Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:44pm on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
US President Donald Trump denied reports that the US and Israel plan to attack Iran. He said such claims are "greatly exaggerated" and prefers a "verified nuclear peace agreement." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the US and met Trump. He called Trump the "greatest friend" of Israel. Their meeting sparked rumours of a joint attack on Iran, but Trump said he wants Iran to "grow and prosper" without nuclear weapons. Trump also warned Iran of "obliteration" if it attempted to assassinate him. He reinstated strict policies to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:15am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
More than 9,000 people have evacuated Santorini after over 300 earthquakes struck the Greek island in 48 hours. Authorities have closed schools, warned against large indoor gatherings, and advised people to avoid high-risk areas. A 5.0-magnitude quake hit on Tuesday, adding to fears of further tremors. Emergency flights and ferries are transporting residents to the mainland. While no major damage has been reported, many residents are sleeping in cars. Scientists say the tremors are linked to tectonic movements, not volcanic activity. The government is monitoring the situation, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis set to chair a crisis meeting.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:19am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Delhi recorded a 46.55% voter turnout by 3 PM in the ongoing assembly elections for 70 seats. The polling, set to continue until 6 PM, has seen allegations of fake voting from both AAP and BJP. Over 1.56 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 699 candidates, with major contests in New Delhi and Kalkaji constituencies. Security remains tight with over 30,000 police personnel and 220 paramilitary companies deployed. The Election Commission has introduced a Queue Management System (QMS) app to assist voters. Counting of votes is scheduled for February 8.
Rahul Dravid’s Car touches a goods auto on Cunningham Road Bengaluru #RahulDravid #Bangalore pic.twitter.com/AH7eA1nc4g
— Spandan Kaniyar ಸ್ಪಂದನ್ ಕಣಿಯಾರ್ (@kaniyar_spandan) February 4, 2025
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:59am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid was seen in a heated argument with an auto driver after a minor collision in Bengaluru. Known for his calm demeanor, Dravid appeared visibly frustrated near Cunningham Road. A viral video showed him engaging in a serious discussion with the driver. Fortunately, no injuries or major damage were reported. Fans recalled his viral 2021 "Indiranagar ka Gunda" ad, flooding social media with memes. Dravid recently ended his tenure as India's head coach and joined Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025, aiming to end their 17-year trophy drought.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:55am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
A viral image shows the US Navy testing its HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) weapon on the USS Preble. Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS uses a 60-kilowatt laser to engage aerial threats at light speed. It offers both "hard kills" by destroying targets and "soft kills" by disrupting electronics. The test follows the UK’s successful DragonFire trials. Lockheed calls HELIOS a "low-cost, precision response" for future threats. Countries like South Korea, Israel, and Germany are also developing laser weapons for defense.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:51am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Donald Trump suggested the US could "take over" Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere while rebuilding the enclave into "the Riviera of the Middle East." Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump proposed removing unexploded bombs and revitalizing Gaza's economy. Netanyahu called the plan "worth paying attention to." Trump also warned Iran against developing nuclear weapons, saying it would be "unfortunate" if Tehran pursued atomic bombs. Netanyahu praised Trump as "Israel's greatest friend," recalling his relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem. Observers called Trump's Gaza proposal "head-spinning."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:58am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, after meeting Donald Trump, reaffirmed Israel’s three war goals in Gaza: destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, ensuring Gaza never threatens Israel again, and securing hostage releases. Netanyahu praised Trump as Israel’s "greatest friend," highlighting his past policies, including leaving the Iran deal and brokering the Abraham Accords. He backed Trump’s plan for US control over Gaza, calling it a "history-changing" idea. The meeting underscored strong US-Israel ties, with Netanyahu emphasizing Trump’s "fresh approach." The war in Gaza continues as Israel pursues its objectives.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:51pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday International
A shooting at an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden, has resulted in around 10 fatalities. Police believe the perpetrator, a man, is among the dead and acted alone, although the motive remains unclear. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it Sweden's worst mass shooting in history. The campus also houses children's schools, but it was the adult education center targeted. Authorities warned residents to stay away from the area earlier in the day, and students and staff have since been evacuated from the site. Investigations are ongoing as police continue to process the crime scene.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday International
Bill Gates, 69, has spoken about his relationship with Paula Hurd, calling her a “serious girlfriend” and expressing happiness. During an interview on February 4, he said they were “having fun” and attending events like the Olympics. Gates also acknowledged Hurd in his memoir Source Code, published the same day. Their relationship became public in 2023, years after Hurd’s husband, former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, passed away. Gates, who divorced Melinda French Gates in 2021, previously called it his “big regret.” Hurd, a former NCR executive, has been a major donor to Baylor University.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday International
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss escalating tariffs after both nations imposed fresh levies. Trump slapped a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, while Beijing retaliated with duties on US energy and vehicles. China also announced an investigation into Google and new export controls on critical metals. Trump temporarily suspended tariffs on Mexico and Canada after they agreed to curb fentanyl trafficking and migration. "He is not going to allow China to continue to source and distribute deadly fentanyl," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Markets remain volatile as tensions rise.