The devastating earthquake which struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday has claimed more than a thousand lives so far. Myanmar's Junta said on Saturday that at least 1,002 people had been killed and 2,376 others injured. The death toll and injuries are expected to rise. In Thailand, at least eight people died in the capital, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed.
The devastation caused by the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, shown in dozens of shocking videos and photos circulating on social media, has caused concerns in India too. India has recorded 159 earthquakes of varying magnitudes from November 2024 to February 2025, with the latest being a magnitude 4.0 in Delhi on February 17, as per a PIB press release. Many people have observed that earthquakes have been occurring more frequently in recent years.
India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) Rises to 1.1% of GDP in Q3 FY25
India's current account deficit (CAD) widened to $11.5 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q3 FY25 (Oct-Dec 2024) due to a higher merchandise trade deficit, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, CAD moderated from $16.7 billion (1.8% of GDP) in Q2 FY25. Foreign exchange reserves have increased by $311 billion since December 2018, marking the largest jump under any RBI Governor.
The balance of payments (BoP) saw a depletion of $37.7 billion, contrasting with an accretion of $6 billion in Q3 FY24. The full-year CAD for FY25 is expected to be around 0.8% of GDP.
Vedanta Extends Demerger Deadline Till September 30, Cites Pending Govt, NCLT Approvals
Vedanta has extended the deadline of the demerger of its businesses from March 31, 2025 to September 30, 2025 citing pending approvals from government authorities and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
The company announced about the development late on Friday. Shares of Vedanta had ended at Rs 462.90 on the NSE, down by Rs 9.45 or 2%.
The mining conglomerate is looking to demerge its businesses - aluminium, oil & gas, power and steel- as separate entities.
China Unveils Underwater 'Kill Switch' for the Internet: How This Tech Could Sever Global Connectivity
China has taken a bold step in deep-sea engineering, unveiling a device capable of slicing through the world's most reinforced undersea cables at unprecedented depths. Developed by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC) and the State Key Laboratory of Deep-Sea Manned Vehicles, the tool integrates seamlessly with China's advanced submersibles, including the Fendouzhe (Striver) and the Haidou series.
For the first time, a country has openly declared possession of such a device—one that can target undersea infrastructure vital to global communication and military operations. These cables transmit 95% of the world's data, linking continents and ensuring the smooth functioning of financial markets, defence systems, and everyday digital services.
India's Social Security Coverage Doubles: ILO Report 2024-26
India has made remarkable strides in expanding social security coverage, as highlighted in the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26. The report reveals that India's social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, demonstrating the impact of various government welfare initiatives.
According to the Ministry of Labour & Employment, nearly 920 million people (65% of the population) now benefit from at least one form of social protection, either in cash or in-kind, through central government schemes. India's progress has also contributed to a 5% increase in global social protection coverage, highlighting its role in shaping international welfare policies.
Rajneet Kohli Appointed as Executive Director of Foods at HUL
Rajneet Kohli, former CEO of Britannia Industries, has been appointed as Executive Director of the Foods and Refreshment Division at Hindustan Unilever (HUL). Effective April 7, 2025, he will replace Shiva Krishnamurthy, who is moving on to pursue an external opportunity. With 30 years of experience in consumer and retail, Kohli has played a key role in driving business growth and innovation.
His appointment comes as part of HUL's ongoing leadership transformation, reinforcing its focus on expanding the foods and beverages segment.
L&T Finance Ltd. Names Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of India's leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), has announced Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen LTF's brand presence across the country and connect with a diverse customer base.L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) is a well-established NBFC that provides a wide range of financial products and services to both urban and rural customers.
The company is known for its leadership in Rural Business Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, and Two-wheeler Finance.
March 30 is observed throughout the state to mark the establishment of Rajasthan. On this date in 1949, four states- Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer- merged into the United Rajasthan State, and the area began to be referred to as Greater Rajasthan.
Previously, Rajasthan was referred to as Rajputana, signifying "Land of Rajputs." Rajasthan translates to "home of rulers". It lies in the northwestern region of the country and hosts cultural variety. Characteristics of the state comprise remnants of the Indus Valley Civilisation, temples, and forts found in nearly every city. It is categorised into nine areas, specifically: Ajmer State, Hadauti, Dhundhar, Gorwar, Shekhawati, Mewar, Marwar, Vagad, and Mewat. They are similarly affluent in their cultural legacy and creative achievements.