Today's News March 13, 2025

 

Today's News March 13, 2025

Conflict in Ukraine and Diplomatic Efforts

The Russian military operation in the Kursk region is reportedly in its final stages, aiming to expel Ukrainian forces from western Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced the advancement, while Ukraine has consented to a 30-day ceasefire proposal after discussions with U.S. diplomats in Saudi Arabia. U.S. and Russian officials are expected to deliberate on this proposal imminently. President Vladimir Putin recently visited Kursk, emphasizing the necessity of defeating entrenched Ukrainian forces and establishing a security zone along the border. European nations are coordinating to form a coalition supporting any forthcoming peace arrangements, with 15 countries expressing interest in contributing forces. Concurrently, Poland has advocated for the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons on its territory as a deterrent against Russia. Multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kherson, Kyiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, experienced attacks overnight, resulting in significant casualties and damage.

Arrest of Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning his administration's aggressive anti-drug campaign. The ICC's Office of the Prosecutor asserts that Duterte bears criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity, specifically murder, linked to the drug war from November 2011 to March 2019. Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, condemned the arrest as "oppression and persecution." The ICC is preparing for initial judicial proceedings to determine the progression to trial.

SpaceX Crew-10 Mission Delay

The launch of SpaceX's Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed due to a hydraulic issue with the rocket's clamp arm at the launch pad. The crew comprises Commander Anne McClain, co-pilot Nichole Ayers, and mission specialists Takuya Onishi and Kirill Peskov. Engineers are addressing the technical problem, with a subsequent launch attempt anticipated on Thursday evening. This mission represents SpaceX's 11th astronaut transport to the ISS and the 107th overall ISS mission in 25 years.

Global Trade Tensions Escalate

U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, prompting global retaliation. Canada announced reciprocal tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of U.S. imports, effective tomorrow. The European Union plans to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods starting in April, targeting a range of products from agricultural produce to industrial items. The United Kingdom has opted not to impose immediate counter-tariffs but reserves the right to respond in the future. These developments have raised concerns about potential disruptions in global supply chains and broader economic impacts.

Total Lunar Eclipse: The 'Blood Moon'

A total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a "blood moon," is occurring from the evening of March 13 to the early morning of March 14. This celestial event is visible across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The eclipse begins at 11:57 p.m. EDT, reaches totality at 2:26 a.m., concludes at 3:31 a.m., and ends entirely at 6:00 a.m. During totality, the moon takes on a red-orange hue, a phenomenon safe to observe with the naked eye. Observers are advised to find dark spots away from bright lights for optimal viewing, potentially using binoculars or telescopes for an enhanced experience. The next total lunar eclipse is scheduled for September 7, 2025.

Clashes in Western Syria

Since March 6, 2025, intense clashes have erupted in Syria's Latakia and Tartus governorates. The conflict began with a coordinated attack by Assad loyalist insurgents in the town of Jableh near Latakia. Reports indicate significant casualties among government forces, with over 1,000 people, including civilians, reported killed in the crackdown by Syrian government security forces. This escalation marks one of the country's most severe episodes of violence in recent years.

London Summit on Ukraine

On March 2, 2025, international leaders convened in London for the 2025 London Summit on Ukraine, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The summit aimed to draft a peace plan for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Key outcomes included commitments to maintain military aid to Ukraine, ensure any peace agreement upholds Ukraine's sovereignty, enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities post-agreement, and develop a "coalition of the willing" to guarantee Ukraine's security. The United Kingdom pledged £1.6 billion in export finances to procure over 5,000 air defense missiles for Ukraine, complementing a previously announced £2.2 billion loan for military aid backed by frozen Russian assets.

India News

Regulatory Developments in Satellite Broadband

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to recommend a five-year duration for satellite broadband spectrum licenses, diverging from Starlink's request for a 20-year term. This approach aims to assess market adoption and stability before committing to longer licenses. Notably, Starlink has partnered with Reliance, allowing the sale of its devices in Reliance stores. This collaboration marks a shift from previous stances, as Reliance had earlier favored spectrum auctions. Bharti Airtel, another key player, supports the shorter 3-5 year license period. TRAI plans to submit its final recommendations on license durations and pricing to the telecom ministry within a month. This decision comes after discussions between Elon Musk and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on space and technology. Analysts project that India's satellite communication sector could reach $25 billion by 2028. 

Stock Market Response to Inflation Data

Indian equity markets experienced modest gains today, buoyed by lower-than-expected inflation figures from both the U.S. and India, despite ongoing global trade tensions. The Nifty 50 index rose by 0.28% to 22,535.80, and the Sensex increased by 0.31% to 74,270.38. Eleven major sectors recorded gains, with midcap and smallcap indices each climbing 0.4%. U.S. consumer prices showed moderate growth in February, while India's retail inflation dipped below the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target, fueling expectations of potential rate cuts. However, concerns persist over the escalating trade war, particularly with President Trump's threats of increased tariffs on Europe and Canada, which could impact emerging markets like India. Notable stock movements included Bharat Electronics rising over 2%, Adani Green Energy up 3.5%, and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam surging 15% due to significant fundraising efforts. 

