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A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region near Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday, causing significant destruction and affecting neighboring Thailand. Myanmar, situated on the boundary of two tectonic plates, is highly susceptible to seismic activity, although major earthquakes in Sagaing have been infrequent. Experts noted that this quake, likely the most severe in 75 years, was exacerbated by its shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, resulting in intense shaking and widespread damage. The US Geological Survey estimated potential fatalities could range from 10,000 to 100,000, with economic losses possibly reaching 70% of the country's GDP. The lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure in the region, due to the rarity of such powerful quakes, has heightened the impact of this event. Historically, the last significant quake in Sagaing occurred in 1956, leaving buildings ill-equipped to withstand the recent seismic forces. 
Published: Mar 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Trump administration has announced a suspension of green card processing for certain refugees and asylees, intensifying its hardline immigration policies. This freeze affects individuals already approved for entry into the U.S. and those granted asylum through immigration courts, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to implement enhanced vetting measures aimed at identifying potential fraud and national security threats. While officials claim the pause is necessary for additional screening, critics argue that many refugees and asylees have already undergone rigorous vetting. The move is expected to exacerbate existing backlogs for Indian migrants, who represent one of the largest immigrant communities in the U.S. and have seen a significant increase in asylum applications. The Trump administration's broader immigration agenda includes tightened scrutiny of social media accounts and the implementation of executive orders focused on national security and immigration fraud.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inApple has been fined €150 million ($162.42 million) by French antitrust regulators for allegedly abusing its dominant position in mobile app advertising through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool, which has been in effect from 2021 to 2023. The French competition authority, however, did not mandate any changes to the tool, marking the first antitrust penalty against Apple related to ATT. This feature allows users to control app tracking but has faced criticism from advertisers and smaller publishers who rely on third-party data for revenue. The regulator stated that while ATT's goal of protecting personal data is commendable, its implementation disproportionately harms smaller companies. Apple expressed disappointment with the ruling but noted that no specific changes to ATT were required. This fine is significantly lower than the €1.8 billion penalty imposed by the EU last year for restricting music streaming services.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAn anti-corruption watchdog has raised alarms over irregularities in the construction of a Bangkok skyscraper that collapsed during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake last week, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and leaving 76 individuals feared trapped. Mana Nimitmongkol, president of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, revealed that the government had threatened to cancel the project earlier this year due to significant delays. The tower, a joint venture between the Thai firm Italian Thai Development PCL and China Railway Number 10, was only 30% complete at the time of the disaster. Investigations are underway, focusing on the construction materials and practices, with concerns about sub-standard steel potentially contributing to the collapse. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has mandated a thorough inquiry within a week, while shares of Italian Thai Development plummeted by 30% following the incident.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA fast-spreading wildfire known as the Silver Fire has consumed 1,000 acres in California's Eastern Sierra region, prompting evacuations across multiple counties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The fire ignited at approximately 2:11 p.m. PT on Sunday near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road in Inyo County and remains at zero percent containment. Evacuation orders have been issued for communities including Laws in Inyo County and Chalfant in Mono County, with a 30-mile segment of U.S. Highway 6 closed. Currently, no injuries or structural damage have been reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Over 200 firefighters are on the scene, though strong winds of up to 35 mph have hampered aerial firefighting efforts. The National Weather Service has warned of even stronger gusts approaching 65 mph in the coming days.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 3 pmeznews.inTurkey is experiencing unprecedented protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, with over 1,500 people detained, including journalists. The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) organized a massive rally calling for early elections, three years ahead of the scheduled 2028 vote. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the protests as “street terror,” despite recent diplomatic successes that had bolstered his image. While Erdogan’s administration has shifted Turkey towards an increasingly autocratic stance, it has failed to deliver economic prosperity, with inflation exceeding 44% and rising discontent fueling opposition support. Imamoglu, seen as Erdogan's strongest rival, has had his university degree revoked, effectively barring him from future elections. As the protests unfold, Erdogan may need to heed the lessons of Syria's Assad, whose downfall began with a heavy-handed response to dissent. The outcome of these protests could reshape Turkey’s political landscape.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inJapan aims to establish itself as a leader in hydrogen fuel to achieve its net-zero emissions goals, but the ambitious Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project faces significant challenges. Initially intended to transport liquid hydrogen from Australia, HESC will now source hydrogen domestically to meet its 2030 demonstration deadline due to concerns from Australian officials about the project's environmental impact. While hydrogen is touted for its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its climate credentials depend on production methods—ranging from "green" hydrogen generated using renewable energy to "blue" and "brown" hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. The Victorian government's reluctance to approve blue hydrogen production has compounded HESC's difficulties. Experts express skepticism about the project's viability, citing high costs and engineering hurdles, while others urge patience, noting that developing a low-carbon hydrogen market could take decades.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inAs the deadline for Donald Trump's anticipated "Liberation Day" approaches, the US president is poised to announce a series of tariffs targeting countries with significant trade imbalances with the United States. Trump's assertion that the US has been "ripped off" by global trading partners has fueled this unprecedented use of presidential powers. Critics warn that such measures may ignite a global trade war, with potential retaliatory actions from key partners like China, Canada, and the EU. The tariffs, expected to vary by country, could include additional sector-specific levies on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, alongside new auto tariffs. The so-called "Dirty 15," a group of nations with persistent trade deficits, may face particular scrutiny. While some industries welcome the tariffs, concerns about inflation and investment uncertainty loom large, prompting calls for a "fair and predictable trade environment."
Published: Mar 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inDr Sophie Chandauka, head of Prince Harry's Africa charity Sentebale, has accused the Duke of Sussex of "harassment and bullying" following his recent resignation from the charity he co-founded to support young people affected by AIDS in southern Africa. In an interview with Sky News, Dr Chandauka claimed that Prince Harry unleashed a "toxic" PR campaign, damaging both her and the charity's reputation without prior consultation. She expressed concern for the 540 individuals connected to Sentebale, stating that the situation exemplified bullying at scale. Tensions between Dr Chandauka and Prince Harry have escalated, particularly after she raised serious issues regarding the charity's governance, leading her to report trustees to the UK's Charity Commission and pursue legal action. The fallout culminated in Prince Harry's resignation, alongside co-founder Prince Seeiso, who cited a breakdown in their relationship as the reason for their departure.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA viral Reddit post has sparked intrigue and skepticism over claims that boiling a penguin egg results in translucent egg whites, unlike the opaque whites of chicken eggs. While NDTV could not verify this, a 2022 report from IFLScience suggests there is scientific basis for the phenomenon. It indicates that the albumen of a penguin egg coagulates but remains jelly-like and see-through due to its unique glycoprotein composition, particularly containing penalbumin, which aids in surviving Antarctica's harsh conditions. Historically, penguin eggs have been consumed by explorers in Antarctica, with Gentoo penguins being the most frequently utilized for food. However, hunting penguins and collecting their eggs is now illegal in most areas, except under special licenses, such as in the Falkland Islands, where locals reportedly use them to make pavlova. Boiled penguin eggs are noted to have a fishy flavor, often unappealing unless accompanied by vinegar.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inBangkok authorities remain resolute in their efforts to rescue 78 individuals trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed 33-floor skyscraper, which fell during tremors from a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar last week. Although the critical 72-hour window for survival has passed, Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej emphasized the ongoing search, stating, "We are not going to give up," and committing to a month-long rescue operation. Despite challenging weather conditions, including recent rains, international agencies and U.S. special forces are assisting local teams, employing advanced technology such as robots and thermal imaging drones. The building, part of the Chatu Chak market, was under construction for three years and was intended for Thailand's State Audit Office. Meanwhile, Myanmar faces its own devastation, with over 1,700 reported deaths and rescue efforts hampered by extreme heat and difficult conditions, exemplified by the tragic story of a pregnant woman who died after being rescued.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 12 pm
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