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The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief was poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt on Tuesday (Nov 28), and is being treated at a hospital.

Marianna Budanova (30), the wife of Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov (37), who heads Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, was poisoned with ‘heavy metals’, Kyiv officials confirmed.

“Marianna Budanova was indeed poisoned by heavy metals. She is now undergoing a course of treatment, which is already coming to an end,” Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian Service in an interview.

It is unclear how she was poisoned or who was responsible for it.

There are reports that apart from Budanova, several GUR personnel were also diagnosed with the same poisoning. An official statement with more details is yet to be released by GUR.

<h2>Officials launch probe&nbsp;</h2>

Ukraine's Babel news site, quoting unnamed intelligence sources, reported that Kyiv had opened an investigation and is considering it as an "attempted murder."

According to Babel, the substances found in her body "are not used in normal life or military affairs."

"Their presence may indicate a deliberate poisoning attempt," it said.

Commenting on the nature of the heavy metals, local media speculated that the metals were not used domestically or in military equipment, so the GUR representatives believe&nbsp;that the poisoning was carried out intentionally, possibly through food or drink.

<h2>Ukraine's spy chief survived 10 attempts on life</h2>

Let Gen Budanov has often been the subject of targeted attacks as he is considered to be the key man behind planning and sometimes executing major military operations against Russian forces, following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

He is said to have survived 10 assassination attempts so far, with the local media pointing towards the role of the FSB, the Russian security agency.

Marianna Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, has a master's degree in psychology. She later became involved in politics, working as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv, according to BBC.

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In 2022, she told Elle magazine that she had also worked as a volunteer in Kyiv's military hospital in 2015-17.

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In September, Lt Gen Budanov, 37, told the War Zone website that he and his wife had been staying in his office "since the February invasion" in 2022 for safety reasons.

"She's [Marianna] actually a professor at our national police academy. She's teaching legal psychology. It's not a problem for her as it might have been for someone else."

&nbsp;

The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief was poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt on Tuesday (Nov 28), and is being treated at a hospital. Marianna Budanova (30), the wife of Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov (37), who heads Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, was poisoned with ‘heavy metals’, Kyiv officials confirmed.

The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief was poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt on Tuesday (Nov 28), and is being treated at a hospital. Marianna Budanova (30), the wife of Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov (37), who heads Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, was poisoned with ‘heavy metals’, Kyiv officials confirmed. “Marianna Budanova was indeed poisoned by heavy metals. She is now undergoing a course of treatment, which is already coming to an end,” Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian Service in an interview. It is unclear how she was poisoned or who was responsible for it. There are reports that apart from Budanova, several GUR personnel were also diagnosed with the same poisoning. An official statement with more details is yet to be released by GUR. Officials launch probe Ukraine's Babel news site, quoting unnamed intelligence sources, reported that Kyiv had opened an investigation and is considering it as an "attempted murder." According to Babel, the substances found in her body "are not used in normal life or military affairs." "Their presence may indicate a deliberate poisoning attempt," it said. Commenting on the nature of the heavy metals, local media speculated that the metals were not used domestically or in military equipment, so the GUR representatives believe that the poisoning was carried out intentionally, possibly through food or drink. Ukraine's spy chief survived 10 attempts on life Let Gen Budanov has often been the subject of targeted attacks as he is considered to be the key man behind planning and sometimes executing major military operations against Russian forces, following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. He is said to have survived 10 assassination attempts so far, with the local media pointing towards the role of the FSB, the Russian security agency. Marianna Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, has a master's degree in psychology. She later became involved in politics, working as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv, according to BBC. Also read | Relatives anxious as Hamas transfers family of 4, including 10-month-old baby, to another terror group In 2022, she told Elle magazine that she had also worked as a volunteer in Kyiv's military hospital in 2015-17. Also read | French authorities arrest Romanian guru of controversial yoga sect In September, Lt Gen Budanov, 37, told the War Zone website that he and his wife had been staying in his office "since the February invasion" in 2022 for safety reasons. "She's [Marianna] actually a professor at our national police academy. She's teaching legal psychology. It's not a problem for her as it might have been for someone else."

Ukraine spy chief’s wife poisoned with ‘heavy metals’ in suspected assassination attempt

India’s first bullet train section, a 50-kilometre stretch connecting Bilimora and Surat cities in Gujarat, will be completed by August 2026, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday (Nov 29), as he announced the plans to overhaul the Indian railways network.

The remark follows an update provided by him last week where he announced that a significant step on the bullet train project had been achieved.

He had announced the completion of the 100 km of viaducts and 230 km of pier work for the bigger Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, of which the Bilimora-Surat portion is a part.

A viaduct is a long bridge-like structure supported by a series of arches or spans between tall towers that carry an elevated road or railway line. More than 90 per cent of the track of the 508km high-speed rail&nbsp;(HSR) corridor will be elevated.

<h2>Construction began in Nov 2021</h2>

The construction of the National High-Speed Railway corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad began in November 2021.

The Mumbai – Ahmedabad Bullet Train&nbsp;project will connect Maharashtra's Mumbai city, and Gujarat's Ahmedabad city through 12 stations at an estimated cost of US$15&nbsp;billion, of which&nbsp;the federal government will be providing Rs 100 million, while Gujarat and Maharashtra will contribute Rs 50 million.

The remaining funding will be secured through a 50-year US$12 billion&nbsp;loan from Japan at a minimal&nbsp;interest rate of 0.1 per cent, with repayments scheduled to start 15 years after the line becomes operational.

Though the project faced initial hiccups due to land acquisition issues, the project has been progressing smoothly and the first kilometre of the viaduct was built in six months, and the 50th by April this year.

<h2>Project going on smoothly despite hiccups&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Furthermore, bridges are being built over six rivers, the Par and Auranga in Valsad district, and the Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, and Venganiya in Navsari, as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.

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The project’s contract was awarded to the Indian multinational company Larsen and Toubro.

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It is being built under the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)—a well-established technique used in India for rail and road projects in several mountainous regions.

