The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday dissolved all its organisational committees in West Bengal and announced a complete review of the party structure amid an escalating internal crisis. The move came as 59 rebel MLAs reached the West Bengal Assembly to stake claim as the principal opposition group. The dissident camp, led by expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandeepan Saha, claims support from more than two-thirds of the party's legislators. In a statement, the TMC said it would conduct an organisational assessment and reconstitute committees later. The development marks the biggest challenge yet to Mamata Banerjee's leadership. (PC: HT)

7 people were killed and 11 injured after a drone struck a passenger bus in Russian-controlled Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, according to Kremlin-backed regional authorities. The bus was travelling from Moscow to Simferopol in Crimea when it was hit near Yenakiyevo. Ukraine has not confirmed responsibility for the attack. The incident came as Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike on Russia, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying key facilities, including an oil terminal in St Petersburg, were hit. Russia said it intercepted 350 Ukrainian drones overnight amid escalating cross-border attacks between the two countries. (PC: BBC)

The crisis within the Trinamool Congress deepened after expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee claimed the support of 60 party legislators and proposed himself for the post of Leader of the Opposition. Along with expelled MLA Sandipan Saha, he submitted a letter backing Mamata Banerjee as the party's leader while challenging the current leadership structure. The rebel camp's strength exceeds the two-thirds threshold required under the anti-defection law, potentially giving it leverage in any future split. The development puts Mamata Banerjee under pressure as she faces a growing challenge from within the party over the role of Abhishek Banerjee. (PC: India Today)

At least 21 people, including several foreign nationals, were killed after a massive fire broke out at the Flourish Stay hotel in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. More than 40 people were rescued from the five-storey building as firefighters carried out a large-scale operation.   The blaze reportedly started in a basement restaurant before spreading rapidly through the hotel and a neighbouring property. Witnesses said some guests jumped from windows to escape the flames and thick smoke. Authorities are investigating whether the hotel violated safety norms, with reports suggesting it was operating more rooms than permitted under its licence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia assistance for the victims' families and the injured. (PC: NDTV)

Fresh details have emerged in the deadly fire at Delhi's Malviya Nagar that killed at least 21 people and left several others injured. Investigations have revealed that Flourish Stay, the hotel where the blaze occurred, was licenced to operate only six rooms under the Delhi government's Bed and Breakfast scheme but was allegedly running as many as 25 rooms.   Authorities are examining possible violations of safety and regulatory norms. More than 40 people were rescued after the fire broke out on Wednesday morning. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest a possible short circuit. Several injured victims are undergoing treatment in hospitals. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) plunged deeper into crisis on Wednesday after expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee arrived at the West Bengal Assembly claiming support from 59 party legislators. Sources said the rebel camp is seeking backing from more than two-thirds of TMC's 80 MLAs, a move that could help it avoid anti-defection provisions.   The development comes less than a month after TMC's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Banerjee and fellow expelled MLA Sandipan Saha were removed from the party after alleging that signatures of several MLAs were forged on documents related to the selection of the Leader of the Opposition. TMC leaders have accused the rebel faction of attempting a "Maharashtra-style" split, while the dissidents deny any plan to break the party. (PC: X)

A group of masked men allegedly vandalised educator Khan Sir's coaching centre in Patna on Tuesday night, damaging property and injuring a security guard. CCTV footage reportedly shows around a dozen attackers throwing bricks, tearing down posters and flex banners, and vandalising the institute premises.   Khan Sir said he rushed to the centre after being informed of the attack. He claimed the institute had recently received threats following a felicitation programme for students selected in the Bihar Police recruitment exam. Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage. Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma said preliminary findings suggest some students may have been involved in the incident. 

At least 16 people were killed and 37 others rescued after a major fire broke out at a hotel operating above the Lemon Green restaurant in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. Delhi Fire Services received the emergency call at 9:45 am and launched a large-scale rescue operation.   Officials said those rescued from the basement were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities suspect the fire may have originated in the restaurant, though the exact cause will be determined after an investigation. Several people were feared trapped when the blaze erupted. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed grief over the loss of lives and said all necessary assistance was being provided to affected families. (PC: The Indian Express)

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks overnight, further escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The US military said it carried out self-defence strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after what it described as Iranian attacks across the Middle East.   Iran claimed it targeted US military assets in the region using missiles and drones. Kuwait later said Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, causing significant damage to buildings and injuring several people. Air traffic was temporarily suspended.   The US said it also intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at regional targets and commercial shipping. The latest escalation comes as ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.

West Bengal's opposition party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), faced a major crisis on Wednesday after expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha arrived at the Assembly claiming the support of 59 party legislators. The rebel camp is expected to submit a letter to the Speaker asserting that it has the backing of more than two-thirds of TMC's 80 MLAs.   If the claim is accepted, the group could avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law and potentially retain the party's name and symbol. Sources said Ritabrata Banerjee is being projected as the new Leader of the Opposition. The rebellion follows allegations that signatures of several MLAs were forged on a party resolution related to key Assembly posts. The development has deepened the crisis for TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, whose party was recently voted out of power in West Bengal. (PC: India Today)