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The United States’ move to impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports “is going to devastate our economy”, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi said in Lok Sabha today. Criticising the Narendra Modi government’s foreign policy, he said, “You have given China 4,000 sq km of land. On the other side, our ally suddenly decides to impose tariffs on us, 26 per cent, which is going to completely destroy our economy. Our auto industry, our pharmaceutical industry. They are all on the line.”

Mr Gandhi then referred to Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister and his grandmother, and said someone once asked her if she leaned left or right when it came to foreign policy. “Indira Gandhi said, ‘I don’t lean left or right. I stand straight. I am Indian and I stand straight’. The BJP and RSS have a different philosophy. When asked if they lean left or right. They say, ‘no no no, we bow our heads right in front of every foreigner that comes,” he said, seeking a reply from the Centre on how it plans to tackle the tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. 

On the China issue, Mr Gandhi said, “It is a known fact that China is sitting on 4,000 square kilometres of our territory. I was shocked sometime back to see that our foreign secretary was cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador. The question is what exactly is happening to this territory? Twenty jawans were martyred; their martyrdom is being celebrated by cutting a cake?” Mr Gandhi asked, referring to the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead.

The Congress leader said the Opposition was not against the return of normalcy in the bilateral ties. “We are not normalcy. But before normalcy, we should get our land back,” he said.

Countering Mr Gandhi’s China charge, BJP MP Anurag Thakur questioned which government lost the Aksai Chin region to China. China’s incursions in Aksai Chin led to the 1962 war during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister. India lost the war. “We kept saying ‘Hindu Chini Bhai Bhai’ and they stabbed us in the back,” he said.

Thousands of immigrant techies, including Indians, are living in the United States in uncertainty over their future under President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies. Major tech companies, including Google and Amazon, are reportedly asking their H-1B visa holder employee to not leave American soil out of concern they might not be allowed back in. 

There are fears that denial rates for high-skilled visas could rise, as they did during President Trump’s first term in the White House, according to a report by The Washington Post. The report said the Trump administration’s efforts to end automatic citizenship for those born in the US are also making H-1B visa holders fear that their future children could be stateless.

America’s H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign workers in so-called specialty occupations. Every year, 65,000 such visas are issued through a lottery system. In recent years, Indians have received the highest number of H-1B visas, followed by Chinese and Canadian nationals.

Tech Industry’s Reliance on Immigrants

Silicon Valley’s immigrant tech community has long been seen as one of the key forces behind the US competitiveness in the technology sector. According to a 2018 study by think tank National Foundation for American Policy, more than half of US start-ups valued at more than $1 billion had an immigrant founder or co-founder. The executives of some of the biggest tech giants in the US are immigrants, including those of Microsoft, Google, Uber and chip giant Nvidia. 

But under Trump’s immigration policies, the future of this community in the country is uncertain. Experts believe that reducing the immigrant workforce from the tech industry could hamper America’s ability to compete with China in the race to develop sophisticated technology like artificial intelligence.

“What we’re seeing right now is just a lot of worry and panic…It seems like [the administration is] just getting more and more momentum, and we don’t know what’s around the corner,” Malcolm Goeschl, principal attorney for Goeschl Law, a San Francisco-based firm focused on business immigration that serves clients in the tech industry, told The Washington Post.

Per the report, Amazon had the highest number of H-1B visas approved amongst all Big Tech firms in America, followed by Google, Meta, Microsoft and Apple. Tesla, whose billionaire CEO Elon Musk is a close aide of President Trump and is leading the administration’s efforts to cut federal spending, had 1,767 approved H1Bs in the fiscal year ending in September 2024. IT outsourcing companies like Infosys and Cognizant also account for a large portion of H1B applications.

H-1B Workers Worried

However, late last year, before Trump took the oath of office, law firms working for Google and Amazon warned the companies’ employees with visas to think twice before traveling abroad, out of concern they might not be allowed back into the U.S, according to The Washington Post report. 

At least two H-1B visa holders told the publication that they had to cancel their travel plans to India amid fear of being denied re-entry to the US.  

One Indian immigrant said his elder daughter was born a US citizen, but the future of his second child seems opaque as they may not get citizenship in either the US or India. “There’s an assumption that everybody who is not a US citizen might be here illegally,” they told the publication through an attorney.

