The Central government has issued show cause notices to Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn concerning their appearances in ads for banned gutka products, the Allahabad High Court was informed on Friday. The development comes in response to a contempt petition urging action against celebrities promoting the tobacco wares hazardous to public health. The government counsel cited an ongoing Supreme Court case on the matter, but the High Court scheduled a new hearing for 2024. India has stringent laws limiting gutka marketing and consumption, with states like Tamil Nadu upholding complete prohibitions to curb usage.

As Israel continues its massive air and ground offensive in Gaza, its forces pushed further south on Sunday into Khan Yunis and Rafah near the Egyptian border. With few safe refuge options left, over 17,700 displaced Gaza civilians, mainly women and children, have flooded local hospitals. Gaza's health ministry reported over 130 bodies arrived at just two hospitals in one day amid intense bombardment. Aid groups warn of an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, calling the situation "apocalyptic" with severe shortages of water, food and medicine. Israel has vowed to root out Hamas militants who killed over 1,200 Israelis in October border attacks. But children now endure "another death sentence" per UNICEF as Gaza verges on healthcare system collapse.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati declared her nephew Akash Anand as her successor on Sunday. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced the appointment of the 31-year-old Anand during a party meeting in Lucknow. Anand, the son of Mayawati's younger brother Anand Kumar, has grown increasingly visible within the BSP's ranks since joining in 2016. His 2022 padayatra in Rajasthan signaled his ascent as second-in-command. The move positions Anand to take over the BSP reins from his aunt ahead of crucial 2024 general elections.

Health officials in the UK issued a warning about a highly infectious bacterial disease called "100-day cough" that is rapidly spreading, with cases up 250% between July and November. The infection, also known as pertussis or whooping cough, begins with cold-like symptoms but progresses to prolonged, intense coughing bouts lasting up to three months. Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam of the UK Health Security Agency said infections decreased during the pandemic due to social distancing but are surging again, with 716 reported cases recently compared to 236 last year. The painful cough can make breathing difficult and lead to vomiting, sore ribs, or fractures. The NHS says the preventable disease can be protected against with a readily available vaccine, especially for vulnerable children and babies.

M.K. Vishwanathan, father of murdered journalist Soumya Vishwanathan, passed away on Saturday, just two weeks after four men were sentenced to life imprisonment for his daughter's brutal 2008 killing. Vishwanathan, 82, had already suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized prior to the November 25 sentencing hearing, which he witnessed remotely. Soumya, a rising TV news reporter, was shot while driving home late from work in an apparent robbery. Police nabbed five men, four receiving life terms for the high-profile murder. Her grieving father only briefly outlived seeing his daughter's killers finally face justice.

Incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan escalated intrigue over the BJP's next leadership selection by posting "Ram Ram to all" on social media. The greeting, given with folded hands in an accompanying photo, has stirred speculation ahead of the party's key Sunday meeting expected to decide Chouhan's fate. Though the BJP swept MP's recent election, it may seek fresh blood across its heartland strongholds. The post came shortly before BJP observers arrive to oversee the CM selection process. Party officials dismissed overanalyzing the casual, culturally common farewell, but interest persists whether Chouhan's 15-year tenure will continue.

In a swift operation, Manipur Police rescued a 22-year-old man, kidnapped from a hostel, within 24 hours. Eight individuals were arrested, and an AK-47, Ghaatak rifle, pistol, ammunition, and 13 mobile phones were recovered. The kidnappers had demanded a ₹15 lakh ransom, prompting the victim's parents to seek police intervention. Amid concerns about arms looted from security forces in Manipur, this successful rescue highlights law enforcement's efforts. Simultaneously, the CBI files charges against nine individuals in connection with the killing of a Naga woman during ethnic clashes in Keibi village.

In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police Crime Branch, in collaboration with Rajasthan Police, arrests two alleged shooters, Rohit Rathore and Nitin Fauji, along with associate Udham Singh, in Chandigarh for the murder of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. Gogamedi was shot dead in Jaipur on December 5, prompting a cash reward of ₹5 lakh for the assailants. Another suspect, Ramveer Jat, arrested in Jaipur, allegedly orchestrated the hit. The accused will be transferred to Jaipur for further interrogation. A special investigation team is formed by Rajasthan Police to probe the case.          

BJP's central observers, including Union Ministers Arjun Munda and Sarbananda Sonowal, arrived in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to finalize the selection of the state's next chief minister. With suspense surrounding the leadership, the observers aim to meet the 54 newly elected MLAs and decide the legislative party leader later today. The delay in announcing leadership in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh draws criticism from Congress. Contenders from various communities, including tribal and OBC, are being considered. BJP secured 54 seats in the recent polls, ending Congress's rule in Chhattisgarh. Decision expected to reshape state politics.

India's ambassador to Qatar visited eight former naval officers sentenced to death in October, facing unspecified charges. The court order remains confidential, with speculation that they were "charged with spying for Israel." India, deeply shocked by the verdict, has appealed, as diplomatic tensions rise. The meeting occurred after Prime Minister Modi's talks on the Indian community's well-being with Qatar's Emir. The men, reported as ex-naval personnel, worked for Al Dahra. With 700,000 Indians in Qatar, this case tests India's diplomatic prowess, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the undisclosed charges and legal proceedings.