Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:48am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday International
A shocking case saw a US-based doctor stripped of citizenship after over 30 years of practicing in America because his late father was an Iranian diplomat when he was born in the country 62 years ago. Siavash Sobhani only discovered his statelessness in a letter saying officials had by mistake granted him citizenship as an infant, not automatically available due to his father's diplomatic immunity then. "I'm a doctor, I've paid my taxes, voted for presidents...so it's really shocking to be told after 61 years there was a mistake," a dumbfounded Sobhani told The Washington Post. Having renewed his passport regularly with no issues earlier, it was an unprecedented blow that suddenly canceled his legal status in his only home despite over three productive decades of community service.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:38am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday Sports
Ending speculations, BCCI announced contract extensions for head coach Rahul Dravid and his staff on Wednesday following the team's dominant performance in the ODI World Cup before losing the final to Australia. Batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip also got continuation after 10 straight victories under them. Multiple reports suggested Dravid wasn't keen on an extension over constant travel demands before changing his mind after BCCI's pursuit. BCCI stated, “The BCCI engaged in productive discussions with Dravid...and unanimously agreed to further [his] tenure.” There was no mention of the tenure for which Dravid and his support staff were given an extension but chances are high it is till next year's T20 World Cup in June in the West Indies and USA.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:24am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday India Global
Marking the 26/11 Mumbai attacks anniversary, UK Parliament members blasted India's neighbour, with Lord Rami Ranger asserting it "should be ashamed", having created "terrorists instead of doctors" and made "a mess" of its nation founded on "one million losing lives". Urging focus on future generations, he stated, that they "should think of the future generation, that they should not suffer." British MP Virendra Sharma praised India for continually working to "finish terrorism and bring peace". MP Catherine West stressed the need to resolve differences through "talking and understanding, not violence". Recalling 26/11 at a memorial event organised by the High Commission of India, London, the UK parliamentarians lauded India's anti-terror efforts and the country's continuous efforts towards progress.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:30am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday Weather & Environment
The Met Office issues a stark forecast, anticipating a polar blast affecting England and Scotland with -8°C conditions in Scotland and temperatures plummeting to -5°C in England. Snowfall is set to commence tomorrow, lasting until December 11, marking a prolonged winter spell. Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver states, "Weather models indicate varied outcomes, from wet to dry, with dry conditions presently more probable." Wintry showers could result in ice formation, and the Met Office predicts snow accumulation, with up to 5cm in higher routes of northeast Scotland. Residents are urged to exercise caution and prepare for potential disruptions amid this icy episode. RAC Breakdown anticipates increased breakdowns during the cold spell, emphasizing the importance of vehicle checks.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:18am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday International
In a bid to secure housing amidst severe shortage, students from The University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University endured freezing temperatures, some spending nearly 24 hours outside Finders' Keepers estate agents. One student, Will, emphasized the competitive nature, stating, "It's just a scam to drive up demand beyond belief." Despite temperatures hitting -1°C, students armed with blankets and hot water bottles persisted. Another student, Milly, highlighted the lengths they went to beat the queue, sharing, "We got Domino’s, had a good chat. It’s been okay really. But I can’t feel my feet at all." The archaic queuing system drew criticism, prompting calls for a more efficient digital approach.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:02am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday India
After a 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel have been successfully rescued. Rat-hole mining experts played a crucial role in breaking through the last stretch of rubble. The rescued workers, not in critical condition, will likely be airlifted to AIIMS Dehradun by Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter for medical examination. Families celebrated the successful rescue, distributing sweets, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the operation's spirit. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami is set to meet the workers before their transfer to AIIMS. The collapse occurred on November 12 during the construction of the Centre's Char Dham project.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:47am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday International
Amid a pneumonia outbreak affecting children in China, hospitals have established specialized "homework zones" for young patients battling respiratory illnesses. The surge in cases, attributed to known pathogens like influenza and RSV, has overwhelmed hospitals in Beijing and nearby areas. Images of children studying while receiving treatment circulated on social media, drawing both support and criticism. Some parents defended the practice, citing educational continuity, while critics expressed concern over the pressure on sick children. China's health authorities assert that no novel viruses are detected in connection to the pneumonia cases.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:39am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday India Global
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami's powerful message echoed at a High Commission of India, London event commemorating the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on Tuesday, November 28. His message was clear: " Our approach to this particular egregious act of terror is, was, and will be: Never forget, never forgive, and never again." This sentiment reflects India's stance against the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Doraiswami highlighted the nation's progress in security measures and its clear anti-terrorism policy, signaling a strategic shift. The event, attended by UK and Indian dignitaries, emphasized global cooperation against terror. Discussions also touched on Israel's designation of Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terror group, reflecting a global inclination towards legal and international mechanisms in countering terrorism.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:19am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday International
Israel and Hamas exchanged more hostages on Tuesday as mediators worked to extend ceasefire in the 7-week Gaza conflict. Ten Israelis and two foreigners were released to the Red Cross in return for 30 Palestinian prisoners. Despite minor alleged violations, Qatar mediators said the 2-day truce extension remains intact overall. So far more than 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinians have been freed under the initial pact, with more follow-up deals for other foreign nationals. US and Israeli intelligence heads traveled to Doha to discuss "next steps" with Qatar's prime minister. But Israel still vows to continue military operations against Hamas until all hostages are freed. With Gaza residents displaced and starving, pressure increases to reach a permanent ceasefire.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:06am on 29 Nov 2023,Wednesday India Global
Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, urges India to designate Hamas as a terrorist group, stating, "India has been consistent in not tolerating terror attacks." Despite recognizing Hamas' actions as terrorism, India has not yet banned the group. Gilon emphasizes, "Now it is for the Indian government to decide – if, where, how, and how fast." The plea comes during an extended ceasefire, with Gilon noting Israel's focus shifting from northern to southern Gaza. The envoy's remarks coincide with Arab ambassadors expressing solidarity with Palestine in New Delhi. India's UN representative reiterates support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.