The uncertainty has also created some practical challenges, as many immigrants are always carrying their documentation while in public. “When we’re walking around, we always carry our documents,” the other worker said through her attorney.

Immigration lawyers are also reporting anxieties among immigrants due to worries over unexpected changes to visa processes, which are negatively affecting their productivity.

“It definitely impacts their performance,” an HR representative of a tech firm in Silicon Valley told The Washington Post. “The threat is looming that some action will be taken against them.”

The HR representative added that the uncertainty is also adding to the cost of the company, as they have to pay for expediting the processing of some H-1B extensions to counteract delays related. 

Uncertainty Over Visa and Green Cards

The issue of H1B visas has emerged as a bone of contention among Trump’s supporters. This was visible in December when the two sides argued on X over whether Trump should boost or suppress skilled immigration.

“The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low…“If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be,” Elon Musk wrote on X on Christmas. He received pushback from some Republicans, including former presidential hopeful Nikki Haley, who said the country should invest in education to train more American-born tech workers.

So far, Trump has not said anything about ending the H1B program or other skilled visas; however, it was part of his agenda in his first term.

Meanwhile, the processing of Green Card requests, which is immigrants’ path to permanent residency, is also facing unprecedented delays. Even Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI company Perplexity, that recently valued at $9 billion, said on social media that he has been waiting three years for a green card despite founding a company that employs hundreds.

“People mostly have no idea when they talk about immigration,” Srinivas posted on X.

Normally, Mojang makes very chaotic updates for every April Fools’, and this 2025 snapshot resembles it all. Among the many enticing things of Minecraft Snapshot 25w14craftmine stands up an item called the Eye of Exit. Standing as an opposite of the Eye of Ender, this item intriguingly works within the scenery of the newly introduced Mines. Make sure to get some valuable details on how to obtain and use it in the April Fools’ release this year.

What is the Eye of Exit?

The Eye of Exit is a new item exclusive to the craftmine snapshot. It was created to assist players in navigating the new dark Mines. Unlike the Eye of Ender, which led the player to Stronghold, the Eye of Exit leads only to a way out of the Mines. Nevertheless, it has some conditions and disadvantages.

How to use the Eye of Exit

In the new Minecraft April Fools’ Craftmine Update, you can’t use the regular crafting menu. You can build a Crafting Table, you will not be able to use it until you have unlocked certain perks by gaining XP levels. This means that you will not be able to do much crafting on early worlds, and you will have to readjust your activities to unlocking those perks as fast as possible to expand your crafting and advancement options.
If you entered the new Mine and are looking for an exit, you must first craft an Eye of Exit. To craft the Eye of Exit, collect as follows:

Then you put those materials into a Crafter or Crafting Table to form the Eye of Exit. When the crafting table is used to create the Eye, it will be locked so that players may need to unlock perks in the inventory GUI to again use it.

The Eye of Exit opens up an interesting risk versus benefit to Craftmine. On one side, it’s a useful navigation tool; on the other, its damage mechanic and mob wave limits push players to consider when and how they use it. Whether players choose to craft it early on or depend on access after an exit, mastery of the Eye of Exit stands to dramatically speed up their Mine exploration.
With the Mojang tradition of releasing experimental new features in the April Fools’ updates, might we see something like this in the game one day? Only time will tell. For now, however, jump into Craftmine, create your Mines, and let the Eye of Exit lead your escape!

