Shilpa-Raj’s plea to travel abroad denied by Bombay HC

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**Shilpa-Raj’s Plea to Travel Abroad Denied by Bombay HC**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Oct 01, 2025, 05:45 PM*

The Bombay High Court has denied interim relief to actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and businessman Raj Kundra in their plea seeking suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them. The LOC pertains to a ₹60 crore fraud case linked to their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.

### Plea for Travel Abroad Denied

The couple requested permission to travel to Phuket from October 2 to 5 for a leisure trip. However, the court rejected this request, maintaining the LOC in place.

### Legal Arguments from the Couple’s Lawyers

Advocates Niranjan Mundargi and Keral Mehta representing the duo stated that although the case was filed in 2021, Shilpa and Raj Kundra have traveled abroad multiple times since then. They have consistently returned to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and argued that the couple should be allowed to travel despite the charges.

The court has directed Public Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh to file a reply to their plea by October 8.

### Upcoming International Travel Plans

In their petition, the couple informed the court of several upcoming international trips:

– **Los Angeles (October 21–24, 2025):** For professional work commitments.
– **Colombo and Maldives (October 26–29, 2025):** Related to the expansion of their hospitality venture, Hotel Bastian.
– **Dubai and London (December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026):** To visit Raj Kundra’s parents.

They have requested the court’s permission to undertake these trips as planned.

### Details of the Cheating Case

The case was filed following a complaint by Deepak Kothari, Director of UY Industries Pvt Ltd. Kothari alleges that between 2015 and 2023, the couple persuaded him to invest in their venture. According to him, he invested ₹60.48 crore as a loan under an investment agreement, with Shilpa Shetty Kundra providing a personal guarantee.

The investigation into this alleged ₹60 crore fraud remains ongoing, with the court closely monitoring the situation.

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*Stay tuned for further updates on the case and the court’s next hearing scheduled post-October 8.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/court-denies-shilpa-shetty-s-travel-plea-amid-fraud-case/story

Jannik Sinner races to Beijing 2025 title: Key stats

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**By the Numbers: Jannik Sinner Joins Legends with Beijing Title**
*By Parth Dhall | Oct 01, 2025, 05:10 PM*

Men’s singles world number two, Jannik Sinner, clinched the Beijing Open title after defeating USA’s Learner Tien in straight sets. This victory marks Sinner’s third title of the season following a dominant performance in the ATP 500 final held at the China National Tennis Center.

The match lasted just over an hour, during which the Italian star fired an impressive 22 winners. Sinner served 10 aces and did not concede a single break point throughout the encounter. He converted four out of six break point opportunities and maintained a first serve win percentage of 77, underscoring his clinical performance on the court.

With this win, Sinner has joined an elite group, becoming only the third player—after Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal—to win the Beijing Open multiple times. Since making his Beijing Open debut in 2023, Sinner has showcased remarkable consistency, defeating notable opponents such as Daniel Evans, Yoshihito Nishioka, Grigor Dimitrov, and second seed Carlos Alcaraz to reach the final.

In the summit clash, Sinner secured a 7-6(2), 7-6(2) victory over third seed Daniil Medvedev. His dominant run at the tournament is reflected in an incredible 14-1 career record at the Beijing Open.

Sinner’s form in 2025 has been nothing short of sublime. With an outstanding win-loss record of 42-5 this season, he has already lifted three major trophies: the Australian Open, the US Open, and now the Beijing Open. This achievement places him among only three players worldwide to have won three or more titles this year, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/jannik-sinner-races-to-beijing-title/story

Shilpa-Raj’s plea to travel abroad denied by Bombay HC

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**Shilpa-Raj’s Plea to Travel Abroad Denied by Bombay High Court**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 1, 2025, 5:45 PM*

The Bombay High Court has rejected the interim relief sought by actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and businessman Raj Kundra in their plea to suspend the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them. The LOC was issued in connection with a ₹60 crore fraud case involving their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.

