News Highlights: UNLF signs historic peace accord with government

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Indian Ambassador to UAE Sanjay Sudhir on COP28 and PM Modi's visit to Dubai, says, "PM Modi will be arriving in less than 24 hours from now. We're not only well prepared, we are all looking forward to his visit, COP28 is a significant occasion. The last time India had attended COP28 in Glasgow, and since then India has accomplished a lot in the climate change area. In the G20 statement, there was a substantial content on climate change. UAE has played significant role in renewables. We have one of the largest solar firms in the world, investing greatly in green hydrogen...we are trying to make this COP a COP of action."

Indian Ambassador to UAE Sanjay Sudhir says, " Dealing with climate change is an area where India stands apart, India has walked the talk, India has done better than the commitments they have made. PM Modi is very conscious about the issue of climate change and sustainability."

Dr Subash Giri, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College, on the pneumonia outbreak in China, says, "H9N2 is being reported a lot in China. It is a viral infection...There is a danger of pneumonia in those children who have low immunity. In India, viral infections occur during the change of season and the start of winter routinely. I have not read any reports of H9N2 in India till now. It is important to stay alert."

Jitendra Awhad, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader, speaking on Election Commission's hearing over the NCP name and symbol, says, "As per the latest judgment of Subash Desai vs. the State of Maharashtra, the Supreme Court has clearly said that the legislature is not a party, so the decision taken by the legislature cannot be accepted... This conflict cannot stand legally. We have said with proof that this petition cannot come before the Election Commission."

Wall Street stocks advanced, extending a positive run following updated US growth data and a hefty share buyback announcement from General Motors.

The US economy saw GDP growth of 5.2 percent at an annual rate in the third quarter, up from the prior 4.9 percent estimate.

About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.2 percent at 35,469.06.

"We are owed respect to our inherent dignity... Israel has no right to self-defense against a people that it occupies," Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said at the UN Security Council.

"We have already suspended Partha Chatterjee but what about Suvendu Adhikari who is named in the FIR filed by the CBI in Narada case. The BJP should suspend and arrest him before saying anything else," says TMC leader Kunal Ghosh on Union minister Amit Shah challenging Mamata Banerjee to suspend TMC leaders arrested in corruption cases.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh on the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) signing a peace agreement with the Government of India, says, "Efforts for peace talks were being made for years but without any success. This signing happened today under the leadership of PM Modi. I congratulate the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who worked hard to bring peace. The cadres of UNLF agreed to follow the path of peace, I appreciate the members for this. I hope that the militants in the state and those who raise weapons also choose the path of peace."

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at the launch of Congress President's biography named 'Mallikarjun Kharge: Political Engagement with Compassion, Justice, and Inclusive Development', said, "50 years is a long period in politics. Mallikarjun Kharge didn't just survive its unpredictable course, he continued to rise higher and higher throughout his political career. Not once did he compromise on his ideology, not once did he drift away from the cause or the poor."

The government issues a fresh RFP for the appointment of asset valuer

The last date for submitting bids by asset valuer is January 5

The asset valuer has to be registered either with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, or Sebi, or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

India's urban unemployment rate unchanged at 6.6% in July-September, according to the government's latest Periodic Labour Force Survey. However, male unemployment rate edged up to 6.0% from 5.9% in April-June, while the female unemployment rate fell to 8.6% from 9.1%.

Uttarakhand Health Minister, Dhan Singh Rawat, on the treatment and current situation of rescued workers from Silkyara tunnel, says,"Everything is fine. They will be kept here for medical examinations today and tomorrow. They will be sent back home as per the directions of the director of AIIMS, people in the health department, and doctors... It was a big challenge for the state and central government. I want to thank the PMO and all the agencies of the Indian government, the Chief Minister, and the district administration. This work was successful because of the collective work of everyone."

"The peace agreement signed today with the UNLF by the Government of India and the Government of Manipur marks the end of a six-decade-long armed movement," posts Union minister Amit Shah

"The crediblity of the bonds is adding monetizing of bonds. As many of these bonds are listed. So we can set more examples for the globe in terms of muncipal bonds," the SBI Chairman said

-In a historic development, the Government of India and Government of Manipur signed a Peace Agreement with United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur in New Delhi: MHA
-The agreement is poised to give a fillip to usher in a new era of peace in the North East in general and Manipur in particular
-As per the vision of the Prime Minister Modi and under the guidance of Union Home Minister, the government of India has signed agreements with several armed groups of the North East region since 2014 to end militancy and promote development
-This is the first time a valley-based Manipuri armed group has agreed to return to mainstream by abjuring violence and agreeing to honour the Constitution of India and laws of the land

Passengers had food through their private source. These food items were not supplied by Railway staff. All passengers were given treatment and are in normal condition after treatment. No hospitalization was required, they all continued their journey further on the same train, says Central Railway CPRO

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) with total outlay of Rs.24,104 crore.

SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch addressed the Urban Infra Development Workshop and said, that in all of SEBI's discussions that we have had, including with overseas investors, there is a lot of demand for municipal bonds.

SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch addressed the Urban Infra Development Workshop and said, 'I want to reiterate that T+0 settlement of trades is going to be optional. SEBI has looked at the data and then taken this decision. It will not lead to fragmentation of the market. These are canards being spread by some people'.

Ecoairs Secretary Ajay Seth addressed the Urban Infra Development Workshop and said that we can expect a good GDP growth number for July-September. He added that, 'we are confident of meeting the FY24 fiscal deficit target of 5.9% of GDP. Beyond this year, we are committed to the target of 4.5% by FY26'.

On the 41 rescued workers, Prof. Meenu Singh, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Rishikesh says, "They are quite normal, I won't even call them patients. They are feeling quite normal, they are behaving very normally. Their blood pressure, vitals, oxygenation - everything is normal. We have done some basic preliminary investigations just to look at their electrolytes and their other blood parameters. The report will be coming and we will also be doing their ECG, just to see if there is any effect on the heart. These are very basic investigations which we will have. We will do a basic psychological assessment also so that we can follow it up later - whether this incident is having any effect on them on a long-term basis..."

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran says, 'Our cities have become health traps. We need to ensure that children and citizens can undertake physical activity. We are being trapped in sedentry lifestyles'.

On Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh says, "The way 41 workers were rescued after 17 days, it is worth appreciating, importantly under the leadership of PM Modi, the PMO, Union Minister General VK Singh and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and their continuous presence there. I salute and thank NDRF, SDRF, several agencies, engineers, labourers and others involved in the operation..."

PM-EAC Chairman Bibek Debroy said, 'We need to reform land markets. This doesn't mean just property taxes. But we need to know who owns what piece of land. And in many parts land records are in shambles'.

PM-EAC Chairman Bibek Debroy says 'from a policy perspective, we need to ask ourselves whether the definition of urban and rural should be re-examined'.

There is a good appetite for municipal bonds. But municipalities need to structure the projects in such a way that revenue comes from the investments.

The largest capital investment in urban infrastructure is house loans. And that comes from individuals. So we need to reduce risks for institutional finance so that we can undertake greater urban planning, National Workshop on leveraging private finance for urban infrastructure development.

Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi says the amount of money needed for urban infrastructure development for the next 25 years or so is far more than what the government can provide.

Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi said the pace of capital investment in urban India has increased multifold in the last few years, but it remains far, far lower than what is needed.

"All of us recognise cities as centres of economic growth and cultural exchange. Urbanisation, if managed, can lead to inclusive growth. But it does pose challenges. The theme is inclusivity and sustainability must be at the forefront of our urban development," Seth said, speaking at a National Workshop on leveraging private finance for urban infrastructure development.

Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth said all of us recognise cities as centres of economic growth and cultural exchange. Urbanisation, if managed, can lead to inclusive growth. But it does pose challenges. The theme is inclusivity and sustainability must be at the forefront of our urban development. Seth is also speaking at a National Workshop on leveraging private finance for urban infrastructure development.

Isabel Chatterton the International Finance Corporation Director said that Indian cities are very credit worthy. She added that the corporation is committed to support all 22 credit worthy cities of India.

"This was a mission of entire India," says NDMA member Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain as he lists out organisations and government bodies who were involved in the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that an incentive amount of Rs 50,000 each will be given to all the personnel working in the rescue operation inside the Silkyara tunnel the Chief Minister's Office said

On the air pollution situation in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai says," As per the weather dept, if the wind speed slows down, then there could be fluctuation in AQI levels. Environment Dept is ordering the implementation of measures under GRAP 1 and 2. Precautions currently being taken at hotspots will continue. The use of 215 anti-smog guns and 375 water sprinklers will continue. Dust control measures are to be followed mandatorily at construction sites."

