Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:27pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone attack in Kazan, 800 km east of Moscow, temporarily halting operations at Kazan Airport. The attack targeted a residential complex in three waves between 7:40 am and 9:20 am, according to Russia's Defence Ministry. No casualties were reported, but Kazan’s mayor canceled all mass events over the weekend and arranged temporary accommodations for evacuees. Unverified footage showed an aerial object hitting a high-rise, creating a fireball. Russia’s aviation regulator imposed temporary restrictions at Kazan, Izhevsk, and Saratov airports, lifting them later in Saratov. Investigations are ongoing.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:19pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell believes Virat Kohli is struggling with Elite Performance Decline Syndrome (EPDS), impacting his recent performances. Kohli, scoring only 21 runs in his last three innings, has been tentative at the crease, Chappell observed. He suggests Kohli needs a 20-30 run buffer to rediscover his flow, much like cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting did during challenging phases. Kohli’s weakness outside the off stump has been exploited by Australian bowlers, raising questions about his Test future. As India prepares for the fourth Test in Melbourne, Kohli faces immense pressure to deliver.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:07pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
A 50-year-old Saudi doctor, Taleb A., was arrested after ramming his BMW into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing 5 and injuring 200. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser confirmed the suspect's "Islamophobic" motive. Taleb, a psychiatry specialist living in Germany for over 20 years, had posted extremist views against Islam on his X account. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the brutality, noting 40 victims are critically injured. German media described Taleb as an anti-Islam activist. Saudi authorities reportedly warned Germany about his online threats. Investigations continue into the motive behind this attack.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:44pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 'Hala Modi' event during his historic two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first Indian PM visit in 43 years. Speaking to the Indian community in Kuwait City, he called the gathering a "mini-Hindustan" and highlighted deep India-Kuwait trade ties, dating back to the 19th century. PM Modi emphasized India’s contributions to Kuwait’s growth, offering skills, technology, and innovation. He thanked Kuwait for sending liquid oxygen during the Covid-19 crisis. The visit includes meetings with Kuwait's leadership and attending the Gulf Cup opening ceremony, fostering stronger diplomatic, trade, and cultural connections.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:31pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced a new mental health programme in collaboration with Norfolk and Waveney Mind. Focused on rural and farming communities in Northwest Norfolk, including the royal Sandringham Estate, the initiative addresses rural isolation and poor mental health. The two-year pilot, set to launch in 2025, will provide counselling, mental health training, and targeted sessions for various community groups. Kensington Palace stated the programme aims to create a blueprint for sustainable rural mental health funding. “This partnership will form a vital step in better protecting local wellbeing,” said Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s Interim CEO Sonja Chilvers.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:09pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday India
A multi-storey building collapsed in Punjab’s Mohali, Sohana village, on Saturday, leaving several feared trapped. Rescue operations involving the NDRF, fire brigade, and police are underway, with two excavators deployed to clear debris. SSP Mohali, Deepak Pareek, stated, "We have no estimate of how many are trapped; the cause will be investigated." Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise during the collapse. Authorities are working urgently to locate survivors. The situation remains fluid as rescue teams intensify their efforts. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses into the mishap's cause.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:38pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
A car attack at Magdeburg's Christmas market killed 5 people, including a child, and injured over 200, with 41 critically hurt. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi-born psychiatrist and critic of Islam, acted alone, officials said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack a "dreadful tragedy," pledging full investigative efforts. The suspect, Taleb A, was arrested at the scene, with unverified videos showing the vehicle plowing into the crowd. Emergency responders, including 100 firefighters, rushed to assist. A memorial service was held at Magdeburg Cathedral. This attack reignites concerns about public safety at festive events across Germany.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:26pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed SpaDeX satellites, set to launch aboard PSLV-C60, marking India’s debut in autonomous space docking technology. The mission involves two 220 kg spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), operating in a 470 km low-Earth orbit. SpaDeX aims to demonstrate key technologies like spacecraft rendezvous, docking, electric power transfer, and composite control. This innovation is crucial for future lunar missions, including Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Space Station (BAS). Joining the elite US, Russia, and China, India is poised to enhance its space infrastructure and solidify its position in global space exploration.
⚡️ Drones attack Kazan high-rise building, residents evacuated pic.twitter.com/p6ZBHoRjqj
— RT (@RT_com) December 21, 2024
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:08pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
Eight drones struck high-rise buildings in Kazan, Russia, sparking massive fires and prompting emergency evacuations. Russian authorities accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, which disrupted operations at Kazan and Izhevsk airports. Rosaviatsia reported Russian air defenses downed one drone, but others penetrated. Residents were safely evacuated as authorities launched relief measures. This incident follows Russia's overnight assault on Ukraine, involving 60 drones and 5 missiles targeting Kyiv and other cities, leaving 1 dead and multiple injured. The attack underscores escalating tensions in the conflict. Kazan is located 800 km east of Moscow.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:11pm on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday International
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Kuwait, met 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mangal Sain Handa. The meeting followed a heartfelt request from Handa’s granddaughter on social media platform X, expressing her grandfather's admiration for the PM. Modi responded promptly, making the visit during an interaction with the Indian diaspora. Handa's family described the meeting as a “lifetime experience.” This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Kuwait in 43 years, focusing on strengthening ties in trade, energy, and regional security. The Indian community constitutes 21% of Kuwait's population.