UK PM Rishi Sunak Faces Resistance Over Smoking Ban Plans

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:09pm on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confronts opposition to his proposal to ban smoking for under-15s as Parliament debates the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The legislation aims to create a smoke-free generation, raising the smoking age annually. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins asserts the bill's importance in saving lives and reducing NHS strain. Critics, including former PMs, oppose it as restrictive. The law targets early prevention, with fines for selling tobacco to minors. Advocates hail it as a milestone, aiming to relegate smoking to history. The bill also regulates vaping to deter youth consumption, citing health concerns and economic burdens of smoking.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Sydney Church Stabbing Declared "Terrorist" Act by Police

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:29pm on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

Australian police labeled Monday's stabbing at a Sydney church a "terrorist act" driven by religious motives. A 16-year-old boy was apprehended after attacking a bishop, a priest, and worshippers at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church during mass. Four individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The assailant, also injured, staged the assault during a livestreamed service, sparking unrest in Wakeley. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, urging against vigilantism. Social media's role drew concern, prompting government action to remove offensive content. The attacker, not on a terror watch list, had prior knife charges. Authorities assured swift action against rioters and urged calm.

Read More at BBC

Israel Vows Forceful Strike Against Iran, Tehran Warns Of Deploying Unprecedented Weapons

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:26pm on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a boiling point after missile and drone attack by Iran on Israeli territory. Israel's war cabinet has vowed a "clear, forceful" retaliation, stating Iran's aggression cannot go unanswered. Meanwhile, Iran has warned Israel of using "weapons never deployed before" if provoked, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The US has urged restraint, with President Biden cautioning Israel against launching a counteroffensive. However, Israel maintains it has no choice but to respond to the unprecedented attack. As both sides refuse to back down, the Middle East braces for potential escalation.

Read More at News18

Massive Fire Breaks The Spire at Copenhagen's Old Stock Exchange

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:46am on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

Fire engulfed Copenhagen's historic Borsen, a 17th-century former stock exchange, on Tuesday. The iconic 54-meter spire collapsed during renovation. Built in 1619 by King Christian IV, it now houses the Danish Chamber of Commerce near the parliament. Black smoke billowed, prompting city center closures for firefighting. Cause of the fire remains unknown. The Danish Chamber of Commerce lamented the spectacle. Renovation was underway at the time of the blaze.

Read More at Economic Times

According To a Report: The United States Intercepted The Majority of Iranian Missiles And Drones, Not Israel

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:44am on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

US intercepts over half of Iranian missiles targeting Israel, report says. US military officials reveal more than 80 missiles destroyed before reaching Israel, alongside technical failures in half of Iran's arsenal. Israel claims over 99% interception with US, UK, Jordan, and France aid. UK RAF and Jordan also reportedly intercept Iranian missiles. Israel Defense Forces state IAF jets intercepted 25 cruise missiles. Iran launches 330 drones, low-flying cruise, and ballistic missiles, including 30 Paveh-type, 180 Shahed drones, and 120 Emad ballistic missiles. US engagement detailed, but interception locations undisclosed.

Read More at India Today

Israeli Artist Closes Exhibit At Venice Biennale, Urges Ceasefire in Gaza

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:04am on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

The Israel pavilion at the Venice Biennale stays shut despite efforts by pro-Palestinian activists. The artist and curators representing Israel have decided to keep the doors closed until a cease-fire and hostage release agreement is achieved in Gaza. Ruth Patir, the Israeli artist chosen for the exhibition, expressed discomfort but stressed the significance of their stance. Thousands of activists have pushed for Israel's ban over its actions in Gaza, but the pavilion remains closed, serving as a poignant symbol amid the ongoing conflict.

Read More at The New York Times

IAEA Chief Reports Iran Shuttering Nuclear Facilities Following Israeli Attack

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:40am on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

In response to Iran's recent missile and drone attack on Israel, the country has temporarily shut down its nuclear facilities citing "security considerations," according to Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Grossi expressed concern over the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites in retaliation. The closure of the facilities, which are inspected daily by the IAEA, comes amid heightened tensions in the region. This move underscores the delicate balance of power and security concerns between Iran and Israel.

Read More at Times Of India

Iran Threatens to Unleash 'Never-Used-Before' Weaponry If Israel Retaliates

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:37am on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

Israel's military chief, Herzi Halevi, vows retaliation to Iran's recent attack, awaiting PM Netanyahu's decision. Iran warns of swift response, including unprecedented weaponry, to any Israeli strikes. The April 13 assault, Iran's first direct attack on Israel, follows Israel's alleged airstrike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus on April 1. Halevi asserts Israel's readiness for action, while Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kan, emphasizes their rapid response capability. Tensions escalate in the Middle East amid fears of further conflict.

Read More at India Today

Israel Promises to Retaliate Against Iran Following The Attack, While Leaders WorldWide Stress The Need For Restraint

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:10am on 16 Apr 2024,Tuesday International

In a tense situation, Israel's military braces to retaliate after Iran's massive drone and missile attack. The assault, a first from Iran directly targeting Israel, comes amid longstanding tensions dating back to 1979. Israel intercepts 99% of the incoming threats. World leaders, like British PM Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, push for restraint to prevent further escalation. The attack follows a recent suspected Israeli strike in Syria, killing two Iranian generals. Now, the world watches as Israel weighs its response while urging calm in the volatile Middle East.

Read More at APNews

FBI Launches Criminal Investigation into Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:45pm on 15 Apr 2024,Monday International

The FBI has initiated a criminal probe into the Baltimore bridge collapse that claimed six lives. The investigation focuses on circumstances leading to the incident involving the Dali cargo ship. Federal agents have been onsite since the March 26 catastrophe. Meanwhile, Baltimore's mayor announces legal action against responsible parties. Salvage efforts, including the recovery of victims, continue. Investigators seek answers from the ship's data recorder, examining factors like power failure and fuel contamination. The collapse disrupted Port of Baltimore operations, prompting alternative routes for traffic.

Read More at BBC

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