Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, on his "historic" first visit to India. The UK Prime Minister arrived in Mumbai with the largest-ever trade delegation from the United Kingdom. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for their meeting to advance a "stronger, mutually prosperous future." The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks and engage with business leaders to strengthen India-UK relations. (PC: PTI)

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters in Mumbai was ceremonially illuminated with the national flags of India and the UK on the occasion of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to the country. This diplomatic gesture coincided with PM Starmer's two-day visit to India for bilateral talks and participation in the Fintech Fest. The illumination serves as a sign of the strengthening relationship and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The BMC building's facade, a landmark in itself, was adorned with the symbolic display to mark the occasion.

An 85-year-old vegetarian passenger, Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, reportedly died on a Qatar Airways flight from Los Angeles to Colombo after being served a meat-based meal. Despite pre-ordering a vegetarian meal, the flight crew allegedly told him to "eat around" the meat. While attempting to do so, Dr. Jayaweera began choking, and despite medical assistance, he never regained consciousness. The lawsuit filed by his family accuses Qatar Airways of negligence and wrongful death, citing a failure in meal service and inadequate medical response. The family also claims the flight could have been diverted to a closer airport, but instead, it continued to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia.

Major U.S. tech firms are delaying data center investments in India due to growing trade tensions and regulatory uncertainties. According to a CNBC report (Oct 6, 2025), companies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have put expansion plans on hold as they evaluate the impact of India’s strict data localization rules and tariffs on imported tech equipment. The delays could impact India's ambitions to become a global digital hub. Industry insiders warn that without clearer policy frameworks, India risks losing billions in potential tech investment and digital infrastructure development. (PC: CNBC)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made clear that visa liberalisation with India “isn’t part of the plan,” even as he begins a two‑day trade mission focused on deepening economic ties. The recently signed UK‑India Free Trade Agreement remains strictly trade‑ and investment‑oriented, with no migration or visa provisions. Despite pressure from UK businesses to relax visa rules for Indian tech talent, Starmer held firm, citing domestic political sensitivity over immigration. He also flagged linking visa policy to returns agreements, though India already has such a returns accord in place. (PC: X)

A sharp decline in Indian students going to the US has been reported, with arrivals on student visas dropping by 44.5% in August 2025. Stricter US immigration policies—such as reduced visa durations, proposed caps on foreign students, social media scrutiny, and higher H-1B fees—have discouraged many. Students and parents cite stress, job insecurity, and revoked offers as major deterrents. Alternatives like the UK, Germany, Australia, and Singapore are gaining preference. Experts suggest this may signal a long-term shift in international student trends, with the US potentially losing its dominance in global education.

American tech enthusiast Tony Klor recently celebrated receiving a 5-year Indian B-1 visa, valid until 2030, calling it a sign that India is welcoming global talent in AI and blockchain. Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), he praised PM Narendra Modi for India’s openness, contrasting it with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration stance. Klor wrote, “Trump says foreigners go kick rocks. Modi says welcome home bhai.” His post went viral, drawing praise from many Indians and sparking discussions about India's emerging role as a tech hub. The visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have vowed to strengthen India-Russia strategic ties, despite new US tariffs. Modi called Putin on his 73rd birthday and invited him to India for the 23rd Annual Summit in December. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation in defence, energy, and trade. This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, criticising India’s continued trade with Russia. Modi thanked Putin for his long-standing support and reaffirmed India’s independent foreign policy, saying both nations remain committed to a strong and trusted partnership. (PC: PTI)

A shocking video shows the final moments of Rakesh Ehagaban-Patel, a 51-year-old Gujarati-origin motel manager, who was shot dead in Pittsburgh, US. Patel had rushed outside after hearing gunshots and asked the shooter, Stanley Eugene West, if he was okay. West, who had just shot a woman, turned and fired at Patel at point-blank range, killing him instantly. The tragic incident has sparked outrage among the Indian-American community. Police have arrested West and are investigating the motive behind the double shooting. Patel was known as a kind and hardworking member of the local Gujarati community.

London witnessed a grand celebration of Indian culture with “London ki Ram Leela 2025” at Fairfield Halls, Croydon. Directed by Praveen Kumar and produced by Sutton Friends, the event featured 35 actors and 150 volunteers. The production used LED backdrops, live narration, and modern stagecraft to bring the Ramayana to life. Dignitaries including MPs Luke Taylor and Bobby Dean, and Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani attended the event. The non-profit show, created by the community, celebrated Sanatan Dharma and Indian heritage abroad. Spectacular scenes like Sita Swayamvar and Lanka Dahan earned thunderous applause from audiences.