Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:24am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
New digital evidence has surfaced against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for alleged espionage, prompting a likely handover of her case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Malhotra reportedly used encrypted apps like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp to contact Pakistani agents, with numbers saved under aliases. She was introduced to Pakistan High Commission staffer Danish by Harkirat Singh of Haryana SGMC. Investigators allege she visited Pakistan under cover of religious pilgrimages and engaged in propaganda during Operation Sindoor. Malhotra shows “no remorse,” defending her videos as free speech. Authorities are probing her deep links to Pakistan’s intelligence network since 2023. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:13am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
Former U.S. President Joe Biden expressed gratitude following an outpouring of global support after revealing his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. “Cancer touches us all,” Biden said, adding, “Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.” Diagnosed with a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade cancer with bone metastasis, Biden’s team said the illness is hormone-sensitive and manageable. King Charles privately offered support, while Donald Trump questioned the timing of the announcement. Vice President JD Vance echoed concerns about Biden's health transparency. Biden’s diagnosis has reignited debate on health disclosures of public officials. (PC: X/Biden)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:55pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” for a ceasefire following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Trump, writing on Truth Social, said the Vatican is interested in hosting the talks. Putin confirmed that both leaders agreed on presenting a “memorandum” developed with Ukraine, outlining terms for a possible peace agreement. The two-hour call marks a significant step after years of conflict since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Putin thanked Trump for reviving direct communication and said both sides must strive to reach compromises suitable to all parties involved. (PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:16pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Lucknow Super Giants were knocked out of IPL 2025 after a crushing 6-wicket defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad at Ekana Stadium on May 19. Chasing a record 206, SRH dominated with Abhishek Sharma's blistering 59 off 20 and strong contributions from Klaasen and Mendis. LSG’s batting faltered after a solid start by Marsh and Markram, with captain Rishabh Pant once again failing to inspire. Poor strategy and form plagued LSG’s season, leading to their fifth loss in six games. SRH’s all-round performance eliminated LSG from playoff contention, leaving only Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in the race. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:49pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Gary Lineker, former England footballer and long-time host of Match of the Day, will leave the BBC after 26 years. The 64-year-old, who was the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, confirmed his departure following backlash over a controversial Instagram repost featuring a rat emoji, widely interpreted as antisemitic. Lineker apologised “unreservedly”, insisting he never intended to offend. His final appearance will be this Sunday, and he will not be involved in the 2026 World Cup coverage. BBC Director-General Tim Davie praised Lineker’s contribution to sports broadcasting, while the Campaign Against Antisemitism called his position “untenable” and launched a petition for his removal. (PC: NYTimes)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:26pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport after allegedly smuggling 46kg of high-grade cannabis worth £1.5 million into Sri Lanka. The former flight attendant had arrived on a flight from Bangkok. Sri Lanka’s Customs Narcotics Control Unit described it as the largest Kush seizure at the airport, reportedly bound for elite local buyers. Lee remains in custody as the Police Narcotics Bureau investigates. She had been celebrating her birthday in Thailand and claimed to be working on a boat. The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular support. (PC: The Standard)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:49pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
US President Donald Trump said he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump called the war a “bloodbath” and said over 5,000 soldiers are dying each week, though official numbers are much lower. The Kremlin confirmed that a call is being planned. Trump also plans to talk to NATO leaders. He hopes the talks will lead to peace. Ukraine recently said it was ready for a ceasefire, but Russia’s demands were too harsh. It is unclear if Trump’s efforts will bring real change to the stalled peace talks. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:34am on 19 May 2025,Monday International
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah's apology for his communal remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling it insincere “crocodile tears.” The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, labeled the comments "most unfortunate" and "crass." The Court has set up a Special Investigation Team of three IPS officers, including at least one woman, to probe the FIR against Shah. At a recent rally, Shah had controversially claimed PM Modi sent a “sister from their community” to avenge a terror attack, prompting public outrage and strong judicial condemnation.
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 07:15am on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis followed urinary symptoms leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule. The cancer is characterized by a high Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating rapid growth. However, it is hormone-sensitive, offering potential for effective management. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Throughout his presidency (2021–2025), Biden faced several health challenges, including previous skin cancers and a benign polyp. Global leaders, including Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom, have extended their well-wishes. Biden's "cancer moonshot" initiative aimed to reduce cancer deaths, inspired by his son Beau's death in 2015. (PC: Business Insider)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:57am on 19 May 2025,Monday International
US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Rome on Sunday, months after their tense Oval Office confrontation over US support for Ukraine. The leaders discussed ceasefire talks, sanctions on Russia, and defense cooperation. Both shared smiling photos on social media, signaling a thaw in relations. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness for "real diplomacy" and thanked Americans for their support. Talks referenced recent stalled negotiations in Istanbul. Their meeting also covered battlefield updates and potential prisoner exchanges, with Zelensky calling for sustained pressure on Russia to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace. (PC: NDTV)