According to officials, trains on this corridor will reach speeds of up to 350 km per hour.

India’s first bullet train section, a 50-kilometre stretch connecting Bilimora and Surat cities in Gujarat, will be completed by August 2026, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday (Nov 29), as he announced the plans to overhaul the Indian railways network.

India’s first bullet train section, a 50-kilometre stretch connecting Bilimora and Surat cities in Gujarat, will be completed by August 2026, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday (Nov 29), as he announced the plans to overhaul the Indian railways network. The remark follows an update provided by him last week where he announced that a significant step on the bullet train project had been achieved. He had announced the completion of the 100 km of viaducts and 230 km of pier work for the bigger Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, of which the Bilimora-Surat portion is a part. A viaduct is a long bridge-like structure supported by a series of arches or spans between tall towers that carry an elevated road or railway line. More than 90 per cent of the track of the 508km high-speed rail (HSR) corridor will be elevated. Construction began in Nov 2021 The construction of the National High-Speed Railway corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad began in November 2021. The Mumbai – Ahmedabad Bullet Train project will connect Maharashtra's Mumbai city, and Gujarat's Ahmedabad city through 12 stations at an estimated cost of US$15 billion, of which the federal government will be providing Rs 100 million, while Gujarat and Maharashtra will contribute Rs 50 million. The remaining funding will be secured through a 50-year US$12 billion loan from Japan at a minimal interest rate of 0.1 per cent, with repayments scheduled to start 15 years after the line becomes operational. Though the project faced initial hiccups due to land acquisition issues, the project has been progressing smoothly and the first kilometre of the viaduct was built in six months, and the 50th by April this year. Project going on smoothly despite hiccups Furthermore, bridges are being built over six rivers, the Par and Auranga in Valsad district, and the Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, and Venganiya in Navsari, as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. Also read | India votes in favour of UNGA resolution, calls on Israel to withdraw from Syria's Golan Heights The project’s contract was awarded to the Indian multinational company Larsen and Toubro. Also read | Students in Jammu and Kashmir protest against online post on Prophet Mohammed It is being built under the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)—a well-established technique used in India for rail and road projects in several mountainous regions. According to officials, trains on this corridor will reach speeds of up to 350 km per hour.

Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drops major update on India’s bullet train project

Around 29 per cent of the politicians contesting in the ongoing assembly elections in five Indian states are millionaires, while 18 per cent of the contestants have declared criminal cases registered against them, a report by the think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated.

Out of the 1,452 candidates with criminal cases, around 959 (12 per cent) have serious criminal cases registered against them.

The assessment from the election watchdog is based on an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of 8,051 candidates of the 8,054 candidates who are contesting polls in the five states.

Serious criminal cases are those which have a maximum punishment of five years or more. It also includes offences that are non-bailable, electoral offences, related to loss to the exchequer, assault, murder, kidnap, rape and crimes against women.

As many as 22 candidates have declared cases related to murder, while 107 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. Of these 107 candidates, five have declared cases related to rape, the study found.

<h2>Telangana leads the pack</h2>

The state with the highest number of candidates with criminal cases was found to be in southern Telangana state, with 45 cases related to crimes against women, 27 with cases of attempt to murder and seven murder cases.

This is followed by western Rajasthan state which has 36 candidates registered in crimes against women, 34 with cases of attempt to murder and four murder cases.

In Madhya Pradesh, 24 candidates have cases related to crimes against women, 17 with cases of attempt to murder and 10 murder cases.

In Chhattisgarh, four candidates are booked for attempt to murder, two for crimes against women and one in a murder case.

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Among the five poll-bound states, north-eastern Mizoram state has the lowest number of candidates with criminal records. Between 3 per cent and 10% of candidates from major parties have criminal cases against them.

<h2>Parties failed to adhere to SC's 2020 order</h2>

None of the candidates in the North East state have declared cases related to crimes against women, attempts to murder and murder, the study found.

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The think tank also noted that none of the parties have adhered to the 2020 Supreme Court guidelines that mandated the political parties to give reasons for the selection of such candidates and why other persons without criminal history could not be fielded in the polls instead.

"The directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in the five state Assembly elections in 2023 as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to candidates with criminal cases. All major parties contesting in the five state Assembly elections have given tickets to candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves," the report said.

It said 2,371 (29 per cent) candidates are "crorepatis", which means they have assets worth more than Rs 10 million. The average worth of assets of such candidates is Rs 33 million.

&nbsp;

Around 29 per cent of the politicians contesting in the ongoing assembly elections in five Indian states are millionaires, while 18 per cent of the contestants have declared criminal cases registered against them, a report by the think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated.

Around 29 per cent of the politicians contesting in the ongoing assembly elections in five Indian states are millionaires, while 18 per cent of the contestants have declared criminal cases registered against them, a report by the think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated. Out of the 1,452 candidates with criminal cases, around 959 (12 per cent) have serious criminal cases registered against them. The assessment from the election watchdog is based on an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of 8,051 candidates of the 8,054 candidates who are contesting polls in the five states. Serious criminal cases are those which have a maximum punishment of five years or more. It also includes offences that are non-bailable, electoral offences, related to loss to the exchequer, assault, murder, kidnap, rape and crimes against women. As many as 22 candidates have declared cases related to murder, while 107 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. Of these 107 candidates, five have declared cases related to rape, the study found. Telangana leads the pack The state with the highest number of candidates with criminal cases was found to be in southern Telangana state, with 45 cases related to crimes against women, 27 with cases of attempt to murder and seven murder cases. This is followed by western Rajasthan state which has 36 candidates registered in crimes against women, 34 with cases of attempt to murder and four murder cases. In Madhya Pradesh, 24 candidates have cases related to crimes against women, 17 with cases of attempt to murder and 10 murder cases. In Chhattisgarh, four candidates are booked for attempt to murder, two for crimes against women and one in a murder case. Also read | 'Sickness not life-threatening': SC refuses bail to jailed Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji Among the five poll-bound states, north-eastern Mizoram state has the lowest number of candidates with criminal records. Between 3 per cent and 10% of candidates from major parties have criminal cases against them. Parties failed to adhere to SC's 2020 order None of the candidates in the North East state have declared cases related to crimes against women, attempts to murder and murder, the study found. Also read | SC calls out ‘narrow-mindedness’, rejects plea seeking complete ban on Pak artists The think tank also noted that none of the parties have adhered to the 2020 Supreme Court guidelines that mandated the political parties to give reasons for the selection of such candidates and why other persons without criminal history could not be fielded in the polls instead. "The directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in the five state Assembly elections in 2023 as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to candidates with criminal cases. All major parties contesting in the five state Assembly elections have given tickets to candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves," the report said. It said 2,371 (29 per cent) candidates are "crorepatis", which means they have assets worth more than Rs 10 million. The average worth of assets of such candidates is Rs 33 million.

