Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:58pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon and Indian PM Narendra Modi shared a lighthearted cricket joke during their defense meeting in New Delhi. Luxon thanked Modi for not mentioning New Zealand’s loss to India in the 2025 Champions Trophy but jokingly reminded him of the Kiwis’ 3-0 Test series win in India. “Let’s avoid a major diplomatic incident,” Luxon quipped, making Modi burst into laughter. He also praised India’s cricket dominance, calling their Champions Trophy victory “heartbreaking” for New Zealand fans. The moment highlighted the strong ties between the two nations beyond politics and defense cooperation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:49pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
A road accident in Florida killed Pragathi Reddy (35), her six-year-old son, and her mother-in-law. Her husband, who was driving, survived with injuries. The family, originally from Tekulapalli village in Telangana, was returning from a weekend trip when a vehicle on the wrong route crashed into their car. Pragathi had moved to the US in 2012 for higher studies. Her father, Mohan Reddy, received the tragic news early Monday and plans to travel to the US. An eight-month-old baby in the car also survived. Authorities are investigating the accident.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:47pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on Monday. He presented her with Ganga water from the Maha Kumbh, which drew over 660 million people. They discussed strengthening India-US security ties, including efforts to combat terrorism and enhance cybersecurity. Earlier, Gabbard met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who raised concerns about Khalistani activities. Gabbard, a practising Hindu, gifted PM Modi a Tulsi Mala. She is on a two-and-a-half-day visit to India, focusing on intelligence and defence cooperation. This is her second international visit since taking office.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:34pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, fled to Canada after U.S. authorities revoked her visa. She claims she was targeted for her political views. "Having my visa revoked and losing my student status has upended my life and future not because of any wrongdoing, but because I exercised my right to free speech," she told CNN. Srinivasan was previously detained during protests but says she was only trying to return home. Her lawyers argue she was unfairly singled out. "Universities should be places where students can engage in political discourse without fear," she said.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:47pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined Truth Social, the social media platform launched by Donald Trump. In his first post, he shared a picture from the 2019 Howdy Modi event and expressed excitement about engaging with users. He joined the platform after Trump shared his podcast with Lex Fridman. Modi thanked Trump for sharing the interview, saying it covered his life, India’s outlook, and global issues. He also praised Trump’s leadership, recalling moments from their past meetings. Modi followed only two people on the platform—Trump and US Vice President JD Vance.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:41pm on 17 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
India and New Zealand discussed the Khalistan issue during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi. Indian officials raised concerns about anti-India elements misusing democratic freedoms in New Zealand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, spoke about terrorism and agreed to work together against extremist threats. They also signed a major defence and security agreement to strengthen ties. Modi mentioned past terror attacks in Mumbai and Christchurch, stressing the need for strict action. The New Zealand government assured cooperation in tackling illegal activities linked to separatist groups.
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 / 01:09pm 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 / 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 / 12:32pm 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.