South Korea is battling its largest wildfires on record, killing 27 and displacing tens of thousands. The blazes, which began on March 21 in the southeast, have devastated homes and cultural sites, including a 1,300-year-old temple in Uiseong. Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the infernos, making firefighting efforts difficult. Helicopters face risks, with one crashing during operations. Authorities suspect human activities ignited multiple fires. Eyewitnesses describe "apocalyptic" destruction. Officials warn that more cultural sites remain under threat as emergency teams race to contain the disaster. (PC: Getty Images)

A resurfaced video of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki criticizing AI-generated animation has gone viral. Miyazaki, known for Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, called AI art an "insult to life itself," rejecting its lack of human emotion. The clip shows animators presenting an AI-generated zombie animation, which Miyazaki found disturbing. His remarks contrast with the growing popularity of OpenAI's GPT-4o, which generates Ghibli-style images. Social media users, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have embraced AI-created Ghibli-inspired art, reigniting debates on AI’s role in creativity.

Over the past five days, three minors have died, and 25 others have fallen ill at the Rajkiya Balgriha children's shelter home on Mohan Road, Lucknow, due to suspected groundwater contamination. The facility houses around 170 destitute children aged 10 to 18. The first illness was reported on March 22, with cases rapidly increasing. Authorities suspect a link between the borewell and a nearby septic tank. Water and food samples have been collected for testing, and a new borewell and industrial-grade water purifier are being installed to prevent further health hazards. Investigations are ongoing. (PC: The Hindusthan Gazette)  

Congress workers clashed with police in Bhubaneswar after 14 party MLAs were suspended for disrupting Odisha Assembly proceedings. Protesters attempted to breach barricades, prompting police to use lathicharge and water cannons. Visuals showed workers throwing chairs as security forces intervened. The opposition condemned the move as "undemocratic," while BJD MLAs sprinkled 'Ganga Jal' in the Assembly, alleging police presence "polluted" it. Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das urged peaceful protests. Authorities deployed 80 police platoons, including 10 women’s units, as preventive arrests were made. The standoff continues. (PC: India Today)

Indian PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan, accused of "supporting Hamas," says she feels betrayed after Columbia University failed to defend her when the U.S. revoked her visa. Srinivasan, who spent five years at Columbia in Urban Planning, left for Canada on March 11, fearing arrest. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled her a "terrorist sympathizer." Srinivasan still hopes Columbia will reinstate her enrollment, saying, "All the requirements for my PhD are complete." A viral video showed her leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport. She is currently staying with friends and family in Canada. (PC: X/@Sec_Noem)

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time F1 champion, "can no longer communicate verbally" and remains fully dependent on caregivers, according to German journalist Felix Gorner. Schumacher, 56, suffered severe brain injuries in a 2013 skiing accident and has been under private care ever since. His family has strictly protected his privacy, allowing only around 20 people access to him. Gorner’s update follows past claims that Schumacher communicates through eye movements. His son, Mick Schumacher, acknowledged in 2021 that their relationship would have been different if his father were healthy. The family continues to shield Schumacher’s condition from the public. (PC: AFP) 

A significant drop in English participation marks IPL 2025, with only ten England players featuring, compared to eighteen in 2024. Star players like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook have opted out to prioritize England’s packed international schedule, including a five-Test series against India and the Ashes. Stokes cited workload management as a key factor, emphasizing the need to prolong his England career. This shift highlights a growing trend of English players choosing national duty over lucrative T20 leagues, raising concerns about player availability for future IPL seasons. The decision underscores the increasing demands of international cricket. (PC: Wikipedia)  

Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-hee passed away at 63 due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday. Han, who led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile division, had chaired the company’s shareholder meeting last week. He joined Samsung nearly 40 years ago and became CEO in 2022. His death comes as the company struggles with falling share prices and competition in AI-driven semiconductors. Samsung, which lost its smartphone market lead to Apple, has yet to name Han’s successor. A company spokesperson confirmed he was scheduled to attend a product launch on Wednesday. (PC: boomerang)

At least six people are feared dead and nine others injured after a tourist submarine sank near Hurghada, Egypt, early Thursday. According to local sources, 29 people were rescued, while the injured—four in critical condition—were taken to nearby hospitals. The submarine was carrying around 40 tourists when the incident occurred. Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking, while rescue operations continue. The Red Sea region is a popular tourist destination, known for its diving and underwater excursions. More details are expected as officials work to determine the circumstances behind the tragic accident. (PC: BBC News)  

Anna Prokofieva, a 35-year-old journalist with Russia’s state-run Channel One, was killed in a landmine explosion in Russia’s Belgorod region near the Ukraine border. Cameraman Dmitry Volkov was seriously injured. Channel One stated they ran over a landmine planted by Ukrainian forces. Prokofieva had been covering the Ukraine war since 2023, often posting pro-Kremlin content. Her last Telegram post depicted her in military fatigues near the border. Russia’s Belgorod region has seen frequent attacks, with nearly 20 journalists killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (PC: X/@russembkenya)