18% of contesting candidates in 5 poll-bound states have criminal record, Telangana tops the list: Report

A Pakistani court has ordered the open trial of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan inside the jail premises, which will be open to the media and public.

The special court in Islamabad said that Khan’s trial on charges of leaking state secrets will start afresh on Friday, his lawyer said, according to Reuters news agency.

The court’s order was in response to the documents submitted by the government which sought the trial inside the jail premises citing threats to his life.

<h2>Court takes note of threat to Khan's life</h2>

"Threat assessments, particularly in the present case, where one of the accused is a former prime minister cannot be disregarded lightly by this court,” the order stated on Tuesday (Nov 28).

The open trial will be held at Adiala Jail premises, about 34 km (21 miles) from the capital Islamabad, where Khan has been jailed since the end of September.

Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain said that five family members of Khan, and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who is also an accused in the case, will be allowed to attend the proceedings along with the public and media.

The trial of the state secret case, also called the cypher case, was being held in jail but the Islamabad High Court last week declared it illegal.

<h2>Case pertains to leaking of state secrets&nbsp;</h2>

The case pertains to a diplomatic cable – or cypher – sent to Islamabad by a former Pakistani ambassador to the United States, which substantiates Khan’s claims that his removal from office last year was orchestrated by his political opponents and the Pakistani military in collusion with the US.

The US and Pakistani authorities reject the charge.

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The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been embroiled in political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister in April 2022. He was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022.

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After the graft conviction, the country’s poll body later imposed a five-year ban on Khan contesting elections.

Khan, however, denies any wrongdoing and has said all the charges against him, including the graft case and the leak of the cable, were manufactured at the behest of the military to prevent him from participating in the Feb 8 general election.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A Pakistani court has ordered the open trial of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan inside the jail premises, which will be open to the media and public. The special court in Islamabad said that Khan’s trial on charges of leaking state secrets will start afresh on Friday, his lawyer said, according to Reuters news agency.

A Pakistani court has ordered the open trial of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan inside the jail premises, which will be open to the media and public. The special court in Islamabad said that Khan’s trial on charges of leaking state secrets will start afresh on Friday, his lawyer said, according to Reuters news agency. The court’s order was in response to the documents submitted by the government which sought the trial inside the jail premises citing threats to his life. Court takes note of threat to Khan's life "Threat assessments, particularly in the present case, where one of the accused is a former prime minister cannot be disregarded lightly by this court,” the order stated on Tuesday (Nov 28). The open trial will be held at Adiala Jail premises, about 34 km (21 miles) from the capital Islamabad, where Khan has been jailed since the end of September. Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain said that five family members of Khan, and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who is also an accused in the case, will be allowed to attend the proceedings along with the public and media. The trial of the state secret case, also called the cypher case, was being held in jail but the Islamabad High Court last week declared it illegal. Case pertains to leaking of state secrets The case pertains to a diplomatic cable – or cypher – sent to Islamabad by a former Pakistani ambassador to the United States, which substantiates Khan’s claims that his removal from office last year was orchestrated by his political opponents and the Pakistani military in collusion with the US. The US and Pakistani authorities reject the charge. Also read | Pakistan: PTI seeks fair elections as workers clash with police during party convention The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been embroiled in political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister in April 2022. He was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022. Also read | Pakistan: Ex-husband of Imran Khan's wife accuses the couple of 'fornication' and 'fraudulent marriage' After the graft conviction, the country’s poll body later imposed a five-year ban on Khan contesting elections. Khan, however, denies any wrongdoing and has said all the charges against him, including the graft case and the leak of the cable, were manufactured at the behest of the military to prevent him from participating in the Feb 8 general election. (With inputs from agencies)

Open trial of jailed former Pak PM Imran Khan to be held on Friday

Pakistan’s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was acquitted in two corruption charges on Wednesday (Nov 29), providing a major relief to the leader ahead who is seeking to run for the top post in next year’s general elections.

The 73-year-old chief of&nbsp;the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)&nbsp;party had filed pleas in the Islamabad High Court, challenging his conviction in the Avenfield property and Al-Azizia cases.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb pronounced the verdict, overturning Nawaz’s conviction.

The proceedings went around for at least two hours before the judges announced the verdict.

<h2>Nawaz thanks God for positive verdict&nbsp;</h2>

Talking to journalists outside the court after his major legal victory, Nawaz — a three-time prime minister eyeing his fourth term in next year’s general elections — said, “I had left it up to Allah. In Al-Azizia [Steel Mills corruption reference] also, I’ve also left my matters up to Allah,” reports Geo News.

Separately, in a&nbsp;post&nbsp;on X, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of the ex-PM, that the verdict showed how “God vindicated those who put their unwavering trust in him”.

Last year, the IHC had acquitted Maryam and her spouse retired Capt Safdar of the charges levelled in the Avenfield apartments reference and set aside an accountability court’s July 2018&nbsp;verdict.

Sharif was accused of keeping four flats of Avenfield House —an apartment block in Park Lane, London— through illegal sources.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB)—the anti-corruption watchdog—had accused the Sharifs of purchasing the flats with money over and above their known sources of income.

