Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:19pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International
Iran has suspended all ceasefire-related commitments under its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States after US President Donald Trump declared the agreement "over." The MoU, signed last month, aimed to reduce tensions, protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for talks on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. Both countries have accused each other of violating the deal. The announcement comes as the US carries out a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran warns of a stronger military response, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:15pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Politics
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, calling the 39-year-old "the best player in the history of football." Scaloni urged fans to cherish the opportunity to watch Messi play on the biggest stage, saying his achievements are extraordinary. Messi has scored 8 goals in the tournament and is the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals. Argentina will face defending European champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to become the first team in 64 years to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:10pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India
Manipur activist Irom Sharmila has expressed support for Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, saying meaningful change can only come through sustained public participation. Speaking to Scroll, Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, said the responsibility to fight for change should not rest on one individual. She urged citizens, especially young people, to join Wangchuk's protest and build a united movement. Sharmila argued that governments respond only to large-scale, collective agitations and warned against expecting a single protester to carry the burden or become a martyr. (PC: Scroll)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:58pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has voiced support for students protesting against alleged examination paper leaks, saying the issue is about education, safety and accountability, not politics. In a post on X, the 24-year-old said every child deserves equal opportunities and a fair chance to build their future. Bhaker urged people not to view the protests through a political lens, stressing that protecting students' dreams should be a national priority. Her remarks come amid ongoing demonstrations led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding transparency and accountability over alleged paper leaks. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:54pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Education
NEET UG 2026 AIR 2 Panshul Bansal proved that success does not require giving up hobbies. The Faridabad student scored 715 out of 720, including a perfect 180 in Physics, while continuing to play video games, badminton, piano and other activities during his preparation. After the original NEET exam was cancelled, Panshul overcame the setback by staying focused and improving his performance in the re-exam. He said consistency, quality study and analysing mistakes mattered more than long study hours. Panshul now hopes to join his dream medical college and pursue a career as a surgeon. (PC: The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:55pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Sports
India's Minerva Academy Under-12 team successfully defended the Gothia Cup after beating Brazil's RS Sports Yellow 2-1 in the final. The victory came just days after the Chandigarh-based academy won the Helsinki Cup, completing a memorable European double. Kipgen Thangsanglen scored the opening goal, while Mekhamkhraw Nongrem netted the winner with a free-kick. Minerva remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and defeated teams from England, Norway, Sweden, Kenya, France, Bolivia and Ukraine. The latest triumph adds to the academy's growing list of international titles and highlights the rising standard of Indian youth football.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:35pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Politics
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government over the removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar in Delhi. In a post on X, Rahul called the action "wrong" and accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests. Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health worsened and that the move followed medical advice and court directions. However, the Cockroach Janta Party claimed he was taken without his or his family's consent. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said the planned Parliament march on July 20 will continue as scheduled.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:34pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Sports
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain has become the most expensive sporting event in the United States, according to reports. The average ticket price is 11,327 dollars, setting a new record. The most expensive ticket is priced at 28,479 dollars, or about ₹27 lakh. The match will be played at MetLife Stadium. Ahead of the final, Lionel Messi also spoke about Spain's young star Lamine Yamal. He called Yamal "one of the best in the world" and wished him success. The final is expected to attract huge global attention and record crowds. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:32pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains under treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after completing 20 days without solid food during his hunger strike. Doctors said dehydration, low potassium levels and rising ketone levels could affect his kidney function. They urged immediate medical treatment. However, Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions and medicines. Hospital officials said he is under close observation. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Delhi ahead of a planned Parliament march. Congress leaders criticised Wangchuk's removal from Jantar Mantar. Doctors warned that "his kidney function may be at risk" if the hunger strike continues.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:28pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India
At least 8 people were killed and five others were injured after a fire and blast at a firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Mahmudpura area on Saturday. The injured were taken to L.G. Hospital for treatment. Firefighters and rescue teams continued search operations at the site. Officials said the death toll could rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, saying he was "extremely saddened" by the loss of lives. He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for each injured person from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.