Booker Prize 2023: What Made Paul Lynch's 'Prophet Song' Stand Out


It was a year of remarkable literature from all over the world. But some popular literary works of the year failed to make the cut to the Booker shortlist. From Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng's soul-stirring 'The House of Doors' to Nigerian author Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀'s 'A Spell of Good Things', the shocks were too many to bear. But still, few would disagree that Irish author Paul Lynch's Prophet Song deserved the accolade it got this year.

Apart from Paul Lynch's 'Prophet Song', Chetna Maroo's 'Western Lane', Paul Harding's 'This Other Eden', Johanthan Escoffery's 'If I Survive You', Paul Murray's 'The Bee Sting' and Sarah Bernstein's 'Study for Obedience' made it to the Booker shortlist this year


Prophet Song: The dystopian lyrics of fascism


The book imagines Ireland's descent into fascism and has been described as a 'crucial book for our current times'. Prophet Song captures some of the biggest social and political anxieties of our age, from the rise of political extremism to the global plight of refugees.

The Booker Prize jury described the 'Prophet Song' as 'soul-shattering and true', adding that readers 'will not soon forget its warnings'.

In his acceptance speech for the prize, Lynch said: "If you use what is within you, it will save you. If you do not use what is within you, it will destroy you. My writing has saved me." The writer was on the operating table for cancer when he began bringing Prophet Song alive. Exactly a year later, he won the Booker Prize.

It was a year of remarkable literature from all over the world. Here's what made Paul Lynch win the prestigious award.

<p>When Diwali, the festival of lights was being celebrated all across India and the rest of the world, darkness fell upon 41 construction workers who got trapped in a tunnel in the Himalayas in northern India. Over 400 hours later, the 41 trapped workers saw all the light they could not see inside the darkness of that tunnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 4.5 km Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state, about 400 km north of New Delhi, is part of the ₹12,000 crore ($1.43bn) Char Dham Highway Development Project, one of the flagship infrastructure programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The project has been branded as a way to ease travel to Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Uttarakhand state as well as all-weather connectivity for the movement of military equipment towards India's unresolved international boundary with a territorially assertive China.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Char Dham Project | 'Need good roads to defend India,' states Centre</strong></p>

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<p>On November 12, the Silkyara tunnel caved into itself, around 200 metres from one end of the tunnel's entrance. Most of the 41 workers who were trapped hail from some of India's poorest districts. They fall into two salary brackets: ₹24,000 for skilled workers; and ₹18,000 for unskilled workers, such as labourers or helpers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An <em>Indian Express</em> report quoted their relatives as saying that the men work 12 hours a day, seven days a week and can take two leave days in a month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the trapped workers, Manjeet, is a 22-year-old from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh state. His father, Chaudhary reached the site of the tunnel collapse on November 13, a day after the incident after taking a loan of ₹9,000 against his wife's jewellery.<img alt="Choudhary, shows a picture of his son Manjeet Kumar on Nov 21, 2023. The two were reunited on the night on Nov 22, 2023 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c773e94-60c0-48e2-8e55-090fd44702dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-29T123233.537.png" />&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Choudhary, shows a picture of his son Manjeet Kumar on Nov 21, 2023. The two were reunited on the night on Nov 22, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The administration gave Chaudhary a jacket and shoes and repaid the ₹9,000 loan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manjeet is now free from the weeks of the dark ordeal of that tunnel, but even after an anticipated allotment of government allowance, poverty awaits him at home, at least for the immediate future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To the credit of Prime Minister Modi and his deadline-honouring transport minister Nitin Gadkari, India is getting an infrastructure upgrade on a scale unprecedented outside China and Japan. The world's fifth largest economy has added 50,000 km of national highway into its existing network in the past eight years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Modi's focus to enmesh India in a high-quality transport network has been designed to spread material prosperity with tourism as its first offshoot, its makers like Manjeet and 40 other rescued workers from that tunnel, are devoid of the same.</p>

<h2><strong>Successful rescue restores India's respect for human life but questions remain</strong></h2>

<p>The collaborative effort led by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to deploy 22 government agencies for the rescue of 41 trapped workers has been nothing short of remarkable. It took 17 days to avert a tragedy but it was averted nonetheless, restoring the sheer respect for human life in the process.</p>

<p>But the 17 days of rescue effort also underscored that the respect for human life in India is mostly a function of reaction to a crisis and not a default programming to the <em>jugaad</em>-intense psyche of Indian progress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crisis has exposed the gaps in the implementation of the standards for excavation and tunnelling, especially in the Himalayan states such as Uttarakhand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an <a href="https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1521024">official readout</a> from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, dated Feb 20, 2018, the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand was supposed to be built with an 'escape passage'.</p>

<p>A serving official at the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) told the<em> Economic Times</em> that the escape passage is supposed to be activated at the time of operation and is "not required" during construction.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-first-reaction-of-rescued-uttarakhand-tunnel-worker-describes-17-day-ordeal-664105">Video: Rescued Uttarakhand tunnel worker describes 17-day ordeal in first reaction</a></strong></p>

<p>The question now arises - Why safety during underground construction is a matter of one among many requirements and not first among all necessities?</p>

<p>A safety audit announced in response to the tunnel collapse may show how many more potential Silkyara-like crisis-posing tunnels are under construction across India among the 29 that are currently being built.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It may take more than a few months for that audit's findings to emerge.</p>

<p>But until then, the Silkyara tunnel crisis encapsulates the way India's leap forward to emerge as a global power is stuck between poverty of individuals like Manjeet&nbsp;and the collective negligence of the authorities involved in country's remarkable infrastructure upgrade.</p>

<p>The ambition of the world's fifth largest economy to grow beyond its current stature in the world, by utilising the offshoots of infrastructure upgrades — such as tourism — must be met with respect for human life above everything else.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


When Diwali, the festival of lights was being celebrated all across India and the rest of the world, darkness fell upon 41 construction workers who got trapped in a tunnel in the Himalayas in northern India.