<h2>Ex-PM's downfall began in 2018</h2>

A trial court on July 6, 2018, sentenced Nawaz to 10 years in jail upon conviction along with a £8 million fine (approximately Rs1.3 billion), in the Avenfield corruption case.

An additional year of jail sentence was further added for not cooperating with NAB, both of them to be served concurrently.

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While serving the sentence in the Al-Azizia case, Nawaz was diagnosed with an immune system disorder and was allowed to travel abroad in 2019 for treatment as per doctors' advice.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/open-trial-of-jailed-former-pak-pm-imran-khan-to-be-held-on-friday-664048">Open trial of jailed former Pak PM Imran Khan to be held on Friday</a>

But he didn’t return and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender in both cases in December 2020 by the IHC.

The former premiere came back last month after nearly four years of self-exile and his appeals were revived.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan’s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was acquitted in two corruption charges on Wednesday (Nov 29), providing a major relief to the leader ahead who is seeking to run for the top post in next year’s general elections.

Pakistan’s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was acquitted in two corruption charges on Wednesday (Nov 29), providing a major relief to the leader ahead who is seeking to run for the top post in next year’s general elections. The 73-year-old chief of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party had filed pleas in the Islamabad High Court, challenging his conviction in the Avenfield property and Al-Azizia cases. A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb pronounced the verdict, overturning Nawaz’s conviction. The proceedings went around for at least two hours before the judges announced the verdict. Nawaz thanks God for positive verdict Talking to journalists outside the court after his major legal victory, Nawaz — a three-time prime minister eyeing his fourth term in next year’s general elections — said, “I had left it up to Allah. In Al-Azizia [Steel Mills corruption reference] also, I’ve also left my matters up to Allah,” reports Geo News. Separately, in a post on X, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of the ex-PM, that the verdict showed how “God vindicated those who put their unwavering trust in him”. Last year, the IHC had acquitted Maryam and her spouse retired Capt Safdar of the charges levelled in the Avenfield apartments reference and set aside an accountability court’s July 2018 verdict. Sharif was accused of keeping four flats of Avenfield House —an apartment block in Park Lane, London— through illegal sources. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB)—the anti-corruption watchdog—had accused the Sharifs of purchasing the flats with money over and above their known sources of income. Ex-PM's downfall began in 2018 A trial court on July 6, 2018, sentenced Nawaz to 10 years in jail upon conviction along with a £8 million fine (approximately Rs1.3 billion), in the Avenfield corruption case. An additional year of jail sentence was further added for not cooperating with NAB, both of them to be served concurrently. Also read | Imran to not contest PTI intra-party polls, Gohar Khan roped in as 'temporary arrangement' While serving the sentence in the Al-Azizia case, Nawaz was diagnosed with an immune system disorder and was allowed to travel abroad in 2019 for treatment as per doctors' advice. Also read | Open trial of jailed former Pak PM Imran Khan to be held on Friday But he didn’t return and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender in both cases in December 2020 by the IHC. The former premiere came back last month after nearly four years of self-exile and his appeals were revived.

Pakistan ex-PM Nawaz Sharif acquitted in corruption cases ahead of general elections

In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media X to laud the oldest valley-based armed group’s decision to shun violence and join the mainstream.

<h2>Ministers hail achievement&nbsp;</h2>

“A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfillment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi,” Shah said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A historic milestone achieved!!! 
 
Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfilment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi. 
 
UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed… <a href="https://t.co/AiAHCRIavy">pic.twitter.com/AiAHCRIavy</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1729823740475924662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream. I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress,” the home minister added.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also termed it as "a significant milestone."

"The oldest armed group of Manipur has chosen the path of peace, renouncing violence to join the mainstream and embrace democracy. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has signed a peace agreement in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of permanent peace in the Northeast," Singh posted on X.

<h2>Insurgent groups activity sliding in state&nbsp;</h2>

The peace talks between the government and the insurgent group began last year, according to reports. It was paused for a brief period due to the ethnic strife in the state that broke out on May 3.

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It is considered a major breakthrough as no valley-based Meitei insurgent group had ever come to an agreement with the Indian government or even participated in peace talks.

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The peace accord marks the end of the decades-long armed struggle by the group which was fighting for an independent&nbsp;Manipur kingdom, before it became part of India.

Over the years, the insurgent group broke into several factions after its chief&nbsp;Imphal-based public figure RK Meghen left the outfit many years ago.

Among the 40 insurgent groups in&nbsp;Manipur, UNLF was considered the oldest in the state capital Imphal valley. However, they have been lying low for a long time following their signing of separate suspension of operation agreements with the central government.&nbsp;The UNLF had most of its bases along the dense jungles of Myanmar, just across the border with India.&nbsp;

In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state.

In what has been described as a ‘historic milestone’, the Indian government on Wednesday (Nov 29) confirmed that it has signed a peace deal with Manipur’s banned armed group United National Liberation Front (UNLF), paving the way for normalcy to return in the violence-hit north-eastern state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media X to laud the oldest valley-based armed group’s decision to shun violence and join the mainstream. Ministers hail achievement “A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfillment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi,” Shah said in an X (formerly Twitter) post. A historic milestone achieved!!! Modi govt’s relentless efforts to establish permanent peace in the Northeast have added a new chapter of fulfilment as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signed a peace agreement, today in New Delhi. UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed… pic.twitter.com/AiAHCRIavy — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 29, 2023 × “UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur has agreed to renounce violence and join the mainstream. I welcome them to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress,” the home minister added. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also termed it as "a significant milestone." "The oldest armed group of Manipur has chosen the path of peace, renouncing violence to join the mainstream and embrace democracy. The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has signed a peace agreement in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of permanent peace in the Northeast," Singh posted on X. Insurgent groups activity sliding in state The peace talks between the government and the insurgent group began last year, according to reports. It was paused for a brief period due to the ethnic strife in the state that broke out on May 3. Also read | US embassy in India issues record 140,000+ student visas amid global visa surge It is considered a major breakthrough as no valley-based Meitei insurgent group had ever come to an agreement with the Indian government or even participated in peace talks. Also read | India looking into US report on alleged 'nexus between organised criminals, terrorists, and others': MEA The peace accord marks the end of the decades-long armed struggle by the group which was fighting for an independent Manipur kingdom, before it became part of India. Over the years, the insurgent group broke into several factions after its chief Imphal-based public figure RK Meghen left the outfit many years ago. Among the 40 insurgent groups in Manipur, UNLF was considered the oldest in the state capital Imphal valley. However, they have been lying low for a long time following their signing of separate suspension of operation agreements with the central government. The UNLF had most of its bases along the dense jungles of Myanmar, just across the border with India.

