Satellite imagery has captured the devastating impact of the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, leading to cataclysmic destruction and resulting in the loss of over 1,600 lives. As international aid efforts mobilize, the country’s death toll has reached 1,644. In Mandalay, residents are desperately searching through the rubble for survivors, while aftershocks continue to shake the already ravaged city.

In Thailand, the situation is similarly grim. Reports indicate a rise in the death toll to 17 as of Sunday, with city officials confirming 32 injuries and 83 individuals still unaccounted for, primarily linked to a 30-story construction tower that collapsed.

In response to the disaster, India has launched its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. A specialized rescue contingent from the 50 (I) Para Brigade was deployed to Myanmar under Operation Brahma. This team, consisting of 118 members with medical and communication capabilities, arrived at Naypyitaw International Airport yesterday, led by the brigade’s commander.

After unloading crucial supplies and equipment, the team has moved to a nearby harbor area, located approximately 45 minutes from the airport. Today marks the beginning of the mission’s expansion, with a reconnaissance unit that includes an officer and a Junior Commissioned Officer heading into Mandalay, situated 160 miles north of their current base.

Mandalay has been designated as the primary operational center, and plans are in place for the full team to arrive later this morning. While aerial deployment is the primary strategy, road access is also being considered to facilitate the establishment of the operational theater.

In light of the earthquake, neighboring countries have dispatched warships and aircraft filled with relief supplies and rescue teams. India, China, and Thailand, alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia, are among those providing support.

Indian military planes have conducted multiple flights into Myanmar, delivering essential supplies and search-and-rescue teams to Naypyitaw, where significant destruction has occurred. The Indian Army is also working to set up a field hospital in Mandalay, with two navy vessels on their way to Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial center, carrying additional supplies.

Chinese rescue teams have also arrived, including a group that entered via land from Yunnan province, as reported by China’s embassy in Myanmar. Additionally, a 78-member team from Singapore, equipped with rescue dogs, has been active in Mandalay today, according to media reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt visit to the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur on Sunday, where he honored the legacies of two influential figures in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his successor, M S Golwalkar.

Accompanied by prominent leaders, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who are all associated with Nagpur, Modi visited the memorial located in Reshimbagh, the RSS’s administrative headquarters.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with RSS officials at the Smruti Bhavan within the complex and posed for group photographs with their members. In a guestbook at the venue, Modi expressed that the memorials symbolize the core values of Indian culture and nationalism, writing, “The memorial of the two strong pillars of RSS is an inspiration to lakhs of swayamsevaks who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation.”

Modi described his emotions, stating, “I am overwhelmed to visit the Smruti Mandir which cherishes the memories of Param Pujaniya Dr. Hedgewar and Pujya Guruji.”

His visit coincided with the Sangh’s Pratipada program, celebrating Gudi Padwa, which marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year. This visit marks Modi’s first to the Smruti Mandir since he assumed office as Prime Minister. Historical perspectives were noted, especially as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had previously visited the same site on August 27, 2000.

In addition to his tribute at the Smruti Mandir, Modi visited Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, a significant site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his followers converted to Buddhism in 1956, underscoring the Prime Minister’s commitment to honoring India’s diverse historical and cultural legacy.

Upon Modi’s arrival at the Nagpur airport, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister Gadkari, and State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, further highlighting the day’s importance in the context of state and national politics.

This visit not only reinforces Modi’s ties with the RSS but also reflects his ongoing engagement with the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, aiming to inspire solidarity and national service among its citizens.

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Saturday that the government is committed to fulfilling every promise made in its election manifesto, a day after a controversial remark by his cabinet colleague, Ajit Pawar, who suggested that farmers should not expect a waiver on crop loans and should instead pay their dues on time due to the state’s financial limitations.

Shinde emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced state budget, asserting that there should be sufficient funding for welfare programs, development projects, and employee salaries.

He announced plans to increase the monthly aid for women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, contingent on the improvement of the state’s financial situation.

His statements came shortly after Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar had remarked on the necessity for farmers to manage their finances effectively rather than wait for potential relief from loan waivers.

“We will honor every commitment stated in our manifesto. No promise will be ignored, and we will never consider it a mistake in printing,” Shinde, who is also the leader of Shiv Sena, told reporters when responding to inquiries about Pawar’s comments.

While visiting the samadhi of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Vadhu, Pune district, on the anniversary of his death, Shinde reiterated the government’s ongoing support for agriculture over the last two and a half years.

He noted that the government had provided ₹16,000 crore in relief for farmers suffering from crop damage due to unseasonal rains.

He also pointed out the allocation of ₹45,000 crore for related agricultural initiatives and mentioned current programs like the Shetkari Samman Yojana and Crop Insurance Scheme, underscoring the government’s dedication to the agricultural sector.

In response to questions about the planned increase in aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde assured that “as soon as the state’s economic conditions improve, our sisters will receive ₹2,100. We will keep our promises.”

Moreover, he emphasized the need for funding across all areas, including welfare initiatives, development, and personnel wages. He expressed confidence that enhanced investments would strengthen the state’s financial position.

Defending the Saugat-e-Modi scheme against opposition criticisms, Shinde highlighted that programs initiated by the Prime Minister have successfully lifted 35 crore individuals out of poverty and provided free rations to 80 crore people across various communities.