Top news of the day: Indian and Chinese troops exchange sweets at several border points on Deepavali; U.S. terms Canada’s allegation on Amit Shah ‘concerning’, and more

Indian and Chinese troops exchange sweets at several border points on Deepavali; U.S. terms Canada’s allegation on Amit Shah ‘concerning’, and more in The Hindu’s top news of October 31, 2024

“Troops of India and China exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control on the occasion of Diwali,” Army sources said. The traditional practice was observed a day after both countries completed the disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh, bringing a fresh thaw in the Sino-Indian ties.

Canada’s allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah are “concerning”, the United States said, noting that it would continue to consult Ottawa on the issue. “The allegations made by the government of Canada are concerning, and we will continue to consult with the Canadian government about those allegations,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller added.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan held a phone conversation with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, discussing critical regional security developments and emphasising the necessity for ongoing efforts to bolster stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy and Air Force near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat’s Kutch district. “PM Modi reached Lakki Nala in Sir Creek area after landing at Koteshwar in Kutch from Ekta Nagar,” a BSF official added. PM Modi while addressing a gathering near the Statue of Unity said some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world.

The Congress paid its tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and alleged continuous efforts are being made to “appropriate” his legacy by those whose “ideological gurus” opposed the Quit India Movement and criticised the Constitution. Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera took a jibe at the RSS while paying his tributes. “Sardar Patel kept the Sanghis under control, so today all the Sanghis are also forced to bow before this lifelong Congressman. A few years ago, these same Sanghis used to print and distribute books against Sardar Saheb,” Mr. Khera said on X.

In poll-bound Maharashtra, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has fielded sitting MLA Zeeshan Siddique from Mumbai’s Bandra East against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Varun Sardesai. This move sets up an intriguing contest, raising the question of whether the NCP can secure a win with a former Congress leader or if the Shiv Sena (UBT) can take the seat with its debutant candidate.

The air quality is likely to worsen further, potentially reaching ‘severe’ levels, with firecrackers already being burst in different parts of the city, violating an existing ban. In the past, too, Delhiites have burst firecrackers during Deepavali, openly flouting the ban.