77 People Who Went Missing In Sikkim Flood Presumed Dead

The 77 people who went missing in the flash flood in Sikkim have been presumed dead as they could not be found even after two months of the disaster, Chief Secretary VB Pathak said on Saturday.

To help their families get various kinds of benefits, including compensation, it has been decided to follow the procedure adopted during natural disasters in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and settle the matter, he told reporters.

A total of 77 people went missing in the flash flood that struck the state on October 4. Two bodies were later found, but their identities could not be ascertained, he said.

The state government is providing compensation assistance of Rs 4 lakh, while Rs 2 lakh is being provided from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

"We have decided to adopt the procedures followed in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to settle the matter of missing persons," VB Pathak said.

The families will be able to avail of the benefits only after the issuance of the death certificates, he said.

"We expect to settle all missing persons' cases by January," he added.

The families will first need to file a missing complaint at the police station, and then it will be thoroughly examined at different levels before being published in newspapers, social media and government gazette as per process, VB Pathak said.

In case, a person from outside Sikkim went missing, the family has to lodge a complaint with the police in their state, which will then be transferred here for examination, he said.

The flash flood in the Teesta river basin created chaos in the state on October 4, killing at least 46 people, besides the 77 missing persons. 

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UN Chief, COP28 President Clash Over Future Of Fossil Fuels

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders at the COP28 climate summit to plan for a future without fossil fuels, saying there was no other way to curb global warming.

Speaking a day after COP28 president Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber proposed embracing the continued use of fossil fuels, Guterres said: "We cannot save a burning planet with a fire hose of fossil fuels."

"The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate," he said, referring to nascent technologies to capture and store carbon emissions.

The competing visions summed up the most divisive issue facing world leaders at this year's UN climate summit in the oil-producing United Arab Emirates.

King Charles III of Britain pleaded with world leaders to make progress in the global climate agenda.

"Scientists have been warning for so long, we are seeing alarming tipping points being reached," he said.

"Unless we rapidly repair and restore nature's economy, based on harmony and balance, which is our ultimate sustainer, our own economy and survivability will be imperilled," said the king, who has spent most of his adult life campaigning on the environment.

The comments from Charles, whose role as Britain's head of state is largely ceremonial, appeared to be at odds with his government.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who was expected at COP28 on Friday to announce 1.6 billion pounds ($2.02 billion) in climate finance, has rolled back several domestic measures set by previous governments to help the country meet its 2050 net-zero targets.

Later on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to admonish wealthy countries for their role in releasing the most climate-warming emissions since the Industrial Revolution.

"We do not have much time to correct the mistakes of the last century," Modi said. "Over the past century, a small section of humanity has indiscriminately exploited nature. However, entire humanity is paying the price for this, especially people living in the global south."

A former Marshall Islands president, whose country faces inundation from climate-driven sea level rise, resigned from the main COP28 advisory board on Friday in objection to the UAE's support of continued use of fossil fuels.

Hilda Heine said in her resignation letter that she was "deeply disappointed" that the UAE had reportedly used its COP28 role to broker oil and gas deals. The UAE has strongly denied the accusations.

"These actions undermine the integrity of the COP presidency and the process as a whole," she wrote, adding that restoring trust meant delivering "an outcome that demonstrates that you are committed to phasing out fossil fuels."

The UAE's COP28 presidency said it was "extremely disappointed" by Heine's resignation.

"We have been completely clear, open, and honest throughout this process, and it is a shame to see unverified reporting affect our team and undermine the world's best chance to keep 1.5 within reach," the statement said.

Options For COP28 Deal

Away from the main stage, delegations and technical committees set to work on Friday on the mammoth task of assessing their progress in meeting global climate targets, specifically the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), above pre-industrial temperatures.

Scientists say that a global temperature rise beyond this threshold will unleash catastrophic and irreversible impacts worldwide.

The United Nations on Friday published its first draft for what could serve as a template for a final agreement from the COP28 summit, which ends Dec. 12.

The draft offers "building blocks" for a political outcome and includes several options to address the central problem of whether, and to what extent, fossil fuels should play a role in the future.

