Biden Pledges $8B Aid, Says "Russia Won't Prevail" During Zelensky's White House Visit

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:40pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, reaffirming support for Ukraine's war efforts against Russia. Biden announced an $8 billion surge in military aid, including $5.5 billion authorized before the fiscal year's end. "Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail," Biden stated during the Oval Office meeting. Zelensky, dressed in military attire, expressed gratitude for the continued U.S. support. The visit comes amid tension with Republican candidate Donald Trump, who criticized Zelensky for not negotiating with Moscow. Trump's comments have stirred controversy among Republicans ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

Read More at NDTV

France's Macron Backs India’s UNSC Bid, Says "Let’s Make the UN More Efficient"

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:36pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday India Global

During his UN General Assembly speech on September 25, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong support for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council (UNSC). "Let’s make the UN more efficient," Macron urged, backing India's inclusion alongside Brazil, Germany, Japan, and two African nations. He emphasized that the UNSC must be "more representative" to address modern global challenges. Macron's statement echoed India's long-standing G4 push for UNSC reform. "India’s place is overdue," he added, stressing the need for expanded membership to ensure better global governance and conflict resolution.

Read More at News18

Protests Erupt in Kolkata to Save Iconic Tram as Government Plans to Shut It Down

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:27pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday India

Kolkata witnessed a significant protest under the banner "Save Heritage, Save Tram," as dozens gathered at the Shyam Bazar tram depot. This outcry against the West Bengal government's proposal to shut down the tram system was fueled by public anger over the perceived neglect of the historic service. Participants, including the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association, expressed concerns over the government's claims about the tram's inefficiency, arguing that no valid complaints have been substantiated. The future of the tram now rests with the Calcutta High Court, which is reviewing its operational viability.

Read More at The Hindu

Parliament Restructures 24 Committees: Rahul Gandhi Joins Defence, Kangana Ranaut in Communications

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:20pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday Politics

On September 26, 2024, the Indian Parliament restructured its standing committees, assigning Rahul Gandhi to the Defence Affairs Committee and Kangana Ranaut to the Communications and IT Committee. The Defence Committee will be chaired by BJP's Radha Mohan Singh, while the Communications panel is led by Nishikant Dubey. Other notable appointments include Shashi Tharoor as head of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Digvijaya Singh leading the Women, Education, Youth, and Sports Affairs Committee. This restructuring reflects a significant political maneuvering within Parliament, with key roles distributed among prominent leaders across party lines.

Read More at India Today

Israeli Military Launches More Airstrikes on Hezbollah Targets After Rejecting US-Backed Ceasefire Calls

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:15pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

The Israeli military conducted additional airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Thursday, dismissing a US-backed 21-day ceasefire proposal. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) confirmed its ongoing strikes against Hezbollah, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the United Nations General Assembly, rejected international pleas for de-escalation. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Lebanon reporting over 1,500 deaths from cross-border violence. Netanyahu emphasized that the military will continue its operations "with full force" until objectives are met, amid warnings from the US of a potential all-out war.

Read More at The Guardian

Muhammad Yunus Confirms Conspiracy Behind Sheikh Hasina's Ouster in Bangladesh

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:44pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh, revealed at the Clinton Global Initiative that a "design and conspiracy" led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He named Mahfuj Abdullah as a key figure in the plan. Yunus emphasized that the protests against Hasina were not random but meticulously orchestrated. Following the upheaval, Hasina has fled the country. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden affirmed support for Bangladesh's reform agenda, highlighting shared democratic values. Concerns arise over potential external forces manipulating student protests. Yunus' ties to the U.S. are well-known, adding to the controversy surrounding this political upheaval.

Read More at News18

Major UK Network Rail Train Stations Targeted by Cyber-security Attack Displaying Islamophobic Messaging

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:40pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

A cyber-security attack affected around 19 major UK train stations, including London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly, on September 25, 2024. Passengers accessing Wi-Fi were redirected to a site displaying Islamophobic messaging. Network Rail confirmed the incident and suspended Wi-Fi services managed by third-party provider Telent. British Transport Police are investigating, having received reports of the attack around 5:03 PM. A spokesperson stated, “We are working alongside Network Rail to investigate the incident at pace.” Wi-Fi services at all affected stations remain halted during the investigation.

Read More at itv News

Thai Zoo Housing Viral Pygmy Hippo 'Moo Deng' Sees Ticket Sales Increase Fourfold

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:10pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

A baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng has become a social media sensation, boosting ticket sales at Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo by four times. The two-month-old hippo, known for her playful antics, has drawn tens of thousands of visitors since going viral on TikTok and Instagram. Between September 1 and 25, ticket sales reached nearly 19.2 million baht ($590,000), compared to the previous year. To manage the crowds, the zoo limits visitors' observation time to five minutes. They have also set up a livestream of Moo Deng's enclosure and launched a line of merchandise to capitalize on her popularity, with profits supporting all zoo animals.

Read More at NDTV

Escalating Row With Trump Overshadows Zelensky's US Visit as Speaker Demands Ukraine Fire Ambassador

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:57pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the U.S. is overshadowed by tensions with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has called for Ukraine to dismiss its ambassador. Johnson claims Zelensky’s recent visit to an arms factory in Pennsylvania, President Biden’s hometown, was designed to aid Democrats and interfere in U.S. elections. This dispute threatens Zelensky’s crucial meeting with Biden, where he aims to present a “plan for victory” against Russia. Meanwhile, Biden announced a $7.9 billion military aid package for Ukraine as missile strikes from Russia continue. Trump, criticizing Zelensky and echoing Russian views, will not meet with the Ukrainian leader, complicating diplomatic efforts.

Read More at BBC

Israel Confirms Killing of Hezbollah Commander as Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Proposal

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:38pm on 26 Sep 2024,Thursday International

Israel's military confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah air force unit commander Mohammad Surur in a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs. Surur was responsible for orchestrating aerial attacks against Israel, including drone and missile strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he has instructed the military to continue operations "at full force," rejecting a proposed ceasefire from the U.S. and France. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are intensifying strikes on Hezbollah to degrade its capabilities and infrastructure while maintaining military operations in Gaza until all objectives are achieved.

Read More at Sky News

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