Coldplay’s upcoming "Music of the Spheres" concert at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25, 2025, has caused hotel prices to skyrocket. Fans report rooms ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per night, with even mid-range accommodations seeing steep hikes. Social media is abuzz with complaints about exorbitant rates. Some fans resorted to booking “pay later” options to bypass high costs, though hotels have begun demanding upfront payments. This comes after Coldplay announced additional shows in Ahmedabad following sold-out performances in Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21. The band’s India leg is one of its most-anticipated tours.

Daksh Gupta, Indian-origin CEO of AI startup Greptile, revealed receiving death threats after disclosing his company’s 84-hour workweek policy. Gupta detailed the demanding schedule in a viral LinkedIn post, emphasizing no work-life balance as part of Greptile’s early-stage growth. The internet reacted sharply, branding the culture “toxic,” while others praised his transparency. Gupta clarified the approach is temporary and aims to identify committed candidates. He noted his inbox now consists of “20% death threats and 80% job applications.” Gupta defended the policy, stating, “This isn’t prescriptive. Startup intensity varies, and we’ll evolve as we grow.”

Jake Paul celebrated his boxing triumph over 58-year-old legend Mike Tyson with a grand afterparty in Dallas. Held at a $9-million mansion, the event featured premium drinks, fried chicken sliders, and live music by DJ E-V. Attendees, including model Amber Rose and former NFL player Dez Bryant, enjoyed hip-hop, EDM, and R&B classics. Paul, 27, arrived with girlfriend Jutta Leerdam and his golden retriever, Thor. The bout, viewed by over 65 million globally, took place at AT&T Stadium, Texas. The night concluded with a tribute to Muhammad Ali, cementing Paul’s legacy in the boxing world.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has reversed its policy, allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons for strikes deep into Russia. The decision follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s calls to counter Russian aggression, now bolstered by North Korean troops aiding Russia. Kyiv is set to deploy long-range ATACMS rockets. Critics, including Russian officials, warned this could escalate the conflict to global proportions. While some Republicans praised Biden’s move, others deemed it overdue. Ukraine plans initial strikes in coming days, aiming to strengthen its negotiating position. The Kremlin has yet to respond officially, but tensions remain high.

Thick smog blanketed Delhi, disrupting over 160 flights and delaying 28 trains by 2-9 hours. Seven flights were canceled, with departure delays averaging 22 minutes at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Authorities implemented low-visibility procedures, advising passengers to contact airlines. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a “severe plus” level of 481, with 32 of 34 monitoring stations reporting hazardous levels. GRAP Stage 4 measures were activated, and primary schools shifted online. Staggered office timings were announced to curb pollution. Commuters faced long waits as visibility dropped on major routes, including NH24 near Akshardham Temple.

A 20-year-old protester, K Athouba, was killed as security forces fired on a mob in Jiribam district, Manipur. Another person was injured and hospitalized. Protesters ransacked BJP and Congress offices near Jiribam police station. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to discuss the escalating violence in a high-level meeting today. The National People’s Party (NPP) withdrew support from the BJP-led Manipur government, citing its failure to resolve the crisis. Internet services remain suspended in 7 districts, with curfews imposed in Imphal East and West. Police arrested 23 individuals involved in mob violence, recovering firearms and mobile phones.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s power infrastructure, killing at least 10 people. Targets included Kyiv, Donetsk, Lviv, and Odesa, causing widespread blackouts and significant damage to thermal energy plants, according to Ukraine’s DTEK. Over 120 missiles and 90 drones were used in the largest coordinated attack since September, said President Volodymyr Zelensky. Odesa’s heat and water supplies were disrupted but are being restored. Poland scrambled fighter jets as a precaution, while Hungary monitored nearby drone activity. Ukrainian officials fear Russia aims to deplete the power grid as winter approaches, threatening another harsh season for civilians.  

India captain Rohit Sharma will miss the opening Test against Australia in Perth, as he and wife Ritika Sajdeh recently welcomed their second child. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in Rohit’s absence. Rohit will rejoin the squad in Adelaide, playing a two-day pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian Prime Minister's XI on November 30, ahead of the day-night Test. Meanwhile, KL Rahul, initially doubtful after an elbow injury, is fit and ready to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Perth Test. However, Shubman Gill’s thumb injury may lead to a debut for Devdutt Padikkal or Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Delhi's air quality worsened to the "severe plus" category on Sunday, with an AQI of 457 prompting the government to shift classes 1-9 to online mode until further notice. Classes 10-12 will continue in-person. Under GRAP-IV rules, truck entries are banned, except for essential services or vehicles using clean fuels. Non-essential light commercial vehicles and BS-IV diesel trucks are also restricted. Construction activities, including public projects, have been halted. Delhi was India’s second most polluted city with an AQI of 441. Pollution sources include stubble burning and adverse weather, with PM2.5 being the primary pollutant causing severe health risks.

Renowned author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty praised son-in-law Rishi Sunak’s “good Indian cultural values” at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s annual Diwali gala in London. Joined by her daughter Akshata Murty and Sunak’s parents, Murty highlighted the importance of education and cultural roots. She credited Sunak’s upbringing for his deep connection to Indian culture. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami underscored Diwali’s pan-Indian significance, emphasizing its unity across traditions. The event showcased Indian classical dance and music, with appeals for donations to support Bhavan UK’s cultural programs. Sunak and Akshata Murty presented mementoes to honor the center’s contributions since the 1970s.