Indian Ambassador Reenat Sandhu hosted a 22-member delegation from Maharashtra's state legislature at the India House in The Hague this week. Led by Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, the delegation included Members of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and Assembly. In her address, Ambassador Sandhu highlighted strong India-Netherlands ties, especially cooperation between Maharashtra and Netherlands in sectors like agriculture, healthcare and environment. Expert Dutch speakers like municipal councillor Prachee van Brandenburg gave an overview of the Dutch political system and farming practices. 

The Indian Consul in Edinburgh participated in Raksha Bandhan celebrations held at the Edinburgh Hindu Mandir on 27 August, along with Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Member of Scottish Parliament Deidre Brock. Organised by the UK and Scotland Hindu Foundation and the Hindu Mandir, the event saw the leaders congregate for the Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The Indian Consul congratulated the organisers and conveyed his appreciation to the UK Defence Forces, Police Scotland and Fire Services. The participation of officials at the celebration reflects the strong cultural ties between India and Scotland. (Pic courtesy: @IndiaInScotland on X)

The Indian Diaspora UK (IDUK) group has marked its first anniversary this week after an extraordinary year of growth. Within just one year since starting out with the vision to unite the British Indian community, IDUK has brought together over 5,000 enthusiastic participants across 12 vibrant events celebrating Indian culture and heritage in the UK. From festivals to gatherings showcasing Indian traditions, IDUK has succeeded in fostering a sense of belonging and preserving cultural ties among the diaspora. Having blossomed into a thriving hub bringing people together around Indian heritage within a short span, IDUK's remarkable journey over the past year highlights the community's resonance with its efforts to nurture cultural links.

London's multicultural marketing agency Here and Now365 celebrated Onam on Tuesday, paying tribute to the Malayalee community and brands in the UK. Manish Tiwari, Director, Here and Now365 said: “Onam is marked with a sumptuous feast of traditional Kerala delicacies, including the iconic Onam Sadhya, a true culinary vegetarian delight. If you are looking to enjoy this, head to any Kerala restaurant in East Ham, Stoke Newington or simply walk into Quilon at 51 Buckingham Gate and enjoy delicacies by Malayalee Michelin Star Chef Sriram Aylur.” Here and Now365 paid tribute to the community by highlighting over 40,000 nurses and doctors in vital NHS roles. Onam's positivity and culture continue flourishing in diverse London. The agency honoured the diaspora upholding traditions and enriching British society.

Malayalees globally celebrated the occasion of Thiruvonam, the peak of Onam celebrations on Tuesday. UAE's Malayali community united to celebrate, with a remarkable touch this year. Healthcare heroes from diverse backgrounds crafted a magnificent 250-square-meter "Pookalam," a floral masterpiece. This creation, honoring UAE's sustainability commitment and the upcoming COP28 Climate Change Conference, beautifully represented the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, fusing environmental consciousness with heritage. [photos from All India Radio News X handle]

China has released its updated standard map for 2023 which includes territories it disputes with neighbours like India, Taiwan and countries in the South China Sea. The new map lays claims over India's Arunachal Pradesh state and Aksai Chin region occupied by China in 1962. It also shows Taiwan as part of Chinese mainland and the controversial nine-dash line encompassing much of the South China Sea. India has repeatedly affirmed Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of its territory. The new map underscores China's hardened stance on disputed boundaries amid regional tensions. Its release signals China's determination to assert contested claims regardless of opposition.

The Indian government has named Geetika Srivastava as the new Charge d'Affaires at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Srivastava, a 2005 batch Indian Foreign Service officer presently serving as a joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' Indo-Pacific division, will succeed Suresh Kumar. She will be India's top diplomat in Pakistan after ties were downgraded following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019. The high commissions in both countries are currently headed by Charge d'Affaires. Srivastava's appointment comes amidst ongoing efforts to normalise relations between the two neighbours. (Image courtesy: Geetika Srivastava on Twitter)

Four men in their 20s of Indian heritage have been charged with the murder of 23-year-old Aurman Singh, also of Indian origin, after an attack in Shrewsbury, England last week. Arshdeep Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Shivdeep Singh and Manjot Singh were charged with Aurman's murder, while a fifth man was released on bail. Police believe the victim and suspects were known to each other, and the attack was not a robbery. The suspects are not local but from other English towns. Police are pursuing other suspects outstanding in the case. The death has shocked the local community and Indian diaspora. Investigations continue into the circumstances behind the fatal attack on the delivery driver.

In the true spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', 101 musicians and vocalists from G20 nations dazzled the audience with a spellbinding orchestral performance titled 'Sur Vasudha' in Varanasi, India. The event marked the closing of the Culture Ministers' Meeting under India's G20 presidency. The G20 Orchestra featured 61 Indian and 41 foreign artistes playing traditional instruments in harmony in the ancient city of music. The ensemble brought together performers from member countries and invited nations, blending diverse musical traditions flawlessly. Ranging from Indian classical to Brazilian drums, the melodies highlighted inclusivity. Sur Vasudha embodied the essence of unity, with artistes transcending boundaries through the universal language of music.

The Indian High Commission team led by DHC Sujit Ghosh won the GBS Trophy at the Heritage Bengal Global family cricket tournament attended by Harrow Council leaders on Sunday, August 27, 2023. The High Commission squad defeated opponents to clinch the title. Councillor Ramji Chauhan, MP Bob Blackman, Councillor Mathew Goodwin-Freeman, and Deputy Mayor Salim Choudhury represented Harrow Council at the India-UK community event. A demonstration match was also held. Mayor Chauhan felicitated the Indian visually impaired cricket teams and requested the tournament be held annually. The council's participation in the High Commission's victory highlights growing India-UK ties.