Karnataka is in a political stir as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar face a leadership battle. Home Minister G Parameshwara said he would support Shivakumar as Chief Minister if the Congress decides on a change. But Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said Siddaramaiah’s post is not empty and he will stay. Shivakumar’s supporters flew to Delhi to urge the party leaders for a transition. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will meet both sides to resolve the crisis. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are ready to attend. The feud is creating confusion and affecting the party’s image. (PC: India Today)

In Bangladesh, 'baul' singers continue to face attacks by radical Islamist groups. On Wednesday, three baul artists were injured in an assault near Thakurgaon district court. A video shows the mob, linked to Tawhidi Janata, calling for their killing. The attacks come after baul singer Abul Sarkar was arrested for alleged blasphemy during a performance. The interim chief, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has not commented. BNP condemned the violence, calling it "heinous" and unacceptable. Bauls are known for their music, poetry, and dance, blending Hindu and Sufi traditions. Civil society protests the rising attacks. (PC: NDTV)

Jemimah Rodrigues will not return to play for Brisbane Heat in the 2025 WBBL season. The team confirmed that she asked to stay in India to support Smriti Mandhana after Mandhana’s wedding was put on hold due to health issues in the family. Rodrigues had already missed games to attend the wedding but will now skip the rest of the season. Brisbane Heat said it was a difficult time for her and agreed to release her. Mandhana’s father and fiancé were both hospitalised, forcing the wedding to be postponed. The Heat have lost all six matches so far this season. (PC: X)

A massive fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartment complex has killed at least 55 people, with nearly 300 still missing. The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon and burned for more than 15 hours across several 32-storey towers in Tai Po. Firefighters worked through the night to reach people trapped on upper floors. Police arrested two company directors and an engineering consultant for suspected manslaughter. Officers said unsafe scaffolding and foam-sealed windows may have helped the fire spread. At least 45 people are in critical condition. This is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II. (PC: BBC)

Adiala Jail officials have denied rumours claiming former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan died in custody. The administration said Imran is “healthy” and still inside the jail, receiving full medical care. The rumours triggered violent protests outside the prison, led by Imran’s sisters and PTI workers, who said they were not allowed to meet him despite court orders. Thousands gathered, and some tried to storm the jail. Officials later assured his family that a meeting would be arranged. Imran’s relatives say he is held in harsh solitary confinement, while the government claims he has access to TV, exercise gear and special meals. (PC: India Today)

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically injured. Police say he came around a corner and began firing at the troops before being stopped by other Guard members nearby. Lakanwal was shot but is expected to survive. He entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme that brought thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces. Relatives say he served in the Afghan army and worked with US Special Forces. The motive for the attack remains unknown. (PC: HT)

Ravichandran Ashwin has called on Rishabh Pant to take greater responsibility after India’s 408-run loss to South Africa in the second Test. India lost the series 0-2, marking their second straight home whitewash under coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin praised Pant’s talent and strong defence but said his risky shot selection continues to hurt the team. Pant led India in the match as Shubman Gill was injured but scored only 49 runs in four innings. Ashwin said the team lacked fight and must show accountability. He added that India’s Test side is short on experience and needs time to grow. (PC: NDTV)

Three days after Dharmendra’s death, Hema Malini has shared her first emotional post on social media. The veteran actor said Dharmendra was her loving husband, caring father to their daughters, and her guide in all moments of life. She said he was “everything” to her and praised his warm nature with her family. Hema wrote that his humility and fame made him a unique and unforgettable icon. She said her personal loss is “indescribable” and the memories of their life together will stay with her forever. Dharmendra, 89, was cremated in Mumbai. A prayer meet will be held today in the city. (PC: India Today)

The US has stopped processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals after a National Guard shooting near the White House. The immigration agency said it will review all security and vetting steps to protect the country. The suspect in the attack, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. President Donald Trump called the shooting an act of terror and said he will remove foreigners “who do not belong here”. Tens of thousands of Afghans arrived in the US after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. The move adds to earlier travel bans and the end of special protections for Afghan migrants. (PC: BBC)

Two West Virginia National Guard soldiers were critically injured after being shot near the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon. Police said the suspect, identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakamal, ambushed the soldiers at Farragut Square Metro Station before being subdued by nearby National Guard members. President Trump, speaking from Florida, called it "an act of terror" and vowed the suspect would "pay the steepest possible price." Trump criticized Biden-era Afghan immigration, prompting USCIS to halt all Afghan immigration processing. The suspect, shot four times, was not cooperating with authorities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced 500 additional National Guard troops for DC following Trump's orders.