Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Wednesday that the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest armed group in Manipur, has officially signed a peace agreement with the central government. In a significant move toward stability, UNLF has agreed to renounce violence and embrace democratic processes. A video shared by Shah captures the moment UNLF cadres surrendered their weapons as part of the historic accord. This marks the first instance of a valley-based proscribed organization engaging in peace negotiations since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3. The region anticipates a new era of peace and progress.      

In response to the pneumonia outbreak among children in northern China, Indian states are bolstering their medical infrastructure. The Centre's directive prompted a review of hospital preparedness, emphasizing essentials like beds, drugs, vaccines, and oxygen. Tamil Nadu conducts fever camps, assuring no alarming cases. Gujarat re-examines pandemic-era preparations, creating dedicated wards. Karnataka's health minister urges readiness without panic. Rajasthan forms rapid response teams and advises vigilance. Uttarakhand heightens surveillance, especially in districts bordering China. As global concern grows, India remains vigilant, implementing precautionary measures to curb potential outbreaks.

The collapse of Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel, a crucial part of the $1.5bn Char Dham project, has raised alarms over the safety of Himalayan infrastructure. Trapped workers face a perilous rescue, hindered by technical challenges and the region's seismic vulnerability. Experts highlight past neglect of environmental risk assessments and emphasize the need for a "terrain-specific approach" to future projects. With the Himalayas experiencing increased landslides and erosion, the incident serves as a critical wake-up call for reevaluating the impact of extensive tunnel construction on the region's ecology and safety. Environmentalist Hemant Dhyani underscores the need for disaster-resilient development. "This is a serious wake-up call for all of us," says Dhyani, highlighting concerns beyond immediate rescue efforts.

"I am senior-most... I will be the last to come out...", said Gabbar Singh Negi, the senior-most of the 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand Tunnel for over two weeks. Mr. Singh's leadership and bravery kept the situation. from turning catastrophic as he taught yoga, played games, and kept spirits high underground. Negi kept his words as he was the last one to leave the collapsed tunnel. Prime Minister Modi and the rescued workers praised his calm and composure. "He put the lives of his colleagues first," his brother said. The group emerged smiling after 17 days, with no major injuries, thanks in large part to Mr. Singh's selfless courage.

After a 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel have been successfully rescued. Rat-hole mining experts played a crucial role in breaking through the last stretch of rubble. The rescued workers, not in critical condition, will likely be airlifted to AIIMS Dehradun by Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter for medical examination. Families celebrated the successful rescue, distributing sweets, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the operation's spirit. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami is set to meet the workers before their transfer to AIIMS. The collapse occurred on November 12 during the construction of the Centre's Char Dham project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke by phone to the 41 workers after their rescue from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel. "You all have shown exemplary bravery," Modi told them, adding "17 days is not a brief period and it was commendable that the workers did not lose hope." One worker recounted to the PM, "We stayed together like brothers. We used to eat together. After dinner, we used to walk inside the 2.5 km tunnel." Praising their unity, Modi said, "It is not rare to get into a little tu tu-main main. This happens even in a railway compartment. But you all have remained united." Lauding the rescue efforts as well, the PM highlighted that VK Singh "showed his Army training and discipline.”

After being trapped for 17 days in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, all 41 workers have finally been rescued. Vishal, a resident of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh described the initial days as "difficult" but said morale remained strong with proper food. Vishal's mother, Urmila, thanked the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh state governments for the successful operation. Rescue teams involving the NDRF, SDRF, Army, and tunnelling experts worked tirelessly before cheering crowds greeted the escape. The men were taken to local health centers while residents celebrated their miraculous survival.

"I thought they would progress at the rate of two to three meters in 18/20 hours. But they managed to do 10 meters in less than 18 hours," said Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of NDMA, praising the "rat miners" who rescued 41 people trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand for 17 days. The specially skilled labourers, experienced in narrow shaft digging, worked "under extremely cramped conditions" yet "took impediments in stride and managed to deliver fast." Hasnain compared the nonchalant, confident miners to "battle-hardened soldiers", saying their years of experience enabled the quick 12-metre breakthrough that special devices had failed to achieve. Asked how the rat miners were roped in for the job, the officer said the suggestion probably came from an open source and "someone took it seriously". Thank God!

The 41 workers rescued from Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Barkot tunnel face 24-hour medical observation at Chinyalisaur health center. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami notes decisions on their next steps await doctor recommendations. Despite health, workers crawled through rescue pipes, declining stretchers. The state pledges Rs 1 lakh aid per worker, with cheques to be handed over soon. Jharkhand and Odisha consider air travel for their workers; other states decide post-medical checks. Rescue teams and machines nationwide begin departing. Government announces forthcoming safety audits for all Uttarakhand tunnels. A crucial phase of care and recovery unfolds for the rescued workers.

After 17 tough days, 41 workers rescued from the Uttarkashi tunnel express immense joy, calling it their "real Diwali." A relieved father shares, "The mountain finally opened its lap today." Foreman Gabbar Singh Negi, true to his word, exits with a smile. Families, emotional but hopeful, thank the rescue teams. Chief Minister Dhami applauds the challenging rescue, prioritizing the youngest. Another father adds, "I have brought clothes for him; I want to see him in washed clothes." Emotional stories of survival and camaraderie unfold as families prepare to travel with their loved ones to medical centers. A heartwarming end to a challenging rescue.