Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:33am on 20 May 2024,Monday India Global
Gopi Thotakura, a pilot and entrepreneur, made history by becoming the first Indian space tourist aboard Blue Origin's NS-25 mission. He was one of six crew members on the flight, which lifted off from West Texas on Sunday. Thotakura, who co-founded Preserve Life Corp, is an experienced pilot with a passion for flying various aircraft. This mission marked the seventh human flight for Blue Origin's New Shepard programme, which has flown 31 humans above the Karman line, the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space. Thotakura follows in the footsteps of Indian Army's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who ventured into space in 1984.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:21am on 20 May 2024,Monday India
Tragedy struck in Chhattisgarh's Kabirdham district as a pick-up vehicle carrying eighteen people veered off the road, plunging into a gorge. Among the victims, fourteen were women. The group, returning from a tendu leaf-plucking expedition in the forest, faced the fatal accident near Bahpani village. Four survivors have been hospitalized for treatment. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Kukdur police station. Promptly responding to the alert, police initiated rescue operations. The community mourns the loss of lives, emphasizing the importance of road safety measures in such remote areas.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:48am on 20 May 2024,Monday Politics
Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh exercised their voting rights during the Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. Sporting matching white outfits, the duo showcased their solidarity as they cast their ballots. Deepika, visibly pregnant, radiated joy while proudly displaying her baby bump. Ranveer, the doting husband, attentively accompanied her throughout the voting process. Their synchronized appearance and civic participation captivated onlookers, emphasizing their commitment to both social responsibility and each other. This voting moment not only underscored their influence but also hinted at the exciting journey ahead for the soon-to-be parents.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:37am on 20 May 2024,Monday India
Four suspected ISIS terrorists, believed to be Sri Lankan citizens, were arrested at Ahmedabad airport days after a bomb threat. The Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) caught them while they waited for their handler to assign a task. Encrypted chats were recovered from their phones, revealing plans to receive weapons from Pakistan for an attack. The terrorists arrived in Ahmedabad via Chennai but were caught before reaching their target. The arrests come after a hoax bomb threat on May 12, which prompted a thorough security search. The swift action by authorities averted a potential terrorist attack.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:57am on 20 May 2024,Monday Politics
In the ongoing fifth phase of elections, India saw a 36.73% voter turnout by 1 pm. Ladakh leads with 52.02% while Maharashtra lags at 27.78%. Across six states and two Union Territories, including Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, 49 Lok Sabha seats are being contested. Trouble brewed in West Bengal, with 1036 complaints lodged, citing EVM malfunctions and voter intimidation. Simultaneously, Odisha is holding its second phase of state assembly elections alongside the Lok Sabha polls.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:33am on 20 May 2024,Monday International
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has appointed Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as interim president following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Mokhber will lead the executive branch until presidential elections are held within 50 days, as required by the constitution. Raisi, who was nearing the end of his first term, died along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials. A council will be formed to organize the national vote, with Mokhber playing a key role. The 68-year-old vice president has been in office since August 2021.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:17am on 20 May 2024,Monday Sports
After RCB's win over CSK, Virat Kohli noticed MS Dhoni's unusual behavior, declining to shake hands with RCB players. Kohli sought out Dhoni in the dressing room, finding him distraught. The two shared a warm embrace, exchanging words of encouragement and respect. Kohli praised Dhoni's leadership, while Dhoni congratulated RCB on their playoff qualification. This heartwarming gesture showcased the sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two cricket legends, despite their teams' rivalry. Kohli's actions demonstrated his appreciation for Dhoni's contributions to the sport.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:09am on 20 May 2024,Monday Science
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has taken stunning images of the InSight lander, which concluded its mission in December 2022. The lander, launched in May 2018, touched down on Mars' Elysium Planitia in November 2018. During its operational life, InSight detected over 1,300 marsquakes, revealing Mars' geological activity. Its seismometer, placed on the Martian surface, helped scientists understand Mars' internal structure. InSight's mission significantly contributed to our knowledge of the Red Planet. The lander now lies dormant, gradually being covered by Martian dust. The images serve as a poignant reminder of InSight's remarkable journey and achievements.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:50am on 20 May 2024,Monday Politics
In Prayagraj, a stampede-like situation cancels Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav's public meeting, leading to a candid conversation. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh predicts INDIA bloc's victory in 79 out of 80 UP seats, challenging PM Modi in Varanasi, dubbed 'Kyoto'. He criticizes Modi's unfulfilled promise to develop Varanasi like Japan's Kyoto. Rahul Gandhi blames Modi for unemployment crisis in UP. Akhilesh warns that 'Mann ki Baat' won't suffice; the government must heed the Constitution and the voice of 140 crore citizens. The duo's exchange underscores the heated political atmosphere ahead of the elections.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:31am on 20 May 2024,Monday India Global
Hundreds of Indian students in Canada's Prince Edward Island are protesting against a recent change in provincial laws that threatens their deportation. Despite the Indian Ministry of External Affairs claiming no knowledge of the issue, the students are determined to fight for their rights. The protest has entered its second week, with students taking to social media to voice their concerns. "It's a now-or-never situation," said a protest handle. The students are seeking a fair solution, not a free pass. The situation remains tense, with the students' future in Canada hanging in the balance.