Tilda, the UK’s top rice brand, partnered with top South Asian catering company Madhu’s to host an elegant Diwali celebration on 9th October 2024, in Central London at Madhu’s at Mayfair. The event brought together food influencers, longstanding customers, and top media outlets for a luxurious evening filled with culture, community, and culinary excellence. The evening began with guests being welcomed with fragrant jasmine garlands, followed by a heartfelt speech from Tilda’s Managing Director, Jean-Philippe Laborde. He emphasized the brand's commitment to community and long-standing partnerships, saying, “Tonight, we’re not just celebrating a festival; we’re honouring relationships with key partners and customers we’ve known not just for weeks or months, but for decades. At Tilda, we take pride in bringing people together through food and tradition, especially during special occasions like Diwali.” Sanjay Anand MBE, Founder and Chairman of Madhu’s, shared his thoughts on the importance of partnerships, stating, “Rice holds such significance in our culture. It has been a staple part of our South Asian communities' diet and has both religious and cultural relevance. A special thanks to my team and the team at Tilda for making tonight possible.” Guests enjoyed a curated menu, featuring two showstopping biryanis and a decadent mango kheer, created by Chef Amardeep Anand and Chef Poonam Ball. The dishes showcased the versatility of Tilda rice in traditional and modern Diwali dishes. The evening also featured entertainment by magician Oliver B and a Bollywood band, followed by curated Diwali hampers as takeaway gifts. The event successfully blended tradition, food, and culture, celebrating the true essence of Diwali.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau admitted that Canada shared only intelligence, not hard evidence, when accusing India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He stated that Canadian agencies tried to collaborate with India, but New Delhi demanded proof. Despite the diplomatic strain, Trudeau maintained there is credible evidence linking Indian agents to the murder. India dismissed the allegations, criticizing Trudeau for vote bank politics and for failing to address separatist activities in Canada. This escalated the diplomatic row, with India expelling six Canadian diplomats.

Singapore Armed Forces scrambled two fighter jets on Tuesday to escort an Air India Express flight, IX 684, following a bomb threat. The flight, en route from Madurai to Singapore, received an email about a bomb onboard. The RSAF F-15SG jets escorted the plane away from populated areas, safely landing it at Changi Airport at 10:04 PM. Ground-Based Air Defence systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams were activated, and the aircraft was handed over to airport police for investigation. Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen praised the professionalism of the SAF and Home Team for ensuring safety.

At the SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a pointed speech addressing cross-border terrorism, indirectly referencing Pakistan. Jaishankar emphasized the need for trust and cooperation, stating, "If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, there are reasons to introspect." He stressed that terrorism, extremism, and separatism across borders hinder trade, energy flows, and connectivity. His remarks underscored the strained relations between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar also praised India’s constructive role in the discussions and extended best wishes to Russia, the next chair of the SCO.

German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, celebrated the purchase of his new BMW i7 electric vehicle by embracing Indian traditions. In a video that gained attention, Ackermann followed the custom of smashing a coconut and hanging lemon and chilies on his car, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The ambassador’s switch to an electric vehicle underscores his commitment to sustainability. “With increasing pollution, it’s important to contribute to a cleaner environment,” Ackermann stated. His actions highlight the blend of modern technology and cultural respect in India’s push toward eco-friendly transportation.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reported to the Supreme Court that operatives of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), based in Canada, were behind the murder of Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, in Punjab in 2020. Sandhu was shot dead outside his home in Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran district, in October 2020. He received the Shaurya Chakra for his efforts against militancy in Punjab during the 1990s. This development comes amid strained relations between Canada and India, which have escalated following the investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The United States has called on India to co-operate in Canada’s investigation into serious allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver in June 2023. At a press briefing in Washington, D.C., State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the allegations must be taken seriously and expressed disappointment that the Indian government has not chosen to cooperate with Canada. The U.S. has remained discreet since the diplomatic tensions escalated in September 2023 but continues to emphasize the importance of collaboration between India and Canada in addressing the issue.

Canada has called on its "Five Eyes" intelligence partners and G-7 nations to pressure India over allegations that New Delhi is involved in transnational killings of Khalistani terrorists on Canadian soil. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that Ottawa is considering all options, including sanctions, and urged India to cooperate. The "Five Eyes" alliance includes the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while the G-7 includes France, Germany, and Italy. Meanwhile, an Indian team is in Washington for separate talks, with the US emphasizing the seriousness of the Canadian claims and expecting India to address the issue seriously.

The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada may impact visa services, particularly for students. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it could take further steps following Canada’s accusations against Indian diplomats. India has already expelled six Canadian diplomats, while Canada has reduced its diplomatic presence significantly. This downsizing could lead to fewer visas issued. Earlier this year, Canada capped international student visas, affecting many Indian students. While visa services resumed last November, uncertainty remains about future applications amid strained relations.

7 Indian flights received bomb threats on Tuesday, causing panic and forcing two planes to make emergency landings. A Delhi-Chicago Air India flight was diverted to Canada, while an Air India Express flight was grounded in Ayodhya for checks. Threats were issued via social media and targeted multiple airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Authorities later confirmed all threats were hoaxes. Security agencies, working with airlines and police, conducted safety checks, and no explosives were found. Investigations are ongoing to trace the sources of the false alarms.