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Congress have blamed each other for the ECI’s decision, though the ECI in its order clearly said the orders were being withdrawn after the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana sent a report saying Minister for Finance T. Harish Rao had claimed in a public meeting that the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
U.S. may soon lift sanctions on Venezuela to aid oil sales and economic recovery, says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Maduro loyalists rally in Caracas as the Venezuelan government seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S. amid political turmoil.
Activists report 116 deaths in Iran protests against theocracy, amid state media's portrayal of control and casualties.
North Korea demands an explanation from South Korea over a drone incursion, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Kurdish fighters in Syria agree to evacuate Aleppo under a ceasefire, transporting members to northeastern regions.
Myanmar holds the second phase of a controversial military-run election, with low turnout and criticism from international observers.
Thousands protest in Minneapolis and nationwide against ICE violence following fatal shootings, urging peaceful demonstration amid rising tensions.
Nobel Institute denies Venezuelan leader Machado's attempt to transfer Peace Prize to Trump, affirming the award's permanence.
Six killed in Mississippi shootings; suspect in custody, with authorities ensuring no further threat to the community.
Explore the U.S. strategic interests in Greenland amid geopolitical tensions and the implications for NATO and global security.
Venezuela engages in talks with the U.S. to restore diplomatic ties following the ousting of President Maduro.
Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi may call a snap election to leverage high approval ratings and strengthen her government's majority.
Netanyahu aims to reduce Israel's reliance on U.S. military aid over the next decade, seeking complete independence.