Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:10pm on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Donald Trump has warned that countries could face higher tariffs if they delay or step back from trade deals with the United States. His remarks came after the US Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said any country that wants to “play games” would be met with “a much higher Tariff.” He added that nothing has changed in the proposed India-US trade deal. The European Commission has asked for clarity, saying, “A deal is a deal.” (PC: The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05pm on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is part of an investigation into links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Metropolitan Police said officers detained a 72-year-old man as part of the probe into a former minister. The case follows the release of emails by the US Justice Department. The messages suggested closer ties between Mandelson and Epstein than earlier known. Last week, Prince Andrew was also arrested in the widening investigation. Police said inquiries are ongoing. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59pm on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Muhammad Yunus has returned to his role at the Yunus Centre after serving nearly 18 months as head of Bangladesh’s interim government. The 85-year-old reached the Mirpur office on Sunday and was welcomed by staff. In a farewell message, he said, “Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights… not be halted.” Yunus stepped down after the new government was formed under the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. He congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman on their election win. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:03pm on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Locals and tourists in Mexico's Puerto Vallarta have described scenes of shocking devastation following cartel retaliation after drug lord El Mencho's killing. Nashville-born resident Jerry Jones, a four-year Puerto Vallarta resident, described being "completely caught off guard" as hundreds of vehicles were set ablaze simultaneously across the city, including over 30 cars destroyed in a single store parking lot. Canadian content creator Marc-André called the usually vibrant resort town an "absolute war zone," describing streets as "very quiet and unsettling." Dallas tourist Adryan Moorefield compared the experience to "being in the twilight zone," while another visitor Jim Beck found himself stranded after his flight was cancelled. Community members united, helping overwhelmed firefighters and food-deprived tourists amid the unprecedented crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:17pm on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to global trading partners hours after the US Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariff powers, threatening significantly higher duties against any nation attempting to exploit the ruling. Writing on Truth Social, Trump cautioned that countries trying to "play games" would face tariffs far worse than previously agreed rates. Following the court's decision, Trump raised import duties to 15%, the maximum permitted under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and signed an executive order imposing a 10% global import tax effective Tuesday, coinciding with his State of the Union address. Trump maintained he requires no Congressional approval, arguing such authority was granted long ago through existing legislation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:53pm on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirming his government's support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the British royal line of succession. Andrew, currently eighth in line to the throne, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on February 19 at his Sandringham residence on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Allegations tied to claims he shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during official overseas visits. Released after 11 hours of questioning, he remains under investigation without charges filed. Removing Andrew from succession would require primary legislation approved by both Houses of Parliament, royal assent from King Charles III, and consent from 14 Commonwealth realms including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:57am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Violence broke out in several parts of Mexico after drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed during an army operation in Jalisco state. The Mexican defence ministry said four cartel members were killed and three soldiers were injured in Tapalpa. After his death, suspected members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel set up roadblocks and burned vehicles in at least a dozen states. About 250 roadblocks were reported across the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “absolute co-ordination” between authorities and urged people to stay calm. The US had offered a $15m reward for information on El Mencho. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:07am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus of trying to remove him in an unconstitutional way. In an interview with Kaler Kantho, he said there were efforts to “destroy the peace and order” and create a constitutional vacuum. He claimed Yunus did not follow constitutional rules. “He travelled abroad 14 to 15 times, but not once did he inform me,” the president said. He also alleged he was made a “palace prisoner” and that his planned visits to Kosovo and Qatar were blocked. Shahabuddin said the Army and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party supported him during the crisis. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:35am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced criticism after the team’s 76-run loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad questioned the team selection and said the playing XI was not balanced. He pointed to Kuldeep Yadav being left out and said, “India's bowling attack is not complete; they still aren't playing Kuldeep Yadav.” Shehzad added, “Gautam Gambhir is the one who is doing all the planning. So I think they need to reconsider their strategy.” South Africa made 187 for 7. David Miller scored 63. Marco Jansen took four wickets as India were bowled out for 111. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:21am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International
Days after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took oath, Bangladesh carried out major changes in its army leadership. The orders were issued by Army Headquarters following the new government’s formation. Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman was appointed chief of general staff. Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury was named director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. Other senior posts were also reassigned. The BNP government also recalled Brigadier General Mohammad Hafizur Rahman from his post as defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India. He has been promoted to major general and appointed GOC of the 55th Infantry Division. The reshuffle follows BNP’s two-thirds majority win in the February 12 elections. (PC: NDTV)