"The people recovered the (Uttarkashi) tunnel yesterday included two workers from Assam. It was a very big (rescue) operation. We were all very tensed, b but did not show it in the public. What happened yesterday has made us all proud," says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma talksthe successful rescue of 41 workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, "A letter has been sent to all states from the central government in which it's mentioned that in China respiratory infection can be seen in kids which is like influenza, pneumonia and with COVID symptoms...It's a general advisory. I believe if there will be a specific advisory in it then it will be easy for the states to take proper actions"

IAF's transport aircraft Chinook, carrying 41 rescued workers, arrives in Rishikesh. It has been flown to AIIMS Rishikesh from Chinyalisaur for the workers' further medical examination.

"The next decision is regarding the 16th Finance Commission. The Union Cabinet has given its approval on the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission...On the basis of the recommendations of the Working Group, the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission have been decided...The 16th Finance Commission will submit its report by October 2025, Centre will take a decision on it and this will be implemented from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031."

"The next decision is regarding the 16th Finance Commission. The Union Cabinet has given its approval on the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission...On the basis of the recommendations of the Working Group, the Terms of Reference of the 16th Finance Commission have been decided...The 16th Finance Commission will submit its report by October 2025, Centre will take a decision on it and this will be implemented from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031."

I&B Minister Anurag Thakur says based assumption of 80 crore plus people for free food grain plan on current census estimates.He added that You are looking at food subsidy bill, I am looking at providing free food grain. For us money and budget is not a problem, providing free food grain is a priority for PM Modi.

There will no shortage of funds or food for Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for over five years

There will no issues with procurement on extending free ration scheme for 5 years

I&B Minister Anurag Thakur PM Janman scheme will cost Rs 24,100 crore out of which Rs 15,300 cr will be funded by Centre and remaining by states

Basic facilities including housing, road connectivity, piped water, mobile medical units, solar street lighting, mobile towers will be provided under PM Janman scheme

PM Janman scheme approved by Cabinet says the scheme will be implemented in 18 states, will benefit 28,16,000 tribals

I&B Minister Anurag Thakur says 16th Finance Commission terms of reference include share of central taxes between Centre and states

I&B Minister Anurag Thakur says 16th Finance Commission terms of reference finalised. 16th Finance Commission will be for the period of 5 years from April 1 2026-31

I&B Minister Anurag Thakur says by March 2024, 500 drones to be provided to women self help groups for agriculture. 14,500 drones to be made available over next 2 years for agriculture for women self help groups. Out of total Rs 10 lakh expenditure, 8 lakh to be funded by Centre

Drone Sakhis will be paid Rs15,000/PM, an assistant will be paid Rs10,000. Drone maintenance and repair costs will be provided by the centre.

10-15 villages will be clubbed into a cluster for drone operations, women will be chosen from Self Help Groups will be trained to operate the drones

Extension of free foodgrain scheme to cost Rs 11,80,000 for 5 years to the government

Free foodgrain scheme extended from Jan 1, 2024 for 5 years, 81 crore people to benefit from the extension

Extension of free foodgrain scheme to cost Rs 11,80,000 for 5 years to the government

Preparations underway at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Rishikesh where the 41 workers would be brought for further check-up.

Officials say a US Osprey helicopter carrying 8 has crashed into the sea off Japan; no details on occupants' condition, reports AP

"I met all of them, they are healthy and happy. Medical check-up was done and there is no problem to anyone of them. They will be sent to AIIMS, Rishikesh today for further medical check-up. I gave Rs 1 lakh cheques to them as promised. Also, the rescuers, who went inside the tunnel for digging, will be awarded Rs 50,000 each by the state government," says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami said after meeting the 41 rescued workers at Chinyalisaur Health Centre, Uttarkashi.

"I met all of them, they are healthy and happy. Medical check-up was done and there is no problem to anyone of them. They will be sent to AIIMS, Rishikesh today for further medical check-up. I gave Rs 1 lakh cheques to them as promised. Also, the rescuers, who went inside the tunnel for digging, will be awarded Rs 50,000 each by the state government," says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami said after meeting the 41 rescued workers at Chinyalisaur Health Centre, Uttarkashi.

After the safe rescue of all 41 Silkyara tunnel workers, Uttarakhand CM PS Dhami meets them at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre

- "I feel joyous now that my brother has emerged. He spent 17 days inside (the tunnel), causing unease. I had a conversation with him last night, and it was a gratifying moment when they finally emerged. He will be returning home, and we eagerly await his arrival," expresses Birsa in Jharkhand's Khunti, the sister of Chamra Uranw, who was rescued from the Silkyara tunnel on November 28 night.