Technical Glitches in Forex Trading Platform

The London Stock Exchange Group's (LSEG) foreign exchange trading platform faced technical issues in India today, as reported by several traders. These glitches prevented some traders from logging into their terminals, hindering their participation in spot dollar/rupee transactions. LSEG operates an electronic trading platform for spot forex transactions in India, typically a domain reserved for banks. The company has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation. 

Maha Kumbh Mela Draws Millions

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering held every 144 years, is currently underway in Varanasi. Pilgrims from across the globe have converged at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers to participate in sacred rituals, including bathing in the Ganges to cleanse the soul. The city's streets and ghats are teeming with devotees, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Visitors have described the experience as both overwhelming and magical, particularly during serene moments like sunrise boat rides on the Ganges. 

Gaganyaan-1 Mission Preparations

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of Gaganyaan-1, the first uncrewed test flight of its human spaceflight program, scheduled for March 1, 2025. The mission will deploy the humanoid robot Vyommitra aboard a human-rated LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The spacecraft is set to enter a 170 x 408 km orbit, with plans to circularize the orbit on the third pass. This mission is a critical step toward subsequent crewed flights and demonstrates India's advancing capabilities in space exploration. 

ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final: India vs. Australia

On March 4, 2025, India faced Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a thrilling match, India emerged victorious by four wickets. Australia batted first, scoring 264 runs in 49.3 overs. India chased down the target, reaching 267/6 in 48.1 overs. Virat Kohli played a pivotal role, earning the Man of the Match award for his performance. This victory holds significant weight, as it was the first ODI encounter between the two teams since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final, where Australia had clinched the title. 

Pakistan News

Train Hijacking in Balochistan

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants hijacked the Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, in Balochistan province. Approximately 450 passengers were taken hostage during this assault. The militants targeted security personnel and specific individuals, resulting in the deaths of 21 civilians and four security personnel. The BLA demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and threatened severe consequences if their demands were not met.

In response, Pakistani security forces launched a comprehensive operation involving hundreds of troops and special forces. The standoff concluded with all 33 militants being killed, and the majority of hostages were rescued. Rescued individuals were transported to Quetta for medical evaluation and support.

Government and International Reactions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan to meet with survivors and commend the commandos involved in the rescue operation. He condemned the attack and reiterated the government's commitment to combating terrorism.

The Pakistani military accused BLA leaders based in Afghanistan of orchestrating the attack and urged the Afghan Taliban government to prevent terrorist activities emanating from its territory.

Background on Balochistan Insurgency

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest yet least populated province, has been the center of a prolonged insurgency. The BLA, designated as a terrorist organization by both Pakistan and the United States, has intensified its operations in recent years, targeting security forces and infrastructure projects, especially those involving Chinese investments. The group seeks greater autonomy and claims that the local population does not adequately benefit from the region's mineral wealth.

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan and the complexities faced by Pakistani authorities in addressing separatist insurgencies.

Film Industry

Bollywood News

25th IIFA Awards

The 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards took place on March 8–9, 2025, at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre in Jaipur, India. Celebrating its silver jubilee, the event featured a special silver trophy. "Laapataa Ladies" led the night with nine nominations and secured ten awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Kiran Rao, Best Actress for Nitanshi Goel, and Best Supporting Actor for Ravi Kishan. Other notable winners were "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and "Kill," which received multiple accolades.

Hollywood News

Jason Derulo's Transition to Filmmaking

Renowned musician Jason Derulo is venturing into filmmaking, aiming to produce Hollywood blockbusters. With a successful music career, Derulo seeks greater creative control in his acting projects. He has written three films: a comedy, a Marvel-style movie, and a Christmas film. Derulo continues his music endeavors, recently releasing "Snake" in collaboration with Bollywood star Nora Fatehi.

Celebrity Appearances

This week, numerous celebrities were spotted at various events. Rihanna celebrated her Fenty x Puma collaboration in Barbados. Robert Pattinson debuted blonde hair on the set of "Bluefin Tuna" in New Orleans. Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett filmed "Verity" in New York City. Julianne Moore attended an event at the Bowery Hotel, and Michael Fassbender participated in post-screening festivities for "Black Bag" in London.

Fashion and Style

Eid Fashion Trends 2025

As Eid approaches, fashion enthusiasts are embracing vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and modern silhouettes. Designers are blending traditional elements with contemporary styles, offering a fresh take on classic attire. Accessories such as statement jewelry and embellished footwear complement the festive outfits, reflecting a harmonious fusion of heritage and modernity.

Paris Fashion Week Highlights

Paris Fashion Week showcased a blend of classic elegance and avant-garde designs. Designers presented collections featuring bold patterns, innovative fabrics, and sustainable fashion choices. The event highlighted the industry's shift towards inclusivity and environmental consciousness, setting new trends for the upcoming seasons.

