Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:24am on 20 Feb 2025,Thursday Politics
Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, will be sworn in as Delhi's new Chief Minister today at a grand ceremony at Ramlila Maidan. This marks the BJP's return to power in the capital after 26 years. The event will be attended by 20 state leaders, film stars, industrialists, and diplomats. Spiritual leaders such as Baba Ramdev and Baba Bageshwar Dhirendra Shastri will also be present. Gupta's cabinet will include six members, with BJP leaders like Manjinder Sirsa and Pankaj Kumar Singh. The BJP won 48 out of 70 assembly seats in the recent election.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:08am on 20 Feb 2025,Thursday India Global
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to India with the intent to influence its political landscape. He suggested that USAID aimed to support the election of a candidate other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This claim has raised concerns about foreign interference in India's democratic processes. The U.S. government has not officially commented on Trump's assertion. The allegation adds to ongoing debates regarding the role of foreign aid in domestic politics.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:57am on 20 Feb 2025,Thursday Politics
Rekha Gupta, a seasoned but low-profile BJP leader, has been appointed as Delhi's fourth woman Chief Minister. With nearly three decades of political experience, Gupta rose from a student leader to her latest position, defying expectations. Her recent success came after BJP’s historic win in Delhi, marking a significant political shift. Gupta, who had previously served as a councillor and chairperson of the education committee, surprised many with her election victory, especially as she was not a frontrunner. She will be sworn in on Thursday at Ramlila Maidan.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:52am on 20 Feb 2025,Thursday International
Donald Trump slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling his handling of the war with Russia a “terrible job” and accusing him of starting the conflict. In a press conference, Trump suggested Zelensky could have ended the war earlier, questioning his absence from peace talks in Saudi Arabia. Trump’s remarks followed a social media post in which he called Zelensky a “dictator without elections.” The U.S. continues to engage in peace negotiations, with Ukraine's exclusion from discussions raising tensions, though U.S. officials have assured Ukraine’s involvement in future decisions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:14pm on 19 Feb 2025,Wednesday Politics
Rekha Gupta will be sworn in as Delhi’s chief minister on Thursday at Ramlila Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending. A first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, Gupta led the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years, securing 48 seats. She previously served as SDMC mayor and led women’s welfare initiatives. Gupta began her political career in Delhi University’s student union and rose through BJP ranks. Her administration is expected to focus on infrastructure, public amenities, and women's empowerment.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:06pm on 19 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Elon Musk accused former US President Joe Biden of delaying the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore for "political reasons." In a Fox News interview with Donald Trump, Musk claimed NASA postponed their return "to a ridiculous degree." Williams and Wilmore have been aboard the space station for 258 days, far longer than planned. However, both astronauts denied feeling "stranded" and acknowledged the mission was a test flight. NASA cited technical reasons for the delay, not politics. Williams is now scheduled to return on March 19.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:56pm on 19 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Former US President Donald Trump criticized Elon Musk’s plan to build a Tesla factory in India, calling it “unfair” to the US. Speaking on The Sean Hannity Show, Trump argued that high Indian tariffs make it “impossible” to sell American cars there. India recently reduced EV import taxes to 15% for companies investing $500 million in local production. Tesla has identified sites for showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi. Trump reiterated his stance on reciprocal tariffs, stating, “Whatever you charge, I’m charging.” Musk previously called India’s 100% import duty on EVs a major hurdle.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:47pm on 19 Feb 2025,Wednesday India
India's Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rejected a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that found high coliform levels in the Sangam waters at Prayagraj’s Kumbh Mela. The report revealed the Ganges' coliform levels were 1,400 times above the limit, making the water unfit for bathing. Adityanath insisted the water is safe, accusing the opposition of defaming the festival. Tens of millions have bathed since January 13. The Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, has also seen two deadly crowd crushes, killing 48 people. The festival concludes on February 26.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:40pm on 19 Feb 2025,Wednesday Sports
Pakistan’s bid to defend their title in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 suffered a major blow as they lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in the tournament opener. Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable 320/5, thanks to centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118). Pakistan's chase faltered, with only Khushdil Shah’s 69 and Babar Azam’s 64 offering any resistance. Despite a late surge, Pakistan were bowled out for 260, leaving their hopes of advancing in the tournament hanging by a thread. Pakistan’s net run rate has taken a significant hit.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:31pm on 19 Feb 2025,Wednesday Politics
Rekha Gupta is Delhi's new Chief Minister. She won from Shalimar Bagh, defeating AAP's Bandna Kumari by over 29,000 votes. Her mother-in-law, Meera Gupta, celebrated her win, saying, "Rekha Gupta's name will shine. Delhi will shine." She called the celebrations bigger than a wedding. Meera Gupta also praised Rekha for managing both home and politics well. Supporters danced and cheered outside their home. Rekha's husband, Manish Gupta, said the family was very happy. BJP leader Parvesh Verma called her win proof of the party’s commitment to women empowerment. After losing twice, Rekha finally won this time.