Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:07pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed a $250 bill featuring Donald Trump’s face, making him the first living former president on U.S. currency if approved. Wilson claims the bill is necessary due to "Bidenflation," referencing inflation under President Biden. While inflation has dropped to 3% in 2025, concerns persist, especially with Trump's new tariffs. Critics call the proposal a waste of resources, while supporters argue it’s practical for large transactions. The bill has not yet been introduced to Congress, and no timeline has been set for its approval.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:26pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday India
The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj concluded on February 26 with a record 66 crore attendees. Viral figures like Monalisa, a garland seller from Madhya Pradesh, and IIT Baba, an IIT Bombay graduate-turned-spiritual figure, captured social media attention. Tragedy struck with a January 29 stampede at the Sangam, killing 30, and an NDLS stampede on February 15 claiming 18 lives. Fires damaged camps, while water pollution raised concerns. Opposition leaders slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over safety failures. The final holy dip on Mahashivratri marked the event’s end, blending faith, controversy, and unexpected fame.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:19pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sign a "very big agreement" in the US on Friday. The deal reportedly involves Ukraine sharing its mineral wealth in exchange for past US aid and potential security guarantees. "We've been able to make a deal where we're going to get our money back," Trump stated, adding that Russia must make concessions in a broader peace agreement. Zelensky, however, noted that security guarantees are not yet included. Trump suggested American workers in Ukraine would serve as a deterrent. The agreement's full details remain unclear.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:13pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Afghanistan defeated England by 8 runs in Lahore to stay in the Champions Trophy semi-final race. Ibrahim Zadran smashed 177 off 146 balls, setting a record for the highest individual score in the tournament. Azmatullah Omarzai's five-wicket haul sealed England’s fate, despite Joe Root’s 120-run effort. Afghanistan posted 325/7, recovering from 37/3 after Jofra Archer’s early strikes. Mohammad Nabi's 40 off 24 added to the late flourish. Omarzai’s final wicket dismissed Adil Rashid, bowling England out for 317. Afghanistan now aim for a historic semi-final spot.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:50pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday Sports
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended Babar Azam after heavy criticism from Pakistan greats, suggesting a technical adjustment to improve his form. Speaking to Basit Ali on YouTube, Gavaskar advised Babar to narrow his stance for better movement and shot selection. “If he does that, his run-making ability will return,” he said. Babar, struggling across formats, faces mounting pressure after Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit. Gavaskar praised Babar’s elegant strokeplay, highlighting his flick against India. Babar gets a final chance to silence critics in Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh on February 27.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:49pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman warned that the country's sovereignty is at risk due to political turmoil and societal infighting. Speaking at a military event, he said the anarchy is “of our own making” and criticized the inefficiency of law enforcement. He urged national unity to prevent further instability. The crisis follows the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August. Meanwhile, student leader Nahid Islam resigned from the interim government ahead of his expected party launch. Bangladesh’s general elections are scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:29pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
AAP has dismissed speculation that Arvind Kejriwal will enter Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Senior leader Somnath Bharti stated that Kejriwal has a "big responsibility" for AAP's national expansion. Speculation arose after AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora was fielded for the Ludhiana West bypoll. Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar also denied the claims, saying media reports were incorrect. BJP’s Amit Malviya suggested Arora’s nomination was meant to clear Kejriwal’s path. Kejriwal recently lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the Delhi elections.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:26pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday India
A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a stationary Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Pune's Swargate depot. The accused, Dattatraya Gade, has a criminal record, and police have launched a manhunt. Authorities suspended 23 security guards over security lapses. Shiv Sena (UBT) workers vandalized the depot, demanding accountability. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar condemned the crime, calling for the death penalty. Police are intensifying efforts to arrest the accused. Security at the depot is being reviewed to prevent future incidents. The government has assured strict action against negligence.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:16pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday International
A report by Blume Ventures reveals that 1 billion Indians lack discretionary spending power, with the country's consumer class limited to 130-140 million people. The growing wealth disparity has driven "premiumisation," benefiting luxury brands while affordable goods struggle. India's top 10% now hold 57.7% of national income, up from 34% in 1990, while the bottom 50% have seen their share shrink. The middle class faces stagnating wages and declining financial savings. Experts warn that AI-driven job losses and reduced household spending could impact India's economic trajectory, despite temporary boosts from rural demand and tax incentives.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:56pm on 26 Feb 2025,Wednesday Science
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, stranded on the ISS since September, will return earlier than expected aboard SpaceX's Dragon. Originally set for a June return via Boeing’s Starliner, delays forced NASA to reassign them. The agency will now launch Crew-10 on March 12 using an older Dragon capsule, making way for Crew-9’s return by mid-March. The decision follows extended delays and growing concerns over their prolonged stay. NASA’s Steve Stich acknowledged spaceflight’s challenges, stating, “Unexpected hurdles are part of the mission.” The duo will return after Crew-10's arrival, ending their eight-month mission.