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)

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)

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)

An Indian man has said he will prioritise travelling within India after a 10-day family trip to Europe during July and August was affected by intense heat. Ashish Nanda said temperatures across several European countries made sightseeing difficult, especially as travel often involved long walks outdoors. He also complained about the limited availability of air conditioning in hotels, restaurants, museums and public transport. The family changed its schedule, visiting attractions early morning and evening while staying indoors during midday. Reflecting on the experience, Nanda said overseas trips would now require careful planning and that India would be his preferred travel destination. (PC: HT)

A Panama-flagged bulk carrier, MV Ocean Winner, sank in the Bay of Bengal around 230 nautical miles off Odisha’s Paradip coast, triggering a major search and rescue operation. The vessel had 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese, three Myanmarese and one Bangladeshi national. Two crew members were rescued from separate liferafts, while 22 others remain missing. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed three ships to intensify the search operation. The ship sank on August 22, though the cause of the incident remains unclear. Authorities are continuing rescue efforts as they search for the missing crew members. (PC: X)

A 28-year-old Indian man from Punjab, Gurdeep Singh, was shot dead while delivering pizza in Brooklyn, New York City. Singh, from Jabowal village in Punjab’s Kapurthala district, had been living in the US on a work permit and was working as a delivery partner. His family said he had moved to the US in 2017 and had not returned home for nine years. The attack is suspected to have been linked to a robbery attempt, though the motive is still under investigation. A Punjabi community group has demanded a thorough probe. (PC: X)

A Panama-flagged cargo vessel, MV Ocean-Winner, sank around 240 nautical miles off Odisha’s coast in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday. The ship had departed Paradip Port on August 20, carrying around 1,700 tonnes of iron ore to Singapore. It had 24 crew members aboard, including 20 Chinese, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi. Communication with the vessel was lost on August 22, prompting an emergency search-and-rescue operation. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy deployed multiple ships, including Varad, Anmol and Vijit. Two crew members have been rescued from liferafts, while efforts continue to locate other survivors. (PC: X)

A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Indonesia’s Bali after being found guilty of posting content on Instagram that insulted a Hindu holy day. The court ruled that the social media post violated laws protecting religious harmony. The case drew attention in Bali, where Hindu traditions and religious ceremonies play an important role in daily life. Authorities said the post was considered offensive to the Hindu community. The verdict highlights Indonesia’s strict laws against religious insults and the potential legal consequences of social media posts deemed disrespectful to religious beliefs or practices. (PC: HT)

India and Canada will hold their first Finance Ministers’ Economic and Financial Dialogue in Toronto on August 26 and 27, marking a step towards stronger economic ties. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne during her first visit to Canada in this role. The ministers will discuss investment, trade, sustainable growth and global economic developments. Talks are also expected to focus on energy, agriculture, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Canada’s total direct and indirect investment in India exceeded CA$110 billion in 2024. The meetings could also help strengthen the broader India-Canada relationship. (PC: HT)