Bhasker Sekar is no stranger to the concept of an uphill journey. As a teenager in Class IX, he supplemented the family income (his parents are tea estate workers from Tirunelveli), earning `30 per trip as a trekking guide in Munnar.
A few decades on, he finds it hard to believe that an adolescent hustle has transformed into a full-time vocation that has transformed the lives of 600 deserving children in the tea estates of this dreamy hill station.
His journey has been anything but breezy. As a youngster, he was left to fend for himself on account of his father’s worsening asthma, which involved frequent hospitalisations. With his mother in charge of the caregiving, Bhasker took on the role of breadwinner.
At 14, he under-took his first exercise as a trekking guide in the company of Edvin, a tourist from Down Under. The mod-est sum of `30 that was his guide fees, ignited an entrepreneurial spark in Bhasker, which would find fruition later.
Having discontinued his studies due to financial constraints, Bhask-er took up casual labour in Tirupur and later moved to Bengaluru’s garment export industry. A turning point came when he realised the importance of education during the formative years.
With an aim to turn around the lives of the children of tea estate labourers, who faced sim-ilar challenges, Bhasker began offering trekking and tour packages to friends and foreigners.
The earnings were channelled into supporting these children. Ten years ago, Bhasker sponsored the studies of two children; today, he supports around 600 students from Class I to IV. His priority is a group of youngsters from remote villages where ac-cessing basic educational resources is a challenge.
Their parents are compelled to travel far for bare necessities like pencils or notebooks, hindering the children’s education. Bhasker never solicits donations from individuals or organisations. His trek and tour packages are the sole source of funding for his philanthropic efforts.
To support his family, Bhasker continues to work in Bengaluru.
“Tea estate workers are paid a daily wage of around `400, making it impossible for them to travel 50km to purchase essential school supplies like pencils and notebooks. As a result, their children often attend school without these basic necessities. Thanks to Bhasker’s intervention, within two days of the new academic year, the children receive essential supplies,” says Sudakar, a teacher at ALPS Silent Valley School in Munnar.
The local community has taken notice of Bhasker’s work. Owners of resorts and tents and jeep drivers of-fer him discounted rates, enabling him to organise packages for about 3,000 people annually in Munnar and Wayanad. Bhasker’s initiative has also gone digital, with the launch of his social media handle, Munnar Memories. Through his inspiring story, Bhasker has shown that even the smallest actions can make a big difference in the lives of the needy.
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A startup run by Tim Stokely, founder of adult content social media site OnlyFans, has partnered with a cryptocurrency foundation to submit a late-stage plan to acquire short video app TikTok from Chinese owner ByteDance, the two said on Wednesday.

The intent to bid was sent this week to the White House by Zoop, billionaire Stokely’s new company, and the Hbar Foundation, which manages the Hedera cryptocurrency network’s treasury.

While OnlyFans is known mainly for pornography, Zoop is mainstream and family-friendly, and gives back the majority of its revenue to those who post on the site, rewarding them for driving up user engagement.

“Our bid for TikTok isn’t just about changing ownership, it’s about creating a new paradigm where both creators and their communities benefit directly from the value they generate,” Zoop co-founder RJ Phillips told Reuters.

The partners have been working with a consortium of investors, Phillips said. He declined to provide details on the bid or the investors backing it.

On Wednesday, Amazon also put in a last-minute offer to buy TikTok, the New York Times reported.

US President Donald Trump is expected on Wednesday to consider a proposal for TikTok to decide the fate of the app used by 170 million Americans. ByteDance faces an April 5 deadline to either sell TikTok or face a US ban on national security grounds under a US law that took effect on January 19.

The law, passed last year with broad bipartisan support, reflects concern in Washington that TikTok’s ownership makes it beholden to the Chinese government and that Beijing could use the app to conduct influence operations against the United States.

TikTok advocates argue that the ban unlawfully threatens to restrict Americans from accessing foreign media in violation of the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech.

Trump postponed enforcement of the law until April 5 after taking office in January to give himself time to shepherd a deal. He has said he could extend the deadline further if needed.

The talks on TikTok have coalesced around a plan for the biggest non-Chinese investors in ByteDance to raise their stakes and acquire the app’s US operations, Reuters has reported.

Trump said last month his administration was in touch with four different groups about a prospective TikTok deal, without identifying them.

In the closely watched sale of TikTok, the White House is playing the role of an investment bank, with US Vice President JD Vance running the auction.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Asia. However, unlike other Asian nations, the city-state is also a cosmopolitan mashup of dozens of distinct cultures. Those who are thinking of taking a trip or relocating to Singapore should also educate themselves on the cultural norms. It is also important to become familiar with Singaporean customs and laws in order to successfully adapt to the area. Here are some things to avoid while travelling to Singapore. 

Also Read: One City, Five Experiences: 5 Most Unique Things To Do In Kolkata

10 Things To Avoid While Travelling In Singapore:

1. Don’t take cabs as they are too expensive in Singapore. Instead, use public transport such as MRT (metro) or public buses, which is way cheaper, as suggested by the Instagram page @travelerchirag.

2. Instead of buying MRT card (EZ link card), you can use your debit and credit card (any forex or niyo global) to access the metro and buses.

