Evening news wrap: Delhi hotel fire kills 21, including 17 foreigners; DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka CM & more

• Seventeen foreign nationals were among 21 killed in a Delhi hotel fire, with probe flags safety lapses and illegal expansion.
• TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed a rebel group has been recognised as the main opposition in West Bengal Assembly.
• MEA condemned the Kuwait airport strike that killed an Indian national amid escalating West Asia tensions.
• DK Shivakumar took oath as Karnataka CM as Congress projected unity after resolving a long leadership tussle.
• Donald Trump confirmed calling Netanyahu 'crazy' during a tense call over Lebanon escalation and Iran talks.

Here are the top stories of the day:

Delhi hotel fire kills 21, probe flags illegal rooms and delayed response

Seventeen foreign nationals were among the 21 people killed in a massive fire that broke out at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. Officials said most victims were from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh. The hotel was reportedly operating far beyond its approved six-room permission under the bed-and-breakfast policy, with 25 rooms including basement units. Read full story

TMC faces internal revolt as rebel MLAs claim opposition leadership in Bengal Assembly

In a major political development in West Bengal, expelled Trinamool Congress leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed that the Assembly Speaker has recognised him as the leader of opposition. He also said the Speaker had accepted the breakaway faction’s claim over legislature party status. Read full story

India condemns Kuwait airport attack after Indian national killed

The ministry of external affairs condemned the attack on Kuwait International Airport in which an Indian national was killed and several others injured. It called for an immediate halt to strikes on civilian areas and infrastructure, while assuring full assistance to affected Indian citizens. Read full story

DK Shivakumar takes oath as Karnataka CM as Congress projects unity

D K Shivakumar was sworn in as the new chief minister of Karnataka, with Congress projecting a message of unity and smooth transition. The ceremony in Bengaluru was attended by top leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with other Congress chief ministers. Read full story

Trump admits calling Netanyahu 'crazy' amid tensions over Lebanon escalation

Donald Trump has confirmed that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'crazy' during a recent phone call, while insisting the two still share a strong working relationship. In an interview with The New York Post, Trump said he was frustrated over Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon, which he claimed was complicating wider diplomatic efforts involving Iran. Read full story