When Diwali, the festival of lights was being celebrated all across India and the rest of the world, darkness fell upon 41 construction workers who got trapped in a tunnel in the Himalayas in northern India. Over 400 hours later, the 41 trapped workers saw all the light they could not see inside the darkness of that tunnel. The 4.5 km Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state, about 400 km north of New Delhi, is part of the ₹12,000 crore ($1.43bn) Char Dham Highway Development Project, one of the flagship infrastructure programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The project has been branded as a way to ease travel to Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Uttarakhand state as well as all-weather connectivity for the movement of military equipment towards India's unresolved international boundary with a territorially assertive China. Also watch | Char Dham Project | 'Need good roads to defend India,' states Centre × On November 12, the Silkyara tunnel caved into itself, around 200 metres from one end of the tunnel's entrance. Most of the 41 workers who were trapped hail from some of India's poorest districts. They fall into two salary brackets: ₹24,000 for skilled workers; and ₹18,000 for unskilled workers, such as labourers or helpers. An Indian Express report quoted their relatives as saying that the men work 12 hours a day, seven days a week and can take two leave days in a month. One of the trapped workers, Manjeet, is a 22-year-old from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh state. His father, Chaudhary reached the site of the tunnel collapse on November 13, a day after the incident after taking a loan of ₹9,000 against his wife's jewellery. Choudhary, shows a picture of his son Manjeet Kumar on Nov 21, 2023. The two were reunited on the night on Nov 22, 2023 | AFP The administration gave Chaudhary a jacket and shoes and repaid the ₹9,000 loan. Manjeet is now free from the weeks of the dark ordeal of that tunnel, but even after an anticipated allotment of government allowance, poverty awaits him at home, at least for the immediate future. To the credit of Prime Minister Modi and his deadline-honouring transport minister Nitin Gadkari, India is getting an infrastructure upgrade on a scale unprecedented outside China and Japan. The world's fifth largest economy has added 50,000 km of national highway into its existing network in the past eight years. While Modi's focus to enmesh India in a high-quality transport network has been designed to spread material prosperity with tourism as its first offshoot, its makers like Manjeet and 40 other rescued workers from that tunnel, are devoid of the same. Successful rescue restores India's respect for human life but questions remain The collaborative effort led by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to deploy 22 government agencies for the rescue of 41 trapped workers has been nothing short of remarkable. It took 17 days to avert a tragedy but it was averted nonetheless, restoring the sheer respect for human life in the process. But the 17 days of rescue effort also underscored that the respect for human life in India is mostly a function of reaction to a crisis and not a default programming to the jugaad-intense psyche of Indian progress. The crisis has exposed the gaps in the implementation of the standards for excavation and tunnelling, especially in the Himalayan states such as Uttarakhand. According to an official readout from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, dated Feb 20, 2018, the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand was supposed to be built with an 'escape passage'. A serving official at the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) told the Economic Times that the escape passage is supposed to be activated at the time of operation and is "not required" during construction. Also read | Video: Rescued Uttarakhand tunnel worker describes 17-day ordeal in first reaction The question now arises - Why safety during underground construction is a matter of one among many requirements and not first among all necessities? A safety audit announced in response to the tunnel collapse may show how many more potential Silkyara-like crisis-posing tunnels are under construction across India among the 29 that are currently being built. It may take more than a few months for that audit's findings to emerge. But until then, the Silkyara tunnel crisis encapsulates the way India's leap forward to emerge as a global power is stuck between poverty of individuals like Manjeet and the collective negligence of the authorities involved in country's remarkable infrastructure upgrade. The ambition of the world's fifth largest economy to grow beyond its current stature in the world, by utilising the offshoots of infrastructure upgrades — such as tourism — must be met with respect for human life above everything else. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Trapped by poverty, freed by a national ambition — Uttarakhand tunnel rescue sums up India of 2023

<p>One of the 41 rescued workers who were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 days has spoken to the media. Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, who was trapped inside the tunnel on November 12, spoke to the news agency ANI and detailed the ordeal he faced along with the rest of the 40 workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the debris fell, we knew that we were stuck. For the first 10-15 hours we faced difficulty. But later, a pipe was put in to provide us with rice, dal and dry fruits," Kumar, who hails from eastern India's Jharkhand state,&nbsp;told news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | First exclusive byte of rescued worker, Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, who narrates his 17-day ordeal of being trapped in the Silkyara tunnel<br />
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"When the debris fell, we knew that we were stuck. For the first 10-15 hours we faced difficulty. But later, a pipe was put in to… <a href="https://t.co/65X4afMVvB">pic.twitter.com/65X4afMVvB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1729703725474906460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Later on the tenth day, a mic was installed and I was able to talk to my family members...I am happy now, will celebrate Diwali now," Kumar said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-is-like-the-finest-heart-surgery-in-himalayas-says-arnold-dix-662295">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix</a></strong></p>

<p>The rescuers on Tuesday (Nov 28) pulled out all 41 workers who were trapped there for 17 days. The rescuers dug through the debris of rock and concrete after a series of setbacks.</p>

<p>The 4.5 km Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state, about 400 km north of New Delhi, is part of ₹12,000 Crore ($1.43bn) Char Dham Highway Development Project, one of the flagship infrastructure programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The project has been branded as a way to ease travel to Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Uttarakhand state as well as all-weather connectivity for the movement of military equipment towards India's unresolved international boundary with a territorially assertive China.</p>

<p>On November 12, the Silkyara tunnel caved into itself, around 200 metres from the tunnel's entrance from one end. Most among the 41 workers who were trapped there hail from some of India's poorest districts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One of the 41 rescued workers who were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 days has spoken to the media. Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, who was trapped inside the tunnel on November 12, spoke to the news agency ANI and detailed the ordeal he faced along with the rest of the 40 workers.

One of the 41 rescued workers who were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 days has spoken to the media. Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, who was trapped inside the tunnel on November 12, spoke to the news agency ANI and detailed the ordeal he faced along with the rest of the 40 workers. "When the debris fell, we knew that we were stuck. For the first 10-15 hours we faced difficulty. But later, a pipe was put in to provide us with rice, dal and dry fruits," Kumar, who hails from eastern India's Jharkhand state, told news agency ANI. #WATCH | First exclusive byte of rescued worker, Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, who narrates his 17-day ordeal of being trapped in the Silkyara tunnel "When the debris fell, we knew that we were stuck. For the first 10-15 hours we faced difficulty. But later, a pipe was put in to… pic.twitter.com/65X4afMVvB — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2023 × "Later on the tenth day, a mic was installed and I was able to talk to my family members...I am happy now, will celebrate Diwali now," Kumar said. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix The rescuers on Tuesday (Nov 28) pulled out all 41 workers who were trapped there for 17 days. The rescuers dug through the debris of rock and concrete after a series of setbacks. The 4.5 km Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand state, about 400 km north of New Delhi, is part of ₹12,000 Crore ($1.43bn) Char Dham Highway Development Project, one of the flagship infrastructure programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The project has been branded as a way to ease travel to Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Uttarakhand state as well as all-weather connectivity for the movement of military equipment towards India's unresolved international boundary with a territorially assertive China. On November 12, the Silkyara tunnel caved into itself, around 200 metres from the tunnel's entrance from one end. Most among the 41 workers who were trapped there hail from some of India's poorest districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Rescued Uttarakhand tunnel worker describes 17-day ordeal in first reaction

