Lakhbir Singh Rode, the Pakistan-based chief of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force, known for anti-India operations, passed away at 72. Nephew of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Rode was listed as an 'individual terrorist' by the Indian government. His brother, former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, confirmed his death in Pakistan, revealing he had already been cremated. Recently, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court ordered the confiscation of Rode's land in Punjab. Rode, associated with the International Sikh Youth Federation, had played a key role in disrupting peace in Punjab.            

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, expresses ignorance about the scheduled December 6 INDIA alliance meeting in New Delhi, stating, "I don't know about the India alliance meeting. No one told me about the meeting nor a call came. No information." Despite earlier reports of Trinamool Congress' inclusion, Banerjee asserts no official communication. The meeting, crucial in the wake of BJP's gains in state elections, aims to strengthen the opposition against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Banerjee's absence adds intrigue to the alliance dynamics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, emphasizing the challenge in uniting diverse political entities under the INDIA banner.            

As Cyclone Michaung looms over the Bay of Bengal, the Chennai Meteorological Centre predicts moderate rainfall, light thunderstorms, and lightning in ten districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. The affected areas include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore, with isolated impacts in Tirupattur, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Kanyakumari. The cyclone, currently centered over the west coast, is expected to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm between Nellore and Machilipatnam on Tuesday morning. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin monitors relief efforts as the approaching storm claims five lives, causing extensive waterlogging and disrupting public life in Chennai.

As Cyclone Michaung veers away from Chennai towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, a notable reduction in rainfall has been observed in the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the severe cyclonic storm is anticipated to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on Tuesday morning. The storm, located 50 km southeast of Nellore and 130 km north of Chennai, is progressing northwest at 12 km/h. Flight operations in Chennai have been disrupted, with 12 flights canceled, affecting both departures and arrivals. Chennai airport remains closed till 9am on Tuesday. The excessive rainfall has led to chaos in Chennai, submerging areas and causing floodwaters to enter two government hospitals. 5 people have also been reported dead. Meanwhile, Jharkhand is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall until December 7 under Michaung's influence, according to the Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, now Madhya Pradesh Congress chief, is reportedly under pressure to step down after the party's significant defeat in the state elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 163 seats out of 230, more than double the Congress's 66 seats. Despite anticipating anti-incumbency against the BJP, the Congress campaign lacked impact. Nath's decision to deny committed seats to ally Samajwadi Party further strained relations within the alliance. The defeat raises questions about the Congress strategy for the upcoming general elections against the BJP and has already shown signs of strained relationship among the INDIA bloc.

Cyclone Michaung will make landfall around 5 AM Tuesday between Nellore and Machilipatnam, weather agencies stated. Districts across Tamil Nadu and Andhra received torrential pre-storm rainfall on Monday causing severe damage. Home Minister Amit Shah discussed readiness with CMs of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry promising "comprehensive central assistance." At least 5 died in Chennai in incidents like electrocution and trees falling. The Railways have set up emergency cells for managing the cyclonic threat across states. Light to moderate rain is forecast for parts of Odisha and Jharkhand as well. With landfall imminent, Tamil Nadu and Andhra brace for the storm's impact amid losses of life like in waterlogged Chennai. Multiple states including Jharkhand and Odhisa have activated their disaster response with the Home Minister vowing requisite aid against the severe cyclonic challenge.

The US military said missile strikes hit 3 ships in the Red Sea as its destroyer USS Carney intercepted armed drones, calling it escalation tied to the Israel-Hamas war. US Central Command asserted the assaults "represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security." It stated the raids have "jeopardized the lives of international crews", adding: "We have every reason to believe...these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran." Officials indicated the US would weigh "all appropriate responses" after its naval ship shot down UAVs endangering vessels following reported strikes in volatile regional waters roiled by attempts to leverage the conflict.

25 BJP legislators met former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who is seen as a key contender for the CM post after the party surged to a dominant victory, winning 115 seats. No candidate was named ahead of polls. Nasirabad MLA Ramswaroop Lamba said people backed BJP due to PM Modi and Raje's work, adding MLAs will support the choice made by the party leadership. Union Ministers Shekhawat and Meghwal also remain in contention for the plum role apart from MPs Balaknath and Diya Kumari. According to HT sources, BJP state in-charge Arun Singh and state unit president CP Joshi are in Delhi for a meeting with the party high command. They met party president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, HT said.

The Indian Army stated it swiftly deployed around 135 personnel on Chennai's request to aid citizens hit by Cyclone Michaung's immense rainfall unleashed in the city. Equipped with essentials like boats and vehicles, Army teams successfully rescued about 300 residents during their operation inundated parts of the metropolis. Meanwhile, the Railways activated emergency control rooms across divisions to monitor the storm situation round-the-clock to ensure smooth functioning, reported ANI. It also set up a central war room with shifts of safety personnel keeping vigil. In upscale Poes Garden, a road itself caved in due to the intense showers and gusty winds blowing an electric pole into the sinkhole that emerged. Civic officials pointed to flooding evenly spread because sea wave backlash was slowing drainage despite deploying all pumping capacity. They expected time for normalcy would be about 12 hours if rains ceased though immense damage had already afflicted lives and infrastructure as Cyclone Michaung continued tormenting the city. [Video: @ashwinravi99 on X]

On the occasion of Navy Day celebrations in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg, PM Modi hinted "the government is planning to increase the number of women in the Armed Forces" while asserting India is "utilising the potential of its oceans". Congratulating the induction of the first woman commanding officer in a naval ship, Modi said "We are emphasising increasing the number of women in the Armed forces." Witnessing Naval demonstrations, Modi suggested renaming ranks in line with "Indian culture", as 2023's celebrations paid "homage to the rich maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj." The PM's Navy Day address underscored support for Blue Economy goals while signaling openness to expanding opportunities for women in the Armed Forces guarding India's security and commercial maritime interests. [Video: PTI X handle]