Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:48am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
At least 155 hostages were rescued after armed rebels hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan. The train, carrying over 400 passengers, was attacked in a tunnel en route from Quetta to Peshawar. Pakistani forces engaged in an overnight gunfight with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), killing 27 rebels. The freed passengers—58 men, 31 women, and 15 children—were taken to Mach for medical aid. It remains unclear how many hostages are still onboard. Pakistani soldiers have secured Mach railway station. The attack follows recent instability in the region, with authorities vowing further action against militant groups.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:42am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports has taken effect, escalating global trade tensions. Canada, the European Union, and Australia condemned the move, with Canada vowing retaliation. Critics warn of rising costs in U.S. industries, while the American Iron and Steel Institute supports the tariffs. Australia’s PM called the decision "entirely unjustified," while stock markets reacted negatively, fearing economic slowdowns. Trump rejected exemptions for allies, insisting on a "no exceptions" policy. Despite concerns, the White House maintains the tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing. Canada’s last-minute concessions temporarily halted further U.S. tariff hikes.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:19am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
An Indian-origin man was sentenced in Singapore for abusing a teenager at a society management unit. The incident occurred within a residential complex, where the individual used offensive language and physically threatened the teen. The abusive actions led to charges, and after legal proceedings, the individual was held accountable for his behavior. This case highlights the importance of maintaining respectful conduct within community spaces and the legal consequences of harassment. The sentencing aims to discourage similar offenses in the future and ensure the safety of all individuals in such environments.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:59am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India Global
On March 10, 2025, 283 Indian nationals were rescued from illegal jobs in Myanmar after being lured by fraudulent job offers. The victims had been trafficked and forced to work in scam call centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border, where they were coerced into participating in cybercrime and other fraudulent activities. The operation was part of a multinational crackdown on criminal gangs, including the Karen Border Guard Force, operating in the region. The Indian Air Force successfully evacuated the victims, bringing them back home after they had been trapped since February 2025.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:53am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
Ontario’s prime minister-elect, Mark Carney, responded firmly to US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Carney called the tariffs an attack on Canadian workers and businesses and vowed that his government would impose retaliatory measures with "maximum impact in the US." He stated that the tariffs would remain until the US shows respect and commits to fair trade. Carney's comments came after Trump's announcement to increase tariffs to 50% in response to Ontario’s electricity surcharge on US states, effective March 12.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:48am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday India
A new report by IQAir reveals that 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat in Assam topping the list. Delhi remains the most polluted capital city globally. The 2024 World Air Quality Report highlights that India is the fifth most polluted country, improving slightly from third place in 2023. Despite a 7% decline in PM2.5 concentrations, Delhi's pollution levels remain alarmingly high. The report also shows that 35% of Indian cities have PM2.5 levels exceeding 10 times the WHO's recommended limit.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:35am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday Business
Airtel has signed a deal with SpaceX to bring Starlink's satellite internet to India, pending regulatory approval for Starlink's services. This partnership will allow Airtel to sell Starlink equipment, provide services to businesses, and extend connectivity to rural schools, health centers, and remote areas. Additionally, both companies plan to integrate Starlink into Airtel's network and use Airtel’s infrastructure in India. Airtel's existing collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb for satellite internet will be complemented by Starlink, expanding internet access in underserved regions. This collaboration aims to provide high-speed connectivity across India.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:20am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday Business
US President Donald Trump has halted his proposal to raise tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium imports to 50%, just hours after threatening the increase. The existing 25% tariffs will remain in effect and are scheduled to take effect on March 12. The change in stance follows a move by the Canadian province of Ontario to suspend a 25% electricity charge on certain US states, responding to Trump’s tariff threats. This development highlights the continued trade tensions between the US and Canada, with both countries concerned about the potential economic repercussions.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:02am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
On March 11, militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a train in Balochistan, Pakistan, taking over 450 passengers hostage after bombing the tracks. Pakistani security forces have successfully freed 80 hostages, including men, women, and children, with 13 militants killed. However, hundreds of passengers remain under threat. "The terrorists have been surrounded, and the operation will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized," a security source said. The attack, which resulted in several casualties, underscores the escalating violence in the region as part of the Baloch insurgency.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:40am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International
In a significant development during US-Ukrainian talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Donald Trump administration agreed to resume sharing military intelligence with Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire proposal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that it is now Russia's turn to respond. Ukrainian President Zelensky called the ceasefire proposal positive, highlighting its scope, including air, sea, and frontline combat areas. The discussions also focused on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.