Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:08pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India Global
In London, 26-year-old Gurpreet Singh, a pro-Khalistan Sikh activist, received a 28-month jail term for injuring two Indian-origin men and a female police officer. The incident occurred on 15th August, during an Indian Independence Day event in Southall last year. Gurpreet Singh appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty in January admitting to unlawfully wounding Aashish Sharma, Nanak Singh, and causing harm to Justine Nicolle Farrell. Singh could face deportation to India post his sentence. Metropolitan Police Superintendent Sean Lynch urged against speculation, emphasizing no serious injuries occurred.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:29pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India Global
Top Pentagon officials tell US lawmakers that the bond between India and the United States is now stronger than ever. They highlight how the two countries are working closely together on defense and strategic issues in the Indo-Pacific region. They mention that the collaboration includes sharing defense technology and conducting joint military exercises. The officials also mention that India's decision to buy defense equipment worth over $20 billion shows the depth of the relationship. Additionally, they discuss how both countries are aligning their military operations and building closer ties for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:04pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Politics
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the liquor policy case. He becomes the first sitting chief minister to face such action in Independent India. The ED's move follows the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant him protection from arrest. Kejriwal's refusal to appear before the agency led to his arrest, despite his party's assertion that he will retain his post. The ED had summoned him for questioning over alleged financial irregularities, which Kejriwal deemed illegal. The ED's 12-member team conducted a search at his official residence before making the arrest.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:39pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Politics
An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team arrived at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence following a court decision denying him protection from forceful action in the liquor probe. The Delhi High Court declined relief to Kejriwal, prompting the ED's visit. Heavy police presence barricaded Kejriwal's home as officials served him a summon. Reports suggest a search warrant was also involved, potentially leading to interrogation. Kejriwal has previously skipped multiple ED summons. AAP leaders voiced concerns over the intensity of the operation, hinting at possible arrest preparations. The court questioned Kejriwal's failure to seek anticipatory bail earlier.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:53pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India
Daughter and granddaughter of jailed Kashmir separatist leaders, Ruwa Shah and Sama Shabir, publicly distance themselves from separatist politics and affirm loyalty to India. Ruwa Shah, granddaughter of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, disavows Hurriyat Conference faction founded by her late grandfather. Sama Shabir, daughter of Shabir Ahmad Shah, emphasizes loyalty to India and disassociation from her father's banned separatist organization. Both reject any affiliation with anti-India groups and warn of legal action against false associations. Shabir Ahmad Shah is imprisoned for alleged terror financing, while Sama was previously summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the case.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:42pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday International
Investigation into a UK clinic's breach of Kate Middleton's medical records sparks fears of blackmail. The probe follows allegations of unauthorized access, intensifying concerns over the princess's privacy. Former royal protection unit head urges a thorough Scotland Yard inquiry. Information Commissioner's Office assesses reports of staff attempting to view Middleton's records during her abdominal surgery. The London Clinic launches its investigation. Kensington Palace refrains from commenting, emphasizing the clinic's responsibility. Amidst conspiracy theories, Middleton's public outing aims to dispel rumors. The incident underscores the importance of privacy in medical matters.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:39pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India
Vinod Kumar, father of Badaun double murder victims, urges Uttar Pradesh Police not to encounter second suspect, Javed. He seeks interrogation to uncover possible conspiracy behind his children's killings. Two boys died, while their brother survived hospitalization. Vinod appeals to PM Modi and CM Yogi for investigation into the tragedy. Sajid, one accused, died in police encounter. Javed arrested after surrender. FIR alleges attackers sought money, then ambushed children with a knife. Victim's family demands justice, suspecting foul play in the brutal attack on their sons.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:28pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India Global
India condemns the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group's UN Security Council reform model, advocating for a more representative "UN 2.0." Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj urges for equitable representation of the Global South and Africa. She questions the UfC's opposition to expanding permanent seats, emphasizing Africa's call for inclusion. India, part of the G4 nations, proposes increasing the Council's membership. Kamboj criticizes the UfC's stance on pre-negotiation consensus, citing its veto-like approach. India asserts the need for checks and balances to address imbalances between permanent and non-permanent members, emphasizing empowerment for developing countries.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:06pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday International
Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, faced a barrage of 31 Russian missiles overnight, prompting chaos and injuries. Ukrainian air force intercepted the missiles, averting potential devastation. At least 17 people, including a child, were wounded by falling debris, with four hospitalized. President Volodymr Zelensky renewed pleas for Western military aid amid escalating attacks. The assault, the largest in weeks, follows Russian threats of retaliation over border skirmishes. Kyiv residents described scenes of terror as anti-missile systems engaged. In response, EU leaders convene to discuss increased support for Ukraine, as tensions escalate on both sides of the conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:35pm on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India
India's fertility rate has plummeted from nearly 6.2 in 1950 to under 2 in 2021, with projections indicating a further drop to 1.29 by 2050, as per a Lancet study. Globally, fertility rates mirrored this trend, declining from over 4.8 children per woman in 1950 to 2.2 in 2021, with estimates suggesting a decrease to 1.8 by 2050. The study highlights challenges faced by low-income countries with persistently high fertility rates, emphasizing the need for improved access to education and contraceptives. Experts stress the importance of proactive policy measures to address implications such as an ageing population and labour shortages.