Pakistani Entertainment

Lollywood Updates

The Pakistani film industry, Lollywood, is gaining international recognition with recent releases receiving critical acclaim. Collaborations with foreign artists and participation in global film festivals have opened new avenues for Pakistani cinema, reflecting its evolving narrative and production quality.

Actress Scandal

Recently, a Pakistani actress was involved in a controversy that garnered significant media attention. The incident sparked debates on privacy and ethics within the entertainment industry. Discussions are ongoing regarding the impact of such events on the personal lives of artists and their professional careers.

Eid Celebrations in Pakistan

Eid festivities in Pakistan are marked by traditional foods, family gatherings, and vibrant fashion. This year, designers are focusing on sustainable fabrics and minimalist designs, catering to a growing audience seeking eco-friendly options. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics is evident in the latest collections, resonating with fashion-forward individuals.

The entertainment industry across Bollywood, Lollywood, and Hollywood is witnessing dynamic changes, with artists exploring new ventures and fashion trends evolving towards sustainability and inclusivity. As global collaborations increase, the blending of diverse cultures continues to enrich the cinematic and fashion landscapes.

Cricket News

Australia's Dominant Performance Against New Zealand

In the ongoing Test series, Australia showcased a commanding performance against New Zealand. On the third day of the second Test in Wellington, Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, enforcing a follow-on. New Zealand, trailing by 275 runs, struggled in their second innings, ending the day at 102/4. Australia is poised for a series-clinching victory, reflecting their dominance in the longest format of the game.

India's Squad Announcement for T20 Series Against South Africa

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 series against South Africa. Notable inclusions are young talents Ruturaj Gaikwad and Arshdeep Singh, rewarded for their stellar performances in domestic cricket. Veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been rested, allowing the team management to assess bench strength ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.

England's Preparations for the Ashes

England's cricket team has intensified preparations for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia. Coach Brendon McCullum emphasized aggressive strategies and mental resilience during training sessions. Key players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes are in prime form, boosting England's confidence. The series is highly anticipated, with both teams eager to claim the prestigious urn.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Playoffs Set

The PSL 2025 has reached its playoff stage, with Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, and Islamabad United securing the top four spots. Lahore Qalandars finished at the top of the table, showcasing consistent performances throughout the league stage. The playoffs promise thrilling encounters as teams vie for a spot in the final.

Women's Cricket: West Indies Tour of England Announced

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the West Indies women's cricket team will tour England for a three-match ODI and T20 series in June 2025. This announcement comes as a significant step towards promoting women's cricket and providing competitive exposure ahead of the Women's World Cup next year.

Other Sports News

NCAA Men's Basketball: Kentucky vs. Oklahoma in SEC Tournament

The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the Oklahoma Sooners in their SEC Tournament debut on Thursday night. Kentucky, with a 21-10 record, aims to secure a better seed for the NCAA Tournament, while Oklahoma, holding a 20-12 record, needs a win to solidify their NCAA Tournament position. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and available for streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.

Chicago Bears' Off-Season Activities

The Chicago Bears are actively engaging in off-season activities to strengthen their roster. Offensive lineman Jonah Jackson has expressed eagerness to reunite with head coach Ben Johnson, and cornerback Kyler Gordon is ready for extension talks. The Bears hold picks 10, 39, and 41 in the upcoming NFL Draft, providing flexibility to address key positions. The team is focusing on strengthening the trenches, including signing new linemen Joe Thuney and Grady Jarrett, aiming for a turnaround from the disappointing 2024 season.

St. John's Basketball: Deivon Smith's Uncertainty

Senior point guard Deivon Smith of St. John's is uncertain to play in Thursday's Big East Tournament opener against Butler due to a bruised right shoulder. Smith, a top 3-point shooter and pivotal in transition, has been practicing but appears "rusty," according to coach Rick Pitino. Smith's availability is crucial for St. John's as they aim for a deep tournament run.

U Sports Men's and Women's Basketball Championships

The 2025 U Sports Men's and Women's Final 8 Basketball Tournaments are scheduled from March 13–16 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hosted by the University of British Columbia, this marks the first time both tournaments are held concurrently by one school. The men's tournament features top-seeded teams like the Ottawa Gee-Gees and Calgary Dinos, while the women's tournament includes teams such as the Saskatchewan Huskies and Ottawa Gee-Gees. Both tournaments promise exciting matchups as teams compete for national titles.

Illawarra Cricketers on Cusp of Miracle

The Southern Swans, formerly known as Illawarra, are set to compete in the under-18s Brewer Shield grand final in only their third season in NSW Women's Premier Cricket. This marks a remarkable turnaround from their last-place finish in 2022/23. Under the coaching of Aaron Hudson and captaincy of his daughter Nicola, the Swans have reached the final against Manly Warringah, to be held at King George V Oval in Port Kembla. The Swans' success this season reflects the growing interest and development in female cricket, aiming to build a talent pool to support a senior side in the future.