Discarded SpaceX Rocket Set to Crash Into Moon Next Week

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:55pm on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

A discarded SpaceX rocket is expected to crash into the Moon on Wednesday after drifting through space for more than a year. Experts say it will hit at about 5,400 mph, creating a crater around 27 metres wide and sending dust and rocks into space. Scientists plan to study the impact to better understand the risks of space debris for future Moon missions. The rocket was originally used to launch two lunar landers in January 2025. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea's Danuri orbiter will capture images before and after the crash to study its effects. (PC: AP)

Read More at Sky News

Hundreds Evacuated by Sea as Wildfires Continue to Rage Across Greece

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:30pm on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

Hundreds of people were evacuated by sea after wildfires surrounded the coastal town of Agios Vasileios in central Greece on Friday. Around 500 people, mostly tourists, were stranded as strong winds spread the flames quickly. Firefighters are also battling major wildfires on the island of Crete, where thousands of hectares have burned and 8,000 people were evacuated earlier this week. Fires have also broken out on several Greek islands. Portugal, Spain and Turkey are also fighting large wildfires after recent heatwaves. Officials warned that high temperatures and strong winds could keep the fire risk high in the coming days. (PC: Greek Fire Service, Reuters)

Read More at BBC

41 Dead as 60,000 Migrants Enter Spain's Ceuta From Morocco in 24 Hours

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:26pm on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

At least 41 migrants have died after around 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain's enclave of Ceuta in the past 24 hours. Many reportedly drowned or were killed in a stampede near the border. Spain has deployed troops, more police, drones and boats to strengthen security. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed human smugglers and called the mass crossing a violation of Spain's territorial integrity. The European Union described the situation as unacceptable, while several European countries offered support. US President Donald Trump also commented, linking the migrant crisis to the US immigration debate during a political statement.

Read More at NDTV

Hamas Agrees to Disarm Under Trump-Backed Gaza Peace Plan, Israel Yet to Respond

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:15pm on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

Hamas has agreed to disarm under a peace plan announced by US President Donald Trump, according to a senior Hamas official. The deal is part of the second phase of a US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan. Trump said Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza as Hamas gives up its weapons. The plan also includes rebuilding Gaza and creating a new Palestinian government with international support. Israel has not officially accepted the agreement and is yet to comment. Talks are expected to continue in Cairo. The plan aims to end the war, but many Palestinians remain doubtful after earlier peace efforts failed. (PC: Reuters)

Read More at BBC

Pakistan Minister Warns of ‘Cockroach’ Uprising Amid Economic Crisis and Youth Frustration

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:01am on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has sparked debate after warning that a united, frustrated youth movement could "overturn everything," borrowing the term "cockroaches" from India's recent youth-led protests. Speaking about Pakistan's worsening economic challenges, Naqvi acknowledged the country's mounting debt, governance failures, and limited opportunities for young people, admitting that the system has "collapsed." He urged authorities to address rising public frustration instead of relying on more borrowing. His remarks reflect growing concern that economic hardship and youth discontent could trigger widespread unrest, drawing comparisons with recent protest movements in neighbouring India. (PC: AP)

Read More at Hindustan Times

Hamas Agrees to Disarm in Gaza After Trump Announces 'Board of Peace' Plan; Israel Yet to Respond

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:35am on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

Hamas has agreed to a plan for complete disarmament in Gaza, according to a senior Hamas official, after US President Donald Trump announced that the "Board of Peace" had reached an agreement. Trump said the deal calls for Hamas and other armed groups to disarm completely, with Israel expected to withdraw from Gaza as the process is completed. Israel has not yet commented on the proposal. US officials said Trump would be disappointed if Israel does not withdraw under the agreement. If implemented, the plan could mark a major breakthrough in efforts to end the conflict and establish new Palestinian governance. (PC: BBC)

Read More at BBC

Israeli Strikes Kill Six Palestinians, Including Two Children, as U.S.-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Gains Diplomatic Momentum

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:04am on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least six Palestinians, including two children, even as mediators in Cairo reported rare progress toward implementing a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas militants, while health officials reported civilian casualties. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a phased plan for Hamas' disarmament and governance reforms in Gaza, but Israel expressed reservations, saying the proposal does not meet its demand for complete demilitarisation. Hamas has also indicated disarmament would depend on a full Israeli withdrawal, leaving the ceasefire initiative uncertain despite renewed diplomatic momentum. (PC: Reuters)

Read More at Reuters

Spain Deploys Troops After Thousands of Migrants Cross From Morocco Into Ceuta

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:01am on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

Spain has deployed additional troops and police to its North African enclave of Ceuta after an estimated 2,000–3,000 migrants crossed from Morocco by swimming around border barriers or scaling fences. The sudden influx overwhelmed local authorities, crowded reception centres, and prompted calls for a national emergency. At least nine people reportedly died during the dangerous crossings. Spanish officials blamed criminal smuggling networks and pledged close coordination with Morocco to restore border security while processing migrants. The crisis has reignited debate over migration policies, border management, and European Union cooperation, echoing the major Ceuta migration emergency witnessed in 2021. (PC: EPA)

Read More at The Guardian

U.S. Passport Falls to 10th in Henley Passport Index 2026, Down From Joint No. 1 Two Decades Ago

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:29am on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

The United States passport has slipped to 10th place in the latest Henley Passport Index, marking a dramatic decline from its joint No. 1 ranking in 2006. U.S. passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 destinations, while Singapore leads the global rankings with access to 192 destinations. The report highlights a steady erosion of America's global travel mobility over the past 20 years, placing it behind 36 countries due to ranking ties. Experts say shifting visa policies, changing diplomatic relationships, and stronger international agreements by other nations have contributed to the U.S. passport's declining global standing. (PC: Getty)

Read More at Forbes

Trump Administration Weighs $100,000 OPT Fee for International Students Seeking Post-Graduation Jobs

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:49am on 31 Jul 2026,Friday International

The Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students who want to work in the United States after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The proposal, which has not yet been officially announced, is reportedly being explored after a similar H-1B visa fee faced legal setbacks. If implemented, the measure could significantly increase the cost of post-study employment, affecting students, universities, and industries that rely on global talent, including technology and finance. Critics warn the plan could discourage international students from choosing U.S. universities and weaken America's ability to attract skilled professionals. (PC: India Today)

Read More at India Today

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