India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ to Support Earthquake-Hit Myanmar
India has initiated ‘Operation Brahma’ to provide critical assistance to Myanmar after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed solidarity to Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during this crisis. The operation involves naval ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri delivering 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, alongside the deployment of a 118-member field hospital team via airlift. Relief efforts encompass search and rescue, medical care, and essential supplies to affected regions. India’s rapid response underscores its commitment to being a key regional partner, aiding recovery efforts and supporting Myanmar during this challenging time.
Ghibli’s Timeless Influence: Art Meets Digital Innovation
Studio Ghibli, the celebrated Japanese animation studio founded in 1985, is renowned for its intricate hand-drawn visuals and emotionally resonant stories. Films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro define its signature aesthetic, characterized by soft hues and magical realism. Recently, AI-generated Ghibli-style art has captured global attention, reimagining everyday scenes in the studio’s iconic style. These creations evoke nostalgia while showcasing the timeless beauty of Ghibli’s influence. The viral trend highlights how modern technology intersects with traditional artistry, underscoring Studio Ghibli’s enduring impact on creativity and its ability to inspire across generations and mediums.
Updated Taxation Rules for Alternative Investment Funds
The Finance Bill 2025 brings changes to the taxation framework for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), aiming for clarity and transparency. Securities held by Category I and II AIFs are now classified as capital assets, ensuring uniform tax treatment. The expanded definition of capital assets includes SEBI- and IFSCA-regulated securities, aligning regulations with market developments. Amendments to Section 10 (4D) streamline tax benefits for funds in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). These reforms focus on aligning tax laws with evolving structures, enhancing investor confidence, and supporting growth in India’s financial sector.
Indian Nationals Facing Death Penalty Abroad: Diplomatic Challenges
The execution of Shahzadi Khan in the UAE has highlighted concerns regarding Indian nationals on death row overseas. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports 49 Indian citizens facing capital punishment abroad, with 25 cases in the UAE, 11 in Saudi Arabia, and others in Malaysia, Kuwait, Indonesia, Qatar, the US, and Yemen. Indian embassies provide legal aid, consular access, and assistance with appeals or mercy petitions. However, challenges such as restrictive judicial systems and lack of transparency in some countries complicate interventions. This raises pressing diplomatic and humanitarian issues requiring coordinated global efforts to safeguard citizens.
ILO Report: India Doubles Social Security Coverage
India has achieved remarkable progress in social security, with coverage rising from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% by 2024, according to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2024-26. Key initiatives include Aadhaar-based integration of 34 schemes, such as MGNREGA and EPFO, benefiting 65% of the population with at least one form of social protection. Cash benefits reached nearly half the population. While the report excludes in-kind benefits like housing and food security, India’s overall welfare impact is even more extensive. These advancements underscore the government’s dedication to fostering economic resilience and inclusive growth.
Gaia Mission Concludes After Unlocking Milky Way’s Secrets
The European Space Agency (ESA) ended its Gaia mission on March 27, 2025, capping 12 years of revolutionary contributions to astronomy. Launched in December 2013, Gaia precisely mapped nearly two billion stars, creating an unparalleled 3D model of the Milky Way. Its data unveiled galactic mergers, new star clusters, exoplanets, black holes, and tracked thousands of asteroids and comets. Originally planned for five years, the mission far exceeded expectations, leaving a treasure trove of data for future research. Though decommissioned and now in solar orbit, Gaia’s legacy will endure, with new discoveries anticipated from its data in upcoming years.