Today's News Thursday, March 20, 2025

Today's News Thursday, March 20, 2025

Global Observances

• International Day of Happiness: Celebrated annually on March 20, the International Day of Happiness emphasizes the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals. Established by the United Nations in 2012, this day encourages individuals and nations to recognize the significance of happiness in their lives and societies.

• World Sparrow Day: Also observed on March 20, World Sparrow Day aims to raise awareness about the conservation of sparrows and the importance of protecting their habitats. This day highlights the bond between humans and sparrows, urging efforts to protect these birds.

• World Oral Health Day: This day focuses on promoting good oral hygiene practices and raising awareness about oral health issues. Celebrated globally, it underscores the significance of maintaining oral health for overall well-being.

Political Developments

• Australia's Population Growth: Australia's population increased by 1.8% to 27.3 million in the year leading up to September 2024. This growth includes notable international migration and a natural increase in births.

• U.S. Political Climate: Recent developments in U.S. politics include accusations of partisanship among federal judges by the White House press secretary, plans for a buffer zone along the New Mexico border involving active-duty troops, and the proposed closure of the Department of Education. Additionally, a federal judge denied a request to block Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" from taking over the U.S. Institute for Peace. Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed concerns over federal firings but remained resolute against threats backed by Musk's wealth.

Sports Highlights

• Kabaddi World Cup 2025: For the first time, the Kabaddi World Cup is being held in the UK, featuring 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams. The tournament, running from March 17 to 23, takes place across four cities in the West Midlands: Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Walsall.

• FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: The expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 has opened opportunities for several countries to potentially make their debut. Nations like Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Comoros, Fiji, and others are vying for their first World Cup appearance, making significant strides in their qualification campaigns.

• UEFA Nations League: Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, initially selected Tim Kleindienst as the starting striker for the upcoming match against Italy but later changed his decision in favor of Jonathan Burkardt after the final training session.

International Relations and Conflicts

• U.S. Military Actions in Yemen: The United States has launched large-scale air and naval attacks against locations in Yemen, targeting Houthi radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems. This marks the most significant American military action in the Middle East since President Donald Trump's second term began in January.

• Shabelle Offensive in Somalia: Al-Shabaab has initiated a military campaign known as the 2025 Shabelle offensive against the Somali National Army, African Union forces, and allied militias. The offensive aims to regain territory lost in previous years, with coordinated attacks on multiple Somali military positions.

Miscellaneous

• U.S. Egg Shortage: The United States is experiencing an egg shortage and has approached Lithuania for egg exports after Finland declined. This situation has prompted discussions and reactions online.

• IOC Presidential Election: The International Olympic Committee is holding its 144th session in Greece from March 18 to 21, 2025, to elect a new president. Candidates include Kirsty Coventry, Sebastian Coe, Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., and Morinari Watanabe.

India News – 

International Trade and Relations

• U.S.-India Tariff Discussions: U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that India will reduce tariffs on American goods. In an interview with Breitbart News, he indicated that if India does not lower these tariffs by April 2, the United States will impose reciprocal tariffs.

Energy Sector Developments

• GAIL India's LNG Procurement: GAIL India, the nation's largest gas distributor, plans to procure three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes annually over the next three years. The company has issued a tender, closing on April 2, to secure two LNG cargoes for May and June 2025. From 2026 onwards, GAIL aims to acquire three cargoes during the April to June period each year.

Automotive Industry Update

• Renault India's Price Increase: Renault India has announced a price hike of up to 2% across its entire model range, effective from April 2025. The increase varies by model and variant and is attributed to rising input costs that the company has been absorbing over time.

Weather Forecast

• Eastern India Weather Alert: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-60 kmph) in Kolkata and parts of West Bengal and Odisha in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions.

Law and Order

• Drug Seizure in Tripura: Authorities at Agartala Railway Station in Tripura seized 34 kg of ganja, valued at approximately ₹5.10 lakh. The narcotics were found abandoned, and the Government Railway Police (GRP) has initiated an investigation to identify the source and owner of the contraband.

Cultural Events

• Arpita Singh's Art Exhibition in London: Renowned Indian artist Arpita Singh is showcasing her first solo exhibition outside India at London's Serpentine North Gallery. The exhibition, running from March 20 to July 27, 2025, features works from 1962 to 2023, reflecting her artistic evolution and responses to India's post-Partition era.

Sports

• Kabaddi World Cup 2025: For the first time, the Kabaddi World Cup is being held in the UK. The tournament, featuring 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams, is taking place across four cities in the West Midlands: Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Walsall. The competition began on March 17 and will conclude with the finals on March 23.

Stock Market Recommendations

• Top Stock Picks: Financial experts recommend considering investments in LIC Housing Finance, Bank of Baroda, and UPL. These companies have recently shown bullish momentum and breakout patterns, making them attractive options for investors.

Miscellaneous

• Nagpur Violence and RSS Statement: Following recent violence in Nagpur, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader condemned the unrest and dismissed the relevance of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The organization emphasized the importance of societal peace, while Maharashtra's Chief Minister promised strict action against the perpetrators.

