Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2025 turned central London into a bright festival ground. The event ran from 2pm to 8pm with colourful dances, family activities, and delicious vegetarian food. Children took part in Diwali quizzes and puppet shows while adults joined yoga and sari-tying sessions. Visitors also enjoyed a glimpse of the Goddesses — a peaceful corner for reflection and meditation. From folk dances to Bollywood beats, the square came alive with joy. The festival celebrated light, hope, and togetherness, bringing Londoners closer through shared culture and celebration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the release of all Israeli hostages from Gaza and praised US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi said India supports Trump’s “sincere efforts” to bring peace to the region and hailed Netanyahu’s “strong resolve.” The hostages were freed after more than two years in captivity, following a ceasefire deal brokered by Trump between Israel and Hamas. Modi called their release “a tribute to the courage of their families.” The ceasefire has raised hopes of lasting peace after years of violence in Gaza. (PC: X)

Canada is strengthening ties with India and China amid escalating US-Trump tariff wars, with Foreign Minister Anita Anand traveling to Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Hangzhou this week. Anand met PM Modi Monday, emphasizing stable relationships with major economic players are crucial in current geopolitics. Under PM Mark Carney, Canada has normalized India relations after 2023's Trudeau-era diplomatic standstill, appointing new ambassadors and establishing cross-border crime intelligence frameworks. A joint statement with Jaishankar announced ministerial-level trade discussions and resuming the Canada-India CEO Forum in early 2026. Anand stressed Canada's sovereignty in balancing US-China relations, noting potential collaboration on climate change despite ongoing tariff disputes. (PC: X)

India has announced a $77 billion plan to build a massive power transmission network along the Brahmaputra River. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) said the project will move over 76 gigawatts of hydroelectric power from the northeastern states by 2047. It includes 208 major hydro projects and pumped-storage plants across 12 river sub-basins. Most of the potential lies in Arunachal Pradesh, near the China border. The plan comes amid concerns over China’s dam on the Yarlung Zangbo, which could affect water flow into India. The move supports India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of clean energy by 2030. (PC: Reuters)

Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a second press conference in Delhi on Sunday with female journalists occupying front-row seats, following widespread uproar over women's exclusion from his Friday event. Muttaqi attributed the initial exclusion to a "technical issue," claiming colleagues sent invitations to a specific journalist list without ulterior motives. The historic image of women journalists at the forefront dominated Indian newspapers Monday morning. India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified it had "no involvement in the press interaction" as both conferences occurred at the Afghan embassy. The correction came within 48 hours, marking a significant moment in Taliban diplomatic engagement. (PC: X & Reuters)

Subramanyam "Subu" Vedam, 64, walked free after 43 years of wrongful imprisonment for murder, only to be immediately detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Pennsylvania's longest-serving wrongfully convicted person, Vedam came to America at nine months old and maintained innocence throughout. His 1980 conviction was overturned in August 2025 after prosecutors illegally withheld FBI evidence. Despite earning three magna cum laude degrees, including an MBA with perfect GPA while incarcerated, ICE enforces a 1980s deportation order linked to teenage LSD possession. His family calls potential deportation to India where he has no connections but another terrible injustice. Lawyers filed motions to halt deportation.

US President Donald Trump claimed once again that his tariff threats stopped a potential India-Pakistan nuclear war in May, despite India's firm denial of any third-party mediation in its Operation Sindoor ceasefire. Trump stated he threatened 100-200% tariffs on both nations, settling the situation within 24 hours. This claim comes two days after sending PM Modi a framed photo inscribed "Mr Prime Minister, you are great!" The contradictory stances highlight complex US-India relations amid tough trade negotiations. Trump's commerce officials demand India open its markets, while Foreign Minister Jaishankar maintains "red lines" around farm and dairy sectors. Trade talks continue into their sixth round mid-October.

The 2025 Diwali on Trafalgar Square was not only a cultural celebration but also a show of community partnership. Support from sponsors like Remitly, Ambala, SBI, Dabur 1884, Daawat, Gold Bank, and others helped bring the free festival to life. Visitors enjoyed food stalls, live performances, and workshops throughout the day. Organised by the Mayor of London and Diwali in London Committee, the event featured 200 dancers, family zones, and spiritual activities. The partnerships ensured the Festival of Lights reached thousands across the capital, shining a message of unity and goodwill. 

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, marking her first visit in this capacity. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. Modi recalled his productive June 2025 meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 Summit and expressed optimism about future engagements. Anand emphasized elevating the bilateral relationship while maintaining security dialogue and expanding economic ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Anand, agreeing on an ambitious cooperation roadmap. This visit follows improved relations after Liberal Party leader Mark Carney's April election victory, helping reset ties that deteriorated following Justin Trudeau's 2023 allegations regarding the Nijjar case. (PC: X)

Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square on Sunday, 12 October 2025, to celebrate Diwali — the Festival of Lights. The free event featured 200 dancers, music, and performances from London’s Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. Families enjoyed yoga, puppet shows, and dance workshops. Children joined games and activities in a special zone. Mayor Sadiq Khan said on X, “Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali.” The festival, organised by the Mayor of London and Diwali in London Committee, brought people of all backgrounds together for a day of light, colour, and joy.