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)

US President Donald Trump praised the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, calling it a “moment of peace” for the Middle East. Speaking in Israel’s Parliament, Trump said, “It’s time to rebuild Gaza and build your people up.” He repeated his claim of ending “eight wars in eight months” and urged Palestinians to turn away from “terror and violence.” Trump also asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges. As part of the ceasefire, 20 Israeli hostages and over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners were released. Trump thanked Arab and Muslim nations for their help and said peace with Iran “will happen.” (PC: AP)

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.

All 20 surviving Israeli hostages returned home Monday in emotional reunions following a US-brokered ceasefire, ending their two-year Hamas captivity since October 7, 2023. Eitan Mor, 23, tearfully embraced his parents in scenes replicated across Israel. The IDF's "Returning Home" operation released hostages in two batches, initially seven then 13 more who underwent medical assessments before helicopter transport to hospitals. Most were abducted from the Nova Music festival near Kibbutz Reim. Hamas originally seized 251 hostages; only 67 have returned alive. The release coincided with Simchat Torah, Judaism's most joyous holiday. Tel Aviv's Hostages Square erupted in celebration, though grief lingered for the 27 who died in captivity.

Israel endorsed Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize following Hamas's release of all 20 Israeli hostages under the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire. Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Trump "the greatest friend Israel has had in the White House," stating his name will be "carved into Israel's legacy." Trump received a standing ovation before his address, where he proclaimed the end of "an age of terror" and the beginning of a "historic dawn of a new Middle East." Netanyahu praised Trump's decisive leadership, noting he'd never seen any president move the world so quickly. Trump called this Israel's "Golden Age."

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.

Hamas released all 20 Israeli live hostages on Monday in two phases under a new Gaza ceasefire agreement. Seven hostages were freed initially, followed by 13 more, ending their two-year captivity. US President Donald Trump, who mediated the ceasefire, arrived in Israel and declared "the war is over," calling it a new beginning. The hostages will undergo medical assessments before returning home. In exchange, Israel will release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Trump is scheduled to address the Israeli parliament and attend a Gaza peace summit in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh with over 20 global leaders. However, uncertainties remain regarding Gaza's post-war governance and Hamas's disarmament.

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)