At the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi's nameplate read 'Bharat' instead of India, sparking attention amid the 'Bharat' versus 'India' debate. Videos showed Modi addressed as leader of 'Bharat' too. This follows controversy over the dinner invite shift from India to Bharat. The debate prompted speculation Parliament may discuss a name change in the upcoming special session. While BJP pushes for 'Bharat', the opposition calls it a distraction as the term already exists in the constitution. However, Modi has asked ministers to avoid the political heat, noting Bharat is the country's ancient name.

The African Union formally became a new G20 member on Saturday at host India's invitation. Earlier, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Bangladesh, signing 3 MoUs including on digital payments. US President Biden met Modi after arriving in Delhi. India's G20 Sherpa said the Leaders' Declaration is ready and will be presented for consensus. He said it would include developing nations' voices. The two-day summit at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam venue will conclude with leaders adopting a declaration. On Day 1, the AU's inclusion of diversified voices at the summit table. With the stage set, India facilitates global cooperation and unity. [Video: Moment when the African Union formally joined the G20]

At the G20 Summit opening, PM Modi called for transforming the "global trust deficit" into trust-based relationships. He stated India's presidency has become a symbol of inclusion. Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with President Biden post his arrival. He also met Bangladesh PM Hasina, with both nations signing 3 MoUs including on digital payments. More bilateral engagements are expected with the UK, Japan, Germany and Italy. The summit theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" drawn from Sanskrit affirms the interconnectedness of all life on the planet. CLICK on the video link to watch PM MOdi's opening address at the G20 Summit 2023.  

Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed world leaders including President Biden, UK PM Sunak, UN Secretary-General Guterres, and IMF head Georgieva as the G20 Summit kickstarted at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam on Saturday. Modi greeted delegates with 'Namaste', handshakes, and some 'power hugs' with Biden, Sunak, and Saudi Crown Prince Salman. He was also seen explaining the Konark wheel replica to Biden. In his opening address, Modi appealed to the world to turn trust deficit into confidence in each other and proposed making the African Union a permanent G20 member. The grand opening reflected India's emergence as a globally influential voice championing unity and inclusive development.

In an ANI interview, UK PM Rishi Sunak asserted no form of extremism or violence is acceptable in Britain. He said his government is working closely with India specifically to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism, which won't be tolerated. Sunak stated security ministers held talks and intelligence is being shared to root out violent extremism. He unambiguously said attacks like the one that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London are not right and won't be tolerated. Sunak's strong stand against Khalistani activity reflects cooperation to combat a shared threat. With extremism concerns in India, his pledge not to allow UK soil for terror groups sends a reassuring message. 

Shah Rukh Khan's "Jawan" made history in the world of Hindi cinema by raking in a staggering ₹129.6 crore on its opening day worldwide. The film's domestic debut earnings stood at ₹65.5 crores, surpassing "Pathaan's" ₹55 crores. Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to the enthusiastic fans worldwide for their tremendous support, infusing a festive atmosphere into Jawan's opening day. The fervor for "Jawan" swept through Indian cities, notably in Bengaluru, where SRK's admirers orchestrated a grand celebration with towering banners and vibrant "Zinda Banda" dances. Directed by Atlee and produced by SRK and Gauri Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment, "Jawan" was released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, received a warm welcome in Delhi for the G20 leaders' summit. Later, Sunak and Akshata visited the British Council headquarters in Delhi, meeting local schoolchildren participating in UK-funded programs. Sunak engaged with the children, inquiring about India's historic Moon landing and expressing his enthusiasm for the achievement. Akshata Murty interacted with the children and their coding projects and also played some football with them. The couple also discussed some literature with the young readers, including William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." PM Sunak described India as “a country that’s near and dear to me” expressing his excitement in returning as UK's prime minister to the land of his parents.

As India gets ready to host the G20 Summit on September 9-10, world leaders including US President Biden, UK PM Sunak, Japan's Kishida, and others arrived in Delhi amid grand welcomes. Biden landed at 7pm, proceeding to meet Modi at his residence. PM Modi also held bilateral meetings with Mauritius and Bangladesh counterparts. Over 30 heads of state and top EU officials will attend along with leaders of guest nations and international organizations. Host city Delhi is under security wraps. Strict traffic restrictions are in place around the summit venue and hotels. With the stage set and leaders converging, India looks to make its mark globally by hosting the prestigious gathering of the 20 largest economies.

"Gadar 2," set to become the second-highest-grossing Hindi film on Friday, September 8, 2023, faced international underperformance due to subpar marketing. Despite its domestic triumph, industry insiders believe it could have raked in even more globally with strategic promotion. A marked contrast emerged with films like 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan,' which received extensive marketing tailored for international audiences. Did the reluctance to aggressively market 'Gadar 2' abroad stem from fears of its nationalist theme clashing with the interest of influential British Pakistani advertisers and outlets? CLICK on the link below to read the OPINION PIECE.

In a shocking event, a peaceful yoga class was mistaken for a "ritual mass murder" scene. ‘Concerned members’ of the public witnessed individuals lying on the floor and promptly alerted the U.K. police, triggering a dramatic response with sirens blaring. Upon arrival, the police found the yoga practitioners engaged in quiet meditation. The incident occurred at the Seaside Cafe inside the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards. The cafe clarified on social media that it hosts regular yoga classes and assured the public that it is not affiliated with any unusual cults or clubs. Lincolnshire police acknowledged that the emergency call was made with good intentions. [Photo: Seascape Cafe facebook page]