News Highlights: FM Sitharaman asserts India-Middle East-Europe corridor's contribution to global trade

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Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation updates: PM Modi seeks prayers as rescue efforts intensify to bring out trapped labourers

"Today, when we are praying to Gods and Goddesses and talking about the welfare of humanity, we also have to give a place in our prayers to those labour brothers who have been stuck in a tunnel in Uttarakhand for the last two weeks. The government and all the agencies together are leaving no stone unturned to get them out of the crisis. We have to complete this relief and rescue operation very cautiously..." tweets PM Narendra Modi.

Live news updates: US Attorney General expresses concerns over domestic extremist threats

US Attorney General Merrick Garland warns of rising threats from domestic extremists amidst shooting of three men of Palestinian descent, vows full probe into the incident

Israel-Hamas war updaetes: Truce in Gaza prolonged by 2 days, says mediator Qatar

"The State of Qatar announces that, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on X, formerly Twitter.

Live news updates: Global stock markets dip amidst concerns over impending US Inflation data

Oil prices fluctuate - initial 2% dip followed by further decline amid OPEC meeting delay

New York: DOW down 0.2% at 35,338.58 points

Stock markets dip as US inflation comes into view

West Texas Intermediate down 0.1% at $75.44 per barrel

Live news updates: Fiji's High Commissioner delighted by spiritual splendor of Varanasi's Dev Deepawali

Kamlesh Shashi Prakash, Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, after attending Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, says, " We felt very happy that we visited Varanasi, it is a very holy place and people of Fiji do visit Varanasi...the kind of lights we saw today, it proves that Varanasi is a city of lights and spirituality."

Live news updates: Varanasi's Dev Deepawali charms Norway's Ambassador

On attending Dev Deepawali' in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Norway's Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, says "This is my first time in Varanasi and it is such a tremendous impression to be here for Dev Deepavali and to see all these lights, it really touches me. I have been in India for 3 months and I am learning new things about India and Indian culture..."

Live news updates: Karnataka Govt draws ECI's ire for advertisement in Telangana

Election Commission of India (ECI) issues notice to Karnataka Government over its Telangana Ad, finds it as a violation of model code of conduct

Live news updates: Heavy rains claim lives of 27 people in Gujarat, says minister

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel says "...Due to heavy rains in Gujarat on 26th and 27th November, 27 people and 79 animals have lost their lives. CM Bhupendra Patel has instructed us to do a survey and provide compensation for the same. We have started the relief work..."

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: Sithraman says there is differential tax framework for Sovereign Funds investing in India

"We have sovereign funds from Saudi Arabia, UAE for investment in IFSCA. Middle East, Canada, Australia sovereign funds have been given favourable tax treatments which are looking at national infrastructure pipeline, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. The sovereign funds prefer investment in brownfield projects in India but are also looking at greenfield ones. India will continue with differently placed tax treatment for sovereign funds," says Sitharaman.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: Sithraman highlights tariff-free, quota-free regime for least developed african nations

"Govt conscious of fiscal rectitude, complying to FRBM Act. Tariff free and quota free regime has been promoted with African countries which are least developed," said FM Sitharaman at the India Global Forum in UAE.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: FM eyes collaboration with NASSCOM over AI for systemic security

"We are looking at AI in collaboration with NASSCOM to take it forward to prevent any black swan. For all AI driven, we ensure adequate firewalls, 24/7 monitoring for systemic institutions," said FM Sitharaman at the India Global Forum in Dubai, UAE.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: FM on tax notices says 'some GST issues are getting sorted out now, moving from uncertainty to certainty

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: MSMEs have enough credit availability for business; self employement given incentives

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: FM emphasises continued systemic reforms for India's $7 trillion economic ascent

FM Sitharaman said, "To accelerate path to $7tn economy, the systemic reform process has to be continued. Will look at Indian economy a lot more open and transparent to ensure manufacturing and exports. Global value chain participation is important for India to reach $7tn economy."

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: Affordable energy transition a global challenge, says FM

FM Nirmala Sitharaman speaking at the India Global Forum in Dubai, UAE said, "Transitional phase of affordable energy requirement is a challenge, because not completely moved to renewable. Funding the transition of energy will be a huge challenge, COP28 should show direction both for transfer of technology and finance."

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: FM emphasizes India-Middle East-Europe corridor key for global trade

"India-Middle East Europe corridor will face challenges but it's critical for global trade and will benefit each country. The economic corridor is a long term project and does not depend on immediate events in the area. The corridor is going to be pursued as India has good relationship with each country in the Middle East," FM Nirmala Sitharaman speaking at the India Global Forum in Dubai said.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman at IGF event LIVE: FM assures strong domestic foundation amid global economic challenges

FM Nirmala Sitharaman speaking at the India Global Forum 2023 in Dubai, UAE, said, "The domestic market, macroeconomic fundamentals well rooted and comfortably placed. Challenge of consumption falling in western economies because exports will be adversely affected, it's a downside risk. Inflation situation in western economies, interest rate being high for long will have bearing on investment flow in India."

