Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:34pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday Politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told Lok Sabha that Operation Sindoor exposed Pakistan’s "nuclear bluff" and destroyed key terror hubs. He said India launched precision strikes on May 7 despite nuclear threats from Pakistan. “Pakistan couldn’t do anything,” he said, adding terror bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke were razed. Modi said India struck deeper than ever before and “proved Pakistan’s nuclear threat to be a lie.” He praised Aatmanirbhar Bharat for supplying drones and missiles and noted Pakistan’s airbases remain crippled. The five-pronged success showed India’s military strength, tech readiness, and joint forces coordination across Army, Navy and Air Force. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:28pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday India Global
A U.S. trade delegation will visit India on August 25 for the sixth round of talks on a bilateral trade agreement, officials confirmed. The visit comes days before the August 1 deadline, when suspended Trump-era tariffs (up to 26%) on India could be reinstated. Both sides are pushing for an interim pact, with India seeking tariff relief on steel, aluminium, and textiles, while the U.S. demands concessions on agri, dairy, electric vehicles, and industrial goods. India has resisted dairy concessions and asserted its WTO rights. The goal is to finalize an interim deal before a full pact by fall 2025. (PC: The Hindu)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:24pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday Politics
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of lacking political will during Operation Sindoor, alleging India "directly told Pakistan" it did not intend to fight. Referring to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India informed Pakistan of non-military targets post-strike, Gandhi called it “surrender, not freedom of manoeuvre.” He said 100% political will is essential for the armed forces' effectiveness. Citing India’s defence attaché in Indonesia, Gandhi said India’s losses were due to constraints on targeting military establishments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later defended the decision, saying the objective was clear and achieved without escalating the conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:18pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday Sports
England’s Lionesses marked their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 triumph with a massive homecoming parade as over 65,000 fans gathered along The Mall in London. Captain Leah Williamson said she was “holding back tears” during the celebration at Buckingham Palace. The team defeated Spain in Sunday’s final, retaining their European crown. Manager Sarina Wiegman surprised fans by dancing on stage with Burna Boy, adding to the joyous atmosphere. Emotional tributes poured in from players and supporters, praising the team’s impact on women's football. “This moment is unbelievable,” said defender Lucy Bronze, calling the scenes “incredible.” The celebration continues. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:13pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday India
Eminent economist, writer, and academic Meghnad Desai passed away at the age of 84. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death, stating that Desai “played a role in deepening India-UK ties” and was “always connected to India and Indian culture.” Born in Gujarat in 1940, Desai taught at the London School of Economics for nearly four decades and was a noted author of several acclaimed books on global economics and politics. PM Modi added he would “fondly recall” discussions with Desai, praising his valuable insights. Condolences poured in from academic and diplomatic communities across India and the UK. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:53pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday India Global
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Modi government for allegedly informing Pakistan that Indian forces would not strike military targets during Operation Sindoor. "You said you were going to bomb, but you also told Pakistan ‘we’re not going to bomb your military targets.’ This is not strategy, this is surrender,” Gandhi said in Parliament. He claimed Indian aircraft were shot down because political leadership lacked courage. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier said India informed Pakistan post-strike to prevent escalation. The government insists the mission was a success, but the Opposition continues to demand accountability over the Pahalgam terror attack. (PC: Sansad TV/ANI Grab)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:12pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday India Global
Lord Meghnad Desai, a well-known economist, writer, and teacher, passed away at 85 on July 29. Born in Vadodara in 1940, he studied economics in Mumbai and later earned a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. He taught for years at the London School of Economics and wrote over 20 books. Desai was also a member of the UK House of Lords. In 2008, he received the Padma Bhushan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “anguished” by his passing and praised his deep connection to India. “Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister added in his tribute on social media. (PC: The Hindu)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:04pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday India
Over 4,000 tonnes of coal have gone missing from Rajaju and Diengngan villages in Meghalaya. When asked by the High Court, Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla gave an unusual explanation. "Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall. You never know... because of rain, the coal might have swept away," he told reporters. He added, "Chances are very high," but admitted there’s no solid proof if it was rain or illegal mining. The court has asked the state to act against officials in charge of the coal. Coal mining was banned in 2014, though activists say illegal mining still happens. Shylla denied clear evidence. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:59pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday India Global
An Indian student, draped in the national flag, staged a silent protest during his UK graduation. As he reached the stage, he tore a blank white sheet, widely known as a "blank paper protest" to oppose the UK’s new immigration rules. The act went viral, drawing mixed reactions. It symbolised broken promises to students and a future now uncertain. The UK plans to cut Graduate Route visas from two years to 18 months. Settlement will need 10 years instead of five. The student’s quiet protest spoke loudly for many Indians fearing they’ll be forced to leave before building a life abroad.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:30pm on 29 Jul 2025,Tuesday International
During his visit to Scotland, US President Donald Trump called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a “nasty person” and said he’s “done a terrible job.” Despite the jibe, Khan’s office responded positively. “The mayor is delighted that President Trump wants to visit London,” his spokesperson said, adding, “He’d see how our diversity makes us stronger, not weaker; richer, not poorer.” Trump made the remark while standing next to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Khan and Trump have clashed in the past, with Trump calling him a “stone cold loser,” and Khan once calling Trump a “poster boy for racists.”