Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:46am on 18 Dec 2025,Thursday International
Imran Khan’s sons have spoken about their father’s condition in jail. In an interview with Sky News, they said the former Pakistan prime minister is kept in a “death cell.” They claimed he faces mental pressure and harsh treatment every day. The sons said Khan is cut off from people and basic facilities. They called it psychological torture. They also said the family fears for his safety. According to them, jail rules are not being followed. They warned his health is at risk. The sons said they may never see their father again. Pakistani authorities have not responded to these claims. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:25am on 18 Dec 2025,Thursday International
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a major legislative push to crack down on hate speech and extremist “preachers of hate” in the wake of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event. The government will adopt recommendations from an antisemitism envoy, introducing aggravated hate speech offences, increased penalties for violent hate speech, and a federal offence for serious vilification. New powers will allow visa cancellation for those who spread division, and a task force will ensure antisemitism education across schools. Critics call for even stronger action, including banning hate preachers and a royal commission.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:02pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences over the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. Police said the charges include 15 counts of murder and one terror offence. The attack happened during a Hanukkah event and killed 15 people. Many others were injured. Akram was badly hurt and appeared in court from his hospital bed. His father Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities said the attack was a terrorist act. Police believe it was inspired by extremist ideology. The case has been delayed until April 2026. Several victims remain in hospital. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:40pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
A bystander who disarmed a gunman during the Bondi Beach shooting was a former police and security officer, his family said. Ahmed Al Ahmed, 44, stepped in when two shooters opened fire at a Jewish gathering in Sydney. A viral video shows him grabbing one attacker and taking his gun. He was shot several times and is now recovering in hospital. His family said he earlier served with police and security forces in Syria before moving to Australia in 2006. His action helped save many lives. Leaders worldwide praised his courage. A fundraiser has raised millions to support his recovery. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:56pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare. Police said the victim, Aria Thorpe, was found dead at a house on Lime Close on Monday evening. A post-mortem showed she died from a single stab wound. The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. He spoke only to confirm his details. The court remanded him in custody. He will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. Police said the case has shocked the town and support is being given to schools and families. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:04pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
Venezuela has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump after he ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil ships linked to the country. Trump said the move targets Venezuela’s government, which the US now labels a foreign terrorist group. He accused it of drug smuggling and human trafficking. Venezuela rejected the claims and said the US wants to steal its oil. The order follows the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker last week and fresh sanctions on more ships. Caracas called the action a serious threat and warned it could raise tensions. Venezuela depends heavily on oil exports for its economy. (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:54pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
A London court has ordered the indefinite detention of a man who stabbed an 11-year-old girl in Leicester Square. The girl, an Australian tourist, was visiting London with her mother. The attack happened outside a Lego store in August last year. The accused, Ioan Pintaru, grabbed the child and stabbed her multiple times. She suffered serious injuries but survived the attack. Pintaru later pleaded guilty to causing serious harm and carrying a knife. Doctors told the court he was suffering from severe mental illness. The judge said the crime caused lasting trauma to the child and deep fear for her family. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:10pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh seized 750 sacks of roasted chickpeas treated with harmful chemicals in Gorakhpur. The Food Department found that a synthetic yellow dye was used to make the chickpeas look attractive. Officials said the dye is meant for clothes and paper, not food. Tests confirmed high chemical content, making the product unsafe to eat. Health experts warned it can harm the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer. The chickpeas were brought from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. All seized sacks were banned from sale. Officials said strict legal action will be taken against suppliers involved in the adulteration network. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:06pm on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
Thousands gathered in Sydney on Wednesday for the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, killed in the Bondi Beach shooting. He was among 15 people shot dead during a Hanukkah festival. Schlanger was known as the Bondi Rabbi and helped organise the event. Community leaders called his death an unspeakable loss. Family members spoke of his kindness and service. Political leaders and diplomats attended the funeral. Other victim funerals are planned this week, including that of a 10-year-old girl. Police said charges against the main accused may proceed after medical checks. The attack was Australia’s deadliest shooting since 1996. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:45am on 17 Dec 2025,Wednesday International
UK inflation fell more than expected in November, dropping to 3.2%, its lowest level since March, driven mainly by falling food prices such as cakes, biscuits and cereals. The sharper-than-forecast decline has strengthened expectations that the Bank of England will cut its main interest rate to 3.75% this week as the UK economy faces weak growth and rising unemployment. Finance minister Rachel Reeves welcomed the data, calling lower household bills a priority. Markets reacted immediately, with the pound weakening as traders priced in further rate cuts in 2026. Analysts say the fall in inflation is likely enough for Governor Andrew Bailey to approve another rate reduction, offering borrowers a “Christmas present.” (PC: The Economic Tiimes)