The United States has returned 657 stolen artefacts worth about $14 million to India after a long probe into smuggling networks. The handover was announced by Alvin L Bragg Jr in New York. He said, “The scale of the trafficking networks… is massive.” The items were linked to networks run by Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener. The artefacts were stolen from temples and sites, then sold abroad using fake records. Key items include a bronze Avalokiteshvara and a sandstone Buddha statue. Officials said more efforts are ongoing to recover and return stolen cultural objects. (PC: NDTV)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he may raise the issue of the Koh-i-Noor diamond with King Charles III during his visit to the city.   Speaking before a 9/11 memorial event, Mamdani said, “If I were to speak to the king separately… I’d probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond.”   The diamond, kept in the Tower of London, has long been disputed. India has sought its return, citing colonial history. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates can increase oil exports to India after leaving OPEC. From May 1, it is no longer bound by output limits. Officials called it a “policy-driven evolution aligned with long-term market fundamentals”. The move allows higher production and more shipments through the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline. This route bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, a key global chokepoint. The pipeline can carry up to 1.5 million barrels per day. India, which imports most of its oil, may benefit from stable and quicker supplies. The UAE already provides about 9–10% of India’s crude needs. (PC: India Today)

Anant Ambani has offered to relocate hippos linked to Pablo Escobar to India. The animals are descendants of hippos Escobar kept in Colombia. After his death in 1993, they spread in the wild and multiplied. Reports say about 80 hippos could be moved to a private zoo run by the Ambani family. The proposal aims to help control the growing population. Authorities in Colombia have been exploring ways to manage the animals. The offer has brought attention to the unusual issue of Escobar’s hippos.

S. Jaishankar met Annalena Baerbock to discuss the escalating West Asia conflict and its global implications, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution under the United Nations framework. The disruption threatens global trade and energy supplies, with India heavily reliant on oil and gas shipments through the strait. Baerbock warned of rising oil and fertiliser prices and broader instability affecting regions like Gaza and Lebanon. The meeting also touched on UN reforms and the need for more representative global governance structures.

An Indian wedding procession transformed Fifth Avenue into a vibrant celebration, as couple Pankti Doshi and Dr Avish Jain led their baraat with live singing and dancing. The viral video shows the duo performing Bollywood songs while moving through one of New York City’s busiest streets, turning it into an open-air stage. Unlike traditional baraats, the couple themselves became the centre of the performance, adding a personal touch. The event required official permits and coordination with local authorities. While many praised the creativity and cultural display, others debated the scale and disruption caused in such a high-profile public space.

Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, was deported from Turkey to India after his arrest in Istanbul, marking a significant step in tackling transnational drug networks. The 59-year-old, accused of running a global narcotics operation, arrived in Delhi on April 28 and is currently in custody for interrogation by central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau. Wanted under an Interpol Red Corner Notice, Dola allegedly fled India in 2018 and continued operations across West Asia and Europe. Officials believe his questioning could reveal crucial links within international drug syndicates and strengthen India’s efforts against organised crime.

Salim Dola, a close aide of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, was deported to India and brought to Delhi early Tuesday under heavy security.   He was recently arrested in Istanbul during a joint operation by Indian and international agencies. Officials said he played a key role in a large drug network linked to D-Company.   He arrived on a special aircraft and was taken into custody at the airport. He is now being questioned at an undisclosed location.   Authorities said he may soon be handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau or Mumbai Police for further action. (PC: X)

Donald Trump is facing a key deadline as he continues US military action in Iran. Under the War Powers Resolution, he must act by May 1 or risk violating the law without approval from Congress. Officials say Trump has three options. He can reach a peace deal with Iran. He can seek approval from Congress to continue action. Or he can ignore the deadline and face legal challenges. The conflict has raised pressure on the administration. The coming days are seen as critical for both policy and legal decisions. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian crew members were injured after their vessel was hit by shrapnel near the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. The ship, MT Chiron 7, was not directly targeted. Ankit Kumar and Sagar Chand suffered minor injuries along with Egyptian national Zeyad Taha. The Directorate General of Shipping said there were no deaths and all crew members are safe. The vessel had 17 Indians among 24 crew. It is now heading towards Sharjah, tracking data showed. Officials said shipping in the region has been affected due to ongoing tensions and repeated incidents involving vessels passing through the strait. (PC: HT)