Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:08pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday India Global
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the Taj Mahal on Saturday with his wife, Akshata Murty, mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, and daughters, Krishna and Anoushka. He praised the monument, calling it a "breathtaking visit" and an "unforgettable experience." Sunak and his family signed the visitor book and greeted the crowd with folded hands. Security was tight as people gathered to see them. Earlier, Sunak attended a cricket match in Mumbai and the Jaipur Literature Festival. He served as UK Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024 and previously worked in business and finance before joining politics.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:39pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday India
4 women fainted due to suffocation at New Delhi Railway Station as thousands of Maha Kumbh devotees crowded platforms 13 and 14. The incident happened around 10 pm, causing panic. Officials rushed the women to a hospital, where their condition is critical. Fire services sent four fire tenders, and ambulances were also dispatched. Authorities denied reports of a stampede but confirmed heavy overcrowding. Videos showed passengers struggling with luggage and carrying children through the packed station. Railways PRO Dilip Kumar stated that no casualties or major injuries have been confirmed.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:11pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a "European army" as he warned that Europe can no longer fully rely on the US. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said, "Let’s be honest—now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe." His remarks come as US President Donald Trump signals possible peace talks with Russia. Zelensky insisted, "The Armed Forces of Europe must be created." European leaders backed his call, with Poland’s Prime Minister saying, "There’s no time to lose." Ukraine is also negotiating security guarantees from the US and Europe.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:04pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The swap happened under the ceasefire deal that began on 19 January 2025. The freed hostages are Sagui Dekel-Chen, Yair Horn, and Alexander Troufanov. They were handed over in Khan Younis and later taken to a hospital in Israel. Most Palestinian prisoners were sent to Gaza, while some went to the West Bank. Five needed medical help. Israel warned that fighting would resume if Hamas delayed releases. So far, 19 hostages and over 1,000 prisoners have been freed under the deal. More exchanges are expected soon.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:36pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday International
14 US states have sued Elon Musk, challenging his authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They say Musk has too much power and was not approved by the Senate. The lawsuit argues that the US President cannot create or remove federal agencies. The states, led by New Mexico, call Musk an "agent of chaos" and say his actions are unlawful. This is the second lawsuit against Musk’s role. Musk and President Trump say DOGE is only removing government waste. The case was filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:34pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday India
YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia said he and his family are getting death threats after his remarks on India's Got Latent. He posted on Instagram that people were visiting his mother’s clinic, pretending to be patients. His mother is a doctor in Mumbai. He said he feels scared and does not know what to do. His lawyer had asked the Supreme Court for urgent help, but the court refused. Some people have even called for his tongue to be cut off. The controversy started after his comments on the now-deleted comedy show. Allahbadia has not given any further statement.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:34pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment
Satellite data confirms that Earth's sea-ice levels have reached an all-time low, with both Arctic and Antarctic ice extents shrinking significantly. As of February 13, the combined ice cover measured 15.76 million sq km, breaking the previous record from early 2023. Warming seas, high air temperatures, and strong winds have contributed to the decline, particularly in Antarctica, which scientists believe has entered a new phase of lower ice extents. In the Arctic, delayed ice formation and extreme weather have exacerbated the trend, signaling a worsening climate crisis with long-term implications for global temperatures and sea levels.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:07pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday Business
A coalition of 14 U.S. states has sued the federal government, arguing that Elon Musk's appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is unconstitutional. Led by New Mexico, the lawsuit claims Musk’s role bypasses Senate confirmation, violating the Appointments Clause. Attorneys general allege Musk has unlawfully accessed sensitive government data and implemented sweeping changes without oversight. Labeling him a "designated agent of chaos," the plaintiffs seek to block his directives and prevent further unauthorized actions, raising concerns over executive overreach and the legitimacy of his position.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:03pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday India Global
A Johns Hopkins University study found Punjabi speakers made up 66% of Indian asylum-seekers in the US from 2001-2022. However, between 2017-2022, Hindi-speaking asylum claims rose by 30%. The US has intensified deportations, with 104 undocumented Indians sent back on February 5 and more flights expected. Indian asylum claims surged 470% in five years, from 6,000 in 2020 to 51,000 in 2023. Economic hardship and changing immigration policies drive this trend. The US has also shut down the CBP One app, canceling 300,000 migrant appointments.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:54pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair announced that she secretly gave birth to Elon Musk’s 13th child five months ago. St. Clair, known for her book Elephants Are Not Birds, said she kept the birth private for the child’s safety but decided to reveal it due to impending media reports. She urged privacy for their family and announced a temporary social media hiatus. Musk, who has children with Justine Wilson, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis, has not commented on the claim. The revelation has sparked widespread media attention.