A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction. Satellite images show collapsed buildings and shacks across Mandalay and surrounding areas. The earthquake has resulted in over 1,600 confirmed deaths, with the toll expected to rise as aftershocks continue. Critical infrastructure, including airports, highways, and bridges, has been severely damaged. The earthquake's impact reached as far as Bangkok, about 1,300 kilometers away. The disaster is considered one of the deadliest natural events to hit Myanmar in recent years. Relief efforts are underway. (PC: The Hindu)

Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, agreeing to release five hostages, including an American-Israeli, in exchange for Israel permitting aid into Gaza, a temporary pause in fighting, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has responded with a counter-proposal, details of which remain undisclosed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that military operations will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed. Concurrently, Israel has expanded ground operations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The ceasefire negotiations aim to address the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian concerns. (PC: Reuters & Mint)

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a recent NBC News interview, dismissed concerns over potential car price increases resulting from new tariffs on foreign-made automobiles set to commence on April 2. He stated, "I couldn't care less" if automakers raise prices, expressing confidence that such hikes would drive consumers toward American-made vehicles. Trump emphasized that he would only consider negotiating the tariffs if substantial concessions are offered. These tariffs are part of his administration's broader strategy to bolster American manufacturing and address trade imbalances, despite criticism and concerns about consumer price impacts. (PC: Reuters)

Ranveer Allahbadia has returned to his podcast, The Ranveer Show, after months of public backlash following his controversial comments during the India’s Got Latent show. On March 30, he uploaded a new video titled Let's Talk on his YouTube channel, reflecting on his time away from content creation and the challenges he faced after the incident. Allahbadia marked his return with a post on Instagram, captioning several photos with "rebirth," signifying the start of a new chapter in his career. The podcast aims to address the controversies and reconnect with his audience. ( PC: Republic)

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known for his appearance on the YouTube show "India's Got Latent," has posted his first video since the controversy surrounding his inappropriate remarks on the show. In the video, Allahbadia expresses his intention to "write a new story," indicating a desire to move past the incident and focus on creating positive content. Previously, he had issued a public apology, admitting to his lack of judgment and expressing remorse for his comments. The controversy had led to multiple FIRs being filed against him, prompting Allahbadia to approach the Supreme Court seeking the clubbing of these cases. (PC: YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. X/@BeerBicepsGuy)

On Sunday, 11 coaches of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed in Odisha’s Cuttack district near Nirgundi, causing injuries to two passengers from Assam. The train was en route to Guwahati from Bengaluru. Rescue and restoration efforts are ongoing, with personnel from the NDRF and Odisha Fire Service involved. The affected passengers are being transferred via a relief train. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed no casualties from Assam, with the injured passengers out of danger. Three other trains, including Dhauli and Neelachal Express, were diverted due to the incident.(PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur for the first time since assuming office, becoming only the second sitting PM to do so after Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000. During his visit, he paid tribute at the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, honoring RSS founders. Modi described RSS as a "banyan tree" of India's culture. He also laid the foundation for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre and visited Deekshabhoomi, emphasizing Dr. Ambedkar's vision of social justice and a developed, inclusive India. Modi's visit highlights RSS's centenary and the nation's 75th year of constitutional celebrations. ( PC: NDTV)

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at approximately 11:54 AM, the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express derailed near Nergundi station in Odisha's Cuttack district. The accident resulted in one fatality and injuries to 25 passengers. East Coast Railway (ECoR) officials, including the General Manager and Divisional Railway Manager, promptly arrived at the scene, dispatching accident relief and medical trains to assist. A special train was arranged to transport stranded passengers to their destinations, and helpline numbers were established for inquiries. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, with efforts focused on passenger safety and restoring normal train operations. (PC: The Times of India)

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. In Bangkok, a 33-story building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least 17 deaths, 32 injuries, and 83 individuals still unaccounted for, primarily construction workers. The building was a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd., a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise. Authorities have launched an urgent investigation into the collapse, questioning the structural integrity and construction practices involved. Rescue operations continue under challenging conditions, with thermal imaging drones detecting potential survivors amidst the rubble. (PC: Reuters)

A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake has devastated Bangkok and Myanmar, leaving over 1,600 dead. In Bangkok, rescuers work tirelessly to reach those trapped beneath twisted metal and rubble. Sniffer dogs search desperately, as every move risks further collapse. Myanmar, near the epicenter in Mandalay, faces heartbreaking scenes. At Wisdom Villa Private High School, at least seven people, including teachers and children, remain trapped. Yamin Shwe Zin, a teacher, called out for help: “I am alive inside. Please help me.” Her mother, waiting outside, clings to hope. As time runs out, families anxiously await miracles amid the destruction, their loved ones’ fate uncertain in this race against time. (PC: The Seattle Times & CNA)