Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:37am on 21 Aug 2025,Thursday International
Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 9, 2023, violence. The cases followed nationwide protests and attacks on government and military buildings after Khan’s arrest. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi approved the bail pleas. However, Khan will remain in jail due to other convictions, including a case on state gifts and another involving £190 million. Several trials are still pending. PTI called the Supreme Court’s decision a “victory for Imran Khan” and shared his message of hope on X. (PC: Economic Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:21am on 21 Aug 2025,Thursday International
A Pune court has summoned actors Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and director Subhash Kapoor over their upcoming film Jolly LLB 3. The summons came after lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan filed a petition claiming the film insults the judiciary. He alleged that some scenes mock judges and lawyers, including one where the word “mama” is used for the bench. The court has directed the three to appear on October 28. The complaint was first filed in 2024 after the teaser was released. Jolly LLB 3, set to release on September 19, reunites Kumar and Warsi in the courtroom comedy. (PC: The Hindu)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59am on 21 Aug 2025,Thursday International
Judge Frank Caprio, known as the “nicest judge in the world,” passed away on August 20 at the age of 88 after battling pancreatic cancer. Caprio became famous for his kind and compassionate rulings on the TV show Caught in Providence, which earned him global love and millions of followers. His court hearings, blending justice with empathy, often went viral online. Tributes poured in from fans worldwide, praising his humanity and warmth. In his final days, Caprio asked for prayers and thanked people for their support. He will be remembered as a devoted family man and an inspirational judge. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:54am on 21 Aug 2025,Thursday International
Palestinians are leaving parts of Gaza City after Israel began the first stages of a ground assault. Israeli troops have entered areas like Zeitoun and Jabalia following days of heavy bombing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aim is to capture “the last terror strongholds” in Gaza. Defence Minister Israel Katz has called up 60,000 reservists for the operation. The UN and world leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, have warned of massive civilian suffering and regional instability. Hamas accused Israel of targeting civilians and ignoring ceasefire efforts. Hundreds of thousands may be forced to evacuate to southern Gaza. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:44am on 21 Aug 2025,Thursday International
Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the UN, has warned that relations between the US and India are near breaking point. Writing in Newsweek, she urged Donald Trump’s administration to treat India as a key democratic partner, not like China. She said US tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases risk damaging 25 years of progress. Haley stressed India’s importance in supply chains, defence, and Middle East stability. She added that India’s growing economy and young workforce are crucial to counter China’s rise. “Damaging ties with India would be a strategic disaster,” Haley warned. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:54pm on 20 Aug 2025,Wednesday International
Israel has approved a controversial plan to build 3,400 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. Critics say the project would split the territory in two and block hopes for a Palestinian state. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the idea of a Palestinian state is “being erased.” The Palestinian Authority condemned the move as illegal and dangerous. The UK, Jordan, and Germany also voiced opposition, warning it violates international law. Settlement building has expanded under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with over 700,000 settlers now living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:54pm on 20 Aug 2025,Wednesday International
Drinkers at the Well and Boot pub in London’s Waterloo station are facing a new 4% “optional” service charge, even when ordering at the bar. The fee, around 30p on a £7.65 pint, is added automatically to bills for food and drinks. The pub, owned by Glendola Leisure, says all tips go to staff. Critics argue bar orders should not carry service fees. Consumer experts warn the trend is spreading in London pubs. Customers say the small-print signs make it awkward to refuse. Rising costs in the pub industry are driving higher prices and extra charges. (The Telegraph)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:13pm on 20 Aug 2025,Wednesday International
Panic gripped Milan’s Malpensa Airport in Italy after a man with a hammer attacked the check-in area of Terminal 1. He smashed screens, set fire to a rubbish bin, and tried to hit security staff before being restrained by staff and passengers. Thick black smoke filled the terminal, forcing an evacuation. Emergency services quickly put out the fire and secured the area. The attacker, a Malian resident with no prior criminal record, was arrested. Authorities confirmed no major injuries were reported, but the incident caused heavy disruption for travellers and raised fresh concerns about airport security in Italy. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:21pm on 20 Aug 2025,Wednesday International
Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic Juhu residence, Prateeksha, is flooded due to heavy rains in Mumbai. Now owned by his daughter Shweta Bachchan, videos on social media show water reaching ankle height around the property. Cars struggled through the waterlogged streets, and pedestrians used road dividers to move safely. Prateeksha, purchased by Amitabh in 1976 after the success of ‘Sholay,’ is estimated to be worth over Rs 50 crore. Both Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan were born there. Originally, Amitabh lived at Prateeksha with his parents, Harivansh Rai and Teji Bachchan, before moving to their current home, Jalsa, nearby.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:48pm on 20 Aug 2025,Wednesday International
Russia has captured three villages in eastern Ukraine, claiming fresh gains despite ongoing peace efforts. The Russian defence ministry said troops advanced in Donetsk, taking Sukhetske and Pankivka, near the front line between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. In Dnipropetrovsk, Novogeorgiivka was also taken. Moscow’s forces first entered the region in July, previously spared from fighting. These moves come as US and European leaders push for a peace deal to end the fourth-year conflict. US President Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky and accept some Western security guarantees, though European capitals remain cautious. (PC: NDTV)