Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:28am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday International
A tragic car crash in Dehradun on November 12 claimed six college students' lives and left another critically injured. The students were reportedly partying and drinking before the incident, where their car, racing a BMW, rear-ended a truck at high speed. The force of the collision caused decapitation and left the car mangled. CCTV footage and a surfaced video of the students drinking have raised suspicions about intoxication, though autopsy reports are pending. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, with emergency services saving the life of one injured student.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:03am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday International
A ginger and white cat named Beans went missing from its home in Cumbernauld, Scotland, in late October, leaving its owners, Cara and Colin McBurnie, devastated. Despite searching locally, the couple feared the worst. Weeks later, Beans was found 300 miles away in Coventry, thanks to its microchip. Kelly Ryan, a local resident, noticed Beans hanging around her outdoor cat box, leading to the reunion after Cats Protection identified the cat. Cara McBurnie expressed shock at Beans' survival and journey, crediting the microchip for their miraculous reunion.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday International
The Taj Mahal in Agra was obscured by dense smog on Thursday, as air pollution surged in the region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was barely visible due to rising pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Agra reported at 193, categorized as ‘moderate.’ High levels of PM 2.5 and moisture in the air contributed to the heavy haze, reducing visibility. The situation was worsened by stubble burning in the region. The India Meteorological Department forecasted dense fog for the following days, further impairing visibility and air quality.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:07am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday India
The Bombay High Court ruled that consensual sex with a minor wife is considered rape under Indian law because the legal age of consent is 18. The court emphasized that regardless of marriage or consent, sexual intercourse with a minor is criminal. The ruling invalidated the defense that the act was consensual within marriage. The man had coerced the victim into a sexual relationship, leading to pregnancy, abuse, and a false marriage. The court highlighted that the minor’s inability to legally consent and the abuse she faced made the act a criminal offense, upholding the 10-year sentence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:47am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday International
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of attack drones, signaling increased military activity as ties with Russia deepen. State media reported successful tests of drones capable of targeting land and sea objectives, with plans for full-scale production. Concerns grow as experts link North Korea's drone designs to Russian and Israeli technology, potentially acquired through intermediaries like Iran. The deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, including reported troop deployments to Russia, alarms South Korea and the global community. Kim emphasized drones’ cost-effectiveness and strategic value, integrating them into North Korea's military plans.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:28am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday International
The UK government has confirmed that council tax rates in England will increase by up to 5% next April, with an average household facing a rise exceeding £100. Communities Minister Matthew Pennycook stated this threshold aims to balance council budget pressures. Under current rules, councils providing social care can increase rates by up to 5%, while others are capped at 3%, with referendums required for higher hikes. Critics, including the Local Government Association, argue this increase won't fully cover essential services. Pennycook highlighted government support measures, including discounts and funding, to assist vulnerable households facing financial strain.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:21am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday International
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted former President Donald Trump broad immunity from prosecution for actions taken during his time in office, sparing him from potential life imprisonment. The 6-3 conservative majority ruling permits Trump to avoid criminal charges related to official acts, though he remains accountable for any unofficial actions. Trump, returning to office in January, may gain opportunities to further shape the court’s conservative leanings if Justices Clarence Thomas, 76, and Samuel Alito, 74, retire. Legal experts have expressed concern that this ruling could enable presidential abuses of power, with liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly dissenting.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:11am on 15 Nov 2024,Friday Weather & Environment
Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category for the third consecutive day, with an AQI of 409 reported on Friday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, 21 out of 39 monitoring stations in the city recorded severe levels, with some areas like Jahangirpuri reaching an AQI of 458. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 restrictions were implemented, banning certain vehicles and construction activities while shifting primary classes online. The city government has also introduced measures such as water sprinkling on major roads, aiming to reduce pollution aggravated by stagnant weather and crop burning.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:25pm on 14 Nov 2024,Thursday International
Israel anticipates a stricter U.S. stance on Iran as Donald Trump appoints advisors favoring assertive action against Tehran. Energy Minister Eli Cohen highlighted Israel’s hope that Trump's policies will foster regional stability, particularly against Iranian-backed Hezbollah near Israel's border. Cohen noted that Israel is "closer than ever" to ending border conflicts, while maintaining the right to act militarily. Israel, which has faced multiple attacks from Iranian-supported factions, aims to secure peace deals like the Abraham Accords, with an eye on normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:19pm on 14 Nov 2024,Thursday International
Amidst worsening pollution, Delhi has moved primary classes online as air quality reached a severe AQI level of 432, impacting visibility and public health. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced the decision following the activation of Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This plan restricts construction activities and limits vehicle entries in Delhi-NCR to reduce pollution. The Directorate of Education ordered all primary schools to halt physical classes and shift online until further notice. The Delhi Metro added 60 extra weekday trips to reduce commuter congestion as authorities aim to combat the city’s severe air pollution.