Families escorted out of the Covid-19 Inquiry dismissed Boris Johnson's apology, describing it as a "slap in the face" amidst the Partygate scandal. During the inquiry, Johnson admitted to "inevitable" mistakes and stated "Can I just say how glad I am to be at this inquiry and how sorry I am for the pain and the loss and the suffering of the Covid victims," before he was cut short by disruptions from bereaved individuals. Kathryn Butcher, whose sister-in-law died in March 2020, rejected the apology, stating, "It's been insult after insult. I didn't want an apology, it's meaningless." Johnson faces a two-day grilling defending government decisions and addressing allegations of prioritizing economic concerns over tough restrictions. Butcher asserted "The behaviour of the government since the start of this pandemic, despite making mistake after mistake after mistake, just continued, and then we get slapped in the face with Partygate." 

In an exceptional step, UN Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99 to compel the Security Council to address Gaza ceasefire demands. The UN chief wrote on X: "I've just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter - for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General. Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared." UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed Guterres activated the rarely used UN Charter provision given the "scale of loss of human life" enabling him to flag "any matter threatening international peace." Describing it a “dramatic constitutional move”, Dujarric expressed hopes to spur ceasefire pressure internationally, calling it "arguably the most important invocation" and the chief's "most powerful tool”. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders asserted “no negotiations” without Israeli offensive halting even as 16,248 Palestinians and around 1,200 Israelis have died in the war since October 7.

Suella Braverman, recently sacked as Home Secretary, told PM Rishi Sunak that the Conservative Party faces "electoral oblivion" if he does not urgently tackle illegal immigration. In her first Commons speech since being fired, Braverman demanded that Sunak enforce controversial plans to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda. She warned that migrant numbers are overwhelming public services and endangering national security. Braverman admitted she may have used insensitive language in the past but said she refuses to stand by while the government fails to control borders. She claimed human rights laws have obstructed the Rwanda policy from starting and insisted any new legislation must enable deportation flights before the next election. Braverman told Sunak it is "now or never" for the Tories to curb immigration or face extinction at the hands of voters.

Renowned former West Indies captain, Brian Lara, has made a daring prediction, endorsing India's Shubman Gill as the "most talented batter" of his generation and foreseeing him surpassing Lara's Test record for the highest individual score. Gill, fresh off an impressive ODI World Cup performance with 354 runs, has been rested for the upcoming South Africa series. Lara expressed unwavering confidence in Gill's potential to dominate cricket, stating, "He will rule cricket in the coming years." The highly anticipated series commences with three T20Is on December 10, followed by ODIs, culminating in a two-match Test series starting December 26. Gill will also lead Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 after Hardik Pandya's trade to Mumbai Indians.

In a groundbreaking development, Lieutenant Colonel Nipun Sirohi of the Indian Army has introduced the AI-based Scope for Target Acquisition and Engagement (ASTRAE). This cutting-edge technology, showcased at a recent Army seminar, boasts a day camera capable of detecting targets up to 300m. The innovative AI algorithm integrated into the scope ensures unparalleled accuracy, empowering troops with a 'one shot one hit' capability. Lt Col Sirohi's invention marks a significant stride in enhancing precision during firing, offering a strategic advantage on the battlefield for the Indian armed forces. [Photo courtesy: ANI/X]            

Gujarat's renowned Garba dance has been officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The decision was made during the 18th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. Described as a "ritualistic and devotional dance" linked to the Hindu festival of Navaratri, Garba holds significance in fostering social bonds, transcending socio-economic and religious structures. The inclusion of Garba, along with 13 other elements from India, celebrates the cultural diversity of the nation. The development is expected to boost tourism in Gujarat and is hailed as a proud moment for India's ancient traditions.

Chennai faces persistent challenges on the third day post-Cyclone Michaung, enduring power outages and widespread flooding. The Tamil Nadu government justifies ongoing power suspensions in submerged areas as a "preventive measure," while locals navigate waterlogged streets in regions like Velachery and Tambaram. Evacuation efforts continue, with residents seeking refuge in relief camps. Shop owners recount substantial losses, emphasizing the economic toll. Relief camps, however, provide essential supplies. Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena assures ongoing drainage initiatives, road cleaning, and water supply. Emergency services, including NDRF personnel, remain actively engaged as Chennai contends with the prolonged aftermath of the cyclone.

In a heated meeting, families of Israelis held by Hamas confronted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of deception and intensifying calls for his resignation. The emotionally charged gathering witnessed chaos as returned hostages recounted alleged mental and physical abuse. Reuven Yablonka, whose son remains captive, described the scene, saying, "There was chaos and yelling; they shouted that they want all the hostages to come home." Leaked audio featured Netanyahu explaining the challenges of simultaneous releases, stating, "If there was a chance to bring them all in one fell swoop, do you think anyone here would object?" Concerns arose over tactics potentially endangering hostages, with one woman challenging Netanyahu, "You prioritize politics over the hostages." Families expressed frustration, with Dani Miran calling the government's handling a "farce" and adding to the mounting pressure on Netanyahu to step down.

Indian legspinner Ravi Bishnoi has surged to the No. 1 position in the T20 International bowling rankings following his outstanding Player-of-the-Series display against Australia. With nine wickets at an average of 18.22 in the recent five-match T20I series, the 23-year-old's remarkable journey since his debut in February 2022 includes 34 T20I wickets at an impressive 17.38 average and a striking strike rate of 14.5. Bishnoi's ascent displaces Afghanistan's Rashid Khan from the top spot, solidifying his status as a formidable force in T20 cricket.          

Late former President Pranab Mukherjee viewed Rahul Gandhi's 2013 move to suddenly trash a UPA ordinance as "politically immature", according to the Congress leader's daughter Sharmistha's upcoming book. "He felt he was perhaps losing the battle of perception," she quoted her father as saying about the ordinance aimed to shield convicted netas like Lalu Yadav. The book also reveals Pranab's unhappiness with Rahul's frequent absence from Parliament post the party's disastrous 2014 Lok Sabha poll performance. Sharmistha recounted her father sarcastically questioning if "Rahul Gandhi's office cannot differentiate between am and pm, how can he become the Prime Minister?" This was in reference to Rahul once improperly scheduling a meeting when Pranab was doing his morning walk.