Indian govt signs peace accord with Manipur’s insurgent group UNLF, Amit Shah calls it ‘historic milestone’

Students of many colleges in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city staged protests on Wednesday (Nov 29) against an online post made by a suspended pupil of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) reportedly targeting Prophet Mohammed.

The student, who is said to be from Maharashtra, was booked under Sections 295A (acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 153 (giving provocation with intent to cause riots) of the Indian Penal Code, after he made comments that were deemed derogative against the Prophet.

The student was later rusticated after protests from the university students on Tuesday, reported Times of India.

<h2>Student suspended for hurting religious sentiments&nbsp;</h2>

According to the registrar of the National Institute of Technology, Atikur Rehman, the suspended student had shared a clip on Instagram which was sent to him by someone in the United States, reported Greater Kashmir.

“The situation has been pacified and we assured action into the matter. Inquiry is going on and recommendations will be followed,” he was quoted as saying.

A police case was lodged against the student after NIT’s Registrar complained seeking legal action.

<h2>Anger spreads to other colleges&nbsp;</h2>

But the anger continued to simmer the next day on Wednesday after the matter came to light, where students of Srinagar’s Amar Singh College took out a march seeking action against the student, the Indian Express reported.

Protests were also witnessed at Islamia College of Science and Commerce in downtown Srinagar.

The academic activity at the NIT institute was also suspended due to the tense situation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-rat-hole-miners-emerges-as-real-heroes-save-lives-with-outlawed-technique-663981">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique</a>

The incident comes at a time when seven students of another university in Kashmir were booked for raising pro-Pakistan slogans while celebrating the Indian cricket team’s loss in the final of World Cup 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-embassy-in-india-issues-record-140000-student-visas-amid-global-visa-surge-664159">US embassy in India issues record 140,000+ student visas amid global visa surge</a>

On Sunday (Nov 26), the students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Shuhama were booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UPAP)—an anti-terror law—after another student complained that he was allegedly threatened and pro-Pakistan slogans were raised following Australia’s victory against India in the cricket World Cup final.

But the police later applied a milder version of the law following criticism from the public.

(With inputs from agencies)

Students of many colleges in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city staged protests on Wednesday (Nov 29) against an online post made by a suspended pupil of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) reportedly targeting Prophet Mohammed.

Students of many colleges in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city staged protests on Wednesday (Nov 29) against an online post made by a suspended pupil of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) reportedly targeting Prophet Mohammed. The student, who is said to be from Maharashtra, was booked under Sections 295A (acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 153 (giving provocation with intent to cause riots) of the Indian Penal Code, after he made comments that were deemed derogative against the Prophet. The student was later rusticated after protests from the university students on Tuesday, reported Times of India. Student suspended for hurting religious sentiments According to the registrar of the National Institute of Technology, Atikur Rehman, the suspended student had shared a clip on Instagram which was sent to him by someone in the United States, reported Greater Kashmir. “The situation has been pacified and we assured action into the matter. Inquiry is going on and recommendations will be followed,” he was quoted as saying. A police case was lodged against the student after NIT’s Registrar complained seeking legal action. Anger spreads to other colleges But the anger continued to simmer the next day on Wednesday after the matter came to light, where students of Srinagar’s Amar Singh College took out a march seeking action against the student, the Indian Express reported. Protests were also witnessed at Islamia College of Science and Commerce in downtown Srinagar. The academic activity at the NIT institute was also suspended due to the tense situation. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique The incident comes at a time when seven students of another university in Kashmir were booked for raising pro-Pakistan slogans while celebrating the Indian cricket team’s loss in the final of World Cup 2023. Also read | US embassy in India issues record 140,000+ student visas amid global visa surge On Sunday (Nov 26), the students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Shuhama were booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UPAP)—an anti-terror law—after another student complained that he was allegedly threatened and pro-Pakistan slogans were raised following Australia’s victory against India in the cricket World Cup final. But the police later applied a milder version of the law following criticism from the public. (With inputs from agencies)

Students in Jammu and Kashmir protest against online post on Prophet Mohammed

The 17-day rescue operation came to fruition on Tuesday (Nov 26) as all of the 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand were evacuated safely amidst hopes and prayers from millions of Indians.

The trapped workers were taken out through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels.&nbsp;

Celebrations erupted and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Long live mother India) chants reverberated as locals distributed sweets outside Silkyara tunnel to celebrate the achievement. All the workers were immediately brought to the temporary medical camp built in the tunnel for their initial check-up and to make them acclimatise to the temperature outside.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was present at the site, immediately met the workers and inquired about their health.

In the final phase of the operation, the authorities relied on the manual "rat-hole" mining technique,&nbsp;banned in some parts, employed after high-tech auger machines failed to drill through the nearly 60 metres of debris and rock that had trapped the workers.

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VIDEO | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse UPDATE: Sweets distributed as trapped workers are being rescued from the Silkyara tunnel.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttarakhandTunnelRescue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttarakhandTunnelRescue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UttrakhandTunnelCollapse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UttrakhandTunnelCollapse</a> <a href="https://t.co/o2QXrSQOXF">pic.twitter.com/o2QXrSQOXF</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1729517418245132537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Under this technique, labourers manually dug through the rocks over a 12-metre last stretch.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force&nbsp;(NDRF)&nbsp;were inside the tunnel to bring out the trapped workers.

