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.      

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.  

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.

The final phase of the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation is underway, aiming to free 41 workers trapped for 12 days. Drilling through debris and using wide pipes, rescue teams create an escape route for the confined workers. Once the rescue pipe reaches them, a National Disaster Response Force doctor will guide their crawl through. Forty-four pipes are inserted, overcoming challenges like steel rods in the debris. Ambulances stand by outside the tunnel to transport workers to a makeshift hospital. Despite difficulties in the Himalayan region, the operation progresses, with hopes to complete in the next few hours.      

After 11 grueling days, there is renewed hope in the rescue of 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakashi, India. Cheers erupted early Wednesday as crews resumed drilling through debris to reach the men, using a specialized American auger machine. Drilling stopped last Friday after only 22 of 57 meters were cleared, due to damage and collapse fears. But officials announced Wednesday evening that with only 18 meters left to drill, reunions may soon be possible. The multi-agency operation has persisted since the November 12 tunnel collapse trapped the workers 2km inside the 4.5km passageway. The tireless efforts now appear on the cusp of a miraculous conclusion after almost two weeks.

In a solemn development, an ongoing encounter between terrorists and joint forces of the Army and J-K Police in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the martyrdom of four army personnel, two of whom held the rank of Captains. The confrontation unfolded in the Bajimaal area of Dharmsal during a cordon and search operation, leaving several soldiers injured. The operation aimed to neutralize two trapped terrorists in Rajouri's Kalakote area. Notably, splinter groups of Jaish, situated in the Gulabgarh forest areas, intensified security challenges, leading to a tragic culmination of events.