One of the options involves including commitments to phase down or phase out the use of fossil fuels, to quit coal energy and to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Also on the table for discussion is whether to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, which totaled some $7 trillion last year, and whether to include provisions for carbon capture and removal technology.

On Thursday, the UAE's Jaber urged countries to work together with oil companies to reach common ground.

The summit also clinched an early victory by adopting a new fund to help poor nations cope with climate disasters.

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Ind vs Aus: रिंकू ने फिर खेली धुंआधार पारी, 164 के स्ट्राइक रेट से ठोके रन

भारत और ऑस्ट्रेलिया (India vs Australia) के बीच चौथा टी20 रायपुर में खेला जा रहा है. रिंकू सिंह पहले की तरह इस मुकाबले में भी शानदार फॉर्म में दिखे. उन्होंने चौथे टी20 में 29 गेंदों में 46 रन बनाए.

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Defence Deal Worth Rs 2.3 Lakh Crore Cleared. Here's What India Will Get

1. The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has given its go-ahead for the procurement of 97 more Tejas MK-1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and 156 more Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, that were inducted last year.
2. Both aircraft are indigenously developed and the value of these deals is around Rs 1.1 lakh crore. The LCH Prachand and Tejas fighter have been developed by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The induction of Tejas will help indigenize the fighter fleet of the IAF which is mostly comprised of Russian, and French fighters. 
3. The AON is not just for the Air Force, but also for the Army and the Navy, making it the biggest defence order in Indian history. The AoN is not the last step before the final procurement. 
4. After the AoN, contracts will be negotiated with the manufacturers and after that, they will be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which is headed by the Prime Minister. It would still take several years for the procurement to take place.
5. Apart from the order for Prachand and Tejas, the AoN has been accorded for the upgrade of the Su-30MKI fighter jets. The upgrade focuses on procuring equipment from domestic manufacturers and increasing the indigenous content in weapons and platforms. The aim is to reduce dependence on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), like Sukhoi for Su-30MKI. 
6. The T-90 Bhishma tanks, which form the pillar of the army's tank fleet along with the T-72 and MBT Arjun, will be upgraded with Automatic Target Tracking System (ATSS) and Digital Basaltic Computer under the Buy (India) Category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), a guide for all capital procurement in India. The T-90 Bhishma were deployed in Ladakh during the India-China border conflict. 
7. AoN has been given for two types of Anti-tank Munitions - Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-2 and Type-3, which are capable of neutralising Tanks and Armoured personnel carriers and enemy personnel. ADM is a weapon used against an advancing enemy. They are used as land mines against Tanks and APCs. 
8. The field guns, which the army has been using for many years and have completed their service life, will be replaced by the Towed Artillery Gun System (ATGS). The AoN seeks to make towed artillery the mainstay of the Army's artillery regiment with 155 mm calibre munition as the standard. The Dhanush Howitzer, DRDO's Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and M777 Howitzer are some towed artillery guns that the army operates.
9. The AoN has given for procurement of Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM) for a surface platform of the Indian Navy under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category in DAP. IDDM refers to Indigenous Designed and Manufactured.
10. The MRAShM is envisaged as a lightweight Surface-to-Surface Missile which will be a primary offensive weapon onboard Indian Naval Ships.

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सैमसन को मिली राहत, सूर्या का कटा पत्ता, किन प्लेयर्स की हुई वापसी?

IND vs SA Team India Squad: साउथ अफ्रीका दौरे पर तीनों फॉर्मेट की सीरीज के लिए बीसीसीआई (BCCI) ने टीम इंडिया का ऐलान कर दिया है. इसके लिए 3 अलग-अलग टीमें सामने आई हैं. इस दौरे पर संजू सैमसन, युजवेंद्र चहल समेत कुछ खिलाड़ियों के लिए दरवाजे खुल गए हैं.

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Miracle Drug That Could Extend Dogs' Lives Inches Closer to Approval

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted key approval for a drug that could extend the lives of large and giant-breed dogs. The drug, LOY-001, is being developed by Loyal, a biotechnology company based in San Francisco. The FDA has approved the Reasonable Expectation of Effectiveness section of Loyal's application for conditional approval. This means that the FDA believes that LOY-001 is likely to be effective in extending the lifespan of large and giant-breed dogs.

