The Siachen base camp is now accessible to tourists without prior authorization, announced Tashi Gyalson, CEC of LAHDC, Leh, following the early reopening of Zojila Pass on April 1, 2025.
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Delhi Capitals enter IPL 2025 with Axar Patel as the new captain, featuring star signings like KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc. The team aims to secure their first IPL title with a powerful batting lineup and a robust pace attack, despite some spin department concerns. TimesofIndia.com presents a SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025.
The US Department of Energy has granted regulatory clearance for Holtec International to transfer small modular reactor technology to India, partnering with Indian firms. This approval marks significant progress in the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, potentially leading to the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors in India.
US President Donald Trump announced significant tariffs on imports, including a 34% tax on Chinese goods and 20% on the European Union. The move, aimed at reducing trade deficits and bolstering American manufacturing, has sparked concerns about potential global trade wars and rising consumer prices. Several US allies are considering retaliatory measures, which could impact diplomatic relations.
In March, Indian refiners increased US crude oil imports by 66% amidst US President Trump's push for American energy exports. Incidentally, Russian oil imports to India also rose due to suppliers circumventing US sanctions.
India topped Group A with a 44-run win over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ravi Shastri emphasised the importance of India's spin attack for their semi-final against Australia on March 4 in Dubai. Spinners were key against New Zealand and a similar approach is expected to succeed in the knockout game.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's potentially last Australian tour is under scrutiny due to their recent inconsistent performances. Former Australian captain Greg Chappell emphasizes the need for strong selection panels to make tough decisions about aging players, even stalwarts, as lucrative contracts can influence players' decisions to continue playing despite declining form.
Microsoft pauses hiring in its US consulting unit, ACIS, as part of cost-cutting measures amid economic uncertainty. Internal travel expenses and marketing budgets are also being reduced. This aligns with broader tech industry trends of cost management to navigate financial challenges.
US President Joe Biden expressed condolences on the passing of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, praising his transformative leadership in economic liberalization and strategic US-India relations. Singh, who led India from 2004 to 2014, was lauded for his reforms and landmark legislations. Biden highlighted personal interactions and Singh's significant contributions to global cooperation.
S. Jaishankar criticized Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, highlighting their double-dealing in Afghanistan and persistent "bad habits." He emphasized that the 2008 Mumbai attacks marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations, signaling a shift in India's tolerance. Jaishankar also linked national progress to the strength and quality of a nation's universities.
The liquor ban at religious places in Madhya Pradesh has raised questions about the Kal Bhairav Mandir in Ujjain, where liquor is the main 'prasad'. Despite the ban, traditions at the temple continue, with government-run liquor counters ensuring availability for offerings. Liquor shops in Ujjain will close, but the prasad practice may persist.