A partial solar eclipse, the first of the year 2025, is set to unfold today, March 29. While this celestial phenomenon will be observable from several parts of the world, it will not be visible from any region in India. The eclipse is expected to start around 2:20:43 PM IST and continue until 6:13:45 PM IST, with visibility dependent on geographic location.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Unlike a total eclipse where the Moon entirely blocks the Sun, a partial solar eclipse leaves part of the Sun exposed. As the Moon partially covers the Sun, it creates a striking crescent-like shape in the sky. Today’s eclipse is also expected to produce a rare “double sunrise” effect — where the Sun appears to rise, dim briefly, and rise again — typically visible in areas where the eclipse coincides with sunrise.

A global event, but not for Indian skies

According to space data agencies, about 100 crore (1 billion) people will be in locations where they can witness this partial eclipse. However, only around 44,800 people will see at least 90% coverage of the Sun — marking a very limited population for the highest visibility range.

Watch safely — never directly

Experts strongly advise against looking at the Sun directly during any solar eclipse. Viewers should only use certified solar viewing glasses, eclipse glasses, or handheld solar viewers. Watching through regular cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters can lead to severe eye damage.

Livestreaming options for virtual viewing

For those in India and elsewhere who cannot witness the eclipse directly, several global platforms like NASA and SLOOH Observatory are offering live streaming on their websites and social media channels. Indian space authorities like ISRO may also stream the event live. Viewers can access real-time visuals and expert commentary from the comfort of their homes.

The eclipse pairing rule

Astronomers remind us that eclipses always occur in pairs. This solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse that occurred just two weeks ago. Another pair of solar and lunar eclipses is expected to occur in September 2025, in line with the seasonal pattern of eclipses occurring roughly six months apart.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, shaking parts of Southeast Asia and eastern India and causing large-scale devastation. The earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks, including one measuring 6.7 in magnitude, have resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people and injured more than 2,376 across Myanmar and Thailand.

Myanmar reels under quake amid ongoing civil conflict

The epicentre was located northwest of Sagaing in Myanmar and struck at a shallow depth of 10 km around 12:50 pm local time. The tremors were felt as far as eastern India, China, Cambodia, and Laos. Myanmar’s military administration confirmed that over 1,000 people have died due to the quake, with rescue and relief efforts severely hampered by the country’s ongoing civil war and under-resourced emergency response system.

In Mandalay, major buildings collapsed, leaving behind mangled steel and concrete. Emergency workers and local residents continue to dig through rubble to rescue those trapped. The Ava Bridge, an almost century-old structure across the Irrawaddy River, also gave way during the tremors.

Thailand reports deaths, dozens feared trapped

In neighbouring Thailand, the quake led to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near Bangkok’s Chatuchak market, killing 10 people. Authorities fear up to 100 workers may still be trapped in the debris.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.

International aid begins to arrive

Myanmar’s military junta made a rare appeal for global assistance, with General Min Aung Hlaing calling on “any country, any organisation” for support. India promptly responded, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern and offering help.

India’s Air Force dispatched 15 tonnes of relief supplies — including blankets, tents, medicines, and water purifiers — from the Hindon air base to Myanmar.

The United States and European Union also pledged support. US President Donald Trump confirmed communication with Myanmar officials and assured assistance, calling the situation “a real bad one.”

The Indian embassy in Thailand reported no casualties among Indian nationals and advised caution amid aftershocks.

A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, sending strong tremors across northern Thailand and parts of China. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the epicentre was located 16 km northwest of Sagaing city, approximately 250 km from the capital Naypyidaw, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The main quake was followed by a significant 6.8-magnitude aftershock.

Despite the scale of the quake, no tsunami warning has been issued so far. As of now, no official reports of casualties have been confirmed.

Tremors shake Bangkok and Yunnan

The quake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar. In Thailand, tremors prompted suspension of metro and rail services in Bangkok, while visuals of buildings swaying and people rushing into the streets went viral on social media. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reportedly called for an urgent review meeting to assess the situation.

In China’s Yunnan province, tremors were also felt, with China Earthquake Networks Center measuring the jolt at magnitude 7.9, differing slightly from USGS readings.

Viral videos capture panic and destruction

Social media platforms were flooded with terrifying footage from across affected regions. One viral video showed an infinity pool overflowing, cascading water down its side, while another clip captured water in a residential pool forming mini-tsunamis. A particularly alarming video showed a skyscraper under construction collapsing entirely.

According to open source monitoring on social media, at least 40 workers are reported missing in connection with the collapse, though this is yet to be officially verified.

Damage reported in Myanmar

While full details of the damage within Myanmar are still emerging, there are initial reports of structural collapses, including the old Sagaing Bridge over the Irrawaddy River and some residential buildings. In Mandalay, roughly 24 km from Sagaing, visuals suggest people may be trapped under debris.

Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, a tectonic boundary responsible for several major quakes in the past. Between 1930 and 1956, at least six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher struck the region. The last major tremor in 2016 claimed three lives in Bagan and damaged ancient temples.

The quake has raised concerns over Myanmar’s limited emergency response capabilities, especially given the strained medical infrastructure in rural and conflict-affected areas.