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)

US President Donald Trump was interrupted during his speech at the Israeli Parliament while addressing the Gaza peace deal ceremony. A left-wing Israeli MP shouted and held up a sign reading “Recognise Palestine” before security officials removed him from the chamber. The incident briefly halted Trump’s speech. The President praised the guards, calling them “very efficient,” which drew laughter from other lawmakers. The protest came as Trump spoke about peace efforts following the Gaza truce between Israel and Hamas. The ejected MP’s action highlighted divisions within Israel over the agreement and the broader issue of Palestinian statehood. (PC : India Today)

The last 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas have returned home after more than two years in captivity. The Israeli military confirmed their release as emotional reunions took place, including twin brothers Ziv and Gali Berman and Omri Miran, who embraced his wife Lishay. In return, Israel is freeing 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees, with the first groups arriving in Ramallah and Gaza. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting Israel, told parliament that the “war is over” in Gaza. He will travel next to Egypt for a peace summit with global leaders to discuss future steps. (PC: BBC)

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their research on innovation and economic growth. The Nobel committee said their work helps explain how new ideas drive long-term progress. Mokyr was honoured for showing how culture and knowledge support continuous innovation. Aghion and Howitt shared the prize for developing the “creative destruction” theory, which explains how new technologies replace old ones to fuel growth. Their ideas have influenced how governments design policies to support innovation, competition, and sustainable development worldwide. (PC: India Today)

Smriti Mandhana created history in India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 match against Australia in Visakhapatnam. The Indian opener scored 80 runs off 66 balls, marking a powerful return to form. She became the fastest woman to reach 5000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 112 innings. Mandhana also became the first woman in ODI history to score over 1000 runs in a calendar year, breaking Belinda Clark’s 1997 record. The 29-year-old’s knock gave India a strong start and lifted team spirits after their earlier loss to South Africa in the tournament.

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. 

Hamas released all 20 Israeli hostages on Monday under a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Seven hostages were handed to the Red Cross in the morning, followed by 13 more later. The hostages had been held in Gaza for over two years. US President Donald Trump, who helped mediate the ceasefire, said, “The war is over. This is a great day.” Crowds in Israel cheered as families reunited through video calls and live broadcasts. Prime Minister Netanyahu prepared personal welcome kits for each returning hostage. The release is part of a swap for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. (PC: India Today)

Paramjit Singh, a 48-year-old US green card holder from India, has been held in a US immigration detention centre since July 30. Singh suffers from a brain tumour and heart problems. He was detained at Chicago airport over old cases, including a 1999 phone fraud and an alleged 2008 forgery case, which his family disputes. Singh’s lawyer says he is not receiving proper medical treatment. His second brain surgery has been delayed. The family is fighting to stop his deportation. Singh’s case will be heard on October 14. Immigration authorities have not responded to requests for comment. (PC: BBC)

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was seen kissing pop star Katy Perry on her yacht near Santa Barbara, California. The photo, taken in September by a tourist on a nearby boat, shows Trudeau shirtless with Perry on the 24-metre yacht Caravelle. Trudeau resigned earlier this year and split from his wife Sophie in 2023. Perry, 40, has a five-year-old daughter with Orlando Bloom. The image went viral on social media, with users criticizing and defending Trudeau. Some mocked his political past, while others said he should be allowed to live freely after leaving office. (PC: HT)