Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:22pm on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
Bangladesh authorities arrested Hindu priest and ISKCON member Shyam Das Prabhu in Chattogram without an official warrant on Saturday. He was detained while visiting spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, previously arrested on sedition charges and denied bail. Radharamn Das, ISKCON Kolkata’s vice-president, condemned the arrests and revealed that an ISKCON center in Bhairav was vandalized. “No respite in sight,” he posted on X. These incidents have intensified concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. ISKCON has called for justice and security for its members amid the escalating unrest.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:13am on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged N.A.T.O. to guarantee protections for Kyiv-controlled areas, claiming it could halt the war's "hot stage." He hinted at regaining Russian-occupied territories diplomatically if such guarantees ensured Ukraine's security. This comes amid escalating tensions, including Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine's energy sector after U.S.-supplied missiles were used against Russian territory. Zelensky emphasized the need for firm measures to deter future Russian aggression. He also appointed Mykhailo Drapaty as Land Forces Commander to strengthen military leadership. Western leaders, including Antony Blinken and Emmanuel Macron, discussed sustained support for Ukraine as the conflict nears three years.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:40am on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
ISKCON has called for global prayer and kirtan on Sunday to advocate for the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, attacks on minorities, including vandalism of Hindu temples, have escalated. The recent arrest of former ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges has intensified protests. ISKCON condemned the suppression and urged authorities to ensure citizens' safety. Countries like India, the UK, and the US have voiced concerns. ISKCON has demanded action against attackers, protection of minority rights, and restoration of harmony in Bangladesh.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:48am on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
Syrian rebels have taken control of the majority of Aleppo, marking a significant challenge to the Syrian government’s authority. The offensive, launched on Wednesday by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, has resulted in over 300 deaths, including 20 civilians. For the first time since 2016, Russia launched airstrikes in Aleppo as part of the government’s counteroffensive. Aleppo's airport and key roads have been closed. The city, previously under government control, saw minimal resistance as regime forces withdrew. The UN has expressed concern over the impact on civilians amid rising violence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:50am on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
The UK Parliament approved the Assisted Dying Bill, permitting terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to seek help in ending their lives. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, celebrated the historic vote, calling it "a step towards dignity." Proponents, including campaigners in pink attire, highlighted stories of suffering, while opponents, including disability activists, warned of societal risks. The debate featured emotional speeches, including one from MP Kit Malthouse, who criticized NHS burdens. Despite passing, the bill faces further scrutiny. Outside Parliament, tears of both joy and fear marked a day that divided opinion nationwide.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:00am on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
A woman bypassed multiple security checkpoints at New York's JFK Airport and boarded a Paris-bound Delta Airlines flight without a boarding pass or ID. TSA confirmed she cleared security screening with no prohibited items. Discovered in the aircraft bathroom near the end of the 7-hour flight, the stowaway prompted French police intervention upon landing. Passengers were informed of a "serious security issue" only after the flight landed in Paris. Delta Airlines and TSA have launched investigations into the breach, calling safety their top priority. Details of how the breach occurred and the woman’s arrest status remain unclear.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:20am on 30 Nov 2024,Saturday International
Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's press secretary, Shafikul Islam, assured that Hindus remain "safe" in Bangladesh despite recent tensions over ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest. Das, charged with sedition, was denied bail, sparking protests and calls to ban ISKCON. Islam confirmed there are no plans to ban the Hindu organization and emphasized Das would receive a fair trial. Addressing unrest, Bangladesh’s government has engaged with Hindu leaders and visited temples to address concerns. Responding to India's criticism of the arrest, Islam called it an "internal matter." Meanwhile, Bangladesh's High Court rejected a petition seeking to prohibit ISKCON's activities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:24pm on 29 Nov 2024,Friday International
UK MP Bob Blackman stated, "Hindus across Bangladesh are being subjected to death, with their houses and temples being burnt," during a session in Parliament. He condemned the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and highlighted attempts to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a direct attack on religious freedom. Blackman urged action to protect minorities, stressing, "It cannot be acceptable that religious minorities are persecuted in this way." India’s Ministry of External Affairs demanded Bangladesh ensure the safety of minorities. Diaspora group FISI UK supported these concerns, denouncing ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:15pm on 29 Nov 2024,Friday International
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested a ceasefire deal where unoccupied Ukrainian territories join NATO, ensuring security against further Russian aggression. He proposed negotiating the return of occupied regions diplomatically. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for NATO to "immediately" cover Ukraine's controlled areas, warning of Russian resurgence otherwise. The statement marks a shift from Kyiv's earlier refusal to cede territory. Zelenskyy also expressed willingness to engage with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of direct communication. Russia, however, insists on retaining occupied territories. Approximately 20% of Ukraine remains under Russian control since its invasion.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58pm on 29 Nov 2024,Friday International
Three Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh, were vandalised on Friday by a mob chanting anti-Hindu slogans. The attack, targeting Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple, followed protests triggered by the sedition-related arrest of ex-ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. Temple authorities stated the mob arrived post-Juma prayers, damaging gates and property. Police confirmed minimal damage after clashes. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged Bangladesh to ensure minority safety, while Bangladesh expressed concern over a protest at its Kolkata mission. Rising extremist rhetoric has escalated tensions between the two nations.