Baloch Insurgents Blast Railway Tracks and Hijack Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Hold 400 Hostages

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:02am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International

In a dramatic attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, by detonating explosives on the tracks in Balochistan, causing the train to halt. The insurgents took over the train, holding over 400 passengers hostage. Pakistani security forces rescued 155 passengers after a standoff, killing 27 militants. While the situation remains critical, with suicide bombers near hostages, the rescue operation continues. The BLA has claimed to release women and children, but authorities dispute this claim.

Read More at The Times of India

Baloch Insurgents Blow Up Track, Hijack Pakistan Passenger Train; 30 Security Personnel Killed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:27am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International

Baloch insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan after bombing the railway track, forcing it to stop. The train, carrying over 400 passengers, mostly security personnel, was attacked by armed militants who took hostages and killed at least 30 security personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. Pakistani forces reported killing 27 rebels in a counter-operation. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti vowed continued military action. The situation remains tense, with over 214 passengers still held hostage.

Read More at India Today

Ukraine Accepts U.S. Proposal For 30-Day Ceasefire As U.S. Resumes Intelligence Sharing, Ball Now In Russia’s Court

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:28am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv accepts the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. "Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show whether it is ready to stop the war or continue it," he stated. After nine-hour talks in Jeddah, the U.S. lifted its pause on intelligence-sharing and military aid. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "The ball is now in Russia's court." Donald Trump confirmed he plans to speak with Vladimir Putin, stating, "It takes two to tango." The agreement now hinges on Moscow’s response.

Read More at Sky News

NASA Eliminates Chief Scientist Role As Trump Restructures Agency

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:25am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International

NASA has announced the elimination of its Chief Scientist position, previously held by Dr. Katherine Calvin, as part of a broader organizational restructuring. This move also includes the closure of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch. These changes, affecting 23 employees, align with the Trump administration's cost-cutting initiatives aimed at reducing the federal workforce. Dr. Calvin, appointed in January 2022, played a pivotal role in advising on science programs and climate-related initiatives. The restructuring has raised concerns about potential impacts on NASA's scientific research and diversity efforts.

Read More at NDTV

Over 150 Rescued, 27 Insurgents Killed In Pakistan Train Hijacking; BLA Threatens Hostages

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:17am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International

Pakistani security forces rescued 155 passengers from the hijacked Jaffar Express, killing 27 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents. The train, carrying 425 passengers, was hijacked in Balochistan’s Mashkaf tunnel. The BLA claims to hold 214 hostages and threatens executions if its demands, including the release of political prisoners, aren’t met. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while authorities launched emergency operations in hospitals. The hijacking follows rising insurgent violence in Balochistan, with previous attacks killing dozens. Rescue efforts continue amid escalating tensions.

Read More at India Today

Ukraine Agrees to 30-Day Ceasefire, Trump Hopes Putin Will Respond

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:10am on 12 Mar 2025,Wednesday International

Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia after talks with US officials in Jeddah. US President Donald Trump welcomed the decision, expressing hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would also agree. "The ceasefire is very important. If Russia agrees, it will be great," Trump said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Ukraine’s move "a step closer to durable peace." Following this, the US lifted its pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Trump announced plans to speak with Putin and invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House for further negotiations.

Read More at India Today

155 Hostages Freed, 27 Rebels Killed in Pakistan Train Hijack

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.

Read More at NDTV

Trump’s 25% Metal Tariffs Take Effect, Nations Plan Retaliation

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.

Read More at BBC

Mark Carney Vows Strong Retaliation Against US Tariffs on Canadian Metals

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.  

Read More at Hindustan Times

Balochistan Train Hijacking: Over 100 Freed, Hundreds Still Held by BLA Militants Amid Ongoing Standoff

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.  

Read More at NDTV

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