<p>Ahead of COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a study published earlier this week has claimed that billions of people are expected to be displaced within the next 25 years because of severe impacts of climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Climate Change has been aggravating the severity of some natural disasters, ranging from the floods and wildfires to landslides and cloud bursts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UN chief urges world leaders to take decisive action against global warming</strong></p>

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<p>The study by Ipsos revealed that nearly four in 10 people believe that they will lose their homes from impacts related to the climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>People in Turkey, Brazil and India most worried about losing homes</strong></h2>

<p>The Ipsos study surveyed over 24,000 individuals from across 31 countries between September 22 to October 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In total, 38 per cent of those surveyed said that they will likely be displaced in the next 25 years due to impacts related to climate change.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-cop28-implement-the-much-awaited-loss-and-damage-fund-663678">Explained: Will COP28 implement the much-awaited loss and damage fund?</a></strong></p>

<p>But people in Turkey, Brazil and India were most worried about losing their homes due to impacts related to climate change.</p>

<p>In Turkey, 68 per cent of people believe that they will lose their homes due to climate change in the next 25 years. The number was 61 per cent in Brazil and 57 per cent in India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>If the survey is deemed representative of the global population, the results from each of the 31 countries equate to more than two&nbsp;billion people fearing they will be displaced due to climate change.</p>

<h2><strong>Where&nbsp;are people least worried about losing&nbsp;their homes?</strong></h2>

<p>Of the 31 countries surveyed, people in the Netherlands were least concerned about losing their homes due to Climate Change. Just 19 per cent of Dutch respondents believe that&nbsp;they'd be displaced in the next 25 years due to the impacts of climate change.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a study published earlier this week has claimed that billions of people are expected to be displaced within the next 25 years because of severe impacts of climate change.

Ahead of COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a study published earlier this week has claimed that billions of people are expected to be displaced within the next 25 years because of severe impacts of climate change. Climate Change has been aggravating the severity of some natural disasters, ranging from the floods and wildfires to landslides and cloud bursts. Also watch | UN chief urges world leaders to take decisive action against global warming × The study by Ipsos revealed that nearly four in 10 people believe that they will lose their homes from impacts related to the climate change. People in Turkey, Brazil and India most worried about losing homes The Ipsos study surveyed over 24,000 individuals from across 31 countries between September 22 to October 6. In total, 38 per cent of those surveyed said that they will likely be displaced in the next 25 years due to impacts related to climate change. Also read | Explained: Will COP28 implement the much-awaited loss and damage fund? But people in Turkey, Brazil and India were most worried about losing their homes due to impacts related to climate change. In Turkey, 68 per cent of people believe that they will lose their homes due to climate change in the next 25 years. The number was 61 per cent in Brazil and 57 per cent in India. What does it mean? If the survey is deemed representative of the global population, the results from each of the 31 countries equate to more than two billion people fearing they will be displaced due to climate change. Where are people least worried about losing their homes? Of the 31 countries surveyed, people in the Netherlands were least concerned about losing their homes due to Climate Change. Just 19 per cent of Dutch respondents believe that they'd be displaced in the next 25 years due to the impacts of climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 50% Indians fear they will lose their homes to climate change in next 25 years

<p>The United States government has successfully recovered at least nine 'non-human craft', some in damaged conditions from crashes and two in intact conditions, according to a report by the Daily Mail. The British paper cited anonymous sources to claim that the CIA's Office of Global Access (OGA) has been retrieving crashed Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) worldwide.</p>

<h2><strong>CIA retrieving UFOs? Since when?</strong></h2>

<p>The OGA operates under the CIA's Science and Technology Directorate. According to the Daily Mail, the CIA has reportedly spearheaded these operations since 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ufo-sighted-in-india-manipurs-imphal-airport-shutdown-after-unusual-activity-660494">UFO sighted in India? Manipur’s Imphal airport shut down after unusual activity</a></strong></p>

<p>The Daily Mail report cites the insiders to suggest that the CIA, through the OGA, has orchestrated the coverted recovery and storage of these alleged extraterrestrial crafts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One informant briefed on the UFO program disclosed, "There's at least nine vehicles, with different circumstances for each. Some are damaged from crashes, while two are completely intact."</p>

<h2><strong>CIA brings down UFOs like this, according to report</strong></h2>

<p>The CIA's sophisticated system reportedly enables the detection of cloaked UFOs, and triggers the dispatch of special military units for salvage operations when these 'non-human' crafts land, crash, or are brought down by human intervention.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: UFO Spotted in India near airport in Imphal</b></p>

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<p>The OGA's expertise reportedly lies in facilitating US military access to restricted areas globally, according to the Daily Mail.</p>

<h2><strong>But aren't OGA's meant to combat civilian aerial threats?</strong></h2>

<p>While the majority of OGA's missions involve conventional retrieval tasks, such as recovering nuclear weapons or downed satellites, some reportedly focus on UFO retrievals, Daily Mail reported.</p>

<p>The Daily Mail report cited sources to that the primary objective is to swiftly secure the UFOs and protect the secrecy surrounding them.</p>

<p>In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, UFO whistleblower David Grusch reiterated his claims, drawing parallels between the current situation and engineers in the 1940s Manhattan Project who were unaware they were working on atom bomb fuses.</p>

<p>The seriousness of claims regarding hidden UFOs in secret bunkers is reflected in top lawmakers' attention.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About Schumer's 'UFO bill'</strong></h2>

<p>Schumer's bill, slated for potential inclusion as an amendment to the 2024 military spending bill, aims to provide the American public with insights into 'technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence, and unexplainable phenomena,' according to Schumer's July press release.</p>

<p>Missouri Republican congressman Eric Burlison, part of a caucus advocating for greater UFO transparency, views these claims as a catalyst for further investigation. Burlison told DailyMail: "These are the specific programs we've been trying to get information about, but it's been difficult due to the lack of specifics from Grusch or the Intelligence Community Inspector General."</p>


The United States government has successfully recovered at least nine 'non-human craft', some in damaged conditions from crashes and two in intact conditions, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

