Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:27am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
A Carnegie Endowment survey finds 53% of Indian-Americans believe U.S.-India relations would have been stronger under Kamala Harris than under Donald Trump (40%). The survey, conducted in late 2024, also reveals mixed views on India’s political landscape, with 47% saying India is on the right track. While 46% support Modi’s policies, concerns over Hindu majoritarianism persist, with 70% agreeing his speeches reflect threats to minorities. On the ‘murder-for-hire’ case involving Khalistani separatist Pannun, 51% disapproved of India’s alleged involvement. The findings highlight the diaspora’s nuanced stance on key political and diplomatic issues.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:14am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
Indian student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, remains missing in the Dominican Republic as newly surfaced footage shows her with an unidentified man at Punta Cana’s Riu Republica Resort. The University of Pittsburgh student had been vacationing with friends and was last seen around 5:50 am on the beach with Iowa tourist Joshua Steven Ribe, who has given conflicting statements. Authorities suspect drowning, but her family fears abduction. Reports say her clothes were found on a lounge chair before she disappeared. The search for Konanki enters its sixth day as concerns grow over her fate.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:24am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
US Vice President JD Vance will visit India later this month, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, Politico reported. This marks his second international trip as vice president after recent visits to France and Germany. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening US-India ties, trade relations, and regional security. Usha Vance, of Indian origin, may engage in cultural and community events. The White House has yet to confirm the itinerary. Analysts view this visit as a strategic move to bolster US-India relations amid evolving global dynamics.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:10am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after talks with US officials in Jeddah. US President Donald Trump welcomed the decision, expressing hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would also agree. "The ceasefire is very important. If Russia agrees, it will be great," Trump said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Ukraine’s move "a step closer to durable peace." Following this, the US lifted its pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Trump announced plans to speak with Putin and invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House for further negotiations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:53am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday Tech Today
Reliance Jio has signed an agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink broadband services in India, following Bharti Airtel’s recent deal. The partnership, pending regulatory approval, will see Jio distributing Starlink via its retail and online platforms while supporting installation and activation. "Integrating Starlink into Jio’s broadband ecosystem enhances connectivity across India," said Jio CEO Mathew Oommen. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell welcomed the collaboration. With both Airtel and Jio competing in the satellite internet market, India's digital infrastructure is set for a major upgrade.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:48am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
At least 155 hostages were rescued after armed rebels hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan. The train, carrying over 400 passengers, was attacked in a tunnel en route from Quetta to Peshawar. Pakistani forces engaged in an overnight gunfight with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), killing 27 rebels. The freed passengers—58 men, 31 women, and 15 children—were taken to Mach for medical aid. It remains unclear how many hostages are still onboard. Pakistani soldiers have secured Mach railway station. The attack follows recent instability in the region, with authorities vowing further action against militant groups.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:42am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports has taken effect, escalating global trade tensions. Canada, the European Union, and Australia condemned the move, with Canada vowing retaliation. Critics warn of rising costs in U.S. industries, while the American Iron and Steel Institute supports the tariffs. Australia’s PM called the decision "entirely unjustified," while stock markets reacted negatively, fearing economic slowdowns. Trump rejected exemptions for allies, insisting on a "no exceptions" policy. Despite concerns, the White House maintains the tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing. Canada’s last-minute concessions temporarily halted further U.S. tariff hikes.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:19am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
An Indian-origin man was sentenced in Singapore for abusing a teenager at a society management unit. The incident occurred within a residential complex, where the individual used offensive language and physically threatened the teen. The abusive actions led to charges, and after legal proceedings, the individual was held accountable for his behavior. This case highlights the importance of maintaining respectful conduct within community spaces and the legal consequences of harassment. The sentencing aims to discourage similar offenses in the future and ensure the safety of all individuals in such environments.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:59am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
On March 10, 2025, 283 Indian nationals were rescued from illegal jobs in Myanmar after being lured by fraudulent job offers. The victims had been trafficked and forced to work in scam call centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border, where they were coerced into participating in cybercrime and other fraudulent activities. The operation was part of a multinational crackdown on criminal gangs, including the Karen Border Guard Force, operating in the region. The Indian Air Force successfully evacuated the victims, bringing them back home after they had been trapped since February 2025.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:53am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
Ontario’s prime minister-elect, Mark Carney, responded firmly to US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Carney called the tariffs an attack on Canadian workers and businesses and vowed that his government would impose retaliatory measures with "maximum impact in the US." He stated that the tariffs would remain until the US shows respect and commits to fair trade. Carney's comments came after Trump's announcement to increase tariffs to 50% in response to Ontario’s electricity surcharge on US states, effective March 12.