Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:52am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has issued a dire warning that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours unless critical aid reaches them immediately. Despite Israel ending an 11-week blockade, only five aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday, and the supplies have not yet reached civilians. Fletcher stressed the urgent need for relief during an interview with the BBC. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians overnight. The UK, France, and Canada have urged Israel to halt its renewed offensive and allow more aid. Netanyahu insists the war could end if Hamas releases hostages. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:15am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s ISI. With over 4 lakh YouTube subscribers, Malhotra is among 11 arrested individuals tied to a larger ISI module using social media influencers for espionage and propaganda. Authorities revealed she had contact with operatives up to the Pak-Afghan terror hub and was evasive during questioning. Deleted chats with a Pakistani official and suspicious foreign trips to Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh are under investigation. Malhotra’s role in sharing sensitive information has raised serious national security concerns amid ongoing tensions post-Pahalgam attack. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:13am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
Pakistan has extended the closure of the sole runway at Rahim Yar Khan airbase until June 6 following severe damage from Indian airstrikes on May 10. Originally scheduled to reopen on May 18, the extended closure suggests ongoing extensive repair work. Satellite images released by India show a large crater on the runway and damage to structures. The airbase, a key Pakistan Air Force installation, was among six military targets hit during India’s retaliation under ‘Operation Sindoor’ after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The strikes marked the worst India-Pakistan military escalation in decades. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:03am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
After a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump announced Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start negotiations” for a ceasefire. However, Putin only confirmed interest in a potential “memorandum” for future peace, underscoring the ambiguity. Trump, who once claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, now suggests talks must involve Russia, Ukraine, and possibly the Pope. He hinted he may step back if talks fail, raising fears of a US withdrawal from mediation and support. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern, stressing the importance of continued American engagement as drone strikes from Russia intensify the conflict. (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:24am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
New digital evidence has surfaced against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for alleged espionage, prompting a likely handover of her case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Malhotra reportedly used encrypted apps like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp to contact Pakistani agents, with numbers saved under aliases. She was introduced to Pakistan High Commission staffer Danish by Harkirat Singh of Haryana SGMC. Investigators allege she visited Pakistan under cover of religious pilgrimages and engaged in propaganda during Operation Sindoor. Malhotra shows “no remorse,” defending her videos as free speech. Authorities are probing her deep links to Pakistan’s intelligence network since 2023. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:13am on 20 May 2025,Tuesday International
Former U.S. President Joe Biden expressed gratitude following an outpouring of global support after revealing his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. “Cancer touches us all,” Biden said, adding, “Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.” Diagnosed with a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade cancer with bone metastasis, Biden’s team said the illness is hormone-sensitive and manageable. King Charles privately offered support, while Donald Trump questioned the timing of the announcement. Vice President JD Vance echoed concerns about Biden's health transparency. Biden’s diagnosis has reignited debate on health disclosures of public officials. (PC: X/Biden)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:55pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” for a ceasefire following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Trump, writing on Truth Social, said the Vatican is interested in hosting the talks. Putin confirmed that both leaders agreed on presenting a “memorandum” developed with Ukraine, outlining terms for a possible peace agreement. The two-hour call marks a significant step after years of conflict since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Putin thanked Trump for reviving direct communication and said both sides must strive to reach compromises suitable to all parties involved. (PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:16pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Lucknow Super Giants were knocked out of IPL 2025 after a crushing 6-wicket defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad at Ekana Stadium on May 19. Chasing a record 206, SRH dominated with Abhishek Sharma's blistering 59 off 20 and strong contributions from Klaasen and Mendis. LSG’s batting faltered after a solid start by Marsh and Markram, with captain Rishabh Pant once again failing to inspire. Poor strategy and form plagued LSG’s season, leading to their fifth loss in six games. SRH’s all-round performance eliminated LSG from playoff contention, leaving only Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in the race. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:49pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Gary Lineker, former England footballer and long-time host of Match of the Day, will leave the BBC after 26 years. The 64-year-old, who was the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, confirmed his departure following backlash over a controversial Instagram repost featuring a rat emoji, widely interpreted as antisemitic. Lineker apologised “unreservedly”, insisting he never intended to offend. His final appearance will be this Sunday, and he will not be involved in the 2026 World Cup coverage. BBC Director-General Tim Davie praised Lineker’s contribution to sports broadcasting, while the Campaign Against Antisemitism called his position “untenable” and launched a petition for his removal. (PC: NYTimes)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:26pm on 19 May 2025,Monday International
Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was arrested at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport after allegedly smuggling 46kg of high-grade cannabis worth £1.5 million into Sri Lanka. The former flight attendant had arrived on a flight from Bangkok. Sri Lanka’s Customs Narcotics Control Unit described it as the largest Kush seizure at the airport, reportedly bound for elite local buyers. Lee remains in custody as the Police Narcotics Bureau investigates. She had been celebrating her birthday in Thailand and claimed to be working on a boat. The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular support. (PC: The Standard)