Ninety passengers aboard the Bharat Gaurav Yatra Special train suffered from food poisoning after consuming dinner provided by the IRCTC's catering contractor. The train, en route from Chennai to Palitana, made an emergency stop at Pune station as passengers experienced vomiting and diarrhea. Medical teams from Pune and Ruby Hall Clinic provided necessary treatment, and all 99 patients were declared clinically stable. The incident raises concerns over food safety, and authorities assure action against the private contractor responsible. The train resumed its journey after a 50-minute halt, emphasizing the need for improved catering standards.

In an article, PM Modi reflects on India's G20 presidency priorities as it completes one year. He says India sought to shift global consensus from GDP-centric to human-centric progress and a fundamental reform of multilateralism. Inclusivity, integrating African Union and Global South voices was key. Domestically, Jan Bhagidari involved all states and UTs. Progress on SDGs was advanced including via Digital Public Infrastructures based on India's successes with Aadhaar and UPI. Environmental sustainability aims were ambitious - renewable energy capacity tripling target, Global Biofuels Alliance, push for Green Hydrogen and sustainable lifestyle solutions. As the presidency concludes, India leaves a decisive legacy. Click on the link below to read full article.

The Silkayra tunnel project, part of the Char Dham road project, will continue after a safety audit following the successful rescue of 41 workers trapped inside the collapsed portion. A road ministry official said necessary precautions will be taken and work on the 4.5 km tunnel will resume after repairs. The 17-day rescue effort concluded on Tuesday with all workers being brought out safely after over 400 hours buried nearly 200 feet underground. Project head Harpal Singh cited poor geology study, inadequate ground support, construction issues and supervision errors as possible reasons for the collapse. He said all tunnels should have escape tunnels and learning from this incident can prevent future accidents.

The IMD has forecast heavy rains in Chennai and neighbouring districts over the next few days, prompting authorities to announce school closures on November 30. An orange alert was issued for Chennai indicating likelihood of very heavy rains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more intense rainfall from December 2-4. The IMD also noted a low pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal that may concentrate into a cyclonic storm. Amid downpours, TN CM Stalin directed officials to provide assistance in rain-hit areas. GCC advised Chennai residents to stay indoors given the heavy rains. Fishermen were advised not to venture into sea due to rough conditions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Wednesday that the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest armed group in Manipur, has officially signed a peace agreement with the central government. In a significant move toward stability, UNLF has agreed to renounce violence and embrace democratic processes. A video shared by Shah captures the moment UNLF cadres surrendered their weapons as part of the historic accord. This marks the first instance of a valley-based proscribed organization engaging in peace negotiations since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3. The region anticipates a new era of peace and progress.      

In response to the pneumonia outbreak among children in northern China, Indian states are bolstering their medical infrastructure. The Centre's directive prompted a review of hospital preparedness, emphasizing essentials like beds, drugs, vaccines, and oxygen. Tamil Nadu conducts fever camps, assuring no alarming cases. Gujarat re-examines pandemic-era preparations, creating dedicated wards. Karnataka's health minister urges readiness without panic. Rajasthan forms rapid response teams and advises vigilance. Uttarakhand heightens surveillance, especially in districts bordering China. As global concern grows, India remains vigilant, implementing precautionary measures to curb potential outbreaks.

The collapse of Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel, a crucial part of the $1.5bn Char Dham project, has raised alarms over the safety of Himalayan infrastructure. Trapped workers face a perilous rescue, hindered by technical challenges and the region's seismic vulnerability. Experts highlight past neglect of environmental risk assessments and emphasize the need for a "terrain-specific approach" to future projects. With the Himalayas experiencing increased landslides and erosion, the incident serves as a critical wake-up call for reevaluating the impact of extensive tunnel construction on the region's ecology and safety. Environmentalist Hemant Dhyani underscores the need for disaster-resilient development. "This is a serious wake-up call for all of us," says Dhyani, highlighting concerns beyond immediate rescue efforts.

"I am senior-most... I will be the last to come out...", said Gabbar Singh Negi, the senior-most of the 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand Tunnel for over two weeks. Mr. Singh's leadership and bravery kept the situation. from turning catastrophic as he taught yoga, played games, and kept spirits high underground. Negi kept his words as he was the last one to leave the collapsed tunnel. Prime Minister Modi and the rescued workers praised his calm and composure. "He put the lives of his colleagues first," his brother said. The group emerged smiling after 17 days, with no major injuries, thanks in large part to Mr. Singh's selfless courage.

After a 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel have been successfully rescued. Rat-hole mining experts played a crucial role in breaking through the last stretch of rubble. The rescued workers, not in critical condition, will likely be airlifted to AIIMS Dehradun by Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter for medical examination. Families celebrated the successful rescue, distributing sweets, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the operation's spirit. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami is set to meet the workers before their transfer to AIIMS. The collapse occurred on November 12 during the construction of the Centre's Char Dham project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke by phone to the 41 workers after their rescue from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel. "You all have shown exemplary bravery," Modi told them, adding "17 days is not a brief period and it was commendable that the workers did not lose hope." One worker recounted to the PM, "We stayed together like brothers. We used to eat together. After dinner, we used to walk inside the 2.5 km tunnel." Praising their unity, Modi said, "It is not rare to get into a little tu tu-main main. This happens even in a railway compartment. But you all have remained united." Lauding the rescue efforts as well, the PM highlighted that VK Singh "showed his Army training and discipline.”