A devastating earthquake in Myanmar’s Sagaing region has left the local Muslim community grappling with grief and logistical challenges in burying their dead. Many victims, whom Soe Nay Oo described as his spiritual family, perished during Ramadan. Due to military conflict, the Muslim cemetery in Sagaing remains inaccessible, forcing families to transport bodies to Mandalay for burial—sometimes beyond the 24-hour Islamic tradition. The crisis is worsened by continued military bombings and displacement. Soe Nay Oo, now in Thailand, is coordinating rescue efforts but struggles with survivor’s guilt, sleepless nights, and concern for missing loved ones.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating ASAR Social Impact Advisors, a company funded by George Soros' Economic Development Fund, which also received Rs 8 crore from USAID in 2022-23. This funding, part of a broader probe into violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, was reportedly for services provided to the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW). The ED is questioning the legitimacy of these transactions and exploring whether they align with India's regulatory requirements, particularly considering Soros' organizations' past scrutiny under the Ministry of Home Affairs. ( PC: The Times of India)  

Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker set a new record for the longest continuous speech in Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes. His speech, aimed at criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration, focused on what Booker described as reckless attacks on U.S. democratic institutions. Booker's address surpassed the 67-year-old record set by Senator Strom Thurmond. He condemned Trump’s government policies, including cuts to federal agencies and the challenge to the judicial system. The marathon speech reflects growing Democratic discontent with Trump’s actions and the Republican-controlled Congress.(PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump will announce new reciprocal tariffs today, effective immediately, with auto tariffs set for April 3. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is "perfecting" the strategy to ensure a "perfect deal" for American workers. The tariffs target imports from Canada, Mexico, and key sectors like metals and automobiles. Trump is open to negotiations but insists on correcting "wrongs of the past." The announcement will be made at 4 PM (local time) in the White House Rose Garden. Some global leaders have already contacted the administration, signaling potential trade tensions. (PC: India Today)

The Lok Sabha will debate the Waqf (Amendment) Bill today, with the BJP issuing a whip to ensure its passage. The INDIA bloc held a strategy meeting and vowed to oppose the bill, calling it “unconstitutional.” Congress demanded more debate time and raised concerns about other issues, including Manipur. The bill proposes 40 amendments, including Muslim women’s representation in Waqf boards. JD(U) announced support for the NDA government. Delhi Police increased security in sensitive areas. Opposition leaders urged secular parties to vote against the bill. (PC: X/INCIndia)

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to fire over 10,000 local and American employees and shut all overseas offices by September, sources confirmed. Elon Musk's cost-cutting team, following Donald Trump’s directive, is finalizing the agency’s dissolution, with functions being absorbed into the State Department. USAID, which operated in over 60 countries, played a key role in humanitarian aid, including in Ukraine, Jordan, and Gaza. Critics warn of severe global aid disruptions. “Every position eliminated,” an internal memo read. Layoff notices were issued Friday, marking the agency’s final closure after 60 years. (PC: Reuters)

A burst gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Malaysia, ignited a massive fire on Tuesday, injuring 112 people and damaging 49 houses. The inferno, visible for miles, erupted near a gas station during Eid celebrations. National oil company Petronas confirmed the fire started at 8:10 a.m., with emergency teams isolating the pipeline. Selangor authorities evacuated residents, relocating them to mosques. Some victims suffered burns and breathing difficulties, with 63 hospitalized. Eyewitnesses described tremors and collapsing structures. Viral videos captured flames reaching 20 stories high. Investigations continue as Petronas shuts three gas stations as a precaution. (PC: AP)

Russia dismissed US President Donald Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal, stating it fails to address the “root causes” of the conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow takes Washington’s proposals seriously but cannot accept them in their current form. Trump, who promised to end the war swiftly, has expressed frustration with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Kyiv reported fresh Russian strikes on power facilities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged ongoing US-Russia talks but stressed the complexity of the negotiations. Western allies remain wary of Trump’s evolving stance on Russia. (PC: AFP)

From April 1, UK households face significant bill increases: energy costs will rise by 6.4%, adding £111 annually; water bills will surge by 26%; council tax may increase up to 9.99%; car tax and TV licences will each go up by £5; and broadband and mobile phone bills are set to rise by £21.99 to £42 annually for many customers. These hikes, dubbed "awful April," will intensify financial strains, especially for low- and middle-income families. Consumer groups recommend exploring cost-cutting measures, while political figures urge governmental intervention to alleviate the burden on affected households. (PC: Evening Standard)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and leaving survivors in dire need of food, water, and shelter. Aid groups report that many are sleeping outdoors due to fear of aftershocks, highlighting an urgent need for tents and medical care. Ongoing civil conflict and damaged infrastructure are severely hindering rescue and relief efforts. In Bangkok, search operations continue in the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper, with 13 confirmed deaths and 74 individuals still missing. Initial investigations suggest substandard steel may have contributed to the building's collapse. (PC: Reuters)