Canada’s House Observes Silence for Nijjar’s Death Anniversary, Pro-Khalistan Protesters Rally in Vancouver

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:13am on 19 Jun 2024,Wednesday International

On June 18, 2024, Canada’s House of Commons held a moment of silence to commemorate the first anniversary of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death. Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, in 2023. Concurrently, a significant protest occurred outside India’s consulate in Vancouver, with demonstrators showing posters of Talwinder Singh Parmar, linked to the 1985 Air India bombing. Speaker Greg Fergus announced the commemoration following bipartisan agreement. Pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun called for justice against Indian diplomats and a boycott of Air India. The murder continues to strain India-Canada relations.

Read More at Hindustan Times

US President Biden to Protect 500,000 Undocumented Spouses from Deportation

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:01pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday International

President Joe Biden is set to unveil a new policy aimed at shielding over 500,000 undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation. The initiative, targeting those residing in the US for a decade or more, allows them to legally work and apply for permanent residency. It also benefits 50,000 young individuals under 21 whose parents are American citizens. This move, described as the most significant since DACA in 2012, follows recent executive actions to manage border crossings. Critics argue against what they deem an overreach of presidential power, while supporters view it as a step towards immigration reform.

Read More at BBC

Philippine Navy Officer Injured as Chinese Vessel Rams Ship

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:28pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday International

A Philippine navy officer was severely injured after a Chinese Coast Guard vessel rammed a Philippine ship near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident happened during a resupply mission on June 17. Manila accused China of dangerous maneuvers and illegal actions. Beijing claimed the Philippine ship ignored warnings and caused the collision. The shoal, hosting a small Philippine garrison, has seen increased clashes as China asserts its claims in the area. The injured officer has been evacuated and is receiving medical treatment. Tensions remain high as both nations dispute the incident.

Read More at News18

Biden's New Plan Offers Green Cards to Spouses of US Citizens Without Legal Status

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:39pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday International

President Joe Biden unveiled a new plan aimed at granting relief to over half a million immigrants in the US. The initiative allows spouses of US citizens, living in the country without legal status for at least 10 years, to apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Eligible applicants can also include about 50,000 non-citizen children of these immigrants. Upon approval, they will receive a temporary work permit, protection from deportation, and the opportunity to apply for a green card within three years. The program is expected to open for applications by the end of summer.

Read More at Mint

UK Approvals for Arms Export to Israel Dropped Sharply at Start of Gaza War

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:00pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday International

Britain significantly reduced approvals for arms export licenses to Israel during the Gaza conflict, with permits' value dropping over 95% to £859,381 ($1.09 million) from October 7 to December 31. This marks a 13-year low, contrasting sharply with £20 million approved in the same period of 2022. The decline includes items like body armor and non-lethal military vehicles. Criticism from MPs and human rights groups persists over transparency in arms sales. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends Israel's response to Hamas, calls for stricter controls on arms exports grow amid international scrutiny.

Read More at NDTV

U.S., U.K. Forces Strike Yemen Airport and Kamaran Island: Houthis Report

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:28pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

U.S. and British forces launched six airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah International Airport and four on Kamaran Island near the port of Salif, according to Al-Masirah TV, run by Yemen's Houthi movement. This marks the first attack on Kamaran Island since coalition strikes on Houthi targets began in February. Yemen's internationally recognized government claims the Houthis use these sites for Red Sea attacks and to store weapons. The Houthis have escalated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza, despite ongoing reprisals by the coalition.

Read More at NDTV

Obama Assists Biden Offstage After Fundraiser Freeze Moment

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:09pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

At a Los Angeles fundraiser, President Biden momentarily froze onstage, prompting former President Obama to guide him off after a brief pause. The incident followed Biden’s interview with Jimmy Kimmel. Critics raised concerns about Biden's fitness for another term, pointing to similar incidents. The White House dismissed the critiques, asserting Biden was absorbing the audience's applause. Despite the moment, the event, attended by Hollywood stars, raised over $30 million for Biden's campaign.

Read More at India Today

Israeli Prime Minister Dissolves War Cabinet Following Key Departures

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:41pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the six-member war cabinet following the resignation of opposition leader Benny Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot. This decision, reported by Israeli media, shifts sensitive war decisions to a smaller forum amid calls from far-right ministers to join. The move aims to manage coalition tensions and international relations amid ongoing military operations in Gaza. Despite changes, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assured that operational command remains intact. The development follows criticism over tactical pauses in Gaza operations, highlighting ongoing complexities in Israel’s approach to the conflict.

Read More at BBC

Palestinians Mark Eid al-Adha in Ruined Gaza Mosque

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:18am on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

Dozens of Palestinians gathered in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, to perform Eid al-Adha prayers near the ruins of a mosque destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Surrounded by debris and rubble, they marked the start of the major holiday, which commemorates Ibrahim's test of faith. The ceremony took place amidst the devastation of collapsed houses and the displacement of thousands. Abdulhalim Abu Samra, a displaced Palestinian, highlighted the struggles of his people, citing over 37,000 martyrs, 87,000 wounded, and hundreds of thousands of destroyed homes. Elsewhere in Gaza, Muslims held prayers in a school-turned-shelter and visited cemeteries to honor loved ones.

Read More at Sky News

China Uses Panda Diplomacy to Strengthen Ties with Australia

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58pm on 16 Jun 2024,Sunday International

Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the gift of two new giant pandas to Australia during a visit to Adelaide Zoo, replacing the beloved Wang Wang and Fu Ni set to return to China this year. This gesture comes amidst efforts to repair Sino-Australian relations strained by recent trade sanctions and military tensions. Premier Li’s four-day visit aims to enhance trade and political cooperation, marking the first such visit since 2017. He emphasized a renewed, stable partnership, while discussions with Australian PM Anthony Albanese are expected to address human rights, Taiwan, and remaining trade barriers.

Read More at The Telegraph

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