Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:05am on 25 Jul 2024,Thursday India Global
Bangladesh has objected to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's offer to provide 'Shelter' to refugees from the country. At a July 21 rally, Banerjee said her government would give shelter to those fleeing violence in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh warned that terrorists might exploit such an offer. The Indian government has not yet responded. Banerjee cited a UN resolution on respecting refugees, but Bangladesh sees the offer as potentially harmful. This development highlights tensions between the regions and raises questions about refugee policies and international cooperation. The issue remains unresolved, awaiting further action from the Indian government.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:51pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday International
UK Prince Harry has addressed his fractured relationship with the Royal family in an ITV documentary. He claims his legal battles with the tabloids are central to the breakdown. In the documentary "Tabloids on Trial," Harry said, "It would be nice if we did it as a family." He expressed frustration over how his efforts against the press have affected his family ties. Harry also discussed a recent legal victory against Mirror Group Newspapers, which he described as a significant relief, noting, "To be able to achieve that in a trial is a monumental victory."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday India Global
Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemned Khalistani extremists for "polluting" Canada after the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalized with anti-India graffiti. Arya, a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, said, "Our land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists abusing our freedoms." He received threats from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, demanding Arya and his Hindu-Canadian friends return to India. Arya emphasized the positive contributions of Hindus to Canada’s multicultural fabric. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver urged Canadian authorities to investigate and take action against the perpetrators. The incident has strained India-Canada relations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:23pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday Politics
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faced criticism after shouting at women MLAs in the state assembly. During a protest by opposition members over reservation laws, Kumar was accused of being anti-reservation. In response, he waved his fingers and shouted, "You are a woman," at RJD MLA Rekha Devi, claiming women's rights improved under his leadership. RJD leader Rabri Devi called his behavior an insult to women, saying, "People know that he has no respect for women." Rekha Devi also accused Kumar of losing control and insulting her as a Dalit legislator. The incident has sparked controversy in Bihar politics.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:51pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday India Global
The UK Foreign Secretary announced a new UK-India Technology Security Initiative during his first visit to India. The initiative aims to boost collaboration on telecoms security and emerging technologies like AI, quantum, and biotech. This agreement was made following discussions between the National Security Advisors of both countries. "The UK and India are powerhouses for science, innovation, and technology," said Secretary of State for Science, Peter Kyle. "This new agreement will deliver growth and untold benefits for citizens across both nations." The initiative will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on economic growth and tackling climate change. "Together we can unlock mutual growth, boost innovation, jobs, and investment," said the Foreign Secretary. Additionally, the UK and India will work together on off-shore wind and green hydrogen projects. A new £7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was also announced. The Foreign Secretary emphasized that this collaboration will unlock growth, innovation, and job opportunities in both nations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:00pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday India Global
A tragic plane crash in Nepal's Kathmandu has reignited concerns over the dangers of table-top runways, which are elevated and have steep drops on one or more sides. The crash killed 18 people. India has five such runways, with previous crashes at Calicut and Mangalore. These risky runways require precision from pilots, as overshooting can lead to catastrophic accidents. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India conducts regular reviews to enhance safety at these airports.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:28pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday India
The body of leading seaman Sitendra Singh, who went missing after the Indian warship INS Brahmaputra rolled over during repairs, has been found. The incident occurred on Monday at the naval dockyard in Mumbai after a fire broke out. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has ordered immediate actions to make the vessel combat ready again. The cause of the fire and the ship's tipping is still unknown. INS Brahmaputra suffered extensive damage and will be out of action for months. An investigation into the incident is underway.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:00pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday India Global
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist by India, has told Hindu-Canadian MP Chandra Arya and his supporters to return to India. Arya has condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in Edmonton by Khalistani supporters. Pannun accused Arya of working against Canadian values and promoting India's interests. In response, Arya defended the contributions of Hindu-Canadians, stating they enrich Canada's multicultural fabric. The Khalistan referendum vote is scheduled for July 28 in Calgary. Arya reaffirmed that Hindu-Canadians consider Canada their home and continue to support its socio-economic development.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:21pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday Science
Two ISRO astronauts will commence training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas this August for the Gaganyaan mission. These astronauts, part of a group of four Indian Air Force test pilots, will be trained on ISS modules and protocols. One astronaut will join the Indo-US space mission to the ISS, announced during PM Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023. The mission, managed by Axiom Space, will utilize SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule. This collaboration marks a significant step towards India's first indigenous crewed spaceflight under the Gaganyaan program, expected by 2025.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:17pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday International
The royal family will replace their helicopters with two new AgustaWestland AW139s after spending over £1m on 170 helicopter journeys last year. Official accounts reveal the total annual travel bill rose from £3.9m to £4.2m. Aides defended the helicopter usage for its flexibility and efficiency in accessing remote areas. King Charles and Queen Camilla’s most expensive trip was to Kenya, costing £166,557. Sustainable aviation fuel and other eco-friendly measures, like converting Bentleys to biofuel, are being implemented. The royal train, still the costliest transport per mile, will also be reviewed for future use.