- During a phone discussion, Dr Bimlesh Joshi, Nodal Officer for Health in the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, mentioned that the well-being of all 41 workers is currently satisfactory, with their health being assessed twice post-rescue.
- A group of 18 medical professionals at the Chinyalisour Community Health Center has been overseeing their health since the previous night.
- Joshi further stated that since then, the workers have been receiving a nutritious diet comprising paneer, boiled eggs, kheer, roti, vegetables, and rice.

- Delhi Minister Gopal Rai has convened a meeting today with Environment Department officials to assess the situation following the lifting of anti-air pollution measures outlined in GRAP-3.

- On worshipping God daily and the hurdles, Arnold Dix stated, "I didn't ask anything for me, I asked for 41 people out there... and for all the people helping... We couldn't get anyone hurt..."

- In response to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's commendation for the successful rescue, Arnold Dix expresses gratitude, stating, "Thanks, Mr Prime Minister... It's been my privilege and pleasure to show that we are not just fantastic in cricket, but we do other things as well, including tunnel rescue. 41 people are all out, all safe. Everything is perfect."

- There is a developing cyclone named 'Michaung' over the Bay of Bengal, expected to make landfall along the Andhra-Odisha coasts on December 5.

- Subodh Kumar Verma, a survivor extricated from the Silkyara tunnel, expresses gratitude to both the Central and State governments for their concerted endeavours in ensuring the safe rescue of all 41 individuals.
- "The initial 24 hours posed significant challenges, but subsequently, sustenance reached us via a conduit. I am currently in excellent health," he said.

- International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix says, "It's been my honour to serve, and as a parent, it's been my honour to help out all the parents getting their children home".
- "Remember in the beginning I said, 41 people home, and no one gets hurt by Christmas. Christmas is coming early... We were calm, and we knew exactly what we wanted. We worked as a wonderful team. India has the best engineers... It was just a joy to be part of this successful mission. I have to go to the temple because I promised to say thank you for what happened. If you haven't noticed, we have just witnessed a miracle," Dix further added.

- The first exclusive bytes from Vishwajeet Kumar Verma, one of the rescued workers, as he recounts his 17-day ordeal inside the Silkyara tunnel.
- "Upon the collapse of debris, it became evident that we were immobilized. The initial 10-15 hours posed significant challenges. However, a pipe was subsequently introduced to supply us with rice, dal, and dry fruits. Eventually, a microphone was installed, enabling me to communicate with my family members... I am content now and plan to celebrate Diwali."

- Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stated that the successful rescue of all 41 workers, who were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, demonstrates the nation's capability to undertake any necessary measures to safeguard its citizens' lives.
- Patnaik extended his gratitude to the rescue team for successfully evacuating the 41 laborers, including five from Odisha, from the Silkyara tunnel after a nearly 17-day ordeal.
- In a statement, the Odisha CM conveyed, "I take great joy in learning about the accomplished rescue mission, and I am delighted that our workers will be returning home safely."
- He mentioned that the state government has dispatched a team and the relatives of the stranded Odia laborers to the site in Uttarkashi district.

- Following the successful rescue of all 41 workers from the Silkyara tunnel, Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, expresses his hope that such a disaster will never occur again.
- He commends the courage displayed by the 41 workers, emphasising the importance of never losing hope.

- The United Nations' humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported that although certain aid shipments reached northern Gaza, the majority of assistance was distributed in the southern area of Wadi Gaza.
- According to UN-OCHA's daily report, this is significant as the vast majority of internally displaced persons are currently located in that region.
- Meanwhile, COGAT, the Israeli agency responsible for administering the occupied Palestinian territories, confirmed the entry of four trucks carrying diesel and four trucks carrying cooking gas into Gaza from Egypt on Tuesday.
- Additionally, COGAT mentioned that 200 aid trucks from various humanitarian organizations successfully entered the enclave.

- The fifth exchange of Palestinian prisoners and captives in Gaza has concluded, resulting in the release of 30 Palestinians after 12 captives, including 10 Israelis, were set free from Gaza.
- Residents of Gaza are expressing hope for an extension of the truce, given the widespread destruction and shortage of supplies in the heavily bombed enclave.

- The Palestine Red Crescent reports that Israeli forces apprehended an injured individual inside one of its ambulances at the entrance of a hospital in Jenin, located in the occupied West Bank.
- In a humanitarian effort, the United States announced that it has airlifted over 54,000 pounds (approximately 24,494kg) of aid for Palestinians in Gaza.