5 stories you must read today, November 1: From Trump promise to Christians to Rohan Bopanna announcing retirement and more

US President Donald Trump on Friday declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” alleging that Christianity faces an “existential threat” there. In a Truth Social post, he blamed “radical Islamists” for widespread violence against Christians, claiming thousands have been killed. Trump urged Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole to investigate the situation, emphasising that the US “will not stand idly by” amid such atrocities. He pledged America’s readiness to protect Christians globally, stating, “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World.” Read more

Vijay Kumar Mahato, a 27-year-old from Jharkhand’s Giridih district working for Hyundai Engineering in Saudi Arabia, was shot dead on October 15 after being caught in crossfire between police and criminals involved in the illegal liquor trade near Jeddah. His family learned of his death on October 24. Before dying, he sent a voice note to his wife saying he was hit by mistake. The Jharkhand Labour Department and Indian Embassy are coordinating with Saudi authorities for repatriation, though the family has refused to receive the body until the company provides written assurance of compensation. Read more

The Supreme Court on Friday issued strict guidelines preventing investigating agencies from summoning advocates in cases involving their clients, except under specific exceptions in Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The court emphasised that professional communications between a lawyer and client are privileged unless linked to illegal acts. Summons must specify the exception relied upon and be approved by a senior officer. The ruling also clarified procedures for producing documents and digital devices, ensuring confidentiality and judicial oversight. However, in-house counsels are excluded from Section 132 protection but covered under Section 134 for limited communications. Read more

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of hoardings in eight Kanker villages that ban the entry of pastors and “converted Christians.” The bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru held that such hoardings, aimed at preventing forcible religious conversions through allurement or fraud, are not unconstitutional. The court said the Gram Sabhas erected them to protect indigenous culture under PESA rules. The petitioner alleged misuse of PESA to target Christians, but the court noted he failed to exhaust statutory remedies before filing the plea. The petition was accordingly disposed of. Read more

Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna, 45, announced his retirement on Saturday, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year career. His final match came at the Paris Masters 1000 alongside Alexander Bublik. In an emotional Instagram post, Bopanna wrote, “After 20 unforgettable years on tour, it’s time… I’m officially hanging up my racquet,” calling representing India “the greatest honour” of his life. He thanked his family for their support. In 2024, Bopanna made history as the oldest player to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam at the Australian Open and the oldest ATP 1000 champion at the Miami Open. Read more