Trump hosted Diwali at the White House, praising the festival’s message and his friendship with PM Modi, and wishing peace and prosperity to Indian-American communities.
US President Donald Trump celebrates Diwali at the White House. (White House)
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House with members of the Indian-American community, diplomats, and senior officials.
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade… He’s very interested in that. Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing. He’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years," Trump said.
“In a few moments, we’ll light the Diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness… It’s knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives free. The glow of the Diya flame reminds us to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings…," he added.
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On Monday, Trump extended his greetings to Americans observing Diwali, describing the festival of lights as a time for unity, hope, and celebration.
In a statement, Trump said, “Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali – the ‘Festival of Lights’." He highlighted the festival’s enduring symbolism, noting that for many, Diwali is a reminder of light triumphing over darkness.
The President emphasised that the celebration goes beyond religious observance. “It is also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal," he said.
Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide, is marked by the lighting of diyas and lanterns, feasting, and sharing of sweets. Trump noted the festival’s message of moral victory and the triumph of good over evil.
“As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil," the president said. He encouraged Americans to reflect on the deeper meanings of the festival and embrace its positive values.
In his statement, Trump also extended hopes for personal and communal well-being. “To every American celebrating Diwali, may this observance bring abiding serenity, prosperity, hope, and peace," he said. The message underscores the growing recognition of cultural and religious diversity in the United States, where Diwali has become an increasingly visible celebration in communities across the country.
Over the years, Diwali has become an important occasion for Americans of Indian origin and those embracing multicultural traditions. Events are held in major cities, including New York, Chicago, and Washington DC, featuring traditional performances, prayers, and community gatherings.
Newsworld Trump Hosts Diwali Celebration At White House With Indian-American Community
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Gardaí arrested six after violent protests outside a Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan condemned attacks on police
The Irish police on Tuesday arrested six people after they were attacked with bricks, fireworks and glass bottles outside a hotel in Dublin that was being used to house asylum seekers.
BBC quoted Gardaí (Irish police) as saying that protesters attempted to breach the police cordon by charging the line with horse-drawn sulkies (carts). They reportedly carried garden forks and tools, while others damaged walls to get missiles. The police helicopter was also targeted with lasers and an officer even received an injury during the protest.
According to The Guardian, the disturbances flared a day after a man was charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault. A 26-year-old asylum seeker had allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old at or near the Citywest facility, which is in south-west Dublin.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said: “The actions can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence against gardaí."
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“I utterly condemn the attacks on gardaí who did their jobs professionally and with great courage to keep people safe," he said.
According to RTE, the protesters – some of whom waved Irish flags and held anti-immigrant placards – numbered up to 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin condemned the attacks on police and said: “There can be no justification for the vile abuse against them, or the attempted assaults and attacks on members of the force that will shock all right-thinking people."
“I pay tribute to the frontline gardaí (Irish police) who acted courageously and quickly to restore order," he added.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan also slammed the attacks on police. “This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the gardaí. Those involved will be brought to justice," he said.
“It is clear to me from talking to colleagues that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it," he added.
Newsworld Protest Erupts In Dublin Outside Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers
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From November 1, 155% Will Be Imposed On China: Trump
Donald Trump justified 155% tariffs on China from November 1, blaming past Presidents, and announced plans to visit China next year amid ongoing US China trade tensions.
US President Donald Trump celebrates Diwali at the White House. (White House)
Amid rising tensions between the US and China, President Donald Trump on Tuesday attacked past Presidents and said imposition of 155% tariffs on Beijing from November 1 was justified as they had been “very rough with us over the years because we had presidents that weren’t smart from a business standpoint".
“… Right now, as of November 1st, China will have about 155% tariffs put on it. I don’t think it’s sustainable for them. I want to be nice to China. But China has been very rough with us over the years because we had presidents that weren’t smart from a business standpoint… They allowed China and every other country to take advantage of us," Trump said at the White House.
The President on Tuesday hosted a Diwali celebration with members of the India-American community at the White House.
“I made a deal with the European Union. I made a deal with Japan and South Korea. A lot of these deals are great deals… It’s about national security. I was able to do it because of tariffs. We’re getting hundreds of billions, even trillions of dollars paid into the United States… We’ll start paying off debt…," he added.
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Previously, in an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump was asked whether the steep tariffs levied by both countries could continue indefinitely.
“It’s not sustainable," he said, adding, “That’s what the number is, it’s probably not, you know, it could stand but they forced me to do that."
On Monday, Trump said that he would travel to China early next year and expected to seal a trade deal in South Korea with President Xi Jinping later this month despite a recent row over tariffs.
“I’ve been invited to go to China, and I’ll be doing that sometime fairly early next year. We have it sort of set," Trump told reporters as he hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House.
