Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:40pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India Global
India firmly denied Pakistan’s accusations of orchestrating a deadly school bus bombing in Balochistan, calling the claims “baseless” and politically motivated. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was “second nature” for Pakistan to blame India to distract from its own failures and its image as a “global epicentre of terrorism.” The blast killed six, including four students, in Khuzdar. Jaiswal expressed condolences for the victims but dismissed the Inter-Services Public Relations’ (ISPR) allegations, noting no evidence was provided. The attack comes days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor and four days of clashes.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:30pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India Global
Celebi Aviation Services India told the Delhi High Court that it is an Indian entity with Indian employees, challenging the government's decision to revoke its security clearance. The revocation came soon after Turkey backed Pakistan, prompting speculation of political motives. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued the move violated Rule 12 and natural justice, as Celebi was not given notice or a chance to respond. The Centre defended the decision, citing national security. Celebi, which handles ground operations at nine major airports, including 70% in Mumbai, said its 10,000 employees were simply reassigned, not removed. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:22pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India Global
On May 21, 2025, a suicide bomber in Khuzdar district, Balochistan, Pakistan, rammed a vehicle into a school bus, killing five people—three of them children—and injuring 38 others. The bus was en route to an army-run school when it was attacked near the Zero Point area. While no group has claimed responsibility, Pakistani officials accused India of backing the assault via proxy militants—a charge India firmly denies. The attack highlights the ongoing security crisis in Balochistan and adds to escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:06pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday International
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stopped trade talks with Israel, calling its Gaza actions “repellent” and “monstrous.” He criticised Israeli ministers for using terms like “purify Gaza” and slammed the blocking of aid to Palestinians. Lammy said Israel’s actions were against British values and warned they were harming Israel’s image. He added, “This is not how you bring hostages home.” The UK also placed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and companies. EU countries are also reviewing their trade deal with Israel. Lammy urged Israel to lift the aid blockade, saying people in Gaza were starving and suffering terribly. (PC: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:04pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India
On May 21, 2025, Indian security forces achieved a major breakthrough by killing 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the CPI (Maoist), in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district. Basavaraju, with a ₹1.5 crore bounty, was behind major attacks like the 2010 Dantewada and 2013 Jheeram Ghati massacres. PM Narendra Modi praised the forces, reaffirming commitment to end Maoism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it the first elimination of a Maoist general secretary in three decades. The 50-hour operation in Abujhmarh forests marks a significant blow to Naxal influence in the region. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India Global
In a major diplomatic push, India has launched 'Operation Sindoor', sending seven all-party parliamentary delegations to 30 countries including Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and Russia. The initiative aims to present a united Indian stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The delegations include prominent MPs such as Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, and Sanjay Kumar Jha. Each team includes at least one woman and one minority representative. The 10-day mission, starting May 23, underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and seeks to build global support. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday Business
The London College of Business Studies (LCBS) has opened a new campus in Ilford, East London. A special event was held to mark the opening. A modern IT suite at the campus was named after Lord Patel of Bradford OBE. Lord Patel attended the event and officially unveiled the IT suite. He thanked the college and spoke about the importance of education. “To be associated with an innovative space dedicated to learning, technology, and empowerment is deeply humbling,” he said. “I hope this suite will inspire students to dream boldly and use their education to create meaningful change.” The new IT suite will give students access to advanced technology and support learning in business, IT, and management. LCBS also announced three scholarships in Lord Patel’s honour. Two will support UK students from under-represented backgrounds. One will fund an international student to study for a full undergraduate degree. These scholarships aim to make education more accessible. Lakbir Singh, part of LCBS’s strategy team, said, “This is more than a new building, it marks a new chapter in LCBS’s story.” Local leader Kam Rai added, “It’s great to see a Lord back us here today... we look forward to working with you.” LCBS says the campus will support growth, equality, and opportunity.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:00pm on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India
The Centre told the Supreme Court that Waqf is “not an essential part of Islam” while defending the Waqf Amendment Act. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “Waqf is for charity and a Waqf board only discharges secular functions.” He added, “Having 2 non-Muslims, what will it change? It is not touching any religious activity.” The Centre said the law ensures public land is not misused. Petitioners, however, argued that the Act could let the government take over Waqf land unfairly. Kapil Sibal said, “Waqf is about my property. Now that very property is taken away.” The court will continue hearing the case. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:53am on 21 May 2025,Wednesday International
In war-torn Gaza, Mahmoud al-Haw, a father of four, describes the agonizing daily struggle to find food for his family. With the Israeli blockade halting food, medical, and fuel supplies since March, residents like Haw spend hours in long queues at soup kitchens, often returning empty-handed. His family survives on scarce portions of lentil soup shared among six people. The ongoing Israeli military campaign, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, has killed over 53,000 Gazans. Hospitals are overwhelmed, aid deliveries stalled, and international concern is rising as children suffer severe hunger. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:40am on 21 May 2025,Wednesday India Global
Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district killed 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, the CPI (Maoist) general secretary. The encounter lasted over 72 hours in the dense Abujhmad forests, a known Maoist stronghold. Basavaraju, active since the 1970s, had a ₹1.5 crore bounty on his head. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a landmark victory against Naxalism. This follows Operation Black Forest, which led to the arrest of 54 Naxalites and surrender of 84 others in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, significantly weakening the insurgency. (PC: Hindustan Times)