The WHEELS Global Foundation Gala in Bethesda, MD, witnessed the presence of the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. This event aimed to address global challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and supply chain disruptions, which have exacerbated economic uncertainties, particularly in rural communities. The foundation, initiated by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni, focuses on sustainable rural transformation. Their goal is to transform 20% of Rurban India by 2030, leveraging technology and alumni resources. IIT Alumni in Europe launched PanIIT Europe Alumni, fostering connections among alumni and supporting their universities. The group focuses on various themes and aims for European expansion.  

The recent Durga Puja festival in Scarborough was a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, uniting the local community. Colorful idols, intricate decorations, traditional music, and delectable Indian cuisine adorned the festival. Temporary temples, known as pandals, served as hubs for communal gatherings, forging unity among residents and visitors. This event not only preserved cherished traditions but also built a cultural bridge for the Indian diaspora in Canada. The organisation responsible, 'Toronto Durgabari' had organised an event each day for Durga Puja, with Maha Navami being celebrated today.

On October 20, Deputy High Commissioner in London Sujit Ghosh attended Navratri celebrations organized by Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (SKLPC) in London. He greeted the diaspora on the occasion of Navratri/Durga Puja. The event is one of the biggest Navratri celebrations in Europe with over 3000 attendees. People dressed in traditional outfits performed Garba and Dandiya dances honoring Goddess Durga. The Deputy High Commissioner praised SKLPC for keeping Gujarati culture alive in the UK through such festivities.

Top government sources revealed that Canadian diplomats stationed in Chandigarh and other parts of Punjab are allegedly misusing their powers by granting visas to individuals with criminal backgrounds who support the Khalistan cause. The visas are reportedly being issued to support the Khalistan movement's momentum. India also expressed concerns about Canada's refusal to assist in extradition cases and investigations involving individuals who have sought refuge in Canada. Tensions between the two countries escalated, leading to Canada recalling 41 diplomats, triggering a diplomatic standoff.

The Indian diaspora in Canada celebrated Himachal Pradesh's Kullu Dussehra festival for the first time at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The event was hosted by MP Chandra Arya and HPGA despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu addressed the diaspora virtually, inviting investors and tourists. High Commissioner Sanjay Verma attended alongside 25 diaspora organizations. Cultural performances like Himachali Naati were showcased. The festival marked a unique celebration of Himachali culture and identity in Canada.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed profound condolences for the tragic death of Jasmer Singh, a 66-year-old Sikh man assaulted following a car accident. Singh succumbed to a brain injury after being repeatedly punched, prompting Adams to denounce the attack on Twitter. The Mayor assured the Sikh community of New York's unwavering support, condemning the hatred that led to the incident. A meeting with Sikh leaders was announced to address the community's needs. This incident follows another hate crime where a Sikh teenager was assaulted for wearing a turban and mask, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator on hate crime charges.

Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, an Indian-origin diplomat, has been appointed as the US Ambassador to Indonesia by President Joe Biden. With nearly 30 years of service in the State Department, she holds the position of Minister-Counselor, and her most recent role was Executive Secretary of the Department of State. Her father, Noor, immigrated from Mumbai to the US in the 1940s. Lakhdhir is a Harvard graduate and holds an M.S. from the National War College. She previously served as the Ambassador to Malaysia from 2017 to 2021 and as the US Consul General in Belfast, Northern Ireland from 2009 to 2011.  

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Sunday that India had invoked diplomatic parity with Canada, leading the North American nation to recall 41 of its diplomats. This decision was prompted by concerns regarding "continuous interference" in India's internal affairs by Canadian personnel. Jaishankar underscored the significance of parity, which is a principle enshrined in the Vienna Convention, an international diplomatic agreement. He stated, "But in our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel. We haven't made much of that public. My sense is over time, more details will emerge, shedding light on why we felt uncomfortable with many of them.

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, head of the Conservative Party, pledges to restore a "professional relationship" with India if elected Prime Minister. Poilievre condemned recent aggression against Indian diplomats in Canada and Hinduphobia in the country. He criticized incumbent PM Trudeau's handling of international relations, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue with India. Poilievre also condemned attacks on Hindu temples, affirming his party's commitment to freedom of worship. Poised for victory in polls, he advocates for strong ties with India, promising to address diplomatic challenges and promote religious tolerance in Canada.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged with a hate crime in the US for attacking a Sikh teenager on a bus here for wearing a turban, according to media reports. Police on Thursday arrested Christopher Philippeaux, who was conditionally released by parole in July 2021 after serving more than two years in prison, and charged him with a hate crime after the incident on the bus near 118th Street and Liberty Avenue in Queens on October 15. According to police, Philippeaux approached the 19-year-old Sikh boy on the New York City MTA bus and said, "We don't wear that in this country