Heavy overnight rains pounded Chennai as cyclone Michaung closed in, leaving two dead after a wall collapse. With extremely heavy rain forecast over 24 hours, NDRF and SDRF have been mobilized while 14 subways got shut over flooding. Water exceeded danger levels on one bridge, forcing suspension of 6 trains. Most parts of Chennai recorded over 100mm rainfall, triggering power cuts and waterlogging, while neighboring districts also saw heavy rains. The cyclone heading toward Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast has led to flight cancellations too. Authorities are on high alert to mitigate risks from the severe rains still intensifying under Michaung's influence. (Image Courtesy: @UpdatesChennai on X)

India is among the top 20 countries worst hit by dengue in 2023, recording more cases and deaths than the annual average of the past five years, according to a new report by Save the Children. The aid agency report states that between January to November 2023, around 5 million dengue cases were reported across 20 high-burden countries, a 30% increase versus 2022. With over 5,500 fatalities, deaths rose 32% year-on-year. Actual figures are likely higher with underreporting. Bangladesh faced its worst outbreak on record with over 300,000 infections and 1,598 deaths in 2023 alone, over 5 times higher than last year. Save the Children has called for localized action plans to control mosquitoes, boost diagnosis and treatment as a cross-government effort.

Cyclone Michaung, brewing over the Bay of Bengal, has triggered heavy rainfall and disruption across Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Educational institutions have been shut for two days in Andhra Pradesh's NTR district and the Union Territory of Puducherry as more intense rain is forecast. Tamil Nadu has advised private companies to allow staff to work from home to avoid risk. Chennai is already witnessing waterlogging and floods, with the St Thomas metro station inundated under 4 feet of water, cutting off access. Despite disruptions, metro trains are running to schedule. The Greater Chennai Corporation has urged residents to stay indoors given heightened risk of flooding on roads. Cyclone Michaung, named by Myanmar to signify strength and resilience, is expected to intensify rains and strong winds along the Tamil Nadu coast until December 5.

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.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani envisions India's economic prowess, stating, "India will be a $40 trillion economy by 2047," during the Pandit Deendayal Energy University convocation. Emphasizing the need for sustainable growth, Ambani predicts India's energy needs to double by the end of the decade. Addressing the Energy Trilemma, he asks crucial questions and notes, "Energy transition is critical for India's global leadership in green, sustainable development." Ambani expresses confidence in the youth combating the climate crisis, urging them to contribute to India's greatness. He concludes, "The 21st Century is indeed going to be India's Century."  

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the imminent completion of the first phase of Ayodhya's Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport by December 15. The airport, spanning 50,000 square feet, is poised to accommodate Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320 aircraft. With construction progressing swiftly, flight operations are anticipated to commence before the proposed consecration ceremony of Ram Lala on January 22. Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya's transformation into "an epitome of New India," aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. The airport's inauguration is expected to be officiated by PM Modi in two phases.

A disturbing video capturing the assault of two men and two women from Manipur in Delhi's Sunlight Colony has gone viral. The victims allegedly from Meitei community were reportedly attacked by a group of eight-nine people belonging to Kuki community, after a plea for help with a cab booking turned violent. An FIR, including sexual assault charges, has been filed against unknown accused. The victims, seen being punched and kicked in the video, suffered injuries, with one describing the harrowing experience, fearing for their lives during the relentless beating. Police are actively pursuing the assailants, starting with the identification of two captured on CCTV. [Video Courtesy: @christopherHij2 /X] 

Heavy fog in Delhi on Saturday led to major flight disruptions, with over 18 flights diverted and several delays. Poor visibility forced airlines to reroute planes to cities like Lucknow, Jaipur and Ahmedabad between 7:30am-10:30am. SpiceJet and Vistara alerted flyers about likely delays and diversions via social media. While the diversions helped flyers reach destinations safely despite near zero visibility in Delhi, it did cause inconvenience. The closures came as Delhi's air quality index stood at 368 in the 'very poor' category, while a thick winter fog enveloped the capital reducing visibility. The India Meteorological Department has predicted moderate fog on Saturday with temperatures between 12-25 degree Celsius in Delhi.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has initiated the distribution of invitation letters for the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Nearly 6,000 people will receive invitations to attend the 'Pran Pratistha' consecration ceremony of 'Ram Lalla.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are among the notable attendees. Construction progresses with three versions of Ram Lalla crafted, with the final selection anticipated this month. The installation ceremony is set for the third week of January 2024, culminating the long-anticipated construction of the historic temple.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on the eve of vote counting, writes to PM Modi seeking a ban on apps linked to illegal online betting. Baghel highlights the nationwide nature of this offshore-run business and requests action to curb illicit financial transactions. This move follows allegations, including an ED claim of Baghel receiving Rs 508 crore from UAE-based app promoters. BJP releases a video supporting the allegations. Baghel defends his position, referencing police actions against online betting in Chhattisgarh. The letter adds a layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Mahadev app and its alleged financial transactions.