Delhi and nearby cities are facing massive traffic jams ahead of Diwali. Key roads like Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Mathura Road, Aurobindo Marg, Barapullah Elevated Road, DND Flyway, and Delhi-Meerut Expressway are heavily congested. Commuters report being stuck for hours with little movement. Delhi Police have canceled leaves for all traffic staff to manage the situation. Social media is filled with posts and memes showing frustration over the jams. Residents say the traffic is worse than usual, calling it “chaotic” and “poorly planned.” Authorities are urging people to plan their travel carefully during the festival rush. (PC: HT)

   India rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs said there was no phone call between the two leaders. Trump had said during a media briefing that Modi promised to cut Russian oil imports, calling it a “big step.” India said its energy decisions are guided by consumer interests, stable prices, and secure supplies. India continues to import Russian oil while diversifying its energy sources. The dispute comes amid US pressure and tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: India Today)

India's MEA responded Thursday to Pakistan blaming New Delhi for Afghanistan border tensions, stating it's Islamabad's "old practice" to blame neighbors for internal failures. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined three clear points: Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors activities, habitually blames neighbors for its own failures, and is infuriated by Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its territories. India reaffirmed full commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The statement follows deadly clashes erupting twice weekly along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing dozens of troops and civilians. Both countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, each claiming the other requested it. Fighting intensified after Afghanistan launched revenge strikes following a Kabul attack blamed on Pakistan.

Amid escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined three clear positions: Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors activities, habitually blames neighbors for internal failures, and resents Afghanistan asserting sovereignty over its territory. India reaffirmed unwavering commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence while closely monitoring the situation. Jaiswal announced India's technical mission in Kabul will transition into a full-fledged embassy soon, marking a significant diplomatic upgrade. The statement comes as cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue following Pakistani airstrikes and Afghan retaliation. India's position emphasizes support for Afghan autonomy while directly criticizing Pakistan's longstanding practice of harboring terrorist groups and deflecting responsibility onto neighboring nations.

India reaffirmed on Thursday that its energy choices are guided by consumer interest, focusing on stable prices, secure supplies, and diversification. The statement came after former US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs said India’s import policies are shaped by national interest and market stability. It did not confirm or deny Trump’s remarks. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticised Modi for not rejecting the claim, alleging that India’s foreign policy was being influenced by Washington’s pressure. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great man” who “loves Trump.” He quickly joked that he didn’t want to “ruin” Modi’s political career by saying that. Trump claimed Modi assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia, calling it a major step in isolating Moscow over the Ukraine war. The comment came after US envoy-designate Sergio Gor met Modi in New Delhi on October 11. Tensions between the US and India had risen after Trump imposed high tariffs over Russian oil imports. The Indian government has not responded to Trump’s claims. (PC: India Today)

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested in Canada for spraying hate messages against Indians in Mississauga last month. The graffiti, found near a children’s park, included the words “Indian Rats.” Peel Regional Police said Freda Looker-Rilloraza has been charged with Mischief Over $5,000. She has been released on conditions and will appear in court later. Mississauga councillor Dipika Damerla said the arrest sends a strong message that hate will not be tolerated. Hate crimes against Indians have been rising in Canada, fueled by growing anti-immigrant feelings and economic struggles in the country. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump warned his envoy to India, "You better represent us, not them," while claiming credit for stopping eight wars in eight months using tariffs as leverage. Trump asserted he brokered India-Pakistan peace by threatening 200% tariffs unless hostilities ceased after seven aircraft were shot down. He claimed he spoke with PM Modi and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif, receiving a de-escalation call the next day. Trump defended himself as deserving the Nobel Peace Prize for "saving hundreds and millions of lives," calling tariffs his tool for stopping wars and making America a "kind nation." Sharif praised Trump's role, though India maintains peace came through direct DGMO-level military talks between the two nations. (PC: X)

India responded Thursday to US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him of halting Russian oil purchases. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized safeguarding Indian consumer interests in volatile energy markets remains the priority, with import policies "guided entirely by this objective." Trump claimed Wednesday that Modi assured no more Russian oil purchases, though acknowledging the transition requires time. He praised Modi as "a friend" with remarkable political longevity. Trump's statement follows months after imposing up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian military and energy purchases. India maintains its energy decisions are guided by national interests and market conditions, not external pressure, while pursuing expanded US energy procurement.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused Afghanistan of fighting India's proxy war, alleging decisions are made in New Delhi, not Kabul. He claimed Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi made "plans" during his recent six-day India visit, officially focused on trade relations. This follows a 48-hour ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan after intense cross-border clashes killed at least 58 Pakistani soldiers and numerous civilians. The truce began Wednesday evening, with both governments claiming the other requested it. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of backing Islamic State's Khorasan wing, while Pakistan blames Kabul for harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Recent violence followed Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul targeting TTP leaders, prompting Afghan retaliation along the Durand Line.