External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep shock over the bus accident involving at least 42 Indian nationals in Medina, Saudi Arabia. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar confirmed that India's Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing fullest support to affected Indian nationals and their families. The minister extended sincere condolences to bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of injured passengers. The accident occurred in Medina, though specific details about casualties remain unclear. Indian diplomatic missions have been mobilized to assist victims and coordinate with Saudi authorities. The tragedy has prompted immediate response from India's highest diplomatic levels, ensuring comprehensive support for affected pilgrims and their families back home.

A bus carrying 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims caught fire near Medina, Saudi Arabia on Monday, with several deaths feared. Many passengers were from Hyderabad, Telangana. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi contacted two local travel agencies and shared passenger details with Riyadh Embassy. He spoke with Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who confirmed authorities are gathering information. Owaisi requested External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar ensure bodies return to India and injured receive proper treatment. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy ordered senior officials including CS and DGP to coordinate with Central government and Saudi Embassy. A control room was established in Secretariat. This remains a developing story.

A 33-year-old Indian techie shared his struggles after returning home following seven years in the US through a viral Reddit post. Despite financial stability from US earnings, he battles weight gain, low motivation, and career anxiety, feeling inadequate compared to local peers without sufficient retirement savings. His active US lifestyle with hiking and sports has vanished, replaced by disconnection and lack of exercise time. Working remotely with flexible hours, he lacks local networks and direction to pursue entrepreneurial dreams. Recently married without children, the couple struggles to enjoy quality time together. Reddit users recommended therapy for possible depression, advised against peer comparisons, and suggested starting small with walks, local clubs, and prioritizing mental health during this major life transition. (PC: Mathrubhumi English)

Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed warned that Awami League supporters will block Bangladesh's February elections unless the party ban is lifted, predicting potential violence. Speaking ahead of a special tribunal verdict against the exiled former PM for alleged crimes against humanity during 2024's deadly student protest crackdown, Wazed believes she'll be convicted and possibly sentenced to death in the televised trial. Hasina, living in Delhi since August 2024 with full Indian security, calls the proceedings politically motivated. The interim government suspended Awami League's registration in May, citing security threats, and refuses dialogue until the party shows remorse. Dhaka remains tense with recent crude bomb explosions and bus torching incidents. Authorities deployed 400+ Border Guards. (PC: X & India Today)

An Indian man visiting Argentina for a conference faced racist comments after he posted a friendly message on X. He had written that he had arrived in the country and wanted to meet people before the event. Soon, a few online trolls targeted him with hateful remarks. However, many Argentinians quickly defended him. They called out the racist comments and welcomed him warmly. Several users offered help, support, and even office space. The incident showed how social media can spread hate but can also unite people when others choose kindness and stand up against racism. (Thiru.ethDevconnect/X)

American singer Mary Millben congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA on their Bihar election landslide, declaring women voters "the stars of this election." She praised singer Maithili Thakur's victory and called the result a mandate for development and women's empowerment. Millben stated PM Modi is "the only proven leader" who can deliver jobs, economic equality, and uplift migrant communities. She sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi and Congress supporters who had trolled her, posting "Dear Rahul Gandhi, Congress, and all the 'Gandhi Goons'" as NDA crossed 200 seats. The NDA secured 167 seats with BJP winning 78, JD(U) 66, while Mahagathbandhan managed only 25 seats.

Two foreign handlers have emerged in the Delhi blast investigation that killed 13 people on November 10, sources revealed. The handlers, code-named Dr Okasa and Dr Hashim alias Arif Nisar, were in contact with terrorist Dr Umar Mohammad, who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 near Red Fort, and his associates Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed. Agencies believe Nisar was the Pakistani handler while Okasa was the Turkish handler, though sources suggest they could be the same person. The suspects communicated using Session, Telegram, Signal, and other encrypted apps. The National Investigation Agency is leading the probe, while security forces demolished Dr Umar's Pulwama house in an overnight operation. (PC: NDTV)

Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, may shut down after nearly a century in London. The Crown Estate, which owns the Regent Street building, plans to convert the site into office space. Opened in 1926, the restaurant has hosted Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Charlie Chaplin, and Princess Anne. Top British chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Jr, have called the move “sacrilege” and urged the Crown to save the landmark. They warned that closing the restaurant would hurt London’s dining and tourism scene. Veeraswamy’s lease expires next June, with a court hearing set to decide its future. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa policy aims to bring skilled foreign workers to America for short stays to train US workers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the plan is about “knowledge transfer,” not long-term jobs for foreign workers. He explained that the goal is to rebuild industries like semiconductors and shipbuilding that were lost to outsourcing. “Workers will train Americans for three to seven years, then return home,” Bessent told Fox News. He added that this approach supports Trump’s push to reduce import dependence and boost manufacturing jobs in the US. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that his country is “ready for war on two fronts,” claiming Pakistan can face both India and Afghanistan. His statement came after a suicide blast in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 36. Linking the attack to Kabul, Asif said, “This is a message from the Afghan Taliban, and Pakistan is fully prepared to respond.” The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing. Asif also dismissed the Delhi Red Fort blast as a “gas cylinder explosion,” which Indian officials called a “desperate attempt to deflect attention.” (PC: India Today)