<h2>PM Modi, Gadkari laud agencies for rescue operation&nbsp;</h2>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media X to hail&nbsp;the success of the rescue operation and thanked the personnel involved in evacuating the trapped workers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-big-success-says-cm-dhami-after-workers-rescued-663920">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: PM Modi expresses joy after successful operation</a>

"The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience are inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health. It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-collapse-rescue-here-are-the-details-of-trapped-workers-663889">Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue: Here are the details of trapped workers</a>

"The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough. I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. His bravery and determination have given new life to our labor brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork."

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari, too, thanked the agencies involved for their "well-coordinated effort" in making the mission successful.

“I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued. This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavors of the rescue teams have yielded favorable results,” he said.

The incident happened on the morning of November 12 in the Himalayan state when the 41 workers, who were constructing a tunnel, were trapped after a landslide caused part of it to cave in.

Contact with the trapped men was established soon after the collapse, and they were provided with oxygen, food, and water while they waited for their rescue.

The 17-day rescue operation came to fruition on Tuesday (Nov 26) as all of the 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand were evacuated safely amidst hopes and prayers from millions of Indians.

The 17-day rescue operation came to fruition on Tuesday (Nov 26) as all of the 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand were evacuated safely amidst hopes and prayers from millions of Indians. The trapped workers were taken out through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels. Celebrations erupted and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Long live mother India) chants reverberated as locals distributed sweets outside Silkyara tunnel to celebrate the achievement. All the workers were immediately brought to the temporary medical camp built in the tunnel for their initial check-up and to make them acclimatise to the temperature outside. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was present at the site, immediately met the workers and inquired about their health. In the final phase of the operation, the authorities relied on the manual "rat-hole" mining technique, banned in some parts, employed after high-tech auger machines failed to drill through the nearly 60 metres of debris and rock that had trapped the workers. VIDEO | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse UPDATE: Sweets distributed as trapped workers are being rescued from the Silkyara tunnel.#UttarakhandTunnelRescue #UttrakhandTunnelCollapse pic.twitter.com/o2QXrSQOXF — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 28, 2023 × Under this technique, labourers manually dug through the rocks over a 12-metre last stretch. Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were inside the tunnel to bring out the trapped workers. PM Modi, Gadkari laud agencies for rescue operation Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media X to hail the success of the rescue operation and thanked the personnel involved in evacuating the trapped workers. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: PM Modi expresses joy after successful operation "The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience are inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health. It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones," he said. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue: Here are the details of trapped workers "The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough. I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. His bravery and determination have given new life to our labor brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork." Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari, too, thanked the agencies involved for their "well-coordinated effort" in making the mission successful. “I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued. This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavors of the rescue teams have yielded favorable results,” he said. The incident happened on the morning of November 12 in the Himalayan state when the 41 workers, who were constructing a tunnel, were trapped after a landslide caused part of it to cave in. Contact with the trapped men was established soon after the collapse, and they were provided with oxygen, food, and water while they waited for their rescue.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely

The rescue operation to pull out the 41 workers trapped inside under construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state reached the final stages on Tuesday (Nov 28).&nbsp;The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, who are at the site, have made adequate arrangements to make sure that the workers are brought back safe and sound.

With the rescue operation is expected to last for another three to four hours, the officials shared the details of the workers who have been trapped inside the tunnel for 17 days in Uttarkashi district. They are:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gabbar Singh Negi&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Uttarakhand

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saba Ahmed&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bihar

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sonu Sah&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bihar

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manir Talukdar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;West Bengal

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sevik Pakhera&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;West Bengal

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Akhilesh Kumar&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaydev Parmanik&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;West Bengal

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Virendra Kiskoo&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Bihar

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tapan Mandal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Odisha

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sushil Kumar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Bihar

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Viswajit Kumar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Subodh Kumar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bhagwan Batra&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Odisha

14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ankit&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Uttar Pradesh

15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ram Milan&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Uttar Pradesh

16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Satya Dev&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Uttar Pradesh

17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santosh&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Uttar Pradesh

18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jai Prakash&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Uttar Pradesh

19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ram Sundar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Uttar Pradesh

20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Manjit&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Uttar Pradesh

21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anil Bedia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rajendra Bedia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jharkhand

23.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sukram&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jharkhand

24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tinku Sardar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

25.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gunodhar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

26.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ranjeet&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

27.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ravindra&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

28.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sameer&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

29.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Viseshar Naik&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Odisha

30.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raju Naik&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Odisha

31.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mahadev&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

32.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bhukttu Murmu&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

33.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dhiren&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Odisha

34.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jamra Oraon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jharkhand

35.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vijay Horo&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jharkhand

36.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ganapati&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jharkhand

37.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanjay&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Assam

38.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ram Prasad&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Assam

39.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vishal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Himachal Pradesh

40.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pushkar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Uttarakhand

&nbsp;

The rescue operation faced a major setback on Thursday after the auger drilling machine hit a technical snag, leading to a temporary pause.

Later, the team resorted to initiating vertical drilling from the tunnel's top. Simultaneously, the authorities focused on manual drilling using rat-hole mining&nbsp;technique to clear the last 10 metres of debris.

<h2>Post evacuation procedure</h2>

Upon reaching the trapped workers, they will be taken out on a wheeled stretcher and carefully pulled outside by rescue teams using ropes. This process is expected to take around two to three hours, considering the practiced procedure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-live-vertical-drilling-of-36-meters-completed-say-officials-663572">Click here to follow all updates on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation</a>

ANI news agency, quoting officials, reported that after evacuating the workers from the rubble, they would be brought to a makeshift medical facility that had been erected inside the tunnel, where a health check-up would be conducted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-heres-a-timeline-of-what-has-happened-so-far-663831">Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Here's a timeline of what has happened so far</a>

Furthermore, eight beds are arranged by the health department and a team of doctors and experts are also deployed.