The couple had requested permission to travel to Phuket from October 2 to 5 for a leisure trip. However, the court denied their request, maintaining restrictions on their international travel for the time being.

**Legal Plea and Arguments**

Represented by advocates Niranjan Mundargi and Keral Mehta, Shilpa and Raj argued that although the case against them was filed in 2021, they have traveled abroad multiple times since and have always returned to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Their lawyers contended that the couple should be allowed to travel abroad despite the open case.

The court has directed Public Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh to submit a reply to their plea by October 8.

**Upcoming Travel Plans**

In their petition, the couple disclosed several upcoming international trips. They mentioned a planned business trip to Los Angeles from October 21 to 24. Following that, they intend to visit Colombo and the Maldives from October 26 to 29 to further their hospitality venture, Hotel Bastian.

Additionally, they have requested permission to travel to Dubai and London between December 20, 2025, and January 6, 2026, to visit Raj Kundra’s parents.

**Details of the Fraud Case**

The cheating case stems from a complaint filed by Deepak Kothari, Director of UY Industries Pvt Ltd. Kothari alleged that between 2015 and 2023, Shilpa and Raj persuaded him to invest in their business venture. According to the complaint, Kothari invested ₹60.48 crore as a loan under an investment agreement, with Shetty Kundra providing a personal guarantee.

The matter is still under investigation, and the court’s decision to deny their travel plea underscores the seriousness of the allegations.

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*Stay tuned for further updates on the case and the couple’s legal proceedings.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/court-denies-shilpa-shetty-s-travel-plea-amid-fraud-case/story

Zoho’s Arattai still missing key privacy feature available on WhatsApp

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**Zoho’s Arattai Still Missing Key Privacy Feature Available on WhatsApp**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025, 06:20 PM*

Zoho Corporation’s homegrown messaging app, Arattai, has been gaining traction in the Indian market and is being positioned as a potential competitor to the Meta-owned WhatsApp. However, privacy-conscious users have identified a significant shortcoming: Arattai currently lacks default end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for standard messages. This gap could prove to be a major disadvantage compared to WhatsApp and other popular messaging platforms that offer comprehensive encryption.

### Privacy Commitment: Partial Encryption Available

Despite missing E2EE for regular messages, Zoho promotes Arattai as a privacy-first service with all user data stored securely within India. The app does offer end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, and there is also a ‘secret chat’ feature designed for secure messaging. Zoho has indicated that full E2EE implementation for all messages is forthcoming.

### User Concerns and Response

Many users have expressed frustration over the absence of default E2EE for standard chats, highlighting that it leaves a large portion of conversations vulnerable. Addressing these concerns, Arattai’s official account on X acknowledged the issue and assured users that the team is actively working to roll out end-to-end encryption for all chats soon.

### What Is Arattai?

Developed by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, Arattai is a free-to-use, cross-platform instant messaging app. It offers a variety of features including text and voice messaging, audio and video calls, media sharing, story posting, and group chats. The app supports up to five linked devices per account, allowing messages, contacts, and settings to sync seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

### Challenges Ahead: Competing with WhatsApp

Since its launch in 2021, Arattai has recently climbed to the top of app charts on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Nonetheless, maintaining this momentum could be challenging. WhatsApp remains deeply embedded in Indian life, with over 500 million users relying on it daily for personal communication, commerce, and government services. Its vast network effects and expanding business platform provide a significant competitive advantage over emerging rivals like Arattai.

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While Arattai is making strides as an Indian alternative to WhatsApp, addressing key privacy features like default end-to-end encryption will be crucial for winning users’ trust and sustaining growth in a highly competitive market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/zoho-s-arattai-missing-this-key-whatsapp-privacy-feature/story

University of Pittsburgh establishes world’s 1st Horror Studies Center

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**University of Pittsburgh Establishes World’s First Horror Studies Center**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Oct 01, 2025, 04:53 PM*

The University of Pittsburgh has announced the creation of the world’s first-ever Horror Studies Center. Housed within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, this innovative initiative aims to consolidate and expand existing projects, including the Horror Studies Collection, which preserves the papers and works of acclaimed filmmaker George A. Romero.

