Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:31pm on 25 May 2025,Sunday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on May 26–27, 2025, to inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth over ₹53,414 crore. The visit will span Bhuj, Dahod, and Gandhinagar. In Bhuj, he will launch 33 major initiatives, including solar PV plants, new power substations, water supply upgrades, and road expansions. In Dahod, PM Modi will inaugurate India’s first 9,000 HP locomotive engine plant, a ₹20,000 crore project. He will also dedicate Dahod Smart City projects, including a new municipality building and a tribal museum, highlighting India's infrastructure and industrial growth. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:20pm on 25 May 2025,Sunday India
Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine overnight, firing 367 drones and missiles that killed 13 people, including children, and injured dozens across multiple cities. Ukraine’s air force intercepted 266 drones and 45 missiles, but widespread destruction hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and other cities. In Mykolaiv, a drone strike destroyed a residential building, killing a 77-year-old man. President Zelenskiy criticized the muted U.S. response under President Trump, calling for stronger sanctions. Meanwhile, Russia claimed it downed 95 Ukrainian drones. The escalation comes as both nations agree to a 1,000-person prisoner swap and Ukraine proposes a 30-day ceasefire. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 10:58am on 25 May 2025,Sunday India
In his first 'Mann Ki Baat' address following Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased visuals of destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. PM Modi highlighted the use of indigenous defence technologies in the operation, emphasizing India's self-reliance and the valor of its armed forces. He praised the precision and efficiency of the strikes, stating that they reflect the nation's commitment to combating terrorism. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of 'Made in India' initiatives in strengthening national security and lauded the efforts of Indian innovators and defence personnel.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:39am on 25 May 2025,Sunday India
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has stirred national outrage after blaming the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—particularly women—for not resisting the assailants. Speaking at a public event in Bhiwani, Haryana, Jangra stated that the victims should have “fought back” and claimed that the women lacked the courage of historical warriors like the Rani of Jhansi. His remarks were widely condemned as insensitive and victim-blaming. The attack, which killed 26 tourists in Baisaran Valley, has reignited debates on public safety and political accountability. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:31am on 25 May 2025,Sunday India
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has ignited controversy with his remarks about the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at an event in Bhiwani, Jangra stated that the 26 tourists killed in the April 22 attack lacked the "spirit of bravery" and died with "folded hands." He suggested that had the victims undergone training under the Prime Minister's Agniveer scheme, the casualties could have been reduced. Jangra further claimed that if the tourists had confronted the attackers, the death toll might have been limited to five or six. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Indian National Congress, which condemned the remarks as "utterly disgraceful" and a "grave insult" to the women who lost their husbands in the attack. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:23am on 25 May 2025,Sunday India
In May 2025, India executed "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Using M-777 howitzers and indigenous Nagastra-1 loitering munitions, Indian forces struck seven camps with precision without crossing the border. Pakistan retaliated with shelling that killed 13 Indian civilians and injured 59. The operation highlighted India’s enhanced artillery capability and exposed flaws in Pakistan’s response. DRDO Chief Samir Kamat praised the effectiveness of Indian-made systems over Chinese-origin weapons used by Pakistan. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 06:39pm on 24 May 2025,Saturday India
On May 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, focusing on the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision. He urged states to collaborate as 'Team India' to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. Key discussions included infrastructure development, MSME support, women empowerment, skill development, and water conservation. Chief Ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Assam reaffirmed their commitment to the national development agenda. However, notable absentees included Chief Ministers from Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, raising concerns about political unity. Despite these absences, Modi emphasized the importance of cooperative federalism and the collective responsibility of all states in achieving national goals. (PC: NDTV & The Hindu)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 01:24pm on 24 May 2025,Saturday India
The Indian government has ratified an 8.25% interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for FY 2024-25, maintaining the previous year's rate. This decision, confirmed by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the EPFO, awaits formal notification from the Finance Ministry, after which interest will be credited to over seven crore subscribers' accounts. The EPF continues to offer competitive, tax-free returns compared to other fixed-income instruments. Additionally, the CBT approved enhancements to the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme, including a ₹50,000 minimum benefit for deaths within one year of service and coverage for deaths occurring within six months of the last contribution, benefiting over 20,000 families annually. (PC: News18 & Outlook India)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:14am on 24 May 2025,Saturday India
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Saturday to meet families affected by recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan. Conducting door-to-door visits, Gandhi assessed damage, consoled grieving families, and interacted with injured victims and students. Calling the shelling a “big tragedy,” he pledged to raise their concerns on a national platform. Notably, he visited the home of twin siblings killed in the shelling. His visit follows heightened tensions after India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks, which killed 28 across J&K. Gandhi praised the courage of affected families, saying they carry the heaviest burden in times of conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:05am on 24 May 2025,Saturday India
At the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for enhanced Centre-State cooperation to achieve the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Emphasizing cooperative federalism, PM Modi urged states to develop globally competitive tourist hubs and future-ready, sustainable cities. The theme of the meeting was "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat." He stressed that development in every state is essential for national progress. CMs from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh attended, while some others skipped the meeting. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin demanded a larger share of central taxes and an urban transformation mission. (PC: News18)