FM Nirmala Sitharaman's Address LIVE: Domestic market, macroeconomic fundamentals well rooted and comfortably placed
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the domestic market, macroeconomic fundamentals are well rooted and comfortably placed. She further added that the challenge of consumption falling in western economies because exports will be adversely affected, its a downside risk

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue LIVE: Principal Secretary to PM visits Silkyara Tunnel Site.
-Principal Secretary to PM Dr. P. K. Mishra interacted with trapped workers ; assured them of safe rescue. He visited the horizontal drilling site being done through debris inside the tunnel as well as vertical drilling sites of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) and Satlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL).
-He also visited 170 mtr perpendicular tunnel work being done by RVNL.
-Dr Mishra also interacted with trapped workers through the communication line and assured them of their safe rescue. They exuded confidence and optimism.
-He also interacted with the family members of trapped persons and assured them of safe rescue.
Principal Secretary advised the agencies to conduct the rescue operation with utmost safety of

Delhi Weather LIVE: Light rainfall witnessed in parts of Delhi
Rainfall lashes Delhi-NCR, bringing the mercury down by a few notches. Visuals from Central Delhi.

Delhi Weather LIVE: Delhi likely to witness thunderstorms and light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds
Thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with the speed of 30-50 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of many places of Delhi (Mundaka, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Dwarka, India Gate, Palam, Lodi Road, IGI Airport, Vasant Vihar, RK Puram, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Vasant Kunj, Hauz Khas, Malviya Nagar, Kalkaji, Mahrauli, Tughlakabad, Chhattarpur, IGNOU, Ayanagar, Deramandi), NCR (Bahadurgarh, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) Rohtak, Charkhi Dadri, Mattanhail, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Kosali (Haryana), according to a report by the Indian Meterological Department

Kolkata-Delhi Flight LIVE: Flight UK778 diverted to Lucknow (LKO)
Flight UK778 from Kolkata to Delhi (CCU-DEL) has been diverted to Lucknow (LKO) due to Air Traffic congestion at Delhi airport and is expected to arrive in Lucknow at 1845 hours

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Adani group says 'no direct or indirect involvement of any kind' in tunnel construction
It has come to our notice that some elements are making nefarious attempts to link us to the unfortunate collapse of a tunnel in Uttarakhand. We strongly condemn these attempts and those behind them. We clarify with utmost emphasis that the Adani Group or any of its subsidiaries has no direct or indirect involvement of any kind in the tunnel’s construction. We also clarify that we do not own or hold any shares in the company involved in the tunnel’s construction. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the trapped workers and their families: Spokesperson, Adani Group

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA details progress made in rescue ops
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, says "In this kind of an operation, when geology is against us and technology is against us, we cannot make any estimates. However, we are all the time bringing in every possible resource. When the Auger machine broke down, the same night, efforts were made to locate laser cutters, magna cutters around the whole country and efforts were made by the Indian Air Force to immediately fly them here. They were flown here and brought to the site, and that is what has been used. So it just shows that there is no quarter which is being spared as far as the efforts are concerned. So, based upon those efforts, all we can say is that the fastest way possible this rescue will be completed."

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: 'Rescue work is being done from three places,'Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA says
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, says, "...The broken part of the auger machine and debris have been removed from the main horizontal approach from the Silkyara end of the tunnel. We expect manual probing to begin by the evening today. In the vertical drilling, we achieved 15 metres of depth yesterday, today we have crossed around 30 metres. Another vertical probe of around 6-8 inches is being done next to it, which has reached around 76 metres and it will be our alternative lifeline...Rescue work is being done from three places, out of which two including top-down drilling and horizontal drilling are absolutely reliable "

'Kolkata Chalo' campaign LIVE: West Bengal BJP leaders hold a march in West Bengal
West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, State BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul and other party leaders held a march ahead of the November 29 'Kolkata Chalo' campaign.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami leaves for the Silkyara tunnel site
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami leaves for the Silkyara tunnel site from Dehradun to take stock of the latest situation of the relief and rescue work that has been going on continuously for the last 16 days to rescue 41 labourers trapped in the tunnel.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Syed Ata Hasnain, NDMA member talks about drilling done for rescue ops
"Around 32 metres of vertical drilling has been done by SVNL. RVNL is working on another pipeline which will become a vertical 'lifeline' and it has been inserted up to 75 metres. The estimated depth is around 86 metres," says Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, NDMA member on Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Syed Ata Hasnain, NDMA member says manual technique to be employed by tonight
"The broken blades of the auger machine have been fully retrieved. There were some obstacles while retrieving the broken part, but the damage has been fixed. Now, the manual technique will be employed by tonight with the help of Indian Army engineers, rat miners, and other technicians," says Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, NDMA member on Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: 'Things are under control' says Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, said, "...Things are under control... Food and medicine are going inside as per requirements... Psychological aspects are also given importance...Backup communications have been established..."

