The Bombay High Court suggested actor Shilpa Shetty could become a witness against husband Raj Kundra in a Rs 60-crore cheating case. Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar made this remark while hearing Shetty's plea to suspend a Look-Out Circular so she could travel to Los Angeles for work with YouTuber MrBeast from October 22-27. The complainant's lawyers opposed, noting she earlier sought Colombo travel permission for leisure on same dates. The court questioned lack of formal work agreement supporting her professional trip claim. Shetty's lawyers emphasized her full cooperation with investigations, stating no direct accusations exist except being director in Kundra's firm and receiving funds. (PC: HT)

Israel will keep the Rafah border with Egypt closed on Wednesday and send less aid to Gaza after Hamas gave back only four bodies out of 28 dead hostages on Monday. The Israeli army named them as Guy Illouz, Bipin Joshi, Yossi Sharabi, and Daniel Peretz. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher told Israel to keep border crossings open so badly needed help can reach Gaza. He said both sides must follow the ceasefire agreement fully. Hamas was supposed to return all hostages by Monday noon. Palestinian Civil Defence said seven people were killed by Israeli shooting in different events. Fletcher asked Hamas to return bodies while keeping aid flowing into Gaza. (PC: X)

Indian and Pakistani junior hockey teams exchanged high-fives and handshakes at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, contrasting sharply with recent cricket tensions. After national anthems, players greeted each other warmly before their 3-3 draw match. This sportsmanship differed from the Asia Cup cricket tournament where India refused handshakes with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, dedicated their victory to Pahalgam terror attack victims, and declined the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. The Pakistan Hockey Federation had advised players to avoid confrontation and prepare for potential no-handshake policy. Captain Suryakumar Yadav diplomatically stated future interactions remain uncertain, as teams only meet in multi-nation tournaments.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has positioned India as a potential ally against China's rare earth export controls, calling it "China versus the world." He accused Beijing of pointing "a bazooka at supply chains and industrial base of the entire free world" through restrictions on minerals critical to auto, electronics, and defense industries. Bessent announced meetings with allies including Europeans, Indians, and Asian democracies for global support. This follows President Trump's 100% additional tariffs on China and threats to cancel the planned Xi meeting at APEC summit. India, facing 50% US tariffs itself, navigates this tension while recently resetting China ties. Indo-US trade talks continue this week toward a bilateral agreement. (PC: X)

A devastating tragedy struck Rajasthan as a moving bus carrying 57 passengers burst into flames near Jaisalmer, killing at least 20 people. The sudden fire trapped several passengers inside the vehicle. Burn victims were rushed to Jodhpur for treatment, with many remaining in critical condition. Eyewitnesses and locals heroically pulled trapped passengers before rescue teams arrived. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the accident site, calling it "extremely heart-wrenching" and thanking Army personnel and residents for their swift response. He directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for survivors and assistance for victims' families. Authorities launched investigations to determine the fire's cause. Governor Haribhau Bagade and political leaders expressed condolences.

Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Western Army Commander, issued a stern warning that India's response under Operation Sindoor 2.0 would be "deadlier and more powerful" if Pakistan provokes further attacks. Speaking at an ex-servicemen rally in Jammu, he asserted Pakistan lacks conventional warfare capability against India but may attempt "Pahalgam-type" attacks following its "bleed India through a thousand cuts" strategy. During Operation Sindoor's earlier phase, India destroyed Pakistani military posts and air bases. Lt Gen Katiyar emphasized complete preparedness for future threats, stating the response would surpass previous actions. He urged veterans to support counter-terrorism efforts, noting Pakistan avoids direct confrontation but won't abandon its destabilizing designs.

Police have arrested the main accused in the Durgapur rape case — the survivor’s male friend. Officials said the medical student was raped by him when she went out with him. Her father had named the accused in his complaint. Police said this is the sixth arrest in the case but ruled out gang-rape after reviewing the survivor’s statement and evidence. The Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner confirmed that only one person assaulted her. Investigators have recovered the survivor’s phone and sent the accused’s clothes for forensic testing. The accused will be produced in court on Wednesday. The probe continues. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in Parliament that lasting peace in Gaza will be “no small challenge.” He praised Donald Trump, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for helping reach the ceasefire that freed Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. Starmer said the UK will support rebuilding Gaza and help with ceasefire monitoring. However, tension remains as Hamas has not returned all deceased hostages, raising fears the fragile truce could collapse. Palestinians in Gaza say they want peace but worry about instability and slow aid. Rebuilding the war-hit region, where most buildings are destroyed, will take time and huge resources. (PC: BBC)

India’s Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, said Pakistan faced possible “catastrophic” consequences during Operation Sindoor in May. The operation targeted terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. He said the Indian Navy was ready for action in the Arabian Sea when Pakistan called for a ceasefire. Lt Gen Ghai added that India’s new strategy treats terror attacks as acts of war, with decisive retaliation and no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. The strikes were coordinated across all forces and agencies.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called India a key ally as tensions rise with China over rare earth exports. He said Beijing has “pointed a bazooka at the supply chains and the industrial base of the entire free world.” The US accuses China of using export controls to pressure global industries. President Trump has announced 100% tariffs on Chinese goods. Bessent said Washington will work with India, Europe, and other democracies to counter Beijing. China warned it would “fight to the end” as the trade war with the US heats up again.