Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:28pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Interpol has issued a Yellow Notice to locate Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from Virginia who went missing in the Dominican Republic on March 6. She was last seen near Punta Cana’s Riu Republica Hotel with friends before disappearing. Authorities are investigating Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with her, but he has not been named a suspect. The FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security have joined the search. Konanki’s family urges investigators to explore foul play. A power outage at the hotel before her disappearance adds to the mystery. The search continues across coastal areas.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:17pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday Sports
Delhi Capitals (DC) have named South African batter Faf Du Plessis as vice-captain for IPL 2025, supporting Axar Patel, who was earlier announced as captain. The 40-year-old, with vast T20 experience, has played 145 IPL matches, scoring 4,571 runs at an average of 35.99. He previously captained Dubai for three seasons, leading them to two playoff appearances. KL Rahul, linked to a leadership role, opted out. DC, which acquired Du Plessis for ₹2 crore, will start their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 in Vizag. Fans await Axar-Faf’s leadership duo in the upcoming season.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:13pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
A fire at Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 59 people and injured 155. The blaze erupted during a performance by local band DNK, reportedly after fireworks ignited the roof. Many victims were under 18. Authorities arrested 20 people, including the club owner’s son and officials accused of issuing an illegal license. President Gordana Siljanovska vowed justice, while Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski declared seven days of mourning. Survivors described a chaotic escape as the only exit became overcrowded. Investigations into bribery and safety violations are underway, with nationwide inspections of clubs ordered.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:09pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, addressed Donald Trump’s tariff threat to India, stating that both nations have established direct dialogue at the highest level. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, she emphasized strengthening economic ties. Gabbard, on a two-and-a-half-day visit, met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Her visit marks the first high-level engagement between the Trump administration and India. The discussions come as Trump’s proposed tariffs raise concerns in India’s trade sector. Gabbard highlighted opportunities to enhance U.S.-India economic cooperation amid ongoing negotiations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:00pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday International
U.S. President Donald Trump has voided Joe Biden's last-minute pardons, claiming they were signed using an autopen without Biden's direct approval. Trump called the pardons “VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT,” alleging possible criminal misconduct by those involved. Biden had pardoned family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and January 6 committee members. Biden defended the move, stating his family faced partisan attacks. He also commuted 2,500 non-violent drug sentences. Trump's decision raises legal questions about presidential clemency powers.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:53pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
India and New Zealand have restarted free trade talks a decade after negotiations stalled. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi, announcing that the first round of talks will begin next month. Luxon called the move a "major breakthrough," highlighting India's role in doubling New Zealand's exports. Both countries signed a defence pact for maritime security and discussed collaboration in digital payments. Trade negotiations had stalled over market access, especially in India's dairy sector. This comes as India intensifies trade talks with the EU and UK.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:50pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday Sports
Anushka Sharma shared a cryptic Instagram post after Virat Kohli criticized the BCCI’s family time restrictions for cricketers. She wrote, “A different version of you exists in the minds of everyone who knows you.” Kohli, speaking in Bangalore, expressed disappointment over the new rule, saying families provide emotional grounding. “Maybe rule-makers who don’t understand this need to be kept away,” he said. The couple’s reaction has sparked debate among cricket fans. Kohli has often been accompanied by Anushka and their children on international tours.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:37pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India
Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras are searching for Rajnish Kumar, the suspended Chief Proctor of Seth Phool Chand Bagla PG College. He is accused of sexually abusing students and blackmailing them using hidden camera recordings. An anonymous letter, sent to police and NDTV, alleged Kumar exploited students in exchange for passing marks and job opportunities. A pen drive with 59 obscene videos was enclosed. Police have filed charges, including rape and sexual harassment. However, Kumar remains at large, and victims fear coming forward. Authorities are under pressure to ensure justice.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:32pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
China welcomed PM Narendra Modi’s comments on India-China ties, calling them "positive." Modi said normalcy has returned to the border after talks with Xi Jinping. China's Foreign Ministry praised historical ties and stressed cooperation. Spokesperson Mao Ning cited Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s vision of a "ballet dance between dragon and elephant." She said both nations should support each other and work for global peace. Troops resumed patrolling in eastern Ladakh last year after a 4-year halt. "Our focus is dialogue," Modi stated. China urged implementing recent agreements and strengthening ties. "Our cooperation is essential for global peace," Modi added.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:21pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, during her India visit, said Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita guide her in both challenging and successful times. Speaking to ANI, she highlighted how the scripture helped her navigate war zones and global crises. Gabbard discussed intelligence cooperation, cybersecurity, and defense ties with Indian officials. She also attended a security conclave chaired by NSA Ajit Doval, alongside representatives from 20 nations. Her visit follows PM Narendra Modi’s Washington trip, where he lauded her advocacy for India-US relations. This marks her second foreign visit since taking office.