India formally acknowledged Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal verdict sentencing Sheikh Hasina to death for alleged crimes against humanity during July's student protest crackdown. The Ministry of External Affairs stated India "remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability." Dhaka requested Hasina's immediate extradition, warning countries housing her commit "an extremely unfriendly act and disregard for justice." Bangladesh submitted formal extradition request in December 2024. However, the 2013 bilateral extradition treaty allows India to refuse if deemed "politically motivated", a phrase Hasina repeatedly uses. Article 8 permits rejection on political grounds. India has provided refuge since Hasina fled during 2024's unrest. (PC: The CSR Journal & X)

A Lucknow father, Manu Srivastava, has appealed to Indian and Russian authorities to include his 21-year-old son suffering from stage 4 cancer in trials for Russia's experimental Enteromix vaccine. Russia is considering the humane request, with the matter forwarded to their Ministry of Health. Enteromix is an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells based on individual tumor genetic profiles. In September, Russia announced the vaccine demonstrated 100% efficacy and safety in initial human trials, showing tumor shrinkage without serious side effects. Developed by Russia's National Medical Research Radiological Centre and Engelhardt Institute, it initially targets colorectal cancer, with future potential for glioblastoma and melanoma.

A devastating bus accident near Medina, Saudi Arabia claimed lives of at least 42-45 Indian Umrah pilgrims after their vehicle collided with a diesel tanker around 1:30 am IST and caught fire. Only one passenger survived from the bus carrying 46 people, mostly from Hyderabad including 20 women and 11 children. Tragically, 18 members of one Hyderabad family, including nine children, perished in the flames. The group had traveled on November 9 and was scheduled to return November 23. India's Consulate General in Jeddah established a 24×7 control room with helpline numbers. Telangana government is coordinating with Indian Embassy and Saudi authorities to repatriate bodies and facilitate family members' travel to Saudi Arabia. (PC: X) 

Bangladesh has asked India to hand over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina after a special tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia. The foreign ministry said India has an “obligatory responsibility” under the extradition treaty to send her back. It warned that giving refuge to those convicted of crimes against humanity would be an “unfriendly act”. The tribunal found Hasina guilty of ordering and failing to stop killings during student protests last July. Hasina, now in a safe house in Delhi, called the verdict “rigged” and politically driven. Bangladesh is set to hold elections in February 2026. (PC: HT)

India has signed a one-year deal to import about 2.2 million tonnes of LPG from the US Gulf Coast in 2026. This is the first structured contract for US LPG for India and will meet nearly 10% of India’s yearly LPG needs. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called it a “historic first,” saying it will help secure affordable fuel supplies. The deal was awarded to Chevron, Phillips 66 and TotalEnergies. India aims to reduce its dependence on West Asian suppliers and expand energy trade with the US as both nations work on a new trade pact. Most LPG in India is used as cooking fuel. (PC: The Indian Express)

Tom Cruise received his first Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards in Hollywood, where he was honoured with an Honorary Academy Award. Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also recognised at the event. A video from the after-party showed Cruise dancing with Allen and enjoying the celebration with other guests. Fans praised his joyful mood and said he looked “fully immersed.” Director Alejandro González Iñárritu presented the award to Cruise and praised his passion for cinema. In his speech, Cruise said films connect people across the world and that making movies is “who I am.” (PC: HT)

India said it has taken note of the Bangladesh war crimes tribunal’s verdict that sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. Hasina has lived in India since she fled Bangladesh after last year’s unrest. Dhaka has formally asked New Delhi to return her, claiming she is guilty of crimes during the July student crackdown. India said it remains committed to the peace, democracy and stability of Bangladesh and will engage with all stakeholders. Under the 2013 extradition treaty, India can reject a request if it is seen as politically motivated, a claim Hasina has repeatedly made. (PC: India Today)

Three generations of a Hyderabad family — 18 members, including nine children — were among the 42 Indian pilgrims killed in a bus crash near Medina in Saudi Arabia. The family had finished Umrah and were returning when their bus hit a diesel tanker late at night and caught fire. Most passengers were asleep and could not escape. Relatives said they had been in touch with the family until the tragedy. Indian officials have set up a 24x7 helpline and are coordinating with Saudi authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the loss. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh has written to India asking for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her death sentence. In its letter, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry cited the extradition treaty between the two nations and said it is India’s “obligatory responsibility” to hand her over. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for “crimes against humanity” during the 2024 protests. Dhaka has described her as a “fugitive accused.” The ministry said, “Providing refuge would be against the treaty.” Hasina has been staying in India since her government fell last year. India has not yet given an official response. (PC: PTI)

A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims from Mecca to Medina caught fire after colliding with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia, leaving more than 40 people feared dead. Many were from Hyderabad. An eyewitness call has gone viral. In the call, he says, “Bus poori jal gayi… sirf driver bach gaya.” He urges families to check on their loved ones and adds, “Main takleef bardasht nahi kar pa raha hoon.” Rescue teams and locals worked overnight to save the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and said Indian officials are helping. A 24×7 control room has been set up for families. (PC: News18)