Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:24pm on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
Violence over the Waqf Act in West Bengal’s Murshidabad has left 3 dead and 150 arrested, prompting paramilitary deployment after Calcutta High Court's intervention. Protesters reportedly attacked BSF troops with petrol bombs. Visuals showed Hindus fleeing by boat to Malda. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of appeasement, claiming 400 Hindus fled the district. Internet remains suspended, and Section 163 is in force. A father-son duo and a 17-year-old Muslim boy were among the dead. BJP seeks AFSPA and plans to mark 'Shaheed Diwas'. Police are investigating, with more arrests likely. Situation remains tense but under control. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:46pm on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
An Israeli air strike hit Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, destroying the intensive care and surgery units. It was the last fully working hospital in the area. Videos showed people, including patients in beds, running to escape. Israel said Hamas was using the hospital as a command center. No deaths were reported, but one injured child died during the evacuation. Gaza's health ministry said the building was completely destroyed. Israel said it warned staff before the strike. The hospital had sheltered many displaced families. This attack follows months of war after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. (PC: EPA)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:31pm on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
A Russian missile strike on Sumy, a city in northeast Ukraine, killed 31 people, including two children, and injured 84 others on Palm Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a “strong response” from Europe and the US. “Only bastards can do this,” he said. The strike hit a busy street, damaging homes, cars, and a trolleybus. The attack came just two days after a US envoy met Russian President Putin to discuss peace. Russia has continued attacks despite ceasefire talks. Local rescue teams found bodies in streets, cars, and homes. The war has now lasted over three years. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:21pm on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
The US government has warned all foreigners living in the country for more than 30 days to register or face serious action. “Leave now and self-deport,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a strong message. Those who don’t follow the rule may face fines up to $5,000, jail time, and a ban on returning to the US. DHS added, “Failure to comply is a crime.” The Trump administration has already deported 332 Indians. Officials said self-deporting allows people to leave on their own terms and may help them return legally in the future. (PS: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 12:14pm on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
In a significant policy change, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires all non-citizens aged 18 and above—including H-1B visa and green card holders—to carry valid identification at all times. Approved by a U.S. district court, this rule is aimed at tightening immigration enforcement. Violations may lead to penalties, including six months’ imprisonment or deportation. The directive has sparked concern among the Indian community in the U.S., fearing increased scrutiny. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has stated that compliance will be strictly enforced, with no exceptions or leniency for violators. (PC: India.com)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:31am on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
An Israeli airstrike early Sunday targeted al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, the last operational medical facility in the area. The Palestinian civil defence agency reported that the strike destroyed the surgery building and the oxygen generation station for intensive care units. The Gaza health ministry stated that one child died during the rushed evacuation due to the inability to provide urgent care. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, alleging that the hospital was used by Hamas as a command and control center to plan and execute attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. This incident occurs as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza, cutting off access to the southern city of Rafah. (PC: Al Jazeera)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:30am on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
A catastrophic roof collapse at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub on April 8, 2025, during a merengue concert by Rubby Pérez, has resulted in 226 deaths and 189 injuries. Notable victims include Pérez, former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Montecristi governor Nelsy Cruz. The collapse occurred around 12:44 a.m., with the cause still under investigation. Rescue teams recovered 189 survivors during a 53-hour operation. The tragedy has deeply affected both the Dominican Republic and international communities, prompting national mourning and tributes. New York City lowered flags to half-staff, and Mayor Eric Adams plans to visit the Dominican Republic to pay respects. Authorities are working to identify victims and determine the collapse's cause. (PC: Sky News & CNN)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 09:51am on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
A Russian missile strike on the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday resulted in over 20 civilian deaths, according to acting mayor Artem Kobzar. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, which occurred shortly after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a potential peace deal. Ukrainian security official Andriy Kovalenko criticized the strike as undermining diplomatic efforts. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory and shifted its military strategy towards missile and drone strikes. Despite a recent U.S.-brokered moratorium on attacks targeting each other's energy infrastructure, both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the agreement. Russia claimed five Ukrainian attacks on its energy sites in the past day, suggesting a further escalation in hostilities. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:15am on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
The United States and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, facilitated by Omani officials, marking a significant step after years of stalled negotiations since the US exit from the 2015 nuclear deal. The discussions, described as "positive and constructive," involved US envoy Abram Paley and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. Core issues included Iran’s rapidly advancing uranium enrichment program and the easing of US sanctions. With the International Atomic Energy Agency warning of enrichment near weapons-grade levels, both sides agreed to continue dialogue next week, signaling cautious diplomatic momentum. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 03:07am on 13 Apr 2025,Sunday International
A Russian missile struck a warehouse operated by an Indian pharmaceutical firm in Ukraine, according to a statement by the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi. The facility, used for storing essential medical supplies, suffered major damage. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. Kyiv condemned the attack as a violation of international law and called on the global community to hold Russia accountable for targeting civilian infrastructure. The Indian government has not yet responded. The incident highlights the growing risks to international businesses amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: NDTV)