Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:56am on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the International Yoga Day celebrations at Kolkata's Red Road on Sunday. Thousands of people joined the mass yoga session. Addressing the gathering, Modi said, “Age does not reduce human potential,” while highlighting this year's theme of healthy ageing. He said yoga helps people stay healthy, active and free from lifestyle diseases. Modi also stressed the importance of mental well-being and self-discipline. “Let us not limit Yoga to a one-day event but make it part of our life,” he said. The event marked Bengal's largest International Yoga Day celebration so far. (PC; @NarendraModi)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:51am on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over his leadership. A report by The Observer said Starmer could announce plans to step down as early as Monday. The report claimed he was discussing his future with family and senior Labour figures. However, a government source denied the claim and said Starmer remains focused on running the country. Starmer said on Friday that he would fight any challenge to his leadership. Pressure increased after rival Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat, making him eligible to launch a leadership challenge. Burnham is seen by many as a possible successor. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:10pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national International Yoga Day event at Kolkata's Red Road on Sunday. Thousands of people are expected to take part in the programme. Ahead of the event, Kolkata celebrated Paschimbanga Diwas and International Yoga Day with a large drone and laser show over the Hooghly River on Saturday evening. Around 3,000 drones lit up the sky with images of Bengal's cultural icons, famous landmarks and yoga-themed displays. The programme highlighted the state's heritage and promoted healthy living. Authorities have made extensive security arrangements for Sunday's event. Modi is also on his first visit to West Bengal since the BJP formed the state government.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:01pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday Sports
The Netherlands produced a dominant display to defeat Sweden 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match in Houston. Brian Brobbey starred with two first-half goals, while Cody Gakpo added a second-half brace to seal an emphatic victory. Crysencio Summerville completed the scoring with a stunning long-range effort. Sweden created several chances through Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak but were repeatedly denied by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The victory gives Ronald Koeman’s side four points from two matches and strengthens their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the tournament. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:54pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday International
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing continued Israeli military strikes in Lebanon despite a renewed ceasefire agreement. Tehran described the move as a response to what it called violations of commitments linked to the US-brokered deal aimed at ending the regional conflict. The strategic waterway, crucial for global oil and gas shipments, had only recently reopened under the preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States. The latest closure comes as Iranian and US negotiators head to Switzerland for talks on implementing the deal. Meanwhile, fresh clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have raised fears of renewed instability across the Middle East. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday Sports
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be available for the team's final Group C match against Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 34-year-old forward has missed Brazil's first two matches after suffering a calf injury while playing for Santos in May. Ancelotti said Neymar will resume full training with the squad and is ready for the crucial fixture. His return comes as Brazil face uncertainty over Raphinha's fitness following a hamstring injury. Neymar's comeback provides a major boost for the five-time world champions as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:47pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday International
US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if a final agreement with Iran is not completed within 60 days. The warning comes as American and Iranian officials prepare for talks in Switzerland aimed at turning a temporary peace deal into a long-term agreement. The negotiations follow a ceasefire and the reopening of the vital oil shipping route. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killing several people despite a renewed ceasefire. Qatar and Switzerland are playing key roles in facilitating the diplomatic efforts. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:23pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday India
Kolkata witnessed a spectacular drone and laser show over the Hooghly River on Saturday as part of celebrations for Paschimbanga Diwas and International Yoga Day. Around 3,000 drones illuminated the night sky, creating images of iconic Bengali personalities, Durga Puja, Dakshineswar Temple, and the Second Hooghly Bridge. Organised by the West Bengal government at Prinsep Ghat and Millennium Park, the event aimed to highlight Bengal’s rich cultural heritage while promoting the importance of yoga and healthy living. Thousands of spectators gathered along the riverfront to watch the colourful display, which transformed Kolkata’s skyline into a vibrant celebration of tradition and technology.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:01pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday India
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has accused Delhi Police of restricting access to food, water, washrooms and other basic facilities during a student-led protest at Jantar Mantar. Dipke alleged that supporters were stopped at barricades and prevented from joining the demonstration against alleged examination irregularities. He also claimed police were preparing to arrest him and urged supporters to continue the movement peacefully if that happened. Despite the alleged restrictions, Dipke said the protest would continue until its demands, including greater transparency in examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, are addressed. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:08pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday India
An IndiGo flight bound for Agartala was struck by lightning while parked at Kolkata Airport during a thunderstorm, forcing the airline to deboard all passengers as a precaution. The Airbus A320, carrying 141 passengers and six crew members, suffered a temporary power outage after the lightning strike. No passengers were injured in the incident. Authorities conducted safety inspections before arranging a replacement aircraft for the journey. The flight eventually departed more than three hours later. Two ground staff members were taken to hospital for medical checks after being affected by the incident but were discharged shortly afterward.