On the occasion of Diwali at the White House, Donald Trump lit lamps and extended warm wishes to the people of India. He announced that he had spoken with Narendra Modi, with discussions focusing on boosting trade between the US and India, and on maintaining peace with Pakistan — emphasising that “we have no war with Pakistan and India.” Trump also touched on tariffs on Indian goods and upcoming tariff hikes on China, while referencing wider global peace-efforts including the Middle East. (PC: ANI)  

Tamil Nadu is on high alert as continuous heavy rain hits several districts. The weather office has issued a red alert for eight coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may soon develop into a cyclone. Schools and colleges in affected areas are closed as precaution. Chennai recorded up to 100 mm of rainfall, with water released from reservoirs to prevent flooding. Fishermen have been told not to venture into the sea. Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed emergency measures while rescue teams prepared for possible evacuation and relief work. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump warned Hamas of a “fast, furious and brutal” response if it violates the Gaza ceasefire. He said several US allies were ready to enter Gaza and strike Hamas but claimed he told them and Israel to wait. Trump urged Hamas to “do what is right” to avoid destruction. The warning comes as both sides accuse each other of breaking the truce over aid and hostage issues. US Vice President JD Vance is visiting Israel to discuss Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which includes Hamas disarmament and steps toward a lasting peace.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh shared their first Diwali photo with daughter Dua Padukone Singh on Instagram. The couple wished fans “Dipawali ki hardik shubhkamnayein” in a joint post. Deepika wore a red saree with gold jewelry, Ranveer chose a cream kurta with floral embroidery, and Dua matched her mother in a red outfit. The post received warm wishes from celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Rajkummar Rao, and Ananya Panday. Deepika and Ranveer welcomed Dua on September 8, 2024. Deepika was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD and will next appear in Shah Rukh Khan’s King. (PC: Instagram)

Andhra Pradesh is seeking new markets for its shrimp exports after US tariffs made trade costly. The state’s IT and HRD Minister, N Lokesh Naidu, said Australia may ease restrictions on importing Indian prawns. He met with Seafood Industry Australia and discussed trade missions and partnerships to help local exporters. Andhra Pradesh supplies 80% of India’s shrimp and 34% of marine exports, supporting over 30 lakh people. US tariffs had canceled around half of the orders, costing the state nearly Rs 25,000 crore. The move to Australia aims to reduce dependence on a single market and boost exports. (PC: X)

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan’s first female prime minister. Her rise is historic in a male-dominated political system. Many celebrate this as a step for women. But critics say Takaichi’s conservative views may not help gender equality. She opposes same-sex marriage, separate surnames for married women, and women in the imperial succession. Some young women say her leadership may reinforce traditional roles. Takaichi supports childcare incentives but sticks to conservative policies. Her backers include senior LDP figures like Taro Aso. While her election is symbolic, experts say real change for women in Japan may still be slow. (PC: X)

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy dispute continues as ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to send the trophy to India. He asked the BCCI to hold a ceremony in India and send a player to collect it personally. The issue began after India beat Pakistan in the final and skipped the award ceremony in protest against Naqvi’s remarks. The BCCI later demanded the trophy through a formal letter, calling Naqvi’s actions unacceptable. The standoff has now become a fresh flashpoint in India-Pakistan cricket ties, with no resolution yet in sight.

Delhi’s air quality hit its worst post-Diwali level in five years despite claims of using ‘green’ firecrackers. PM2.5 levels touched 488 micrograms per cubic metre on average and peaked at 675 on Diwali night — about 100 times the safe limit. Experts said weak winds and dropping temperatures trapped the pollution. Data showed that local emissions, not stubble burning, were the main cause this year. The air quality index was higher than the last three years, proving that ‘green’ crackers made little difference. Health experts warned of serious risks to children and the elderly. (PC: NDTV)

Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has dismissed Pakistan’s claims that India is behind tensions in the region. He called the allegations “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.” Mujahid said Afghanistan manages its foreign relations independently and will continue to strengthen ties with India based on national interests. He added that Kabul does not allow its land to be used against any country, including Pakistan. Mujahid also urged both nations to focus on trade and good relations. The statement comes amid growing border clashes and Pakistan’s accusations of Afghan support for militant groups. (PC: HT)

In a big relief for Indian tech workers and students, the US has said that the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee will not apply to those already in the country. The rule, announced by President Donald Trump last month, had caused panic among Indian professionals. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that existing visa holders and students changing their status to H-1B will be exempt. The move benefits thousands of Indians working in the US tech sector. Indians make up nearly 70% of all H-1B visa holders in the US. (PC: HT)