A video from Arpora’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub shows a performer dancing to the Sholay hit “Mehbooba o Mehbooba” just minutes before a massive fire erupted during a Bollywood-themed night. The blaze, believed to have started near the DJ console, quickly spread across the ceiling as around 100 people were inside. At least 25 people died and several others were injured, many from suffocation after rushing to the lower level to escape. Narrow access routes slowed rescue efforts. Authorities have filed an FIR, launched an inquiry, and issued arrest warrants against the club’s management.

IndiGo has processed ₹610 crore in passenger refunds following nearly a week of severe nationwide flight disruptions that stranded thousands across major airports. The airline has significantly ramped up operations and now expects its full schedule to stabilise by December 10. The crisis prompted sharp political criticism over mismanagement and raised questions about aviation sector oversight. Meanwhile, the DGCA has issued notices to IndiGo’s top management, seeking explanations for operational lapses under the revised crew-duty norms. The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed the airline to ensure transparent communication, timely refunds, and stricter compliance to prevent future disruptions. (PC: India Today)

Sarpanch of Arpora village in Goa has named Saurabh Luthra as the person running the ill-fated nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, where a devastating fire killed 25 people. Luthra is described on LinkedIn as “Chairman at Romeo Lane | Birch | Mama’s Buoi.” The Romeo Lane group portrays him as a “gold-medalist engineer turned restaurateur,” rapidly growing in the food-and-beverage sector. Local officials say the club structure was built without a construction license, on ecologically sensitive land, and that there was an ongoing dispute between Luthra and landowners as well as business partners. (PC: AP)

A massive fire at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub in Goa’s Arpora, killed 25 people shortly after midnight on Sunday. Among the dead were four tourists and 14 staff members. Eyewitnesses said people ran in panic but were trapped by narrow exits and poor ventilation. Tourist Fatima Shaikh said many rushed into the kitchen by mistake and “had no way out.” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the club “did not follow fire safety norms” and ordered a magisterial inquiry. Officials confirmed the club had no construction licence. Fire crews struggled to reach the site due to a single narrow access road. (PC: India Today)

In Bankura, West Bengal, 79 tribal residents of Muchikata and Veduashol villages refused to register for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters. They said they are loyal to the Samajwad Inter-State Majhi Sarkar and have identity cards from the group. Officials, including the block BDO and SDPO, tried to convince them about the importance of voter registration, but the residents remained firm. Authorities plan to revisit the villages and continue awareness campaigns. The SIR process, which updates electoral rolls, starts on December 11 and ends with the final roll on February 14, ahead of next year’s state elections. (PC: India Today)

A Muslim group in Hyderabad said it will build a Babri Masjid memorial in Greater Hyderabad. The announcement was made by Tahreek Muslim Shabban chief Mushtaq Malik during a public meeting on the 33rd anniversary of the mosque’s demolition. Malik said the memorial will also include welfare services, and details will be shared soon. The move comes days after a Babri Masjid-style structure was announced in West Bengal by a suspended TMC MLA. The issue has triggered political reactions. BJP leaders criticised the decision, while the MLA said he has the right to build a mosque. (PC: HT)

A 24-year-old Indian student, Sahaja Reddy Udumala from Telangana, died in a house fire in Albany, New York, on Thursday. The fire began in a nearby building and quickly spread to her home while she was asleep. Sahaja moved to the US in 2021 for higher studies. The Indian Consulate in New York said it was deeply saddened and is helping her family. Her parents in Telangana are devastated and have requested government support to bring her body back home. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral costs, repatriation and other urgent expenses. (PC: India Today)

At least 23 people died in a fire that broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, just past midnight. Eyewitnesses report that the fire erupted on the first-floor dance floor, where over 100 people were partying. In panic, many rushed downstairs to the kitchen area and got trapped with the staff. According to an eyewitness, the club was built with flammable palm-leaf materials, fueling the rapid spread. Limited access—narrow entry points—hampered fire brigade response, making rescue efforts difficult. Mistakes in adhering to fire safety norms are now under investigation. 

IndiGo announced that it has restored 95% of its connectivity and is set to operate nearly 1,500 flights today as part of its recovery from days of severe disruptions. The airline said its network is stabilising following widespread delays and cancellations triggered by revised duty-time rules and crew shortages. Even as operations improved, the DGCA issued show-cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Accountable Manager Isidro Porqueras, citing major operational lapses. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu reviewed the situation and stated that further action will be taken based on the enquiry’s findings. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire at a nightclub in Arpora, Goa, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for those injured. Modi also spoke with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to assess the situation and assured that the state government is extending all necessary assistance to those affected. He emphasised that the tragedy is “deeply saddening” and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to support relief and rescue efforts during this difficult time.