Myanmar earthquake, Protests against Mamta Banerjee, Cabinet approves 2% hike in DA & more

Two powerful earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude struck Myanmar today, prompting the junta to declare an emergency and suspend metro and rail services. At least 20 people reportedly died, including 10 at a mosque where people were praying. Tremors were also felt in Thailand. Protests erupted at Oxford University's Kellogg College as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered her maiden speech on ‘Women’s Empowerment in Bengal’. The Students’ Federation of India, UK, raised slogans over post-poll violence and the RG Kar College rape-murder case. The Delhi Police informed the Rouse Avenue Court that an FIR has been registered against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, former MLA Gulab Chand, and BJP councillor Nitika Sharma for allegedly misusing public funds and defacing property with hoardings in Dwarka in 2019. The Union Cabinet today approved a 2 per cent hike in the Dearness Allowance for central government employees and Dearness Relief for pensioners, effective April 1, 2025.