### Leadership and Vision

The new center will be led by Adam Lowenstein, a professor of English and Film and Media Studies at Pitt. Lowenstein is an internationally recognized expert in horror studies and has been a faculty member since 1999. Expressing his excitement about the venture, Lowenstein said, “A center like this is something I’ve always dreamed of.”

### Research Focus: Horror as a Social Force

The Horror Studies Center sets out to explore horror’s significant role as a social force. Among its key initiatives is the *Horror Genre as a Social Force* scholar community. Other programs include the Global Horror Studies Archival and Research Network (GHSARN), the Horror Studies Working Group, and the George A. Romero Foundation.

These programs aim to investigate how horror intersects with a wide range of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and literature, highlighting horror’s complex cultural impact.

### Shifting Perceptions of Horror in Academia

Despite horror’s increasing popularity, Lowenstein acknowledges that the genre is still often regarded as unworthy of serious academic study. He believes the new center will help change this mindset.

“There’s a general perception that horror and art are allergic to each other. I don’t believe in this at all, and I think that the Horror Studies Center will work overtime to make sure that perception gets changed,” Lowenstein noted.

### A Global and Cultural Perspective on Horror

Lowenstein views horror as existing along a spectrum—from “loud” horror, which is characterized by gore and fantastical elements, to “quiet” horror, which is more disturbing and haunting. He believes both extremes offer much to learn.

Additionally, Lowenstein highlights the presence of horror in unexpected places, such as surrealism. In his 2014 book *Dreaming of Cinema*, he argues that surrealism has roots in horror.

The center also plans to strengthen global connections through the GHSARN’s existing ties with countries including Canada, Australia, the UK, and Japan, fostering an international dialogue around horror studies.

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The establishment of the University of Pittsburgh’s Horror Studies Center marks a groundbreaking step in legitimizing horror as a vital academic field and cultural phenomenon. Through its interdisciplinary research and global collaborations, the center promises to deepen our understanding of horror’s complex role in society.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/world-s-first-horror-research-center-launched-at-university-of-pittsburgh/story

Subhash Ghai responds to sexual assault allegations: ‘False, defamatory’

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**Subhash Ghai Responds to Sexual Assault Allegations: ‘False, Defamatory’**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 01, 2025, 05:32 PM*

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has strongly denied the sexual assault allegations made by actor Nehal Vadoliya. On Wednesday, Ghai issued a statement calling the accusations “false” and warned of legal action against those attempting to “malign” his reputation.

In his statement, Ghai said,
*”I want to make it clear that any individual attempting to malign my reputation or my companies and team members through false allegations will be held accountable under the law.”*

He further added that his legal team is prepared to take strict action against defamatory attempts.
*”If anyone has a genuine grievance, the correct and rightful course is to approach the police or the appropriate legal authorities. Resorting to social media to spread unverified claims for publicity is not only misleading to the public but also unlawful,”* the statement read.

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### The Allegations

Nehal Vadoliya, known for her work in *House Arrest*, had alleged in a recent interview that Ghai misbehaved with her during a visit to his house. Vadoliya was dating the filmmaker’s manager at the time.

According to Vadoliya, what began as a casual evening soon turned uncomfortable when Ghai started complimenting her looks and calling her “very sexy.” She claimed the situation escalated when Ghai allegedly followed her near the washroom and attempted to kiss her.

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### Aftermath

Vadoliya expressed anger at her then-boyfriend, the manager, for putting her in such a situation.
She said,
*”I told him, ‘Where have you brought me? You are his manager, meaning you already knew all these things.’”*

The incident left her shaken and led to the end of her relationship.
*”I broke up with my boyfriend after that. He was not worth trusting,”* she added.

