Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:09pm on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, will meet with Hindu students and community members today to address the ongoing attacks on minorities. Since Sheikh Hasina's government fell on August 5, there have been at least 205 reported attacks on minority communities. The meeting will focus on resolving the crisis and ensuring the protection of Hindus. Hindu students have prepared an eight-point list of demands, including the establishment of a fast-track tribunal for swift trials and the creation of a Ministry of Minority Affairs. Yunus has condemned the attacks as "heinous" and urged protection for all minority communities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:02pm on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday, with Ukraine and Russia trading accusations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russian forces ignited the blaze, while Kremlin-installed governor Yevgeny Balitsky alleged Ukrainian shelling was the cause. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported strong dark smoke but no nuclear safety impact. The plant, under Russian control since 2022, has been inactive with all reactors in cold shutdown since April. The IAEA is seeking immediate access to assess the damage.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:15pm on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
An 11-year-old girl and a 34-year-old woman were stabbed in Leicester Square, central London. The incident occurred near the Lego store. The Met Police arrested a man at the scene, stating there are no other suspects. Both victims were taken to a major trauma center, but their condition remains unknown. A shop worker, Abdullah, intervened to stop the attack, subduing the assailant until police arrived. He described the incident as "horrible," especially because a child was involved. The area remains cordoned off as police continue their investigation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:26pm on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
South Korea has deployed its first bedbug-sniffing dog, Ceco, at Incheon International Airport. The two-year-old beagle can scan a hotel room in just two minutes. Ceco is part of a campaign to prevent bedbugs from entering the country as athletes, officials, and fans return from the Paris Olympics. The airport is increasing disinfection efforts, especially for flights from Paris. Authorities hope to stop any potential bedbug infestations before they spread. The campaign will continue until September 8.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:00pm on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of three girls killed in a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29. Her parents released the last photo taken of her at the event as hundreds gathered for her funeral at St Patrick's Catholic Church. The family expressed their grief and called for peace amidst far-right riots following misinformation about the attacker's identity. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy also condemned the violence, urging rioters to reflect on the harm caused to grieving families.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:10am on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed deep shock and condemnation over Israel's airstrike on Al-Taba'een School in Gaza City, which killed at least 100 and injured many others. The school, housing displaced Palestinians, was struck during dawn prayers. Lammy called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted aid access. Despite international appeals from Egypt, the US, and Qatar, Israel continues its offensive, which has resulted in nearly 39,800 Palestinian deaths since October. The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:09am on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
The US has deployed the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to the Middle East amid rising regional tensions. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group would also accelerate its arrival. This move is in response to recent assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, with concerns about Iran's potential retaliation. The Pentagon aims to bolster defenses for Israel and address threats from both Iran and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza continue, with pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and international calls for resumed talks.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:37am on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
A statue commemorating Bangladesh's 1971 liberation was vandalized by "anti-India vandals," Congress leader Shashi Tharoor reported. The statue, located at the 1971 Shaheed Memorial Complex in Mujibnagar, depicted Pakistan's surrender to India and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini. Tharoor expressed sadness, sharing an image of the damaged statue. He also highlighted recent attacks on Hindu temples and homes in Bangladesh following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tharoor urged Nobel laureate Muhammed Yunus, leading the interim government, to restore law and order amid ongoing violence against minorities in the country.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:53am on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
A fire broke out at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, with Moscow and Kyiv trading blame. The blaze, which damaged a cooling tower, occurred after Ukraine's largest incursion into Russian territory since 2022. Both sides reported no elevated radiation levels. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of deliberately starting the fire, while Russian officials blamed Ukrainian shelling. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the fire but stated that there was no impact on nuclear safety. The plant remains a focal point of conflict in the ongoing war.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:01am on 12 Aug 2024,Monday International
Hamas stated that any renewed ceasefire talks concerning Gaza must follow the principles laid out in US President Joe Biden’s May plan. This announcement comes after international mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the US, urged Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations on August 15 in Doha or Cairo. Hamas criticized new Israeli conditions, asserting they prolong the conflict. The relocation of thousands of Palestinians in Khan Younis followed a deadly Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school, underscoring the escalating tensions. The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 39,790, according to Hamas authorities.