In the aftermath of Sri Lanka's embarrassing World Cup defeat against India, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe ousted the national cricket board, citing corruption allegations. Public outrage over the team's poor performance led to nationwide protests, demanding the board's resignation. Ranasinghe swiftly appointed a new seven-member interim committee, headed by former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, aiming to restore cricketing integrity. Despite concerns about political interference, Ranasinghe's intervention reflects the urgent need to address corruption and elevate Sri Lanka's cricketing standards. Additional in today's match Sri Lanka suffers elimination from ICC Men's World Cup 2023 as Bangladesh secures a 3-wicket win, chasing down 280 runs. Sri Lanka's elimination from the tournament emphasizes the imperative for immediate reforms.

Efforts to repair diplomatic relations between India and Canada face challenges despite India's recent decision to partially restore visa services. Tensions arose after Canada accused Indian agents of involvement in a Sikh separatist leader's murder. While India's move to ease visa restrictions raised expectations, experts believe a full resolution is distant. The strained ties affect Indians in Canada and hinder trade discussions. Both nations engage in "quiet diplomacy," but obstacles like Canada's ongoing murder investigation and India's upcoming elections contribute to the complexity, making a significant diplomatic breakthrough unlikely in the near future.

Indo-Canadian MP Chandrasekhar Arya hosted a Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill in Ottawa and raised the Hindu flag with the sacred symbol 'Om'. Arya, who hails from Karnataka, said the event on Sunday saw a large turnout of Indians from cities across Canada. He expressed pleasure at hosting Diwali at Parliament Hill and using the opportunity to raise the Hindu flag on the federal government premises. The event was supported by 67 Hindu and Indo-Canadian organizations across Canada. It coincided with Diwali being celebrated as part of the Hindu Heritage Month across Canada this year. The celebrations come amid strained India-Canada ties following PM Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian agents' involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June.

Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport will witness increased connectivity as four prominent airlines — Batik Air, Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and Scoot — offer direct flights to the holy city from their hubs in Malaysia and Singapore. Starting from November 8, Malaysia Airlines will commence two weekly flights, connecting Punjab to various cities in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Scoot's adjusted schedule provides seamless connectivity, offering a total of 3,430 seats per week. The move aims to cater to the growing demand of the Punjabi diaspora residing in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian countries.

Indian author Shantanu Gupta recently launched his latest book "Ajay to Yogi Adityanath" in Leicester as part of a UK tour. The graphic novel chronicles the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Leicester event was organized by Overseas Friends of BJP (UK) and attended by key leaders of the Indian diaspora community including Baroness (Dr.) Sandip Verma as the chief guest. Other prominent attendees included Kuldeep Shekhawat and Suresh Mangalagiri from the Overseas Friends of BJP and Rishu Walia was event's main coordinator. Baroness (Dr.) Sandip Verma emphasized the importance of the book in enabling young readers to learn about contemporary Indian political leaders like Yogi Adityanath. The event marked the latest stop in Shantanu Gupta's UK tour to promote his new graphic novel biography of Yogi Adityanath's journey from his childhood to becoming a monk and eventually the Chief Minister of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh.

Philip Mathew, an Indian man residing in Florida, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the gruesome murder of his wife, Merin Joy, in 2020. Mathew stabbed Joy 17 times, ran over her body, and fled the scene. Joy, a nurse from Kerala's Kottayam, was attacked as she left her workplace. Despite revealing her attacker's identity before succumbing to her injuries, Mathew pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a life sentence without parole. Joy had planned to end her relationship with Mathew before the tragic incident. [ photo from X ]

A group of Muslim travelers praying at a Paris airport before flying to Jordan has sparked controversy in secular France. Photos of the prayer at Charles de Gaulle airport circulated online, prompting backlash from politicians and the airport operator. While France allows freedom of religion, public displays in spaces like airports are limited. The airport operator called the incident "regrettable" and said border police were instructed to prohibit this. The controversy comes amid heightened Israel-Hamas tensions. Critics accused the airport of letting its space be used as a mosque against France's secular principles.

Jatinder Singh, a British Sikh summoned for jury service, was barred from entering Birmingham Crown Court due to his kirpan, causing him embarrassment and feelings of discrimination. Despite adhering to guidelines, Singh was denied participation, prompting the Sikh Federation UK to appeal to Justice Minister Alex Chalk. The Ministry of Justice claimed surplus jurors as the reason for his release. The Courts and Tribunals Service apologized and reinforced security protocols. The incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the need for cultural understanding and respect for religious practices in public institutions. [ Representative Image ]

The Delhi government has announced the implementation of the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme from November 13 to 20 given the severe air pollution levels in the city. Schools up to class 10 will remain shut till November 10. The earlier ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles will continue along with a ban on construction activities. The stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan has been activated. Work from home for 50% of government and private employees is also recommended but a decision is yet to be taken.

Australia's Federal Court has ruled that Navdeep Singh Suri, India's ex-high commissioner to Canberra, must compensate former domestic employee Seema Sherghill with over 136,000 dollars plus interest. Sherghill, who worked at Suri's Canberra home, alleged unfair working conditions, detailing seven days a week and 17.5 hours per day. The court decision followed an ex-parte proceeding, raising questions about the timing of the case. Despite being issued an official passport, Sherghill defied Indian government orders, later acquiring Australian citizenship. The Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the ruling. [photo courtesy Navdeep Suri/X ]