Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi urged troops to prepare for a potential ground operation in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities. He stated that recent airstrikes are intended to set the stage for a possible military entry into southern Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of protecting Israeli residents. Halevi indicated that Hezbollah's increased rocket fire would provoke a strong response from Israel. Following a two-day bombing campaign that resulted in over 560 casualties in Lebanon, tensions remain high, with both sides exchanging fire amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Thailand has officially legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first South-East Asian nation to do so. The landmark marriage equality bill, endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, allows LGBTQ+ couples to register their marriages starting January 2025. The legislation, which grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to marriage partners of any gender, passed through the House of Representatives and Senate earlier this year. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the achievement, stating, "Congratulations to everyone’s love" with the hashtag #LoveWins. Bangkok officials are prepared to register marriages as soon as the law takes effect.

Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi announced that recent airstrikes in Lebanon are laying the groundwork for a possible ground incursion. Addressing troops, Halevi said the strikes are degrading Hezbollah's capabilities, with plans to enter villages turned into military outposts by the group. Israeli forces have been targeting southern Lebanon and the Beqaa area, as Hezbollah continues launching rockets towards Israel, including Tel Aviv. 51 people have been killed in Israeli air strikes on Wednesday, Lebanon's health ministry says. Over 90,000 people in Lebanon and 60,000 in northern Israel have been displaced since the conflict escalated on October 8. Israeli forces vow to continue operations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urgently convened a meeting of Moscow's top security council to discuss nuclear deterrence amid concerns over Ukraine's potential use of Western-supplied cruise missiles against Russian targets. This follows reports that the UK has cleared the use of Storm Shadow missiles for Ukraine, prompting fears of a direct confrontation with the West. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the meeting will address war strategies, with discussions marked as "top secret." Analysts warn that Moscow may consider nuclear options if Ukraine escalates its attacks.

The UN reports over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since Monday due to escalating violence, bringing the total to over 111,696 since October 2023. Israeli air strikes have killed at least 51 individuals, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The Israeli military claims to have targeted 280 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, following missile attacks on northern Israel. As tensions rise, the UK and other countries urge their citizens to leave Lebanon. This conflict continues to threaten the region's stability, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.

Big game hunting in South Africa thrives as lions are bred in captivity for hunting trophies. Hunters pay up to $25,000 to shoot a male lion, with farms referring to the process as a "harvest." While the industry has faced international criticism, domestic opposition has grown, prompting the government to propose voluntary closures and compensation for breeders. However, with legal challenges looming and hunting deeply rooted in local culture, the industry shows no signs of stopping. Animal welfare advocates foresee a compromise, moving lions to large reserves to live semi-wild lives before being hunted.

A Hezbollah official disclosed that pager blasts in Lebanon have injured 1,500 fighters, causing severe injuries like loss of eyesight and hands. The devices were reportedly tampered with during Israeli strikes, though Hezbollah maintains resilience through its tunnel network and missile arsenal. Despite significant losses, the group's operations continue. Israeli airstrikes also targeted senior Hezbollah commanders, including Ibrahim Aqil, leading to escalated tensions in the region. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, vowed to continue resistance, anticipating prolonged conflict with Israel.

A Russian missile, the Sarmat RS-28, nicknamed “Satan-2” and considered the “world’s deadliest weapon,” failed to launch for the fourth time on Saturday. During refueling at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, located 500 miles north of Moscow, the missile exploded, leaving a significant crater on the launchpad and damaging nearby roads and buildings. Open-source investigation project MeNMyRC reported that the blast destroyed the test site. Additionally, four fire engines were photographed responding to a forest fire likely caused by the incident. The Sarmat is a liquid-fueled missile, suggesting that the explosion could have occurred independently from the launch preparations.

In a big embarrassment for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the increasing number of Pakistani beggars arriving in the country using Umrah visas. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has issued a warning to Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs to 'Stop Sending Beggars' under the guise of religious pilgrimage. Reports indicate that this rising trend could negatively impact the reputation of legitimate Pakistani Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Sources from the Pakistani Ministry confirm that Saudi authorities are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that failure to address the issue may lead to stricter regulations for all Pakistani pilgrims visiting the holy sites.

Sri Lanka's new Marxist President aims to navigate a balanced approach in foreign relations, avoiding being "sandwiched" between India and China while recognizing them as valuable partners. This comes as the country grapples with a financial crisis that began in 2019, culminating in a sovereign default in April 2022. The President emphasized his intention to steer clear of geopolitical tensions in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, expressing a desire for stronger ties with the West, the Middle East, and Africa, alongside seeking essential financial aid from both India and China.