Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:43pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
Heathrow Airport has resumed limited flights after a fire at a nearby electricity substation caused a major power outage, shutting down operations for most of the day. Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye apologized, calling it "as big as it gets for our airport." British Airways has cleared eight long-haul flights, while Virgin Atlantic expects near-full operations tomorrow. Counter-terrorism police are investigating the fire, but the Met Police reports no signs of foul play. The National Grid has implemented an interim power solution, with Terminal 4 reportedly back online. Passengers are advised to check with airlines before traveling.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:17pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday Sports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced four new rules for IPL 2025. Bowlers can now use saliva to shine the ball, reversing the COVID-era ban. Teams bowling second can request a ball change after the 10th over to counter dew. A new Code of Conduct introduces demerit and suspension points, valid for 36 months. The Decision Review System (DRS) has expanded to include height-based no-ball and wide-ball reviews. The changes, agreed upon after discussions with IPL teams, aim to enhance match fairness and gameplay conditions. The 18th IPL edition begins March 22.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:08pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
Birmingham’s bin strike has entered its ninth week, with unions now declaring it indefinite unless a settlement is reached. The city, already struggling with bankruptcy, faces worsening waste collection issues, and residents report rats "as big as cats." Tory councillor Tim Huxtable described the situation as "horrendous," impacting mental health. The crisis stems from equal pay judgments and disputes over bin collection funding. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming spring statement may determine the financial future of councils, but tight budgets and borrowing rules suggest limited relief. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns of worsening financial pressures on councils from 2026.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:50pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
London’s Heathrow Airport shut down after a fire at a nearby power substation caused a massive power outage, affecting thousands of flights. Authorities stated that the airport would remain closed until midnight on March 21. Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic flights between India and the UK were canceled or diverted. Over 230,000 passengers faced disruptions, with many stranded or forced to find alternate routes. UK energy officials called the incident unprecedented, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, and power remains partially restored. Airlines warned of further disruptions in the coming days.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:59pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) shut down after a fire at a nearby power substation caused a major outage. Over 1,45,000 passengers were affected, with Air India, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic canceling multiple flights. Mumbai and Delhi flights were diverted or returned. “We expect significant disruption,” Heathrow officials stated. Air India’s AI129 from Mumbai returned, while AI161 from Delhi was diverted to Frankfurt. Travelers were stranded, and chaos ensued at Mumbai airport. Authorities warned of cascading effects in the coming days. Flights to London’s Gatwick remained operational.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:50pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
A fire at the North Hyde substation near Heathrow Airport has disrupted power, leading to the cancellation of 1,300+ flights. Counter-terrorism police are investigating, though no foul play is confirmed. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is receiving regular updates. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the fire "unprecedented," as both the main and backup power systems failed. Heathrow will remain closed until midnight. National Grid is working to restore power, while passengers have been urged to avoid the airport. Experts warn of infrastructure vulnerabilities as authorities assess long-term solutions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:46pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday Business
India is set to become the world's consumption capital, driven by rising incomes, workforce expansion, and changing household structures, according to a report by Angel One. Consumption accounts for 56% of India's GDP and is projected to double by 2034. India's savings are expected to jump 10-fold to $103 trillion by 2047, unlocking massive spending potential. Tax cuts in the union budget could boost GDP by 1%. Consumer electronics, apparel, and experiences will see the fastest growth. With more Gen Zers than the U.S. population, India’s consumption boom is set to reshape global markets.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:33pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
The National Grid has implemented an "interim solution" to restore power at Heathrow Airport after a fire at a west London substation triggered a massive outage. The network was reconfigured from North Hyde substation, reconnecting affected customers, including Heathrow. However, the solution is temporary, and disruptions continue. British Airways canceled all short-haul flights, while thousands of passengers remain stranded. Counter-terrorism police are investigating, but authorities say there is no indication of foul play. Heathrow warns of ongoing disruption, with hotels and pubs packed with passengers awaiting updates.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:01pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
Heathrow Airport has been closed until midnight after a fire at a west London electrical substation caused a major power outage. Passengers were urged to avoid the airport, while British Airways suspended all flights indefinitely. More than 1,350 flights and nearly 291,000 passengers were affected. The London Fire Brigade deployed 70 firefighters and 10 engines to Hayes, evacuating 150 people and leaving hundreds of homes without power. "Significant disruption is expected over the coming days," Heathrow officials said. Authorities are working to restore power, but no timeline has been provided.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:31pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International
Heathrow Airport remains closed after a massive fire at an electricity substation caused a significant power outage, disrupting over 1,350 flights. Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates 290,000 passengers are affected today, with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa among the most impacted. The fire, now under control, led to widespread blackouts, including at the airport terminals. National Grid restored power to 62,000 homes, but 4,900 remain without electricity. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Footage from the scene showed a darkened terminal, with one passenger remarking, "It's all dark here, mate."