The United States government has successfully recovered at least nine 'non-human craft', some in damaged conditions from crashes and two in intact conditions, according to a report by the Daily Mail. The British paper cited anonymous sources to claim that the CIA's Office of Global Access (OGA) has been retrieving crashed Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) worldwide. CIA retrieving UFOs? Since when? The OGA operates under the CIA's Science and Technology Directorate. According to the Daily Mail, the CIA has reportedly spearheaded these operations since 2003. Also read | UFO sighted in India? Manipur’s Imphal airport shut down after unusual activity The Daily Mail report cites the insiders to suggest that the CIA, through the OGA, has orchestrated the coverted recovery and storage of these alleged extraterrestrial crafts. One informant briefed on the UFO program disclosed, "There's at least nine vehicles, with different circumstances for each. Some are damaged from crashes, while two are completely intact." CIA brings down UFOs like this, according to report The CIA's sophisticated system reportedly enables the detection of cloaked UFOs, and triggers the dispatch of special military units for salvage operations when these 'non-human' crafts land, crash, or are brought down by human intervention. Also watch | Gravitas: UFO Spotted in India near airport in Imphal × The OGA's expertise reportedly lies in facilitating US military access to restricted areas globally, according to the Daily Mail. But aren't OGA's meant to combat civilian aerial threats? While the majority of OGA's missions involve conventional retrieval tasks, such as recovering nuclear weapons or downed satellites, some reportedly focus on UFO retrievals, Daily Mail reported. The Daily Mail report cited sources to that the primary objective is to swiftly secure the UFOs and protect the secrecy surrounding them. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, UFO whistleblower David Grusch reiterated his claims, drawing parallels between the current situation and engineers in the 1940s Manhattan Project who were unaware they were working on atom bomb fuses. The seriousness of claims regarding hidden UFOs in secret bunkers is reflected in top lawmakers' attention. About Schumer's 'UFO bill' Schumer's bill, slated for potential inclusion as an amendment to the 2024 military spending bill, aims to provide the American public with insights into 'technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence, and unexplainable phenomena,' according to Schumer's July press release. Missouri Republican congressman Eric Burlison, part of a caucus advocating for greater UFO transparency, views these claims as a catalyst for further investigation. Burlison told DailyMail: "These are the specific programs we've been trying to get information about, but it's been difficult due to the lack of specifics from Grusch or the Intelligence Community Inspector General."

CIA has recovered UFOs, and at least nine of them: Report

<p>A study in the United Kingdom has found that General Physician appointments online or over phone are prone to miss serious illnesses, consequently putting patients at risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study was published in the BMJ Quality and Safety Journal. It reportedly considered data in terms of 95 UK safety incidents between 2020 and 2023 (including from during the Covid pandemic).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Risk of patients being underdiagnosed</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers said that it's not that physicians are at fault. That they rarely make mistakes during clinical examination of the patients. But there remains the risk of a patient to be underdiagnosed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the errors that emerge from virtual/phoner medical appointments?</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers noted several errors made in relation to serious health conditions, such as genetic heart disease, sepsis and diabetic foot complications. This, the researchers added, "would likely have been readily diagnosed with an in-person examination".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-of-the-doctors-and-nurses-in-uk-came-from-india-says-study-623134">Most of the new doctors and nurses in UK came from India, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>It added: "Several safety incidents involved clinicians assuming that a diagnosis made on a remote consultation was definitive rather than provisional."</p>

<p>"Especially when subsequent consultations were remote, such errors could become ingrained, leading to diagnostic overshadowing and missed or delayed diagnosis."</p>

<p>The evidence of such errors, however, is anecdotal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Should the AI doctor see you now?</strong></p>

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<p>Even physicians contended that the health conditions are sometimes underplayed during virtual/phoner appointments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>General Physicians during the course of the study noted "poor rapport building" with the patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One General Physician was quoted as saying: "I’ve remembered one father that called up. Really didn’t seem to be too concerned."</p>

<p>"And was very much under-playing it and then when I did a video call, you know this child… had intercostal recession… looked really, really poorly. And it was quite scary actually that, you know, you'd had the conversation and if you'd just listened to what dad was saying, actually, you probably wouldn't be concerned.'"</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Professor Greenhalgh, chief investigator from the University of Oxford, the vast majority of remote clinical consultations in general practice are "safe".</p>

<p>"When safety incidents happen, organisational pressures and poor communication often play a major role," Professor Greenhalgh said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This new research has identified more precisely where the risks lie and what measures we can take to reduce risks further."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A study in the United Kingdom has found that General Physician appointments online or over phone are prone to miss serious illnesses, consequently putting patients at risk.

A study in the United Kingdom has found that General Physician appointments online or over phone are prone to miss serious illnesses, consequently putting patients at risk. The study was published in the BMJ Quality and Safety Journal. It reportedly considered data in terms of 95 UK safety incidents between 2020 and 2023 (including from during the Covid pandemic). Risk of patients being underdiagnosed The researchers said that it's not that physicians are at fault. That they rarely make mistakes during clinical examination of the patients. But there remains the risk of a patient to be underdiagnosed. What are the errors that emerge from virtual/phoner medical appointments? The researchers noted several errors made in relation to serious health conditions, such as genetic heart disease, sepsis and diabetic foot complications. This, the researchers added, "would likely have been readily diagnosed with an in-person examination". Also read | Most of the new doctors and nurses in UK came from India, says study It added: "Several safety incidents involved clinicians assuming that a diagnosis made on a remote consultation was definitive rather than provisional." "Especially when subsequent consultations were remote, such errors could become ingrained, leading to diagnostic overshadowing and missed or delayed diagnosis." The evidence of such errors, however, is anecdotal. Also watch | Should the AI doctor see you now? × Even physicians contended that the health conditions are sometimes underplayed during virtual/phoner appointments. General Physicians during the course of the study noted "poor rapport building" with the patients. One General Physician was quoted as saying: "I’ve remembered one father that called up. Really didn’t seem to be too concerned." "And was very much under-playing it and then when I did a video call, you know this child… had intercostal recession… looked really, really poorly. And it was quite scary actually that, you know, you'd had the conversation and if you'd just listened to what dad was saying, actually, you probably wouldn't be concerned.'" What does it mean? According to Professor Greenhalgh, chief investigator from the University of Oxford, the vast majority of remote clinical consultations in general practice are "safe". "When safety incidents happen, organisational pressures and poor communication often play a major role," Professor Greenhalgh said in an official statement. "This new research has identified more precisely where the risks lie and what measures we can take to reduce risks further." (With inputs from agencies)

An online doctor's appointment may miss out on your illness, research shows

<p>The shapes and sizes of galaxies are as diverse as the universe itself. Now in a study published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the spotlight is back on the helical shape of our Milky Way.</p>

