Tilda, the UK’s top rice brand, partnered with top South Asian catering company Madhu’s to host an elegant Diwali celebration on 9th October 2024, in Central London at Madhu’s at Mayfair. The event brought together food influencers, longstanding customers, and top media outlets for a luxurious evening filled with culture, community, and culinary excellence. The evening began with guests being welcomed with fragrant jasmine garlands, followed by a heartfelt speech from Tilda’s Managing Director, Jean-Philippe Laborde. He emphasized the brand's commitment to community and long-standing partnerships, saying, “Tonight, we’re not just celebrating a festival; we’re honouring relationships with key partners and customers we’ve known not just for weeks or months, but for decades. At Tilda, we take pride in bringing people together through food and tradition, especially during special occasions like Diwali.” Sanjay Anand MBE, Founder and Chairman of Madhu’s, shared his thoughts on the importance of partnerships, stating, “Rice holds such significance in our culture. It has been a staple part of our South Asian communities' diet and has both religious and cultural relevance. A special thanks to my team and the team at Tilda for making tonight possible.” Guests enjoyed a curated menu, featuring two showstopping biryanis and a decadent mango kheer, created by Chef Amardeep Anand and Chef Poonam Ball. The dishes showcased the versatility of Tilda rice in traditional and modern Diwali dishes. The evening also featured entertainment by magician Oliver B and a Bollywood band, followed by curated Diwali hampers as takeaway gifts. The event successfully blended tradition, food, and culture, celebrating the true essence of Diwali.

The Pentagon announced that the U.S. has conducted "precision strikes" on five weapons storage sites in Yemen controlled by the Houthi group. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that U.S. forces, including long-range bombers, targeted underground facilities that were being used to launch attacks on civilian and military ships in the region. This operation underscores the U.S. capability to strike facilities that adversaries attempt to keep hidden. Since November, the Houthis have reportedly attacked around 100 ships in the Red Sea, sinking two vessels, claiming these actions are retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

A Vistara flight from Frankfurt to Mumbai received a security threat via social media on Wednesday, marking the 13th fake bomb threat against Indian flights in just four days. Following a safe landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the aircraft was taken to an isolation bay for inspection. The threats have targeted multiple airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, affecting both domestic and international routes. A Vistara spokesperson confirmed that all passengers and crew on flight UK 028 were safe and that the relevant authorities were promptly informed of the situation.

Nayab Singh Saini, a prominent OBC leader, is set to take oath as Haryana's Chief Minister for the second time, following BJP's third consecutive victory in the state assembly elections. Saini was unanimously elected as the BJP's Legislature Party leader, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in attendance. He subsequently met Governor Bandaru Dattatreya to stake his claim to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for today in Panchkula, will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, coinciding with Valmiki Jayanti.

Stray dogs in Gaza are reportedly scavenging on the bodies of Palestinians killed during Israeli air and ground strikes. Fares Afana, head of emergency services in northern Gaza, stated that his team has received bodies showing signs of being eaten by animals, complicating their identification. He criticized the Israeli military actions, stating that they are "destroying everything that represents life." The ongoing conflict has resulted in a death toll of 42,400 in Gaza, with continuous assaults reported in areas like Jabalia, where Israel claims Hamas fighters are regrouping.

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, died in Buenos Aires after falling from the third floor of a hotel, police reported. Hours before his death, Payne posted Snapchat videos talking about his plans while on holiday in Argentina, including playing polo. The videos were likely filmed earlier, as they featured his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who had returned to Florida earlier in the week. Payne spoke about the difficulty of playing polo and the physical strain it caused him. His sudden death has shocked fans, with investigations underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the most senior Supreme Court judge, as his successor. The government had requested the recommendation last Friday, in accordance with the Memorandum of Procedure. Justice Chandrachud is set to retire on November 8, after a two-year term. If approved by the government, Justice Khanna will become the 51st Chief Justice of India, serving a six-month tenure until his retirement on May 13, 2025. Justice Khanna's appointment awaits formal approval, marking a smooth transition in the leadership of India’s judiciary.

Elon Musk has donated nearly $75 million to a political action committee supporting Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The PAC, Musk's America, raised $74.95 million between July 1 and September 30. Musk, currently the world’s richest man, has become more involved in Trump's campaign, appearing with him at a Pennsylvania rally and criticizing his opponent, Kamala Harris, on social media. Trump has publicly mentioned Musk at rallies and promised to appoint him to a committee focused on cutting government bureaucracy. Polls indicate a close race between Trump and Harris for the presidency.

Tributes are pouring in after the tragic death of Liam Payne, former One Direction star, who died at 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Payne gained worldwide fame in 2010 after appearing on The X Factor, where One Direction was formed. TV presenter Dermot O'Leary, who hosted the show, expressed his sadness, recalling Payne's impressive audition. Payne's sudden death has shocked fans and the entertainment industry, with many paying tribute to his talent and love for music. Argentine police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted that Canada had shared only intelligence, not concrete proof, with India before publicly accusing the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Speaking at a foreign interference inquiry, Trudeau stated that Canadian agencies had initially tried to engage with India privately regarding the matter. The accusations, made by Trudeau in September, have since strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India. Trudeau's revelation further fuels controversy over Canada's stance on the Nijjar killing, with India firmly denying any involvement in the incident.