Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:27am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Protests in Turkey entered their sixth night after opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest. Thousands rallied in Istanbul against what they call Erdogan’s "authoritarian rule." Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and the CHP’s 2028 presidential candidate, faces corruption charges, which he calls politically motivated. President Erdogan labeled the protests "evil" and blamed the opposition for provoking violence. Over 1,100 protesters have been arrested. CHP vowed to appeal for Imamoglu’s release, while his wife called his detention a "black stain on democracy." Protesters declared, "It's not just about Imamoglu, it's about Turkey’s democracy." (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:06am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
A viral video falsely claims to show Indian-origin student Sudiksha Konanki drowning in the Dominican Republic. Fact-checkers confirmed the footage is from June 2024 in Sochi, Russia, depicting aspiring model Diana Belyaeva. Konanki, 20, disappeared on March 6 while vacationing in Punta Cana. Authorities have allowed Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with her, to return to Iowa after her parents urged officials to declare her legally dead. "We are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned," said her father, Subbarayudu Konanki. Her body remains missing. (X/@JohnSitarek)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:02am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday India
Comedian Kunal Kamra released a satirical song mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing Mumbai’s Habitat comedy club, where he had criticized Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The video, featuring the song Hum Honge Kangal, juxtaposes footage of Sena workers destroying property at the venue. The attack followed Kamra’s jibe calling Shinde a "traitor" over the 2022 party split. Hours after the incident, Mumbai Police summoned Kamra for questioning, but he requested a week’s extension. The controversy has sparked debates over freedom of speech in India.(PC: X/KunalKamra)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:59am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Moscow and Washington held 12-hour talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine, with Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin calling them "useful." He stressed that discussions would continue, involving the UN and other nations. While acknowledging disagreements, Karasin emphasized the importance of dialogue. US officials also met Ukrainian negotiators in Riyadh, with further talks expected. President Donald Trump seeks a swift resolution to the three-year war. A joint statement on the discussions is expected soon. The negotiations signal a potential shift in efforts to end the conflict. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:26am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian filmmaker who won an Oscar for No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Susya, activists say. His house was surrounded, and he was beaten before being taken by Israeli soldiers while in an ambulance, co-director Yuval Abraham said. The Israeli military denied detaining anyone from an ambulance but confirmed arresting three Palestinians and an Israeli for allegedly throwing rocks. Activists who witnessed the attack said settlers smashed car windows and assaulted people. The incident highlights rising settler violence in the West Bank since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:16am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday Sports
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant had a tough debut as his team lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) in a dramatic IPL 2025 match. Pant was out for a six-ball duck and missed a crucial stumping in the final over. After DC’s stunning one-wicket win, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen talking to Pant and coach Justin Langer, reminding fans of his past exchange with KL Rahul. Pant later said luck played a role in the loss. Questions were also raised about LSG’s decision not to let Shardul Thakur complete his four overs. (PC: Screengrab/JioHotstar)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:11am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed more than 65 people in the past day, including women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The death toll from the 17-month war has now surpassed 50,000. Meanwhile, Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire plan. Under the deal, Hamas would release five hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid and a temporary pause in fighting. Israel would also free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel admitted to mistakenly firing on a Red Cross office, saying soldiers misidentified a threat. The Red Cross confirmed the building was damaged, but no staff were hurt.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:01am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday India
The BMC has demolished an illegal part of Mumbai’s Habitat Studio after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a video. The action followed protests by Shiv Sena workers, who vandalised the venue. The BMC cited rule violations, including an unauthorised shed and improper use of the basement. After the attack, Habitat Studio announced its shutdown, saying it was unfairly targeted. The studio clarified that it does not control performers’ content. Police have been deployed for security. The future of the venue remains uncertain as officials review further action. (PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:56am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday India Global
India is considering reducing tariffs on over half of US imports worth $23 billion. The move aims to counter new US tariffs that could impact 87% of Indian exports. A US trade delegation is set to visit India for talks. India may cut tariffs on products like almonds and quinoa but will not lower them for meat, maize, wheat, or dairy. Tariffs on automobiles may be reduced gradually. The government wants to protect key industries, including pharmaceuticals and machinery, while maintaining strong trade ties with the US. The final decision is yet to be made. (PC: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 08:41am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday India Global
In November 2024, 24-year-old Delhi native Harshita Brella was found murdered in the UK, allegedly by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, after enduring months of domestic abuse and dowry harassment. Despite her family's pleas to return to India, legal constraints prevented her departure. Her body was discovered in a car boot in Ilford, prompting an international manhunt for Lamba, believed to have fled to India. Her family continues to seek justice, criticizing both UK and Indian authorities for perceived inaction. (PC: The Times of India)