Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:46pm on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday Entertainment
Actor Deepika Padukone faced online trolling after wearing a hijab in an Abu Dhabi tourism ad with husband Ranveer Singh. Many users criticized her look, while fans defended her for showing cultural respect. “She’s covering her head just like we expect tourists to dress decently in our temples,” one fan wrote. Another said, “Every visitor to Sheikh Zayed Mosque must cover their head.” Supporters praised her grace and dignity, calling her “regal” and “respectful.” Deepika, now Abu Dhabi’s brand ambassador, said travel is “more meaningful with loved ones” while celebrating her partnership with Ranveer in the new campaign. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:42pm on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India
Two Army commandos from the elite 5 PARA unit have gone missing in the dense Gadole forest of Kokernag, South Kashmir. The Agniveer jawans disappeared during an operation on the evening of October 6, sources said. A joint search by the Army, police, and paramilitary forces is underway to locate them. The forest area, lying between Kishtwar and Anantnag, has a history of militant movement. Visuals show heavy deployment and teams combing the terrain. Officials said all possible efforts are being made to trace the missing soldiers. The operation continues under high alert conditions. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:00pm on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India Global
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer began his first official visit to India on October 8, calling it the “biggest trade mission ever.” Speaking in Mumbai, he said, “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India... Obviously, this is a two-parter. We had Prime Minister Modi over to the United Kingdom earlier this year to sign the FTA that we agreed, and today is the return leg of that... That FTA is really important for us, it’s the biggest deal we’ve struck since we left the EU.” Both leaders will review the Vision 2035 roadmap.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:27pm on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India Global
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Films studio in Mumbai on Wednesday during his two-day India trip. Actress Rani Mukerji and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani welcomed him for a special screening. Children waved Indian and British flags as Starmer arrived, celebrating stronger cultural ties. He said the visit would boost film and trade partnerships between the UK and India. Widhani said hosting Starmer was special, marking 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Both countries plan a new film cooperation deal to support filmmakers and strengthen global creative collaboration. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:22pm on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday International
Top US and regional envoys joined the third day of peace talks in Egypt to end the Gaza war. Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff met leaders from Qatar and Turkey in Sharm el-Sheikh. The talks aim to secure a ceasefire, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza. Hamas said it had shown “positivity” and shared a list of prisoners it wants freed. Israel expressed “cautious optimism.” Trump said, “There’s a real chance we could do something.” The UN called the plan a “historic opportunity” to end a conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:06pm on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India Global
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on his first official visit to India, met business leaders in Mumbai on Wednesday. He called the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July the “biggest deal since leaving the European Union.” Starmer said the pact will boost trade between the two countries by £25.5 billion each year. The deal removes tariffs on goods like whisky, textiles, and cars. It is expected to create thousands of jobs in both nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer, calling the visit “historic” and key to a stronger India-UK partnership. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:29am on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India Global
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he will not increase visa access for high-skilled Indian workers as part of the new trade agreement. Speaking to journalists on his flight to Mumbai, he clarified that the free trade deal does not include new visa pathways. Starmer, who is on a two-day visit with a large delegation of business leaders, is facing pressure from companies concerned about labor shortages. He emphasized that the trade deal is about business engagement, investment, and job creation within the UK.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:33am on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, on his "historic" first visit to India. The UK Prime Minister arrived in Mumbai with the largest-ever trade delegation from the United Kingdom. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for their meeting to advance a "stronger, mutually prosperous future." The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks and engage with business leaders to strengthen India-UK relations. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:08am on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday India Global
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters in Mumbai was ceremonially illuminated with the national flags of India and the UK on the occasion of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to the country. This diplomatic gesture coincided with PM Starmer's two-day visit to India for bilateral talks and participation in the Fintech Fest. The illumination serves as a sign of the strengthening relationship and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The BMC building's facade, a landmark in itself, was adorned with the symbolic display to mark the occasion.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:41am on 08 Oct 2025,Wednesday Business
Ragini Das, co-founder of the recently shuttered professional women's network Leap.club, has been appointed as the Head of Google for Startups in India. This new role marks a full circle for Das, who had previously been rejected by the tech giant 12 years ago. After her startup, Leap.club, paused its operations in June, Das found a role at Google that aligned with her experience in the startup ecosystem. In a LinkedIn post, she expressed her excitement to support Indian startups with her new role. (PC: X)