Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:42pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
UK King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Ottawa for a two-day visit. They were welcomed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and schoolchildren. The visit comes after Donald Trump said Canada should become the 51st US state. King Charles will speak in Canada’s Parliament—the first monarch to do so in nearly 50 years. His speech will support Canada’s independence. Carney earlier said, “Canada is not for sale.” The King’s visit sends a strong message to Trump. He will also attend community events. A royal source said the King is skilled at handling such diplomatic moments and balancing global ties. (PC: Arthur Edwards/The Associated Press)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:42pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
The Kremlin responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks calling Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy” after Russia's largest aerial assault on Ukraine, killing 13 and injuring dozens. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributed Trump’s statement to “emotional overload.” Trump, speaking in New Jersey, criticized Putin’s missile attacks and said, “If he takes all of Ukraine, it’ll lead to Russia’s downfall.” He also warned Ukrainian President Zelensky to tone down rhetoric. Meanwhile, Germany removed range limits on arms supplied to Kyiv, hinting at possible Taurus missile delivery. Russia warned it would be a “dangerous move.” Peace talks remain stalled despite recent U.S. efforts. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:03pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
In a swift and strategic counterstrike, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on the night of May 6–7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy chiefs coordinated the operation from the IHQ Ops Room. Strikes targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Key training hubs in Gulpur, Abbas, and Barnala were destroyed. The operation was executed with precision, ensuring no civilian casualties while neutralizing critical terror infrastructure. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:43pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
Hamas has agreed to a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a Palestinian official. The agreement, mediated by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 70-day truce and the release of ten Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two groups. In return, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving long sentences. The ceasefire also involves a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. This development offers hope for easing tensions in the region, though Israel has yet to comment on the proposal. Negotiations continue amid cautious optimism. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:36pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, carrying hazardous materials capsized off Kerala’s Kochi coast, triggering an environmental alert. The ship, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, tilted and sank due to flooding early Sunday. All 24 crew members were safely rescued. Authorities are concerned as oil, diesel, and toxic chemicals, including calcium carbide, leaked from the vessel’s 640 containers. The Indian Coast Guard deployed pollution control ships and aircraft to contain the spill. Residents and fishermen have been warned to avoid the affected coastal areas amid ongoing cleanup efforts to protect marine life and public health. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:04pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
A video of French President Emmanuel Macron being playfully shoved in the face by his wife, Brigitte, upon landing in Vietnam has gone viral. The clip shows the First Lady pushing Macron’s face as he stands near the aircraft gate. Though startled, Macron quickly recovers, smiling for the camera. Initially dismissed by the French presidency, the video was later acknowledged as genuine. Macron downplayed the moment, calling it a joke between the couple. Aides described it as a harmless "couple’s squabble" before the official Southeast Asia visit. The incident has sparked light-hearted chatter online but no diplomatic concern. (PC: Screengrab from X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:46pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly refuted Congress claims that Pakistan was warned before India's ‘Operation Sindoor,’ calling it a “dishonest misrepresentation.” Speaking to the MEA Consultative Committee, he clarified that Pakistan’s DGMO was informed only after the strike. Jaishankar emphasized that the operation targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, killing over 100 terrorists. He asserted that no prior government had acted so decisively. The EAM also ruled out talks with Pakistan except on PoK and terrorism, and confirmed no US interference. He further stressed India’s firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty and combating fake news from Pakistan. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:50pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
The Kremlin has denied any involvement in recent arson attacks targeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's current and former homes, as well as a car he once owned. The fires, which occurred earlier this month in north London, have led to charges against three men—two Ukrainians and one Romanian. While British media reported that security officials are probing possible Russian links, no terrorism or national security charges have been filed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as baseless and typical of London’s stance. UK police and the government have not publicly commented on the suspected Russian connection. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:24pm on 26 May 2025,Monday International
A viral video has sparked debate online after it appeared to show French First Lady Brigitte Macron lightly slapping President Emmanuel Macron’s face as they exited their plane in Hanoi. The brief interaction, caught on camera, shows Brigitte's hand nudging Macron’s face before he regains composure and waves to the crowd. As the couple descended the aircraft stairs, she declined to take his arm. The French President’s office dismissed the incident as playful teasing. Some officials blamed pro-Russian social media accounts for fueling controversy, calling it a “moment of connection” misinterpreted online.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:43am on 26 May 2025,Monday International
At least 54 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, including a strike on Fahmi Al-Jargawi School in Gaza City, which was sheltering displaced families. Local officials reported children among the dead, with many severely burned. Israel said it targeted a Hamas command center, accusing militants of using civilians as shields. A separate strike in Jabalia killed 19 more. Among the dead are nine children of a Gaza doctor and two Red Cross workers. The UN warned of worsening humanitarian conditions, while calls for a ceasefire and international arms embargo against Israel intensified amid ongoing conflict. (PC: Reuters)