According to a letter disclosed by Loyal to the New York Times, a representative from the US Food and Drug Administration stated, "The data you provided are sufficient to show that there is a reasonable expectation of effectiveness."

On average, larger dogs generally have a lifespan of approximately 8 to 12 years, according to information from the American Kennel Club. Specifically, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a life expectancy of 7-10 years, while Great Danes typically live around 8-10 years.

Loyal has outlined that the veterinarian-administered medication is crafted to be a sustained-release product administered to large- and giant-breed dogs at intervals of three to six months.

According to Newsweek, while Loyal did not specify in the statement how long the drug could extend the lives of large canine companions, the company says on its website that the drug will be a "long-acting injectable" administered by a veterinarian every three to six months. At the time of publication, the estimated cost of the drug had not been released.

The FDA's expanded conditional approval is an "accelerated pathway" for the drug, which Loyal estimates will be available in 2026, Loyal spokesman Tim Smith said in a statement.

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20 Blocks Of Critical Minerals, Worth Rs 45,000 Crore, Put Up For Auction

In a bid to address potential supply chain vulnerabilities for materials like lithium, cobalt and titanium, the Centre launched the first tranche of the Critical and Strategic Minerals Auction on Wednesday. A total of 20 blocks have been put up for auction and their combined value is estimated to be Rs 45,000 crore, Union Minister of Mines Pralhad Joshi said. 

The 20 blocks are located in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh and Jammu and Kashmir, and composite licences will be issued for 16 of them, while mining licences will be given for the remaining four. Exploration is allowed under composite licences.

The bidder will be selected based on the highest percentage of royalty rates quoted by them. Sale of tender documents will begin on Wednesday itself, and Mr Joshi encouraged prospective bidders to apply.

The Mines And Minerals (Development And Regulation) Act was amended in August and 24 minerals were notified as Critical and Strategic minerals. 

The auction is important because the minerals are essential for the country's economic development and national security. Lithium is a core component in lithium-ion batteries that form the backbone of not just mobile communication but also electric vehicles, which are touted as the future of transportation. Batteries will also play a role in the wide adoption of solar power to store the electricity produced for use when the sun isn't shining. 

India has committed to achieving 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030 and lithium and other such minerals will have a key role to play in making that a reality. 

Cobalt also has application in storage, and titanium is widely used in the defence industry. 

Officials said the the lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of their extraction or processing in a few countries may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities. Future technologies will also depend on lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium and other rare earth elements. 

The other key industries that depend on these minerals include agriculture and pharmaceutical production.

"We have identified a total of 100 blocks for auction. Of these, 20 are being offered in the first tranche and the auction for the others will take place in due course," said Mr Joshi.

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भारत- ऑस्ट्रेलिया के बीच कहां खेला जाएगा चौथा टी20? कैसा होगा मौसम का मिजाज

IND vs AUS 4th T20 Weather Report: भारत और ऑस्ट्रेलिया (India vs Australia) के बीच चौथा टी20 रायपुर में खेला जाएगा. दोनों टीमें इसके लिए तैयार है. टीम इंडिया इस मैच को जीतकर सीरीज पर कब्जा जमाना चाहेगी. मैच से पहले आइए जानते हैं 1 दिसंबर के दिन कैसा होगा मौसम का मिजाज.

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5 मैच.. 410 रन.. राजस्थान ने जिसे किया बाहर, उसी ने खड़ा किया रनों का अंबार

आईपीएल 2024 का खुमार तेजी से छा रहा है. खिलाड़ी अपने प्रदर्शन से आईपीएल की टीमों का ध्यान खींचने में लगे हुए हैं. इस लिस्ट में टॉप पर हैं देवदत्त पडिक्कल, जिनके स्थान पर राजस्थान ने लखनऊ से एक गेंदबाज लिया है. पडिक्कल अपनी तूफानी बैटिंग से राजस्थान को आईना दिखा रहे हैं.

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Pushkar Dhami, Minister VK Singh Greet First Rescued Workers With Garlands

The first workers were pulled out from the collapsed portion of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi after 17 days. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of state for road and highway, General VK Singh were present at the site of the rescue operation and greeted the first workers.