—

The controversy has sparked significant public discussion, with many awaiting further developments as the legal process unfolds.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/filmmaker-subhash-ghai-denies-sexual-assault-allegations/story

Zepto in final stages of $450M funding at $7B valuation

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**Zepto in Final Stages of $450M Funding at $7B Valuation**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 01, 2025, 06:07 PM*

Zepto, a leading player in the quick commerce sector, is close to securing $450 million (approximately ₹3,900 crore) in a new funding round, according to sources cited by Moneycontrol. This capital infusion is a strategic move aimed at expanding Zepto’s offerings and scaling its operations amidst intensifying competition.

**Funding Round and Key Investors**

The funding round is being co-led by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), a prominent US-based pension fund, along with General Catalyst (GC), an existing investor in Zepto. Besides these two, several current investors—including Avenir, Avra, Lightspeed, Glade Brook, The Stepstone Group, and Nexus Venture Partners—are expected to participate to maintain or possibly increase their stakes in the company.

**Valuation Soars to $7 Billion**

With this fresh round, Zepto’s valuation is set to leap to $7 billion, marking a 40% increase from its $5 billion valuation last year. The company’s growth has been propelled by over a 20% rise in order volumes, reflecting strong market demand and operational expansion.

**Use of Funds: Primary Capital and Secondary Deals**

The majority of the funds raised will be primary capital, directly bolstering Zepto’s financial resources to fuel growth initiatives. Additionally, between $70 million and $100 million of the total funding will come from secondary share deals. These involve early investors selling portions of their holdings to new investors, enabling some liquidity for early backers while keeping them engaged through ongoing investments.

**Market Strategy and Competitive Outlook**

Zepto plans to leverage the new capital to boost its spending and increase its market share in the quick commerce space. This comes at a time when the sector’s rapid growth has somewhat cooled, with competitors such as Blinkit (by Eternal) and Instamart (by Swiggy) shifting their focus toward profitable growth.

By strengthening its financial backing, Zepto aims to regain momentum and secure a stronger position in this highly competitive market, responding proactively to evolving industry dynamics.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates on Zepto and developments in the quick commerce industry.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/zepto-seeks-450-million-funding-at-7b-valuation/story

Eco-tourism in India: 5 must-visit mangroves

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India’s mangrove forests are a treasure trove of biodiversity and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

These unique coastal ecosystems support a wide variety of flora and fauna, providing habitat for numerous species, including fish, birds, and other wildlife. Mangroves act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis, protecting inland communities.

Moreover, they contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. Preserving India’s mangrove forests is crucial for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring environmental stability for future generations.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/eco-tourism-in-india-must-visit-mangrove-spots/story

Scientists create human embryos from skin cells for first time

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In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Oregon Health and Science University have successfully created early-stage human embryos using DNA extracted from skin cells.

This remarkable achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. By reprogramming skin cell DNA, researchers were able to generate embryos at their earliest stages, opening new avenues for studying human development and potential therapeutic applications.

The technique holds promise for better understanding genetic diseases and could pave the way for innovative treatments in the future. As research progresses, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks will play a critical role in guiding the responsible use of this technology.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/scientists-create-human-embryos-from-skin-cells-in-groundbreaking-study/story

Ozempic launching soon in India: Is this weight-loss drug safe?

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Novo Nordisk’s Weekly Injection for Type 2 Diabetes, Ozempic, Set to Launch in India

Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk is preparing to introduce its weekly injection, Ozempic, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in India. This development marks a significant advancement in diabetes care within the country.

Ozempic offers a convenient once-weekly dosing schedule, designed to help patients manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. The medication has been widely recognized for its efficacy and safety profile in clinical studies worldwide.

With the launch of Ozempic in India, Novo Nordisk aims to provide better treatment options for the growing number of individuals living with type 2 diabetes, enhancing their quality of life and disease management.

Further details regarding availability and pricing are expected to be announced soon, as the company moves forward with its plans to make Ozempic accessible to patients across India.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/ozempic-launching-soon-in-india-effectiveness-and-safety-explained/story