First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford revealed a new 'Year of Wales in India 2024' initiative at a Diwali celebration aimed at strengthening ties between Wales and India's fast-growing economy. Launching around St David's Day, it will deepen economic and cultural links with events planned in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The First Minister was joined by Health Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, Deputy High Commissioner Shri Sujit Ghosh at the event which was organised by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal. Mr Aggarwal said it will focus on trade, education, culture and health. With over 2,200 Indian students in Wales bringing £200m revenue, he called it a great opportunity to boost cooperation. The event was also attended by representatives from major Indian companies based in Wales, as well as a number of start-up ventures.

At least 10 Indian-Americans, mostly Democrats, won local and state elections across the US this week, reflecting the growing political power of the ethnic community. Key victories included Ghazala Hashmi's re-election to the Virginia State Senate, Neil Makhija becoming the first Indian-American commissioner in Pennsylvania, and Arunan Arulampalam being elected Hartford Mayor in Connecticut. The candidates pledged to work for their constituents after their historic victories. (Image Courtesy: Neil Makhija on X)

India has filed an appeal against the death penalty handed to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court last month. The officers were arrested in Qatar in 2021 while working for a private firm providing services to Qatar's military. India said it is shocked by the verdict and has appealed, though case details remain confidential. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India is in touch with the officers' families and will provide legal and consular support. The officers include decorated commanders who captained major Indian warships.

African-American singer Mary Millben praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "best leader" for India and the India-US relationship. In the lead up to India's 2024 election, Millben said Modi stands for women and global economic stability. She called for a courageous woman in Bihar to run for Chief Minister after Nitish Kumar's controversial remarks about women's education and population control. Millben, who observed a Karwa Chauth fast, has previously praised India's traditions and said she closely follows Indian affairs because she loves India. She believes Modi is the leader India needs.

A 24-year-old Indian student, Varun Raj Pucha, died Wednesday after being stabbed in the head on October 29 at a fitness center in Indiana. The attacker, 24-year-old Jordan Andrade, claimed Pucha was "going to assassinate" him, but police found no evidence to support this. Andrade told police he "just reacted" and that he had never spoken to Pucha before. Staff described Pucha as quiet and reserved and was in no way 'creepy'. Andrade portrayed himself as a "defensive fighter" who eliminated a threat, but gave only a vague explanation, saying "I just put it through." Pucha, a computer science student at Valparaiso University, was stabbed in the massage room. Andrade has been charged with attempted murder.

Amid the recent Hamas attack on Israel, the historic contribution of Indian soldiers during World War I has come to light. Over a century ago, these soldiers played a crucial role in liberating Jerusalem for the British, defeating the Ottoman Empire. Engaging in pivotal battles across Palestine, their bravery paved the way for victory. As Hamas targeted the region, India's connection to Jerusalem's past resonates, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiling a plaque in their honor two years ago. The valor and sacrifice of these troops stand as a testament to India's historical role in the global landscape. [ photo courtesy: facebook post of Harjinder singh kukreja ]          

After enduring a 9-month detention in Indonesia, three crew members of the M.V. Aashi ship, detained following a grounding incident in February, have been successfully repatriated to India. The ship, carrying asphalt from Dubai to Indonesia, faced treacherous weather conditions, leading to evacuation and subsequent detention of the trio. Despite investigations clearing them of environmental damage, the crew members were confined to house arrest. Thanks to extensive negotiations, the Indian Embassy secured their release, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing gratitude for their safe return home.

The upcoming fifth India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on November 10 will focus on advancing defense and security cooperation between the two countries. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will host U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in New Delhi. The high-level talks will review progress in defense partnerships, technology collaboration, and people-to-people ties. The ministers will also discuss shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region and on global issues. The dialogue underscores the deepening strategic alignment between India and the U.S.

Indian-Origin state Senator Vin Gopal has secured his third term in the New Jersey Senate, defeating Republican challenger Steve Dnistrian in a closely-watched race. Gopal, a 38-year-old Democrat, received nearly 60% of the vote, making history as the first South-Asian American elected to the Senate in New Jersey. He chairs the Senate Education Committee and serves as the Senate Majority Conference Leader. The race, one of the state's most expensive legislative contests, saw heavy spending from both parties. Gopal's victory contributed to Democrats gaining control of both Assembly seats in the district.

Data from the Ministry of External Affairs shows over 3 crore Indians are currently living overseas, with 1.34 crore being NRIs and 1.86 crore being PIOs (Person of Indian Origin). The UAE hosts the maximum number of NRIs at 34 lakh, followed by 26 lakh in Saudi Arabia and 12.8 lakh in the US. For PIOs, the US leads with 31.8 lakh, followed by Malaysia and Myanmar. The data reveals the preferred destination countries for Indians settling abroad or going for vacations, as per Tourism Ministry figures showing over 2 crore chose international travel. The US also sees a five-fold rise in illegal Indian immigrants caught yearly, pointing to its draw despite risks.