Rescue efforts in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel encounter hurdles as the auger machine, critical for freeing 41 trapped workers, faces "some difficulties" again, reveals international expert Arnold Dix. Drilling, halted previously due to an iron girdle, now pauses for repairs after technical snags. Despite setbacks, Dix remains optimistic about cautious progress. National Disaster Management Authority warns against undue pressure on rescuers, emphasizing the challenge's complexity. As repairs proceed, the possibility of success in the next few hours or by Friday gives hope for the trapped workers. The 12-day-long rescue operation navigates challenges with determination.      

Hezbollah escalated tensions by firing more than 50 rockets at Israeli military posts in northern Israel, a day after an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed five senior Hezbollah fighters. The intense bombardment marked one of the most severe attacks since Hezbollah's involvement in the Israel-Hamas war. The group stated that the rocket volleys targeted an Israeli army base, including tanks and troop positions. The move is seen as an attempt to ease pressure on Gaza amid ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, a Gaza ceasefire agreement faced last-minute challenges, prolonging the volatile situation in the region. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is set to commence tomorrow at 7 am.

Mumbai's Eleftheria Cheese makes history, clinching three gold medals at the World Cheese Awards in Norway. Their Brunost, a Norwegian brown cheese, earns a super gold, securing a top-five global ranking. Notably, Eleftheria is the first Indian artisanal cheese company to perfect Brunost production domestically. The accolades continue with a super gold for their goat milk feta and a gold for the French Tomme-style cheese. Dedicating the accolade to Indian women entrepreneurs, founder Mausam Jotwani Narang expresses gratitude as judges hail Eleftheria's creations as 'absolutely amazing' and 'very complex with waves of flavor.'

The temporary truce between Israel and Hamas will begin at 7am. local time on Friday and civilian hostages will be released at 4pm local time, Qatar announced on Thursday. Thirteen women and children will be among the first to be released tomorrow. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr. Majed Al Ansari said they received a civilian prisoner list for release at 4pm, expecting Israel will also free some jailed Palestinians. Al Ansari stated: “We are hoping that we don't see any further delays.” The agreement enables humanitarian supplies and Red Cross access in Gaza. Hamas agreed to free 50 Israeli hostages in return for 150 Palestinian prisoners' release from Israeli jails. The list of hostages expected to be released has been handed to the Israeli intelligence service Mossad, Al-Ansari said in a news conference.

Popular actor Prakash Raj faces questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a Rs 100-crore Ponzi scheme linked to Trichy-based Pranav Jewellers. The jeweler is accused of misleading the public with a gold investment scheme promising high returns. Prakash Raj, the brand ambassador for the jeweler, is now entangled in the money laundering inquiry. The ED's investigation exposed the diversion of funds to shell entities, with incriminating documents and unexplained cash seized during a raid. The actor, associated with successful films this year, is yet to respond to the summons.

In a challenging two-day operation in the Kalakote region of Jammu, two army officers and three jawans lost their lives battling terrorists in dense Pir Panjal range forests. The encounter involved a Lashkar-e-Taiba sniper and explosives expert, identified as Quari, who had been on the run since November 19. Captain MV Pranjal of 63 Rashtriya Rifles was fatally shot while gathering information. Major DS Mehra and others faced gunfire attempting to rescue him. Despite evacuating Major Mehra, Captain Shubham Gupta and two jawans lost their lives. The operation faced further complications as Pakistan attempted to drop arms via drones. Paratrooper Sachin Laur succumbed during the mission. The challenging terrain and low visibility contributed to the intensity of the encounter.

Aaditya Adlakha, a 26-year-old Indian doctoral student at the University of Cincinnati Medical School, met a tragic end after being shot inside a car in Ohio. The incident, described as "sudden, tragic, and senseless" by the medical school, occurred on November 9 when police found Adlakha shot inside a vehicle that crashed into a wall. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the UC Medical Center two days later. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with no arrests reported. Adlakha was praised for his intelligence, kindness, and transformative research in neuroimmune communication.[Representative image]

Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claimed that Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa, has been arrested by Israeli troops along with other medical staff in a move it "strongly condemned" as "inhumane". The ministry said Al-Shifa staffs who were exiting with a WHO convoy were stopped for hours at an IDF checkpoint in central Gaza and several staff were arrested. It follows Israel alleging discovery of a 55-meter tunnel under the hospital complex which contained a blast door, kitchen, and meeting room. An Israeli commander claimed it showed Hamas used the hospital as a "human shield." Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya's detention has not been confirmed by Israel. As reported by CNN, The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry is suspending cooperation with the WHO on evacuations from Al-Shifa hospital after the alleged arrest of Dr. Salmiya by Israel while exiting with a WHO convoy. Spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra declared they "decide to stop full coordination with the WHO on evacuating the remaining wounded” until the director is released. The ministry blamed the UN and demanded an explanation over the incident involving the WHO convoy.

Lt General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain of the National Disaster Management Authority warns against undue pressure on rescue teams as expectations rise for a swift rescue of 41 workers in Uttarkashi's collapsed tunnel. Addressing concerns, Hasnain emphasizes the risk to both workers and rescuers. The ongoing five-directional approach, particularly the Silkyara route, aims to conclude the operation in the next few hours or by tomorrow. Uttarkashi administration prepares with 41 ambulances, ensuring advanced life support. While optimism prevails, experts urge realistic timelines to safeguard everyone involved in the challenging rescue mission.

According to UK Home Office data, Indian skilled workers, medical professionals, and students maintained their prominence in the UK's visa statistics for the year ending September 2023. Indian nationals topped both the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Visa routes. While Skilled Worker visas saw a modest 9% increase, Health and Care Visa grants surged by 135%. Indian students also represented 43% of those granted leave to remain on the post-study Graduate visa route. Additionally, Indian nationals secured the highest proportion (27%) of Visitor visas, emphasizing their continued significance in the UK's immigration landscape.