India and the US held the 2+2 dialogue between defense and foreign ministers on Friday to expand strategic ties. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM S Jaishankar and their American counterparts discussed bolstering cooperation in critical minerals, high technology and Indo-Pacific security amid geopolitical challenges like Ukraine. Despite differences on Ukraine, strategic and security cooperation has advanced with the US viewing India as a counter to China. Key areas were Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Ukraine per Jaishankar. Singh called defense pivotal. Blinken emphasized jointly promoting an open Indo-Pacific. With momentum in ties, delivering for people amid global crises was important per Blinken. India-US ties have progressed despite global turbulence.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly acknowledged tensions with India, saying the relationship is going through a "difficult moment." Speaking after a G7 meeting, Joly said she was in close contact with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during this tough phase. Bilateral ties plunged in September when Canada alleged Indian agents killed a Sikh separatist, which India denied. After Canada expelled dozens of Indian diplomats invoking parity, Joly said their safety was at risk. However, she expressed confidence Canada and India would get through this difficult period given their longstanding relationship. EAM Jaishankar recently echoed they were in a difficult phase due to certain Canadian policies. Both sides acknowledged challenges but hoped to move past the diplomatic spat.

Hollywood actors have reached a deal to end their months-long strike against major studios. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) agreed to a new 3-year contract with Disney, Netflix and others including higher pay and AI protections, ending the 118-day strike. Many shows and films were delayed due to the strike. Celebrities reacted joyfully on social media, with SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher calling it a "historic deal." George Clooney told Drescher he'd have bet his house they couldn't get such a deal. Meryl Streep suggested Drescher run for president next. Mark Ruffalo tweeted congratulations, saying "When we fight we win" and urging inspiration from fellow union members. The deal brought relief after disrupting Hollywood for months.

Canada Post has released a new Diwali stamp depicting traditional elements like toranas, marigold flowers and diyas. Designed by Kristine Do and Rena Chen, it features a vibrant background of purple-blue with warm orange, yellow, green and white. The $5.52 stamp is meant to mark Diwali celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. This is the 5th Diwali stamp from Canada Post since 2017. Diwali celebrations also took place in Ottawa, including an event at Parliament Hill attended by opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Co-hosted by MP Todd Doherty, it was the 23rd Parliament Hill Diwali event, started in 2000 by late MP Deepak Obhrai. Poilievre tweeted it was a wonderful celebration of light over darkness.

The Delhi government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that they are planning to induce artificial rain to combat air pollution, but need permissions from Union ministries which is difficult. The court asked Delhi to approach the Centre for approval. In an affidavit, Delhi's Chief Secretary submitted a proposal for cloud seeding this month. The court is hearing petitions on rising pollution in Delhi. Earlier Delhi's Environment Minister met IIT scientists on artificial rain and proposed a first phase by November 20 if the Centre cooperates. Delhi will bear the ₹13 crore cost. The court criticized Delhi's pollution response, saying solutions only come after court intervention each year. It said authorities know pollution sources but await court orders, while the court itself wants results, not being experts.

A new UN report warns that if the war in Gaza continues another month, the poverty rate in Palestine could increase by 34%, pushing nearly 500,000 more people into poverty. Current estimates show a 20% rise in poverty and 4.2% economic decline after one month of war. The UN projects Palestine's GDP would fall 8.4% or $1.7 billion if fighting persists a second month, with 390,000 jobs already lost. Prolonging the war to three months would see poverty rise 45% and GDP fall 12.2% or $2.5 billion. Gaza's pre-war poverty rate was 61%. The UN said the war is rapidly accelerating poverty and setting development back over a decade, causing humanitarian catastrophe and long-term economic impacts.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing pressure to be sacked after publishing an op-ed criticizing police handling of pro-Palestinian protests without consent from PM Rishi Sunak's office. Sunak requested changes to the piece accusing police of ignoring "pro-Palestinian mobs", but Braverman ignored them. Downing Street insisted it has confidence in her, but Sunak is probing how it was published against protocol. Some speculate Braverman is positioning for a future leadership bid by appealing to right-wingers. Her pressure on police was called improper. The unauthorized op-ed amid tensions with Sunak's office has sparked speculation about Braverman's leadership ambitions.

IndiGo's parent InterGlobe Enterprises has partnered with US electric aircraft startup Archer Aviation to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India in 2026. The companies signed an MoU to provide the revolutionary urban transportation solution using Archer's sustainable, low-noise Midnight eVTOL aircraft. The partnership aims to purchase up to 200 eVTOLs for India and build infrastructure. Flights could take just 7 minutes versus 60-90 minutes by car. Prominent uses would include urban air mobility, cargo, medical services and more. Subject to approvals, it marks a major step toward electric aviation in India's urban centers.

Pro-Palestinian protesters staged a sit-in at The New York Times headquarters, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while alleging media bias favoring Israel. Part of ongoing demonstrations over the conflict, thousands marched in Manhattan voicing opposition to Israel's actions. Around 5pm, a group entered the NYT lobby displaying a ceasefire banner and reading names of Palestinians killed. They distributed a mock "New York War Crimes" newspaper accusing media of whitewashing genocide in Gaza. Photos showed "Lies" painted on the Times' doors. Some protested into the evening, snarling traffic. The Times demonstration was the latest high-profile action to spotlight Gaza's death toll and media coverage of the war.

India is forging closer economic ties with Taiwan by planning to send up to 100,000 workers there as early as next month, senior officials say, a move that risks angering neighbor China. The workers would fill labor shortages in Taiwan's aging society across factories, farms and hospitals. But the deal would increase tensions with China, which claims Taiwan and has a disputed border with India. While India hasn't ditched its "One China" policy, it has fostered an active unofficial relationship with Taiwan. India's foreign ministry confirmed negotiations are in final stages, though health certification mechanisms are still being resolved.