Russia Expels UK Diplomat Over Spying Allegations as Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:20am on 27 Nov 2024,Wednesday International

Russia expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of espionage, escalating tensions with the UK. Moscow’s FSB claimed the diplomat, a second secretary at the British embassy, engaged in "intelligence and subversive activities." The UK rejected these "baseless" allegations, vowing to respond. This follows ongoing spy scandals, including the 2018 Novichok poisoning and recent diplomatic expulsions. The spat coincides with UK-backed missile usage in Ukraine and the arrest of British fighter James Anderson, accused of participating in hostilities. Russia also banned several UK ministers over "Russophobic" policies, straining relations further amid the Ukraine conflict.

Read More at NDTV

Bangladesh Calls Iskcon a Fundamentalist Organisation as Court Reviews Plea for Ban Amid Hindu Protests

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:16am on 27 Nov 2024,Wednesday International

The Bangladesh High Court is reviewing a writ petition seeking a ban on Iskcon, labeled a "fundamentalist organisation" by Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman. The petition follows protests over Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest for allegedly disrespecting the national flag. Protests erupted after Das’s detention, with Hindu groups citing over 200 attacks on their community since August. The court directed the government to clarify its stance on Iskcon and report on law and order by Thursday. India has expressed concern over attacks on minorities, calling the situation alarming. Hindu temples and leaders remain targeted by radical elements.

Read More at India Today

Israel Agrees to US-French-Brokered Ceasefire With Hezbollah

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:44am on 27 Nov 2024,Wednesday International

Israel's security cabinet approved a US-French-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah, effective November 27 at 4 a.m., aiming to end a year-long conflict in Lebanon that claimed 3,800 lives and injured 16,000. The agreement requires Israeli troops to withdraw within 60 days while Lebanon's army takes control of southern territories. Hezbollah is mandated to end its armed presence near the border. Despite the deal, Israeli strikes killed 18 in Beirut, and Hezbollah continued rocket fire. The US and France pledged to oversee the ceasefire's implementation and support Lebanon’s economic recovery and military rebuilding.

Read More at India Today

Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Begins in Lebanon After 14 Months of Conflict

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:51am on 27 Nov 2024,Wednesday International

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in Lebanon on Wednesday after 14 months of conflict that claimed thousands of lives. Announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, the agreement aims for a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, with Lebanese forces set to take over the territory. Mediated by Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, the deal received backing from France, with both nations pledging support for Lebanon's economic recovery and security. The conflict, sparked in October 2023, saw extensive cross-border attacks, displacing civilians and devastating infrastructure on both sides.

Read More at Al Jazeera

Netanyahu to Address Nation as Israeli Strikes Kill 7 in Beirut, Lebanon and Security Cabinet Discusses Ceasefire

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:55pm on 26 Nov 2024,Tuesday International

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the nation following a security cabinet meeting to discuss a potential ceasefire with Hezbollah. Earlier today, Israeli airstrikes targeted central Beirut, killing 7 and injuring 37, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Strikes focused on areas linked to Hezbollah, prompting mass evacuations and chaos in the city. Israel's military reported 10 rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, with some intercepted. As tensions escalate, both sides face international pressure to halt the violence. Lebanon's foreign minister expressed hope for a ceasefire deal by tonight. Netanyahu's statement is expected shortly.

Read More at BBC

"We Want a United Bangladesh": Hindu Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Urges Peace After Arrest

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:45pm on 26 Nov 2024,Tuesday International

Bangladeshi Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested on sedition charges, delivered a powerful message from a prison van, urging peaceful protests. “We want a united Bangladesh,” he said, flashing a victory sign outside a Dhaka court. Das was detained for allegedly disrespecting the national flag during an earlier rally. Protests by his supporters intensified, with police using batons and tear gas to disperse crowds. India expressed concern, urging Bangladesh to protect minorities. Das, a former ISKCON member, denied disrespecting the flag, and his arrest is viewed by supporters as an attack on minority voices in Bangladesh.

Read More at India Today

Unidentified Drones Seen Again Over US Air Bases in the UK

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:32pm on 26 Nov 2024,Tuesday International

Unidentified drones were seen overnight at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, US air bases in Britain. This follows similar sightings last week.   The US Air Forces in Europe confirmed ongoing monitoring of the airspace with help from the RAF. The drones have not been identified as hostile, and there is no reported impact on residents or infrastructure.   "We retain the right to protect our installations," a US Air Force spokesperson said.   The UK Ministry of Defence stated it takes such threats seriously and is supporting the US response to ensure safety at the sites.

Read More at Sky News

Bangladesh Police Use Teargas, Batons on Protesters After Hindu Leader's Arrest

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:27pm on 26 Nov 2024,Tuesday International

Bangladesh police used teargas and batons to disperse Hindu protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with ISKCON. Das was arrested at Dhaka airport on sedition charges, linked to an October rally where he allegedly disrespected Bangladesh’s national flag. Protests turned violent as over 2,000 supporters blocked a police van carrying Das. Police claimed protesters threw bricks, injuring one officer. India expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to protect them amidst reports of attacks and vandalism targeting minority communities.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Russia Plans Response After Ukraine Fires US-Made Missiles

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:21pm on 26 Nov 2024,Tuesday International

Russia claims Ukraine launched two attacks using US-made long-range ATACMS missiles in recent days. The Russian defence ministry reported strikes on the Kursk region, including Lotaryovka and the Kursk-Vostochny airfield. In Saturday's attack, five missiles were fired, with two hitting their target, damaging a radar and injuring people. On Monday, eight missiles were launched, with one causing injuries and infrastructure damage. Russia has vowed to respond, though Kyiv and Washington have not confirmed the use of ATACMS. The Russian defence ministry shared images of the alleged missiles, but their authenticity remains unverified.

Read More at Sky News

Israel Hits Hezbollah Targets in Beirut, Lebanon Ahead of Ceasefire Talks

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:47pm on 26 Nov 2024,Tuesday International

Israel launched its largest airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah positions, including command and weapons facilities. 8 Israeli jets carried out the strikes, hitting 20 locations. A separate airstrike hit central Beirut, killing 3 and injuring over 20 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This escalation occurred just hours before Israel’s cabinet meeting to discuss a potential 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah. The proposed deal involves Israeli troops withdrawing from Lebanon and Hezbollah moving away from the Israeli border. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to fire rockets into Israel as violence persists in southern Lebanon.

Read More at BBC

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