The first workers were garlanded by the Chief Minister and were greeted with sweets and hugged them in a sigh of relief. The first workers were pulled out around 8 pm and all the workers have been successfully taken out from the tunnel.

The Chief Minister and General VK Singh are present at the site and are greeting workers coming out of the tunnel one by one. Rescue officials said it will take around five to seven minutes to extract each worker.

Uttarkashi tunnel rescue | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets the workers who have been rescued from inside the Silkyara tunnel. pic.twitter.com/8fgMiHPkAD

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023

A mining practice banned for being unsafe came to the aid of the 41 workers trapped inside an Uttarakhand tunnel after high-tech, imported machines broke down during the long-drawn operation.

Rat-hole mining to rescue the trapped workers began yesterday after a 25-tonne auger machine failed in the last leg of the challenging operation. This method of manual drilling has made quick progress and the diggers managed to reach the workers who have been confined for 17 days. They are being evacuated from the tunnel one-by-one.

The extraction process is taking time to allow each worker to re-acclimatise to surface conditions, where the temperature is around 14 degrees Celsius at this time.

The first three workers to be rescued were brought out on specially modified stretchers; these were lowered manually down a two-metre-wide pipe inserted into holes drilled into the hillside.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, or NDRF, had gone down the pipe first to assess the condition of the trapped men and guide them through rescue protocols. Each worker was strapped to the stretcher that was then manually pulled up through 60 metres of rock and debris.

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From Free Work Pitch To Co-Authoring: The Story Of Raghuram Rajan's Mentee

In 2012, Rohit Lamba was pursuing PhD in Economics at Princeton University in the US, when he wrote a letter to his "mentor" and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Raghuram Rajan to work for him for free and contribute to the country. Mr Rajan was then working as India's Chief Economic Advisor at that time. 

Mr Rajan recollected the incident and wrote on LinkedIn, "I met Dr Rohit Lamba over a decade ago, when I was India's Chief Economic Advisor, and he wrote to me as a Ph.D. student from Princeton, wanting to work for free in the Finance Ministry just to make a contribution to the nation. Since then, we stayed in touch and really started working together during the pandemic."

He added that they together wrote op-eds for newspapers and now, they have co-authored a book 'Breaking The Mould'. 

"Rohit is a great theoretical economist, who also has a strong practical sense. He is passionate about India and its development, as hopefully comes out in the pages of the book. He speaks here about the Indian success stories that we write about," he added while sharing a video of Mr Lamba.

Sharing the post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Lamba said, "Not everyday you get a shoutout from one of your favorite economists, who is also a mentor and co-author. So I'll take it :)"

Not everyday you get a shoutout from one of your favorite economists, who is also a mentor and co-author. So I'll take it :) https://t.co/B6COz8Caad pic.twitter.com/xmH6lRGZtS

— Rohit Lamba (@rohlamba) November 28, 2023

Mr Rajan spoke about his upcoming book and added, "India is at a critical juncture. the decisions we make now will determine its economic future, either for the good or the bad. Our book outlines India's options -- it can either blindly follow outdated paths that other countries took, or it can chart a uniquely Indian way."

Meanwhile, the former Reserve Bank of India Governor said that India's economy is showing signs of steady growth but needs to expand at a pace of over 8% to create enough jobs for the world's most populous nation. "We should be going at 8%-8.5% given the needs of the population and the need for jobs," Mr Rajan said via video link at an event in Beijing on Friday, as per a report in Bloomberg. Economic growth at 6%-6.5% is strong compared with other countries, "but relative to our need for jobs I think it's still somewhat slow because we have a lot of young people who need to be employed."

Mr Rajan said the nation needs to train its workforce to compete with other efficient manufacturing nations, including China and Vietnam. "India is trying to move up the value chain, and you're seeing some signs of that happening," he said, citing the output of iPhone parts. But he sees "a long distance to go, to actually manufacturing full cell phones" in India.

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Here's How Adding Gond Katira To Your Winter Diet Can Boost Your Health

Gond Katira is a natural gum resin obtained from the bark of a tree called Astragalus. It is commonly consumed in India and other Asian countries for its various health benefits.

