India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that the UN’s decision-making no longer aligns with contemporary global needs, arguing that the institution remains rooted in a 1945 worldview. He pointed out increasing polarization in UN debates and obstacles in reforming the body, which hamper its credibility and effectiveness. While reaffirming India’s commitment to peace and security, Jaishankar insisted that meaningful reform is imperative for the UN to reflect a multipolar 21st-century reality instead of maintaining outdated power structures. (PC: PTI)  

A viral video showing a distressed man from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj claiming he's held against his will in Saudi Arabia has prompted response from the Indian Embassy. The man, speaking in Bhojpuri with a camel backdrop, alleges someone named Kapil holds his passport and threatens him. "I will die; I need to go to my mother," he pleads, urging viewers to share the video to reach the Prime Minister. The embassy is attempting to locate him but lacks crucial details like location, contact number, or employer information. Officials contacted UP authorities and Delhi lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav, who shared the video garnering 140,000 views, requesting more information at cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in to facilitate rescue efforts.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal firmly stated India won't sign a bilateral trade agreement with the US under pressure or artificial deadlines. Speaking at Berlin Global Dialogue, he emphasized national interest would guide the decision despite ongoing negotiations and existing US tariffs. "We don't do deals in a hurry or with a gun to our head," Goyal declared. Any agreement must protect farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs. The US has imposed 50% tariffs on certain Indian exports, partly penalizing India's Russian crude purchases & duties India calls "unfair and unjustified." Despite tensions, talks progress cordially. The proposed pact aims to boost bilateral trade from $131.84 billion to $500 billion by 2030, with first-tranche finalization targeted for fall 2025. (PC: Deccan Chronicle)

Two houses in Edmonton caught fire Monday night due to fireworks from a Diwali celebration. Teena Andrews, whose house was affected, said, “I am Indian but today totally ashamed. This is not culture, this is carelessness.” She and her husband are still in shock. Police charged three men with arson and warned fireworks cannot be used without a permit. Community members also said Diwali does not require fireworks. Officials urged everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. The names of those charged have not been released.

Peterborough City Council in the UK plans to sell the property of Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir, the city’s only Hindu temple, raising concern among local Hindus. Founded in 1986, the temple serves over 13,000 people across eastern England and hosts festivals, after-school clubs, cultural education, health programs, and soup kitchens. Temple trustees offered up to £1.3 million to buy the site, but the council plans to auction it. MP Bob Blackman urged the Mayor to protect the temple, calling it vital to the community. Residents say the sale would be a huge loss and seek an alternative solution. (PC: India Today)

Nalin Haley, son of former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, ignited controversy by posting that mass immigration should end and states should be able to deny H-1B visas. In response, British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan reminded Nalin that his grandfather, Ajit Singh Randhawa, immigrated to the U.S. from India in 1969 — highlighting the irony of Nalin’s stance. The exchange underscores tensions within U.S. immigration debates, particularly given the current policy shifts under the Donald Trump-era administration. (PC: X)

Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old from Yuba City, California, has been identified as the driver responsible for a fatal crash on the 10 Freeway in Ontario. The incident occurred on October 21, 2025, when Singh's Freightliner truck collided into slow-moving traffic, resulting in a fiery eight-vehicle pileup that claimed three lives and injured four others. Dashcam footage revealed that Singh failed to apply the brakes before the crash. He has been arrested on felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. Authorities confirmed Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. (PC: Facebook)  

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled from October 26 to 28, citing Diwali-related commitments in India. Anwar stated he “respects Modi’s decision” and acknowledged India’s continued engagement through virtual participation. Modi will address the summit online, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN ties under the Act East Policy. The change means no in-person bilateral meetings, including potential interactions with regional leaders. Despite his absence, India emphasized its dedication to regional cooperation, trade, and stability through digital diplomacy. (PC: HT File)  

A 21-year-old Indian man, Jashanpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant in the US, caused a crash that killed three people in Southern California. The accident happened on a San Bernardino County freeway when Singh, under the influence of drugs, slammed his truck into slow-moving traffic without braking. Several others were injured, including Singh.   Singh crossed the US southern border in 2022 and was released under the "alternatives to detention" policy. He was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. US authorities confirmed he has no legal immigration status. The crash raises concerns about illegal immigrant truck drivers in the US. 

The U.S. government has introduced new immigration rules that exempt employers from the $100,000 H-1B visa petition fee when hiring F-1 students or extending the status of current H-1B holders. This change, effective from October 20, 2025, means that U.S. employers sponsoring F-1 students for H-1B status or filing petitions for existing H-1B workers seeking an extension will not be required to pay the hefty fee. However, the fee applies if the petition involves a change of status or extension of stay and is deemed ineligible by USCIS. This development is expected to ease the transition for international students and current H-1B workers in the U.S.