Surat Airport Achieves International Status as PM Modi Inaugurates New Terminal

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:56am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the new integrated terminal at Surat Airport, declaring it international. The move, part of a significant infrastructural upgrade, aims to enhance the city's "Ease of Living" and boost commerce. The Union Cabinet's approval positions Surat Airport as a gateway for international travelers, facilitating export-import operations. The terminal can handle 1,200 domestic and 600 international passengers during peak hours, with plans to increase capacity. This strategic development is expected to unlock economic potential, making Surat a key player in the global aviation landscape and fostering regional prosperity.            

Read More at NDTV

Jaishankar Differentiates Between US and Canada Issues, Expresses Willingness to Address Concerns

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:34am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday India Global

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar distinguishes between alleged plots in the US and Canada, stating they aren't the same. Responding to US claims of a plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Sing Pannun, Jaishankar emphasizes India's openness to investigate specific concerns raised by countries. The US requested India's assistance in probing the alleged plot, while Canada accused Indian agents of planning a murder, straining diplomatic relations. Jaishankar expresses India's desire for better relations with China, attributing recent challenges to China's failure to observe border agreements. He underscores diplomatic perseverance despite challenges with neighbors.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Israeli Prime Minister Vows Military Pressure on Hamas Despite Hostage Deaths

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:04am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday International

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Saturday that military force remains necessary against Hamas, even after Israeli troops mistakenly killed three hostages in Gaza. Carrying a white flag, the captives cried out in Hebrew before being fired upon. Families of remaining prisoners pled for ceasefire talks, but Netanyahu claimed negotiations require ongoing military pressure. The "tragic" friendly fire deaths occurred amid Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza, leaving 18,800 dead since October. Netanyahu stands firm, arguing military assault enables "the return of the kidnapped and...victory." But the killings have intensified scrutiny of civilian casualties, with the U.S. voicing concern. Netanyahu remains steadfast in using force.

Read More at NDTV

Congress Gears Up for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections with Strategic Meeting

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:44am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday Politics

The Congress Working Committee will convene on December 21st to formulate the party's plan for contending the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The meeting follows a gathering of opposition INDIA bloc parties two days prior to discuss presenting a united front against the BJP. Congress aims to swiftly launch its campaign by focusing on key issues like unemployment and inflation while coordinating with allies on seat sharing and rallies. The proposed summit will also examine recent assembly election defeats and victories to understand reasons and strategize moving forward. With Rahul Gandhi potentially embarking on a hybrid yatra, Congress seeks to regain ground ahead of national elections.

Read More at Hindustan Times

India's Petroleum Minister Travels to Kuwait to Convey PM's Condolences as Special Envoy

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:22am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday India Global

India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri departed for Kuwait on Sunday serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special envoy. His mission is to pay respects and offer condolences on behalf of India's government and 1.4 billion citizens for the passing of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Puri will deliver personal letters from President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to new Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad. India has declared a national day of mourning, praising the late Emir's pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. As a key partner, India stands with Kuwait during this time of transition.

Read More at Economic Times

Putin Dismisses Biden's NATO Warning as "Complete Rubbish" Amid Escalating Tensions

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:53am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday International

In a recent interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled U.S. President Joe Biden's assertion that Russia would attack a NATO country if successful in Ukraine as "complete rubbish." Tensions rise as Biden's remarks provoke Moscow, with Putin stating Russia has no interest in conflict with NATO. Meanwhile, debris from a downed drone claims a civilian life in Ukraine's Odesa region, escalating the conflict. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly thwarted multiple drone attacks, with one falling into a residential area, causing casualties. As geopolitical complexities intensify, Putin confirms plans to run for president independently, backed by broad support. The Arctic climate science community also feels the impact of strained relations, hindering collaboration since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Read More at The Guardian

Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' Roars Past ₹816 Crore Globally, Overtakes 'Pathaan' in Australia and Canada on Day 16"

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:28am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday Entertainment

Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal,' starring Ranbir Kapoor, achieves a remarkable feat, crossing ₹816.3 crore globally in just 16 days since its release on December 1. The action film, featuring Bobby Deol as the antagonist, has become the highest grossing Indian film in Canada and Australia, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan's 'Pathaan' in both markets. Despite controversy and mixed reviews for its themes, 'Animal' defies expectations, marking Ranbir Kapoor's biggest-ever success. The film's dominance extends beyond India, captivating audiences in the US, Canada, and Australia, solidifying its position as a global blockbuster.

Read More at Hindustan Times

PM Modi Addresses Parliament Breach: "Very Serious, We Need To Know Who's Behind This"

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the recent breach of security in Parliament as "very serious," emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible. Modi highlighted that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is taking necessary steps, urging against downplaying the incident's severity. The breach involved intruders protesting on Lok Sabha desks and deploying colored smoke, drawing attention to issues like Manipur violence, unemployment, and farmers' problems. Six arrests have been made, with Delhi Police invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Opposition demands a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Read More at NDTV

Tragedy Strikes Maharashtra: 9 Dead, Many Injured in Solar Industries Blast in Nagpur

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:32am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday India

A powerful blast at the Solar Industries India Limited plant in Nagpur, Maharashtra resulted in at least nine fatalities on Sunday morning. The explosion occurred around 9:30 AM as workers were packing explosives used for coal blasting at the defense manufacturing facility, which provides munitions to India’s military. Several others sustained critical injuries from the sudden detonation. Police teams immediately responded to the scene. The causes behind the tragic incident are currently under investigation. With numerous people severely wounded, the death toll may potentially rise. Authorities are working to provide emergency aid to survivors.

Read More at News18

"We Only Receive Dead Bodies": Families of Hostages' Beg Israel to Halt Assault

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58am on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday International

As Israel's military offensive in Gaza continues, families of hostages held by Hamas issued an emotional plea for negotiations to free their loved ones. "We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations," said Noam Perry, daughter of captive Haim Perry, at a Tel Aviv event. The army admitted to "mistakenly" killing three hostages carrying a white flag. Ruby Chen, father of a captive soldier, fears "who will be next in line" under Israel's "Russian roulette" approach. With over 250 Israeli hostages and nearly 19,000 Gazans dead since October, families begged: "It's time to change this assumption" that continued assault will rescue prisoners.

Read More at Hindustan Times

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