Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has denied allegations linked to newly released Epstein-related emails and said he regrets meeting Jeffrey Epstein. In an interview with Nine News, Gates said the emails cited in the files were never sent and contained false claims about his health and conduct. “The email is false. I don’t know what his thinking was there,” Gates said. He added, “I regret every minute I spent with him.” Gates said his meetings with Epstein were limited to dinners and stated, “I never went to the island. I never met any women.” He said more details will show the allegations have no factual basis. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington and discussed cooperation on critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence, trade and technology. The talks came a day after the two countries confirmed a new trade agreement that lowers US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 to 18 per cent. Jaishankar said on X that both sides agreed to hold early meetings of key mechanisms to move shared priorities forward. A US statement said both leaders welcomed the trade deal and stressed joint work on energy security and economic growth. They also reaffirmed cooperation through the Quad and focus on the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed 23 Palestinians in Gaza, including seven children, according to local health officials. The strikes hit areas including Khan Younis and Gaza City. A medic who went to help victims was killed in a second strike at the same site, officials said. The Israeli military said it acted after militants fired at its troops near the armistice line and called it a ceasefire violation. It also said one strike targeted a senior Hamas commander. Hamas said the attacks harmed truce efforts and called for “immediate international pressure.” The violence came days after Rafah crossing with Egypt reopened. (PC: HT)

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that India would not be “bullied” in trade talks, according to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed officials. The message was delivered during a meeting in Washington in September 2025. Doval said India wanted tensions reduced and negotiations restarted. He also conveyed that New Delhi was ready to wait out President Donald Trump’s term if needed, the report said. At that time, India faced high US tariffs and sharp public criticism. The US State Department declined to share details of private talks. India’s foreign ministry did not comment on the report. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in person before the Supreme Court to argue against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Wearing a white sari and black shawl, she said the colour marked protest over “more than 100 SIR-related deaths.” Banerjee told the bench she came as an “ordinary person” after sending six unanswered letters to the Election Commission. She alleged the SIR drive was being used “only for deletion” and not fair verification. She raised concerns over micro-observers and mismatch rules affecting women after marriage. The court issued notice to the Election Commission and asked the state to ensure enough officers for verification work. (PC: The Indian Express)

A legal letter released in new Jeffrey Epstein case files claims Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein asked an exotic dancer to “engage in various sex acts” at a Florida house in 2006. The woman’s lawyers said she was promised $10,000 to dance but was paid only $2,000. The letter says the men asked for a threesome after her performance. It adds she refused at first and said she was hired only to dance. Her lawyers later sought $250,000 to keep the matter private. The claim’s settlement status is unclear. Andrew has denied wrongdoing. BBC said it contacted him for comment. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in person before the Supreme Court to argue against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Wearing a white sari and black shawl, she said the colour marked protest over “more than 100 SIR-related deaths.” Banerjee told the bench she came as an “ordinary person” after sending six unanswered letters to the Election Commission. She alleged the SIR drive was being used “only for deletion” and not fair verification. She raised concerns over micro-observers and mismatch rules affecting women after marriage. The court issued notice to the Election Commission and asked the state to ensure enough officers for verification work. (PC: India Today)

Three minor girls died after allegedly jumping from a ninth-floor flat in Ghaziabad, and police say online gaming influence is a key part of the probe. The victims, aged 16, 14 and 12, were sisters from the same family. Police said they were “highly addicted” to an online Korean task-based game and deeply influenced by Korean culture. Officers said diary notes with an apology were found. “They portrayed themselves as Korean princesses,” an officer said. The girls locked themselves inside a puja room after midnight and jumped using a window, police added. Family members had earlier tried to restrict phone use, officials said. (PC: India Today)

Lok Sabha was adjourned minutes before the Prime Minister’s planned address after protests by opposition MPs intensified near the treasury benches. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari claimed several women opposition MPs entered the well and moved close to the Prime Minister’s chair despite appeals to return. “They climbed up to that area. They created a huge ruckus,” he said. Slogans were raised and banners were shown during the protest. A verbal clash also took place near BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Ministers urged members to step back. Congress MP Deepender Hooda later asked both sides to return to their seats. Opposition leaders said the Prime Minister avoided the House. (PC: India Today)

Russia’s foreign ministry stated it has “no reason to believe” India is reconsidering its purchases of Russian crude, highlighting that energy trade between the two remains stable and beneficial, with no official communication from New Delhi about halting imports. This comes after claims in U.S.–India trade deal discussions that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, which Moscow has not confirmed. The statement underscores continued cooperation in energy markets despite international pressure and diplomatic negotiations. Russia views the longstanding oil relationship with India as consistent and unchanged for now. (PC: India Today)