A diplomatic row has erupted between India and Canada after New Delhi recalled its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma. The envoy alleged that pro-Khalistan elements have infiltrated various arms of Canada's administration and governance, including the defence forces and parliament. He also claimed that Khalistani terrorists have found refuge in Canada due to the country's lenient legal system. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and withdrew an equal number of envoys from Ottawa.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced a broad consensus between India and China to restore the ground situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The agreement was reached through diplomatic and military talks, focusing on principles of equal and mutual security. This development marks a step forward in resolving differences between the two nations.
Russian authorities have arrested two high-ranking officials in the energy ministry, including a current and former deputy minister, on suspicion of fraud. The investigation reportedly centers around allegations of large-scale embezzlement and abuse of power related to government contracts for coal industry projects. The arrests are seen as a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Russia's energy sector.
Four individuals have been arrested in Spain for allegedly inciting hatred against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. The arrests are linked to an online campaign that encouraged Atletico Madrid fans to wear face masks and make racial slurs without being identified. This is not the first time Vinicius Jr has faced abuse, with a landmark case last year resulting in prison sentences for three Valencia football fans. LaLiga and Spanish authorities have condemned the campaign, calling for the arrest of those involved.
The US and Qatar have announced a resumption of ceasefire talks in Doha, aiming to end the yearlong Gaza war. The negotiations will focus on releasing captives, rebuilding Gaza's future, and ensuring Israel can withdraw its forces. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this moment to move forward.
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, has been released from jail after nine months. Bibi was granted bail in a case involving the illegal sale of state gifts. While leaders of Khan's party are optimistic that he could soon be set free too, analysts remain less confident. The National Accountability Bureau alleges that Khan and Bibi illegally kept and sold a jewelry set gifted by Saudi Arabia's crown prince.
The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, has concluded with a focus on strengthening ties between member states and enhancing global cooperation. The three-day event saw the participation of high-ranking representatives from 36 countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The summit's final communique touched on various topics, including the Ukraine conflict, Middle Eastern hostilities, and new financial mechanisms spearheaded by the alliance.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/10/24/how-russia-courted-the-global-south-at-brics-summit-a86798
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged a "just peace" in Ukraine, calling for an end to over two years of war. He delivered his remarks at the BRICS summit, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Guterres emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/10/24/un-chief-guterres-calls-for-just-peace-in-ukraine-a86800
King Charles III has participated in a traditional Samoan ritual, drinking kava and being declared a "high chief" during his visit to the country. The monarch is also the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, which will hold its Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa soon. Meanwhile, global events continue to unfold with reports of violence, diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian concerns.
French supermarket chain Auchan reportedly in talks to sell Russian business amid changing market conditions. The move comes after over 20 years of operations in the country, with the company facing a 60% discount and a 35% fee if a sale goes through.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the prevention of further conflict in Lebanon, urging international efforts to address hotspot issues. In a statement at the BRICS summit, Xi emphasized the need for global security governance and solutions that tackle both symptoms and root causes of conflicts. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening global cooperation to promote peaceful development.
A recent development in Arizona has raised concerns about safety and security ahead of the US Presidential elections. Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60-year-old man, was arrested for carrying out three shootings at a Democratic Party campaign office in suburban Phoenix. The incidents occurred on September 16, 23, and October 24, with no one injured during the attacks. Investigations revealed that Kelly had over 120 guns and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home, prompting authorities to believe he may have been planning a mass shooting. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of campaign workers and volunteers.
Indian businessman Pankaj Oswal and his family are working to free their daughter Vasundhara, who has been detained in Uganda for over three weeks. Vasundhara was arrested on October 1 in connection with a missing person investigation and her family claims she was detained without a warrant and denied basic facilities. The Oswals have reportedly locked themselves in a "secret location" to focus on securing their daughter's release.
A peculiar marine creature washed up on a California beach over the weekend, leaving many wondering about its identity. A Reddit user shared a photo of the ghost-like creature, which had a pale and mangled appearance with scary teeth. While some compared it to the plesiosaur or Loch Ness monster, experts believe it's actually a moray eel, a common species found in Southern California.
In a remarkable incident, passengers on a bus in Denver jumped into action after the driver experienced a medical emergency. According to CCTV footage, two passengers noticed the driver's condition and brought the bus to a safe stop. Despite the efforts of first responders, the driver, identified as TJ Turner, 32, sadly passed away. MMT, the transit agency, is praising the quick-thinking passengers for their role in minimizing harm.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-jump-to-action-after-bus-drivers-medical-emergency-770425
The European Union has awarded its top human rights prize, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to Venezuelan opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The pair were recognized for their efforts in promoting democracy and freedom in Venezuela, a country where the government has been accused of rigging elections and cracking down on opposition protesters.
The award comes three months after an election in which President Nicolas Maduro was re-elected, but the opposition claims was rigged. Machado and Gonzalez have continued to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights despite facing persecution from the government.
A tenured professor in the US has been dismissed from her position at Muhlenberg College due to a social media post about Gaza. The incident raises concerns about academic freedom and censorship. The professor, who had previously expressed support for Palestine, was fired despite having tenure, which is meant to protect faculty members from dismissal based on their opinions.
The 2024 World Series is set to be a thrilling showdown between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. The two historic franchises will face off for the 12th time in history, with Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge leading their respective teams. This marks the first time since 1956 that the National League and American League home run leaders have faced each other in the World Series. Both players are strong MVP candidates, with Ohtani hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases this season, while Judge hit .322 with 144 RBIs and 58 home runs.
The Yankees, seeking their record-extending 28th World Series championship, will look to bounce back from a year of missing the postseason. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are aiming for their eighth World Series crown and second in five years. Ticket sales are expected to be strong, with StubHub predicting its best-selling World Series in history.
The Western governance model is facing scrutiny with concerns about its collapse growing. Veteran journalist David Hearst, editor-in-chief of The Middle East Eye, shares his perspective on the matter in a recent Al Jazeera Digital episode. Hearst attributes the perceived decline to the West's mistakes and their links to the war on Gaza.
Life in northern Gaza is a dire situation, with widespread destruction and humanitarian crises unfolding. The Israeli military has imposed a siege on the region, resulting in constant bombardment, displacement, and devastating loss of life. Citing personal experiences, a writer describes the fear and uncertainty that pervades daily life, as families are forced to flee their homes repeatedly, facing unimaginable hardships.