Storm Darragh has wreaked havoc across the UK, with 93mph winds causing widespread damage. A man in his 40s tragically died after a tree fell on his van in Lancashire. Over 55,000 homes are without power, primarily in South Wales, with National Grid reporting 376,000 restorations so far. Dyfed-Powys Police declared a major incident in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys. The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was canceled, with flights and train services also disrupted. A rare government alert warns of "risk to life" as a red weather warning remains in effect until Sunday morning.

India captain Rohit Sharma faced heavy criticism for his captaincy and poor batting during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. Fans lashed out on social media, questioning his field placements and bowling changes as Australia dominated Day 2. Travis Head’s stunning 140 propelled Australia to a 157-run lead, leaving India trailing. Rohit’s underwhelming performance with the bat, scoring 3 and 6 in two innings while batting at No. 6, further fueled the backlash. India ended Day 2 at 128/5, still 29 runs behind. Critics argued Rohit’s decision-making lacked strategy, contributing to India’s precarious position in the match.

The United States on Saturday rejected BJP’s claims that the American “deep state” and US-funded organisations collaborated with the OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to undermine India’s image. A US embassy spokesperson termed the allegations “disappointing,” emphasizing America’s commitment to media freedom globally. The BJP had linked the OCCRP's funding to US entities, citing a French media report, and accused Gandhi of using its reports to criticize PM Modi and Gautam Adani. The US clarified that its support for journalism focuses on professional development and does not influence editorial choices. The controversy has sparked calls for transparency.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to feature in the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. His playing kit has already been sent to Australia, and fitness clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is expected soon after assessment in Bengaluru. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla revealed Shami has been actively playing domestic matches, including the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, to regain match fitness. The 34-year-old pacer, recovering from knee swelling after ankle surgery, could join the team for the Brisbane Test starting Dec 14 or the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Dec 26.

President-elect Donald Trump declared the U.S. should avoid involvement in Syria, describing the nation as “not our friend.” In a post on Truth Social, he emphasized, “This is not our fight. Let it play out.” Trump cited Russia's preoccupation with the Ukraine conflict, suggesting Moscow’s diminishing role in Syria might benefit it. He also highlighted his long-standing opposition to the deployment of U.S. troops in Syria, advocating for withdrawal to prevent regional power vacuums. Trump's comments reflect his skepticism of prolonged U.S. military presence, which he criticized during his first term as detrimental to American interests.

In the 2024 World Chess Championship, Game 10 ended in a draw after 36 moves, leaving D Gukesh and reigning champion Ding Liren tied at 5-5. The match is now a best-of-four contest, with tie-breaks in rapid format looming if the deadlock persists. Ding reverted to the London System, while Gukesh defended solidly. Both players acknowledged the increased stakes, with Gukesh emphasizing precision in every move. Chess legend Susan Polgar remarked on Ding’s steady strategy, pushing Gukesh to take risks. The championship could still hinge on a single decisive game or rapid play dominance.

Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), announced they are closing in on Damascus, claiming to be in the final phase of encircling the capital. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani stated forces are within 20 kilometers of the city, while government officials denied any retreat, affirming control over the Damascus countryside. Despite the government's claims, significant losses in Daraa and Quneitra were reported. Airstrikes by government forces continue as casualties rise. Rebel forces have pledged to protect Syria's minorities, while Hezbollah deploys fighters to support the regime near the Lebanese border.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra faces turmoil as the Samajwadi Party (SP) exits the coalition, citing divisive remarks by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Milind Narvekar. Narvekar's post celebrating the Babri Masjid demolition’s 32nd anniversary provoked outrage within SP. Maharashtra SP chief Abu Azmi criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) for adopting rhetoric akin to the BJP. SP’s withdrawal threatens the opposition bloc’s unity against the BJP-led Mahayuti. NCP’s Supriya Sule promised efforts to reconcile, while Congress leaders seek resolution. SP’s exit, with 2 MLAs in the Assembly, leaves the MVA coalition on shaky ground.

Farmers from Punjab will resume their march to Delhi on December 8, after Friday’s protest was met with tear gas and resistance at Haryana’s Shambhu border. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed the peaceful march, citing the government’s lack of response to their demands, including legal guarantees for MSP, justice for 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri victims, and compensation for farmers who died during past protests. Security has been tightened, with mobile internet suspended in Ambala district. Another leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, continues a fast unto death at Khanauri border. This marks the fourth attempt to press for farmers’ demands since February.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided impeachment after his martial law declaration, as his People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. Opposition protests drew up to 1 million demonstrators demanding Yoon’s removal. Yoon had briefly suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, sparking global concern. Despite his apology for the turmoil, the impeachment motion failed to gain the required two-thirds majority. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung vowed to reintroduce the motion. Analysts predict a prolonged crisis with weekly protests as Yoon's approval rating plummets to 13%. Critics call Yoon "politically dead," urging his resignation.