Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50am on 02 Feb 2024,Friday International
Multiple shots were fired at the home of Simranjeet Singh, an associate of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, British Columbia in June. The incident occurred in South Surrey, with no reported injuries. RCMP confirmed the shooting and believe it to be isolated, but pro-Khalistan groups allege Indian involvement due to Singh's recent activism. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, expressed concerns over the attack's possible connection to Indian interests. The incident adds to a string of gang-related violence in the region, including recent drive-by shootings.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:00pm on 01 Feb 2024,Thursday International
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a staggering 2050% increase in H-1B visa registration fees, effective from April 1. The move, revealed by the Department of Homeland Security, also includes hikes in L-1 and EB-5 visa fees. The new H-1B registration cost will be $215, up from $10. Netizens express concern, labeling it an assault on legal immigration. The DHS cites updated volume forecasts and increased workload as reasons for the changes. The move comes amid ongoing discussions on immigration policies and raises questions about its impact on skilled professionals.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:41pm on 01 Feb 2024,Thursday International
The United States conducted overnight strikes targeting 10 Houthi attack drones and a ground control station in Yemen. A subsequent explosion near a vessel west of Hodeida was reported. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed no damage to the ship or injuries. The US, countering Houthi missile attacks, also downed an anti-ship ballistic missile and three Iranian drones. The Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping triggered reprisals by the US and UK. While tensions rise, both the US and Iran aim to avoid direct confrontation. The Houthi actions follow anger over Israel's Gaza campaign.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:04pm on 01 Feb 2024,Thursday International
Farmers from across Europe gathered in Brussels, pelting the European Parliament with eggs and stones, igniting fires, and setting off fireworks. Protesters sought attention from EU leaders during a summit, urging action on taxes and rising costs. Police deployed water hoses and tear gas to control the situation. Around 1,300 tractors blocked major Brussels streets. Farmers, feeling underpaid and burdened by taxes, call for support. The unrest precedes European Parliament elections, with far-right factions eyeing farmer constituencies. EU leaders discuss farmers' grievances on the sidelines, acknowledging the challenges faced by agriculture.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:53pm on 01 Feb 2024,Thursday International
Builder Peter Norgrove, 43, faces a minimum of 15 years in prison for the savage murder of dissatisfied customer Sharon Gordon, 58, in Dudley, West Midlands, England. Norgrove attacked Gordon with a hammer due to criticism of project delays and work quality. Caught on camera wearing gloves, he left with red marks. The court revealed eight blows to the head, and the victim may have lived for an hour after the assault. Norgrove admitted guilt, but the judge highlighted the "brutal and savage" nature of the attack. Gordon's family expressed anguish over the tragic loss.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:00pm on 01 Feb 2024,Thursday International
In a central London court, Greta Thunberg faced trial for her involvement in a protest outside the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair. The 20-year-old climate campaigner, along with four others, allegedly refused police requests to move from the hotel entrance during the Energy Intelligence Forum attended by oil executives. Thunberg, accompanied by Fossil Free London protesters and Greenpeace activists, pleaded not guilty to breaching the Public Order Act. The court heard that the protest caused disruption, leading to arrests and a Section 14 order. The trial is set to continue for two days.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:35pm on 01 Feb 2024,Thursday International
Ukraine's military intelligence reports the successful destruction of the Russian missile boat "Ivanovets" near occupied Crimea. Video footage released shows direct hits to the hull, causing the vessel to sink. The operation, executed by special unit "Group 13" in Lake Donuzlav, inflicted damage preventing the boat's further movement. Russian authorities have not commented on the incident. This marks another achievement for Ukraine, following previous successes damaging Russian warships. The boat, valued at $60-70 million, adds to the list of vessels impacted by Ukrainian actions in the ongoing conflict around the Black Sea.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:29pm on 31 Jan 2024,Wednesday International
Tata Steel's CEO, TV Narendran, informed MPs that plans to shut blast furnaces at Port Talbot steelworks, eliminating up to 2,800 jobs, are "pretty much" settled. The shift towards an electric arc furnace is seen as a competitive and greener move. Narendran emphasized it's the beginning of a new steelmaking era. The majority of job cuts affect the UK's largest steelworks in South Wales. Tata received £500m in taxpayer funding for the transition. Unions call for reconsideration, warning of a potential "major industrial dispute." Statutory consultation on job losses is pending.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:25pm on 31 Jan 2024,Wednesday International
Ukraine and Russia executed their initial prisoner exchange following a Russian plane crash, with each side reclaiming 195 soldiers. The swap, disputed due to a downed plane last week, involved 207 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, as confirmed by President Zelensky. Moscow asserts the plane carried 65 Ukrainian PoWs, blaming a US Patriot system for the crash. The details remain unverified, prompting calls for an international inquiry. Russian President Putin claims the aircraft was downed in the Belgorod region. The exchange marks the 50th since Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both sides emphasize the need to bring all captives home.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:18pm on 31 Jan 2024,Wednesday International
Swedish police responded to a security incident at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm, where a "dangerous object" triggered a major operation. A 100m area around the embassy was cordoned off. The Israeli ambassador labeled it an "attempted attack," expressing resilience. Swedish Deputy Prime Minister condemned the incident, emphasizing the need to halt violent extremism. No injuries were reported, and the national bomb squad safely destroyed the object. Investigation ongoing. The incident unfolded in the Ostermalm area. Israel thanked Swedish authorities for swift action. The embassy remains vigilant against potential threats.