Makeshift landlines have been established inside a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi to allow 41 trapped workers to make calls to their worried family members. The lines were set up 200 meters from the cave-in site by BSNL technicians. Workers have been stuck inside the tunnel since November 12. A telephone handset will be passed to the laborers through a small pipe used to provide food and supplies. Officials hope the lines will keep workers' spirits up during the difficult rescue. Drilling efforts are currently on hold as equipment hit an obstacle, further delaying the complex extraction process.

The four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold on its second day, enabling over 150 aid trucks stocked with food, water, medical supplies and fuel to enter Gaza. It is the largest delivery since fighting erupted in October. Gazans are using the pause to search for supplies, check on loved ones, gather vital belongings from damaged homes, and retrieve bodies from under rubble. Despite progress, humanitarian groups emphasize that more aid is still urgently needed, with over 1 million displaced residents crowded into shelters. Both sides hope talks can pave way for a lasting truce to be implemented. But years of conflict loom heavy as fears remain that violence could ultimately still resume even during this brief, yet unstable, period of calm.

On the second day of the Israel-Hamas truce, Hamas is set to release 14 Israeli hostages in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners. The four-day pause has allowed critical humanitarian aid into Gaza, offering a brief respite for civilians amid seven weeks of conflict. Egypt indicates positive signals for a truce extension. On the first day, Hamas released 24 hostages, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians. Talks involve the release of more detainees, with Hamas committed to freeing at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and minors, during the truce. The hostage release is expected to occur today.      

A 20s Indian-origin student pursuing a master's at the University of Tasmania is in a medically induced coma after a November 5 assault in Tasmania. The student, who has not been identified, is suffering 'extradural bleeding' and a collapsed lung, he underwent brain surgery. Benjamin Dodge Collings, charged with criminal assault, was taken into custody. Granted bail, he faces court on December 4. The university, in contact with the family, provides support but is limited in statements due to the court process. The incident raises concerns about student safety abroad.

The Metropolitan Police will distribute leaflets at the upcoming pro-Palestinian march in London, outlining language restrictions for protesters. In response to criticism, the Met aims to prevent extremist views by clarifying unacceptable language, warning against racist, terrorist-supporting, or celebratory expressions. With 1,500 officers deployed, the force emphasizes a new approach, directly informing protesters about speech limits. Protection of war memorials and prevention of breakaway protests are priorities. The move precedes a major antisemitism march on Sunday, where right-wing activist Tommy Robinson is expected. "Mutual aid" officers from other forces will support operations.      

The CBI has initiated an enquiry against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra based on a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accusing her of taking bribes to ask parliament questions. Dubey alleged Moitra took gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to target the Modi government and Adani Group in parliament. He cited a Supreme Court lawyer's letter with evidence of the "cash-for-query" deal. Though a Lok Sabha ethics panel suggested Moitra's dismissal over the charges, she has dismissed it as political vendetta and a "fixed match". The CBI move comes after the Lokpal directed the probe agency to investigate the claims that Moitra gave her parliament login access to Hiranandani associates to post questions from locations like Dubai and New Jersey. Moitra admits sharing her ID to aid in typing questions due to her busy schedule.

Pranshu, a 16-year-old queer artist from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, took their own life following a barrage of over 4,000 homophobic comments on an Instagram reel. The self-taught makeup artist, with 16,500 followers on 'glamitupwithpranshu,' faced cyberbullying after posting a Diwali transition reel. Actor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju highlighted Instagram's failure to curb LGBTQ hate. The Nagjhiri police are investigating, while former Meta executive Arthur Bejar criticized Instagram's safety claims, testifying it's "categorically not" suitable for teens. The incident sparks outcry for #JusticeForPranshu, shedding light on social media's impact on mental health.

In the most extensive drone strike of the war, Russia targeted Kyiv, injuring five and damaging buildings. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy reported over 70 Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones launched, with most intercepted. Kyiv's mayor, Klitschko, stated the attack injured an 11-year-old and caused widespread damage, including a nursery fire from a downed drone. The assault coincided with Ukraine's commemoration of the 1932-33 Holodomor famine. Zelenskiy condemned the "wilful terror," linking it to Russia's invasion. Energy ministry noted power outages in nearly 200 buildings, raising concerns of an impending aerial campaign on Ukraine's energy system.      

US Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism for her Thanksgiving post featuring a gas stove, reigniting concerns over the Biden administration's alleged plan to ban such appliances. The post triggered backlash from Republicans, with Senator Ted Cruz highlighting perceived hypocrisy. Earlier rumors of a gas stove ban surfaced in January, prompting conservative backlash against government overreach. Despite clarifications from officials, Harris's post became a lightning rod for criticism, with Senate Republican staffer Charles Correll III stating, "Gas stoves for me but not for thee." The controversy aligns with a previous House bill aiming to prevent a ban on gas stoves.      

The Chinese military asserts that the American naval destroyer USS Hopper entered China's territorial waters without approval, prompting China to label the United States as a 'security risk creator' in the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command deployed naval and air forces to track and monitor the vessel, according to an official WeChat post. This incident follows China's accusation against the Philippines for involving "foreign forces" in South China Sea patrols. Tensions rise as the US and China engage in talks on maritime issues, highlighting concerns about perceived "dangerous and unlawful" Chinese actions in the region.