In a bid to establish its footprint in India, Tesla is reportedly considering a substantial $2 billion investment for a manufacturing facility, contingent on a 15% concessional duty on imported vehicles during its initial two years in the country. The proposal outlines a potential $500 million investment if the concessional duty covers 12,000 vehicles, escalating to $2 billion if extended to 30,000 vehicles. Additionally, Tesla may commit to 20% localization in its Made-in-India cars within the first two years, potentially increasing to 40% over four years. The announcement is anticipated at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January.

Officials said the 41 workers trapped for 13 days in a collapsed Uttarakhand tunnel will be rescued by pulling them out one-by-one on wheeled stretchers through a passage created by pushing a big pipe through the rubble. The NDRF demonstrated the technique in a video, showing a stretcher attached to a rope being pulled through the tunnel. Workers will lie flat on stretchers to avoid scraping the welded pipe roof during the extraction by rope. Initially, rescuers considered making them crawl out but their condition may prevent it after 13 days without light and meals. Instead, they will carefully pull out each worker strapped onto a wheeled stretcher through the newly created tunnel. After nearly two weeks of tireless efforts, officials believe the complex rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand is likely to conclude today. 

Amid worries over a pneumonia outbreak in China, India's Health Ministry said it is "closely monitoring" respiratory illness clusters and H9N2 cases there but the risk is low currently. The WHO noted China reported a virus uptick after lifting COVID-19 curbs. Some Chinese hospitals are seeing 7,000 patients daily. The Indian ministry said "The overall risk assessment by the WHO indicates a low probability of human to human spread" of H9N2 so far. It recognized the need for "strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors." The ministry asserted "India is prepared for any kind of public health exigency" as China tackles the surge. With China witnessing an increase in pneumonia and flu, India said it is keeping a close watch but is prepared to handle any crisis situation.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the government will assist citizens in lodging FIRs against social media platforms for violating IT rules over objectionable content like deepfakes. He stated social media platforms were given 7 days to align terms of use per IT rules. Chandrasekhar said MeitY will develop a platform for reporting violations and "assist users to very easily notify it about violation of IT rules and assist them in filing FIRs." Declaring "zero tolerance" for non-compliance from today, he added officers would build a mechanism for deepfake complaints under Rule 7. The minister warned FIRs will be filed against intermediaries, and against content creators if platforms disclose their details. The move comes as a positive crackdown attempt on false deepfake videos that have sparked massive worry.

A ceasefire in the 48-day Gaza war began Friday, 71am local time, involving a truce in north and south Gaza, hostage releases, and allowing aid entry - though it appeared "shaky" with no major attacks but some reported violations. Reuters correspondents reported to have heard no Israeli air force activity or Palestinian rocket launches since the beginning of the truce. However, some media reports said that no bombing sounds were heard but alleged Israel blocked returnees, and a firing in one incident with no reported casualties. Dozens of Israeli military vehicles including tanks were seen leaving Gaza. Qatar's spokesperson said the first 13 hostages including elderly women, would be freed at 4pm today, rising to 50 over four days. In return, Israel will also be releasing 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails as a part of the deal. Hamas confirmed on Telegram that "all hostilities from its forces would cease." On the first day of the truce, the situation seems 'shaky' and tense as both sides were accused of violations though no significant strikes are still reported.

A Qatar court has agreed to hear India's appeal against the death sentence given to eight former Indian navy personnel arrested last year on alleged spying charges while working for a Doha firm. This comes a month after the eight were sentenced by Qatar's Court of First Instance. News outlet The Quint reported that sources confirmed the appeal's acceptance. The men were detained in August 2022 and tried under Qatari law before being shockingly handed the death penalty in October. India's External Affairs Ministry had vowed to pursue all legal avenues, saying it was "deeply shocked" by the ruling against its citizens. In a relief for India, Qatar has accepted its appeal against the capital punishment verdict for the eight imprisoned former navy personnel.

After nearly two weeks of tireless efforts, officials believe the complex rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand is likely to conclude today. However, authorities caution against predicting a timeline, likening the challenging operation to 'war'. Drilling restarts at 11am after a technical halt. Personnel are fully prepared to safely extract workers on stretchers once a pathway is cleared. Chief Minister Dhami has set up camp on-site to monitor progress. With drilling in its final phase, there is hope the trapped workers will finally see light at the end of the tunnel after 12 arduous days.

China has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the surge in respiratory illnesses is not linked to unusual viruses but is associated with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Citing known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumonia, Chinese health authorities shared data revealing the connection between the rise in cases and the relaxation of pandemic measures. The WHO had sought information following reports of pneumonia clusters in children. In response, China emphasized routine data sharing, while both entities face scrutiny over transparency, reminiscent of early Covid-19 reporting. The situation is being monitored amid global health concerns. China is facing an average of 7,000 patients daily with the mysterious pneumonia. 

In a significant diplomatic development, The short truce is set to begin in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the exchange of hostages scheduled later today, orchestrated by Qatar and the US. The ceasefire, starting at 10:30 am IST, aims for a complete cessation of hostilities and provides a window for the safe release. The initial batch comprises 13 women and children, escalating to 50 over the next four days. International pressure mounts on Israel to end the conflict as the region faces escalating tensions. The agreement follows weeks of intensive diplomatic efforts, including engagements by US President Joe Biden, marking a potential breakthrough in the longstanding conflict

India's Union government, led by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced plans to introduce regulations addressing the rising threat of deepfakes and synthetic content. Following a meeting with tech companies, academics, and industry representatives, Vaishnaw emphasized the need for a proactive approach. The proposed regulation aims to cover detection, prevention, reporting, and awareness, considering deepfakes as a challenge to democracy. Social media giants were instructed to submit plans, and public consultation is expected. Concerns about deepfakes impacting elections and eroding trust prompted this move, with a focus on penalties for creators and platforms.