Anthony Rota has resigned as Speaker of Canada's House of Commons after inviting a Ukrainian man who fought for a Nazi unit to parliament and praising him as a "hero." The incident occurred last Friday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit, drawing global condemnation. Rota claimed he was unaware of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka's Nazi ties when he introduced him. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it "deeply embarrassing." Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Rota should resign for the "completely unacceptable" mistake. After initially resisting, Rota quit Tuesday after meeting party leaders, reiterating his "profound regret." But opposition leader Pierre Poilievre continues criticizing Rota despite the resignation.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), has stated that there is a "clear" indication of a foreign government's involvement in the killing of a "Canadian citizen" on Canadian soil. This follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations against India. Singh emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, based on intelligence briefings he received, and called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible. He also noted the United States' support for Canada's request for transparency from India and mentioned the briefing materials prepared by former governor-general David Johnston, who was investigating the issue before resigning from the role.

Canadian lentil sales to India have slowed following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in an assassination on Canadian soil. Canada is a significant supplier of lentils to India, and reduced purchases could impact Canadian farmers' prices while potentially inflating India's domestic food prices. Industry concerns have arisen about potential trade restrictions due to tensions between the two nations. However, India has not instructed importers to halt purchases. Despite high lentil prices in India, offers for Canadian supplies dropped 6% after Trudeau's comments. Indian buyers are now turning to Australia as an alternative source.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at approximately three dozen locations across several Indian states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These raids are part of a larger conspiracy investigation targeting the nexus of gangsters, smugglers, and Khalistani elements. The pro-Khalistani elements and gangsters have been involved in violent activities such as targeted killings, attacks on government buildings, extortion, smuggling weapons and drugs, and organizing anti-India activities abroad in countries like Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia. The NIA had recently released photographs of 43 suspects involved in these illegal activities. Additionally, the NIA confiscated properties belonging to US-based Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar rebutted Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's allegation of an Indian government connection to the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating "this is not the Government of India’s policy." Jaishankar accused Canada of permissiveness toward Khalistani extremism due to "political reasons", despite India providing information on terrorist leaders there. He implied Canada hypocritically cites "democratic norms" to justify this stance. Jaishankar maintained India has received no evidence from Canada, though Trudeau claimed "there is a potential link" between India and Nijjar's death.

The Indian High Commission in London has initiated the 'Home Away from Home' initiative to assist fresh Indian students who arrived for the September 2023 intake. Students can visit special kiosks at the India House at Aldwych from Sept 26-Oct 9 on weekdays to avail of services like documentation help, consular assistance, opening local bank accounts, and registering with the High Commission for future needs. Complimentary lunch will also be provided as a welcome gesture to students who come for registration. The outreach by the High Commission of India, London aims to help new Indian students settle smoothly in the UK during the critical transition period.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in select regions of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another 6 months. After reviewing the law and order situation, AFSPA will be extended in 8 districts and parts of 5 other districts in Nagaland from October 1st. In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA will be extended in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts as well as specific police stations in Namsai district bordering Assam. AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas” (Image Courtesy: ANI)

In a first, the Supreme Court provided a sign language interpreter to enable a deaf lawyer to argue a disability rights case. Advocate Sarah Sunny virtually presented her case with the aid of interpreter Saurav Roychowdhury. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud granted the request, sparking conversations on accessibility. The solicitor general admired the interpreter's swift skills in the rapid hearings. This progressive step follows the court's recent move to allow visually impaired lawyer Jayant Singh Raghav to argue for increased assistance for disabled under welfare schemes. The CJI's commitment to inclusivity was lauded as the court sought the government's response.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian and district officials offered tributes at the funeral of Vadivelu, a 43-year-old organ donor from Theni. Vadivelu's organs were donated after he was declared brain dead following an accident. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had announced donors would receive state funeral honors, but formal procedures are pending. For now, floral tributes were paid in Vadivelu's hometown. The move aims to encourage organ donation, as Tamil Nadu leads India in transplants due to its supportive policies. Officials said full state honors will be implemented once government orders are issued. Vadivelu's selfless donation has already aided recipients.

The parents of a 17-year-old boy abducted in conflict-torn Manipur had held out hope for over two months that he would return, reported NDTV. But photos emerged this week showing their son and a girl his age dead in an armed group's jungle camp. "Did they do anything wrong?" the devastated father asked, saying the teens were commuting when kidnapped. The photos show the captives sitting with armed men, then dead on the ground. The parents had kept laying out breakfast for their son each morning, hoping he would come back. Now they will stop, they told NDTV, after the photos shattered their hopes, though the Manipur government has promised swift action.