Shorts91 wishes all its readers a Happy and Prosperous Onam! In this special animated video for Onam world-renowned humanitarian, spiritual leader, and ambassador of peace and human values Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar tells us the story of the auspicious festival and why Onam is celebrated. Through his life and work, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired millions around the world with a vision of a stress-free and violence-free world. Gurudev founded The Art of Living, a non-profit organization that is engaged in stress management and service initiatives across the world.  

Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and other leaders extended warm greetings on Thiruvonam, as Kerala celebrated the 10-day Onam festival with fervor on Tuesday. Onam marks the annual homecoming of King Mahabali and the start of harvest. In tweets, PM Modi and President Murmu wished prosperity, health and harmony. CM Vijayan pitched for celebrating Onam beyond divisions, as a unifying festivity of prosperity and equality. Former MP Suresh Gopi kickstarted celebrations at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple with Prince Adithya Varma. Onam showcases Kerala's vibrant culture and brings people together.

Kashmir will host the 71st Miss World pageant in December, announced visiting CEO Julia Morley. At a press meet attended by current Miss World Karolina Bielawska and Miss World India Sini Shetty, Morley expressed excitement to bring 130 nations to Kashmir on December 8th. Bielawska said she was awestruck by Kashmir's beauty and eagerly awaited bringing contestants to experience the scenery, warm hospitality, and culture. Morley and the trio explored handicrafts, vistas, and art, welcomed everywhere. Hosting Miss World marks a major milestone for Kashmir, highlighting its tourism revival and growing global appeal after years of strife.

Amid ongoing celebrations of Chandrayaan-3's historic moon landing, India's pioneering Mangalyaan mission has captured stunning new videos of Phobos, one of Mars's two moons. Mangalyaan, India's first interplanetary endeavor launched in 2013 to explore Mars, obtained breathtaking footage showing the intriguing moon. Phobos is the larger inner moon, drawing scientific interest. By entering Mars orbit on its maiden attempt in 2014, India joined an elite league of nations reaching the Red Planet. The Phobos videos offer new perspectives on the unusual moon, highlighting ISRO's achievements in planetary science alongside the Chandrayaan-3 glory.

China has released its updated standard map for 2023 which includes territories it disputes with neighbours like India, Taiwan and countries in the South China Sea. The new map lays claims over India's Arunachal Pradesh state and Aksai Chin region occupied by China in 1962. It also shows Taiwan as part of Chinese mainland and the controversial nine-dash line encompassing much of the South China Sea. India has repeatedly affirmed Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of its territory. The new map underscores China's hardened stance on disputed boundaries amid regional tensions. Its release signals China's determination to assert contested claims regardless of opposition.

Kenya's Defence Secretary Aden Bare Duale has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit aimed at elevating bilateral defence collaboration. Duale, who will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will also tour shipyards and defence companies in Goa and Bengaluru. This maiden visit by Kenya's top defence official since the new government took charge in 2022 highlights India's commitment to its partnerships with African nations, especially Kenya. The trip is expected to open new avenues for boosting defence cooperation between the two countries and cementing their strategic ties. It underscores India's growing security engagement with African partners.

The Indian government has named Geetika Srivastava as the new Charge d'Affaires at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Srivastava, a 2005 batch Indian Foreign Service officer presently serving as a joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' Indo-Pacific division, will succeed Suresh Kumar. She will be India's top diplomat in Pakistan after ties were downgraded following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019. The high commissions in both countries are currently headed by Charge d'Affaires. Srivastava's appointment comes amidst ongoing efforts to normalise relations between the two neighbours. (Image courtesy: Geetika Srivastava on Twitter)

Shah Rukh Khan has announced that the highly anticipated trailer for his upcoming action thriller 'Jawan' will be unveiled on 31st August at 9 PM in Dubai. The film marks Khan's maiden collaboration with director Atlee and also stars Nayanthara. Khan revealed the news on X (formerly Twitter), inviting fans to join him at the Burj Khalifa for a celebration of 'Jawan' in red attire. The film is one of 2023's most eagerly awaited releases following the success of 'Pathaan'. Its preview in July generated immense buzz. The Dubai trailer launch promises a grand unveiling befitting the ensemble action extravaganza.

G20 Health Ministers achieved unanimous consensus on fostering resilient and equitable healthcare systems. Their focus encompassed affordable medicines and countermeasures in developing nations, prioritizing climate-resilient healthcare, and addressing antimicrobial resistance. They emphasized traditional medicine validation, digital health integration, and health data modernization. Acknowledging fragmented efforts, they aimed to establish a WHO-led Global Initiative on Digital Health, promoting interoperable solutions for enhanced healthcare access. The ministers aspired to fortify health systems against climate impacts and endorsed efforts for a pandemic-preparedness international instrument by May 2024.

Former head priest of the Golden Temple, Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh Ji’s funeral was held on Monday. Singh passed away on Sunday from a cardiac arrest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the prominent Sikh leader's demise, praising his knowledge and service to humanity. Distinguished Sikh figures including Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Harjinder Singh Dhami and Jatehdar of Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh attended the cremation. Giani Jagtar Singh's legacy as a custodian of the Golden Temple and his contributions to Sikhism are acknowledged and mourned by many.