The Shorts91 team visited Durga Puja pandals across West London this Saturday, soaking in the festive atmosphere that evoked the feel of India far from home. Prabashi UK Pandal's golden theme and delicious bhog transported us to Kolkata. The newly launched Prayas UK Pandal signified the younger generation taking over organizing the celebrations. Bengal Heritage Foundation's Sharad Utsav provided four days of cultural events, worship, and free bhog. With over 10,000 visitors, they host various cultural programs year-round. These groups help Indians in London feel connected to their roots during festivals when homesickness peaks. Their efforts truly capture the spirit of Durga Puja abroad.

Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, an Indian-origin diplomat, has been appointed as the US Ambassador to Indonesia by President Joe Biden. With nearly 30 years of service in the State Department, she holds the position of Minister-Counselor, and her most recent role was Executive Secretary of the Department of State. Her father, Noor, immigrated from Mumbai to the US in the 1940s. Lakhdhir is a Harvard graduate and holds an M.S. from the National War College. She previously served as the Ambassador to Malaysia from 2017 to 2021 and as the US Consul General in Belfast, Northern Ireland from 2009 to 2011.  

In Iran, two female journalists have received preliminary sentences, which can be appealed within 20 days. Niloufar Hamedi, who reported on Mahsa Amini's death due to her loosely worn headscarf, faces a seven-year prison term, while Elaheh Mohammadi, who covered Amini's funeral, received a six-year sentence. Charges include "collaborating with the hostile American government," "colluding against national security," and "propaganda against the system." Both journalists, detained since September 2022, worked for Shargh and Ham-Mihan newspapers. These sentences follow their coverage of Amini's death in police custody in September 2022.  

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Sunday that India had invoked diplomatic parity with Canada, leading the North American nation to recall 41 of its diplomats. This decision was prompted by concerns regarding "continuous interference" in India's internal affairs by Canadian personnel. Jaishankar underscored the significance of parity, which is a principle enshrined in the Vienna Convention, an international diplomatic agreement. He stated, "But in our case, we invoked parity because we had concerns about continuous interference in our affairs by Canadian personnel. We haven't made much of that public. My sense is over time, more details will emerge, shedding light on why we felt uncomfortable with many of them.

Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days of Durga Puja. The day holds profound significance within Hindu culture and is believed to be the day when the energy and power of Goddess Durga peak, commemorating her fierce battle and ultimate victory over Mahishasura. Devotees pay homage to Ma Durga in her formidable warrior form on this day. Though Kolkata is know for its grand celebration of Durga puja, but the real essence of the festivities lies in the 'para pujo' (community pujas) of the city. Hundreds of these pujas brings thousands together. Shorts91 became a part of one such 'para pujo' organised by the Jadavpur Uttarpally Adhibashibrinda in South Kolkata. After the morning puja and aarti its time for the legendary Sandhi Puja held during the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 minutes of Navami. 108 lamps are lit and offerings made to seek blessings. The festive spirit and fervour is at its peak on Maha Ashtami in Kolkata and accross the world.

Amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel's military issued urgent warnings to residents in north Gaza, urging them to move south to avoid being considered sympathizers with a "terrorist organization." The warnings, delivered through leaflets and mobile phone audio messages, came as Israel intensified airstrikes on Gaza and prepared for a potential land incursion. While Israel stated it had no intention to label non-evacuated individuals as terrorists, Palestinians expressed concerns about the risks of moving south amidst ongoing airstrikes. Over 50 Palestinians were killed in recent Israeli airstrikes, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, embraced the spirit of Durga Puja by pandal hopping in Delhi's Chittaranjan Park. During his visit, Garcetti participated in rituals, savored Bengali delicacies, and performed the traditional Dhunuchi Naach, a highlight of the Puja celebrations. He shared his delightful experience on social media, expressing admiration for India's cultural diversity. Garcetti's active participation in the festivities, including dancing and interacting with attendees, earned him praise and warm reception from social media users, highlighting the significance of cultural exchange and acceptance.

China significantly increased military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India in 2022, as per a Pentagon report. The report highlights Beijing's infrastructure developments, including underground storage facilities near Doklam, new roads, villages in disputed areas, a dual-purpose airport, and multiple helipads. These advancements, initiated after the Galwan Valley clash, indicate heightened tensions. Despite limited progress in border negotiations, China's military buildup along the LAC continues, prompting concerns about regional stability. The report also notes China's expanding navy and predicts over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030.      

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, estimated at 100,000, marched in London demanding Israel to halt its Gaza bombardment as the Israel-Hamas conflict entered its third week. Waving Palestinian flags, protesters called for an end to the blockade and airstrikes. Similar protests occurred globally. Amid the rallies, concerns rose about rising antisemitic offenses, urging demonstrators to be mindful of the Jewish community's anxieties. In various cities worldwide, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations took place, emphasizing calls for peace and immediate ceasefires, highlighting the global impact of the ongoing conflict.

India braces for an unusual occurrence as twin cyclones, 'Tej' in the Arabian Sea and 'Hamoon' in the Bay of Bengal, take form. 'Tej' intensifies, set to become a severe storm heading towards Oman and Yemen, while 'Hamoon' is in the early stages, anticipated to approach Andhra coast. Both cyclones, predicted based on the 2018 rare phenomenon, won't significantly impact India's weather, except for slight changes in Chennai and coastal Tamil Nadu. While 'Tej' progresses, 'Hamoon' may form by October 23, following distinct paths over 2,500 km apart.