Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:23pm on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday Weather & Environment
Kolkata is experiencing a heatwave as temperatures soar above 40°C, with Dum Dum recording 41.5°C. The forecast predicts further rise, with no relief until the latter half of the week. Last year's highest April maximum of 41°C is likely to be surpassed. While the minimum temperature remains stable, an orange alert is issued till Tuesday, warning against sun exposure and advising hydration. Vulnerable groups are cautioned against heat-related ailments. Rising southerly winds may stabilize the minimum temperature. The Met office suggests precautionary measures for the public.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:52pm on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday International
An alleged Israeli strike on Iran's Natanz nuclear site employed advanced technology to evade radar defense, reports The New York Times. The attack, beyond Tehran's description of small drones, included a missile targeting an air defense radar near Isfahan, damaging an S-300 system. It aimed to caution Iran against direct attacks on Israel, suggesting a broader reprisal. Iran's foreign minister downplayed the incident, stating no proven link to Israel. The strike underscores escalating tensions, with Israel seeking to deter Iranian aggression amidst ongoing conflict. Iran investigates the attack while downplaying its significance.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:26pm on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday Sports
Vinesh Phogat secures an Olympic quota in the women's 50kg wrestling category by defeating Kazakhstan's Laura Ganikyzy 10-0 at the Asian Olympic qualifiers. Displaying exceptional skill, Phogat now faces Uzbekistan's Aktenge Keunimjaeva in the final. Despite adversity, including a knee injury and illness, Phogat's resilience shines through, earning her a spot in Paris 2024. Her victory marks a remarkable comeback after protests against former WFI president and a hiatus from competition. Phogat's triumph adds to her illustrious wrestling career, highlighting her determination and prowess on the mat.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:53pm on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday Business
Rohan Patel, Tesla's VP of public policy and business development, exits days before Elon Musk postpones India visit, citing "very heavy Tesla obligations." Musk's trip aimed to expand Tesla's market in India with a potential $2-3 billion investment for a manufacturing plant, aligning with PM Modi's Made in India initiative. Patel's departure raises questions about Tesla's India strategy. Amidst reports of shelving affordable EV plans and tumbling shares, Tesla faces challenges in a competitive market. Musk awaits regulatory approvals for Starlink project in India, as uncertainty looms over Tesla's future endeavors.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:29pm on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday International
An explosion at Kalso military base in Iraq, housing a pro-Iranian militia, kills one and wounds eight. While the militia, Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), blames an attack, Iraq's military reports no drones or fighter jets in the area during the blast, with the US denying involvement. Tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, with recent strikes near Isfahan attributed to Israel. The conflict raises concerns of broader escalation, prompting warnings from Iran's foreign minister of a "maximum" response to significant Israeli attacks on its interests. Investigations into the Iraqi base explosion are underway to determine its cause.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:16pm on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday Business
Tesla CEO Elon Musk postpones his India trip, where he was set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and startup founders, citing "very heavy Tesla obligations." The visit, anticipated to unveil Tesla's entry plans into India, is postponed to later this year. This decision follows Tesla shareholders' reaffirmation of Musk's $56 billion compensation, previously rejected by a Delaware judge. Musk's delay comes amid India's consultations with auto industry players, including Tesla, to operationalize new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy guidelines. The policy aims to attract investment in EV manufacturing, facilitating Tesla's entry into India's burgeoning automotive market.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:55am on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday Politics
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says India's economic turnaround since 2014 as a potential case study for Harvard Business School. Speaking at the Gujarat Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Sitharaman highlighted the government's role in safeguarding Indian banks' infrastructure, citing global examples like Silicon Valley Bank's collapse post-pandemic. She praised India's banking sector for managing mergers effectively and overcoming challenges. Sitharaman expressed optimism about achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047 through continued collective efforts. Reflecting on hurdles faced, she emphasized the need for sustained progress towards a 'Vikshit Bharat'.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:38am on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday International
Google CEO Sundar Pichai issues a stern message to employees following recent disruptions, emphasizing the need for professionalism in the workplace. Pichai stresses the importance of focused collaboration and adherence to company policies, cautioning against behavior that disrupts colleagues or debates contentious issues. The message comes amidst recent arrests and terminations linked to protests within the company. Pichai underscores Google's mission to provide reliable information globally and expects employees to prioritize this goal. The directive follows a warning from head of security, Chris Rackow, reinforcing the company's stance on workplace conduct and accountability.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:11am on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday International
As Spain, the world's second most visited country, grapples with overcrowding, anti-tourism movements gain momentum. Locals in tourist hotspots like the Canary Islands rally under the slogan "The Canaries have a limit," demanding a halt to new hotel construction and greater community involvement in development decisions. Similar sentiments echo in Malaga, Barcelona, and the Balearic Islands, where residents protest rising rents and environmental degradation. With tourism rebounding post-pandemic, concerns heighten over strained resources and depleted water reserves. The movement underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices to balance economic gains with environmental preservation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:28am on 20 Apr 2024,Saturday International
A group of climate protesters crashed a gala hosted by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), causing chaos as they pushed activists off stage during the event. About 10-12 protesters from Climate Defiance interrupted Murkowski's speech at the Bryce Harlow Foundation’s awards ceremony, aiming to draw attention to climate issues. Video footage of the scuffle was shared on social media by the protest organizer, Climate Defiance. The disruption occurred as Murkowski was being honored with an award from Chevron's top lobbyist. Attendees tried to remove the protesters from the stage, halting Murkowski's speech temporarily.