Counter-Terrorism Involvement In Heathrow Fire Investigation ‘Routine’ And ‘Precautionary,’ Officials Say

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:59pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

Investigators maintain there is no evidence of foul play in the Heathrow substation fire but stress inquiries remain at an early stage. Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command is involved as a routine precaution due to Heathrow’s status as critical national infrastructure. Officials say counter-terrorism detectives provide specialist expertise and security clearance for accessing sensitive information. Intelligence services are monitoring developments, but no indications of sabotage have emerged. The fire, which continues to burn partially, has left Terminals 2 and 4 without power, affecting thousands of travelers. Authorities are working to restore power and determine the exact cause.

Read More at The Guardian

Israel Orders IDF to Capture More Gaza Territory and Prepare for Annexation if Hamas Fails to Release Hostages

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to seize more territory in Gaza if Hamas refuses to release additional Israeli hostages. Katz announced plans for annexation of the seized land and directed the evacuation of Palestinian civilians. Israel has intensified military operations, including air, sea, and land strikes, to pressure Hamas. Since resuming operations, nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed. The ceasefire, which had allowed the release of hostages, was broken earlier this week, escalating the conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Read More at Republic

Counter-Terrorism Police Lead Investigation Into Substation Fire as Heathrow Airport Closed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:43pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

Heathrow Airport remains closed after a massive fire at a nearby substation left Terminals 2 and 4 without power. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation, citing the impact on critical national infrastructure. The Met Police stated there is no indication of foul play but emphasized an "open mind" as inquiries continue. London Fire Brigade confirmed 10% of the fire is still burning, affecting 5,000 homes. Thousands of passengers face cancellations, with eyewitnesses calling the fire "apocalyptic." Authorities are working to restore power and minimize disruptions, but Heathrow warns delays could extend for days.

Read More at Sky News

Israel Threatens Partial Annexation Of Gaza, Orders Army To Seize More Land

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:38pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday ordered the military to seize more territory in Gaza, threatening a partial annexation if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages. "The more Hamas refuses, the more land it will lose," Katz said. Israeli forces have resumed heavy bombardment, with over 500 killed, including 190 minors. Katz also warned of expanding buffer zones and hinted at implementing Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians. The renewed assault has drawn global condemnation. Israeli troops are advancing into Rafah, closing off Gaza’s main north-south route as they escalate ground operations. The crisis continues to deepen.

Read More at News18

Heathrow Airport Shutdown Due to Electrical Fire Causes Major Disruptions, Financial Losses in Aviation and Local Economy

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:16pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

A fire at an electrical substation caused the shutdown of Heathrow Airport on Friday, triggering massive disruptions across the global aviation industry. British Airways, a key operator, has redirected inbound flights to other UK airports and advised passengers with cancelled flights not to travel. The closure could strand over 145,000 passengers and result in financial losses in the "hundreds of millions of pounds." The impact extends beyond airlines, affecting retailers, cargo firms, and local communities reliant on the airport. The disruption is expected to persist for days or even weeks.

Read More at Financial Express

Kane Williamson Takes on Commentator Role for IPL 2025 After Being Unsold at Mega Auction, Joins Star Sports Broadcast for KKR vs RCB Match

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:06pm on 21 Mar 2025,Friday Sports

Kane Williamson, the former New Zealand captain and 2016 IPL winner with Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been assigned a new role for IPL 2025. After going unsold at the mega auction, Williamson will serve as a commentator and expert for Star Sports during the tournament. The IPL 2025 season is set to begin on March 22 with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, facing Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Williamson's inclusion as a national-feed commentator adds to the high-profile commentary lineup.

Read More at Mint News

Heathrow Airport Still Closed As Substation Fire Burns, 1,350+ Flights Affected, 5,000+ Homes Without Power

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:52am on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

Heathrow Airport remains closed as a fire at an electrical substation near the airport continues to burn, with 10% of the blaze still alight, according to London Fire Brigade. Power remains out at Terminals 2 and 4, and over 5,000 homes are affected. Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Smith said firefighters are working under “challenging conditions,” and investigations are ongoing with counter-terrorism police involved as a precaution. About 150 people have been evacuated, including 29 from nearby properties. Heathrow warns of prolonged disruptions, with 1,350+ flights impacted today. Fire safety teams continue assessing the situation, with recovery efforts ongoing.

Read More at BBC

IPL 2025: Saliva Ban Reversal, New Captains, and Rain Threat as Kolkata Knight Riders Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Season Opener

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:47am on 21 Mar 2025,Friday Sports

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 22, 2025, in Kolkata, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Excitement surrounds new rule changes, including the lifting of the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to use it to shine the ball for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, new team captains and the possibility of rain affecting the opening match add intrigue to this year's highly anticipated season.

Read More at The Hindu

India’s $23 Billion Manufacturing Incentive Program to End After Underperforming, With Funds Disbursed Below 8%

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:36am on 21 Mar 2025,Friday International

India's $23 billion incentive program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing will expire, with no plans for expansion or extended deadlines. Despite participation from major companies like Foxconn and Reliance, the scheme has underperformed, with only 37% of the production target met as of October 2024, and less than 8% of allocated funds disbursed. The program saw growth in mobile-phone and pharmaceutical sectors but faced issues in other industries. While the government plans new alternatives, the manufacturing share of the economy has decreased, from 15.4% to 14.3%.  

Read More at Reuters

Ravichandran Ashwin's Home Lane, Ramakrishnapuram 1st Street in Chennai to be Named as Ravichandran Ashwin Road

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:53am on 21 Mar 2025,Friday Sports

Ravichandran Ashwin, the esteemed Indian cricketer, will be honored by having his home street in Chennai renamed after him. The Greater Chennai Corporation has approved renaming Ramakrishnapuram 1st Street in West Mambalam, where Ashwin grew up and still resides, to 'Ravichandran Ashwin Road'. This tribute follows Ashwin's retirement from international cricket in December 2024, concluding a remarkable career with 765 wickets across all formats, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble. Ashwin's contributions to cricket, particularly his six Test centuries, three of which were at his home ground in Chennai, have solidified his legacy. Additionally, he is set to rejoin the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season, returning to his roots after a decade.

Read More at Sportskeeda

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