The largest Hindu temple in the United States was inaugurated on Sunday, October 8 in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple spans 126 acres and is considered the biggest Hindu temple outside of India in modern times. Crafted from Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, the intricately carved temple was hand-built over 4.7 million volunteer hours. PM Modi hailed the "spiritually significant" occasion in a letter. The monumental temple provides an immersive experience, transporting visitors to India. Volunteers call it a masterpiece of architecture, built with dedication over 11 years. As a cultural landmark, it serves the region's Hindu community and offers a mesmerizing glimpse of India's heritage.

The Hamas rocket attack on Israel and brutal counterstrike has put India in a difficult diplomatic position as it splits global opinion. This comes as India aims for greater Middle East ties, as seen in PM Modi's "deeply shocked" response condemning attacks and standing with Israel. No official MEA statement yet beyond retweets. Modi's stance signals support for Israel juxtaposing China and Pakistan's blame on Israeli actions in Palestine. The flare-up also puts Saudi Arabia in a spot amid its normalization efforts with Israel mediated by the US. Saudi Arabia has called to immediately halt violence and referenced depriving Palestinian rights, hinting it won't overlook Palestinian interests for normalization. While India's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has shifted over time since independence, the current violence threatens India's major regional outreach efforts and pressures it to take sides, something New Delhi has avoided in the past given its trade and strategic interests.

Chinese-born activist Jennifer Zeng suggests that Chinese Communist Party agents might be responsible for the assassination of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, ANI reports. Zeng claimed in her blog that the CCP orchestrated the killing to create discord between India and the West as part of their "Ignition Plan." Zeng alleged a secret meeting in Seattle, USA, involving high-ranking CCP officials and agents tasked with disrupting India-West relations. The assassins, with silenced guns and adopting Indian-accented English, allegedly executed the plan. Fresh provocation on the issue came when Canadian PM Trudeau raised concerns about alleged Indian involvement with the UAE President on a call, further straining India-Canada relations. [Image: Jennifer Zeng X handle]

In a fresh provocation, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said he spoke to UAE's President about the India-Canada diplomatic row and upholding the 'rule of law'. This is amid a snowballing crisis over Canada's allegations linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau also discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict in the same call. Earlier, Trudeau raised the row with UK PM Rishi Sunak, who hoped for de-escalation while reaffirming respect for the 'rule of law'. Tensions escalated after Trudeau claimed Canada was pursuing credible allegations tying Indian agents to Nijjar's murder. India called the allegations absurd and motivated.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed a parliamentary panel that India's visa suspension for Canadians is temporary, considering diplomats' security. News18 Sources said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs that the Indian government had made several request for extradition of such extremist forces, but Canada has been largely unresponsive. Under free speech guise, supporting terrorism is unacceptable per India's stance, he added. The remarks come as ties with Canada plummeted over PM Trudeau's allegations of India's role in a Khalistani's murder. Jaishankar conveyed India acted against visa services due to Canada's inaction on extradition requests amid the diplomatic row.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at the Hamas militant attack on Israel that killed at least 22 people. In a message of solidarity, PM Modi extended condolences and prayers, stating India stands with Israel during this difficult time. His remarks came after Gaza-based Hamas launched over 5000 rockets into Israel, leading the country to declare a 'state of war'. Modi's message underscores India's strong ties with Israel amid the escalating conflict sparked by the surprise assault. As Israel vows decisive retaliation, the PM's comments signal India's support to its key strategic partner facing its worst violence in years.

British PM Rishi Sunak spoke to Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, hoping for a de-escalation in the diplomatic row between India and Canada. Trudeau updated Sunak on the standoff over India's alleged link to a Khalistani terrorist's killing. While Sunak reaffirmed respect for sovereignty and rule of law, he sought reduced tensions. This follows Trudeau's Parliament statement on probing Indian agents' role in the murder, rejected by India. The fallout was seen in the UK when pro-Khalistan elements blocked Indian envoy Doraiswami's Glasgow gurdwara visit. 

In a tragic incident, a Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft crashed in Chilliwack, Canada's British Columbia province, killing three people, including two Indian trainee pilots from Mumbai, Abhay Gadroo and Yash Vijay Ramugade. The plane crashed into trees behind a motel near the local airport, prompting the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to initiate an investigation. Eyewitnesses reported the plane crashing through trees. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the fatalities and informed the next of kin. The scene was contained, with no other injuries reported. The incident marks a somber day, highlighting the loss of lives in the aviation accident. [Representative Image]

The UK unit of BJP has urged United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak to safeguard Indian envoys from Khalistan supporters amidst increasing attacks on Indian missions abroad, particularly in the UK and Canada. Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of Overseas Friends of BJP UK, penned a letter to the Foreign Affairs Minister, urging immediate action. The letter emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the root causes behind these incidents and holding accountable those endangering the safety of Indian diplomats.

An Indian-origin couple, Tej Pratap Singh and Sonal Parihar, along with their 10-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, were found dead in their New Jersey home. The Plainsboro Police Department is investigating the incident as a homicide after the discovery was made following a welfare check. Authorities received a 911 call on October 4, leading to the tragic finding. The community expressed deep sorrow, and while initial suspicions pointed towards a possible murder-suicide, the investigation is ongoing. The couple, both IT professionals, were well-regarded in their neighborhood. The school district also confirmed the involvement of their students in the heartbreaking event.