Also, a small ward with 41 oxygen-supported beds has been arranged at the Chinyalisaur community health centre, roughly 30 kilometres from Silkyara.

The rescue operation to pull out the 41 workers trapped inside under construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state reached the final stages on Tuesday (Nov 28).

The rescue operation to pull out the 41 workers trapped inside under construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state reached the final stages on Tuesday (Nov 28). The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, who are at the site, have made adequate arrangements to make sure that the workers are brought back safe and sound. With the rescue operation is expected to last for another three to four hours, the officials shared the details of the workers who have been trapped inside the tunnel for 17 days in Uttarkashi district. They are: 1. Gabbar Singh Negi Uttarakhand 2. Saba Ahmed Bihar 3. Sonu Sah Bihar 4. Manir Talukdar West Bengal 5. Sevik Pakhera West Bengal 6. Akhilesh Kumar Uttar Pradesh 7. Jaydev Parmanik West Bengal 8. Virendra Kiskoo Bihar 9. Tapan Mandal Odisha 10. Sushil Kumar Bihar 11. Viswajit Kumar Jharkhand 12. Subodh Kumar Jharkhand 13. Bhagwan Batra Odisha 14. Ankit Uttar Pradesh 15. Ram Milan Uttar Pradesh 16. Satya Dev Uttar Pradesh 17. Santosh Uttar Pradesh 18. Jai Prakash Uttar Pradesh 19. Ram Sundar Uttar Pradesh 20. Manjit Uttar Pradesh 21. Anil Bedia Jharkhand 22. Rajendra Bedia Jharkhand 23. Sukram Jharkhand 24. Tinku Sardar Jharkhand 25. Gunodhar Jharkhand 26. Ranjeet Jharkhand 27. Ravindra Jharkhand 28. Sameer Jharkhand 29. Viseshar Naik Odisha 30. Raju Naik Odisha 31. Mahadev Jharkhand 32. Bhukttu Murmu Jharkhand 33. Dhiren Odisha 34. Jamra Oraon Jharkhand 35. Vijay Horo Jharkhand 36. Ganapati Jharkhand 37. Sanjay Assam 38. Ram Prasad Assam 39. Vishal Himachal Pradesh 40. Pushkar Uttarakhand The rescue operation faced a major setback on Thursday after the auger drilling machine hit a technical snag, leading to a temporary pause. Later, the team resorted to initiating vertical drilling from the tunnel's top. Simultaneously, the authorities focused on manual drilling using rat-hole mining technique to clear the last 10 metres of debris. Post evacuation procedure Upon reaching the trapped workers, they will be taken out on a wheeled stretcher and carefully pulled outside by rescue teams using ropes. This process is expected to take around two to three hours, considering the practiced procedure. Click here to follow all updates on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation ANI news agency, quoting officials, reported that after evacuating the workers from the rubble, they would be brought to a makeshift medical facility that had been erected inside the tunnel, where a health check-up would be conducted. Also read | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Here's a timeline of what has happened so far Furthermore, eight beds are arranged by the health department and a team of doctors and experts are also deployed. Also, a small ward with 41 oxygen-supported beds has been arranged at the Chinyalisaur community health centre, roughly 30 kilometres from Silkyara.

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue: Here are the details of trapped workers

The Hamas terror group gave away a family of four, including a 10-month-old baby, to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed, stoking tensions amongst relatives.

The Bibas family was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz when the Hamas militants rampaged through the Israeli cities bordering the Gaza Strip on October 7.

The family comprised parents Yarden Bibas, 34, and Shiri, 32, and their sons four-year-old Ariel, and 10-month-old baby Kfir, Times of Israel newspaper reported.

While it was expected that they would be among the freed Israelis from Gaza, the Israeli military said that the delay in their release has dampened hopes amidst the truce, which is supposed to see another 20 Israeli hostages freed in exchange for 60 Palestinian inmates.

<h2>Held in southern Gaza</h2>

Taking to social media X, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichai Adraee said the family is currently being held in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

“Children and babies under the age of one who have not seen the light of day for more than fifty days are being held captive by Hamas, [who] treats some of them like loot and in some places has transferred them to other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip,” Adraee wrote.

It was unclear exactly when the transfer occurred or which faction was holding them.

Meanwhile, relatives of the family have urged negotiators to "do whatever they can" to get them home.

<h2>Family pleads to Israeli govt&nbsp;</h2>

Yarden's sister, Ofri, called on the Israeli government, Qatar and Egypt—the key negotiators for hostage release—to make sure that her family is on the list of hostages due to be released on Tuesday (Nov 28).

At a news conference, she said that the family "can't stay there anymore" and that every day is a risk for their mental and physical condition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-hamas-war-to-cost-tel-aviv-more-than-50-billion-says-israeli-central-bank-report-663729">Israel-Hamas war to cost Tel Aviv more than $50 billion: Central bank report</a>

"Everyday, there is a danger to their life. They must be released as soon as possible," she told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-happen-to-you-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-met-israeli-hostages-in-a-tunnel-663684">'Nothing will happen to you,' Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar met Israeli hostages in a tunnel</a>

Ofri said they already know "today they are not included" on the list - and it's her belief that they're having problems reaching them to organise the release.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Hamas terror group gave away a family of four, including a 10-month-old baby, to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed, stoking tensions amongst relatives.