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: 'Things are under control' says Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, said, "...Things are under control... Food and medicine are going inside as per requirements... Psychological aspects are also given importance...Backup communications have been established..."

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Prayers offered at rescue site
Prayers are being offered at the main entrance of the tunnel where rescue operations to bring out the trapped workers are underway.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: AI and Robotic systems engaged for rescue operation
"I have prepared robotic and AI systems to assist the rescue of 41 trapped workers. It is completely indigenous and were prepared in Lucknow. The device will detect and diagnose the behaviour and health of the trapped workers. It has sensors to detect presence of any hazardous gases inside," says says robotics and AI expert Milind Raj.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: 'Working on multiple options,' says MD- National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corp
Mahmood Ahmad, MD- National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corp Ltd said, "We are working on multiple options simultaneously. We should not see this as vertical drilling vs horizontal drilling. Our aim is to rescue the men."

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Stuck auger machine pulled out
"The auger machine, which was stuck during horizontal drilling, has been pulled out. However, its head is still inside, for which the pipe too has been cut," says Dr Neeraj Khairwal, Secretary at Uttarakhand government.

Bengaluru's suburban rail LIVE: 'Very happy with construction progress,' says Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "We had a very detailed discussion and review of the Bengaluru suburban project in the morning today. Before that, I visited the Yesvantpur station redevelopment work. Very happy with the construction progress...It's very important that each and every aspect of Bengaluru's suburban project should be done with full emphasis, focus and sincerity."

India News LIVE Update: NGT issues notice to States, UTs on pollution control board vacancies

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issues notice to 36 States and Union Territories over vacancies in State Pollution Control Boards and Committees, following a report on significant staff shortages in the environmental regulatory bodies. The Central Pollution Control Board reported 6,092 vacant positions out of a sanctioned strength of 11,969 in these entities.

Audi India LIVE Update: Audi India announces up to 2% price hike from January 2024

Audi India plans a price increase of up to 2% from January 1, 2024, across its model range, citing escalating input and operational costs.

Madras HC Decision LIVE: Tamil Nadu government challenges ED summons in illegal sand mining case

The Madras High Court is set to announce orders tomorrow on pleas filed by the Tamil Nadu government, seeking an interim stay against Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons issued to five district collectors in the context of alleged illegal sand mining. The outcome will shape the ongoing legal battle between the state government and the ED over these controversial summonses.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Principal Secretary to PM Dr PK Mishra assesses situation, interacts with trapped workers

During his visit to the Silkyara tunnel, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr PK Mishra, engaged with the trapped workers, communicating directly with them. Additionally, he spoke with the families of the workers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Dr. Mishra took a detailed report on the food items being supplied to the workers, underlining the government's commitment to monitoring and addressing the well-being of those affected by the incident.

Uttarkashi Tunnel LIVE Update: Fresh challenge for rescue as rain poses potential obstacle

As rain sets in, the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operations face a new challenge. The precipitation has the potential to impede the vertical drilling of the rubble, adding complexity to the already demanding task of reaching the trapped workers.

IPL 2024 LIVE Update: Hardik Pandya bids farewell to Gujarat titans

Hardik Pandya, after a successful leadership stint with the Gujarat Titans, is set to part ways as he moves back to Mumbai Indians for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The deputy of Team India's captain, Rohit Sharma, began his IPL journey with Mumbai Paltan in 2015. This transition marks a significant move for Pandya in the context of the IPL, adding an interesting dimension to the forthcoming auction on Monday.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: 31 meters of vertical drilling completed, manual drilling to follow

A notable milestone has been achieved as 31 meters of vertical drilling is now complete in the ongoing rescue operation. The next phase, involving manual drilling, is set to commence, marking significant progress in the efforts to reach the trapped workers.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE Update: Centre's high-level delegation takes stock of operations

Principal Secretary to the PM Pramod Kumar Mishra, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu have reached the site of the tunnel collapse to assess and evaluate the ongoing rescue operations.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Strategy: Workers to be rescued using buckets

Following the successful installation of the pipe through vertical drilling, a unique rescue approach will be implemented. Trapped workers are set to be lifted one by one using buckets lowered into the pipe, marking a crucial phase in the ongoing rescue operation.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE Update: Damaged Auger parts successfully removed

In a positive development, the damaged parts of the auger machine have been successfully removed from the tunnel, marking significant progress in the rescue operation and bringing rescuers closer to reaching the trapped workers.

