The death toll from US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Yemen has risen to 53, including five children and two women, according to the Houthi rebels’ health ministry. The strikes, which took place on Saturday, targeted multiple Houthi sites, with Washington citing the group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea as the primary reason.

US Justifies Strikes as Response to Red Sea Attacks

US President Donald Trump described the operation as a “decisive and powerful” wave of airstrikes aimed at curbing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea.

“Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft, and targeted our troops and allies,” Trump stated, adding that their “piracy, violence, and terrorism” have cost billions and endangered lives.

Trump warned the Houthis in a social media post:

“HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE.”

Houthis Vow Retaliation Against US and Allies

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed continued attacks on US and allied ships in the Red Sea as long as the US keeps targeting their forces.

“We will continue to strike back until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza,” the group stated, reaffirming its support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.

The Houthis have targeted commercial vessels since November 2023, sinking two ships, seizing another, and killing four crew members.

US Officials: Key Houthi Leaders Targeted

US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz claimed the Saturday strikes had taken out several Houthi leaders. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the military campaign would continue until the Houthi attacks ceased. Talking  to Fox Business, he told that this campaign is about freedom of navigation and restoring deterrence.

Additional US airstrikes reportedly hit Al Jaouf and Hudaydah early on Monday, though Washington has yet to confirm these operations.

Iran Condemns US Strikes, Calls for End to Aggression

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Washington’s actions, urging the US to:

“End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism. Stop killing Yemeni people.”

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for “utmost restraint” and a cessation of all military activities in Yemen.

US Denies Houthi Claims of Attacks on Aircraft Carrier

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for two attacks on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, but a US official told Reuters that American warplanes intercepted 11 Houthi drones before they could reach the carrier. The US has not commented on the Houthis’ second claim.a

Ola Electric’s share price fell nearly 6% on Monday after Rosmerta Digital Services Ltd announced plans to file an insolvency petition against its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ola Electric Technologies Pvt Ltd. The petition, citing unpaid dues, was filed under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) and submitted to the Bengaluru Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Ola Electric’s response

Ola Electric Mobility has contested the claims, stating that it has sought legal counsel and will take all necessary actions to challenge the petition. The company mentioned that it had been renegotiating its agreements with Rosmerta Digital Services Pvt Ltd and Shimnit India Pvt Ltd to reduce costs and enhance efficiency in vehicle registration services.

Stock performance and market impact

Opening Price (BSE): Rs 50 per share

Intraday High: Rs 50.16

Intraday Low: Rs 48.61

Market analysts remain bearish on Ola Electric’s stock. Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities, noted that the stock has been on a steady decline post-IPO, breaking below its base price of ₹76.

“After peaking at ₹157 post-IPO, the stock has been in a firm downtrend. The break below ₹76 suggests that the next key support level is ₹34. Unless a strong reversal occurs, further selling pressure is likely,” Jain stated.

Ola Electric’s Q3 2024 financial results

Ola Electric Mobility reported a widening consolidated net loss of ₹564 crore for Q3 2024, compared to ₹376 crore in the same quarter last year.

Revenue from operations: ₹1,045 crore (down from ₹1,296 crore year-on-year)

Increased expenses: Due to rising competition and one-time costs for service-related improvements

Despite financial struggles, the company noted that it achieved its highest-ever e-scooter registrations of 3.33 lakh units in Q3, marking a 37.5% increase from last year.

The Telangana government has officially launched the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme, aimed at providing self-employment loans to youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities. The online application process begins today, March 17, on the official website tgobmms.cgg.gov.in. The eligible beneficiaries can submit their applications till April 5.

Financial Assistance & Loan Categories

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹3 lakh in financial assistance to set up self-employment units. The loan structure is categorized into three segments:

Category 1: Loans up to ₹1 lakh with an 80% subsidy (remaining 20% to be arranged by the beneficiary or through bank linkage).

Category 2: Loans between ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh with a 70% subsidy.

Category 3: Loans up to ₹3 lakh with a 60% subsidy.

The initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and enhance economic self-reliance among marginalized communities.

Application & Selection Process

Application Start Date: March 17, 2025

Application Portal: tgobmms.cgg.gov.in

Scrutiny Period: April 6 – May 31, 2025

Loan Sanction & Disbursement: June 2, 2025 (on Telangana Formation Day)

Government Review & Implementation

On Sunday, March 16, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, along with SC, ST, and Minority welfare corporations’ chairpersons, held a review meeting at Praja Bhavan to finalize the scheme’s implementation.

How to Apply?

Eligible candidates can apply online through the official Telangana Government portal. Those requiring assistance can contact to District BC Welfare Officers or Ex Officio ED BC Corporation officials.