Pradeep Bhandari, Founder of Jan Ki Baat, discussed the strengths of Indian democracy in an event titled "Depth of Indian Democracy" in London. He highlighted the pivotal role of Indian voters in shaping political leadership, India's inclusivity in electing diverse representatives, and the sagacity of Indian voters in electing and changing governments based on merit. He also emphasized the growing influence of women voters in Indian politics and pointed out the double standards in Western media's reporting on India. The event was organized by the Friends of Indian Society International (FISI), UK, promoting understanding of India's vibrant democracy and cultural issues.  

Despite political differences in Kerala concerning Israel's actions in Palestine, the state maintains a firm business tie-up with the Israeli police. For the past six years, an apparel factory in Kerala's Kannur district has been supplying uniforms for Israeli police personnel. Every year, around 100,000 uniforms for Israeli police officers are exported from the Maryan Apparel Factory in Koothuparamba, Kannur. Shijin Kumar, the factory manager, mentioned that they received their first order six years ago after a team from Israel visited their unit and were satisfied with their products. Since then, they have been receiving annual orders

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, overseeing Ayodhya's Ram temple construction, has been permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to receive foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010. The Trust, authorized to accept "voluntary contribution" from abroad, is limited to the State Bank of India's Sansad Marg branch for FCRA accounts. Despite collecting funds nationally, contributions from Indians abroad were previously inaccessible. The temple's grand opening, anticipated between January 21-24, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as chief guest, follows the Supreme Court's 2019 ruling granting the land to Ram Lalla.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered a festive Diwali message calling on people to embrace the spirit of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Mahatma Gandhi to become better human beings. At an event attended by the Indian-American community, Adams said Diwali is a reminder to push away darkness and usher in light wherever we see it. He said amid loss of innocent lives globally, we must live up to Diwali's ideals, not just worship them. Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar hailed the growing power of the Indian-American community in New York. Adams emphasized practicing Diwali's essence of spreading light to counter hatred and violence worldwide.

A convoy of vehicles featuring pro-Khalistan posters and slogans passed by a Hindu temple in Surrey, Canada on Sunday, concerning the local community. The rally promoted separatist figures like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the upcoming 'Kill India' car rally, while blaring provocative slogans outside the Lakshmi Narayan temple. Temple leaders called it intimidatory as devotees gathered for Navratri celebrations. The rally also promoted the next phase of the Khalistan referendum in Surrey on October 29. Meanwhile, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday extended his wishes to the Hindu community on the first day of nine-day festival Navratri amid tensions with India.

In a suspected hate crime, a 19-year-old Sikh was assaulted while wearing a turban on a Queens shuttle bus in New York. The incident occurred on Sunday when the assailant demanded the victim remove his turban, stating, "We don't wear that in this country and take that mask off!" The attacker then punched the teen in the face, back, and head, causing minor cuts, and attempted to remove the turban before exiting the bus. The New York Police Department's hate crime unit is investigating the incident, labeling it as a hate crime assault. No arrests have been made in the case yet.

Inderpal Singh, a 33-year-old Singaporean of Indian origin, clinched victory on 'MasterChef Singapore's fourth season, triumphing in a three-way finale competition. Mr. Singh, a home-based F&B business owner, secured his win with a score of 76.6 out of 90, surpassing runner-up Tina Amin by 3.6 points and second runner-up Mandy Kee by 8.1 points. Judges lauded his exceptional dishes, commending their delightful flavor profiles that delivered surprising tastes and textures with every bite. Mr. Singh was awarded SGD 10,000 (approximately ₹6.7 lakh) in cash and other prizes for his culinary prowess.

Khalistani sympathizers, led by fugitive gangster Amritbir Singh Cheema, have gathered in Vancouver, Canada, to demonstrate their support. Cheema, a wanted individual in Punjab, has sought asylum in Canada since 2015. The group employs a radio station, Radio Punjab Vancouver, for a daily two-hour program aimed at radicalizing people, mainly receiving calls from California rather than local Canadians. Despite local Sikh complaints, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reportedly refuses to intervene, regarding it as an internal matter. The Indo-Canadian community expresses concern about Canada's enabling of Khalistani extremists, urging against political appeasement amid tensions between Canada and India.  

The tallest statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar outside India was unveiled in Maryland, US. The 19-foot tall "Statue of Equality" was formally inaugurated amid chants of "Jai Bhim." Over 500 Indian-Americans attended, some travelling 10 hours. Sculpted by Ram Sutar, the statue is at the Ambedkar International Center, which will also have a library and Buddha Garden. Earlier seen as a Dalit leader, Ambedkar is now recognized for empowering marginalized sections andcontribution as architect of India's constitution. His ideology of nation's prosperity through empowering all citizens is inspiring developed and underdeveloped nations alike.

The inaugural 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue between India and the UK was conducted in New Delhi today. The Indian delegation, led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) from the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) from the Ministry of Defence, engaged in discussions with their UK counterparts, including Ben Mellor, Director from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), and Lt. Gen. Rob Magowan, Deputy Chair of Defence Staff from the Ministry of Defence. The dialogue primarily revolved around assessing the progress made within the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and exploring potential avenues for future collaboration and cooperation.