Speaking at the DSEI 2023 curtain raiser, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami called for strengthening the India-UK defence partnership. He said defence ties have lagged behind compared to the overall relationship between the two nations. Doraiswami advocated more two-way cooperation in technology and quick business successes in defence. With the largest Indian industry delegation present, he expressed confidence in progressing ties through platforms like DSEI. The high-level engagement shows India and UK's commitment to boosting strategic defence collaboration. Doraiswami outlined a practical vision for realizing the potential, signaling robust engagement as partners eye new initiatives at the premier UK defence event.

The largest-ever Indian defence industry delegation is visiting London for the DSEI 2023 exhibition from September 12-15. At the curtain raiser event on Sunday, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan called India a trusted and valued security partner, stressing shared prosperity and security interests in the Indo-Pacific strategic region. Underscoring the British government's India-focused approach under PM Sunak, she said the UK welcomes India as a permanent UN Security Council member. Trevelyan highlighted deepening Indo-UK defence ties. The high-level Indian presence at the premier global defence event demonstrates expanding cooperation.

After rain delays, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul hammered aggressive centuries against Pakistan on the reserve day. Their big third-wicket partnership exploited Pakistan's defensive tactics as they frequently rotated strikes. Kohli became the fastest to 13000 ODI runs, surpassing Tendulkar. India finished at 356/2, the highest runs against Pakistan in the ODIs. Kohli remained unbeaten on 122 (94 balls) and Rahul not out on 111 (116 balls). On Sunday before the washout, Gill and Rohit had flattened the bowling in a blistering opening stand. Heavy rain later forced the match to the reserve day. But weather forecasts remain bleak with precipitation chances above 70%. 

Indian companies may soon be able to directly list their securities on the London Stock Exchange, as announced during the 12th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue meetings in Delhi. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed India will explore London as a permitted jurisdiction for overseas direct listings by domestic firms, following recent changes in regulations allowing access to global markets. UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt welcomed the move, calling London the "Europe's Silicon Valley" and seeing major potential for cooperation with "Asia's Silicon Valley" India across sectors like technology and finance.      

The Indian stock markets hit major milestones on Monday with the Nifty crossing 20,000 for the first time ever and the Sensex regaining 67,000 levels. Strong buying by domestic institutional investors amid positive macroeconomic data and the successful hosting of the G20 summit drove the momentum. The Nifty hit an all-time high of 20,008 before closing just below 20k at 19,996, up 0.89%. The Sensex settled 0.79% higher at 67,127. Banking, auto, and oil & gas stocks led the rally. Analysts said the landmark reflects robust inflows from retail investors and confidence boosted by India's foreign policy wins. Lower vegetable prices also fueled optimism over easing inflation. 

Indian stock market indices touched new record highs on Monday with the Nifty50 crossing 20,000 points for the first time ever. The BSE Sensex closed 0.79% higher at 67,127 while the NSE Nifty settled 0.91% up at 19,996 after hitting an intraday peak of 20,008. All broader indices also ended in the green, with smallcaps and midcaps surging over 1%. Barring media, all sectoral indices closed higher led by PSU banks, auto, metals and banking stocks. The gains come ahead of key domestic economic data releases. Strong bullish sentiment propelled the markets to new milestones, overcoming global growth concerns.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is pushing for a ban on American XL Bully dogs after an 'appalling' attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham over the weekend. She argues these dogs pose a "clear and lethal danger", particularly to children. Braverman has commissioned urgent advice on outlawing the XL Bully dog breed. However, Environment Secretary Therese Coffey's department is responsible for banning dogs. They have concerns over feasibility as the American XL Bully is not an officially recognized breed and could inadvertently ban other dogs too. 

The UK's week-long heatwave is expected to be broken by thunderstorms in the coming days, according to the Met Office. A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued across parts of Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland until Monday morning. Heavy rain up to 50mm is forecast which could lead to flash flooding and transport disruptions. While Sunday was the seventh consecutive day over 30C, temperatures are predicted to drop from Monday onwards. However some southeastern areas could still reach near 30C. By midweek, cooler weather is expected across the UK, with more rain on Thursday and Friday likely ending the hot spell. The heatwave lasting over seven days in September was unprecedented, the Met Office said.

At the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the partnership between the two countries is crucial for stability and welfare in the region and world. He called Saudi Arabia one of India's most important strategic partners and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his role in the successful G20 summit hosted by India. The Saudi Crown Prince, who is on a state visit to India after the G20 meet, agreed there is great cooperation between the two countries to build opportunities for the future. He congratulated PM Modi on the G20 summit outcomes including the proposed Middle East-India-Europe economic corridor. The two leaders discussed boosting bilateral ties across areas like energy, trade, defense and healthcare.

A video of President Joe Biden's press conference in Vietnam is going viral after it was abruptly ended by White House staff. Biden was rambling in his answers, making awkward jokes, and seemed confused at times. This was the first time a U.S. President's own team has cut short a press briefing in this manner. Many found the moment disturbing and embarrassing. Critics suggested it indicates Biden is not fully in control. The incident has raised concerns about the President's cognitive abilities as he nears the end of his Asia trip. Some netizens called it a failure of White House staff for allowing Biden's confusing briefing to go on so long before intervening.