As Rajasthan goes to the polls, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Governor Kalraj Mishra have cast their votes, symbolizing a pivotal day for the state's political landscape. With a turnout of 24.74% reported by 11 AM, both Congress and BJP intensify their electoral campaigns. Tragically, a polling agent's death in Pali casts a shadow on the proceedings. BJP's Dr. Alka Gurjar articulates the party's focus on good governance, countering corruption allegations. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Pilot notes public dissatisfaction over the central BJP governence, emphasizing the desire for change. As Rajasthan awaits results on December 3, the election unfolds against a backdrop of high political stakes and public sentiment.

Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, raised concerns over the handling of the investigation into the death of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Speaking to CTV, Verma highlighted that India felt "convicted" before the probe concluded, challenging the notion of the rule of law. He emphasized India's willingness to cooperate if provided with specific and relevant information. The ongoing dispute has strained Delhi-Ottawa ties, with Verma asserting that no substantial details have been shared for Indian assistance. The diplomat questioned the legitimacy of evidence, alleging a high-level direction to taint India's image in the case.

The Israeli military has sounded a note of caution as the truce with Hamas sees the release of 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed relief but emphasized the complexity ahead, stating, "nothing is over until it's over." Netanyahu reiterated the nation's commitment to ensuring the release of all hostages, deeming it a pivotal aim of the ongoing war. A four-day cease-fire brokered with Qatar initiated the release, with most hostages reported in good health upon return. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, highlighted ongoing monitoring of senior Hamas officials during the pause. The commitment to securing all hostages remains firm, with a new list expected for release on Saturday. The situation unfolds amidst a fragile peace in the Israel-Hamas war. As the Prime Minister receives a new list, tensions persist, keeping the nation on edge during this critical phase of the conflict.

In a critical turn of events, the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation, aiming to save 41 trapped workers, encountered a significant hurdle when the American-auger drilling machine struck a metal girder, forcing a temporary halt. Faced with this challenge, officials are now contemplating the option of vertical drilling. The Border Roads Organisation has readied the site, and preparations are underway. Despite setbacks, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assures the public that the rescue operation is in its "final stage." Meanwhile, experts deploy ground-penetration radar and drones for a comprehensive understanding of the challenging rescue mission.    

Dublin City Council estimates the repair, clean-up, and business loss costs from Thursday's riots could reach €20 million based on early assessments. Nearly 24 hours later, crews were still restoring transport links while clearing tons of fire debris and waste off roads on Friday evening. It took 4.5 hours just to tow one burned tram as collapsed electric lines were repaired. The acting council CEO expressed disgust at the "thugs", saying long-term reputational harm worries him more than the damage bill. But tube services remained partly suspended with technicians working overnight to fix overhead power lines. Hotels and businesses also face hefty riot bills in the millions, fueling concern over tourism and economic fallout.

The UK updated its Dublin travel advice after vehicles burned, shops looted and police injured amid riots apparently fueled by "far-right ideology". Ireland's police chief blamed "hooligans" for the worst public disorder "in decades". The revised UK guidance warns citizens to "avoid" areas around Parnell Street East and O'Connell Street. Although not discouraging travel to Dublin overall, it notes terrorist attacks in Ireland "cannot be ruled out". Rioters have dispersed but expect heavy police presence preventing repeats, officials said. They vow not to cede Dublin to "arsonists and looters". The UK alert highlights volatile areas but stops short of an overall Dublin avoidance, instead urging awareness of unrest remnants.

Officials could not make any progress in rescuing the 41 workers as drilling could not resume Friday. Just 10-12 more metres of debris remain to be drilled inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi before evacuation pipes can be installed. A metal object damaged equipment blades halting operations. Senior officials hope to establish contact Saturday if no more hurdles emerge. On Thursday, the drilling platform got destabilized after the drill bit damaged tunnel steel pipes. The evacuation pipe got warped, narrowing its mouth so the machine couldn't push through. Officials said chopping 1.2m off the pipe took 7-8 hours. With at least the fifth obstruction hitting drilling, GPR scanning is being used to check the remaining debris. After a series of obstacles, the risky Uttarakhand tunnel rescue hopes to break through by Saturday barring any new setback.

Irish police arrested 34 people following "huge destruction by a riotous mob" in Dublin after 3 young kids were injured in a school stabbing. A 5-year-old girl and a female teacher remain in very serious condition. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris blamed "people radicalized through social media" for scenes not witnessed in decades. Warning of likely more protests, he said "We have to make the assumption that following the events of last night, we are going to see further protests." Harris added there will be a "heavy Garda presence" in Dublin after violent clashes injured numerous officers. Vowing "We cannot allow the city to be given over to the thugs," he said the force stopped 400 protesters as anger erupted over the children's stabbing.

The UN said 137 aid trucks carrying food, water, medicine, and other essentials were unloaded in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire began Friday. It was the largest such delivery since the October 7 war erupted. The convoy also brought 129,000 liters of fuel while 21 critically ill patients got evacuated from northern Gaza. The UN humanitarian affairs office said hundreds of thousands received assistance with the 200 trucks sent from Israel to the Egypt border crossing. US President Joe Biden termed Friday's initial release of hostages from Hamas captivity just a "start", saying there are "real" opportunities to lengthen the temporary Gaza truce. Speaking in Nantucket, Massachusetts where he spent Thanksgiving, Biden also said it's time to "renew" efforts towards a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Ireland's Justice Minister said Thursday's Dublin "saw most riot police deployed in Irish state history" to tackle a flurry of violence following a knife attack at a school that left 5 injured. Sinn Fein criticized the response while its leader sought the police chief's resignation. PM Leo Varadkar said 500 were involved, promising new laws to prosecute the "shameful" disorder where cars burned and shops looted. 34 arrests occurred. The police blamed far-right hooligans but faced backlash. Two victims are critical after the random stabbings outside a primary school, including a care assistant who shielded kids. The school expressed shock at the "saddening" incident. Amid chaos after the unprovoked attacks, authorities confronted public fury over their handling of the situation.