This Week in Explainers: Why Sam Manekshaw was one of India’s most bahadur soldiers

The last week of November was a mixed bag for India. There were some reasons to worry but a lot more to cheer about. After more than 17 days, 41 labourers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi were rescued. It took the efforts of several teams, including the Prime Minister’s Office, to successfully pull off the evacuation, the most daring India has ever undertaken. We have been closely tracking the story and will tell you more. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is having another busy week. After closely monitoring the Uttarakhand rescue operations, he went to Dubai for COP28 , the most important climate summit of the year. The end of 2023 is fast approaching and it’s always good to wrap it up on a positive note.

Glad to join the COP-28 Summit, a pivotal platform for global climate action. Looking forward to engaging in meaningful dialogues and collaborations for a sustainable future. I thank my brother HH @MohamedBinZayed and @UN Secretary General Mr. @antonioguterres for the warm… pic.twitter.com/uLNC8Cdy78

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2023

The election season for this year also comes to an end. After polls in five states, the results will be declared on 3 December. Exit polls were out on Thursday, giving the Congress and the BJP reasons to smile. December is a month of celebrations. It’s a reminder to your pending leaves and go on a holiday. We have some great options for you. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers. 1. Let’s begin with the good news – the evacuation of the 41 workers in Uttarakhand. Despite several delays and setbacks, India left no stone unturned to ensure that the trapped men were safe. PM Narendra Modi had a big role to play and foreign experts were roped in. The biggest heroes, of course, were the ‘rat miners’ . Who are they and how did they save the labourers? We explain. We also bring you a detailed account of what unfolded over 17 days . These explainers are a must-read. [caption id=“attachment_13454272” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greets a rescued worker after a successful evacuation at the under-construction Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel, in Uttarkashi district, on 29 November. PTI[/caption] 2. Winter often brings with it some illnesses. The pneumonia outbreak in China has the world worried. The Communist nation’s neighbours are especially on alert. India is monitoring the situation closely and is preparing for all possibilities. But can the illness spread? Here’s what experts have to say .

3. A shocking story emerged from Kerala. A woman did the unthinkable to her daughters – she allowed her lovers to sexually abuse her children. The girls were 11 and seven years old when the incidents happened. A special fast-track court on Monday sentenced the mother to a cumulative prison term of 40 years. A look at the case that left the country shocked. 4. Meanwhile, in politics, the coming week is expected to be hectic. 3 December are the results of the four state Assembly elections – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. The results in Mizoram will be declared on 4 December. Thursday’s evening exit polls predict a 2-2 tie between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in four states. The BJP is likely to retain power in MP and may form a government in Rajasthan; the Congress may win in Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Mizoram was too close to call, say pollsters. Here’s an explainer that helps you understand the exit poll results . (Warning: Exit polls are not always accurate).

5. As December begins, are you already planning your year-end break? If you are thinking of travelling out of the country, you might want to consider these options. Malaysia has joined the list of nations like Thailand and Sri Lanka allowing visa-free travel for Indians . Why are countries eager to woo the Great Indian Traveller? Find out in one of our most-read explainers of the week. [caption id=“attachment_13454372” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] A tourist takes a picture of Malaysia’s landmark Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala. File photo/Reuters[/caption] 6. But before we get to the end of December, what are the plans for the weekend? A visit to the theatres is not a bad idea. Friday saw two big releases – Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur and Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal. If you are a lover of history, we recommend the former. But before you book your tickets, you might want to do your homework. [caption id=“attachment_13454402” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Vicky Kaushal’s movie ‘Sam Bahadur’ tells the story of India’s First Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. File image/AFP[/caption] In this essay , we tell you the tales of the bravery of Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal and one of our finest military leaders. He was a gutsy war general but also one with great wit. He was one of a kind. Happy reading and happy weekend! PS: If you like the way we explain the news, come back for more .