest allegations made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterized the claims, which suggested Shah was involved in plots against Sikh separatists in Canada, as "absurd and baseless." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal warned that such "irresponsible actions" could severely impact bilateral relations. This diplomatic confrontation follows earlier tensions after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, India recalled its High Commissioner and expelled six Canadian diplomats, marking a significant deterioration in ties. The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. State Department describing the allegations as "concerning" and signaling ongoing consultations with Canada. As both nations navigate this crisis, the potential for further diplomatic fallout looms large.

Residents of Delhi and surrounding areas woke up to hazardous air quality on November 1, following widespread firecracker use that defied a government ban on Diwali night. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395 in Anand Vihar, categorizing it as "very poor." Despite government efforts, including the deployment of enforcement teams, many neighborhoods experienced large-scale violations of the firecracker ban. This year's Diwali pollution levels starkly contrasted with last year’s, driven by adverse weather, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions. The situation raises ongoing concerns about public health as the city braces for peak pollution levels in the coming weeks.

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated significantly, dropping to the “very poor” category with an average AQI of 328 as of Thursday evening. The situation is expected to worsen to “severe” levels by Diwali night. Anand Vihar recorded alarming AQI levels, reaching 419, contributing to a health crisis exacerbated by the annual tradition of firecrackers. In response, the Delhi government has implemented a comprehensive ban on firecrackers, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai announcing the formation of 377 enforcement teams to ensure compliance. Residents are urged to celebrate Diwali with traditional diyas and sweets, prioritizing health and safety amidst growing pollution concerns. Legal action will be taken against those violating the ban, as authorities emphasize the need for community cooperation to combat the city's persistent air quality issues.

The 2025 IPL season is shaping up with the announcement of player retentions by all ten franchises ahead of the mega auction. Notably, Heinrich Klaasen was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹23 crore, making him the highest earner. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals’ surprising release of star player Rishabh Pant and others, including KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, adds intrigue to the upcoming auction. With franchises like Punjab Kings holding a budget of ₹110.5 crore, the stage is set for an exciting bidding war filled with both domestic and international talent.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with personnel from the Border Security Force, Army, Navy, and Air Force near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district. In the contested Sir Creek area, he distributed sweets to soldiers and reaffirmed, “My government will never compromise with even an inch of the country's land.”Emphasizing modernization, he stated that the government is equipping the armed forces with cutting-edge resources to align with the demands of the twenty-first century. “When the world looks at you, it sees India's strength,” he noted, highlighting the significance of unity among the military branches. Continuing a tradition since 2014, PM Modi's visit aimed to boost troop morale and reaffirm the commitment to national integrity.