The Uttarkashi tunnel rescue has reached its conclusive phase as iron structures obstructing progress were successfully cleared, leaving only 10 meters of drilling to complete. Ambulances standby, and ICU beds at Rishikesh's AIIMS await the 41 trapped workers. A team of experts from Delhi accelerates operations, with the first pipe injected and welding underway for the next. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviews the mission as the final stage unfolds. Beds at a Chinyalisaur health center and AIIMS Rishikesh are prepared for medical examinations post-rescue. The operation's intensity garners national attention, emphasizing meticulous planning and widespread support.

India's exports, marked by exceptional resilience, are on an upward trajectory, aiming to achieve a USD 2 trillion goal by 2030, according to a report by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The research highlights India's exports as the most resilient among the top 20 global exporters, with growth rates of 20% in 2021 and 9.7% in 2022. The recently launched Foreign Trade Policy 2023 focuses on enhancing competitiveness and fostering a move towards self-reliance. The report identifies high-growth destinations and export commodities, emphasizing the potential for increased volumes and outlining a roadmap for sustained growth.

The Election Commission, on Thursday, issued a notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling PM Modi a "panauti" (harbinger of bad luck) over India's loss in the World Cup final. At a rally in Rajasthan on November 21, Gandhi remarked, "Panauti... panauti... Achha bhalaa hamare ladke wahaan World Cup jeetne waale the, par panauti harwaa diya (Our boys were going to win the World Cup, but panauti got them defeated)” BJP lashed out, accusing Gandhi of abusive remarks out of "frustration of electoral losses." KC Venugopal of the Congress, however, defended Gandhi’s jibe, "Rahul ji has said what many have been thinking since 2 days!" Rahul faces EC action for labeling PM Modi "panauti" and blaming him for ruining India's World Cup chances. The "panauti" controversy has taken centre-stage in the Rajasthan polls to be held on 25 November across 200 constituencies. 

In a groundbreaking achievement, NASA's Psyche spacecraft, equipped with the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) tool, has successfully transmitted a laser-beamed message from a staggering distance of 16 million kilometers—40 times farther than the Earth-Moon gap. This achievement, known as 'first light,' showcases DSOC's potential for higher-data-rate communications. The Psyche mission, aimed at exploring the metallic asteroid Psyche, plans to continue these optical communications on its way to the asteroid, potentially revolutionizing deep space communication by enabling data transfer at speeds 10 to 100 times faster than current methods.

In a deeply disturbing crime in Delhi, an 18-year-old was fatally stabbed over 60 times by a 16-year-old seeking to rob just ₹350, possibly to afford a biryani meal. Horrifying CCTV footage from Delhi's Welcome area shows the teen dragging the victim's body, repeatedly stabbing his neck, and dancing maniacally by the corpse. The victim was declared dead at the hospital. Police arrested the accused minor, who was involved in another 2022 murder during a robbery. He is allegedly part of a violent juvenile gang and claimed to be intoxicated. But no motive can explain the savage frenzy of violence over a paltry ₹350. The teen's bizarre celebration of the mutilated corpse has horrified India as families mourn the traumatic, senseless tragedy. [Image: Screengrab from the video]

After the OpenAI board abruptly fired CEO Sam Altman, he orchestrated an overhaul removing nearly the entire board in retaliation, cementing his return as Chief Executive days later. The sole director remaining from the board that ousted Altman is Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo. Replacing the outgoing directors are high-profile figures like ex-Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and former US Treasury Secretary and president of Harvard University, Larry Summers, who warns of AI's threats and opportunities. Neither Altman nor previously departed president Greg Brockman will rejoin OpenAI's reconstituted board. Altman's comeback as CEO after sacking most of the board that fired him underscores deep internal tensions plaguing the artificial intelligence firm.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to trapped Silkyara tunnel workers, saying "We are hardly 10 metres away" and assured them of safe rescue. He said, "PM Modi and the whole country is worried about you..." and added  "all sorts of arrangements are made once you're out."  He asked about their health and was told the 41 workers stuck for over 200 hours remains healthy and safe. Rescuers have nearly completed the escape passage drilling up to 45 metres but briefly halted after pipes hit iron rods. Just 10 more metres of drilling remain to reach the workers isolated behind the debris. A 41-bed hospital is prepared for medical checks and treatment post-rescue. On Thursday's 12th day of rescue operations at the Uttarkashi tunnel, National Disaster Relief Force Director General Atul Karwal said that he believed that the rescue operations at the tunnel should be over by tonight.  

Qatar said it will announce the start time for the Israel-Hamas truce "in the next few hours". Though the ceasefire was slated to start at 8am Israeli time on Thursday, in a surprise move Israel's National Security Council confirmed "No hostages will be released before Friday", delaying expectations of earlier prisoner swaps and ceasefire. The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated talks are "progressing positively" on implementing the hostage deal with the involvement of Egypt and the US. An Israeli official downplayed seriousness, citing “fairly minor implementation details.” PM Netanyahu disclosed the deal excludes "release of murderers" after Israel's Supreme Court greenlit it. As part of the deal, the United States and Israel will pause drone flights over Gaza for six hours each day, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told CNN. 

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee broke her silence on the controversy over Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, stating "Mahua Moitra's expulsion from Lok Sabha is being planned... but this will help her before (the 2024 general) election." Attacking the BJP's use of agencies against rivals, Mamata predicted they "will go after BJP post-2024." This was her first show of solidarity for Moitra accused of the cash-for-query scam after she avoided commenting on it earlier. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee had called her "a victim of vendetta politics", questioning her recommended expulsion. In predicting Mahua's ouster from parliament would aid her politically, Mamata asserted her first direct support for the besieged MP.

In a significant development, former advisor to the prime minister's office, Bhaskar Khulbe, revealed that the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue operation is anticipated to conclude within 12-14 hours. The announcement marks the first time authorities have provided a timeframe for the rescue of 41 trapped workers. Delays were caused by the removal of an obstructive iron mesh, taking six hours to clear. After reaching the workers, an additional three hours are expected to extract them individually. The Uttarkashi administration has meticulously planned post-rescue measures, including a green corridor with 41 ambulances standing by. Rescue efforts are now in their final stages.