Amitabh Kant LIVE Update: Robust dispute resolution vital for India's $30 trillion economy goal, says Kant

Amitabh Kant underscores the significance of the next two decades for India's growth, stating, "The next two decades are key for India’s growth story. NITI Aayog says by 2040, India will be a $30 trillion economy." Emphasizing the need for sustained growth, he adds, "For sustained growth, we need to work with the global south, and to do so, a dependable, reliable, and effective dispute resolution system is a must." Kant highlights the pivotal role of a robust dispute resolution mechanism in fostering collaboration and ensuring India's economic aspirations materialize.

Amitabh Kant LIVE Update: Amitabh Kant emphasizes technology and sustainable growth

Amitabh Kant stresses the critical link between justice and growth, stating, "Without access to justice, growth will neither be feasible nor possible." Highlighting the government's commitment, he adds, "One of the major areas of focus for the government of India is to help achieve efficiency in ensuring access to justice for citizens." Kant underscores the need for futuristic technology in addressing this citizen needs, asserting, "Access to justice is a key citizen need that requires futuristic technology. Technology alone will be a major driver for growth in the global south."

Amitabh Kant LIVE Update: G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant emphasizes access to justice as a necessity for India's Global role

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, underscores the imperative of access to justice, stating, "I believe in access to justice is not a choice but a necessity. With a vast number of pending cases in courts, it needs an innovative solution." Reflecting on India's global standing, Kant notes, "This is a time when India has become a beacon of global growth and development. The global south is critical, as this year 80% of global growth will come from emerging markets. According to the IMF, in the next 20 years, 2/3rd of global development will come from emerging markets."

Amitabh Kant LIVE Update: G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant emphasizes access to justice as a necessity for India's Global role

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, underscores the imperative of access to justice, stating, "I believe in access to justice is not a choice but a necessity. With a vast number of pending cases in courts, it needs an innovative solution." Reflecting on India's global standing, Kant notes, "This is a time when India has become a beacon of global growth and development. The global south is critical, as this year 80% of global growth will come from emerging markets. According to the IMF, in the next 20 years, 2/3rd of global development will come from emerging markets."

G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant LIVE Updates: Kant is currently speaking at the first regional conference on access to legal aid

UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp says “It is fitting that India is the first legal aid conference in line with India’s long standing commitment to give voice to the global south. This was demonstrated in this year’s ambitious and inclusive G20 presidency. It welcomed the African union and delivered a consensus on pro-sustainable development goals in the spirit of Vasudeva Kitimbakam.

Telangana Assembly Polls LIVE: EC halts Rythu Bandhu scheme disbursement amid polls

The Election Commission has earlier approved the Telangana government's disbursement of financial aid under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, supporting farmers, before November 28.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Devotees illuminate 21,000 lamps at Har Ki Pauri, offering prayers for trapped workers

On the 16th day of the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation, a nationwide prayer initiative is underway. In Haridwar, devotees lit 21,000 lamps at Har Ki Pauri, fervently praying for the safe rescue of the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Initiation of 'perpendicular drilling' under plan 3 scheduled for today

NDMA Member Syed Ata Hasnain revealed, "Our third plan, involving perpendicular drilling covering 170 meters, is yet to be implemented. The machine for sideways drilling is anticipated to reach the Silkayra tunnel rescue site during the night."

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: NDMA member says, 86 meters of vertical digging needed to reach trapped workers

During a press briefing in Delhi, NDMA Member Syed Ata Hasnain announced, "Our Plan 2 is underway, with vertical drilling starting today. To reach the trapped workers, 86 meters of vertical digging is required, and we have completed 17 meters. Geological studies indicate no obstructions, and stability is being closely monitored.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Implementation of third plan 'perpendicular drilling' set to commence today

NDMA Member Syed Ata Hasnain stated, "Our Plan 3, involving perpendicular drilling covering 170 meters, is yet to be implemented. The sideways drilling machine is anticipated to arrive at the Silkayra tunnel rescue site tonight.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE: Vertical drilling in progress, Rescuers achieve 8-meter advancement in 1.5 hours

NHIDCL MD Ahmad, providing an update on the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue, mentioned completing 19.2 meters of drilling. The goal is to drill 86 meters by November 30, hoping for a smooth process. Reported by ANI.