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Congress have blamed each other for the ECI’s decision, though the ECI in its order clearly said the orders were being withdrawn after the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana sent a report saying Minister for Finance T. Harish Rao had claimed in a public meeting that the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
Israel threatens increased attacks on Iran as Britain condemns Tehran's attempted strike on Diego Garcia air base.
The Id-ul-Fitr festival in 2026 is unfolding across the world in contrasting circumstances, shaped by both celebrations and conflicts.
U.S. and Israel strike Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, with no reported radioactive leakage, says Iran's atomic energy organization.
International Day of Forests 2026 | Theme, significance and economic importance of forest ecosystems
International Day of Forests 2026 seeks to place forests at the centre of sustainable, resilient and long-term economic planning
Escalating conflict in West Asia: Israel attacks Tehran and Beirut as U.S. Marines deploy amid rising casualties and economic concerns.
Ukraine launches over 280 drones at Russia in a significant escalation, prompting defensive actions and reports of damage.
A fire at a South Korea car plant killed 10, injured 59, and left four missing; rescue operations ongoing.
Trump considers winding down military operations in Iran, rejecting a ceasefire amid escalating tensions and regional conflict.
BTS returns with a massive concert in Seoul, attracting 260,000 fans and streaming live on Netflix.
U.S. airport delays are expected to worsen as TSA staffing issues persist amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates from The Hindu on the West Asia war, on March 21, 2026
A federal judge blocks the Pentagon's restrictive press access policy, emphasizing the public's right to diverse information.
UK approves US strikes from British bases on Iran missile sites, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to avoid war.