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)

At least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims were killed when their bus crashed into a diesel tanker near Madinah in Saudi Arabia early Monday. Most of the victims were from Hyderabad. Officials said only one person survived and is in the ICU. The group had left Hyderabad on 9 November and was returning to Madinah after offering prayers in Mecca. Telangana officials are in touch with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and have set up a control room for families. External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and said all help is being provided. (PC: Reuters)

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced India's first-ever one-year LPG import agreement with the United States, marking a historic milestone for energy diversification. Public sector oil companies IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL concluded the deal covering 2.2 million tonnes per annum for 2026, representing nearly 10% of India's annual LPG imports from US Gulf Coast. Priced against the Mount Belvieu benchmark, this structured long-term contract bolsters India's energy security amid global supply chain vulnerabilities. Puri highlighted the government's commitment to affordable fuel, noting that despite global LPG rates jumping over 60%, Prime Minister Modi ensured Ujjwala beneficiaries paid only Rs 500-550 per cylinder versus actual Rs 1,100+, requiring Rs 40,000 crore in subsidies.