Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:29am on 20 Mar 2024,Wednesday International
Kensington Palace released a photo of Queen Elizabeth surrounded by family, digitally altered in eight places. Reuters discovered the alterations, including digital cloning. Getty Images flagged the image as "digitally enhanced at source." Neither Getty nor Reuters initially detected the changes. Reuters is updating its procedures for vetting images from the palace. This follows the recent withdrawal of a photo of Kate and her children due to editorial standards. Kensington Palace declined to comment on the altered photo. The purpose and reason behind the alterations remain unclear.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:22am on 20 Mar 2024,Wednesday International
Former First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance alongside husband Donald Trump and son Barron in Florida's primary. They cast their votes, with Melania hinting at joining Trump on the campaign trail. Melania, known for her low profile, sported a white coat with a black dress and boots. When asked about future visibility, she teased, "Stay tuned." Speculations about her absence arose, but sources emphasize her priority is son Barron. Despite legal concerns, Melania remains dedicated to her role as a mother. Stay tuned for updates on her potential involvement in Trump's campaign.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:03am on 20 Mar 2024,Wednesday International
An investigation has been initiated at London Clinic over allegations of staff attempting to access Princess Kate's private medical records during her January hospitalization. Kensington Palace clarified her surgery wasn't cancer-related and emphasized her wish for privacy. The Information Commissioner’s Office is assessing the breach report. Metropolitan Police and the clinic are yet to comment. Social media speculation about Kate's health persists despite recent sightings with Prince William. Nelson Silva, who filmed the couple at a farm shop, dismissed conspiracy theories as "delusional," emphasizing the authenticity of his footage.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:33am on 20 Mar 2024,Wednesday International
Violence erupted in Myanmar's Rakhine state as the Arakan Army (AA) broke a ceasefire after the 2021 coup. UN Chief Guterres expressed concern over military airstrikes, particularly in Minbya township, where civilians suffered casualties. A recent airstrike in Thar Dar village killed 24 and wounded 18, with residents decrying the attack on a non-combat zone. Tens of thousands are displaced, hampering communication due to disrupted networks. AA fighters have gained ground, challenging junta troops in surrounding areas. The conflict adds to Myanmar's long-standing struggle with armed ethnic minority groups seeking autonomy and resource control since independence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:12am on 20 Mar 2024,Wednesday International
Finland maintains its title as the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, as per the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report. Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden follow suit. Afghanistan remains at the bottom due to ongoing humanitarian crises. Surprisingly, the United States and Germany drop out of the top 20 happiest nations. Costa Rica and Kuwait make their debut in the top 20. Larger nations are absent from the top rankings. Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Jordan see significant declines in happiness, while Eastern European countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, and Latvia report improvements. Happiness is gauged by self-assessed life satisfaction, GDP per capita, social support, health, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:51am on 20 Mar 2024,Wednesday International
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block Texas' law allowing state police to arrest those suspected of crossing the border illegally. President Biden's administration sought to halt the law, arguing it violates the Constitution. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the law due to perceived federal inaction on immigration. Republicans criticize Biden's handling of border crossings and advocate for stricter policies. The law makes illegal entry a state crime, with penalties ranging from jail time to deportation. Texas aims to enforce immigration laws independently amid ongoing debate over federal immigration policy.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:43pm on 19 Mar 2024,Tuesday International
Rose Hanbury, close friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton, dismissed swirling affair rumours linking her to Prince William amidst speculation surrounding Kate's prolonged absence. Speculation peaked after internet sleuths linked Kate's absence to alleged infidelity. On "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," Hanbury's name surfaced in discussions. However, she refuted the allegations, calling them "completely false." Hanbury, with strong royal family connections through generations, clarified her stance amidst heightened media attention. Kate's absence since a January surgery sparked global speculation about her health, prompting Hanbury to address and deny the swirling rumours.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:56pm on 19 Mar 2024,Tuesday International
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned of severe food insecurity in Gaza, with the entire population facing acute shortages. Blinken called on Israel to prioritize providing aid to those in need. UN agencies have cautioned that northern Gaza could face famine by May without a halt in fighting and an increase in humanitarian assistance. Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, with Israeli negotiators scheduled to meet in Qatar. Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns persist, with calls for access for journalists and criticism over restrictions on aid distribution. The situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention in Gaza.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:47pm on 19 Mar 2024,Tuesday International
Internal UN documents obtained by The Guardian reveal a systematic campaign of obstruction and harassment against UN staff working with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank by Israeli military and authorities since the Gaza conflict's onset. Incidents include alleged blindfolding, beating of UN personnel, and the use of UN facilities as firing positions during raids resulting in Palestinian casualties. UNRWA, which operates schools and health clinics in the West Bank, documented 135 incidents since October, citing violations of privileges and immunities. Israel denies intentional harassment, but incidents highlight growing tensions and potential destabilization in the region.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:52pm on 19 Mar 2024,Tuesday International
In a New York civil fraud case, Donald Trump struggles to secure a $464m bond, risking asset seizure if not paid by March 25. His lawyers assert that finding a company to guarantee the sum is "practically impossible." Despite negotiations with major insurers, no success has been reported among the 30 approached companies. Trump's legal hurdles mount as he faces potential business bans and mounting penalties, alongside ongoing criminal cases. With assets on the line, his legal team's delaying tactics face scrutiny as time dwindles before potential asset liquidation.