Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 11:52am on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday International
NASA is facing a major crisis as nearly 20% of its workforce around 3,870 employees to exit under the Trump administration’s Deferred Resignation Program. The move, aimed at streamlining federal agencies, has sparked nationwide protests and alarm among scientists and engineers over the loss of institutional expertise. Critics warn the layoffs threaten mission readiness, especially for Moon and Mars projects. The agency, now led by an acting administrator after Trump’s nominee was rejected, is accused of lacking clear leadership. Elon Musk heads the Department of Government Efficiency overseeing the cuts. A letter titled The Voyager Declaration signed by hundreds of former staff warns of irreversible damage to U.S. space dominance and safety standards. (PC: Space)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 09:02am on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday International
During a press conference in Scotland, US President Donald Trump reignited his long-standing feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “nasty person” and accusing him of doing a “terrible job.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, standing beside Trump, quickly defended Khan as “a friend of mine.” Khan’s office responded diplomatically, saying the mayor was “delighted” Trump wants to visit London and would witness how diversity strengthens the city. The clash adds to years of tension between the two leaders, rooted in disagreements over immigration, terrorism, and identity politics. Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over political civility and transatlantic relations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:11pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. In separate reports released in Jerusalem, the groups allege systematic targeting of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure and civilians, stating Israel's actions fulfill key criteria of the 1948 Genocide Convention. B’Tselem said Israel aims to "intentionally destroy Palestinian society," while PHRI cited deliberate attacks on hospitals and medics. The Israeli government strongly denied the claims, blaming Hamas. The reports mark the first genocide accusations from within Israel, as the International Court of Justice also reviews a genocide case filed by South Africa. (PC: BBC )
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:22pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
Aishanya Dwivedi, wife of Pahalgam terror victim Shubham Dwivedi, said the pain will stay but some peace has come. Her husband was shot dead by terrorists in April while they were on holiday in Kashmir. Now, two of those terrorists have been killed in an Army operation called "Operation Mahadev." Aishanya told NDTV, “It’s a good start. The people who did this are dead. I believe our Army will finish the rest too.” She called terrorism a cancer that must be ended. Shubham, a businessman from Kanpur, had been married just over two months before he was killed. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:09pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
U.S. President Donald Trump said he will put a 15% to 20% tariff on goods from countries that don’t have trade deals with the U.S. The new rule will start on August 1. Trump made the statement during a visit to Scotland. He said he “wants to be nice” but needs fair trade. This new plan replaces the earlier 10% tariff announced in April. Some countries like the UK, EU, and Japan have made deals to avoid higher rates. Others, like South Korea and Brazil, may face the new tariffs. The move is part of Trump’s push for balanced trade. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:42pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
US President Donald Trump has told Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire within 10 to 12 days or face harsh economic penalties. Speaking in Scotland, Trump said talks had failed and there was "no reason to wait." He warned of 100% tariffs on countries trading with Russia. Earlier, Trump gave a 50-day deadline. Now he says time is running out. Russia has not agreed to the demands. Ukraine supports Trump’s pressure, saying Putin only respects strength. Talks hosted by Turkey have stalled. Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities daily. A ceasefire deal remains unlikely at this stage. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:30pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
US President Donald Trump denied visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private island during a press meet after talks with UK PM Sir Keir Starmer. Trump said, “I never went to the island. I turned it down.” He claimed he cut ties with Epstein years ago after a dispute. “He hired my staff. I told him not to. He did it again. I threw him out,” Trump said. He also discussed Gaza, calling the situation “terrible” and said Ukraine’s war must end in “10 to 12 days.” Trump criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan but praised King Charles and looked forward to a second state visit. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:18pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
At meeting in US President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf club in Scotland, Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Starmer called the situation an “absolute catastrophe” and said British people are “revolted” by images of suffering. Trump said, “Those children look very hungry,” and emphasised the urgent need to send in more food. He confirmed talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu and said the US is “giving a lot of money and food.” Both leaders stressed the need for a ceasefire and faster humanitarian aid, with Trump adding, “You have to end it.” Hostage talks remain unresolved. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:07pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf club in Scotland, joined by his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer. The US President greeted them warmly as a bagpiper played. The sound made it hard for reporters to hear their brief conversation. Downing Street said the leaders will discuss lifting tariffs under a US-UK trade deal. They will also talk about the crisis in Gaza and efforts to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Locals, media, and even a curious horse were seen waiting to catch a glimpse of the meeting at the scenic Scottish golf resort. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:32pm on 28 Jul 2025,Monday International
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported 14 new deaths from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, underscoring the worsening crisis. Israel has announced 10-hour daily pauses in military operations in some areas to allow aid delivery. Jordan continues airdrops of food and medical supplies, though observers say these efforts fall short of meeting urgent needs. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher told the BBC that the coming days are “make or break” for relief efforts. Israel has barred most foreign journalists, including the BBC, from entering Gaza, making independent verification of the humanitarian situation on the ground increasingly difficult. (PC: BBC)