Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she is living freely in Delhi but would love to return home once fair elections are held. Speaking from exile, Hasina said she will not go back to Bangladesh under any government formed without her party, the Awami League. She called the ban on her party “unjust” and said millions of supporters would be left without a voice. The 78-year-old leader fled to India in August 2024 after student-led protests toppled her government. She denied charges of crimes against humanity, calling the trial politically motivated and unfair. (PC: NDTV)

A video from Oakville, Ontario, shows a Canadian teenager shouting racist slurs at an Indian-origin female worker, telling her to “go back to your country.” The video sparked outrage in Canada and India, with social media users calling the behaviour “disgusting” and “shameful.” Experts say hate crimes against South Asians in Canada have risen sharply. A UK-based report found a 227% jump in such cases since 2019, with online slurs targeting Indians increasing by over 1,000%. Activists warn that racism against immigrants is growing, fuelled by extremist groups and political rhetoric ahead of Canada’s federal election.

Two Indian nurses from Kerala, aged 26 and 29, became heroes mid-air when a 34-year-old co-passenger suffered a cardiac arrest aboard an Etihad Airways flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi. Acting quickly, they administered CPR and coordinated with a doctor on board, who provided IV fluids, successfully stabilizing the passenger before landing. Their presence of mind and professional training turned a potential tragedy into a life-saving act. Both nurses, employees of Response Plus Medical (RPM) in Abu Dhabi, were later honoured by their employer for their exemplary service and quick medical response. (PC: X)    

Soon after arriving in South Korea on his Asia tour, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that a long-delayed trade deal with India is “only a question of time”, indicating progress in talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion had been stalled by differences over Indian purchases of Russian oil and high U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. A breakthrough reportedly includes the U.S. reducing tariffs to 16 % and India agreeing to scale back its Russian oil imports. At the same time, Trump repeated his controversial claim of brokering the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire, a version New Delhi disputes. (PC: NDTV)

Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, has made history as the first Indian woman to join Ferrari’s prestigious global racing championship. She will compete in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, driving the Ferrari 296 Challenge across tracks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia from November to April. Pundole began her racing journey in 2018 under the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program and went on to win India’s national saloon car title in 2024, inspiring a new generation of women in motorsport. (PC: X)    

Singer Diljit Dosanjh has received a threat from the banned Sikh separatist group Sikh For Justice (SFJ) ahead of his November 1 concert in Australia. The group accused Dosanjh of “insulting” the 1984 Sikh riot victims by touching Amitabh Bachchan’s feet, alleging Bachchan had incited anti-Sikh violence with the slogan “Khoon Ka Badla Khoon.” SFJ demanded the concert’s cancellation, linking Dosanjh’s gesture to “disrespect of Sikh martyrs.” The Indian government has banned SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its pro-Khalistan agenda and separatist activities.  

A 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was fatally shot on 27 October outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He had emigrated from Rajgarh village near Doraha in Punjab, India in 1991, and later became President of textile-recycling firm Canam International. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s associate Goldy Dhillon posted on social media that the killing followed Sahsi’s refusal to pay an alleged extortion demand and purported involvement in drug trade. Canadian investigators describe it as a targeted attack; no arrests have been announced yet. 

Former US President Donald Trump said in South Korea that the United States and India will soon sign a long-awaited trade deal. Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “the nicest-looking guy” and said both leaders share a strong friendship. The deal has faced delays due to disputes over tariffs, Russian oil imports, and access to India’s farm markets. Reports suggest both sides have agreed to reduce tariffs and limit oil imports from Russia. Trump also repeated his claim of helping stop an India-Pakistan conflict, though India has denied his role in any ceasefire. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump said he will soon finalise a trade deal with India, praising his “great relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, Trump said he has “great respect and love” for Modi. He described the Indian leader as “the nicest-looking guy” and joked about his strong personality. Trump’s remarks came ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The upcoming trade deal is expected to boost India-US economic ties, as both nations look to strengthen cooperation in technology, defence, and manufacturing sectors. (PC: PMO)

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for killing Indian-origin industrialist Darshan Singh Sahasi in Canada. Sahasi, 68, was shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Gang member Goldy Dhillon said Sahasi was killed over a money dispute. Soon after, the gang also fired shots at Punjabi singer Channi Nattan’s house. No one was hurt in the attack. The Bishnoi gang, listed as a terrorist group in Canada, is linked to several crimes, including the murder of Sidhu Moosewala. The Punjabi community in Canada has demanded stronger police action after these violent incidents.