<p>Such shaped galaxies are remarkably scarce in our galactic vicinity.</p>

<p>According to an official readout of the study, the Milky Way is part of the Supergalactic Plane, which contains several massive galaxy clusters and thousands of individual galaxies. The vast majority of galaxies found here are elliptical galaxies.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the scientists do?</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists from the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University used a powerful supercomputer, and transported themselves back approximately 13.8 billion years to the early stages of formation of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through simulations, they traced the evolution of our cosmic neighborhood, aiming to decipher the factors contributing to the scarcity of spiral galaxies.</p>

<p>The simulations also showed &nbsp;that galaxies in densely populated clusters, such as the Milky Way's celestial particles, underwent frequent collisions and mergers during the early epochs of the universe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Aliens lurking at the heart of the Milky Way?</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, when the galaxies collide, a new type of galaxy can emerge. The merger of two spiral galaxies gives rise to elliptical galaxies.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the catch?</strong></h2>

<p>The catch is that our universe is replete with elliptical galaxies. But there are very few spiral galaxies if at all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is rare but not a complete anomaly: our simulation reveals the intimate details of the formation of galaxies such as the transformation of spirals into ellipticals through galaxy mergers," said co-author Carlos Frenk with the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-james-webb-space-telescope-shows-heart-of-milky-way-in-unprecedented-details-661178">NASA's James Webb Space Telescope shows heart of Milky Way in unprecedented details</a></strong><br />
<br />
"Our simulation reveals the intimate details of the formation of galaxies such as the transformation of spirals into ellipticals through galaxy mergers."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom line?</strong></h2>

<p>The study suggests that the Milky Way endured a tumultuous cosmic environment resembling a celestial bumper car scenario throughout the age of the universe.</p>


The shapes and sizes of galaxies are as diverse as the universe itself. Now in a study published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the spotlight is back on the helical shape of our Milky Way.

The shapes and sizes of galaxies are as diverse as the universe itself. Now in a study published in the Nature Astronomy journal, the spotlight is back on the helical shape of our Milky Way. Such shaped galaxies are remarkably scarce in our galactic vicinity. According to an official readout of the study, the Milky Way is part of the Supergalactic Plane, which contains several massive galaxy clusters and thousands of individual galaxies. The vast majority of galaxies found here are elliptical galaxies. What did the scientists do? Scientists from the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University used a powerful supercomputer, and transported themselves back approximately 13.8 billion years to the early stages of formation of galaxies. Through simulations, they traced the evolution of our cosmic neighborhood, aiming to decipher the factors contributing to the scarcity of spiral galaxies. The simulations also showed that galaxies in densely populated clusters, such as the Milky Way's celestial particles, underwent frequent collisions and mergers during the early epochs of the universe. Also watch | Aliens lurking at the heart of the Milky Way? × Notably, when the galaxies collide, a new type of galaxy can emerge. The merger of two spiral galaxies gives rise to elliptical galaxies. What is the catch? The catch is that our universe is replete with elliptical galaxies. But there are very few spiral galaxies if at all. “It is rare but not a complete anomaly: our simulation reveals the intimate details of the formation of galaxies such as the transformation of spirals into ellipticals through galaxy mergers," said co-author Carlos Frenk with the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University in a statement. Also read | NASA's James Webb Space Telescope shows heart of Milky Way in unprecedented details "Our simulation reveals the intimate details of the formation of galaxies such as the transformation of spirals into ellipticals through galaxy mergers." What is the bottom line? The study suggests that the Milky Way endured a tumultuous cosmic environment resembling a celestial bumper car scenario throughout the age of the universe.

It's all in the shape: Science reveals what makes Milky Way unique

<p>Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating an "influence" operation into the European Union and has decided to close all its land borders with the country being presided over by Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All but one Finland-Russia border crossing was open for the transit of people and goods. But after what was reported to be an "extraordinary cabinet meeting" in Helsinki, it was announced that the Raja-Jooseppi crossing would be closed in the far north.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that the decision was made following the unveiling of "new information" this week.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon?</strong></p>

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<p>The disclosure of new information, the prime minister claimed, has strengthened Helsinki's belief that Moscow was deliberately sending in migrants over the border. Helsinki, however, did not provide any evidence for its claims.</p>

<p>"The phenomenon seen at the border in recent weeks must be stopped," Orpo said at a press conference.</p>

<p>"This is not only about the number of visitors but the phenomenon itself. This is about Russia’s influence [on] activities and we do not accept that."</p>

<h2><strong>Finland-Russia ties in recent months</strong></h2>

<p>Finland has accused Russia of trying to destabilise its national security after nearly a thousand migrants attempted to use its eastern border crossings this month. The number was up from just a few dozen in previous months.</p>

<p>The historically neutral Finland effectively went into the US camp after it joined NATO in April, partly in response to Moscow's military offensive in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Helsinki has accused Moscow of engaging in "hybrid warfare", a tactic used to stoke tensions without a declaration of conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-finland-is-now-a-nato-member-is-it-a-direct-threat-to-russia-579538">Explained: Finland is now a NATO member. Is it a direct threat to Russia?</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, Finland closed its seven other checkpoints with Russia along their 1,340km border.</p>

<p>Finland's inclusion in the transatlantic military alliance has led to outrage in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, said last week that Russia "deeply regretted" Finland’s decision to join NATO and that Helsinki had abandoned "longstanding, very kind relations based on mutual respect."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating an "influence" operation into the European Union and has decided to close all its land borders with the country being presided over by Vladimir Putin.

