US Navy Tests HELIOS, High-Powered Laser Weapon That Destroys Drones

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:55am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International

A viral image shows the US Navy testing its HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) weapon on the USS Preble. Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS uses a 60-kilowatt laser to engage aerial threats at light speed. It offers both "hard kills" by destroying targets and "soft kills" by disrupting electronics. The test follows the UK’s successful DragonFire trials. Lockheed calls HELIOS a "low-cost, precision response" for future threats. Countries like South Korea, Israel, and Germany are also developing laser weapons for defense.

Read More at NDTV

Trump Says US Could 'Take Over' Gaza, Resettle Palestinians Outside Territory

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:51am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International

Donald Trump suggested the US could "take over" Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere while rebuilding the enclave into "the Riviera of the Middle East." Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump proposed removing unexploded bombs and revitalizing Gaza's economy. Netanyahu called the plan "worth paying attention to." Trump also warned Iran against developing nuclear weapons, saying it would be "unfortunate" if Tehran pursued atomic bombs. Netanyahu praised Trump as "Israel's greatest friend," recalling his relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem. Observers called Trump's Gaza proposal "head-spinning."

Read More at BBC

Delhi Assembly Election 2025: President Droupadi Murmu Casts Vote As Polling Begins

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:01am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday Politics

Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections is underway, with President Droupadi Murmu casting her ballot at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, President’s Estate. Over 1.56 crore eligible voters, including 83.76 lakh men, 72.36 lakh women, and 1,267 third-gender individuals, will decide the fate of 699 candidates across 70 constituencies. AAP’s Manish Sisodia urged voters to support an "education revolution," while CM Atishi called for defeating "hooliganism." Polling will continue until 6 PM across 19 centers. The election is expected to be a tight contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress. Counting is scheduled for February 8.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Netanyahu Backs Trump's Gaza Plan, Lists Israel’s 3 Goals Amid War

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:58am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday International

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, after meeting Donald Trump, reaffirmed Israel’s three war goals in Gaza: destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, ensuring Gaza never threatens Israel again, and securing hostage releases. Netanyahu praised Trump as Israel’s "greatest friend," highlighting his past policies, including leaving the Iran deal and brokering the Abraham Accords. He backed Trump’s plan for US control over Gaza, calling it a "history-changing" idea. The meeting underscored strong US-Israel ties, with Netanyahu emphasizing Trump’s "fresh approach." The war in Gaza continues as Israel pursues its objectives.

Read More at NDTV

PM Modi To Take Kumbh Dip On Delhi Polling Day, BJP Hopes For Divine Boost

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:54am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday Politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to take a holy dip at Prayagraj’s Sangam during the Mahakumbh while Delhi votes in a crucial election. The BJP hopes his visit, mixing spirituality with political messaging, will influence voters as it fights to reclaim Delhi after 27 years. Modi’s past temple visits on election days, including Kedarnath in 2019 and Pashupatinath in 2018, coincided with BJP victories. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath will accompany him. While the opposition criticizes the move, the Election Commission has not raised objections. Will this boost BJP’s fortunes, or will AAP retain its stronghold?

Read More at News18

Delhi Votes: AAP Eyes 3rd Term, BJP and Congress Hope for Revival

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:22am on 05 Feb 2025,Wednesday Politics

Delhi's 1.56 crore voters will decide today whether AAP secures a third consecutive term, BJP ends its 25-year power drought, or Congress stages a surprise comeback. The high-stakes election sees 699 candidates contesting across 70 constituencies. Kejriwal, contesting from New Delhi, faces BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit. BJP’s campaign, led by Modi, attacked AAP over governance, while Congress aimed for revival. Security has been tightened across the capital. The counting of votes is on February 8. AAP previously won in 2015 and 2020. Will history repeat itself, or will Delhi see a new ruling party?

Read More at India Today

Sweden's Worst Mass Shooting: Around 10 Killed In School Campus Attack In Orebro

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:51pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday International

A shooting at an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden, has resulted in around 10 fatalities. Police believe the perpetrator, a man, is among the dead and acted alone, although the motive remains unclear. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it Sweden's worst mass shooting in history. The campus also houses children's schools, but it was the adult education center targeted. Authorities warned residents to stay away from the area earlier in the day, and students and staff have since been evacuated from the site. Investigations are ongoing as police continue to process the crime scene.

Read More at BBC

US Deports 205 Indian Migrants On Military Plane As Trump Ramps Up Crackdown

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday India Global

A US military C-17 aircraft carrying 205 deported Indian migrants left San Antonio, Texas, on February 4. The Trump administration is using expensive military planes, costing around $28,500 per hour, instead of civilian flights to reinforce its tough stance on illegal immigration. Colombia recently refused military deportation flights, citing sovereignty concerns. Trump defended the move, stating, “We are respected again.” The visuals of shackled migrants being loaded onto military planes have sparked criticism. Trump aims to expedite deportations, avoiding lengthy detention periods. Experts warn that military deportations may strain diplomatic ties, especially with Latin American nations.

Read More at The Indian Express

Bill Gates Opens Up About ‘Serious’ Girlfriend Paula Hurd, Mentions Her In Memoir

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday International

Bill Gates, 69, has spoken about his relationship with Paula Hurd, calling her a “serious girlfriend” and expressing happiness. During an interview on February 4, he said they were “having fun” and attending events like the Olympics. Gates also acknowledged Hurd in his memoir Source Code, published the same day. Their relationship became public in 2023, years after Hurd’s husband, former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, passed away. Gates, who divorced Melinda French Gates in 2021, previously called it his “big regret.” Hurd, a former NCR executive, has been a major donor to Baylor University.

Read More at News18

FIR Against Arvind Kejriwal Over ‘Poison In Yamuna’ Remark Before Delhi Polls

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday Politics

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faces an FIR over his claim that Haryana was "poisoning" Yamuna water, filed at Shahbad Police Station by Jagmohan Manchanda. The case, registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, comes hours before Delhi elections. Kejriwal, contesting from the New Delhi seat, had accused the BJP-led Haryana government of endangering Delhi residents. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini drank Yamuna water in response, while Rahul Gandhi challenged Kejriwal to do the same. PM Narendra Modi also slammed Kejriwal’s remarks, stating, "Yamuna water is consumed by all, including judges and diplomats."

Read More at India Today

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