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.

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)