Germany plans to reduce its military aid to Ukraine by fifty percent in 2025, according to a parliamentary source. The government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will rely on funds from frozen Russian assets rather than increasing the aid budget. This year's aid totaled eight billion euros, but next year's budget allocates four billion euros. The decision aligns with a financial strategy involving the G7 and EU to use Russian assets for Ukraine's support. The budget still faces discussions, with additional spending possible on a case-by-case basis.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah announced that the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will pass a resolution against the abrogation of Article 370 as its first act following upcoming elections. Abdullah criticized the Centre’s 2019 decision to end the region’s special status and statehood, stating the resolution will address these concerns. The Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting September 18. Abdullah and his party are preparing for the polls, while the Election Commission’s announcement has been met with positive responses from various political leaders across the region.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned to New Delhi on Saturday, receiving a warm welcome after her controversial disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams, was greeted with admiration and support from fans and fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik. Bajrang Punia lauded Phogat's return, calling it "a victory for every daughter of the country." Despite her appeal for a silver medal being dismissed, Phogat's resilient spirit and the nation's support highlighted her significant role in Indian wrestling.

The father of the trainee doctor raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College suspects his daughter may have been killed in another room and her body later moved to the seminar hall. He cites recent renovation work near the crime scene as a potential attempt to destroy evidence. The father has informed the CBI of police lapses and remains hopeful for justice. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has questioned the timing of the renovations. The case has sparked widespread protests and allegations involving hospital staff, intensifying calls for accountability.

The cancellation of the Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan has sparked anger within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition parties. Some TMC leaders believe the decision sends a "wrong message" to the public, while others support it due to the city's tense situation. The BJP and CPM criticized the move, accusing the government of being scared of potential protests related to the recent RG Kar incident. Fans and political leaders are also discussing organizing separate protests on Sunday, intensifying the political and social tension in Kolkata.

A petition to illuminate Marble Arch and Oxford Street in observance of Diwali is getting momentum on change.org. The petition started by Dipika Khaitan urges the Mayor of London to illuminate the iconic streets of London on Diwali, with a Sunday firework spectacle at Marble Arch. We at shorts91.com urge all our readers to be a part of this historic movement and sign the petition. The celebration of light symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and promotes cultural understanding in this diverse city. By honoring Diwali, we acknowledge the Hindu community's contributions and strengthen London's multicultural spirit. Join this cause and sign the petition by clicking on the change.org link below.

Asha Devi, the mother of Nirbhaya, has called for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation, accusing her of having "failed to handle the situation" surrounding the recent rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. Speaking to PTI, Asha Devi criticized Banerjee for allegedly "diverting public attention" through protests instead of taking action against the culprits. The incident has drawn parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, sparking nationwide outrage. Asha Devi emphasized that such crimes will "continue to happen" until governments ensure "swift punishment" for rapists.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism that a Gaza ceasefire deal is closer than ever, stating that talks have made significant progress. However, a senior Hamas official contradicted this, claiming no real advances have been achieved. Biden has dispatched Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel to further negotiations, focusing on a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite Biden's confidence, the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues, with Israeli airstrikes killing fifteen people, including nine children, as skepticism remains high on both sides regarding the likelihood of a lasting agreement.

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who recently won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, is delaying celebrations to focus on upcoming Diamond League events. After the Tokyo Olympics, Chopra was overwhelmed by festivities, leading to a break in his season. This time, he’s determined to complete the season, despite battling a groin injury that has plagued him for years. Chopra plans to compete in Lausanne and Zurich before ending his season in Brussels. He hopes to improve his technique and surpass the elusive 90-meter mark before taking a well-deserved break.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the destruction of approximately fifty Hamas tunnels in the Philadelphi corridor, a buffer zone along the fourteen-kilometer Gaza-Egypt border. This operation, conducted over the past month, aims to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons and escaping with hostages into Egypt. The IDF's Yahalom combat engineering unit destroyed a three-meter-tall smuggling tunnel on August fourth, large enough to allow vehicles through. The destruction of these tunnels is critical in curbing Hamas’s rearmament. The announcement comes as Israeli and Arab leaders prepare to resume ceasefire negotiations in Qatar.