Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 04:36am on 23 Feb 2025,Sunday International
Donald Trump vowed immediate action on key issues upon taking office. His administration has issued executive orders on immigration, including mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship, though legal challenges persist. He pardoned over 1,500 January 6 rioters and started talks on ending the Ukraine war, raising concerns in Kyiv. On economic matters, he proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico but delayed implementation. While he promised to cut prices, inflation remains a challenge. Some pledges have seen movement, but others face legal and political hurdles.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:16pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left 1 dead and 3 injured, including 2 police officers. President Emmanuel Macron condemned it as "Islamist terrorism." The suspect, a 37-year-old Algerian national on a terror watchlist, was under judicial supervision and faced expulsion. The attack occurred during a demonstration supporting Congo. One officer suffered a carotid artery injury, while another was wounded in the thorax. France’s anti-terror prosecutors have taken over the investigation. Mulhouse Mayor Michèle Lutz expressed horror at the incident, calling for justice. Security was heightened in response to the attack.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:14pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured President Volodymyr Zelensky of the UK’s "ironclad support" for Ukraine in their latest call. Starmer emphasized that Ukraine "must be at the heart" of any peace talks with Russia. He plans to discuss Ukraine’s sovereignty with Donald Trump in Washington next week. Protests erupted in London, with demonstrators condemning Trump’s stance on the war. European leaders also convened to strategize amid fears of exclusion from negotiations. Starmer reiterated that securing a "just and enduring peace" is vital for European security.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:09pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Pakistan has announced a PKR 1 billion "master plan" for the renovation and beautification of Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) approved the plan in Lahore, with chairman Syed Attaur Rehman stating that the funds will be used to enhance minority places of worship. The meeting, attended by Hindu and Sikh community leaders, also decided to appoint a project director for development work. Board secretary Farid Iqbal emphasized that revenue from trust properties would significantly increase under the revised scheme.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:13pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Israel has delayed the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages. The swap was expected to happen today, but Israeli media reports say the government postponed it until a security cabinet meeting. One of the freed hostages, Hisham al-Sayed, had been held in Gaza for nearly a decade. He is now in Israeli military custody and has crossed into Israeli territory. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue. Families of the remaining hostages and prisoners are waiting for further updates. The prisoner exchange deal is part of ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:59pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Pope Francis remains in critical condition after a severe respiratory crisis, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen and has had blood transfusions. He is alert but more unwell than before. Doctors are treating him for pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was first admitted on 14 February after struggling to breathe. Due to his health, he will not lead Sunday’s prayer for the second week in a row. Doctors say there is no immediate danger, but his condition is serious. The Vatican continues to monitor his health closely.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:26pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one dead and two police officers seriously injured during a demonstration. Three more officers sustained minor injuries. The 37-year-old suspect, who was on a terror prevention watchlist, was apprehended, according to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz. Authorities are investigating the attack's motives, as concerns over extremism rise in France. The incident adds to security challenges faced by the country. The government has vowed to strengthen counterterrorism measures. The attack has reignited debates over national security and surveillance of individuals on terror watchlists.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:51pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
Hamas has freed 6 Israeli hostages in exchange for 602 Palestinian prisoners. Four of the hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The other two had been held in Gaza for years. Families welcomed their return with joy, but many are still waiting for their loved ones. Around 59 hostages remain in Gaza, and talks for their release are ongoing. The prisoner exchange is part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Crowds in Tel Aviv cheered as they watched the release. Families urged leaders to secure a deal for all remaining hostages.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:45pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
As Germany nears a pivotal election, conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz has vowed to restore the country's leadership in Europe and sideline the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). His Christian Democrats (CDU) are campaigning on economic revival and security concerns, intensified by recent attacks. AfD, polling near 20%, has gained traction with its anti-immigration stance. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) struggle in third place, banking on undecided voters. Coalition talks will take weeks post-election, shaping Germany’s future role in the EU. The election’s outcome could significantly impact European stability and international alliances.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:25pm on 22 Feb 2025,Saturday International
In a recent Fox News interview, President Donald Trump stated he is not "forcing" his plan to depopulate and redevelop the Gaza Strip but believes it remains the "best approach." He questioned Israel's 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, referring to it as a "bad real estate deal." Trump also indicated support for Prime Minister Netanyahu's potential actions to rescue remaining hostages or eliminate Hamas. His proposal to displace Palestinians and redevelop Gaza has faced rejection from Arab states, including Egypt and Jordan.