Indian-origin fraudster Mayur Gaglani ordered to pay back GBP 78,000 by a UK court. Gaglani stole around GBP 250,000 from his first employer and used false invoices and the company's credit card to pay off the stolen money from his second employer. He also spent over GBP 5,000 of the company's funds while on vacation. Gaglani pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced to 20 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay back GBP 78,033, which is the amount he benefited from the theft.

Britain’s first lady Akshata Murty made a surprise debut on the UK political stage by introducing her “best friend” and husband, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at the Conservative Party conference. Saying Sunak was unaware she was “gate-crashing,” the daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy expressed pride in his achievements. She reminisced about meeting Sunak as students at Stanford, where his “honesty, integrity and firm understanding of right from wrong” attracted her. Murty described Sunak as her closest friend and declared supporting him her easiest decision ever. She said Sunak's defining trait is "aspiration" and that she reminds him when times get tough that he's fighting for his and the party's values. Murty's surprise debut speech provided a personal touch to Sunak's formal conference address as UK leader.

Maharashtra Ministers Sudhir Mungantiwar and Uday Samant have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at London's Victoria and Albert Museum to repatriate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's historic 'Wagh Nakh' (tiger claw) for a three-year display in India. The delegation received a warm welcome from the Indian community. Mungantiwar expressed the significance of commemorating 350 years since Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, stating that the 'Wagh Nakh' would be showcased in a museum for public viewing, considering it a symbol of faith in Maharashtra.

A recent survey conducted among 100+ Indian students in 20+ Canadian colleges and universities reveals that 69% are experiencing anxiety due to the ongoing Indo-Canadian diplomatic row. The participating colleges included York University, Seneca College, Ryerson University, Centennial College, George Brown College, and Carleton University, among others. The study, conducted by LooneyTooney, highlighted increased concerns among female students and those with limited time in Canada. Notably, 77% of surveyed students noted their parents' heightened worry. However, 81% expressed intentions to maintain their long-term plans in Canada, while 9% considered leaving. University of Toronto affirmed its commitment to supporting the Indian student community, emphasizing their safety and wellbeing.

The US government acknowledged the raids on journalists in India but refrained from commenting on the allegations of Chinese links. Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, stated that they were aware of concerns regarding an outlet's ties to China but couldn't verify the claims. Patel emphasized the US government's support for global media's role in democracies and highlighted the importance of respecting journalists' human rights. His comments followed Delhi Police's raid on journalists and employees of NewsClick, leading to the arrest of its founder Prabir Purkayastha, amid allegations of receiving funds for pro-China propaganda.

  Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has stated that the country wants private discussions with India to resolve an escalating diplomatic dispute. This comes after reports emerged that India asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its diplomats. As per reports, the government has also threatened to strip the diplomatic immunity of any Canadian diplomat who remains in the country after the deadline. Ties have frayed over Canada's accusations of Indian involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While neither Joly nor PM Justin Trudeau confirmed if India requested the diplomats' departure, Joly affirmed taking diplomats' safety seriously. She insisted diplomatic talks are best held privately. The tense relations follow Canada's claims that Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by India, was killed by India-backed agents.

The UK government's proposed visa fee hike, effective from Wednesday, will impact travelers worldwide, including Indians. Visit visas for under six months will cost GBP 15 more, and student visas will be GBP 127 more expensive. The UK Home Office defended the increase, stating it was necessary to fund public services and contribute to public sector pay. The fee rise, applicable to various visa categories, faced criticism from groups like the UK's Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, highlighting the financial strain on families and individuals amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

A 65-year-old man from Hyderabad, Mohammed Khaja Rayeesuddin, was tragically stabbed to death in an altercation in Hill Top Avenue, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK, on September 30. Rayeesuddin, who had been living in London since 2011, intervened in a fight between an Afghan national and two others and lost his life during the altercation. He was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Scheduled to return to India for his daughter's wedding on October 5, he leaves behind a wife, daughter, and son. Two Ugandan nationals were arrested in connection with the double murder. Indian community leaders have appealed for support from the Indian authorities. [Image IANS/X]

India has requested Canada to recall several dozen diplomats from its missions in the country, citing the need for "parity in strength and rank equivalence" in mutual diplomatic presence. The move follows a diplomatic row sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A report by Financial Times said Canada had 62 diplomats in India and India has asked for this figure to be reduced by 41 people, with a deadline of October 10. This escalation comes amid strained relations between the two nations following the Nijjar case.

The Federation of Sikh Organisations UK held a protest in front of the High Commission of India in the UK on Monday, 2 October. The protest was in response to the killings of Khalistani terrorists in India and Canada, including Khalistan Tiger Force Chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Canada in June 2023. NIjjar's death has sparked a diplomatic row between India and Canada, where India denied the allegation of Nijjar's killing. The protesters were shouting anti-India Slogans and anti-UK government slogans holding placards and banners with the faces of Prime Minister Modi and High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami. Indian High Commissioner in the UK, Vikram Doraiswami was blocked by three pro-Khalistan supporters to Glasgow Gurudwara during his Scotland visit. There was a heavy security presence outside the Indian High Commission anticipating physical attrition by the pro-Khalistan supporters. Though most of the protest was peaceful, some protesters tried to go toward the entrance of the High Commission towards the end but were stopped by the Met Police present to guard the building.