Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:29pm on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
A truck carrying Satinder Pal Singh Raju, an associate of the late pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was fired upon multiple times on August 11 in California. Raju, a key organizer of the recent Khalistan Referendum in Calgary, survived the attack. The incident occurred on a highway in Woodland, Yolo County. Meanwhile, on August 10, the home of Raghbir Nijjar, a former gurdwara president in Surrey, Canada, was also targeted in a shooting and attempted arson. No arrests have been made, and the incidents are under investigation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:05pm on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
Maria Branyas Morera, believed to be the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 117, her family announced. Born in San Francisco in 1907, she moved to Spain as a child and lived in a nursing home in Olot, Catalonia, for 23 years. Maria passed away peacefully in her sleep, as she wished. Known for her sharp memory and positive outlook on life, she credited her long life to tranquility, strong family ties, and avoiding negativity. Maria was recognized as the oldest person in the world after the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:05pm on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
Russian forces announced the capture of the strategically important town of New York in Ukraine's Donetsk region. The town, with a pre-war population of around ten thousand, has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict. The capture follows recent Russian advances, including the seizure of Zalizne. The Donetsk region, claimed by Russia as part of its annexation in 2022, has seen intense fighting. Ukraine, grappling with shortages of manpower and ammunition, has struggled to maintain control. Russia's offensive continues despite recent Ukrainian border incursions into Russia’s Kursk region.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:45pm on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
The Bayesian superyacht sank off Sicily's coast early Monday, carrying 22 people including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer. One person, on-board chef Ricardo Thomas, is confirmed dead. Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, are missing along with Bloomer and his wife, Judy. Lynch's wife Angela was rescued and reported that the yacht tilted before sinking. Divers face challenges due to weather and debris. Charlotte Golunski and James Emsley were rescued; however, several other passengers, including lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife, remain unaccounted for.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the recovery of six hostages' bodies from Gaza, including British-Israeli Nadav Popplewell, after a complex operation near Khan Younis. The men, kidnapped during Hamas attacks on Israel in October, included Yagev Buchshtab, Alexander Dancyg, Avraham Munder, Yoram Metzger, and Chaim Peri. While five deaths had been confirmed earlier, Munder was thought to be alive. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas, and the Hostage Families Forum called for a negotiated deal to bring remaining hostages home.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:12am on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
A rocket engine exploded during a test at SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst, Shetland, where Germany's Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) was conducting a nine-engine trial. The explosion caused large flames and smoke, but no one was injured, as safety protocols ensured the site was evacuated. The test is part of preparations for the UK’s first vertical rocket launch. SaxaVord Spaceport, the first fully licensed vertical launch facility in Western Europe, plans up to thirty launches annually. Investigations are underway to understand the cause of the explosion.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:53am on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
An Israeli airstrike on Monday targeted a Hezbollah arms depot in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley, injuring at least eight people, including two children. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it aimed at multiple Hezbollah weapons storage facilities in the area. According to Lebanon's health ministry, the injured included six Lebanese citizens and two Syrian children. No fatalities were reported, according to security sources. The attack highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group with significant influence in Lebanon.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:53am on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
King Charles will visit Southport to meet with children who survived the stabbing attack at The Hart Space community centre in July. The attack resulted in the deaths of three children. During his visit, the King will first hold a private meeting with the survivors and their families, offering his support and condolences. He will then proceed to a public engagement at Southport's town hall, where he will connect with other members of the community affected by the tragedy. The visit aims to provide comfort and solidarity to those impacted by the tragic event.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:52am on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
Donald Trump has posted misleading images on his social media platform, Truth Social, suggesting that Taylor Swift and her fans are endorsing him for the 2024 presidential election. The images, including a mock poster of Swift in patriotic attire and fans wearing "Swifties for Trump" T-shirts, were mostly created using AI, according to NBC News. Swift, who has not publicly endorsed a candidate for the 2024 race, has previously supported Joe Biden and criticized Trump. Trump's campaign claimed the "Swifties for Trump" movement is growing, despite evidence of fake content.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:07am on 20 Aug 2024,Tuesday International
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Egypt to discuss a Gaza ceasefire after Israel agreed to a US "bridging proposal" for peace. Blinken's visit follows a constructive meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The new proposal aims to freeze fighting for six weeks, facilitate the release of hostages, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Blinken will also meet with Qatar's emir in Doha as part of ongoing mediation efforts. The situation remains tense, with continued delays and blame exchanged between Israel and Hamas.