Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:23am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration has revoked a power purchase agreement with India's Adani Group, originally set at $0.0826 per kilowatt-hour, citing concerns over excessive tariffs and allegations of corruption. The $442 million wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn faced scrutiny after U.S. authorities indicted Adani Group's chairman on bribery charges. Dissanayake, who campaigned on promises to annul such deals, emphasized the need for competitive tariffs, referencing a domestic 50 MW wind project priced at $0.0465 per unit. A committee has been appointed to review the Adani project, which also faces environmental challenges in Sri Lanka's Supreme Court. (Photo Credit: Fortune India)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:17am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
U.S. and Ukrainian officials convened in Saudi Arabia to strategize on safeguarding critical infrastructure, advancing President Donald Trump's initiative to conclude the three-year Ukraine-Russia conflict. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks peace. The discussions aim to establish a Black Sea ceasefire, potentially expanding to a broader truce. Despite a recent 30-day ceasefire agreement targeting energy infrastructure, ongoing strikes have undermined its effectiveness. The agenda includes confidence-building measures, peacekeeping operations, and defining a line of control. European nations remain cautious about a U.S.-Russia peace deal that could impact their security interests. (PC: RFI & AP News)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:13am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
On Sunday night, Israeli forces targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing at least two individuals, including 16-year-old Ismail Barhoum, a member of Hamas's political bureau. The airstrike caused injuries and ignited a fire within the hospital. This incident follows Israel's recent intensification of military operations in Gaza after the collapse of a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. In Israel, public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is rising, leading to protests demanding political change. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate amid the escalating violence. (PC: Global News & The Times of Israel)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:04am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
Tens of thousands protested across Turkey after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed on corruption charges. Police fired tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets at demonstrators in Istanbul, where crowds gathered for the fifth night. Imamoglu called the charges “politically motivated” and vowed to fight back. His wife addressed protesters, condemning the “injustice.” Over 700 arrests have been made. Imamoglu’s suspension raises concerns over Turkey’s 2028 election, as his candidacy is uncertain. The opposition warns of a democratic crisis as Erdogan’s critics face growing crackdowns. (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:28am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday Business
India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products—unframed glass mirrors, isopropyl alcohol, sulphur black, cellophane transparent film, and thermoplastic polyurethane—to protect domestic industries from underpriced imports. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended these measures after investigations revealed that these products were being sold in India below normal value, causing material injury to local manufacturers. The duties, effective for five years, vary by product: unframed glass mirrors face a duty of $234 per tonne; isopropyl alcohol, used in medical and industrial applications, is taxed between $82 and $217 per tonne; sulphur black, a dyeing agent, incurs up to $389 per tonne; cellophane transparent film, a packaging material, is levied at $1.34 per kg; and thermoplastic polyurethane, utilized in automotive, medical, and electronics industries, is charged between $0.93 and $1.58 per kg. (PC: Bangkok Post & Supply Chain Brain)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:26am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
U.S. President Donald Trump revoked temporary legal status for 5,32,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, requiring them to leave by April 24. The move ends the CHNV parole program, which granted two-year work permits under Joe Biden. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision, calling parole “inherently temporary.” Critics condemned it as “cruel” and warned of chaos. A lawsuit challenges the order. Trump also hinted at revoking parole for 2,40,000 Ukrainians and ended legal aid for migrant children, sparking concerns about their legal rights. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:18am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
A UN report accuses Israel of committing "genocidal acts" in Gaza by systematically destroying healthcare facilities and using sexual violence. The report claims Israeli forces targeted women's reproductive health and imposed measures to prevent births, violating the Genocide Convention. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report as biased and antisemitic. The UN also cited forced stripping and sexual assault by Israeli security forces. Israel denied the allegations, stating its military has strict policies prohibiting misconduct. South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice over genocide claims. The war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:13am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
Ukraine's military has reclaimed the village of Nadia in Luhansk after a 30-hour operation, marking its first gain in the region since 2022. Kyiv officials confirmed the liberation but did not disclose casualty figures. The advance comes as Ukraine and Russia prepare for ceasefire talks mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump. While Ukraine favors a phased peace deal with Western security guarantees, Russia insists on halting military aid to Kyiv and recognizing annexed territories. As negotiations continue, both sides have launched drone and missile strikes. The Kremlin warned that a resolution remains distant. (PS: AP Image)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:06am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday Business
Facing potential U.S. tariffs and a widening trade deficit with China, India is considering easing certain trade and investment restrictions. This includes lifting some measures imposed after the 2020 Galwan clashes, such as visa limitations for Chinese personnel and non-tariff barriers on imports. Additionally, India may relax the 2020 policy that mandates government approval for investments from countries sharing land borders, notably China. These steps aim to counterbalance U.S. trade pressures and improve bilateral economic relations with China. The government is also contemplating allowing previously banned Chinese apps and resuming flights and visas for Chinese scholars. These measures are seen as strategic moves to diversify trade partnerships and mitigate external economic pressures. (PC: SME Futures)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:03am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday Entertainment
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra sparked controversy after performing a parody song indirectly labeling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) during a Mumbai show. The act referenced Shinde's 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. The video went viral, prompting Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Rahul Kanal to file a police complaint, alleging derogatory remarks. In retaliation, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra's show was recorded, damaging property and threatening staff. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned Kamra against defaming Shinde, suggesting he might be barred from moving freely in India. Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray defended Kamra, citing freedom of expression and criticizing the violent response. (PC: YouTube)