In terms of its health benefits, Gond Katira is believed to have cooling and soothing properties, making it beneficial for the digestive system. It is often used to treat conditions like diarrhoea, constipation, and inflammation in the stomach. Additionally, it is believed to help in relieving urinary problems and respiratory disorders.

Gond Katira is often recommended to be consumed in winter due to its warming effect on the body. During the colder months, our metabolism slows down, and this resin is said to provide warmth and energy, thus keeping the body warm. It is also known to help in preventing common winter ailments like coughs and colds. In this article, we discuss the many benefits of consuming Gond Katira in winters.

10 benefits of consuming Gond Katira in winter:

1. Boosts immunity

Gond Katira contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and protect against common winter illnesses such as cold and flu.

2. Provides warmth

Consuming Gond Katira during winters can increase body heat and provide a natural way to keep warm. This makes it a great addition to your winter diet.

3. Supports digestion

Gond Katira acts as a natural laxative and helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation and indigestion.

4. Increases energy

Gond Katira is a rich source of carbohydrates and provides a quick burst of energy, making it an ideal winter snack to combat fatigue.

5. Regulates blood sugar

Gond Katira contains fibre which helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a suitable food for diabetics during winters.

6. Relieves respiratory issues

Adding Gond Katira to your diet can provide relief from respiratory problems like cough, asthma, and bronchitis by soothing the respiratory tract.

7. Strengthens bones

Gond Katira is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, especially during the winter months when bone strength can be compromised.

8. Improves skin health

Gond Katira helps moisturise the skin from within, making it an excellent remedy for dry and flaky skin during winters.

9. Controls weight

Gond Katira creates a feeling of fullness, reducing cravings and overeating, which can aid in weight management during the winter season.

10. Supports postpartum recovery

Gond Katira is traditionally used in postnatal diets as it helps in healing and strengthening the body after childbirth, making it beneficial for new mothers during winters.

However, it is important to note that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and the effects of Gond Katira may vary from person to person. Additionally, individuals with specific medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating it into their diet.

Overall, Gond Katira is considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts, but it is always advisable to seek professional advice when adding any new food or supplement to your diet.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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'Homework Zones' Established In China's Hospitals As Respiratory Infections Spread

In a unique move, hospitals in China have begun setting up "homework zones" for students who are sick with respiratory infections. The move has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some people arguing that it is putting too much pressure on students to keep up with their schoolwork even when they are ill. Others argue that the homework zones are a valuable resource for students who want to continue learning even when they are sick. They say that the zones can help students avoid falling behind in their studies and can also provide them with a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.

The debate is likely to continue as more and more hospitals in China adopt the practice of setting up homework zones. It is important to consider the needs of both students and their families when making decisions about these zones.

As reported by state broadcaster CCTV, desks, chairs, and infusion stands have been set up in hospitals in eastern China to allow students to study while they are sick. Parents are helping their children with their schoolwork, and the hospitals are providing a supportive environment for both learning and recovery.

“I did not intend to let my kid do homework here. But seeing that the studying atmosphere is so good in the hospital, I pushed my kid to do his homework too,” one parent was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.

“My kid had to do his homework this way because if he did not finish it, he would have to do a lot more when he returns to school after he recovers,” another father said.

“This is a societal issue. We ordinary families cannot change the unwritten rule that whatever the circumstances, you need to complete your homework,” he added.

Meanwhile, China's National Health Commission spokesperson, Mi Feng, said on Sunday that the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza.

The spike became a global issue last week when the World Health Organization asked China for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases.

China and the WHO have faced questions about the transparency of reporting early in the pandemic, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. The WHO said on Friday that no new or unusual pathogens had been found in the recent illnesses.

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Agreement Close On Two-Day Extension To Israel-Hamas Truce, Says Egypt

A senior Egyptian official said on Monday that Egypt and Qatar were close to securing a deal to extend a truce between Israeli and Hamas forces in Gaza by two days, continuing a pause in seven weeks of warfare that has killed thousands and laid waste to the Palestinian enclave.

Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), said the extension would include the release of 20 Israeli hostages from among those seized by Hamas during its Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel. In exchange 60 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails would be freed, he said.