The Hamas terror group gave away a family of four, including a 10-month-old baby, to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed, stoking tensions amongst relatives. The Bibas family was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz when the Hamas militants rampaged through the Israeli cities bordering the Gaza Strip on October 7. The family comprised parents Yarden Bibas, 34, and Shiri, 32, and their sons four-year-old Ariel, and 10-month-old baby Kfir, Times of Israel newspaper reported. While it was expected that they would be among the freed Israelis from Gaza, the Israeli military said that the delay in their release has dampened hopes amidst the truce, which is supposed to see another 20 Israeli hostages freed in exchange for 60 Palestinian inmates. Held in southern Gaza Taking to social media X, IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichai Adraee said the family is currently being held in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. “Children and babies under the age of one who have not seen the light of day for more than fifty days are being held captive by Hamas, [who] treats some of them like loot and in some places has transferred them to other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip,” Adraee wrote. It was unclear exactly when the transfer occurred or which faction was holding them. Meanwhile, relatives of the family have urged negotiators to "do whatever they can" to get them home. Family pleads to Israeli govt Yarden's sister, Ofri, called on the Israeli government, Qatar and Egypt—the key negotiators for hostage release—to make sure that her family is on the list of hostages due to be released on Tuesday (Nov 28). At a news conference, she said that the family "can't stay there anymore" and that every day is a risk for their mental and physical condition. Also read | Israel-Hamas war to cost Tel Aviv more than $50 billion: Central bank report "Everyday, there is a danger to their life. They must be released as soon as possible," she told reporters. Also read | 'Nothing will happen to you,' Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar met Israeli hostages in a tunnel Ofri said they already know "today they are not included" on the list - and it's her belief that they're having problems reaching them to organise the release. (With inputs from agencies)

Relatives anxious as Hamas transfers family of 4, including 10-month-old baby, to another terror group

The United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the upcoming COP28 climate summit, reportedly planned to use the platform to strike deals for its national oil and gas companies, according to media reports.

Both BBC and Guardian reported, citing leaked documents accessed by independent journalists at the Centre for Climate Reporting, that it was in discussions with 15 countries to discuss fossil fuel deals.

The marquee summit will begin on Thursday and is headed by Sultan Al Jaber, who is the country’s climate envoy and also the chief executive of the national oil company Adnoc.

<h2>Discussions with 15 countries&nbsp;</h2>

The documents state that Adnoc, or more precisely Al Jaber, was in discussions with those 15 countries to extract their oil and gas resources.

These documents were reportedly prepared by the UAE's COP28 team for meetings with at least 27 foreign governments ahead of the COP28 summit, BBC reported.

Among the “talking points” of those documents is that for China, Adnoc is "willing to jointly evaluate international LNG [liquefied natural gas] opportunities" in Mozambique, Canada and Australia.

Additionally, it talks of proposals&nbsp;to Colombia that Adnoc “stands ready” to help develop its oil and gas reserves.&nbsp;

<h2>UAE's COP28 team responds&nbsp;</h2>

The UAE’s COP28 team did not deny using the climate meetings for business talks, saying that "private meetings are private".

It declined to comment on what was discussed in the meetings and said its work has been focused on "meaningful climate action".

Even before the meetings began, there were concerns raised about Al Jaber’s dual role, pointing out that Al Jaber’s presidency of COP28 could potentially endanger a successful outcome.

The briefings also purportedly show that the UAE prepared talking points on commercial opportunities for its state renewable energy company, Masdar, ahead of meetings with 20 countries, including the UK, United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kenya.

This year’s climate summit is being hosted in Dubai and is expected to see the attendance of 167 world leaders, including the Pope and King Charles III.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenwashing-at-finest-cop28-presidents-wikipedia-entries-being-edited-598321">Greenwashing at finest? COP28 president's Wikipedia entries being edited</a>

These summits are the world's most important meetings to discuss how to tackle climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-the-key-issues-in-the-upcoming-cop28-summit-in-uae-663469">Explained | What are the key issues in the upcoming COP28 summit in UAE?</a>

Climate experts have been hoping that COP28 will pave the way for consensus on reaching the long-term global temperature of 1.5C, which the UN's climate science body says is crucial to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

However, for that, it will require drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, about 43 per cent reduction by 2030 from 2019 levels.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the upcoming COP28 climate summit, reportedly planned to use the platform to strike deals for its national oil and gas companies, according to media reports.

The United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the upcoming COP28 climate summit, reportedly planned to use the platform to strike deals for its national oil and gas companies, according to media reports. Both BBC and Guardian reported, citing leaked documents accessed by independent journalists at the Centre for Climate Reporting, that it was in discussions with 15 countries to discuss fossil fuel deals. The marquee summit will begin on Thursday and is headed by Sultan Al Jaber, who is the country’s climate envoy and also the chief executive of the national oil company Adnoc. Discussions with 15 countries The documents state that Adnoc, or more precisely Al Jaber, was in discussions with those 15 countries to extract their oil and gas resources. These documents were reportedly prepared by the UAE's COP28 team for meetings with at least 27 foreign governments ahead of the COP28 summit, BBC reported. Among the “talking points” of those documents is that for China, Adnoc is "willing to jointly evaluate international LNG [liquefied natural gas] opportunities" in Mozambique, Canada and Australia. Additionally, it talks of proposals to Colombia that Adnoc “stands ready” to help develop its oil and gas reserves. UAE's COP28 team responds The UAE’s COP28 team did not deny using the climate meetings for business talks, saying that "private meetings are private". It declined to comment on what was discussed in the meetings and said its work has been focused on "meaningful climate action". Even before the meetings began, there were concerns raised about Al Jaber’s dual role, pointing out that Al Jaber’s presidency of COP28 could potentially endanger a successful outcome. The briefings also purportedly show that the UAE prepared talking points on commercial opportunities for its state renewable energy company, Masdar, ahead of meetings with 20 countries, including the UK, United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kenya. This year’s climate summit is being hosted in Dubai and is expected to see the attendance of 167 world leaders, including the Pope and King Charles III. Also read | Greenwashing at finest? COP28 president's Wikipedia entries being edited These summits are the world's most important meetings to discuss how to tackle climate change. Also read | Explained | What are the key issues in the upcoming COP28 summit in UAE? Climate experts have been hoping that COP28 will pave the way for consensus on reaching the long-term global temperature of 1.5C, which the UN's climate science body says is crucial to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. However, for that, it will require drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, about 43 per cent reduction by 2030 from 2019 levels. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE using COP28 summit platform to strike deals with oil companies: Report

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