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.  

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.