The truce is due to end on Monday night.

With the release of 11 Israeli hostages expected on Monday, negotiations remain ongoing for the release of 33 Palestinians, Rashwan added.

Earlier, Hamas was reported to be seeking a four-day extension while Israel wanted day-by-day extensions.

An Israeli official reiterated Israel's position that it would agree to an extra day of truce for the release of each group of 10 hostages. In exchange, three times the number of Palestinian prisoners would be released each time. The limit would be five days, the official added.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said an extension was within reach and this could allow the international community to work on a political solution to the conflict.

The truce agreed last week was the first halt in fighting in the seven weeks since Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages back into Gaza.

In response to that attack, Israel has bombarded the enclave and mounted a ground offensive in the north. Some 14,800 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza health authorities say, and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Wide areas of the Hamas-ruled enclave have been flattened by Israeli air strikes and artillery bombardments, and a humanitarian crisis has unfolded as supplies of food, fuel, drinking water and medicine run out.

On Sunday, Hamas freed 17 people, including a 4-year-old Israeli-American girl, bringing the total number the militant group has released since Friday to 58, including foreigners. Israel freed 39 teenage Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, taking the total number of Palestinians freed under the truce to 117.

Under the terms of the current deal, Hamas is due to release in total 50 Israeli women and children held hostage in Gaza. There is no limit in the deal on the number of foreigners it can release.

An Israeli government spokesperson said the total number of hostages still held in Gaza on Monday was 184, including 14 foreigners and 80 Israelis with dual nationality.

Both Israel and Hamas raised concerns over Monday's lists and Qatari mediators were working with them to resolve the issues and avoid delays, an official briefed on the matter told Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it was reviewing the list of Palestinian prisoners it had received from Hamas for release on Monday and would provide further information when possible.

Netanyahu said at the weekend that once the truce ends, "we will return with full force to achieve our goals: the elimination of Hamas; ensuring that Gaza does not return to what it was; and of course the release of all our hostages."

Brief Respite

Palestinians in Gaza said on Monday they were praying for an extension of the truce. Some were visiting homes reduced to rubble by weeks of intensive Israeli bombardment, while others queued for flour and other essential aid being delivered by the United Nations' relief agency UNRWA.

UNRWA was awaiting Israeli clearance on Monday to send aid trucks and ambulances into northern Gaza.

"Too many people have lost their lives, too many people have lost their houses, so we welcome this ceasefire. We hope that this ceasefire is extended," Thomas White, the director of UNRWA affairs, told Reuters.

Palestinians gave the freed prisoners a jubilant reception in Ramallah, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Omar Abdullah Al Hajj, 17, released on Sunday, told Reuters he had been kept in the dark about what was happening in the outside world.

"We were 11 people crammed into a single room where usually there are six. There was never enough food and I was never told how long I was going to stay," he said.

"I can't believe I'm free now but my joy is incomplete because we still have our brothers who remain in prison," said Al Hajj.

Israel's Justice Ministry accused him of belonging to the Islamic Jihad militant group and posing a security threat which it did not specify.

Diplomacy

Speaking at a conference in Barcelona on the Gaza crisis, the EU's Borrell said the Palestinian Authority (PA) - which runs the occupied West Bank - should regain control of Gaza from Hamas as it offered a "better" alternative.

The EU, the United States, Britain, and others classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

Borrell also urged Israel not to "recolonise Gaza", saying that the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza was the best guarantee of Israel's peace and security.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told the same conference that the events in Gaza were within the realm of the legal definition of genocide, and called for an end to all killings and displacements of people in Gaza.

Israel says it is acting in self-defence against a foe bent on its destruction.

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‘दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी लीग…’ IPL में खेलने की बाट जोह रहा PAK का तूफानी बॉलर

पाकिस्तान के अनुभवी तेज गेंदबाज हसन अली ने आईपीएल को दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी लीग में से एक बताया है. उनका कहना है कि यदि इस लीग में उन्हें खेलने का मौका मिलेगा तो वह जरूर इसमें गेंदबाजी करेंगे. हसन अली की पत्नी शामिया आरजू इंडियन हैं.

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