Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'wagh nakh', a dagger, shaped like tiger claws used by him to kill Bijapur general Afzal Khan in 1659, will likely return to India from the UK this year. Maharashtra state minister Sudhir Mungantiwar will visit London to sign an agreement with the Victoria and Albert Museum to bring back the artifact. The V&A Museum said: "The V&A looks forward to welcoming senior leadership from the Maharashtra Government in October, to sign a memorandum of understanding." The 'wagh nakh' has been in the UK's possession and will return in time for the anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji's killing of Afzal Khan based on the Hindu calendar. Mungantiwar said attempts to bring back other objects like Shivaji’s sword will also be made. CLICK the video to see the priceless piece on Shorts91.

Interacting with media in Brussels, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said there is a "full-scale assault" on India's democratic institutions and the EU has concerns over attempts to "stifle" the country's democracy. Gandhi, on a European tour, held discussions with EU parliamentarians who felt clearly that democratic structures in India are being suppressed. Gandhi termed his conversations fruitful at the start of engaging the world on the Opposition's vision. He highlighted economic and institutional challenges, plus rising discrimination and violence in India. The BJP had dubbed Gandhi as "present-day Mir Jafar" seeking foreign help against India's interests.

UK PM Rishi Sunak arrived in New Delhi for the G20 summit, hoping to advance trade talks in his meeting with Modi. Downing Street insisted immigration policies won't change for a deal but added intra-company transfers could be discussed, aligning with Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami's Times Radio remarks around simplifying processes over more visas. Sunak called it a "special" trip where he would be welcomed as "India's son-in-law", his first since becoming PM. As he lays the groundwork for sensitive negotiations, the visa issue remains key. [Photo: Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy arrives in New Delhi]

India is in talks with the US, Saudi Arabia and other countries about a potential joint infrastructure deal involving railways and ports in the Middle East. According to reports, the deal aims to counter China's growing influence in the region and could be announced during the G20 summit hosted by India. The project was proposed at I2U2 meetings over the past year, with India contributing expertise in large infrastructure projects. It would connect Arab nations through a railway network extending to India via Gulf ports. The Biden administration is keen to finalize the deal before 2024 elections. However, the countries involved have not yet confirmed the talks. (Image courtesy: ANI File Pic)

India is seeking consensus at the G20 summit in Delhi as the shadow of the Ukraine war looms large. The leaders' ability to release a joint declaration signaling agreement on global issues will be key after 200 preparatory meetings. But the group is divided on Ukraine, with positions hardened since last year's hurried declaration. Without Putin and Xi present, breakthroughs on debt relief and climate financing sought by India and the Global South also look uncertain, according to Tanvi Madan of the Brookings Institution. Lack of a declaration would be a setback for India's diplomatic efforts, but its balancing role could still yield progress on some fronts.

About six weeks ago, India's Defense Chief General Anil Chauhan commissioned a study to examine the impact of any war over Taiwan involving the US and allies, and India's potential response. This followed the US raising the issue in forums, according to senior officers who requested the names not to be disclosed. The study will assess various war scenarios and provide options for India in case a conflict breaks out. Some commanders believe strong statements may suffice initially, but more involvement may be warranted if the war drags on like Ukraine. The options will be available for Indian leaders to decide any action if needed. (Image: Taiwan Army Command HQ)

Ahead of the G20 summit, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India has "done the right thing" by prioritizing its interests while appealing for peace amid the Russia-Ukraine war. In an interview, Singh stated that foreign policy has become more important in domestic politics now versus his tenure. However, he cautioned against using diplomacy for party gains. On China ties, Singh hoped PM Modi would protect India's sovereignty. He praised India's G20 presidency and Chandrayaan's moon landing. Overall, Singh backed India's balanced stance on Ukraine. (Image courtesy: ANI)

Ahead of the G20 summit hosted by India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be hosting a private dinner for U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday evening. Biden departed for New Delhi, stating the G20 is focused on progress for developing nations. The two leaders are expected to discuss nuclear energy, defense, visas, consulates, and the Russia-Ukraine war during their bilateral meeting following the dinner. U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House anticipates meaningful progress on topics like GE jet engines and civil nuclear technology during the talks between Biden and Modi. (Image courtesy: ANI)

Former India cricket captain MS Dhoni played golf with former US President Donald Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. This occurred a day after Dhoni watched the US Open quarterfinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. Images of Dhoni and Trump golfing together were shared on social media by Dubai businessman Hitesh Sanghvi. Dhoni has been spending time away from cricket after leading Chennai Super Kings to their latest IPL title. The sports icon was hosted by Trump to play golf at the Trump club.

According to a G20 policy document by the World Bank, India was able to achieve an 80% financial inclusion rate in just six years due to digital payment infrastructure like Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile phones. The report states this feat could have taken 47 years without such infrastructure. It highlights how digital tools like UPI enabled leapfrogging in financial access. The total value of UPI transactions last fiscal was nearly 50% of India's GDP. Overall, India did total savings of $33 billion through direct benefit transfers. To read full article, click on the link below.