The California State Assembly has adopted a resolution recognising November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day and encouraging people across the state to join the celebrations. The resolution was introduced by Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra and expressed respect for Indian Americans and the wider Indian diaspora. It highlighted Diwali’s importance to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains worldwide. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and celebrates knowledge, kindness, peace and prosperity. The Assembly said the festival brings families and communities together in joy and unity. (PC: NDTV)

Several people were detained after around 300 protesters gathered at Delhi’s Connaught Place to demand reforms in the reservation system. Police said more than 20 people were removed as the protest had not received permission. The demonstration was organised under the banner of Reservation Hatao Andolan, with protesters calling for greater focus on economic criteria and a review of the existing quota system. They also demanded changes related to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Police said prohibitory orders were in force in the area, restricting gatherings and demonstrations without permission. (PC: HT)

Pakistan has extensively rebuilt the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Markaz Subhanallah complex in Bahawalpur, which was heavily damaged in India’s Operation Sindoor last year, according to intelligence inputs and visuals accessed by NDTV. The rebuilt site reportedly includes repaired structures, new construction and renovated facilities. Intelligence sources claimed that Pakistan provided PKR 25 crore to JeM, including funds for rebuilding the central hall. The complex has long been linked to the UN- and US-designated terror group. The development has renewed concerns in India over Pakistan’s alleged support for terror infrastructure and its commitment to counter-terrorism. (PC: NDTV)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to Beijing for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives’ talks on the boundary dispute. Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control and discuss border stability and further de-escalation. The talks will also assess the October 2024 disengagement arrangements, restoration of patrolling rights and measures to reduce military tensions. The meeting comes ahead of the BRICS Summit in India, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend, potentially creating an opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A 56-year-old Indian shop owner from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his newly opened store in Jackson, Tennessee, police said. Suresh Parsottamdas Patel, who had lived in the US for nearly 30 years, was shot multiple times on August 20. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing beside him during the attack. The suspect allegedly entered Ridgecrest Cellars, demanded cash and fled after the shooting. A 70-year-old employee also suffered a broken wrist after falling. Police have released images of the masked suspect, who remains on the run. (PC: NDTV)

A goat herder’s discovery of a small gold nugget has sparked a major gold rush in Cheporor village in western Kenya. Manasse Lomachar, 33, sold three grams of gold for $280, drawing thousands of prospectors hoping to change their fortunes. At the peak, authorities estimated that around 10,000 people arrived, though the number has since fallen to about 2,500. More than 200 small businesses have also emerged around the mining site. However, poor sanitation, lack of clean water, safety concerns and child labour risks have raised alarms. Officials are still assessing the size and commercial potential of the gold deposit. (PC: BBC)

Retired diplomat Navdeep Suri, who represented India as ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and High Commissioner to Australia, was asked to prove his Indian citizenship during Punjab's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Suri said he submitted his voter ID and Aadhaar card, but officials later flagged a mismatch with the 2003 voter records because he was posted abroad at the time. He was subsequently asked to provide his passport. Suri questioned what ordinary citizens would face if a former diplomat had difficulty establishing citizenship. Punjab is currently conducting the second phase of the voter roll revision. (PC: India Today)

India's first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named ‘Sher’, has been successfully test-fired at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The rifle is expected to undergo Indian Army trials in September. The development marks a major step in India's efforts to increase domestic defence production and reduce dependence on imported components. The AK-203 rifles are being manufactured under the India-Russia joint venture and are intended to strengthen the Indian Army's infantry capabilities. Successful trials could further advance the indigenisation of the AK-203 programme under the government's Make in India initiative.  

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has revealed that he is a big fan of the Indian Premier League, saying he enjoys following the popular cricket tournament. Kane also spoke about the strong support he receives from Indian football fans, including those who follow him and Bayern Munich from afar. The 33-year-old is currently among the leading contenders in the Ballon d'Or race after another impressive season. Kane said the growing global reach of football allows players to connect with supporters across different countries. His comments highlight the strong connection between Indian sports fans and international football stars. (PC: NDTV)

France is set to inaugurate its first major Hindu temple near Paris in September 2026. The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges will open with a 13-day Festival of Culture from September 2 to 14. The celebrations will showcase Hindu traditions, spirituality, Indian art, music and cultural heritage. The temple is expected to become an important place of worship and a centre for cultural and community activities. The opening is also expected to bring together members of the Indian diaspora, Hindu communities and visitors, marking a major cultural milestone for Indian and Hindu traditions in France. (PC: India Today)