An Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada on October 15, 2024, due to a bomb threat posted online. Flight AI127 landed safely as a precaution, and passengers are being re-screened. The airline activated support teams to assist passengers until the flight can continue. This follows a similar incident the previous day, when an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to Delhi after a bomb threat. No suspicious items were found in that case. As of 5:38 pm IST, the flight remains grounded in Canada.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar criticized exit polls, saying they create a "huge distortion" in public expectations. He urged pollsters and the media to reflect on their practices, questioning the sample size and transparency of the surveys. Rajiv Kumar also raised concerns about early trends shown by TV channels within minutes of vote counting. He noted that official results start coming in only after 9:30 am, while initial trends appear much earlier, causing confusion and frustration. The EC announced that Maharashtra will vote on November 20, and Jharkhand on November 13 and 20, with results on November 23.

The United Nations describes the situation in northern Gaza as "desperate" as it delivers the first food aid to the area in over two weeks. Approximately 400,000 Palestinians remain trapped, facing severe shortages of essential supplies. The UN condemned the recent high civilian casualties during Israel's military offensive aimed at eliminating Hamas fighters. Hundreds have reportedly died since the operation began, which has led to the closure of water wells, bakeries, medical points, and shelters. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the UN peacekeepers reaffirm their presence in the south despite Israeli demands to withdraw, as strikes have resulted in at least 21 deaths.

Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, will receive enhanced security upon their return from Canada due to threats from pro-Khalistan elements. Verma, along with five officials, is being targeted by the separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which offered $500,000 to track his movements. SFJ alleges Verma’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The threats come after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of links to Nijjar’s murder. India is also considering restricting Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards for Canadians suspected of supporting pro-Khalistan activities.

Critics in Canada are questioning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims about Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Amid escalating tensions, experts argue that Trudeau has failed to provide compelling evidence for his accusations, further straining relations with India. Canada has expelled Indian diplomats, and both countries have withdrawn their high commissioners. Journalist Daniel Bordman criticized Trudeau’s actions, calling them a potential threat to Canada’s economy. Experts like Faran Jeffery also highlighted the growing extremism in Canada, warning that Trudeau's government supports separatist elements, jeopardizing Canada's credibility as a reliable ally.

Swedish prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday that a rape investigation is underway, following media reports linking French footballer Kylian Mbappe to the case. Though the prosecutor did not name the suspect, Swedish outlets Aftonbladet and Expressen reported Mbappe’s involvement after his visit to Stockholm on October 10. The alleged incident occurred at a hotel, with the victim filing a complaint after seeking medical attention. Mbappe, who was in Sweden last Thursday, denies any knowledge of the accusation. In a social media post, he dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” citing the timing before his wage dispute hearing with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Election Commission announced that Maharashtra will hold assembly elections in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand will vote in two phases on November 13 and 20. The vote counting will occur on November 23. In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahyuti alliance faces the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). In Jharkhand, the BJP seeks to challenge the incumbent JMM-led alliance. The 2019 polls saw BJP win the most seats in Maharashtra, while the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance triumphed in Jharkhand.

Kolkata Police imposed Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, in nine key areas of the city, including Rashmoni Avenue, ahead of the Immersion Carnival on Red Road. The law restricts unauthorized gatherings of five or more people to prevent potential disruptions. Protests, rallies, and processions are also banned. The order, effective October 15, was issued in the interest of maintaining public peace and safety. Police warned that violators would face penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. A protest, the "Droho Carnival," is expected at Rashmoni Avenue, raising security concerns.

A shooting near Ashdod, Israel, on Tuesday left one person dead and another injured. The victims were rushed to Assuta hospital, where one died en route. The attack occurred on Route 4, near the Yavne South interchange, 30 km from Tel Aviv. Police are investigating the circumstances, with no clear motive established yet. This incident follows recent violence in Israel, including a stabbing spree in Hadera and several attacks linked to Palestinian militant group Hamas. Tensions remain high after the conflict between Hamas and Israel escalated last year.

Mumbai Police arrested a fourth suspect, 23-year-old Harishkumar Balakram, in the Baba Siddique murder case. Balakram, from Bahraich, was detained in Uttar Pradesh for his role in the conspiracy. A black bag containing a pistol was recovered 100 metres from the crime scene. Police have already arrested three individuals, including two alleged shooters and a co-conspirator. Authorities are now searching for Shivkumar Gautam, the third shooter, and suspected handler Mohammad Yasin Akhtar. Siddique, a 66-year-old NCP leader, was shot dead on October 12 near his son’s office in Mumbai.