Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:27am on 19 Oct 2025,Sunday International
Massive “No Kings” protests broke out worldwide against U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration, education, and security policies. Hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in London, while thousands marched in Washington, Madrid, and other major cities. Organized by over 300 civil rights and grassroots groups, demonstrators accused Trump of promoting authoritarian governance and undermining democratic freedoms. Protesters held banners reading “No Kings, Just People,” demanding accountability and policy reform. Legal observers from the ACLU monitored rallies to ensure peaceful assembly as global opposition to Trump’s agenda continued to intensify. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:11am on 19 Oct 2025,Sunday International
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following days of intense border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. The truce was reached during peace talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and supported by Turkey. Both nations pledged to establish mechanisms to prevent future escalations and address cross-border militancy and territorial disputes through dialogue. The agreement marks the first major diplomatic breakthrough since tensions flared earlier this month. Follow-up meetings are planned to ensure lasting peace and stability between the two neighboring countries long locked in conflict. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:42pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
Hundreds gathered outside the US embassy in London Saturday as part of the first wave of "No Kings" protests, a global campaign against President Trump's immigration, education, and security policies, with over 2,600 demonstrations planned worldwide. Protests occurred in Madrid, Barcelona, and across major US cities, with organizers warning against "authoritarian overreach." Progressive leaders including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Hillary Clinton endorsed the movement. Republicans dismissed demonstrations as "hate-America rally," while Trump stated "I'm not a king." Sociologist Dana Fisher predicted record mobilization exceeding three million participants, describing it as people "reclaiming collective voice."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:10pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
Fire at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was brought under control Friday, with flight operations resuming at 9:06 PM local time after breaking out in the cargo village at 2:15 PM. No casualties were reported as fire service and airport authorities coordinated quick action. Bangladesh's interim government constituted a seven-member investigation committee to probe the incident, with the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Advisor personally monitoring the situation. Addressing public concerns over recent nationwide fires, the government assured thorough investigations, warning "any credible evidence of sabotage or arson will be met with swift and resolute response." Officials promised necessary steps to prevent recurrence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:08pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Doha concluded Saturday on a "positive note" after four-and-a-half hours of closed-door discussions, with delegations resuming Sunday morning for second session talks. Pakistan's delegation led by Defence Minister, NSA, and ISI DG Lt Gen Asim Malik outlined red lines demanding conditional ceasefire extension and safe military convoy zones along Khost-North Waziristan corridor. Taliban demanded handover of hardcore TTP fighters in Pakistani custody and complete halt to Pakistani aerial operations, stating "this is an uneven war as we lack aerial defence." Qatar, backed by Western governments, pushes for joint statement calling mutual restraint without apportioning blame. Follow-up round expected within one week.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:20pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
Zelensky left the White House empty-handed Friday after a "pointed" meeting with Trump, arriving optimistic but leaving without Tomahawk missiles or security guarantees. Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Stefanchuk called it a "very important historical moment" before departure, expecting Trump would understand "Putin is a liar," but mid-flight news of Trump's 2.5-hour Putin call and summit announcement dampened hopes. Trump insisted the war should freeze at existing battle lines with both sides going "home to their families." Zelensky maintained Putin isn't ready for genuine peace while carefully offering effusive praise to Trump. Kyiv residents vowed continued fighting regardless, stating "the only power who decides what's next is our army."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:13pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
President Trump acknowledged Friday he might be getting "played" by Putin while negotiating Russia-Ukraine peace, stating "I've been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well." Trump proposed stopping the war at current battle lines, suggesting both sides "go home" as otherwise it's "too complicated." During White House meetings with Zelenskyy, Trump leaned against providing requested Tomahawk missiles, citing US stockpile needs and hopes for imminent peace. Trump announced plans for Budapest talks with Putin, suggesting a potential "double meeting" with both leaders. Despite months of brokering attempts, breakthrough remains elusive as Trump urges immediate cessation while implying Moscow retain captured territory.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:29pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
A fire erupted Saturday afternoon at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's cargo section near Gate 8 around 2:30 PM, suspending all flight operations. Twenty-eight firefighting units responded initially, with additional reinforcements deployed. Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, Fire Service, two Bangladesh Air Force units, and two Border Guard Bangladesh platoons joined rescue operations. Airport spokesperson confirmed "all aircraft are safe" with no immediate casualties or significant damage reported. Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Jashim coordinated the emergency response as the blaze engulfed the Cargo Village section. The fire's cause remains under investigation as authorities work to contain the situation and assess full extent of damage.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:05am on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
On 15 October 2025, President Trump asserted that India has already “de-escalated” its imports of Russian oil and will stop buying it altogether, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi made that commitment. However, India’s government denied such discussions, stating its energy policy is driven by national interest and emphasising affordability and supply security for consumers. The claim highlights deepening diplomatic strains with the US as energy, trade and geopolitics intersect over Moscow’s war in Ukraine. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:51am on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
Hamas has handed over the remains of an additional Israeli captive recovered in Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, delivered the body to the International Committee of the Red Cross at 11 p.m. local time. The Israeli government confirmed receipt and initiated a formal identification process. Hamas has stated its commitment to returning all deceased hostages but requires international assistance, including heavy machinery, to recover remains still trapped under Gaza's rubble. (PC: AP)