3. Do not buy tickets for Marina Bay Sands observatory; instead, go to Lavo restaurant and get the same view for free. You can also book a table in the restaurant and enjoy drinks & food with a view at the same price.

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Avoid planning Universal Studios on weekends as you have to wait a minimum of 1-2 hours for every ride. Instead, plan it on weekdays. Also don’t waste your money on express tickets, it’s useless.

5. Do not buy an additional ticket for Changi Canopy, as you can get better views from different floors of Changi Mall.

Also Read: 8 Jaw-Dropping Islands You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

6. Do not forget to bring your passport if you are going for shopping in malls. You can ask for a GST receipt while shopping and later claim a GST refund at Changi Airport. This will save a lot of bucks.

7. Do not carry chewing gum from India as this is banned in Singapore. Also, you can not eat or drink in public transport, otherwise you will have to pay hefty fines.

8. Do not litter. As simple as it seems, you do not want to overlook this rule in Singapore. It is one of the world’s cleanest cities. If found littering, you might be fined or forced to perform community service in Singapore. 

9. Even while you wouldn’t face any legal repercussions, showing your feet, pointing with your toes, or in any other way displaying the bottom of your feet might offend someone. Since Singapore is a melting pot of Asian cultures, many Asians believe that showing feet to someone might be interpreted as disrespectful.

10. Tipping for service at a restaurant, café, or other establishment is not customary. You won’t be required to pay any tip since the Goods and Services Tax will be applied to your bill.  

With these tips in mind, you are ready to have a rocking, hassle-free vacation in Singapore. 

10 Best Luxury Resorts In Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand, in the lap of the Himalayas, is a paradise for nature buffs and adventure enthusiasts, and also for luxury lovers. It is a mesmerizing state in northern India, celebrated for its majestic Himalayan peaks, verdant valleys, and serene rivers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and fresh air, this state offers a plethora of luxury resorts that promise an unforgettable experience. Here, we explore some of the best luxury resorts in Uttarakhand, each offering unique experiences and world-class amenities.

Also Read: 6 Offbeat Getaways In Himachal Perfect For A Quiet Escape

Here Are Top 10 Luxury Resorts In Uttarakhand To Explore:

1. Ananda in the Himalayas

Located in the tranquil town of Narendra Nagar, Ananda in the Himalayas is a globally acclaimed wellness retreat. This resort is renowned for its holistic approach to health and wellness, combining traditional Indian practices like Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation with modern spa therapies. The luxurious rooms and suites offer stunning views of the surrounding forests and the Ganges River valley. Guests can indulge in gourmet organic cuisine, personalized wellness programs, and outdoor activities like trekking and nature walks

2. Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa

Nestled amidst the picturesque Malsi Forest and the majestic Himalayan range, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa is one of the largest luxury hotels in Uttarakhand. The resort features more than guest accommodations, including spacious suites and interconnecting rooms with balconies offering stunning views. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, a fitness center, a bar, a spa, and versatile event spaces

3. Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun

Located along the cusp of Dehradun, Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun offers a relaxing and effortless stay. The hotel features contemporary rooms and suites with postcard-worthy views, a sparkling swimming pool, a fitness center, and three signature restaurants serving authentic cuisine. It is an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Rajpur Road and Mussoorie hill station.

4. Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa

Perched on the banks of the Ganges River, Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa is a luxurious retreat that offers a perfect blend of comfort and spirituality. The resort features elegantly designed rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the river and the mountains. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including yoga sessions, river rafting, and nature walks. The resort also boasts a spa, a swimming pool, and a fine dining restaurant serving local and international cuisine

Also Read: Eravikulam National Park In Kerala Reopens On April 1: Complete Guide For Wildlife Enthusiasts

5. Taj Corbett Resort & Spa

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa is a luxury mountain retreat surrounded by the legendary Jim Corbett National Park. The resort offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a variety of dining options, and activities like jungle safaris, nature trails, and river rafting. Guests can relax in the swimming pool or indulge in pampering treatments at the J Wellness Circle spa

6. The Westin Resort & Spa

The Westin Resort & Spa offers a tranquil escape amidst lush greenery. Located near Gurgaon, this 5-star resort features elegant villas with private pools, a Heavenly Spa by Westin, diverse dining options, and recreational activities for the entire family. It is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life

