Hamas has just released a statement on the truce agreement with Israel. Hamas said, "This result is a testament to the persistent and commendable efforts of Qatar and Egypt." The terms of the agreement between Israel and Hamas are as follows: 1) A ceasefire enacted by both parties across Gaza; 2) The intensified entry of trucks carrying humanitarian aid, relief supplies, medical assistance, and fuel to all regions of the Gaza Strip; 3) The release of 50 hostage Israeli women and children below the age of 19, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children in Israeli prisons; 4) No Israeli air traffic in the south of Gaza whatsoever for four days; 5) No Israeli air traffic in the north of Gaza for six hours daily, from 10am to 4pm; 6) Freedom of movement for civilians, particularly along Salah al-Din road. "The terms of this agreement were formulated with the vision of serving our people and bolstering their steadfastness in the face of aggression, always mindful of their sacrifices, suffering, and concerns." Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces claim to have uncovered and destroyed 400 Hamas tunnels inside Gaza since it launched ground operations after the October 7 attacks that killed more than 1,200 Israelis.

Egypt's state-run Qahera TV has reported the truce between Israel and Hamas to allow the release of some hostages will begin at 10am local time tomorrow (8am UK time). During the exchange, Israel will free 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israeli jails in return for 50 hostages held by Hamas from their October 7 attack. According to Sky News, Gazans desperately want an enduring ceasefire, not temporary relief from endless war. The 4-day truce and minor aid do little for the war-ravaged population struggling to survive amid a looming ground invasion that edges south. Palestinians hoped to move north to check homes, and relatives and bury loved ones trapped in rubble, but can reportedly only travel south, with Israel controlling and encircling the north while destroying alleged Hamas tunnels. In a voice note to Sky News, Gaza journalist Shadi Abu Ahmed voiced desperation, saying "Israelis will go crazy after the ceasefire. We are terrified." He said, "Every 5 minutes you have an explosion and people dying."

The University College London has announced a new scholarship scheme enabling 100 of India's "brightest students" to pursue Master's degrees there. Thirty-three exceptional graduates will be offered £5,000 funding in 2024/25, increasing to 100 over the following two years. UCL President and Provost, Dr Michael Spence said, “We are delighted to be able to offer these new and diverse opportunities that both illustrate our ongoing commitment to Indian students and strengthen our connection with India. Indian students are vital members of UCL’s global community and we are dedicated to providing more resources and support to help the very best of them share their knowledge and expertise with us in the UK." The India Excellence Scholarships aim to bring the country's "outstanding" academics to study across disciplines at the UK's top-ranked university.

Within Israel's government, splits emerged regarding the 4-day ceasefire Gaza truce deal to allow aid and free captives, a move praised internationally. Hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voted against it alongside other ministers saying, "The outline is a dangerous precedent, which changes the equation and may bring more events.” However, President Isaac Herzog backed the agreement saying, "The reservations are understandable, painful, and difficult, but given the circumstances I back and support the decision of the Prime Minister and the Government to move forward with the deal to release hostages." Herzog called it "a moral and ethical duty" to pursue prisoner releases through negotiations alongside military operations. Despite ministerial divisions, Israel will free 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israeli jails in return for 50 hostages held by Hamas. PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the "first hostages should be free within 48 hours" and the truce will extend "for every 10 more hostages released." The Israeli army, however, stated troops continue operating in Gaza, neutralizing a militant tunnel, identifying terrorists, and locating weapons during recent raids. The military also said it directed aircraft to keep striking "terrorist infrastructure" in Gaza. Meanwhile, Pope Francis declared Israel-Hamas violence has gone "beyond wars" into "terrorism", asserting "This is not war. This is terrorism." After talks with bereaved families, Francis said "I heard directly how 'both sides are suffering' in the conflict."

Officials said only 18 metres of rock separates rescuers from 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's collapsed Silkyara tunnel, calling it "very happy news". Senior official Mahmood Ahmed revealed "drilling for 39 metres has been completed" to reach the workers estimated to be 57 metres underground. But welding pipes through the narrow path is time-consuming though drilling is faster. Ahmed said "Some big news may be received tonight or tomorrow morning" but warned the remaining section is most critical. Operations have been slow amid falling debris and machine breakdowns. After 11 days, workers are tantalisingly close to rescue teams but the final push is perilous. Officials remain hopeful of reaching trapped workers just 18 metres away after the last phase of painstaking, risky drilling efforts.

Israel and Hamas announced a deal Wednesday for a four-day ceasefire in Gaza to exchange hostages. Israel will free 150 Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israeli jails in return for 50 hostages held by Hamas. PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the "first hostages should be free within 48 hours" and the truce will extend "for every 10 more hostages released." Hamas called it a "humanitarian truce" allowing aid entry and prisoner releases. Qatar’s foreign ministry said early on Wednesday that the start time of the deal would be announced in the next 24 hours. US Secretary Antony Blinken hailed "tireless diplomacy" leading to "significant progress". The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged full implementation so "life-saving aid can reach Gaza." Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister, will make a regional tour following the deal's announcement. Despite the truce deal, Israel's military continues "striking terrorist infrastructure" in Gaza. Al Jazeera reports, “Israeli air raids have intensified during the last couple of hours across the Gaza Strip” and “conditions remain dire”

India has recommenced electronic visa services for Canadian nationals after a two-month hiatus, signaling a thaw in diplomatic tensions. The suspension, initiated on September 21, was a response to Canada's accusations linking Indian government agents to the June killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. While India vehemently denies involvement, the resumption of visa services, including tourist visas, suggests a step towards normalizing relations. Talks on a longstanding trade deal remain paused, underscoring the impact of the ongoing diplomatic discord on broader bilateral engagements.

US President Joe Biden expresses relief as a deal is reached for the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7. Biden, in a statement, is "extraordinarily gratified" for the imminent reunion of hostages with their families. The US President credits Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their crucial partnership in brokering the deal. The agreement involves a four-day humanitarian pause, starting within the next 24 hours. Qatar, engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations, confirms the truce with Israel and Hamas, aiming to free hostages and facilitate humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledges the difficulty but deems it the right decision.  

During the UN Security Council open debate under China's presidency, India issued a veiled warning on the dangers of unsustainable financing, cautioning against a "vicious cycle of debt traps." Counsellor Madhu Sudan emphasized the need for transparent and equitable financing, urging vigilance against hidden agendas. The statement echoes India's recent calls to nations in the Indian Ocean region to address development challenges and avoid unviable projects or unsustainable debt. India also advocated for a reformed multilateralism and a UN reflecting 21st-century needs. The remarks underscore tensions around China's alleged "debt trap" diplomacy and advocate for a comprehensive vision of international security.

OpenAI announces the return of Sam Altman as CEO, resolving a crisis triggered by his surprise sacking, which led almost all employees to consider quitting. The agreement includes a new board with Bret Taylor as Chair, along with Larry Summers and Adam D'Angelo. While details are being finalized, Altman expressed excitement about resuming leadership and strengthening the partnership with Microsoft. Altman, initially fired due to disagreements over AI development pace and monetization, played a key role in OpenAI's transformative ChatGPT launch. The recent shakeup followed talks reaching an impasse and Microsoft hiring Altman for an in-house AI team.