In a significant development, former advisor to the prime minister's office, Bhaskar Khulbe, revealed that the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue operation is anticipated to conclude within 12-14 hours. The announcement marks the first time authorities have provided a timeframe for the rescue of 41 trapped workers. Delays were caused by the removal of an obstructive iron mesh, taking six hours to clear. After reaching the workers, an additional three hours are expected to extract them individually. The Uttarkashi administration has meticulously planned post-rescue measures, including a green corridor with 41 ambulances standing by. Rescue efforts are now in their final stages.

The final phase of the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation is underway, aiming to free 41 workers trapped for 12 days. Drilling through debris and using wide pipes, rescue teams create an escape route for the confined workers. Once the rescue pipe reaches them, a National Disaster Response Force doctor will guide their crawl through. Forty-four pipes are inserted, overcoming challenges like steel rods in the debris. Ambulances stand by outside the tunnel to transport workers to a makeshift hospital. Despite difficulties in the Himalayan region, the operation progresses, with hopes to complete in the next few hours.      

After 11 grueling days, there is renewed hope in the rescue of 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakashi, India. Cheers erupted early Wednesday as crews resumed drilling through debris to reach the men, using a specialized American auger machine. Drilling stopped last Friday after only 22 of 57 meters were cleared, due to damage and collapse fears. But officials announced Wednesday evening that with only 18 meters left to drill, reunions may soon be possible. The multi-agency operation has persisted since the November 12 tunnel collapse trapped the workers 2km inside the 4.5km passageway. The tireless efforts now appear on the cusp of a miraculous conclusion after almost two weeks.

In a solemn development, an ongoing encounter between terrorists and joint forces of the Army and J-K Police in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the martyrdom of four army personnel, two of whom held the rank of Captains. The confrontation unfolded in the Bajimaal area of Dharmsal during a cordon and search operation, leaving several soldiers injured. The operation aimed to neutralize two trapped terrorists in Rajouri's Kalakote area. Notably, splinter groups of Jaish, situated in the Gulabgarh forest areas, intensified security challenges, leading to a tragic culmination of events. 

Amidst heightened rescue efforts in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel collapse, a 41-bed hospital is established at the Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre to attend to the 41 trapped laborers upon evacuation. An American auger machine, penetrating 45 meters through rubble, paves the way for escape. Twelve more meters to be drilled for steel pipes, facilitating workers' passage. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami onsite for inspection. Fifteen doctors, ambulances, and a helicopter on standby. Hospitals on alert. Emergency medical facilities, including an eight-bed makeshift hospital, set up for immediate care at the rescue site.

Officials said only 18 metres of rock separates rescuers from 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's collapsed Silkyara tunnel, calling it "very happy news". Senior official Mahmood Ahmed revealed "drilling for 39 metres has been completed" to reach the workers estimated to be 57 metres underground. But welding pipes through the narrow path is time-consuming though drilling is faster. Ahmed said "Some big news may be received tonight or tomorrow morning" but warned the remaining section is most critical. Operations have been slow amid falling debris and machine breakdowns. After 11 days, workers are tantalisingly close to rescue teams but the final push is perilous. Officials remain hopeful of reaching trapped workers just 18 metres away after the last phase of painstaking, risky drilling efforts.

As the rescue operation in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel entered its tenth day, rescuers sent solid food, including veg pulao and matar paneer, to the 41 trapped laborers through a 6-inch-wide alternative lifeline pipe. The meal, prepared by locals, aims to sustain those inside. Initially facing challenges, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) cleared the pipe obstruction. Besides fruits and medicines, around 150 dinner packets were prepared. Efforts continue from various angles, with horizontal drilling considered the most viable method. The government prioritizes life-saving in this challenging rescue operation.

Delhi's air quality took a sharp downturn as several areas registered 'severe' levels with an Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Ashok Vihar recorded 405, Bawana 447, Dwarka 405, and Jahangirpuri 429. Meanwhile, 'very poor' conditions persisted in other locations, including Anand Vihar (378), Burari Crossing (374), and Lodhi Road (392). The 24-hour average AQI, standing at 372 on Tuesday at 4 pm, showed a deterioration from previous days. Despite recent measures and eased restrictions, concerns remain as residents grapple with the ongoing air quality crisis in the city.

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, cautioned yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved against "false and misleading" medicine ads claiming to cure certain ailments. "All such false and misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved have to stop immediately. The court will take any such infraction very seriously...," a bench comprising justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra orally observed while hearing a plea of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). It warned of even imposing a ₹1 crore fine on every Patanjali product for false cure claims. Earlier on August 23, 2022, the top court had issued notices to the Union Health Ministry, Ministry of Ayush and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, on the plea of the IMA alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev against the vaccination drive and modern medicines.

In the aftermath of the tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel, where 41 workers have been trapped since November 12, efforts to address both the physical and mental well-being of those stranded have been initiated. Psychiatrist Abhishek Sharma, on-site, recommended activities like walking, light yoga, and regular communication to occupy their time. The workers, reached through an endoscopic camera, have shown high spirits, with the rescue team utilizing a larger pipeline for efficient delivery of air, food, and water. Officials express optimism about the potential for rescue within three days through horizontal drilling, employing a comprehensive five-option action plan.