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.

Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding to Palash Muchhal has been cancelled, ending a two-week period of rumours and confusion. The couple, who began dating in 2019, had planned to marry on November 23. Their engagement took place at DY Patil Stadium after India’s World Cup win. But the wedding was first postponed when Mandhana’s father was hospitalised, followed by Palash’s sudden hospitalisation the next day. Fans were shocked as videos earlier showed celebrations underway. On December 7, Mandhana issued a statement asking for privacy and said it was time to “move forward” and focus on cricket again. (PC: X)

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)

Britain is facing a major flu crisis as a fast-spreading, extra-mutated strain of influenza A(H3N2), called “subclade K” or “superflu,” sweeps the country. NHS leaders say the flu season has begun unusually early, with ten times more hospital patients than this time last year. Most cases are among schoolchildren aged five to 14. Experts warn the virus is more infectious and causes more severe illness. Some hospitals have already brought back mask rules. Health officials say masks can help reduce virus spread and protect people who feel unwell. NHS chiefs fear this winter could be the worst on record. (PC: Daily Mail)

Netflix has told its subscribers that it is close to completing a $72 billion deal to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s film, TV and streaming businesses. In emails sent on Sunday, Netflix said the agreement will bring major franchises like Harry Potter, DC, Friends, Game of Thrones and HBO shows under its platform. The company said nothing will change right now, as the deal still needs regulatory and shareholder approvals. Both Netflix and HBO Max will operate separately until then. Netflix leaders say the merger will strengthen the company for years, but Hollywood unions fear more industry consolidation. (PC: India Today)

On Sunday, a group of soldiers in Benin appeared on state television and said they had removed President Patrice Talon from office. The troops, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared the constitution suspended and dissolved all state institutions. They named Pascal Tigri as head of the new military council. Gunfire was reported near Talon’s residence in the capital. But government sources and loyal army units say most forces remain loyal to Talon and are working to restore order. The president’s location is unclear. The country has been thrown into political uncertainty as the coup unfolds. (PC: BBC)

Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund—one of Microsoft’s biggest shareholders—voted against Satya Nadella’s reappointment as chair of the board and rejected his $96.5 million pay package at Microsoft’s Dec 5 AGM. The moves reflect the fund’s long-standing governance stance: it opposes the concentration of power when one person is both CEO and board chair, and criticizes what it considers excessive executive compensation. However, despite its opposition, Nadella’s compensation and leadership were still approved by the broader shareholder base. (PC: X)

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)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off. Posting on Instagram, she said, “Over the past weeks, there has been plenty of speculation. I feel it is important to speak out. The wedding is called off.” The ceremony was postponed in November after her father faced a medical emergency and reports surfaced of Muchhal’s stress-related hospitalisation. Mandhana added, “I would like to close this matter here and request privacy for both families.” She stressed her focus remains on cricket, saying, “Representing my country is my highest priority.” (PC: NDTV)