India has proposed a three-point framework to support peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as trilateral talks involving Russia, the US and Ukraine began in Abu Dhabi. The proposals include ensuring safe commercial shipping in the Black Sea, addressing concerns over energy and grain exports, and exploring non-aggression agreements to prevent escalation and protect critical infrastructure. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's commitment to a peaceful resolution through sustained diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed peace initiatives with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the Black Sea food corridor and uninterrupted trade supplies.

A Liberia-flagged tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal identified the vessel as MT Fujairah Energy, which was travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai. The remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indians, were reported safe. The government is coordinating with the ship management company to ensure medical care and crew safety. The incident comes amid repeated attacks on commercial vessels since the Iran-US war began in February. October witnessed 37 ship attacks, the highest monthly total since the conflict started. (PC: Reuters)

India has urged authorities in China and Bangladesh to act against Chinese influencers accused of filming neighbourhoods in Dhaka and falsely presenting them as parts of New Delhi. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the videos as attempts to spread false narratives and create a distorted image of India. A Prothom Alo investigation reported that more than 150 Chinese nationals had filmed and livestreamed from Uttara and Tekpara, claiming to broadcast from the Indian capital. The videos allegedly portrayed these neighbourhoods as dirty and underdeveloped. Indian officials also pointed to a rise in anti-India content on Chinese platforms, amid reports that several Chinese influencers had been denied Indian visas.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has rejected lawsuits filed in a US court by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, head of the proscribed organisation Sikhs for Justice, describing them as “frivolous” and the allegations against Indian officials as “fabricated and malicious.” Speaking at a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said judicial documents intended for service in India must be routed through the country’s designated central authority, the Ministry of Law and Justice. His remarks came in response to a question about reports that the US State Department had served summonses on the Indian government in connection with a civil lawsuit filed by Pannun.

India has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine war as US-mediated peace talks between the two countries began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. New Delhi confirmed that it is engaging with Moscow, Kyiv and other stakeholders at the highest level. India has proposed measures to protect Black Sea shipping, ensure the safe movement of grain and energy supplies, and explore a possible non-attack arrangement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the talks, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (PC: India Today)

The University of Oxford has returned the ancestral remains of 39 Naga people to representatives of Nagaland after they were held in its Pitt Rivers Museum for more than a century. The formal handover took place on Monday in Oxford, marking a historic step towards reconciliation and healing. The remains were taken during British colonial rule, mainly between 1910 and 1940, by colonial administrators. The return followed six years of discussions led by Naga community groups and tribal representatives. The remains will be taken to Nagaland and laid to rest at a designated site in Kohima, honouring their ancestors and heritage. (PC: The Hindu)

The Hanuman Chalisa was recited for the first time at the UK's House of Lords during a Diwali celebration organised by the Labour Asians Society.   Hosted by Lord Uday Nagaraju and led by Here&Now365 founder Manish Tiwari, the event brought together parliamentarians, business leaders and members of the British Asian community.   The evening began with a minute's silence honouring soldiers who died in conflicts, including those from the Indian subcontinent who served in both World Wars.   Tiwari described Diwali as a celebration of shared heritage, while Lord Nagaraju highlighted its message of unity, hope and light over darkness. 

Abhishek Awasthi, originally from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has made history by becoming the first person of Indian origin to serve as Mayor of Greater Bendigo in Australia's Victoria state. The 43-year-old took oath on November 9 and will serve a one-year term for 2026-27. Awasthi moved to Australia in 2008 to pursue higher education and became an Australian citizen in 2015. His political journey began with his election as a councillor from Kennington Ward in 2024. He later became the city's first Indian-origin Deputy Mayor. Andrea Metcalf has been elected Deputy Mayor for the new term.

Five Indian-American lawmakers are among 19 US representatives backing the reintroduced Diwali Day Act, which seeks to designate Diwali a federal holiday. Introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng in the House of Representatives, the bipartisan proposal has received support from Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera. Meng said federal recognition would acknowledge the festival’s cultural and religious significance and signal inclusion for Hindu and other South Asian communities. She also cited concerns over anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate, including vandalism at Hindu places of worship, an attempted mass shooting at an Illinois temple and disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington State.

An Indian couple, Ruman and Tarun, earned CAD 1,447, approximately Rs 1.02 lakh, after working as Uber Eats delivery partners in Canada for seven days. They documented the experiment in a series of Instagram videos, explaining that they took up the challenge out of curiosity and that food delivery is not their regular occupation. The couple worked around 10 hours daily during the week. They reported spending an average of CAD 35 on fuel each day, amounting to CAD 245 across seven days. To reduce expenses, they carried meals from home instead of buying food. Their experience offered viewers a glimpse into the earnings and costs involved in gig work there.