Finland has accused Russia of orchestrating an "influence" operation into the European Union and has decided to close all its land borders with the country being presided over by Vladimir Putin. All but one Finland-Russia border crossing was open for the transit of people and goods. But after what was reported to be an "extraordinary cabinet meeting" in Helsinki, it was announced that the Raja-Jooseppi crossing would be closed in the far north. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that the decision was made following the unveiling of "new information" this week. Also watch | Finland now under the NATO cover, will Sweden join soon? × The disclosure of new information, the prime minister claimed, has strengthened Helsinki's belief that Moscow was deliberately sending in migrants over the border. Helsinki, however, did not provide any evidence for its claims. "The phenomenon seen at the border in recent weeks must be stopped," Orpo said at a press conference. "This is not only about the number of visitors but the phenomenon itself. This is about Russia’s influence [on] activities and we do not accept that." Finland-Russia ties in recent months Finland has accused Russia of trying to destabilise its national security after nearly a thousand migrants attempted to use its eastern border crossings this month. The number was up from just a few dozen in previous months. The historically neutral Finland effectively went into the US camp after it joined NATO in April, partly in response to Moscow's military offensive in Ukraine. Helsinki has accused Moscow of engaging in "hybrid warfare", a tactic used to stoke tensions without a declaration of conflict. Also read | Explained: Finland is now a NATO member. Is it a direct threat to Russia? Earlier this month, Finland closed its seven other checkpoints with Russia along their 1,340km border. Finland's inclusion in the transatlantic military alliance has led to outrage in and beyond Moscow's corridors of power. Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, said last week that Russia "deeply regretted" Finland’s decision to join NATO and that Helsinki had abandoned "longstanding, very kind relations based on mutual respect." (With inputs from agencies)

Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all its border crossings with Russia

<p>Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk received a symbolic dog tag from the father of an Israeli citizen held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Musk has promised to wear the purported dog tag till all the hostages are free.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk's visit to Israel comes amid a fragile truce in place between the two warring sides - Israel and Hamas, the latter designated a terrorist group by the US, UK, European Union and Australia. Musk was also recently assailed for an anti-Jewish post on his social media platform X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk visits Israel amid four-day truce in Gaza war</strong></p>

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<p>"Our hearts are hostage in Gaza," read the metal tag he received from Malki Shem-Tov, the father of hostage Omer Shem-Tov, in a video of Musk's visit, issued on Monday by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.</p>

<p>Musk placed it around his neck. Later on Monday, he wrote on X: "I will wear it every day until your loved ones are released."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dog tag in Israel amid war with Hamas</strong></h2>

<p>The dog tags, prevalent throughout Israel, mark the October&nbsp;7 killing spree by Hamas. On October 7, around 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad. On Tuesday (Nov 28), Qatar, one of the two chief mediators -- the other being Egypt -- brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas, claimed that at least 40 hostages have gone missing from the captivity of Hamas. Of these, 30 are now reportedly being held by the Palestine Islamic Jihad group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-delays-dilemmas-and-setbacks-a-look-inside-israel-hamas-hostage-deal-661420">Explained: Delays, dilemmas and setbacks — A look inside Israel-Hamas hostage deal</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On November&nbsp;15, Musk posted on X his agreement with a post that falsely claimed Jewish people were stoking hatred against white people, saying the user who referenced the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory was speaking "the actual truth".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the post on X, top US companies including Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and NBCUniversal parent Comcast suspended their advertisements on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>The White House also slammed Musk for what it&nbsp;described as an "abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate" that "runs against our core values as Americans".</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk received a symbolic dog tag from the father of an Israeli citizen held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Musk has promised to wear the purported dog tag till all the hostages are free.

Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk received a symbolic dog tag from the father of an Israeli citizen held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Musk has promised to wear the purported dog tag till all the hostages are free. Musk's visit to Israel comes amid a fragile truce in place between the two warring sides - Israel and Hamas, the latter designated a terrorist group by the US, UK, European Union and Australia. Musk was also recently assailed for an anti-Jewish post on his social media platform X. Also watch | Elon Musk visits Israel amid four-day truce in Gaza war × "Our hearts are hostage in Gaza," read the metal tag he received from Malki Shem-Tov, the father of hostage Omer Shem-Tov, in a video of Musk's visit, issued on Monday by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Musk placed it around his neck. Later on Monday, he wrote on X: "I will wear it every day until your loved ones are released." Dog tag in Israel amid war with Hamas The dog tags, prevalent throughout Israel, mark the October 7 killing spree by Hamas. On October 7, around 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad. On Tuesday (Nov 28), Qatar, one of the two chief mediators -- the other being Egypt -- brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas, claimed that at least 40 hostages have gone missing from the captivity of Hamas. Of these, 30 are now reportedly being held by the Palestine Islamic Jihad group. Also read | Explained: Delays, dilemmas and setbacks — A look inside Israel-Hamas hostage deal On November 15, Musk posted on X his agreement with a post that falsely claimed Jewish people were stoking hatred against white people, saying the user who referenced the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory was speaking "the actual truth". After the post on X, top US companies including Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and NBCUniversal parent Comcast suspended their advertisements on X, formerly known as Twitter. The White House also slammed Musk for what it described as an "abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate" that "runs against our core values as Americans". (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk vows to wear Israeli 'dog tag' until all hostages are freed by Hamas

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity during ongoing elections in four state elections ahead of National Elections in 2024 in which the ruling party is set to seek a third consecutive term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After conclusion of voting in the western state of Rajasthan, central states Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the northeastern Mizoram state, and the southern state of Telangana will vote on November 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election campaign is heating up between Telangana Chief Minister K&nbsp;Chandrashekar Rao (or KCR)-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi, the Indian National Congress and BJP.</p>

<p>In the 2018 assembly election, the BRS (formerly Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won by a landslide, grabbing 88 out of 119 seats. The Congress, which won just 19 seats, is hoping to stage a comeback and stop KCR from a third term in office.</p>

<p>The state of Telangana was carved out of previously united Andhra Pradesh state in 2013 at the 66th year of India's independence.</p>

<p>The BJP has never been in power in the state of Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But recently, in the municipality elections in Telangana capital Hyderabad, the BJP won 48 seats. With Modi's popularity its default mode of electoral campaign, the BJP is hoping to translate it into into a bigger success.</p>

<p>While addressing a rally at Toopran area of Telangana, Modi said the INDIA alliance, an acronym for the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, will be wiped out of the polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.</p>

<p>"I have seen in the three states that "Indi alliance" (INDIA alliance) will be wiped out. The women, farmers there are going to uproot the Congress party," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reached Tirupati a short while ago. Thankful for the warm welcome. <a href="https://t.co/PoVn6Mp5qN">pic.twitter.com/PoVn6Mp5qN</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1728815533901152574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, addressing the issue of examination papers being leaked out before schedule, fifth-generation Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the Telangana government is not listening to the youth on paper leak issue.</p>

<p>"I met the unemployed youth last evening. They told me that after putting all their efforts and money into competitive exams, they didn't get jobs due to paper leaks," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a public meeting in Telangana's Sangareddy, about 64 km northwest of Hyderabad and over 1,500 km south of Indian capital New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The government here doesn't have time to listen to their problems. They are the future of Telangana and have been neglected by this government," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>India assembly elections: What all has happened so far?</strong></h2>

