In a crucial phone conversation between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden stressed the "critical need to protect civilians" in Gaza following the recent attacks by Hamas. The White House emphasized the call for humanitarian corridors to separate civilians from Hamas-controlled areas. While the US has defended Israel's right to self-defense, Biden expressed concern over the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed the sentiment, urging Israel to prioritize civilian protection. Biden welcomed Israel's decision to allow more fuel but insisted on urgent, comprehensive assistance. The leaders also discussed efforts to restore a truce and expressed commitment to a "durable and sustainable peace" in the Middle East, including a Palestinian state.

In a seismic double whammy, Rajkot district in Gujarat and Vijayapura district in Karnataka experienced earthquakes today. The Rajkot tremor, measuring 3.9 on the Richter Scale, struck at 9 am, with the epicenter located 133km NNW of Rajkot. Simultaneously, Vijayapura felt the impact of a 3.1 magnitude quake at 6:52 am. The National Center for Seismology reported the details, emphasizing the depth of 20 km for Rajkot and 10 km for Vijayapura. Thankfully, no major damages have been reported, but the incidents highlight the seismic activity in these regions.            

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a global invitation to tech enthusiasts, innovators, and stakeholders for the upcoming Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023, set to commence on December 12. Emphasizing AI's positive impact across sectors, PM Modi highlighted India's role as a co-founder of GPAI, pledging commitment to responsible AI development. With a vibrant startup ecosystem, India aims to be a key contributor to AI evolution. The Summit, featuring an AI Expo with 150 startups, promises insightful sessions on advancements. Modi's call underscores India's commitment to inclusive growth and fostering a responsible and beneficial AI landscape on a global scale.            

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao was admitted to Hyderabad's Yashoda hospital on Thursday following a slip and fall at his Erravalli farmhouse. Daughter Kavitha Kalvakuntla affirmed, "My father is under expert care, and we appreciate the well-wishes." Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern, stating on X, "Distressed to know that former Telangana CM Shri KCR Garu has suffered an injury. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health." The incident follows recent elections where Rao's party, BRS, fell short. Congress leader A Revanth Reddy is now the new Chief Minister. The swearing-in ceremony saw the presence of Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The news comes just a day after KCR's BRS party faced defeat in the recently concluded state elections, losing power to the Congress after seven years in rule. The Congress won 64 seats in the 119-member legislative assembly, while KCR's BRS got 39. The doctors are monitoring the "stable" former CM's health condition closely according to latest updates.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened that Israel would unleash "devastation in Beirut and southern Lebanon" if Hezbollah dares to open an "all-out war" against the Jewish state. "If Hezbollah decides to open an all-out war, then with its own hands it will turn Beirut and southern Lebanon, which are not far from here, into Gaza and Khan Yunis," Netanyahu warned, referring to the widespread destruction Israel's military has brought upon parts of Gaza in retaliation to Hamas rocket attacks. Netanyahu delivered the stern warning during a visit to the Israel Defense Forces' northern command headquarters overseeing Lebanon. While Hezbollah has expressed solidarity with Hamas militants in Gaza and exchanged cross-border fire with Israel, it has so far avoided starting a full military offensive. 

Ranbir Kapoor's film "Animal" continues its triumphant run, crossing the ₹338.85 crore mark in its first week despite facing backlash for violence and misogyny. The Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial maintained momentum, securing ₹25.5 crore on Thursday. Despite mixed reviews, Kapoor and Bobby Deol's performances garnered praise. Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan criticized the film in the Rajya Sabha, expressing concerns about its portrayal of violence and the use of the song Arjan Vailly. However, the movie's undeniable box office success suggests it may surpass ₹350 crores today, solidifying its position as a commercial powerhouse.            

In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung and heavy rains, schools and colleges in Chennai remain closed for the fifth consecutive day. The Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday, prioritizing student safety amidst widespread flooding and civic issues. District Collector Kalachelvi Mohan ordered continued closures in flood-affected circles, including Sriperumbudur and Kunradathur. With at least 20 lives lost due to the rains and flooding, relief efforts are underway. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department postponed half-yearly exams, rescheduling them after assessing the situation. Parents and students are urged to stay updated on school notifications.

A viral video shows Russian President Vladimir Putin applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's robust leadership and firm stance on national security. Putin expressed genuine surprise, stating he cannot envision Modi succumbing to external pressure. The AI-generated clip, widely shared on social media, underscores the enduring ties between Russia and India. In his observations, Putin credited Modi's policies for the continuous development of relations. Social media users lauded Putin's commendation, with many expressing astonishment at his Hindi speech. The video's popularity highlights global interest in the strong rapport between the two leaders.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 struck central Mexico, rattling buildings in the capital and prompting residents to spill onto the streets. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's epicenter in the central state of Puebla, south of Mexico City, at a depth of 27 miles. Despite earthquake alarms sounding across Mexico City, there are currently no immediate reports of damage. Mayor Marti Batres assured the public in a social media post, and the governor of Puebla confirmed no damage in the state. The quake triggered a brief disruption, with residents feeling the tremors in various parts of the capital.

The Lok Sabha is poised for a crucial discussion as the Ethics Committee's report on the 'cash-for-query' case involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is set to be tabled today. Initially scheduled for December 4, the report recommending Moitra's expulsion stirred controversy, leading to Opposition demands for thorough deliberation. Chaired by Vinod Kumar Sonkar, the ethics panel endorsed Moitra's expulsion during a November 9 meeting, with six members, including suspended Congress MP Preneet Kaur, voting in favor. The impending discussion intensifies the spotlight on parliamentary ethics, awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case in the Indian political landscape.