Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:00am on 17 Apr 2025,Thursday Education
The Trump administration has warned Harvard University it could lose the ability to enroll foreign students unless it complies with federal demands to share information on certain visa holders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, also announced the termination of two grants worth $2.7 million. This move follows Harvard's rejection of administration demands amid a broader crackdown tied to pro-Palestinian protests, which Trump has labeled antisemitic. Additionally, over $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard has been frozen, sparking outcry from human rights advocates over threats to free speech and academic freedom.( PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:04am on 17 Apr 2025,Thursday Entertainment
Gauri Khan’s upscale Mumbai restaurant, Torii, faced backlash after influencer Sarthak Sachdeva alleged they served him "fake paneer." He posted a video on Instagram expressing disappointment with the quality of food. The video quickly gained traction, prompting Torii’s management to respond in the comments. They defended their food quality, assuring that only premium, authentic ingredients are used. The team emphasized their commitment to maintaining high culinary standards. Owned by Shah Rukh Khan’s wife and renowned designer Gauri Khan, Torii is a celebrity hotspot and has rarely faced such public criticism before. (PC : ZOOM)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:52am on 17 Apr 2025,Thursday India
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, raised concerns over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which permits the nomination of non-Muslim members to the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards. During the hearing, the bench strongly reacted to the Centre's analogy suggesting that, by the same logic, Hindu judges shouldn't hear Waqf-related cases. CJI Khanna remarked, “When we sit on the bench, we lose our religion,” emphasizing judicial neutrality. The court is scrutinizing the Act's provisions and their implications on religious autonomy and minority rights. ( PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:20am on 17 Apr 2025,Thursday India Global
Krish Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with three other international students, has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The suit challenges the abrupt revocation of their student visas without proper explanation or due process. Isserdasani’s visa was canceled despite charges against him being dismissed. Emergency court orders have temporarily halted deportations, while legal experts argue the students’ constitutional rights are being violated. The case highlights growing concerns over inconsistent visa enforcement and the legal vulnerability of international students in the United States. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:33am on 17 Apr 2025,Thursday Sports
Cricket icon MS Dhoni and football legend Lionel Messi have teamed up for a new Lay’s India advertisement, creating a buzz among fans. The commercial begins with Messi juggling a football with finesse, before passing it off to Dhoni, who surprises viewers by showing off impressive football moves of his own. The collaboration nods to Dhoni’s early sporting days, where he played as a school-level goalkeeper before switching to cricket. The ad marks a rare and exciting crossover between two of the world’s most beloved athletes, delighting fans across sports communities. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:43pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday India
The Supreme Court has raised questions about the new Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, especially the removal of the “waqf by user” rule. This rule lets a property become waqf if used as one, even without official papers. The court suggested such properties should not lose their waqf status. The government disagreed and asked for a full hearing. Many petitions have been filed against the new law, including by politicians and religious groups. The court also pointed out that many old mosques have no sale deeds. The government will strongly defend the new law in court on Thursday. (PC: news18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:17pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This landmark decision followed a case brought by campaign group For Women Scotland against the Scottish Government. The ruling clarified that single-sex spaces and services can lawfully exclude trans women, even those with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs), if they are born male. The court emphasized that transgender individuals remain protected under the law, but public institutions may now need to revisit policies on spaces, services, and sports eligibility. (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:08pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday India Global
Four international students, including Indian national Chinmay Deore, have filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, alleging unlawful termination of their F-1 student visas without prior notice. The students, enrolled at Michigan public universities, claim their immigration status was abruptly revoked in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), placing them at risk of deportation. Represented by the ACLU of Michigan, the students are also seeking an emergency injunction to halt deportation during legal proceedings. The case reflects broader concerns about the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration and its impact on international education in the U.S. (PC: LinkedIn)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday Sports
Despite ongoing speculation about his Test future, Rohit Sharma has hinted at captaining India in the upcoming five-Test series against England, starting June 20. Speaking on the Beyond23 Podcast with Michael Clarke, Rohit stressed the importance of a fully fit pace attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, to tackle English conditions. The India skipper had a disappointing 2024–25 Test season and has also struggled in IPL 2025. However, sources suggest Rohit expressed his desire to lead the team in England during talks with BCCI after India’s Champions Trophy win. The series marks the start of a new WTC cycle. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:53pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops will remain in designated "security zones" within Gaza even after the war ends, aiming to protect nearby Israeli communities. Katz also confirmed the continuation of the aid blockade, pressing Hamas to release hostages. The UN and humanitarian groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières, warned of catastrophic conditions in Gaza, describing the territory as a "mass grave." Over 1,650 Palestinians have died since hostilities resumed in March. Hamas rejected an Israeli ceasefire proposal demanding disarmament. Israel’s strategy is drawing criticism from hostage families and international observers calling for humanitarian relief and a ceasefire. (PC: AFP)