Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:52pm on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank before being detained by Israeli forces, activists say. Settlers reportedly surrounded his home, assaulted him, and vandalized property. The Israeli military initially denied detaining him from an ambulance but later confirmed arrests over alleged rock-throwing. Ballal was later released. Activists claim Israeli forces failed to intervene as settlers attacked civilians and properties. No Other Land documents the struggles of Masafer Yatta, a Palestinian community facing eviction. (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:37pm on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus dismissed reports of a coup, calling it a “festival of rumours” aimed at destabilizing the country. He accused social media of spreading falsehoods through manipulated images and misinformation. The speculation followed reports of army movements in Dhaka and a meeting between Army Chief Waker Uz Zaman and student leaders. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) refuted the coup claims as “false and fabricated.” Yunus warned that misinformation would escalate ahead of elections and sought UN support. The military-backed interim government, formed after Sheikh Hasina's fall, faces growing distrust. (PC: X/AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:00pm on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
A strange glowing spiral was seen in the night sky across the UK. People in Manchester, Derbyshire, and other places shared pictures online. Some thought it was a UFO, while others found it beautiful. The light spun in the sky before disappearing. Experts say it was likely caused by a SpaceX rocket launch. A similar sight was seen in the US in 2023. The glowing spiral was probably fuel released from the rocket. Many were amazed by the rare sight, but it had a simple explanation. (PC: Dawn Rourke)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:37pm on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
A leaked Signal chat revealed US Vice President JD Vance questioning a military strike on Yemen’s Houthis. Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to the chat and saw classified plans before the attack. Vance reportedly said the strike helped Europe more than the US and suggested delaying it. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called Europe’s reliance on the US “pathetic.” Officials later assured that Trump and Vance were in agreement. After the strike, members shared emojis and prayers. The leak has sparked political backlash, with Democrats demanding an investigation into the security breach. Trump denied knowledge of the incident. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:55pm on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
US Vice President JD Vance denied a viral audio clip that questioned Elon Musk’s loyalty. He said the clip was AI-generated and false. The audio, posted on TikTok, claimed Vance called Musk a "South African cosplaying as an American leader." Vance responded on X, calling it fake and warning of defamation. His communications director also confirmed the clip was "100% fake." The post had over 1.5 million views before Vance reacted. Musk has not commented on the matter yet. Vance and Musk have had recent disagreements over federal layoffs. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:53am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Pope Francis, 88, faced a life-threatening health crisis during his 38-day hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. On February 28, he suffered a severe breathing crisis, nearly choking on his vomit. Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed that doctors debated stopping treatment to let him pass peacefully but ultimately pursued aggressive therapy. The pontiff, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, was initially admitted for bronchitis, which worsened into double pneumonia. This marked the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. Francis has since recovered but remains under close medical supervision.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:22am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Rumors of a coup in Bangladesh intensified after Army Chief General Wakar Uz Zaman’s meetings with top aides and warnings about rising extremism. Security forces have been deployed across Dhaka as protests against interim leader Md Yunus continue. General Zaman has repeatedly hinted at law-and-order failures, fueling speculation about military intervention. Opposition leader Asaduzzaman Fuad accused him of conspiring with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to form a new government. The government dismissed talk of an emergency as "gossip," while viral videos of the army chief’s warnings have heightened tensions. Official statements are awaited. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 11:00am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
The United States and Russia engaged in 12-hour discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the detailed content of these technical talks will remain confidential, with analyses ongoing in both capitals. The negotiations addressed a proposed 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon mutual agreement, and the cessation of long-range attacks on critical infrastructure. Despite these talks, cross-border strikes have persisted, with Ukraine's air force reporting the interception of numerous Russian drones and missiles. Both nations aim to issue a joint statement on the negotiations, reflecting a cautious step toward de-escalation in the region.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:27am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
Protests in Turkey entered their sixth night after opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest. Thousands rallied in Istanbul against what they call Erdogan’s "authoritarian rule." Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and the CHP’s 2028 presidential candidate, faces corruption charges, which he calls politically motivated. President Erdogan labeled the protests "evil" and blamed the opposition for provoking violence. Over 1,100 protesters have been arrested. CHP vowed to appeal for Imamoglu’s release, while his wife called his detention a "black stain on democracy." Protesters declared, "It's not just about Imamoglu, it's about Turkey’s democracy." (PC: Getty Images)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:06am on 25 Mar 2025,Tuesday International
A viral video falsely claims to show Indian-origin student Sudiksha Konanki drowning in the Dominican Republic. Fact-checkers confirmed the footage is from June 2024 in Sochi, Russia, depicting aspiring model Diana Belyaeva. Konanki, 20, disappeared on March 6 while vacationing in Punta Cana. Authorities have allowed Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with her, to return to Iowa after her parents urged officials to declare her legally dead. "We are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned," said her father, Subbarayudu Konanki. Her body remains missing. (X/@JohnSitarek)