Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:57am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday International
US President Donald Trump plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports from February 1. He says the step will stop fentanyl from entering the US via Mexico and Canada. Trump blames Chinese chemical companies for starting the fentanyl supply chain. The drug, a major health crisis in the US, is highly addictive. China’s foreign ministry responded, saying they will protect their national interests and oppose trade wars. Trump also claimed he had a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first term for harsher penalties on fentanyl dealers, which was not followed by President Joe Biden.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:29am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday International
The Trump administration has issued a memo to federal agencies, mandating the suspension of all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) employees by 5 PM Wednesday. This follows an executive order signed by President Trump, labeling such initiatives as "dangerous, demeaning, and immoral." Trump's campaign pledge to dismantle diversity programs, claiming they discriminate against white people, has led to similar actions by corporations like Walmart and Meta. Some companies, including Apple and Target, have defended their DEI efforts. Critics argue the move undermines inclusivity in the workplace, intensifying debates about equity under Trump's leadership.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:25am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday International
The Madhya Pradesh High Court lifted a stay on ancestral properties worth ₹15,000 crore belonging to the Pataudi family. These assets, including Noor-e-Saba and Ahmedabad Palace in Bhopal, may now fall under the Enemy Property Act, 1968. The Act allows the Centre to claim properties of individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition. The court had earlier given the family 30 days to present their case before the appellate authority, but it remains unclear if they complied. Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh stated action would follow once court directives are finalized.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:20am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday India
The West Bengal government moved the High Court seeking the death penalty for Sanjay Roy, challenging the lower court's life sentence verdict. During the hearing, Justice Debangshu Basak raised questions about the state's jurisdiction, noting that the case was investigated by the CBI, not the state police. Referencing Salman Khan's hit-and-run case, the court highlighted procedural limitations in appealing such sentences. Justice Basak also questioned if certified copies of the judgment were obtained. The High Court deferred its decision, stating further arguments are needed to establish the appeal’s admissibility. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:16am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday Business
Netflix has announced price hikes for its US and Canadian subscription tiers following a record-breaking 19M subscriber jump in Q4 2024. This growth pushes its global subscriber base to 302M, cementing Netflix’s dominance in the streaming market. Popular events like the Tyson-Paul boxing match and “Squid Game” season 2 fueled the surge. Monthly prices will increase by $2 for premium 4K plans ($24.99) and $1 for ad-supported accounts ($7.99). Revenue hit $10B, a 16% rise, with $2.3B operating income. Netflix plans further investments in live events and sports to drive growth. Shares soared 13% after the announcement.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
Storm Éowyn is set to hit the UK starting Friday, bringing 95mph winds, heavy rain, and snow. Areas in Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern Wales, and western Scotland are under yellow weather warnings. Exposed coastal regions face potential power outages, large waves, and travel disruptions. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone advised, "The strongest gusts may exceed 80mph in exposed areas, creating disruptive conditions." The storm's path is uncertain but is expected to move northwest to northeast with gusts up to 70mph inland. Residents are urged to stay updated on forecasts.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:08am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday Politics
BJP leader Parvesh Verma accused AAP's Arvind Kejriwal of installing Chinese CCTV cameras in Delhi slums, claiming they pose a security threat. He also alleged misuse of Punjab government resources, including vehicles and workers, for Delhi Assembly elections. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called Verma's remarks insulting to Punjabis and demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kejriwal also criticized the BJP, saying their statements disrespected Punjabi refugees who settled in Delhi after Partition. Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, with results to be announced on February 8.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:03am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday International
Ukraine launched drone attacks on a Russian oil depot near Liski and an aviation plant in Smolensk, causing fires and explosions. Kyiv claimed the facilities supplied fuel and military aircraft to Russian forces. Russia reported downing 55 Ukrainian drones. Donald Trump suggested new U.S. sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate peace. He also urged China to help end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for European unity, saying Europe must defend itself regardless of U.S. leadership changes. Meanwhile, Russia claimed advances in Donetsk, while Ukraine reported continued attacks near Kupiansk.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:57am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday India
Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam, 30, attacked Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home on January 16. Struggling with poverty and his mother’s medical expenses, Shariful planned to rob the actor. He had recently lost a housekeeping job and was nearly penniless. Shariful stabbed Saif during the robbery attempt and fled, hiding in the building’s garden for two hours. Police arrested him three days later in Thane. Saif, who suffered multiple injuries, underwent surgery and was discharged from Lilavati Hospital on January 21. Shariful had been living in Mumbai for five months, working odd jobs to support his family.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:54am on 22 Jan 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment
A rare snowstorm has struck the southern United States, with Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia hit hardest. More than 10 inches of snow has been recorded in some areas, causing whiteout conditions and icy roads. At least four deaths have been reported due to the extreme cold. Over 2,100 flights were cancelled, with airports in Houston and Tallahassee shutting down. Schools and offices across the region remain closed. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry warned of dangerous black ice, urging residents to stay off the roads. Officials stress the region is unprepared for such weather, making conditions even more hazardous.