US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the India-US trade deal could be finalised within weeks, with 99% of the work completed. In an interview with The Indian Express, Rubio said negotiations had narrowed to a few words and phrases. He described bilateral ties as positive and a key feature of Washington’s foreign policy. Addressing concerns over US relations with Pakistan and China, Rubio said ties with other countries would never come at India’s expense. He also said the Trump administration’s tariffs and tighter visa policies were not specifically directed at India, seeking to reassure New Delhi amid trade tensions. (PC: X)

The suspects in the Tiger Shroff shooting case allegedly conducted reconnaissance at Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence but abandoned their plan after finding police deployed there, India Today reported. According to investigators, the suspects then targeted Shroff, whose movements were allegedly easier to track. Three men opened fire at Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu area on October 18, leaving his driver injured. The actor escaped direct gunshot injuries. Police are investigating the alleged conspiracy and possible links to a wider criminal network. The case has prompted increased security around several Bollywood personalities as investigators pursue further leads. (PC: India Today)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said intelligence sharing with the United States on early warnings of Russian strikes was now working, thanking Washington for its support. Speaking in Oslo after meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Zelensky said he was ready for negotiations and called for trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US and Russia. The meeting comes amid worsening relations between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected claims that Washington was withholding intelligence and causing Ukrainian deaths. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Witkoff would meet Russian leaders on Wednesday to exchange ideas. (PC: BBC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Taj Mahal Palace Hotel security chief Sunil Kudyadi in Mumbai on Tuesday, hearing his first-hand account of the 26/11 terror attacks. Kudyadi was present at the hotel during the November 2008 assault. Before the meeting, Rubio laid a wreath at the hotel’s memorial to honour the 166 people killed in the attacks, including 6 American citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar introduced Kudyadi to Rubio. The visit highlighted the shared commitment of India and the US to fighting terrorism. Rubio also held talks with Jaishankar on energy, defence, technology and regional issues.

Saudi Arabia’s execution of 2 Bangladeshi nationals over alleged “immoral acts” inside a mosque in Mecca has sparked outrage in Bangladesh and beyond. Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar were executed on October 14, according to Saudi media reports. However, authorities have not publicly detailed their alleged offences or disclosed information about their trials. Bangladesh’s government said it learned of the executions through media reports and has sought an explanation from Riyadh. Nazrul’s family questioned the fairness of the proceedings, saying they received no prior notice. The case has raised concerns over transparency, due process and consular notification. (PC: India Today)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the United States and Israel for regional insecurity and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, urging neighbouring countries to resolve disputes through diplomacy and establish a joint security arrangement without foreign forces. Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi described the war and economic blockade as the principal sources of insecurity. Lavrov’s visit comes as Moscow seeks to mediate the conflict, with talks between Tehran and Washington stalled. The West Asia war began in February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite an April ceasefire and a June memorandum of understanding, tensions around the strategic waterway have continued. (PC: Reuters)

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has warned that the government could declare a state of emergency if necessary to contain violent protests and looting affecting several parts of France. According to France 24, Lecornu made the remarks on Monday after a crisis meeting, pledging to restore public order while keeping emergency measures under consideration. He indicated that localised curfews would currently be a more appropriate response to the unrest. “I am absolutely determined to restore order. If needed, I will impose a state of emergency,” he said, adding that curfews appeared better suited to the situation France might face. The headline also reports that 2,500 people have been held amid the protests. (PC: X)

Violent protests across France have left historic buildings and businesses damaged, with fires destroying much of Limoges town hall and engulfing Lyon’s tourist office. In Paris, protesters set vehicles and kiosks alight, smashed shopfronts and looted stores. In Marseille, demonstrators broke into the city hall and damaged a bust of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic. The protests began over rising fuel prices, living costs and declining public services, although most demonstrators were peaceful. Authorities have acknowledged difficulties controlling the unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has authorised local mayors to introduce partial curfews to protect residents and businesses. (PC: BBC)

A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, moments after he spoke about death and the value of life. Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was conducting the service at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil on Saturday. The crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him on the head. Worshippers rushed to help and called an ambulance, but he was declared dead that day. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death. The cause of the crucifix falling remains unclear. (PC: India Today)

France will impose partial curfews in selected areas after violent riots over the weekend led to more than 2,400 arrests, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday. The unrest began with student protests over the cost of living before spreading into wider demonstrations and clashes with police. Lecornu promised full transparency in the investigation and announced a major operation to identify those involved in the violence. He blamed far-left groups and criminal elements for the disorder. Curfews will target specific locations, including transport hubs and symbolic sites, rather than covering all of Paris. Marseille has also restricted public gatherings.   (PC: X)