Split in Congress Over Ballot Use in Karnataka Civic Polls as Debate Intensifies

A major controversy has erupted in Kerala's Palakkad district after a fitness centre announced plans to operate as an Islamic-friendly facility. The proposed model includes strict gender segregation, with separate workout hours and trainers for men and women, alongside a complete ban on loud music. Following widespread online criticism, the initial announcement video was deleted. A subsequent clarification video stated that the fitness centre remains open to individuals of all religious backgrounds and is not restricted to the Muslim community. The initiative aims to accommodate individuals who avoid traditional fitness centres due to religious principles regarding music and mixed-gender environments. Local police authorities have confirmed that no official complaints have been filed against the facility. Administration officials stated that legal action or intervention can only occur if a formal complaint is registered and if the facility's operations are found to violate existing laws. The incident continues to generate debate regarding progressive values and religious accommodations in public spaces.

A political crisis has emerged in West Bengal as a rebel faction of 60 legislators, led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, challenged the Trinamool Congress leadership.

The owner of Delhi's Malviya Nagar hotel, Lavkesh Bajaj, has been arrested from Saket in connection with a fire at his hotel that claimed 21 lives on Wednesday.

A viral video from the deadly hotel fire in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar, which killed 21 people, shows trapped occupants jumping from upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Locals gather below, helping cushion the guests' fall and pulling them to safety amid the chaos.