<p>In Rajasthan, the principal opposition party Indian National Congress (INC) is in power under its Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Infighting in Congress between Gehlot, and young leader Sachin Pilot has dominated the headlines; and the BJP is expecting that it has managed to reap the benefits of this infighting with the fate of 200 assembly seats now sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-five-states-assembly-elections-impact-bjp-congresss-chances-in-the-lok-sabha-polls-662433">Explained: How will elections in 5 Indian states impact BJP, Congress in Lok Sabha polls?</a></strong></p>

<p>In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is in power under its Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But here, reports of power tussle among the BJP leaders has pushed the BJP against the wall. But a divided Congress party has made the contest rather edgy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Chhattisgarh, Congress party's Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel continues to be popular but the BJP is hoping to reap the benefits of Modi's outreach to the tribal community in the resource-rich central Indian state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India five-state electoral battle | WION</strong></p>

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<p>In the northeastern state of Mizoram, Chief Minister Zoramthanga of Mizo National Front (MNF), an ally in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, is confident his party will return to power and bag 25-35 seats in the upcoming polls for the 40-member Assembly. But Congress party has expressed optimism of replacing the MNF in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity during ongoing elections in four state elections ahead of National Elections in 2024 in which the ruling party is set to seek a third consecutive term.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity during ongoing elections in four state elections ahead of National Elections in 2024 in which the ruling party is set to seek a third consecutive term. After conclusion of voting in the western state of Rajasthan, central states Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the northeastern Mizoram state, and the southern state of Telangana will vote on November 30. The election campaign is heating up between Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (or KCR)-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi, the Indian National Congress and BJP. In the 2018 assembly election, the BRS (formerly Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won by a landslide, grabbing 88 out of 119 seats. The Congress, which won just 19 seats, is hoping to stage a comeback and stop KCR from a third term in office. The state of Telangana was carved out of previously united Andhra Pradesh state in 2013 at the 66th year of India's independence. The BJP has never been in power in the state of Telangana. But recently, in the municipality elections in Telangana capital Hyderabad, the BJP won 48 seats. With Modi's popularity its default mode of electoral campaign, the BJP is hoping to translate it into into a bigger success. While addressing a rally at Toopran area of Telangana, Modi said the INDIA alliance, an acronym for the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, will be wiped out of the polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "I have seen in the three states that "Indi alliance" (INDIA alliance) will be wiped out. The women, farmers there are going to uproot the Congress party," he said. Reached Tirupati a short while ago. Thankful for the warm welcome. pic.twitter.com/PoVn6Mp5qN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2023 × Meanwhile, addressing the issue of examination papers being leaked out before schedule, fifth-generation Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the Telangana government is not listening to the youth on paper leak issue. "I met the unemployed youth last evening. They told me that after putting all their efforts and money into competitive exams, they didn't get jobs due to paper leaks," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a public meeting in Telangana's Sangareddy, about 64 km northwest of Hyderabad and over 1,500 km south of Indian capital New Delhi. "The government here doesn't have time to listen to their problems. They are the future of Telangana and have been neglected by this government," he added. India assembly elections: What all has happened so far? In Rajasthan, the principal opposition party Indian National Congress (INC) is in power under its Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Infighting in Congress between Gehlot, and young leader Sachin Pilot has dominated the headlines; and the BJP is expecting that it has managed to reap the benefits of this infighting with the fate of 200 assembly seats now sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Also read | Explained: How will elections in 5 Indian states impact BJP, Congress in Lok Sabha polls? In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is in power under its Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But here, reports of power tussle among the BJP leaders has pushed the BJP against the wall. But a divided Congress party has made the contest rather edgy. In Chhattisgarh, Congress party's Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel continues to be popular but the BJP is hoping to reap the benefits of Modi's outreach to the tribal community in the resource-rich central Indian state. Also watch | India five-state electoral battle | WION × In the northeastern state of Mizoram, Chief Minister Zoramthanga of Mizo National Front (MNF), an ally in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, is confident his party will return to power and bag 25-35 seats in the upcoming polls for the 40-member Assembly. But Congress party has expressed optimism of replacing the MNF in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi's popularity in Telangana

<p>Last week, we ended The Capitals on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">note</a> that the Qatar's Prime Minister in capital Doha told the world that they are nearing a deal to free over 240 people held hostage by Hams in Gaza. And that soon, the state of war in West Asia may transform into a terminal conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>Since Friday (Nov 24), the delicate truce between Israel and Hamas is holding up after seven-week war that began on October 7 after Hamas attacked southern Israel and killed over 1,200 Israelis and took at least 240 people hostage into Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response Israel launched an air, artillery and naval bombardment alongside a ground offensive to destroy Hamas, killing nearly 15,000 people, mostly civilians&nbsp;including thousands of children, according to the Hamas government in Gaza.</p>

<p>So far, two set of hostages, mostly children and elderly, have been released by Hamas from inside Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Relatives voiced joy at the return on Saturday of hostages including a nine-year-old Israeli-Irish girl, and cheering crowds greeted Palestinian prisoners as they left a jail in the West Bank.</p>

<p>But last-minute disagreements during the exact moments of the supposed truce timeline underlined the fragile nature of the process, and that while the truce has held up so far, its extension may not be an easy way forward from either side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas has released 26 Israeli hostages in exchange for 78 Palestinian prisoners in the two releases already completed.</p>

<p>The militants have also freed a total of 14 Thais and one Filipino and one Russian national.</p>

<p>Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 hostages during the truce in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.</p>

<p>Besides, Egypt has said that it received positive feedback from both sides about the idea of extending the truce for a day or two and releasing more hostages and prisoners. BBC reported that the truce could extend till the end of next week, that is for a total of five more days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Doha and Cairo are leading negotiations aimed at extending the duration of the initial agreement beyond Monday, potentially paving the way for the release of more hostages and Palestinian prisoners in the days that follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our hope is that we build on this progress and the momentum of the last 48 hours can be sustained to extend the pause once the current deal expires and lead to further discussions about a more sustainable agreement to end the violence and bloodshed of civilians," a Qatari official was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bottomline is that while the extension of current truce between Israel and Hamas appears imminent, Doha and Cairo have to cover few more miles of talks before claiming the milestone of&nbsp;ceasefire.&nbsp;</p>


Last week, we ended The Capitals on the note that the Qatar's Prime Minister in capital Doha told the world that they are nearing a deal to free over 240 people held hostage by Hams in Gaza.

