Mizoram's ruling MNF faces tough fight from ZPM challenger as votes are counted today after exit polls predict hung assembly. The key contest is between CM Zoramthanga's MNF, seeking to retain power, and the newly formed ZPM alliance. While some exit polls predicted a ZPM sweep, most indicated no clear majority for any party. Zoramthanga projected as "guardian" of tribes, but faces anti-incumbency charges of corruption, unemployment, poor infrastructure. Counting deferred from yesterday after appeals from churches and others in Christian-majority state where Sunday is day of prayers.

As BJP scored thumping victories in MP, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, PM Modi thundered "Mend your ways or the public will oust you", calling results "historic" and a "guarantee of a hat-trick in 2024." Modi asserted "sabka sath, sabka vikas bhavna has won... call for a 'developed India' has won." He smirked "Some say this hat-trick has guaranteed the 2024 victory." The PM slammed "People have zero-tolerance for corruption, appeasement and dynastic politics." He directly attacked Congress and the opposition bloc, terming the outcome "a big lesson for their ghamandiya (arrogant) alliance". Modi warned "Those standing with the corrupt get a clear warning." After big state sweeps, he proclaimed national reelection is assured while attacking rivals over arrogance in rebuke of appeasement and graft.

The Pentagon is investigating reports that Houthi rebels launched drone attacks in the Red Sea against a US warship and two commercial vessels off Yemen's coast on Sunday. "We're aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels...and will provide information as it becomes available," the Defense Department stated. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis themselves claimed targeting two ships after warning them, asserting they were Israeli-flagged when in reality the ships were flagged in the Bahamas and Panama. Israel dismissed any link to its line vessels. The rebel group has repeatedly assaulted ships near Yemen during the conflict while also directing missile barrages at Israel. The growing maritime attacks now directly threaten a US naval asset, risking a response.

Kyiv officials allege a war crime by Moscow as a video on social media emerges, purportedly showing Russian soldiers shooting two surrendering Ukrainian military personnel. The unverified footage displays soldiers emerging from a dugout, hands raised, before being fired upon by Russian troops. The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's Office deems it a war crime, emphasizing violations of the Geneva Conventions. While Reuters couldn't independently verify the video, Russia denies war crimes during the 21-month conflict. Ukrainian human rights officials condemn the act, and the incident's location near the Avdiivka front line raises concerns amid heightened tensions.

Since the initiation of the Gaza ground operation on October 27, Israeli forces have located 800 shafts leading to Hamas' extensive underground network. Over half of these, approximately 500, have been successfully destroyed through various operational methods, including detonation and sealing off. The military revealed that many of the tunnel shafts were situated in civilian areas, including schools, kindergartens, mosques, and playgrounds. Anti-tunnel operations, aimed at disabling Hamas' infrastructure, have raised concerns about the impact on civilians, prompting global scrutiny. The ongoing conflict has prompted Washington to urge Israel to exercise caution, emphasizing the escalating civilian toll.

Mount Marapi, Sumatra, Indonesia, unleashed its might, spewing a three-kilometer ash column that soared 9,842 feet into the sky. The eruption, occurring at 2:54 pm local time, triggered concern, but initial reports indicate no damage or casualties. Positioned at the third-highest alert level, authorities established a three-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano. Ash fallout reached Bukittinggi city, prompting officials to advise residents to wear protective gear. Mount Marapi, aptly named the 'Mountain of Fire,' maintains its status as Sumatra's most active volcano. Indonesia, nestled in the seismic Pacific Ring of Fire, faces the recurrent challenge of volcanic activities, with nearly 130 active volcanoes across the archipelago.      

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines' Mindanao island late Saturday, leaving 1 pregnant woman dead, 9 missing and 4 injured amid ruined infrastructure as over 600 aftershocks followed. The quake unleashed tsunami warnings, later lifted, with hundreds of families impacted per defense officials. Residents evacuated buildings in multiple towns near the epicenter on Mindanao's east coast. Cracked roads were reported in Bilsig City with patients moved out of a hospital in Butuan though no major building damage reported yet. Japan observed 1.3-foot tsunamis on outlying islands after the Ring of Fire temblor. With aftershocks exceeding 6 magnitude, Mindanao reeled from injuries, fear, and a fatality following the intense seismic upheaval.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of Cyclone Michaung intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, with landfall expected between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. Northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh prepare for heavy rainfall, prompting a public holiday in Tamil Nadu. Coastal districts are on high alert as authorities deploy resources to mitigate potential damage. The Southern Railway cancels 118 trains in Tamil Nadu, and educational institutions declare a holiday in several districts. NDRF teams are positioned, and the region braces for the impact of Cyclone Michaung.

Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian billionaire, presents an unconventional solution to address methane emissions from thawing Siberian permafrost at COP28. His plan involves recreating a prehistoric ecosystem, complete with woolly mammoths, to slow the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The Andrey Melnichenko Foundation sponsors a pavilion showcasing the project, reflecting the evolving nature of COPs as platforms encompassing diverse climate initiatives. Melnichenko, facing EU sanctions post-Ukraine invasion, aims to address climate challenges, proposing a unique approach that merges ecological restoration with technology. The billionaire is set to lead a COP28 event on sustainability and climate change.              

At least four people were killed and around 50 wounded in a bomb attack during a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University's gymnasium in Marawi, southern Philippines. An improvised explosive device caused the blast, with suspicions of a retaliatory attack for recent military operations against Islamist militant groups. President Ferdinand Marcos blamed "foreign terrorists," condemning the "senseless" and "heinous" act. The university suspended classes, and heightened security measures were implemented. Military chief General Romeo Brawner suggested the involvement of Maute-ISIS, and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro indicated strong indications of a foreign element. Authorities called for a thorough investigation.