Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:57pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
Delhi Capitals posted 188/5 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Abhishek Porel anchored the innings with a 37-ball 49, while KL Rahul contributed a cautious 38. Late fireworks from Axar Patel (34 off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18) boosted DC’s total. RR pacer Sandeep Sharma conceded 23 runs in the final over, scripting an unwanted record. Despite an aggressive start, DC faltered in the middle after Jake Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal and Karun Nair’s run-out for a duck. A powerplay total of just 46 hinted at early struggles, but the hosts recovered well. (PC: BCCI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:34pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday India Global
Chinmay Deore, an Indian student at Wayne State University, has joined three others in suing the Trump administration after their student visas were abruptly revoked. Filed by the ACLU in Michigan, the lawsuit argues their SEVIS status was terminated without notice or legal grounds. The case highlights growing concerns as hundreds of international students, including many Indians, face deportation amid an alleged crackdown on campus activism. The students maintain they committed no crimes and weren't involved in protests. ACLU’s Loren Khogali accused the administration of using fear tactics: “They’re coming for international students to sow chaos and fear.” (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:28pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
Author JK Rowling has praised the UK Supreme Court’s decision that defines "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 as a biological female, excluding transgender women with gender recognition certificates. Reacting to the ruling, Rowling wrote on X: “They’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.” She added, “It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard.” Rowling has reportedly donated thousands to support For Women Scotland, the group that challenged the Scottish government’s definition. While women's rights groups celebrated, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed concern over the ruling's implications for trans rights. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:44pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday Science
In a historic first, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed alive in its natural habitat near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Captured at a depth of 600 meters by a remote-controlled vehicle aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too), the sighting marks a century since the species was first identified. The squid, estimated at 30cm long, could grow to 7m and 500kg as an adult. The expedition, led by University of Essex scientist Dr. Michelle Taylor, also documented a glacial glass squid. The discovery highlights how little is still known about deep-sea marine life. (PC: Schmidt Ocean Institute)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:40pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday India
In a significant move towards modernizing its arsenal, the Kerala Police has initiated a tender to procure 250 domestically manufactured AK-203 assault rifles, valued at ₹2.25 crore. This acquisition would make Kerala the first police force in India to adopt the advanced AK-203, a 7.62×39 mm caliber rifle known for its enhanced firepower and reliability. The rifles are produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between Russian and Indian defense firms. The step highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:17pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
US mortgage giant Fannie Mae has terminated 200 employees, mostly of Telugu origin, for allegedly misusing the company’s matching gift programme. The employees reportedly collaborated with Telugu associations to falsify donations and divert funds. The layoffs were part of a larger restructuring effort that affected 700 staffers. Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has demanded a full explanation, citing concerns over due process. This incident follows a similar case at Apple earlier this year, involving donation fraud linked to Telugu nonprofits. Investigations are ongoing, and associations like TANA and ATA are reportedly under scrutiny for potential involvement in the scheme. (PC: HousingWire)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:14pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
US Vice President JD Vance will visit India from April 18 to 24 as part of a diplomatic tour that also includes Italy. Accompanied by the Second Family, Vance will travel to New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engage in cultural activities. The visit, described as partly private with official elements, will include discussions on shared economic and geopolitical priorities. His children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—will also join the trip. Prior to India, Vance will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican officials in Rome ahead of Easter celebrations. (PC: PMO)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:32pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
Former President Donald Trump has announced a controversial new initiative aimed at reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. by encouraging voluntary departures. Under the proposed plan, migrants who choose to self-deport would receive financial support, including stipends and free plane tickets to their home countries. The policy, which Trump claims is more cost-effective and humane than forced deportation, has sparked widespread debate. Critics argue it may incentivize exploitation or create further instability, while supporters view it as a practical solution to immigration challenges. Further details on implementation remain pending. ( PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:26pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday India
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has formed a four-member team to look into the recent violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will lead the team. The group will visit Malda on April 18 and Murshidabad on April 19. Many women fled their homes and crossed the Bhagirathi River to find safety. Three people died and over 200 were arrested. The team will meet victims and local officials to understand what happened. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will also send a team for an on-the-spot probe. Reports will help stop such violence from happening again. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:23pm on 16 Apr 2025,Wednesday International
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned that Donald Trump’s new tariffs could harm the global economy. It now expects world trade to shrink by 0.2% this year, instead of growing. The US has put high taxes on imports, especially from China. Trade between the two countries may drop by 81%. The WTO says this “decoupling” is worrying. It could lower global GDP growth to 2.2% or even 1.5% in the worst case. Other regions may still grow, as China looks for new trade partners. The WTO also said that market uncertainty is adding to the risks of a slowdown. (PC: EPA)