International - The Purbottar

17 Mar

Auburn Secures Top Seed in NCAA Tournament Bracket

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket has been unveiled, with Auburn University earning the No. 1 overall seed despite a recent loss in the SEC Tournament final. Auburn leads the South Region, while Duke, Houston, and Florida secure the other No. 1 seeds in the East, Midwest, and West Regions, respectively. The tournament's "First Four" games are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, determining the final entrants for the main bracket. The first round of March Madness kicks off on Thursday and Friday, with 68 teams vying for the national championship.

17 Mar

SpaceX Capsule Docks with ISS to Retrieve Stranded Astronauts

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), delivering four astronauts as part of NASA's Crew-10 mission. This arrival enables astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been on the ISS for over nine months, to return to Earth. The docking occurred approximately 29 hours after launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The returning astronauts are scheduled to depart the ISS on Wednesday, marking the end of their extended mission.

17 Mar

President Trump Orders Military Action Targeting Houthi Terrorists

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered decisive airstrikes against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. In a statement, he described the Houthis as "terrorists" responsible for ongoing acts of piracy and violence against American and allied vessels in strategic waterways. The President emphasized that previous responses had been insufficient, leading to increased aggression from the Houthis. This military action aims to protect international shipping lanes and deter further hostile activities in the region.

13 Mar

UK’s Care Reit Accepts £448 Million Acquisition Offer from CareTrust

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Care Reit, formerly known as Impact Healthcare, has agreed to a £448 million takeover deal with American care home provider CareTrust. The offer represents a 32.8% premium on Care Reit's share price, leading to a significant surge in its stock value upon the announcement. CareTrust, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, specializes in properties for elderly care and other healthcare facilities. Analysts note that UK-listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Care Reit have been undervalued due to investor sentiment and broader economic conditions, making them attractive targets for acquisition. This deal is part of a broader trend of…

13 Mar

UK Considers Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to US Metal Levies

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The United Kingdom is contemplating imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States following President Trump's recent decision to enforce a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports. Exchequer Secretary James Murray emphasized a measured approach, stating that while the UK government is disappointed by the US's move, all options, including retaliation, remain under consideration. The European Union has already announced €26 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods, signaling an escalation in global trade tensions. Despite these developments, the UK aims to engage in constructive negotiations with the US to eliminate these additional tariffs, striving for a pragmatic resolution that aligns…

13 Mar

Hostage Situation in Pakistan Train Hijacking Intensifies Amidst Suicide Bomber Threats

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

A train hijacking in Pakistan has escalated as rescue operations face complications due to the presence of suicide bombers among the hijackers. The incident, attributed to separatist militants, has resulted in numerous passengers being held hostage, with security forces working meticulously to defuse the volatile situation. The threat of suicide bombers has necessitated cautious and strategic responses from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the hostages. This event highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the complexities involved in counterterrorism efforts.

10 Mar

JD Vance’s Remarks on UK and France Troop Deployment Spark Outrage

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

JD Vance, the U.S. Vice-President, faced backlash for comments dismissing the deployment of 20,000 British and French troops to Ukraine by referring to these countries as “random countries” lacking recent war experience. His statement, asserting that economic incentives from Washington to protect Ukraine would be more effective than deploying troops, triggered outrage, particularly in the UK, where veterans and parliamentarians criticized his remarks as deeply disrespectful. They highlighted the sacrifice of British troops who fought and died alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance later tried to clarify, claiming he did not disparage the UK or France, yet his…

08 Mar

South Korean Fighter Jet Accidentally Drops Bombs on Civilian Area

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

On March 6, 2025, a South Korean fighter jet inadvertently released bombs over a civilian area during a routine training mission. The incident occurred in a sparsely populated region, resulting in property damage but no casualties. The South Korean Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the mishap and to prevent future occurrences. This event has sparked discussions about safety protocols and the need for stringent measures to ensure civilian safety during military exercises.

07 Mar

Record Number of Americans Seek UK Citizenship Amid Political Shifts

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

At the end of 2024, there was a notable surge in the number of Americans applying for UK citizenship, marking a 40% increase and totaling over 6,100 applicants for the year. This trend represents the highest numbers since records began. The primary reason behind this spike appears to be political changes in the US, specifically under President Donald Trump's administration. Elena Hinchin from Farrer & Co and Ono Okeregha from the Immigration Advice Service both point to the political landscape as a significant driver for UK residency applications. However, Madeleine Sumption from the Migration Observatory at Oxford University argues that…

06 Mar

Pope Francis Stabilizes After Respiratory Crisis

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Pope Francis is reportedly off mechanical ventilation and in stable condition after experiencing severe breathing difficulties. The Vatican announced that the Pope would continue with non-invasive mechanical ventilation as a precautionary measure, despite his stable condition. Children receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is admitted, have crafted numerous "get well" cards and drawings, expressing their affection and support. The 86-year-old Pontiff's health scare has prompted an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from around the world, highlighting his global influence and the deep concern for his well-being among the Catholic faithful.