Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:25pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday Science
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, shared insights on their extended 286-day mission aboard the ISS. Initially planned for eight days, their stay was prolonged due to Boeing Starliner issues. They completed 4,576 orbits, traveled 121 million miles, and conducted 150+ experiments. Williams, now holding the record for most time in space by a female astronaut (608 days), also completed two spacewalks. “Feeling good,” she said in her first address since returning to Earth. Their research will aid NASA’s future Moon and Mars missions. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:56pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday Weather & Environment
The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has reached 2,056, with more than 3,900 injured, according to the military junta. Over 270 people remain missing. Mandalay, one of the worst-hit cities, saw thousands camping in streets due to collapsed homes and aftershocks. The junta has declared a week of mourning until April 6. International reports confirm casualties in neighboring Thailand, where a 30-story building collapsed. "The situation is dire," said a local official. With damaged infrastructure and poor communications, the true extent of the disaster is still unfolding. Rescue operations continue. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:52pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday International
Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, says she has four days to live after a car crash. In an Instagram post, she revealed she suffered kidney failure following the accident, where her car was hit by a school bus at high speed. "I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time," she wrote. A spokesperson confirmed she is receiving medical care. Giuffre previously sued Prince Andrew in 2021, alleging abuse when she was 17. The Duke has denied all claims and has not faced criminal charges. (PC: Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:39pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday International
HAL-Russia Links 'Misleading And Factually Incorrect' India has strongly refuted The New York Times’ report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied sensitive technology to a Russian arms agency. Government sources called the claims “factually incorrect and misleading,” asserting that HAL strictly follows strategic trade controls and end-user commitments. The report claimed an Indian firm received equipment from British manufacturer H.R. Smith Group and sent parts to Russia with identical product codes. India criticized the NYT for "overlooking basic due diligence" and reaffirmed its commitment to international regulations. The UK previously warned companies about potential re-exports to Russia. (PC: News18.com)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:28pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday India
Starting April 1, 2025, several financial rule changes will impact Indian taxpayers and consumers. The new income tax structure exempts earnings up to ₹12 lakh, with a ₹75,000 standard deduction. The Unified Pension Scheme replaces the old system, benefiting 23 lakh central employees. UPI-linked inactive numbers will be deactivated, and banks like SBI and PNB will revise minimum balance requirements. Credit card reward structures will change, and GST updates will introduce mandatory multi-factor authentication. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) aims to enhance security with these changes, urging users to update details to avoid disruptions. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:24pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
A Dominican judge has dismissed the case against Josh Riibe, 22, who was the last person seen with Indian American University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki before her disappearance in Punta Cana on March 6. Authorities held Riibe under strict supervision, but after no evidence linked him to the case, his name was cleared. Konanki’s parents now believe she drowned. Riibe, who described their last moments in the ocean, has since returned to the U.S. after being barred from leaving for weeks. The case officially concludes with no criminal charges. (PC: daily mail)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:53pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday Sports
Mumbai Indians secured their first IPL 2025 victory, crushing Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets at Wankhede Stadium. Debutant Ashwani Kumar shined with 4/24, dismantling KKR for just 116 in 16.2 overs. Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar provided early breakthroughs before Ashwani’s dominant spell. In response, MI chased 117 with ease, reaching 121/2 in 12.5 overs. Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 62*, while Suryakumar Yadav (27*) finished with a six. Andre Russell claimed two wickets, but MI’s dominant performance ensured a comfortable win. Skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to bowl first paid off. (PC: X/Mumbai Indians)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:50pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday India
A gunfight is underway between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Three terrorists have been spotted in the upper reaches, prompting reinforcements to be deployed. The operation is part of an ongoing anti-terror mission in the region. Security personnel are engaged in a heavy exchange of fire, ensuring civilians are kept safe. Authorities remain on high alert as the situation unfolds. More details are awaited as the operation continues. The encounter highlights ongoing counterterrorism efforts in J&K. (PC: PTI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:52pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday Sports
Mumbai Indians (MI) debutant Ashwani Kumar took center stage, dismissing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for just 116 runs in 16.2 overs during their IPL 2025 clash. The pacer claimed 4 wickets, including the key dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell. KKR's top order faltered early, reducing them to 45/5 in just seven overs. MI captain Hardik Pandya's decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke. Despite a late surge from KKR, MI's bowling attack ensured a commanding victory. (PC: BCCI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:31pm on 31 Mar 2025,Monday International
Following unprecedented protests in Gaza, Hamas executed six demonstrators, publicly flogged others, and kidnapped multiple people. Thousands of Gazans took to the streets last week, demanding an end to Hamas rule, chanting, “The people do not want war.” Hamas responded with brutal crackdowns, including the execution of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al' Rabays after hours of torture. Reports indicate increasing opposition to Hamas, with many Gazans seeing no future under its rule. Analysts suggest this wave of dissent could mark a turning point as public anger mounts over war and repression. (PC: Getty Images)