At the recent groundbreaking Indo-UK Leadership Summit held in London to explore blending ancient Vedic knowledge and modern innovations, retired NASA scientist Professor Randal Mieke captivated attendees. In his keynote speech, he unveiled astonishing details about 5,000-year-old ancient Indian Vimana (flying machines), mentioned in the Hindu holy text Ramayana, that harnessed mercury and thorium for energy production. Professor Mieke in his speech highlighted that replicating this long-lost knowledge could provide sustainable, eco-friendly solutions to the global energy crisis. This revelation from the Summit, which convened experts across industries from India, the UK, and the USA to harness the wisdom of the past to empower the future, underscored the towering capabilities hidden within centuries-old Vedic science waiting to be rediscovered through cross-cultural collaboration.

Indian author Shantanu Gupta recently launched his latest book "Ajay to Yogi Adityanath" in Leicester as part of a UK tour. The graphic novel chronicles the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Leicester event was organized by Overseas Friends of BJP (UK) and attended by key leaders of the Indian diaspora community including Baroness (Dr.) Sandip Verma as the chief guest. Other prominent attendees included Kuldeep Shekhawat and Suresh Mangalagiri from the Overseas Friends of BJP and Rishu Walia was event's main coordinator. Baroness (Dr.) Sandip Verma emphasized the importance of the book in enabling young readers to learn about contemporary Indian political leaders like Yogi Adityanath. The event marked the latest stop in Shantanu Gupta's UK tour to promote his new graphic novel biography of Yogi Adityanath's journey from his childhood to becoming a monk and eventually the Chief Minister of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh.

Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha veteran and double above-knee amputee, was celebrated at the House of Lords for his historic achievement of summiting Mount Everest earlier this year. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, military officers, and peers, recognized Hari's determination and marked the centenary of the UK-Nepal friendship treaty and the 70th anniversary of Everest's first ascent. Hari, injured by an IED in Afghanistan, climbed Everest to challenge disability perceptions. Funds he raised during the climb will support charities aiding his recovery, including The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Blesma. He expressed his journey's essence: "I lost everything, but slowly I regained my confidence through sports and adventure. I believed in myself in climbing mountains. That's how I started climbing mountains." He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about disability: "It is crucial to educate our families, community, and government so they can support us in the right way, enabling us to live as normal human beings and be good citizens", he added.

Renowned matchmaker Sima Taparia, star of Netflix's "Indian Matchmaking," engaged in a candid conversation with Here and Now 365 Marketing Agency Founder Manish Tiwari at Taj 51's Rendezvous Series in London. Reflecting on her unanticipated global fame, Sima emphasized the reality of her unscripted show and the international reach it garnered. The event, supported by Vatika UK, provided insights into Sima's matchmaking philosophy, her reliance on Indian values, and the importance of collaborative effort in marriages. A night of inspiration and authenticity unfolded at the prestigious Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residencies.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fondly reminisced about his Indian heritage during his speech at the Conservative Friends of India event. "I'm incredibly proud of where I come from, and I know that my parents are also very proud of me too. Although, I've got to be honest with you, they would have been a bit happier if I was the first doctor Prime Minister," Sunak said lightheartedly. Prime Minister Sunak fondly recounted gifting his mother's homemade barfi to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a previous meeting over chai at Chequers. When he told his mother that President Zelenskyy thoroughly enjoyed her barfi, "She insisted straight away. She made four more boxes to send to Ukraine, so that President Putin could eat it."  The event, attended by senior Tory leaders like Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Home Secretary Suella Braverman, aims to boost India-UK ties. The Conservative Friends of India group works to build links between the party, British Indians and India.

The Indian High Commission in London has initiated the 'Home Away from Home' initiative to assist fresh Indian students who arrived for the September 2023 intake. Students can visit special kiosks at the India House at Aldwych from Sept 26-Oct 9 on weekdays to avail of services like documentation help, consular assistance, opening local bank accounts, and registering with the High Commission for future needs. Complimentary lunch will also be provided as a welcome gesture to students who come for registration. The outreach by the High Commission of India, London aims to help new Indian students settle smoothly in the UK during the critical transition period.

Shri Rakesh Kumar Shukla, an Indian Ministry of External Affairs official, was felicitated with an exclusive honour by the World Book of Records, London for his exceptional contribution to education, culture, and youth empowerment. The award function held at the British Parliament was attended by Madhya Pradesh Governor Shri Magu Bhai Patel and UK MP Shri Virendra Sharma. Shukla was lauded for promoting global causes as he was congratulated on the overseas launch of the World Book of Records' latest edition. Hon'ble Mangubhai C Patel was also conferred the Nobles of Commonwealth Nations 2023 honour at the event.

Shorts91 shares 5 tips with international students arriving in the UK. They recommend downloading Citymapper and getting an Oyster transit card, registering with a local doctor, opening a UK bank account at HSBC, Lloyds or an Indian bank, applying for a National Insurance number, and having the contact details for the Indian High Commission handy. Shorts91 says these tips will help students transition smoothly, manage expenses, access healthcare, travel around London affordably, and get assistance if needed. They invite students to ask any other questions they have. The practical advice covers essential steps for international students starting their time in the UK.

On Saturday, The Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami was invited to deliver the Clovelly lecture. In his lecture, the High Commissioner spoke about India's transformation over the past 75 years since independence and why India's continued development matters for the UK. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) he shared that he considered it an honour to be invited to speak at the scenic Clovelly to an audience well-informed on India-UK relations. The lecture highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship.

The India Club in London, dating back to the Indian independence movement, will permanently close on September 17 after losing its fight against closure. The iconic meeting venue and eatery, which had previously prevented demolition, was served notice by landlords to make way for a modernised hotel. Owners Yadgar and Phiroza Marker launched a "Save India Club" appeal but announced the impending closure with "heavy hearts". Phiroza Marker told Shorts91, that they are looking for a new place to move the legendary club. The India Club has its roots in the India League, which campaigned for Indian independence in Britain, with its founding members including Krishna Menon – who went on to become the first Indian High Commissioner to the UK. Its closure ends an era and erases a piece of history as one of London's most historic Indian venues.