Trump Extends Diwali Greetings; Vows To Strengthen Ties With India And PM Modi

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that the United States' "great partnership" with India and "my good friend Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi" will be strengthened under his administration.

New Delhi, Nov 1: Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that the United States' "great partnership" with India and "my good friend Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi" will be strengthened under his administration.

In a post on X, Trump also extended his greetings on Diwali. "... Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil!," he posted.

In the same post, the former President condemned the violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

"I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos," he said, adding that it would have "never happened" on his watch.

Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden of ignoring Hindus across the world and in America.

He also vowed to make "America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength".

"We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi," he said.

The former President further said that Harris will "destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes".

"By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before -- and we will Make America Great Again," he added.

--IANS

IMD Forecasts Light To Moderate Rain In Odisha For 2 Days

by Hemanta Pande

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: Several districts of Odisha are expected to receive light to moderate rain in the next two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

According to the IMD’s midday bulletin, light to moderate rain and thunderstorm are very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Kendrapadara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal till 8.30 AM on Saturday.

The IMD also predicted light to moderate rainfall at isolated places in Malkangiri and Koraput districts from 8.30 AM on Saturday to 8.30 AM on Sunday.

Many places in the State received light to moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorm In the last 24 hours, the bulletin said.

Read More Odisha News

Australian PM Celebrates Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas In Sydney

by Hemanta Pande

Sydney, Nov 1: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday visited the Sydney Murugan Temple along with Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton to celebrate Diwali with the country's Hindu community.

Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness.

Fantastic to join with the Tamil Australian community at the Sydney Murugan Temple today.

The temple draws in people from all walks of life every day, and has become a sanctuary for Western Sydney's South Asian Hindu… pic.twitter.com/sY1eoRRngs — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 1, 2024

"Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Fantastic to join with the Tamil Australian community at the Sydney Murugan Temple today. The temple draws in people from all walks of life every day, and has become a sanctuary for Western Sydney's South Asian Hindu community," Albanese posted on X.

Later, he also visited Gurdwara Sahib in the Sydney suburb of Glenwood on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas.

"Wonderful to celebrate at Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood today and open the newly expanded kitchen, serving thousands of people every week," Albanese stated while posting photographs of him wearing a turban during the visit.

On Thursday, while extending his Diwali wishes, Albanese said that the festival of lights is an "extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture" that inspires Australians from all walks of life.

"This annual festival of joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society," Albanese stated in his Diwali greetings.

"With its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The rituals and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and heritage. It's a moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared inheritance of centuries of tradition," he added.

The Australian PM emphasised that the festival of lights, joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society.

"As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centres across our nation, may the glowing lights of this cherished festival bring you peace and joy. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a wonderful Diwali," he mentioned.

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India, Pakistan Border Troops Exchange Diwali Sweets Near Jaisalmer

by Hemanta Pande

Jaipur, Nov 1: Indian and Pakistani troops posted on the border exchanged sweets on the occasion of Diwali near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, continuing the tradition of greeting each other on the festival and displaying the flag of peace, an official said on Friday.

Border Security Force officials gave sweets to Pakistani Rangers and the Pakistan Ranger also greeted them by saying “Happy Diwali” and offering sweets.

The exchange of sweets and greeting took place near the Zero line, said the official.

The BSF jawans posted in the desert area under the Rajasthan Frontier celebrated the festival of lights by giving the message of unity and security to the countrymen and lighted diyas at forward posts of the border and distributing sweets.

Women jawans also made rangoli, adding to the celebratory Diwali atmosphere on the border.

In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had celebrated Diwali with soldiers here. He flew to Longewala Post in Rajasthan and rode on a tank during his visit.

PM Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian armed forces this year as well and spent time with soldiers at Lakki Nala in Gujarat's Sir Creek on Thursday.

Extending his wishes, he lauded the commitment and dedication of soldiers stationed at the challenging border area.

"On this sacred land near Sir Creek, it is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with you. When I celebrate with you, the joy of Diwali multiplies. This Diwali is special as Lord Ram has finally returned to his temple in Ayodhya," he said, noting the symbolism of this year's festival.

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude on behalf of India's 140 crore citizens, recognising the courage of the soldiers defending the nation in extreme conditions.

"You serve in regions where temperatures drop below zero in the mountains and where searing heat and desert storms test your resilience. Your dedication shines like steel, intimidating any enemy who attempts to challenge us," he said. (IANS)

Trump Extends Diwali Greetings; Vows To Strengthen Ties With India And PM Modi

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