Indian-American Student Sudiksha Konanki Feared Drowned, U.S. Man's Passport Seized

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:43am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global

Authorities fear Indian-American student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, may have drowned after disappearing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. Joshua Riibe, 22, who was last seen with her, claimed they were caught in strong waves, but his conflicting statements led authorities to seize his passport. While Dominican officials suspect drowning, Konanki’s family fears foul play. The FBI and local police are using drones, helicopters, and divers in a massive search. Riibe’s family insists he is cooperating. Konanki’s father has urged a broader investigation as hopes for her safe return fade.

Read More at NDTV

"Oopsie... Too Late": US Deports 261 Venezuelans Despite Court Order, Bukele Confirms

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:36am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International

The US deported 261 Venezuelans, including 238 alleged Tren de Aragua gang members, to El Salvador, despite a federal judge's order halting removals. El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, confirming their arrival, posted "Oopsie... Too Late" on social media. Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, citing "irregular warfare" against the US. Venezuela condemned the move, calling it a "racist targeting" of migrants. Rights groups criticized Trump’s use of the 227-year-old law to bypass due process. The deportees were sent to El Salvador’s mega-prison, where they face at least a year in detention.

Read More at BBC

53 Killed in Trump’s Crackdown on Yemen’s Houthis, Group Vows ‘Escalation’

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:26am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International

At least 53 people, including 5 women and 2 children, were killed in overnight US strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, the rebel-run Health Ministry said. Over 100 others were wounded as President Donald Trump vowed to use "overwhelming lethal force" against the Iran-backed group for attacking Red Sea ships in "solidarity" with Gaza. US airstrikes hit multiple targets, including Yemen’s capital Sanaa, triggering the Houthis’ vow to escalate. This marks one of the deadliest assaults on the group since the Gaza war began in October 2023, intensifying regional tensions.

Read More at Hindustan Times

"We’ll Be Back Before Too Long": NASA Astronauts Set to Return After 9 Months

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:14am on 17 Mar 2025,Monday Science

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded for over 9 months, are set to return to Earth on Tuesday aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. In a video shared by Elon Musk, the astronauts thanked him and US President Donald Trump for aiding their return. Williams said, “We’ll be back before too long.” Trump, addressing their prolonged stay, blamed the previous administration and authorized Musk to assist. Their return follows NASA’s Crew-10 mission, which docked at the ISS on Sunday, paving the way for their long-awaited journey home.

Read More at India Today

‘This is Not the Time for War’: PM Modi Urges Putin, ‘Brother’ Zelensky to Negotiate for Peace

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:35pm on 16 Mar 2025,Sunday India Global

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in direct peace talks. Speaking on the Lex Fridman podcast, Modi said war would not bring a lasting solution. He emphasized that only dialogue could end the conflict. He also highlighted the suffering of the Global South due to the war, including food and fuel shortages. His comments come as global efforts to mediate peace continue. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine remain at odds over key conditions, despite discussions on a 30-day ceasefire.

Read More at Hindustan Times

4 Arrest Warrants Issued After Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia Kills 59

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:30pm on 16 Mar 2025,Sunday International

Fire at Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed at least 59 people and injured 155. The fire started at 2:35 am on Sunday while local band DNK was performing. Reports say fireworks set off inside the club caused the roof to catch fire. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four people. Many injured victims are being treated in hospitals in Kocani and Skopje. Families are waiting for news of missing loved ones. North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called it a tragic day. Leaders worldwide, including Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, sent condolences to the victims' families.

Read More at Sky News

Baloch Insurgents Attack Pakistan Military Convoy in Balochistan, Claim 90 Killed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:26pm on 16 Mar 2025,Sunday International

Baloch insurgents attacked a Pakistan military convoy in Noshki, Balochistan, claiming to have killed 90 soldiers. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said its Majeed Brigade and Fateh Squad targeted eight buses, destroying one in an explosion. Pakistan’s army confirmed seven deaths and 21 injuries, calling it a suicide attack. Another bus was hit by RPGs. The BLA claimed they surrounded the convoy and eliminated all soldiers. Pakistan’s Balochistan Chief Minister condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives.

Read More at India Today

US President Trump, Russian President Putin Likely to Talk This Week as Ukraine Peace Deal Nears Final Stage

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:00pm on 16 Mar 2025,Sunday International

US President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to finalise a Ukraine peace deal. “There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump said after talks with Putin. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Putin accepted the ceasefire proposal. A 30-day truce has been agreed upon, but some details remain unsettled. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy accused Russia of delaying peace. “Russia seeks to prolong the war,” he said. Talks include Ukraine, Russia, and European nations like the UK, France, and Norway.

Read More at The Week

HAL Loses ₹55 Lakh in Cyber Fraud After Fake Email Scam, Police Investigate International Link

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:55pm on 16 Mar 2025,Sunday Defence

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) lost ₹55 lakh ($63,000) after falling for a cyber scam. The company was in talks with US-based PS Engineering Incorporated to buy fighter jet parts. “Somewhere in the middle, the proper email was replaced with a fake one,” said DCP Crime Anjali Vishwakarma. The fake email looked almost identical, missing just one letter. HAL unknowingly sent the payment to the wrong account. The fraud came to light when the real vendor said they had not received any money. The police are investigating whether the scam was run by a foreign or Indian entity.

Read More at NDTV

"I Collected Chalk to Clean My White Shoes": PM Modi on Childhood Poverty and Struggles

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:35pm on 16 Mar 2025,Sunday India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared memories of his childhood struggles in a conversation with US podcaster Lex Fridman. “I collected used chalk in school to polish my white canvas shoes,” he said. The shoes were a gift from his uncle, and he wanted to keep them clean despite not having proper polish. Modi reflected on his poverty but said he never felt burdened. He also spoke about Vadnagar’s rich history, saying, “Every stone spoke. Every wall had a story to tell.” His later efforts as Chief Minister led to major excavations uncovering the town’s Buddhist heritage.

Read More at India Today

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