Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have threatened to leave Hyderabad for IPL 2025, alleging “harassment” and “blackmail” by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) over free tickets. SRH general manager Srinath TB wrote to HCA, stating, “All these unprofessional threats and actions by HCA make it evident that you don’t want Sunrisers to play at your stadium.” He also alleged that HCA locked a stadium box during a match, demanding extra tickets. “This unprofessional behavior creates a hostile environment,” he wrote. SRH has requested a meeting with HCA. If unresolved, they may find a new home venue. (PC: BCCI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas leaders could leave Gaza if they lay down their weapons. He claimed Hamas is weakening under military pressure. "We are willing to discuss the final phase. Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to go out," Netanyahu said. The statement came after Hamas agreed to release five hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. Israel has sent a counter-proposal to mediators. Israel resumed attacks in Gaza earlier this month, blocking aid. Gaza officials say over 50,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began in October 2023. (PC: Reuters)

ChatGPT faced outages as users flooded OpenAI’s platform to generate Studio Ghibli-style images. DownDetector reported 229 complaints, with most issues linked to ChatGPT access. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, "Our GPUs are melting," and announced temporary limits. Free users will now get only three image generations per day. Altman changed his profile picture to a Ghibli-style image. Meanwhile, an old video of Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki resurfaced, where he called AI art "an insult to life." Despite controversy, OpenAI continues supporting the Ghibli-inspired trend. (PC: ChatGPT)

A train accident in Odisha's Cuttack killed one person and injured eight others on Sunday. The Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derailed near Nergundi railway station. "One person has died. Eight people were injured and shifted for treatment," said District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde. Rescue teams rushed to the site. "Eleven coaches derailed at 11:54 AM," said East Coast Railway official Ashok Kumar Mishra. Relief trains were arranged for stranded passengers. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said two injured Assam residents are safe. Three trains were diverted. The Railways has issued helpline numbers for affected passengers. (PC: India Today)

OpenAI’s new image tool has taken over social media with Studio Ghibli-style AI art. Users are generating dreamy, hand-drawn-like images at an overwhelming rate. CEO Sam Altman asked users to slow down, saying, "Please chill on generating images," and adding that the team "needs sleep." To manage demand, OpenAI has limited free users to three images per day. Paid users still have access. Altman joked that GPUs were "melting" under the pressure. He also said AGI would come "sooner if you stop using our GPUs to make images." (PC: NDTV)

Europe is reassessing its defense strategies following a harsh critique from the U.S., including a blunt remark by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling the continent "PATHETIC" for relying on American defense support. The remark, coupled with President Donald Trump's confrontation with Ukraine's President Zelensky, has prompted Europe to confront its defense shortcomings. In Germany, Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has pushed to scrap the "debt brake" limiting defense spending, signaling a significant shift in Europe's military policies. This reassessment reflects growing concerns about self-defense amid the ongoing Russian threat. ( PC: CNN )

Norway is reactivating key Cold War-era military bunkers, including the Bardufoss Air Station and Olavsvern naval base, as tensions with Russia escalate. The bunkers, built during the Cold War to protect military assets from Soviet threats, are now being restored to safeguard modern equipment like the F-35 fighter jets and nuclear submarines. Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, the strategic importance of these facilities near the Arctic Circle remains high. The bunkers, some dating back to World War II, are vital in preparing Norway’s defense infrastructure amid growing concerns over Russian aggression. ( PC: BBC )

One of Russian President Vladimir Putin's luxury Aurus limousines erupted in flames after an explosion near the Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters in Moscow. The £275,000 vehicle was engulfed in fire, attracting bystanders who rushed from nearby bars to try and extinguish the blaze before emergency services arrived. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities have not confirmed if the incident was an attack targeting Putin. Investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fiery event. The incident has raised security concerns in the Russian capital. ( PC: CNBC )

Hundreds of international students, particularly from India, have been stunned after receiving emails from the US Department of State revoking their F-1 student visas. The crackdown, which stems from the Trump administration’s scrutiny of campus activism, extends to students who have shared, liked, or commented on "anti-national" posts on social media. This includes political content and memes. The US government has emphasized that violating visa terms could result in deportation and difficulty reapplying for US visas. This controversial policy has sparked debate about free speech and its intersection with immigration laws. ( PC: Hindustan Times)  

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near Mandalay on Friday, resulting in at least 1,700 deaths, over 3,400 injuries, and 300 missing individuals. Experts warn the death toll could surpass 10,000. Rescue operations are hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing civil unrest. Neighboring countries, including Thailand, also experienced tremors, with Bangkok reporting casualties and structural collapses. International aid is being mobilized, with India, China, and Russia dispatching relief materials and rescue teams. The United Nations has allocated emergency funds to support relief efforts. (PC: AP News & National Geographic)