Nineteen Indian seafarers stranded in Yemen for two weeks have been safely evacuated and are returning to India, the Indian Embassy in Yemen announced on Sunday. The seafarers had been stuck in Hodeidah and Sana’a. In a statement posted on X, the embassy confirmed that all 19 were safe and in good health, while thanking those who assisted in facilitating their evacuation. The development comes days after India reported that 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht involved in an incident off Yemen’s coast were safe. The embassy did not disclose further details about the evacuation arrangements or the circumstances that had left the seafarers stranded in the country.

Diwali celebrations across the United States brought together political leaders, Indian-American communities and cultural organisations, with President Donald Trump hosting a festive event at the White House. Trump participated in a traditional diya-lighting ceremony and extended greetings to Americans observing the Festival of Lights, wishing them happiness, hope and warmth. Several lawmakers, including Sara Jacobs and Ami Bera, also shared messages celebrating Diwali’s themes of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil. However, festivities were accompanied by controversy after a protest disrupted a Diwali celebration in Seattle. Congresswoman Deborah Ross condemned the incident, while concerns over anti-Indian sentiment and hostility towards community celebrations gained attention.

Around 150 Chinese nationals have reportedly been livestreaming from impoverished neighbourhoods in Dhaka, presenting footage as scenes from New Delhi to audiences in China. An investigation published by Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo on November 6 identified Chinese vloggers filming in areas including Tekpara and Uttara, portraying local living conditions as representative of India. The videos are reportedly being shared on Chinese social media platforms, with some creators making derogatory claims about India's poverty and infrastructure. Another Bangladeshi outlet, The Business Standard, had documented similar filming in Dhaka's low-income neighbourhoods in May. The activity has raised questions about possible organised disinformation, although no evidence establishing a coordinated campaign is provided. (Video Source: Prothom Alo)

A Diwali celebration in Seattle was disrupted by far-right activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, who carried anti-Hindu placards targeting Hindus and people of Indian origin. The incident has triggered strong reactions from US lawmakers and the Indian-American community. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned the demonstration, saying, “I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display.” Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also called for action against religious hatred, saying, “We have a lot of work to do.” Businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria described the incident as “pure hate and bigotry”, while Hindu organisations urged the community to remain vigilant.

A Diwali celebration in Seattle was disrupted on Saturday after far-right American activist Jake Lang and fellow protester Thomas Allen arrived with anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant slogans. The protesters carried placards reading “Deport All Dot Heads” and “Stop Hindu Replacement of Christians” during the event at Seattle Center Armoury. Attendees confronted the protesters, who were eventually escorted out of the venue. The incident drew strong criticism from US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who called the display racist and unacceptable. Indian-American leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria also condemned the targeting of Hindus and immigrants, saying such hatred has no place in America.

US authorities have detained Harichand Jat, alias Harry Boxer, a key alleged operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in California following tracking by Rajasthan’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF). Wanted in 22 criminal cases, Boxer fled India in April 2023, travelling through Dubai and the Dominican Republic before entering the US from Mexico through the illegal “dunki” route. Police allege he coordinated extortion threats and supplied weapons to gang members operating across several Indian states. An Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued in November 2024. Indian agencies are coordinating legal procedures to secure his extradition to India. 

A 23-year-old Telangana student, Sreeja Reddy Koya, has gone missing in Boston, USA, since November 2, triggering concern among her family. She is pursuing higher education at the University of Massachusetts Boston and resides in Dorchester. According to Boston Police, she was last seen leaving her residence at Edison Green around 9:45 pm wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. Her mobile phone has remained switched off. Police suspect she may have visited Carson Beach or Harbor Point. Telangana Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has urged the MEA, Indian Consulate and Boston Police to intensify efforts to locate her. (PC: X)

A resurfaced podcast clip featuring Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed has gone viral after his victory in the November 3 US midterm elections. In the conversation, the Democrat recalled his Egyptian uncle questioning why he had married an Indian woman, Sarah Jukaku, when Egypt had 80 million people. El-Sayed responded humorously that India had a billion people, making his choice statistically likely. Sarah was born and raised in Michigan, but her family traces its roots to Bhatkal in Karnataka. Her grandfather, Jukaku Shamshuddin, served as deputy finance minister in the erstwhile Mysore State. El-Sayed married Sarah in May 2006, and they have two daughters. (PC: Reuters)

US Representative Ro Khanna has said he opposes “Hindu nationalism” and supports student protests in India, a day after securing another term in the US Congress from California. Khanna, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans in the House of Representatives, made the remarks on November 4, notable given his role in the caucus and visits to India hosted by the government. His comments came as the US Commission on International Religious Freedom criticised the Indian government over minority rights and described shootings outside gurdwaras in Punjab as “vigilante attacks”. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had not responded, while an Information and Broadcasting Ministry adviser criticised Khanna’s remarks. 

Indian-American Democrats Nithya Raman and Zohran Mamdani are now leading Los Angeles and New York City, two of the largest cities in the United States. Raman recently won a closely contested mayoral race in Los Angeles, becoming the city's first Indian-American mayor. Mamdani took office as New York City's mayor in January 2026, becoming its first Muslim and South Asian mayor. Both politicians are associated with the Democratic Socialists of America and have made affordability central to their political agendas. While Mamdani campaigned on rent freezes, free buses and childcare, Raman focused on affordable housing, homelessness and public transport. However, they differ on political alliances and organisational positions.