Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:25pm on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
The body of renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has been recovered days after a devastating avalanche struck during an expedition in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The avalanche claimed the lives of several team members and triggered an extensive search operation under difficult weather and terrain conditions. Purja, celebrated for scaling all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in record time, was among those missing after the disaster. Recovery teams located his body following days of intensive efforts. The tragedy has deeply shocked the global mountaineering community, with tributes pouring in for Purja and the other victims. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:17pm on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
Two firefighting helicopters collided midair while battling a major wildfire in the Psatha area, west of Athens, Greece, triggering an urgent search and rescue operation. The crash occurred as hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft struggled to contain fast-moving blazes fueled by strong winds, extreme heat, and dry conditions. Authorities said one helicopter crew was rescued, while efforts continued to locate the second crew. The wildfires have already destroyed more than 100 homes, scorched vast forest and farmland, and forced evacuations across affected regions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that Greece faces “extremely difficult” days ahead. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:11pm on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
At least 72 people have died after an estimated 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in the largest mass migration to the territory. Spanish officials said most migrants have since returned to Morocco, while security forces continue patrolling the area. Authorities have blamed criminal gangs and social media rumours for encouraging the crossing. The crisis has sparked political tensions across Europe, with several EU countries calling for a coordinated response to prevent further uncontrolled migration. Pope Leo XIV also expressed concern and appealed for a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:02pm on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 100-week Nasha Mukta Yuva Abhiyaan, a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating drug abuse and promoting a drug-free India. Addressing the launch via video conference, Modi urged young people to stay away from drugs and become leaders of the movement. Every Sunday over the next 100 weeks will feature activities such as sports, cultural programmes, art and meditation to encourage participation. The campaign is part of the government's broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Modi also said strict action is being taken against drug traffickers while focusing on protecting India's youth from substance abuse. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:00pm on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
Amid escalating tensions with the United States, Iran has intensified diplomatic outreach by holding high-level consultations with key regional partners over growing security concerns in the Middle East. According to Iranian officials, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held urgent talks with counterparts and senior leaders from Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to discuss the rapidly evolving situation following recent US actions. During discussions with Pakistan's Field Marshal and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Araghchi warned against what Tehran described as destabilising US actions and cautioned that further military adventurism could worsen regional insecurity. He reiterated that Iran remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security against any aggression. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:47pm on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
The body of veteran Nepalese-British mountaineer Nirmal Purja was recovered on Sunday, three days after a devastating avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the 43-year-old's body was found at an altitude of around 5,700 metres. Purja was among 10 climbers swept away when the avalanche hit the mountain during an expedition. Rescue teams have so far recovered five bodies, while search operations continue for the remaining five missing climbers. Purja, regarded as one of the world's greatest mountaineers, had earned global recognition for scaling all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record-breaking time during 2019. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:53am on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
The United States has advised its citizens across the Middle East to stay alert and be ready to leave if tensions with Iran worsen. The State Department warned of possible travel disruptions, flight cancellations and security risks, saying US diplomatic missions and American interests could be targeted. The advisory comes amid reports that President Donald Trump may approve fresh strikes on Iran in the coming days. Iran has warned that countries supporting US military action could face consequences. The latest alert follows weeks of escalating attacks and counterattacks between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:23am on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
US President Donald Trump said the United States will cancel planned military strikes on Iran if a deal is reached "rapidly." In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked Washington to delay any attack as the framework of an agreement had been outlined. He said the proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear programme. The announcement came after reports that the US was preparing major strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Iran has not responded, while the US has advised Americans in the Middle East to remain alert amid rising regional tensions. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:20am on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
Spain has installed a 500-metre sea barrier along the border of its North African enclave of Ceuta after 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco, triggering a major humanitarian crisis. The Spanish government said at least 67 migrants died, including people who drowned and others killed in a stampede. Thousands have since returned to Morocco, while Spain deployed troops and additional police to secure the border. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a coordinated European Union response and rejected criticism of Spain's migration policy. Several EU countries have urged urgent talks on strengthening border security. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:19am on 02 Aug 2026,Sunday International
At least four Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, according to local health officials, despite US President Donald Trump announcing a diplomatic breakthrough aimed at advancing a ceasefire. The strikes hit multiple locations, including areas sheltering displaced civilians, while military operations continued across the enclave. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, with shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies worsening the crisis. Although renewed diplomatic efforts have raised hopes for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner agreement, no final deal has been reached. Fighting continues on the ground as mediators work to secure a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas. (PC: Reuters)