Also Read: Best Hot Air Balloon Rides In India For A Sky-High Adventure

7. The Roseate Ganges Rishikesh

Situated in Rishikesh, The Roseate Ganges offers a luxurious retreat on the banks of the river Ganges. The resort features well-appointed villas with private balconies, a temperature-controlled infinity swimming pool, and fine dining options. Guests can enjoy activities like hiking, trekking, river rafting, and yoga sessions, making it a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation

8. Six Senses By Vana

Six Senses Vana is a wellness retreat in Dehradun that combines Ayurveda, Yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and Natural Healing Therapies. The resort offers full-board accommodation with guided nutrition, daily retreat activities, wellness consultations, and personalized support. It is an ideal destination for those seeking physical, mental, and spiritual wellness

9. Naukuchia House, Naukuchiatal – IHCL SeleQtions

Located along the famed Naukuchiatal Lake, Naukuchia House – IHCL SeleQtions presents a luxurious estate with a Himalayan backdrop. The resort features elegantly designed rooms and suites with views of the lake and surrounding forests. Guests can enjoy activities like bird watching, nature walks, and exploring the local culture. The dining experience embraces the Himalayan way of slow living with hyperlocal ingredients.

10. Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness, Jim Corbett National Park

Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness is a luxurious, eco-friendly resort sprawled over 13.5 acres adjacent to the Bijrani Zone of Jim Corbett National Park. The resort offers Victorian-style villas with plush interiors, providing guests with a blend of elegance and comfort. Accommodations range from the Corbett Club rooms to The Villa, catering to various group sizes and preferences. Each unit features private balconies with views of the forest or gardens, immersing guests in the natural surroundings.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best luxury resorts in Uttarakhand for a truly memorable vacation.
 

The TV show Jamuniya has been making waves, sparking conversations about beauty, acceptance, and inner strength. The show follows the journey of Jamuniya, a young woman who constantly faces judgment because of her dusky complexion. In a society where beauty is often defined by fairness, every day is a test for her. But Jamuniya is not one to back down—she fights against these prejudices with her unwavering spirit and resilience.
Talking about the significance of the show’s name and its deeper meaning, lead actress Aleya Ghosh shares, “Jamuniya, like the Jamun fruit, is full of strength and goodness. Just as Jamun is packed with health benefits, my character is much more than just her appearance. She is fearless and stands up for what is right. In the current track, she has proven her worth—she knows how to fight for herself. She won’t let anyone wrong her, and she will go to any lengths to protect her husband, even if he and her family refuse to accept her. People often judge based on looks, but true beauty lies in courage, kindness, and resilience. It’s time we move beyond skin tone and recognize the real hero within.”
Earlier, Aleya had shared, “I never thought I’d play a negative role, but as an artist, I always want to explore different aspects of performance. I can’t reveal much about my character, Madhumati, just yet; there’s a reason she hasn’t been talked about much. But one thing is certain—wherever she goes, drama will follow. As the owner of Rangmahal, she is set to bring significant twists and surprises.”

Through Jamuniya’s struggles and victories, the show delivers a powerful message—beauty isn’t about appearance; it’s about strength, determination, and a pure heart.

The deaths from the massive earthquake that hit Myanmar nearly a week ago rose Thursday to 3,085 as more bodies were found by search and rescue teams, the military-led government said.

In a short statement, the military said another 4,715 people have been injured and 341 are missing.

The epicenter of Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. It brought down thousands of buildings, buckled roads and destroyed bridges in multiple regions.

Local media reports of casualties have been much higher than the official figures and with telecommunications widely out and many places difficult to reach, it’s thought the numbers could rise sharply as more details come in.

Myanmar’s military seized power in 2021 from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking what has turned into a civil war.

The quake worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis, with more than 3 million people had been displaced from their homes and nearly 20 million were in need even before it hit, according to the United Nations.

Amid growing fears that ongoing fighting could hamper humanitarian aid efforts, the military declared a temporary ceasefire Wednesday, through April 22. The announcement followed unilateral temporary ceasefires announced by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule.

In the military’s announcement, it said it would still take “necessary” measures against those groups if they use the ceasefire to regroup, train or launch attacks.

In Bangkok, where the quake brought down a skyscraper under construction, the search for survivors and bodies continued as Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said a possible sound of life was detected amid the rubble. Twenty-two people were killed, and 35 injured, in the city, mostly by the collapse of the unfinished building.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)