Pakistan News – 

Border Reopening and Trade

• Torkham Border Crossing Reopens: Pakistan and Afghanistan have reopened the Torkham border crossing, their main route for travel and trade, after a closure lasting nearly a month due to clashes between their security forces that began on February 21. The skirmishes involved mortars and rocket fire, instigated by Afghanistan's objection to Pakistan building a border outpost. Initially, the crossing will open for trade, with pedestrian traffic resuming by Friday. The closure had caused significant disruptions, leaving truckloads of goods destined for Afghanistan stranded. Afghanistan, facing a humanitarian and hunger crisis, depends heavily on imports from Pakistan, with trade exceeding $1.6 billion in 2024. The reopening aims to resume transit trade and ease the supply situation.

Human Rights and Refugee Concerns

• Pressure on Afghan Refugees: Human Rights Watch has reported that Pakistan is intensifying pressure on Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan, where they risk persecution by the Taliban and face severe economic hardships. This comes as Pakistan has set a March 31 deadline for deporting foreigners living illegally in the country, primarily affecting Afghans. The Afghan Embassy in Islamabad noted an increase in arrests of Afghan citizens for forced expulsion. Since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, over 500,000 Afghans have lived without proper documentation in Pakistan, many awaiting resettlement in the U.S. or other countries. HRW has highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls, journalists, and former government employees. Pakistan's Interior Ministry requires undocumented Afghans to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and those with Proof of Registration cards by June 30. More than 800,000 Afghans have returned or been expelled since 2023, with many experiencing harassment and bribery demands by Pakistani police. HRW urges an end to forced returns and expedited resettlement by countries that pledged to take at-risk Afghans.

• Female Afghan Refugees in Legal Limbo: Tens of thousands of female Afghan refugees face uncertain futures in Pakistan, caught between a homeland where the Taliban has deprived them of their human rights and the legal limbo of their temporary home, which is becoming increasingly hostile and threatens deportation.

Economic Developments

• Trade Liberalization Efforts: The Pakistani government has agreed to a key International Monetary Fund (IMF) demand to lower trade barriers by reducing effective average import tariffs by one-third over the next five years. This move aims to promote trade liberalization and economic growth.

International Relations

• Pakistan-U.S. Cooperation: Pakistan and the United States have vowed to boost cooperation as the two countries seek new ways to improve bilateral ties. This development comes amid various regional and global challenges that require collaborative efforts.

Sports

• Cricket Series in New Zealand: The Pakistan cricket squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, has arrived in Auckland for the third T20 International of the ongoing five-match series against New Zealand. The team aims to build on their performance in the previous matches and secure a series victory.

Security Situation

• Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Pakistan continues its counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. Recent incidents include clashes in Lakki Marwat District resulting in casualties, targeted killings in Khuzdar District, and the capture of a high-profile insurgent in Karachi. These events highlight ongoing security challenges in various regions.

Cultural Observances

• Nowruz Celebrations: Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is being celebrated today. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is observed with various cultural activities, including sharing wishes, greetings, and festive meals. 

Bollywood

• Aamir Khan's Relationship with Gauri Spratt: Renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has commented on Aamir Khan's relationship with Gauri Spratt, stating, "I can get married at 50, why can't Aamir Khan find a partner at 60?" Aamir Khan has been dating Gauri Spratt for a few months now. He was previously married to Reena Dutta and later to Kiran Rao.

• Salman Khan's 'Sikandar' Release Details: Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Sikandar' is set for an Eid 2025 release, with the unique strategy of hitting theaters on a Sunday, similar to his previous release 'Tiger 3'. The project also features Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi in important roles.

• Disha Salian Case Reopened: The father of Sushant Singh Rajput's former manager, Disha Salian, has sought a probe into her death after nearly five years. This development has reignited discussions and speculations surrounding the circumstances of her demise.

Hollywood

• Lucy Liu's Cinematic Return: At 56, Lucy Liu returns to the big screen with 'Presence', a horror film directed by Steven Soderbergh. The movie has been well-received, recouping its $2 million budget. Liu continues to diversify her career, with upcoming projects like 'Rosemead', a drama she both acts in and produces.

• Jonathan Majors' Comeback: After facing legal controversies in 2023, Jonathan Majors is making a Hollywood comeback with his new film 'Magazine Dreams', set for release in March 2025. He has received significant support from industry colleagues, notably his 'Creed III' co-star Michael B. Jordan, enhancing his morale as he returns to the film industry.

• Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Ventures: Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle are emerging competitors in the US lifestyle industry. Paltrow's brand, Goop, is valued at nearly $200 million, while Markle recently launched her wellness brand 'As Ever'. Paltrow's recent comments about Markle's new venture were polite yet perceived by some as passive-aggressive, fueling the rivalry narrative.

Lollywood

• Pakistani Cinema's International Recognition: Pakistani films continue to gain international acclaim, with recent productions being showcased at various global film festivals. This trend highlights the industry's growing prominence on the world stage.