Climate: Earthquake in Southeast Asia Makes More than 1700 Casualties
On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, the strongest earthquake the country has seen in a century. Followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock, the US Geological Survey projects the death toll could potentially exceed 10,000. Myanmar, as it is contending with the aftermath of a 2021 military coup, is struggling to receive assistance from aid groups due to its communication blackouts and damaged roads, according to “CNN.” Neighboring countries have been affected as well; “AP News” reported that a high-rise building near the famous Chatuchak market in Bangkok, Thailand collapsed, claiming 18 lives and leaving over 80 people unaccounted for. Rescue groups dispatched by China and India have sent food and blankets, but shortages of heavy machinery continue to impede relief efforts.
Politics: Fears of Civil War Relapse After South Sudan Vice President Is Arrested
Riek Machar, South Sudan’s vice president, was placed under house arrest on March 26 on the grounds of “stirring up rebellion,” says Reuters. On the day of the arrest, Sudan’s defense minister and chief of national security barged into Machar’s residence, disarmed his bodyguards, and presented him with an arrest warrant containing vague charges. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei accused Machar of “disrupting peace so that elections are not held and South Sudan goes back to war.” Machar is affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition, a party with a long-standing rivalry against President Salva Kiir. As stated in “The New York Times,” this detention jeopardizes a fragile peace agreement ratified in 2018 between Machar and Kiir, one that terminated a five-year civil war that killed roughly 400,000 people.
Technology: European Union Invests $1.4 Billion in Artificial Intelligence
Last Friday, the European Nations (E.U.) announced a $1.4 billion investment in artificial intelligence, digital skills, and cybersecurity, as reported by Reuters. The work program devises several investments from 2025 to 2027, funding cyber resilience and infrastructure for healthcare providers, businesses, and public administration. Additionally, these funds will go toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects to educate workers about data security. To qualify for the funding, companies must have a base in an E.U. member state, according to the European Commission. The investment is part of a larger Digital Europe Programme that calls for $8.7 billion for technology products over a four-year period.
Economy: Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Receive $73 Million in U.S. Aid
The United States pledged $73 million in aid through the United Nations’ (U.N.) food agency, intending to support Rohingya Refugees located in Bangladesh, according to “AP News.” As reported by “Reuters,” this news eased worries among the more than one million refugees, as the U.N. raised concerns regarding the potential decrease in food aid and rations signaled by the Trump administration’s announcements to cut funds for international aid. Washington, the largest provider aiding Rohingya refugees with emergency food and nutrition, has contributed over $2.4 billion since 2017. Despite the U.S. and U.N.’s international efforts, the Rohingya refugees’ futures remain uncertain given the complexities regarding the resistance against repatriation in Myanmar, further prolonging the turbulence.
Culture: Will Smith Releases Album About Slapping Chris Rock
Will Smith released an album called Based on a True Story, addressing the infamous 2022 Oscar slap incident involving Chris Rock. Released on March 28, three years after the event, Will Smith reignited the adversary by dropping a rap album filled with references to the night at the Academy Awards, says “The Guardian.” On the first track of the album titled “Int Barbershop,” he immediately confronts the incident while attacking the Oscars, claiming he was canceled and forced to return his reward in derision. The second track, “You Lookin’ For Me?,” reinforces his uncompromising spirit with the lyric “Took a lot, I’m back on top / Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated / Even though I won’t get nominated,” as stated by “ABC News.” However, though penalized for slapping Chris Rock, Will was never actually asked to return the Oscar—a claim he repeatedly fortifies and weaponizes throughout his album, raising questions about the factual accuracy of his lyrics.
War and Conflict: U.S. Airstrikes Thrash Houthi-Controlled Regions of Yemen
U.S. airstrikes attacked the Hajjah governorate and Sanaa, Yemen’s rebel-held capital controlled by Houthis, overnight into Monday morning, killing at least three people and wounding 12, according to The “New York Post.” The strikes are a part of a broader campaign launched on March 15, and appear to be more intense than previous attacks. The new campaign of airstrikes began in response to the rebels threatening to target “Israeli” ships, says “PBS.” According to “AP News,” the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors from November 2023 until January 2025.
