Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:42am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday Education
A government school in Santuk Pimpri village, the native place of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, has received its first-ever computer. The development came days after Dipke highlighted shortcomings in basic facilities at the school. Sharing the update on X on Tuesday, Dipke said, “When the Govt Fails, People Step Up! First ever computer arrives at my village. Change is possible!” The arrival marks a new technological resource for the government school, which had reportedly lacked even a computer until now. Dipke’s post highlighted the role of community intervention in addressing gaps in basic educational infrastructure and bringing technology to the rural institution.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:09am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday International
Israel’s military has announced its first criminal investigations into troop conduct during the Gaza war, focusing on the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and 15 Palestinian paramedics. Hind was trapped in a vehicle with slain relatives in February 2024 and pleaded for help before being killed. The paramedics were killed in March 2025, after which their bodies were reportedly bulldozed into a mass grave. The military said it reviewed 150 incidents and decided not to investigate three attacks involving World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders workers. Rights groups accuse Israel of war crimes and genocide, allegations Israel rejects. Israeli officials say its justice system can address violations, while rights groups dispute its effectiveness. (PC: US News)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:58am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday India Global
India and Palestine have finalised paperwork for a new India-supported hospital in the West Bank, with Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Mohammad Abu Shawesh welcoming New Delhi’s assistance for infrastructure and humanitarian projects. The development comes as Palestinians face a humanitarian crisis, with the health sector under intense strain. Abu Shawesh said the project is expected to begin soon, reflecting India’s expanding development partnership with Palestine. The initiative is part of broader Indian support for Palestinian healthcare and services. The hospital is intended to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and address pressing medical needs in the West Bank. The move also highlights continued India-Palestine cooperation in humanitarian assistance, development and capacity-building amid the regional crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:54am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday International
Reports indicate Russia has been sending explosives, drone components and ammunition to Iran through the Caspian Sea as Tehran seeks to replenish military stocks depleted during its war with the US and Israel. A European government document obtained by NBC News and confirmed by a Western official says the shipments include TNT, drone parts and ammunition. Satellite imagery assessed by analysts also suggests the cargo contains components needed for ballistic missile production. The reported transfers come as Iran works to rebuild its military capabilities following the conflict. The shipments, if confirmed, could indicate continued Russian support for Iran’s military replenishment efforts, particularly in areas involving explosives, unmanned systems, ammunition and missile-related components. (PC: TOI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:01am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday International
Rhossi, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle native to the Gulf of Mexico, is recovering in Houston after surviving a 5,000-mile journey to Wales. A local dog found the cold-stunned turtle, weighing just 2lb, on a Welsh beach in December 2023. Anglesey Sea Zoo spent two years nursing him back to health, helping him reach 46lb before he flew to Houston on August 10. Houston Zoo veterinarians found him healthy, active and vigorous, but scans showed lingering pneumonia, delaying his planned return to the Gulf. Multiple agencies and nonprofits are supporting his recovery. With only 7,000-9,000 nesting females estimated, Rhossi could potentially return to the wild and breed within a few years.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:56am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday International
Iran’s Consulate General in Hyderabad mocked US President Donald Trump’s claim over the Strait of Hormuz by posting a map depicting California as “NEW TERRITORY OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.” The satirical post came after Trump shared an image on Truth Social portraying the strategic waterway as “NEW US Territory.” Iran’s diplomatic response appeared designed to mirror Trump’s territorial claim and underline Tehran’s rejection of Washington’s position on Hormuz. The exchange comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and an ongoing dispute over control and navigation through the strategically important strait. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had also criticised Trump’s claim, while Tehran maintains that the waterway remains subject to its demands and restrictions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:54am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday Science
China has successfully recovered a rocket’s first stage on land for the first time, marking a major advance in its reusable-spaceflight programme, state media reported. The Zhuque-3, developed by private aerospace company LandSpace, launched on Wednesday and its first stage was subsequently recovered. China had previously achieved a rocket-stage recovery at sea in July using a net-capture system. Wednesday’s mission was the country’s first land recovery using deployable landing legs. SpaceX and Blue Origin have been recovering rockets since 2015, helping reduce launch costs through reusable hardware. Japan also conducted its first experimental reusable-rocket flight in July. The developments highlight intensifying competition to lower launch costs and strengthen commercial space capabilities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:50am on 20 Aug 2026,Thursday International
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to return to Britain later this month, six years after relocating to the US. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to move with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to a non-royal residence outside London. The children are reportedly enrolled at a British school starting in September. King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly been informed. The Sussexes are expected to retain homes in California and Portugal. Their security arrangements remain undisclosed, despite Harry previously saying he would not feel safe bringing his family to Britain without police protection. The reported move follows Harry’s recent reunion with his father. (PC: Politics UK)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:34pm on 19 Aug 2026,Wednesday India Global
Indian-origin educator and former high school principal Pia Dandiya has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. With more than 95% of votes counted, Dandiya secured 68.6% of the vote, defeating Kaysia Earley. She will now face Republican nominee Casey Askar in the November 3 general election. Thanking voters and volunteers after her victory, Dandiya said it was her dream to represent her home state and make Florida proud. Her campaign has focused on issues affecting working families, including the rising cost of groceries, healthcare and housing. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:33pm on 19 Aug 2026,Wednesday India Global
Indian gangster Major Singh, an alleged operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, has been added to the FBI's Most Wanted list. The FBI said Singh is wanted for his alleged involvement in the activities of the transnational criminal syndicate in the United States. He faces charges including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and conspiracy to engage in the unlicensed arms trade. A federal arrest warrant was issued against him on June 25, 2026. The allegations against Singh have not yet been proven in court, and the FBI has sought public information about his whereabouts. (PC: NDTV)