Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack Ahead of Putin-Trump Call, Says Ukraine

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:13pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday International

Ukraine reported Russia's largest drone strike since the invasion began, with 273 drones targeting Kyiv and eastern regions. One woman was killed and three others, including a child, were injured in the Kyiv suburb of Obukhiv. The attack preceded a scheduled call between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, amid renewed calls for a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine intercepted 88 drones, while 128 caused no significant damage. Russia's move casts doubt on peace efforts following talks in Turkey. Ukraine’s President Zelensky expressed readiness for a ceasefire, but Moscow insists on halting military aid and Ukraine abandoning NATO ambitions. (PC: Reuters)

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UP Man Arrested for Spying for Pakistan's ISI, Used Smuggling as Cover

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:47pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday India

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Shehzad, a resident of Rampur, from Moradabad for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Shehzad reportedly visited Pakistan multiple times, using cross-border smuggling of goods like cosmetics and spices as a cover for espionage. He is accused of passing classified Indian security information to ISI agents, transferring funds, and helping recruit individuals for ISI-linked operations. Authorities also found he facilitated Indian SIM cards for Pakistani operatives. A case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered, and further investigations are ongoing. (PC: India Today)

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Gujarat Titans Crush Delhi Capitals by 10 Wickets, Join RCB & PBKS in IPL 2025 Playoffs

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:37pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday Sports

Gujarat Titans stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs with a dominant 10-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in Match 60 at Delhi. Chasing 200, GT openers Sai Sudharsan (108*) and Shubman Gill (93*) put on a flawless 205-run stand in just 19 overs. Sudharsan’s century came off 56 balls, while Gill smashed seven sixes in a clinical chase. Earlier, KL Rahul's unbeaten 112 powered DC to 199/3. Despite the high total, DC’s bowlers failed to defend it. With this win, GT joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings in the playoffs. DC now face a must-win scenario in their remaining matches. (PC: BCCI)

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Top LeT Commander Abu Saifullah, Mastermind Behind Major Attacks in India, Shot Dead in Pakistan

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:47pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday International

Razaullah Nizamani, alias Abu Saifullah Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander linked to major attacks in India, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Sindh province on Sunday. Nizamani, mastermind of the 2006 RSS HQ attack and the 2005 IISc Bengaluru strike, was also behind the 2001 CRPF camp attack in Rampur. He played a crucial role in LeT’s Nepal module, managing recruitment and funding. Despite being under Pakistani government protection post-Pahalgam attack, he was gunned down near his home in Matli. His death is seen as a major blow to LeT’s cross-border terror infrastructure. (PC: X/ Paras Nayak)

Read More at Hindustan Times

Netanyahu Says Israel-Hamas Talks Ongoing, War Could End if Hamas Agrees to Key Terms

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:42pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday International

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed ongoing negotiations with Hamas to potentially end the Gaza conflict, provided key conditions are met. Talks in Doha, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and supported by the US, revolve around a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff. The deal includes a phased hostage release, Hamas disarmament, and the exile of its leaders. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s team is “exhausting every possibility” for an agreement. However, intensified Israeli airstrikes have killed over 100 Palestinians, signaling continued pressure. Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and a clear end to the war in any ceasefire terms. (PC: AFP)

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YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested: Kept Contact with Pak Agents, Was Being Groomed as Spy, Say Police

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:36pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday India

Travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, known as ‘Travel with JO’, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Haryana Police revealed she was in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and was being developed as a potential asset. Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times on sponsored trips, including shortly before the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Investigators say her finances don’t match her declared income and she had ties with a Pakistani High Commission official. Arrested under the Official Secrets Act and BNS sections, Malhotra is in five-day custody as authorities probe further links amid rising Indo-Pak tensions. (PC: Instagram/travelwithjo1)

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Wadhera, Brar Power Punjab Kings to 10-Run Win Over Royals, Boost IPL 2025 Playoff Hopes

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:32pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday Sports

Punjab Kings edged past Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 thriller to strengthen their playoff chances. Nehal Wadhera smashed 70 off 37 balls, supported by Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 59 and a quick 30 from captain Shreyas Iyer, taking PBKS to 219/5. Rajasthan Royals responded with a strong start as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi added 76 runs in under five overs. However, Harpreet Brar’s 3/22 triggered a collapse. Despite Dhruv Jurel’s late 53, RR fell short at 209/7. The win keeps PBKS in the race for the IPL 2025 playoffs. (PC: BCCI)

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US Rejects 15 Indian Mango Shipments Over Documentation Error, Exporters Face $500,000 Loss

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:28pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday India Global

Fifteen mango shipments from India have been rejected by US authorities at airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta due to documentation issues, despite undergoing proper irradiation in Mumbai. Exporters were forced to destroy the perishable fruit, estimating losses of $500,000. The problem stemmed from errors in the PPQ203 form, required for pest control certification, which is issued under USDA supervision. Exporters claim they’re being penalized for mistakes made at the irradiation facility. The rejected shipments highlight serious gaps in coordination between Indian authorities and US regulatory processes, affecting a key agricultural export.

Read More at The Times of India

Shreyas Iyer Played Despite Being 'Unwell' in RR vs PBKS Match, Subbed Off After First Innings

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:17pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday Sports

Shreyas Iyer took part in the IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals despite feeling unwell. He came out to bat and scored 30 runs off 25 balls before being subbed off during the innings break. According to the on-air commentators, Iyer was “carrying a niggle” and was “unable to take the field” for the second innings. Punjab Kings brought in Harpreet Brar as their Impact Player and handed the captaincy to Shashank Singh. Iyer’s absence was a big miss, but Punjab still managed to post 220/5 and kept their playoff hopes alive with a strong batting performance. (PC: AFP)

Read More at Hindustan Times

IMF Sets 11 New Rules for Pakistan’s Bailout, Cites India Tensions After Operation Sindoor

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:53pm on 18 May 2025,Sunday International

The IMF has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the next tranche of its bailout, taking the total to 50, according to The Express Tribune. Key demands include parliamentary approval of a Rs 17.6 trillion budget, energy tariff hikes, new taxes on agriculture, and lifting car import restrictions. The IMF also warned that post-Operation Sindoor tensions with India pose risks to the programme's fiscal and reform goals. The IMF emphasized cost recovery in the energy sector and better governance. Pakistan’s defence budget is also set to increase significantly amid recent cross-border hostilities with India. (PC: India Today)

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