The comments come as the trade war between the world’s two largest economies continues to rattle global markets. Washington’s import duties on Chinese goods have climbed to as high as 145 percent, sparking concerns about supply chains and slowing growth. Although both sides agreed to a 90-day truce earlier this year, that pause is set to expire on November 10 unless extended.
Earlier, Donald Trump warned that the US could impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese products by November 1 if negotiations did not progress.
Newsworld From November 1, 155% Will Be Imposed On China: Trump
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If Hamas Don't Honour The Deal, They'll Be Taken Care Of Very Quickly, Says Trump
Trump praised Middle East peace efforts, warned Hamas to honour the ceasefire. Hamas has been accused of shooting so-called collaborators and carried out executions out in the open
US President Donald Trump celebrates Diwali at the White House. (White House)
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the Hamas are “violent people" and they “could be put out in two minutes" but they were being given chance to honour the ceasefire deal.
“We are forging peace all over the world… We’re getting everybody to get along. I just got a call from the Middle East. We’re doing very well there. We have many countries signed on to peace in the Middle East, and nobody thought they’d ever see that happening," Trump said during a Diwali celebration at the White House.
He further said: “The Hamas situation, they’re pretty violent people. We could put that out in two minutes. We’re giving them a chance. They agreed that they’d be very good and straight. They wouldn’t be killing people."
“If they don’t honour the deal, they’ll be taken care of very quickly. It is total peace in the Middle East; we have levels of friendship with everybody. Every country that hated each other now loves each other. Nobody ever saw anything like it…," he added.
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Hamas has been accused of shooting so-called collaborators and allegedly carried out executions out in the open. Israeli soldiers told Haaretz that they could not stop Hamas since they had no jurisdiction following the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces dropped 153 tonnes (337,307 pounds) of bombs on targets in Gaza in response to what it said was a ceasefire breach by the Palestinian group Hamas.
Earlier, the President threatened to have the group “eradicated" if ultimately necessary.
In a post on social media, he said: “Numerous of our NOW GREAT ALLIES in the Middle East, and areas surrounding the Middle East, have explicitly and strongly, with great enthusiasm, informed me that they would welcome the opportunity, at my request, to go into GAZA with a heavy force and “straighten our Hamas" if Hamas continues to act badly, in violation of their agreement with us."
“The love and spirit for the Middle East has not been seen like this in a thousand years! It is a beautiful thing to behold! I told these countries, and Israel, “NOT YET!" There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right. If they do not, an end to Hamas will be FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL! I would like to thank all of those countries that called to help. Also, I would like to thank the great and powerful country of Indonesia, and its wonderful leader, for all of the help they have shown and given to the Middle East, and to the U.S.A. TO EVERYONE, thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added.
Both Israel and Hamas have said they are committed to the US-backed truce despite the weekend’s violence, and Israel confirmed that Hamas handed over the body of a hostage on Monday, taking the total to 13 of the 28 it had pledged to return.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that Hamas had to make good on its commitment to return the remains of all the hostages in order to implement the ceasefire agreement.
Newsworld If Hamas Don't Honour The Deal, They'll Be Taken Care Of Very Quickly, Says Trump
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Strong 6.1 Earthquake In Afghanistan Shakes Up Kashmir
According to initial reports from seismic monitoring agencies, the earthquake’s epicentre was likely located in the Hindu Kush mountainous region of Afghanistan
The area spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North India is one of the world's most seismically active zones. (Representational image/AP)
An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Afghanistan late on Tuesday night, sending significant tremors across the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, most notably throughout the Kashmir region.
The seismic event, though centred far beyond India’s border, served as a stark reminder of the shared geological vulnerability across South Asia.
According to initial reports from seismic monitoring agencies, the earthquake’s epicentre was likely located in the Hindu Kush mountainous region of Afghanistan, a deep-seated seismic zone. The Hindu Kush is known for its frequent, often deep-focus quakes, which transmit energy efficiently over vast distances. The tremor occurred at approximately 11.45 pm IST on Tuesday, catching residents off guard as they slept or prepared for the night.
In Kashmir, people in Srinagar, Jammu, and other major districts reported strong, prolonged shaking that lasted for several seconds, prompting many to rush out of their homes in panic. While Indian authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the intensity of the tremors was severe enough to cause widespread alarm.
The area spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North India is one of the world’s most seismically active zones, lying on the powerful Alpide Belt. This intense seismic activity is a direct result of the ongoing, forceful collision of the Indian Tectonic Plate pushing northward against the Eurasian Plate. This immense pressure is accommodated along active fault lines, particularly in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan arc, where the accumulated stress is periodically released in the form of earthquakes.
The repeated tremors underscore the critical need for continued vigilance and adherence to earthquake-resistant building codes, especially in vulnerable regions like Kashmir, which have a history of devastating seismic events.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More
Newsworld Strong 6.1 Earthquake In Afghanistan Shakes Up Kashmir
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