Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali aboard INS Vikrant, telling naval personnel the aircraft carrier's "very name took away Pakistan's sleep." During his address off Goa-Karwar coast, Modi praised the warship as a "towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India," representing the nation's innovation and determination. He highlighted how India's three forces' coordination "forced Pakistan to surrender quickly in Operation Sindoor." Modi described his overnight stay aboard as "unforgettable," witnessing patriotic performances and immense enthusiasm. He called the indigenous carrier "not merely a warship, but testimony to 21st-century India's talent, impact, and commitment," emphasizing that courage makes military equipment truly formidable beyond their impressive specifications.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel aboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, off the coast of Goa and Karwar. He spent the night onboard and said he felt “fortunate to be here.” Reflecting on his experience, PM Modi said he learned the importance of living in the moment and admired the Navy’s dedication. Watching the ocean at night and sunrise at sea made his Diwali special, he said. Modi praised the sailors’ performance depicting Operation Sindoor, calling it a moving reminder of their courage and service to the nation. (PC: X)

Thieves stole precious gems from the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, October 19. The robbers used a mechanical ladder and cut through glass to enter the Apollo Gallery around 9:30 a.m. The gallery houses priceless crown jewels, including diamonds mined in Golconda, India. Authorities have not confirmed which pieces were taken. The Regent diamond, worth $60 million, remains safe, officials said. Other famous diamonds like the Hortensia and Sancy are being checked. Many of these jewels have deep links to India’s history, raising new calls for their return to the country. Police are investigating the theft. (PC: Instagram)

Rohit Godara claimed responsibility for shooting Lawrence Bishnoi's close aide Hari Boxer in California, USA. In a purported Facebook post, Godara said he and Goldy Brar orchestrated the Highway 41 attack near Fresno, where one associate died instantly and another was hospitalized. Boxer reportedly fled, hiding under a car seat. Godara warned, "He may hide in any corner of earth, but we will not spare him," calling Boxer a "coward" and "biggest traitor." Godara left Bishnoi's gang months ago, now operating independently with Brar. Both are wanted by NIA and state police. Their rivalry escalated after Godara accused Bishnoi of colluding with American agencies.

India's unprecedented silver demand during Dhanteras and Diwali triggered a global crisis, shocking London markets. MMTC-Pamp India, the country's largest refinery, depleted stocks for the first time in history as buyers shifted from record-high gold to silver. Social media influencers promoted silver's favorable 100-to-1 gold ratio, sparking viral buying frenzy. London vaults ran dry as ETF investors held $36 billion in silver. JPMorgan informed clients it couldn't deliver October silver to India. Prices surged above $54 per ounce before plunging 6.7%. Indian premiums skyrocketed from cents to $5 per ounce. Kotak, UTI, and SBI halted silver fund subscriptions. Major banks stopped quoting prices amid extreme market stress. (PC: APN News) 

Walt Disney World Resort celebrated the spirit of Diwali through the third annual Diwali Dance Fest, featuring over 500 dancers from across the globe. The spectacular event was organized by Jashn Productions and produced by Jeanie Beri, bringing together diverse performers to honor the festival of lights at the iconic Florida theme park. The celebration showcased cultural unity and the growing recognition of Diwali on international platforms. This marks the third consecutive year Disney has hosted the festival, demonstrating the entertainment giant's commitment to celebrating diverse cultural traditions. The vibrant performances illuminated the resort with traditional Indian dance forms, creating a fusion of Eastern festivities within Western entertainment spaces.

US President Donald Trump claimed Sunday he spoke with PM Narendra Modi about halting Russian oil imports, warning "massive" tariffs would continue until India complies. "I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he's not going to be doing the Russian oil thing," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. When informed India denied any such conversation, Trump responded, "But if they want to say that, then they'll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don't want to do that." Russian oil purchases remain a key tension point in Washington-New Delhi trade talks. India's External Affairs Ministry earlier stated no recent phone call occurred between the leaders.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced plans for a "strategic alliance" with India, strengthening cooperation across political, economic, and technological domains. Following Vice President Geraldo Alckmin's recent India visit, Lula called India "an exceptional market" for collaboration in space, entrepreneurship, and economics. Major announcements include Embraer opening an Indian office and electronic visa introduction for business travel. Alckmin emphasized "economic complementarity" rather than competition amid US tariff hikes. The initiative aligns with BRICS' agenda promoting multipolarity and reducing Western market dependency. During PM Modi's July Brazil visit, leaders targeted $20 billion bilateral trade within five years. Current India-Brazil trade stands at $12.19 billion annually. (PC: X) 

US President Donald Trump renewed threats of "massive tariffs" against India over Russian oil imports, claiming PM Modi assured him New Delhi would halt such purchases. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated Modi told him India wouldn't continue "the Russian oil thing," warning of severe tariffs otherwise. When informed India denied recent conversations, Trump replied they'd "continue to pay massive tariffs." His remarks follow Wednesday's Oval Office statement where he called Modi's alleged commitment "a big step." India's External Affairs Ministry clarified no recent phone call occurred, emphasizing their energy policy focuses on "broad-basing and diversifying" sources to ensure stable prices and secured supplies amid volatile global markets, prioritizing consumer interests. (PC: Firstpost & TRT Global)

The holy city of Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records during Deepotsav 2025 by lighting 26,17,215 diyas along the Saryu river and for the most people performing diya rotation. The spectacular event, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, filled the city with devotion and celebration. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received the Guinness certificates and said the festival reflects the victory of truth and faith. The evening featured dazzling laser, light, and drone shows, watched by thousands of devotees. Deepotsav, which began in 2017, continues to grow each year as a global symbol of Ayodhya’s spiritual pride. (PC: India Today)