UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued another urgent appeal for greater humanitarian aid access to Gaza on Friday, warning the enclave's system is nearing "total collapse." Guterres said "life-saving" food, water, medicine and fuel must be allowed to reach Gazan civilians "swiftly, safely and at scale." Prior to recent hostilities, 500 aid trucks entered Gaza daily, but now only about 12 do, despite drastically increased needs. "History is judging us all," Guterres said, calling for support of aid agencies to prevent the crisis from deepening. He said civilian suffering in Gaza is increasing "by the minute."

Online calls are growing for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service to be provided in Gaza amid an almost total communications blackout. The hashtag "#StarlinkForGaza" is trending on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, with over 500,000 posts appealing to SpaceX owner Elon Musk. However, Musk has not responded and it's unclear if Starlink can expand to Gaza due to a lack of terminals and Israel's blockade. Musk has shown little willingness to aid communications for Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, SpaceX is in talks with Israel to rollout Starlink there per reports. Providing Starlink service would allow Gazans to communicate with the outside world during the fighting.

Reports indicate intense Israeli airstrikes heavier than prior nights underway in Gaza on Friday night. Phone and internet communications are down in the territory. The IDF said it is expanding Gaza ground operations tonight amid the communication blackout and continuing bombardment. An IDF spokesperson instructed Gaza City residents to seek safety as strikes will continue, specifically referencing Al-Shifa hospital, alleged by Israel to be used by Hamas for tunnels and command centers. Al-Shifa is Gaza's largest hospital currently hosting thousands displaced and wounded. Earlier in the day, reports suggested that discussions were progressing about a possible ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, Hamas has continued rocket attacks on Israel amid Israel's bombing campaign since October 7th.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, TMC MP Mahua Moitra claimed that Gautam Adani approached her twice in the last 3 years via multiple Lok Sabha MPs to work out a 'deal' so that she didn't raise certain questions in the Parliament, which she refused. This is amid the ongoing cash-for-query row against her. Moitra said she never met Adani directly so doesn't know why he offered her the price. She alleged being told last week to stay quiet for 6 months till elections and even if attacking Adani, don't take the PM's name. Moitra claimed she was messaged to end this and that everything would be fine post-polls. Her remarks come as she denies allegations of taking money to ask pre-arranged questions in Parliament.

South Africa held on for a thrilling 1-wicket victory over Pakistan in Chennai, moving top of the table. Aiden Markram starred with 91 before his dismissal opened the door for a Pakistan comeback. With 21 needed off 24 balls, Markram's wicket sparked a collapse, but Keshav Maharaj sealed the win. Earlier, Babar Azam's half-century powered Pakistan to 270 all out. Marco Jansen removed both openers before Babar and Rizwan's partnership was broken. Shadab Khan and Saud Shakeel counterattacked before late wickets fell. For South Africa, Rabada was out injured while Bavuma returned. The teams came in needing to bounce back from recent defeats. But since then, their fortunes diverged with South Africa finding form again versus Pakistan's struggles. This is the fourth defeat in a row for Pakistan, which means that their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals are almost over, with them having to depend on other results going their way. Another loss will effectively eliminate Pakistan, closing all doors.

After overnight clashes between Indian BSF and Pakistani Rangers along the international border, an uneasy calm returned Friday though both sides remain vigilant. Pakistani forces had resorted to unprovoked mortar and gunfire Thursday night in the Arnia sector, to which BSF responded. Villagers who had fled the shelling returned home Friday as BSF monitored any further developments. BSF said it remains alert to ensure border safety. A Pakistani mortar damaged a house but no injuries were reported. Villagers expressed fear of renewed shelling, urging bunker construction. The flare-up after over two years comes ahead of Indian elections and the festive season when Pakistani firing typically increases. [Image: Representative]

India has quietly launched efforts to resolve the issue of 8 former navy personnel sentenced to death by a Qatar court, though both sides remain tight-lipped. India expressed shock at the verdict but hasn't formally received a copy yet. Quiet diplomatic efforts are underway, including potentially filing an appeal or utilizing a prisoner transfer agreement. Approaching the ICJ, as in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, is also an option. The former employer of the 8 men, Oman's Dahra Engineering & Security Services, has also not commented after closing the security firm involved. With formal channels mute, India is discreetly working to aid its citizens facing execution in Qatar.

Yogesh Kadian, a 19-year-old gangster from Haryana, has been slapped with an Interpol Red Corner notice for criminal conspiracy and several attempts to murder charges. Kadian, who is considered to be an expert in advanced weapons, fled to the US two years ago on a fake passport and is part of the Babinha gang. Indian authorities believe he is leading efforts to take down the rival Lawrence Bishnoi's gang. There are also reports of Kadian's links to Khalistani terrorists. His houses in India were recently raided by NIA. The Interpol notice requests Kadian's detention by member countries until extradition. 

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to join GB News as a presenter, programme maker, and commentator in the new year. He will be involved in the channel's coverage of the UK and US elections in 2024 and host a series highlighting "the power of Britain around the world." Johnson, who also writes for the Daily Mail, promised to share his "unvarnished views" on various topics. The move follows other Conservative politicians, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Lee Anderson, Esther McVey, and Philip Davies, joining the broadcaster. GB News is currently under investigation by Ofcom following controversial remarks made by a guest on one of its shows.  

The Election Commission has directed the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that the government's 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' does not take place in the five election-going states and a by-election constituency in Nagaland until December 5. The EC cited the Model Code of Conduct, which is in force in these areas, and requested that the yatra be postponed until after the elections. The yatra, aimed at showcasing government achievements, has faced criticism for involving bureaucrats as "rath prabharis" but will now use "nodal officers" to manage information, education, and communication (IEC) vans. The yatra will highlight various government schemes and benefits across India.