Last week, we ended The Capitals on the note that the Qatar's Prime Minister in capital Doha told the world that they are nearing a deal to free over 240 people held hostage by Hams in Gaza. And that soon, the state of war in West Asia may transform into a terminal conflict. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia Since Friday (Nov 24), the delicate truce between Israel and Hamas is holding up after seven-week war that began on October 7 after Hamas attacked southern Israel and killed over 1,200 Israelis and took at least 240 people hostage into Gaza Strip. In response Israel launched an air, artillery and naval bombardment alongside a ground offensive to destroy Hamas, killing nearly 15,000 people, mostly civilians including thousands of children, according to the Hamas government in Gaza. So far, two set of hostages, mostly children and elderly, have been released by Hamas from inside Gaza Strip. Relatives voiced joy at the return on Saturday of hostages including a nine-year-old Israeli-Irish girl, and cheering crowds greeted Palestinian prisoners as they left a jail in the West Bank. But last-minute disagreements during the exact moments of the supposed truce timeline underlined the fragile nature of the process, and that while the truce has held up so far, its extension may not be an easy way forward from either side. Hamas has released 26 Israeli hostages in exchange for 78 Palestinian prisoners in the two releases already completed. The militants have also freed a total of 14 Thais and one Filipino and one Russian national. Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 hostages during the truce in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. Besides, Egypt has said that it received positive feedback from both sides about the idea of extending the truce for a day or two and releasing more hostages and prisoners. BBC reported that the truce could extend till the end of next week, that is for a total of five more days. Both Doha and Cairo are leading negotiations aimed at extending the duration of the initial agreement beyond Monday, potentially paving the way for the release of more hostages and Palestinian prisoners in the days that follow. "Our hope is that we build on this progress and the momentum of the last 48 hours can be sustained to extend the pause once the current deal expires and lead to further discussions about a more sustainable agreement to end the violence and bloodshed of civilians," a Qatari official was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal. The bottomline is that while the extension of current truce between Israel and Hamas appears imminent, Doha and Cairo have to cover few more miles of talks before claiming the milestone of ceasefire.

The Capitals: Doha and Cairo's move towards ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

<p>Inside a tunnel in northern India's Uttarkashi, 41 workers remained trapped as their ordeal since November 12 continued. On Sunday (Nov 26), rescue operators&nbsp;started vertical drilling to reach them, after horizontal drilling faced a series of setbacks.</p>

<p>A passage to ensure the supply of food, medicines and essential items has been ensured. A communication channel has been established between tunnel workers and the outside world too.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How long will workers remain trapped inside the tunnel?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, over 20 metres of the required 86 metres of vertical digging has been completed. Four more days are needed to complete the digging, according to an official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A unit of Madras sappers from the Corps of Engineers of the Indian army also reached the tunnel site to assist the rescue operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vertical drilling is among&nbsp;six plans being considered to rescue the trapped workers, with the best solution being horizontal drilling, National Disaster Management Authority said.</p>

<h2><strong>Why vertical drilling?</strong></h2>

<p>Vertical drilling had to be started after an&nbsp;auger machine used for horizontal drilling broke down and got stuck in the debris.</p>

<p>"The auger machine has to be cut and brought out. It seems that it will be completed soon, within a few more hours. After that manual drilling will begin," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the work is ongoing to remove the auger machine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A machine for sideways drilling is expected to arrive early on Monday (Nov 27), according to the NDMA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-is-like-the-finest-heart-surgery-in-himalayas-says-arnold-dix-662295">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix</a></strong></p>

<p>The trapped workers hail from poor backgrounds and were working for as less as ₹18,000 (or $216).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A person identified with his last name Chaudhary has said his son is among those stuck inside the tunnel along with 40 others.</p>

<p>"Once he comes out, we will never allow him to work here again," he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chaudhary, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri,&nbsp; spoke to his son Manjeet on Sunday through a communication channel set up by the authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling makes swift progress</strong></p>

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<p>"We are very poor and came here after taking a loan of ₹9,000 against my wife's jewellery. Here, the administration gave me a jacket and shoes. They also repaid my loan."</p>

<p>Fifteen workers hail from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five each from Odisha and Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The top focus is currently to speed up the vertical drilling and removal of the drill blade to resume to horizontal drilling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rescuers plan to manually dig through the remaining debris to reach the trapped workers, officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials say that going horizontally through the collapsed debris in the tunnel is still the safest option.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Inside a tunnel in northern India's Uttarkashi, 41 workers remained trapped as their ordeal since November 12 continued. On Sunday (Nov 26), rescue operators started vertical drilling to reach them, after horizontal drilling faced a series of setbacks.

Inside a tunnel in northern India's Uttarkashi, 41 workers remained trapped as their ordeal since November 12 continued. On Sunday (Nov 26), rescue operators started vertical drilling to reach them, after horizontal drilling faced a series of setbacks. A passage to ensure the supply of food, medicines and essential items has been ensured. A communication channel has been established between tunnel workers and the outside world too. How long will workers remain trapped inside the tunnel? So far, over 20 metres of the required 86 metres of vertical digging has been completed. Four more days are needed to complete the digging, according to an official. A unit of Madras sappers from the Corps of Engineers of the Indian army also reached the tunnel site to assist the rescue operations. Vertical drilling is among six plans being considered to rescue the trapped workers, with the best solution being horizontal drilling, National Disaster Management Authority said. Why vertical drilling? Vertical drilling had to be started after an auger machine used for horizontal drilling broke down and got stuck in the debris. "The auger machine has to be cut and brought out. It seems that it will be completed soon, within a few more hours. After that manual drilling will begin," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said. Now, the work is ongoing to remove the auger machine. A machine for sideways drilling is expected to arrive early on Monday (Nov 27), according to the NDMA. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue is like the 'finest heart surgery' in Himalayas, says expert Arnold Dix The trapped workers hail from poor backgrounds and were working for as less as ₹18,000 (or $216). A person identified with his last name Chaudhary has said his son is among those stuck inside the tunnel along with 40 others. "Once he comes out, we will never allow him to work here again," he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. Chaudhary, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri, spoke to his son Manjeet on Sunday through a communication channel set up by the authorities. Also watch | Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling makes swift progress × "We are very poor and came here after taking a loan of ₹9,000 against my wife's jewellery. Here, the administration gave me a jacket and shoes. They also repaid my loan." Fifteen workers hail from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five each from Odisha and Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh state. What next? The top focus is currently to speed up the vertical drilling and removal of the drill blade to resume to horizontal drilling. Rescuers plan to manually dig through the remaining debris to reach the trapped workers, officials said. Officials say that going horizontally through the collapsed debris in the tunnel is still the safest option. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling moves swiftly amid race to save trapped workers

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