US fighter jets strike two sites in Iraq linked to Iran-backed militants, marking the fourth round of retaliatory airstrikes. The move follows over 60 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reveals, "U.S. forces have been attacked approximately 66 times since October 17." The recent strikes respond to a ballistic missile attack on al-Asad Airbase, signaling an escalation. Central Command states, "The strikes were in direct response to the attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces by Iran and Iran-backed groups." Tensions persist as the US seeks to deter further aggression.

Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is set to participate in the Virtual G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by India despite an ongoing diplomatic standoff. Tensions escalated as Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to the withdrawal of diplomats and halted consular services. The G20 summit, starting today at 5:30 pm, gathers global leaders to address key issues. The diplomatic rift adds a layer of complexity to the international dialogue. India emphasizes the need for evidence in response to Trudeau's claims. The summit will review progress since the New Delhi G20 meeting in September.

As the rescue operation in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel entered its tenth day, rescuers sent solid food, including veg pulao and matar paneer, to the 41 trapped laborers through a 6-inch-wide alternative lifeline pipe. The meal, prepared by locals, aims to sustain those inside. Initially facing challenges, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) cleared the pipe obstruction. Besides fruits and medicines, around 150 dinner packets were prepared. Efforts continue from various angles, with horizontal drilling considered the most viable method. The government prioritizes life-saving in this challenging rescue operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the virtual G20 Leaders' Summit today, focusing on implementing the Delhi Declaration and addressing global challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Expected to see strong participation, the summit will have Chinese Premier Li Qiang representing China, while Russian President Vladimir Putin, absent in September, will attend. The Kremlin cited the urgency of Ukraine previously. India's G20 Sherpa anticipates a rare and exceptional meeting, emphasizing development discussions. This event follows an extraordinary BRICS meeting on the Gaza crisis, highlighting the need for international dialogue.

Elon Musk's X Corp has committed to donating all revenue associated with the ongoing Gaza conflict from advertising and subscriptions. Musk announced the contribution, specifying that the funds would go to hospitals in Israel and the Red Cross/Crescent in the Hamas-controlled region. Addressing concerns about fund allocation, Musk assured transparency, stating, "We will track how funds are spent and go through Red Cross/Crescent. Better ideas are welcome." This initiative aligns with Musk's call to care for the innocent, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. The announcement precedes Israel's approval of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.

Delhi's air quality took a sharp downturn as several areas registered 'severe' levels with an Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Ashok Vihar recorded 405, Bawana 447, Dwarka 405, and Jahangirpuri 429. Meanwhile, 'very poor' conditions persisted in other locations, including Anand Vihar (378), Burari Crossing (374), and Lodhi Road (392). The 24-hour average AQI, standing at 372 on Tuesday at 4 pm, showed a deterioration from previous days. Despite recent measures and eased restrictions, concerns remain as residents grapple with the ongoing air quality crisis in the city.

In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have reached a consensus on a four-day truce, aiming to secure the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages, including women and children, taken on October 7. The agreement, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet after a marathon session, offers a temporary halt to military operations in exchange for the hostages' release. Hamas, in a statement, welcomes the "humanitarian truce," indicating a brief reprieve for Gaza residents after nearly seven weeks of intense conflict. Netanyahu also emphasized that this ceasefire does not signal the end of the war, stating, "We will continue the war until we achieve all our goals." The truce is contingent on the release of additional hostages, extending its duration.

The Enforcement Directorate seized assets worth Rs 751.9 crore in a money laundering probe against Congress-linked entities Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) and Young Indian. The ED started the money laundering investigation based on a court order following a complaint in 2014. A Delhi court found AJL closed operations but used the land allotted at concessional rates for commercial purposes instead of publishing. It should have repaid a Rs 90 crore AICC loan but AICC sold it to newly formed Young Indian for just Rs 50 lakh. Young Indian later took over AJL, reducing other shareholders to 1%. This cheated AJL shareholders and Congress donors, the court had observed. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi called the massive asset seizure a " distraction created by BJP to divert attention from their defeat in upcoming polls."

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, cautioned yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved against "false and misleading" medicine ads claiming to cure certain ailments. "All such false and misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved have to stop immediately. The court will take any such infraction very seriously...," a bench comprising justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra orally observed while hearing a plea of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). It warned of even imposing a ₹1 crore fine on every Patanjali product for false cure claims. Earlier on August 23, 2022, the top court had issued notices to the Union Health Ministry, Ministry of Ayush and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, on the plea of the IMA alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev against the vaccination drive and modern medicines.

In the aftermath of the tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel, where 41 workers have been trapped since November 12, efforts to address both the physical and mental well-being of those stranded have been initiated. Psychiatrist Abhishek Sharma, on-site, recommended activities like walking, light yoga, and regular communication to occupy their time. The workers, reached through an endoscopic camera, have shown high spirits, with the rescue team utilizing a larger pipeline for efficient delivery of air, food, and water. Officials express optimism about the potential for rescue within three days through horizontal drilling, employing a comprehensive five-option action plan.