Trump Unveils Gold High-Top Sneaker Line Featuring American Flag Detailing

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:11pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

Former President Donald Trump introduced his sneaker brand, 'Trump Sneakers,' at a Sneaker Con event in Philadelphia, revealing the "first official Trump footwear" with American flag detailing. This follows a court order for Trump and his company to pay $355 million in a New York civil fraud case. The shoes, named Never Surrender High-Tops, are priced at $399 on the new website, alongside Trump-branded Victory47 cologne. The announcement received mixed reactions at the Philadelphia Convention Centre. Despite legal challenges, Trump, nearing the Republican nomination, pushes forward with his business ventures.

Read More at The Week

Gaza: Nasser Hospital Ceases Functioning After IDF Raids; US Likely to Veto UN Ceasefire Vote

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:04pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

Following Israel Defence Force (IDF) raids, Gaza's second-largest hospital, Nasser Hospital, is no longer operational, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus states the hospital's non-functionality after a week-long siege and ongoing raids. WHO's attempts to assess conditions were denied. The Palestinian death toll rises to 28,985, and Algeria proposes a UN resolution for a Gaza ceasefire. However, the US, represented by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, signals likely rejection, citing counterproductive impact on their efforts to end the conflict. In response, Hamas conditions hostage release on Israel ending the war, complicating negotiations.

Read More at The Week

US President Biden Confident $60bn Ukraine Aid Package Will Pass Congressional Vote

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:58pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

US President Joe Biden reassures Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the $60bn military aid for Ukraine is in progress. While awaiting a final congressional vote, Biden expresses confidence in its approval. The aid is crucial amid Ukraine's withdrawal from Avdiivka, citing ammunition rationing due to Congress's delay. The Senate approved a $95bn foreign aid package, including $60bn for Ukraine, but House Republicans' division poses challenges. Biden pledges support, emphasizing the absurdity of abandoning Ukraine's defense. Zelensky urges US lawmakers to approve the package, emphasizing the need for ammunition to counter Russia's aggression.

Read More at BBC

UK PM Sunak Warned of Conservative Party Wipeout Amid Tax Cut Pursuit

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:56pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

UK PM Rishi Sunak faces party turmoil as Treasury explores spending cuts for pre-election tax reductions. Tories express concern over alienating voters with public service cuts, urging moderation. Former party chairman Lord Deben stresses public priorities like nurses and healthcare, cautioning against a shift to the right. Ex-minister Justine Greening warns of an "extinction event" if party embraces Ukip rhetoric. Internal strife heightens after byelection losses, with divisions on tax and immigration policies. Sunak's budget, a crucial opportunity, may decide the party's fate, but challenges persist amid poll leads for Labour. Critics fear a 1997 Labour landslide outcome.

Read More at The Guardian

UK Extends Ukrainian Visas by 18 Months After Russian Invasion

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:01pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

The UK government announces an 18-month visa extension for 200,200 Ukrainians who arrived after the Russian invasion, offering certainty and stability. Three visa schemes, including Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, and Ukraine Extension Scheme, benefit from the extension, allowing stay until at least September 2026. Applicants can continue accessing work, benefits, healthcare, and education. Migration minister Tom Pursglove praises the generosity of UK families and reaffirms providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict. The move signifies UK support for Ukraine's eventual safety and citizens' potential return. Extension applications open in early 2025.

Read More at BBC

Pakistan Election Commission Initiates Inquiry Following Official's Resignation Over Poll Rigging Claims

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

Pakistan's Election Commission launches a swift investigation after Rawalpindi commissioner, Liaquat Ali Chattha, resigns, admitting to manipulating poll results and citing pressure from senior officials. The committee, formed by the Election Commission, will gather statements from district polling officials within three days. Chattha's explosive accusations of election interference come amid protests by Imran Khan's PTI party, alleging rigging in the February 8 elections. The ECP denies the claims, while Chattha urges punishment for those involved. The controversy raises concerns about trust in the electoral system, further exacerbated by a nationwide disruption in the social media platform X's service.

Read More at The Independent

Mark Zuckerberg Reveals Controversial Leadership Style: Avoids Delegating Responsibilities

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:31pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared on the "Morning Brew Daily" podcast that his controversial leadership trait involves minimal delegation, emphasizing a founder's hands-on approach. Despite acknowledging potential hiccups, the 39-year-old believes in deep involvement across various aspects, relying on a team for critical tasks. Zuckerberg expressed confidence in this management style, citing the importance of learning from challenges. Meanwhile, Meta's financial report highlighted concerns about Zuckerberg's high-risk hobbies, such as combat sports, with potential implications for both personal and company well-being. A recent knee injury during MMA training underscored these risks.

Read More at NDTV

Ceasefire Talks in Israel-Gaza Conflict Show Limited Progress, Says Qatar

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:48am on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

Recent discussions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, have been described as "not very promising." Despite the challenges, Qatar's Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, maintains optimism but acknowledges time constraints. The talks, involving senior officials from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar in Cairo, aim to broker a pause in the conflict. While concerns about humanitarian aspects persist, Al Thani emphasizes the importance of not linking a truce to the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister expresses determination to proceed with plans for a Rafah ground invasion.

Read More at BBC

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Released on Parole, Returns to Bangkok Mansion

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:41am on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International

Thailand's ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, convicted of corruption, is released on parole from a police hospital. The billionaire, serving a one-year sentence, returned from self-imposed exile last August. Thaksin, 74, went directly to his Bangkok mansion, not spending a night in jail due to reported health issues. Criticism arises over the handling of his case, with his original eight-year term commuted to one year by the king. Thaksin, a polarizing figure, led an elected government from 2001-06 and continues to influence Thai politics through his family's Pheu Thai party currently in power.

Read More at BBC

PTI to Protest Alleged Poll Rigging, Sit in Opposition in Pakistan

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58pm on 17 Feb 2024,Saturday International

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to sit in opposition in Parliament and launch nationwide protests against alleged election rigging. Despite backing independent candidates, PTI's efforts to form a government faltered. PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the decision, citing evidence of fraudulent results. The party issued a white paper documenting irregularities and called for the chief election commissioner's resignation. PTI's core committee finalized plans for peaceful protests, with former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser leading efforts to garner support. Khan emphasized a focus on national development without political vengeance upon returning to power.

Read More at India Today

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