Polling data analyzed by US-Palestinian researcher Amaney Jamal reveals, "We find in our surveys that 67 percent of Palestinians in Gaza had little or no trust in Hamas in that period right before the attacks." The survey challenges the assumption that all of Gaza uniformly supports Hamas, with respondents citing perceptions of corruption and authoritarianism within the organization. Jamal emphasizes, "This is especially important because of the (erroneous) argument that all of Gaza supports Hamas, and therefore all of Gaza should be held accountable for the actions, atrocious actions of Hamas." The findings shed light on the complex sentiments in Gaza, with many open to peaceful reconciliation based on 1967 borders. The report notes potential shifts in perceptions post-attack due to the humanitarian crisis.  

A sensitive rescue operation continues in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district to save 41 workers trapped since November 12 in a collapsed tunnel. A team of 12 rat-hole mining experts have undertaken perilous manual drilling to break through the final few metres of rubble separating the stable, supplied workers from rescue. Officials say the workers are now just 3 metres away from rescue. Vertical drilling down 86 metres from above the tunnel also continues, with plans to pull out workers through the 1-metre wide shaft by Thursday. Meanwhile, food and medicines are regularly reaching the trapped workers. Prime Minister Modi is receiving daily updates on the rescue mission as experts inch agonizingly closer to the workers.

India's envoy to Canada has revealed that India received "legally presentable" inputs from the US on the alleged assassination plot against separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He said the inputs pointed to a nexus between criminals and terrorists in the US with possible "Indian connections." However, envoy Sanjay Kumar Verma said India got "nothing specific" from Canada related to the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar despite conversations. Verma said while the US shared actionable details, Canada only provided "allegations." He reiterated India's offer to investigate if Canada provides relevant information. But Verma asserted the Indian government had no role in Nijjar's killing in Canada.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced significant progress in the Silkyara tunnel rescue, revealing that almost 52 meters of drilling has been completed. With an expected breakthrough around 57 meters, rat-hole mining experts are navigating the final stretch to reach 41 trapped workers. Micro tunnelling expert Chris Cooper expressed optimism, stating, "It went very well last night. We have crossed 50 meters. It's now about five-six meters to go. We didn't have any obstacles last night. It is looking very positive." The rescue operation, now in its 16th day, shows promising signs of success.

India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has emphasized the need for concrete action on climate funding and technology transfer at the upcoming COP28 summit. Speaking at the India Global Forum Middle East and Africa 2023 in Dubai, Sitharaman highlighted India's commitment to climate goals, funded independently of the pledged hundred billion. Calling for more than mere discussions, she stressed the significance of COP28 in directing the transfer of technology and actual funding, especially for developing economies. Despite geopolitical tensions, Sitharaman assured that the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor remains resilient. The conference also featured insights from UAE's AI Minister, Omar Al Olama, who emphasized the crucial role of AI in driving economies and impacting societies. The upcoming COP28 is anticipated to set the stage for global climate strategies.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a two-day extension of the Gaza ceasefire, facilitating the release of more hostages. Following the release of 11 Israelis on Monday, Hamas has now freed a total of 69 hostages out of around 240. The extension, facilitated by Qatar, aims for increased aid and the release of Palestinian prisoners. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hails it as "a glimpse of hope." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans a Middle East visit. Calls for a prolonged pause come from global leaders amid ongoing negotiations. The truce provides relief amid the devastating conflict in Gaza.

In the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse, a six-member team of rat-hole miners from Madhya Pradesh has been deployed for manual rescue operations. After a US-made auger machine faced complications, officials opted for horizontal drilling and rat-hole mining to evacuate 41 workers trapped for 16 days. The miners, skilled in the primitive method of extracting through narrow passages, started drilling from inside pipes pushed into the tunnel. Adverse weather conditions pose challenges, with the India Meteorological Department predicting thunderstorms. The collapsed section occurred during the construction of a 4.5-km-long tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked northern Papua New Guinea, striking off the coast near Wewak, the capital of East Sepik Province. The US Geological Survey reported the epicenter at a depth of 12 kilometers. While no tsunami threat was issued, residents in sparsely populated jungle highlands described the ground swaying for almost a minute. Despite no reported damage, Papua New Guinea, situated on the seismic "Ring of Fire," frequently experiences earthquakes. In April, a 7.0-magnitude quake claimed seven lives, emphasizing the region's vulnerability to seismic activity. Search-and-rescue challenges persist due to rugged terrain and limited infrastructure.

In Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army, under Operation GUSHI, apprehended two individuals on Monday. A Mobile Vehicle Interception Post (MVIP) was established at Gushi Bridge, leading to the recovery of four hand grenades, one pistol with ammunition, and incriminating materials. The joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, based on specific intelligence, targeted suspected individuals. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army stated, "Further investigation is underway." This successful operation highlights ongoing efforts to maintain security and curb illicit activities in the region.

In the early hours of Tuesday, seismic activity rattled regions across the globe. Pakistan experienced a magnitude 4.2 earthquake at 3:38 am IST, reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Simultaneously, a 6.5 magnitude quake struck Near N. Coast of New Guinea at 3:16 am, preceding the Pakistani tremor. Xizang, too, felt the earth move with a magnitude 5.0 quake at 3:45 am. No casualties have been reported. These events echo a similar seismic occurrence in Pakistan in September. The world remains vigilant as nature's forces remind us of their unpredictable impact.