Mumbai Police said the city is on high alert after a call claimed 34 “human bombs” with 400 kg of RDX were planted in cars. The caller, linked to an organisation called Lashkar-e-Jihadi, warned of explosions that would “shake the city.” The threat came on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, when lakhs of devotees joined Ganesh visarjan. Police said security has been tightened across Maharashtra. Recently, hoax threats targeted a railway station, ISKCON temple, and Mumbai airport. Officials urged citizens to remain calm and report suspicious activity. “We are prepared,” a senior officer said. (PC: HT)

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “India will say sorry in two months” and return to trade talks with Washington. Speaking to Bloomberg, he warned that unless India stops buying Russian oil and aligns with the US, it will face 50% tariffs on exports. Lutnick also said India’s purchases of cheap Russian crude were about “making a ton of money.” Earlier, Donald Trump posted that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied India would “undoubtedly continue” buying Russian oil, while the foreign ministry rejected US claims as “inaccurate.” (PC: NDTV)

Sourav Ganguly will make his debut as head coach in the SA20 league with Pretoria Capitals. The former India captain, known as “Dada,” was officially welcomed by League Commissioner Graeme Smith on Friday. Smith praised Ganguly’s leadership and said his presence would add great value to the tournament. Ganguly expressed excitement about the challenge and looked forward to working with young players. Smith also explained why no Indian players are part of this season’s auction, citing BCCI’s rules. The SA20 season begins soon, and Ganguly’s new role has already created strong buzz among cricket fans. (PC: India Today)

Hamas has released a video showing two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, held since October 2023. The footage, dated 28 August, shows Gilboa-Dalal in Gaza City saying he and others remain captive. Families of hostages called the video propaganda and urged Israel to return to talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war could end if Hamas released all 48 hostages still held. Israel has rejected Hamas’s truce plan and continues its military campaign, striking Gaza City. Gaza’s health ministry said 30 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours, adding to the rising humanitarian crisis. (PC: BBC)

Afghanistan’s Hindukush region was rocked by seven earthquakes in 24 hours, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 5.8. The tremors struck close to the Pakistan border, causing fresh damage and panic. Earlier this month, a powerful quake killed more than 2,200 people and injured over 3,000. The World Food Programme has sent emergency supplies, including food and high-energy biscuits, to Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. India also sent 21 tonnes of relief materials to Kabul, including medicines, tents, blankets, and water purifiers. Rescue operations remain difficult due to blocked roads, landslides, and repeated aftershocks, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Mumbai Police has issued a lookout notice against actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in a ₹60 crore fraud case. Businessman Deepak Kothari alleged the couple took the money between 2015 and 2023 for their company Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. He claimed the couple promised 12% annual interest and a written guarantee from Shetty, but later spent the funds on personal expenses. Shetty resigned as company director soon after. Police are checking the couple’s travel records, and the firm’s auditor has been called for questioning. The couple denied the charges, calling them baseless and malicious. (PC: NDTV)

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order rebranding the Department of Defense as the "Department of War." While the official name change requires congressional approval, the order permits the Pentagon to use "secondary titles" like "Secretary of War" in official and ceremonial contexts. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have expressed dissatisfaction with the current title, suggesting that "Department of War" better reflects America's military history. The original War Department was established in 1789 and renamed in 1947 to emphasize defense over offense. The proposed change has sparked debate over its implications. (PC: AFP)

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned after an inquiry found she breached ministerial ethics over unpaid stamp duty on a Hove apartment. Though the report acknowledged her integrity and public service, it concluded she should have sought clearer tax advice. Rayner admitted the error and took full responsibility, saying she acted in good faith. Reports suggest she saved £40,000 by underpaying the levy. Known for her strong stance against tax evasion, especially under the previous Conservative government, Rayner’s resignation drew praise from PM Keir Starmer, who expressed sadness and admiration for her political contributions. (PC: BBC)

Putin rejected Western proposals for international "reassurance forces" in Ukraine, warning any deployed troops would be "legitimate targets." This follows a Paris summit where 26 allies, led by France and UK, committed to deploying forces post-ceasefire to prevent "new major aggression." French President Macron stressed troops wouldn't engage frontlines or wage war against Russia. Putin maintained readiness for talks with Zelensky but saw "little point" due to disagreement on key issues. Trump indicated possible US air support while maintaining dialogue with Putin. Russia insists on full peace deal rather than initial ceasefire, controlling only Crimea among five illegally annexed Ukrainian territories. Western leaders believe Moscow seeks more territorial gains during prolonged negotiations in the 40-month conflict. (PC: ABC & X)

Israel announces control of 40% of Gaza City, vowing to "expand and intensify" its offensive in coming days as Palestinian death toll climbs. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin pledged to "increase pressure" on Hamas until defeated, following Thursday strikes that killed over 30 in Gaza City and 64 across the Strip. Senior Israeli officials expect the escalated offensive to displace one million Palestinians southward from Gaza City, where UN declared famine last month. European Commission VP Teresa Ribera called the conflict "genocide," criticizing EU inaction. Hamas's October 2023 attack killed 1,219 Israelis, while Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,231 Palestinians according to Gaza health ministry. Hamas officials met Iran's Foreign Minister in Doha discussing war termination efforts. (PC: Reuters)