Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:38pm on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday International
In a damning report, the United Nations investigates the October 13 Israeli attack on journalists in southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of Reuters reporter Issam Abdallah and injuring six others, including AFP photographer Christina Assi, who later had her leg amputated. UNIFIL found the attack targeted civilians, violating international law and UNSCR 1701. Surprisingly, there was no exchange of fire at the time. The motive behind the strikes remains unknown. This incident adds to the toll of 133 journalists killed since Israel's recent offensive on Gaza, claiming over 31,300 lives, predominantly women, children, and adolescents.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:17pm on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday International
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, in an upcoming interview with Don Lemon, revealed he won't fund any presidential campaigns, including Trump's. Musk admitted to "leaning away" from President Biden during a casual encounter with Trump, where the former president did most of the talking. Musk clarified Trump didn't seek financial support, and he won't donate or cover legal fees for Trump's campaign. When questioned about his political leanings, Musk stated neutrality. The conversation, yet to be aired, sheds light on Musk's stance amid political speculation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:21am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday Sports
Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu's hopes at the All England Open were dashed as she lost to World No. 1 An Se Young in the second round. It marks Sindhu's 7th consecutive defeat to the defending champion. Despite showing promise in the opening game, Sindhu couldn't withstand Young's resilient defense, succumbing in just 42 minutes. Former champion Prakash Padukone's guidance couldn't turn the tide. With Sindhu's exit, India's women's singles campaign concludes. An Se Young progresses to the quarterfinals, while India's quest for a third All England Open title continues.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:56am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday India
Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) will halt all deposit and top-up services, including FASTags and wallets, starting March 15 as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directives. Users won't be able to deposit funds, use UPI or IMPS services, but withdrawals and transfers will remain functional. FASTags cannot be recharged, necessitating new ones from authorized banks. Paytm wallet top-ups and transfers will cease, but existing balances can be utilized. Merchants using Paytm QR codes can continue transactions through alternate bank accounts. The move follows RBI's concerns over regulatory non-compliance and supervision issues.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:41am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday India
A High-Level Committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, recommends fresh polls in the event of a hung Parliament or Assembly under the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative. The committee also suggests synchronizing municipal and panchayat elections with the House of the People. The report, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, advocates simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and assemblies, followed by local body elections within 100 days. With extensive consultations and overwhelming public support, the committee believes its recommendations will enhance transparency, inclusivity, and voter confidence, fostering development and social cohesion in India.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:23am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday Sports
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar reveals his intervention with Yashasvi Jaiswal during India's South Africa tour spurred the young batsman to his record-breaking performance of over 700 runs in a Test series against England. Gavaskar, known for stressing the importance of converting starts, reprimanded Jaiswal for throwing away his wicket in a previous Test. Jaiswal's response, with two double centuries, made him the second Indian to achieve 700 runs in a series after Gavaskar himself. Despite Jaiswal's youth, Gavaskar acknowledges his potential while reflecting on his own rebellious 20s.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:53am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday International
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukrainian forces of launching drone attacks on seven Russian territories, aiming to disrupt upcoming presidential elections. At least 58 drones were shot down by Russian air defenses, according to the Ministry of Defense. Putin emphasized the attacks' purported aim to interfere with citizens' voting processes. He reiterated Moscow's readiness to use nuclear weapons if deemed necessary for state security, urging the US to avoid actions escalating towards nuclear conflict. The targeted regions include Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Ryazan, and the Leningrad region. The incidents come amidst heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:36am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday India
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, alleges bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu have been appointed as election commissioners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The government has not officially confirmed the appointments. Chowdhury criticizes the selection process, citing lack of time to review a list of 212 candidates. He objects to the absence of a shortlist and voices concern over the suddenness of the decision-making. The meeting follows the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel. Supreme Court petitions challenge the constitutionality of the selection process, questioning the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:29am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday India Global
US Border Patrol detained three Indian nationals and one other person for illegally jumping off a moving freight train into the US from Canada in Upstate New York. The group was apprehended after a foot chase near the International Railroad Bridge in Buffalo. The injured woman among them received medical attention and was transported to a local medical center. The three men face deportation charges under immigration laws while the woman awaits further medical treatment. Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin praised the efforts of law enforcement in safeguarding the area.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:21am on 14 Mar 2024,Thursday International
Hundreds of anti-war protesters demanding a Gaza ceasefire blockaded San Francisco International Airport's international terminal. Protesters urged an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, displaying banners reading "Permanent Ceasefire Now" and "Stop Arming Israel." Similar demonstrations have occurred across U.S. cities, disrupting major events like President Biden's speeches and the Oscars. Although airport operations continued, passengers were redirected, facing no known flight delays. The protests come amidst Israel's offensive in Gaza, resulting in extensive casualties and displacement. The U.S. has called for a temporary ceasefire but rejected calls for a permanent one, citing concerns about Hamas regrouping.