Officials said the 41 workers trapped for 13 days in a collapsed Uttarakhand tunnel will be rescued by pulling them out one-by-one on wheeled stretchers through a passage created by pushing a big pipe through the rubble. The NDRF demonstrated the technique in a video, showing a stretcher attached to a rope being pulled through the tunnel. Workers will lie flat on stretchers to avoid scraping the welded pipe roof during the extraction by rope. Initially, rescuers considered making them crawl out but their condition may prevent it after 13 days without light and meals. Instead, they will carefully pull out each worker strapped onto a wheeled stretcher through the newly created tunnel. After nearly two weeks of tireless efforts, officials believe the complex rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand is likely to conclude today. 

After nearly two weeks of tireless efforts, officials believe the complex rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand is likely to conclude today. However, authorities caution against predicting a timeline, likening the challenging operation to 'war'. Drilling restarts at 11am after a technical halt. Personnel are fully prepared to safely extract workers on stretchers once a pathway is cleared. Chief Minister Dhami has set up camp on-site to monitor progress. With drilling in its final phase, there is hope the trapped workers will finally see light at the end of the tunnel after 12 arduous days.

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport faced a bomb threat as an email from an unknown sender demanded one million dollars in Bitcoin within 48 hours to prevent an explosion at Terminal 2. The email, received by 38-year-old Visyam Pathak, triggered heightened security measures across all airport terminals. Authorities registered a case under IPC sections 385 and 505(1)(b) against the unknown sender. Terminal operations and relevant departments were promptly informed. This incident follows a similar hoax bomb threat in September, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in ensuring airport security.

Rescue efforts in Uttarakhand's Sikyara tunnel faced setbacks due to persistent obstacles, including iron girders, causing delays in clearing the collapsed section. The option of employing skilled manual cutters is being explored as the auger machine encountered interruptions during horizontal drilling. Progress has reached 45-47 meters, with 17-20 meters remaining. Government officials cautiously refrain from specifying a breakthrough timeline, emphasizing preparedness for potential hurdles. National Disaster Relief Force teams conduct rehearsals, prioritizing stretcher-based evacuation, estimating a 3-4 hour operation post-rescue. Basic needs of stranded workers are met, and a detailed medical check-up is planned after rescue.

Rescue efforts in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel encounter hurdles as the auger machine, critical for freeing 41 trapped workers, faces "some difficulties" again, reveals international expert Arnold Dix. Drilling, halted previously due to an iron girdle, now pauses for repairs after technical snags. Despite setbacks, Dix remains optimistic about cautious progress. National Disaster Management Authority warns against undue pressure on rescuers, emphasizing the challenge's complexity. As repairs proceed, the possibility of success in the next few hours or by Friday gives hope for the trapped workers. The 12-day-long rescue operation navigates challenges with determination.      

In a challenging two-day operation in the Kalakote region of Jammu, two army officers and three jawans lost their lives battling terrorists in dense Pir Panjal range forests. The encounter involved a Lashkar-e-Taiba sniper and explosives expert, identified as Quari, who had been on the run since November 19. Captain MV Pranjal of 63 Rashtriya Rifles was fatally shot while gathering information. Major DS Mehra and others faced gunfire attempting to rescue him. Despite evacuating Major Mehra, Captain Shubham Gupta and two jawans lost their lives. The operation faced further complications as Pakistan attempted to drop arms via drones. Paratrooper Sachin Laur succumbed during the mission. The challenging terrain and low visibility contributed to the intensity of the encounter.

Lt General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain of the National Disaster Management Authority warns against undue pressure on rescue teams as expectations rise for a swift rescue of 41 workers in Uttarkashi's collapsed tunnel. Addressing concerns, Hasnain emphasizes the risk to both workers and rescuers. The ongoing five-directional approach, particularly the Silkyara route, aims to conclude the operation in the next few hours or by tomorrow. Uttarkashi administration prepares with 41 ambulances, ensuring advanced life support. While optimism prevails, experts urge realistic timelines to safeguard everyone involved in the challenging rescue mission.

The Uttarkashi tunnel rescue has reached its conclusive phase as iron structures obstructing progress were successfully cleared, leaving only 10 meters of drilling to complete. Ambulances standby, and ICU beds at Rishikesh's AIIMS await the 41 trapped workers. A team of experts from Delhi accelerates operations, with the first pipe injected and welding underway for the next. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviews the mission as the final stage unfolds. Beds at a Chinyalisaur health center and AIIMS Rishikesh are prepared for medical examinations post-rescue. The operation's intensity garners national attention, emphasizing meticulous planning and widespread support.

In a deeply disturbing crime in Delhi, an 18-year-old was fatally stabbed over 60 times by a 16-year-old seeking to rob just ₹350, possibly to afford a biryani meal. Horrifying CCTV footage from Delhi's Welcome area shows the teen dragging the victim's body, repeatedly stabbing his neck, and dancing maniacally by the corpse. The victim was declared dead at the hospital. Police arrested the accused minor, who was involved in another 2022 murder during a robbery. He is allegedly part of a violent juvenile gang and claimed to be intoxicated. But no motive can explain the savage frenzy of violence over a paltry ₹350. The teen's bizarre celebration of the mutilated corpse has horrified India as families mourn the traumatic, senseless tragedy. [Image: Screengrab from the video]

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to trapped Silkyara tunnel workers, saying "We are hardly 10 metres away" and assured them of safe rescue. He said, "PM Modi and the whole country is worried about you..." and added  "all sorts of arrangements are made once you're out."  He asked about their health and was told the 41 workers stuck for over 200 hours remains healthy and safe. Rescuers have nearly completed the escape passage drilling up to 45 metres but briefly halted after pipes hit iron rods. Just 10 more metres of drilling remain to reach the workers isolated behind the debris. A 41-bed hospital is prepared for medical checks and treatment post-rescue. On Thursday's 12th day of rescue operations at the Uttarkashi tunnel, National Disaster Relief Force Director General Atul Karwal said that he believed that the rescue operations at the tunnel should be over by tonight.