Morning Digest | Hopes pinned on rat miners to rescue workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel; Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza extended by two days, and more
The Hindu
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on November 26, 2023
Silkyara tunnel rescue operations enter 16th day, hopes pinned on rat miners
Despite multiple setbacks, officials were hopeful of a breakthrough in their operation to rescue the 41 workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, as manual horizontal drilling commenced on Monday. Madras Sappers, an engineering group of the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army, are overseeing the digging operation which employs “rat mining” technique to remove debris. Civilians experienced in rat-hole mining are assisting the Sappers in the process.
Political slugfest in Telangana over Rythu Bandhu money
A political slugfest has broken out over the Rythu Bandhu scheme that provides monetary support to farmers during the cultivation period, after the Election Commission of India (ECI) first permitted the release of funds and then withdrew the order citing violation of model code of conduct. The ruling Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the opposition Congress have blamed each other for the ECI’s decision, though the ECI in its order clearly said the orders were being withdrawn after the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana sent a report saying Minister for Finance T. Harish Rao had claimed in a public meeting that the government would release funds.
Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza extended by two days, says mediator Qatar
A humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas will extend by two days, mediator Qatar said on November 27 as an initial four-day truce in Gaza was set to expire. “The State of Qatar announces that, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on X.
Israel’s plan for more settlements ‘appalling’, says European Union diplomat Borrell
Russian tourist found dead in Uttarakhand hot spring, believed to have died of heart attack; body being sent to Russia.
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh join armed struggle in Myanmar, raising concerns of escalating violence and regional involvement.
Lebanese Shia Muslims suffer in Israel-Hezbollah war, fearing unfair targeting and escalating conflict across Lebanon.
President Joe Biden pardons turkeys Peach and Blossom, marking the start of his last holiday season at the White House.
President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China to combat illegal immigration and drugs.
State Department Spokesperson defers to Department of Justice on Adani indictment, leading to disruptions in Indian Parliament.
Justice Department drops case against Trump, citing policy against prosecuting sitting Presidents, ending landmark effort to hold him accountable.
Protests erupt in Dhaka demanding release of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das arrested for flag insult allegations.
The 29th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP29), held at Baku in Azerbaijan, is arguably the most important of the United Nations’ climate conferences. It was supposed to conclude on November 22, after nearly 11 days of negotiations and the whole purpose was for the world to take a collective step forward in addressing rising carbon emissions.
Global negotiations aim to create a U.N.-mediated treaty to end plastic pollution, with focus on production and management.
Jaishankar advocates for ceasefire in West Asia, supports two-state solution, emphasises importance of dialogue and diplomacy.