Digest for 17 November, 2025
At Least 42 Indian Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus Crash
A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker and burst into flames near Medina, Saudi Arabia, killing at least 42 people, many from Hyderabad. The accident occurred early Monday morning as the pilgrims were travelling from Mecca. There is reportedly only one survivor, who is now hospitalised. The Indian government and Telangana state authorities have set up control rooms and helplines to assist affected families, while efforts are underway to repatriate the bodies of the victims.
Bangladesh Tribunal Begins Delivering Verdict Against Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has begun delivering its verdict in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The charges stem from a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024 that led to her ouster. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty. Hasina, currently residing in India, has called the trial a "kangaroo court." Authorities have deployed heavy security across Bangladesh amid fears of widespread violence and issued shoot-at-sight orders in Dhaka.
US Threatens 'Severe Sanctions' on Countries Trading with Russia
US President Donald Trump has warned that any country doing business with Russia will face "very severe sanctions," signaling his support for tough new legislation being advanced by Republican lawmakers. The proposed "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" aims to impose secondary tariffs on nations like India, China, and Brazil for purchasing Russian oil and gas. The Trump administration has already placed 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% levy for its Russian energy imports, heightening economic and diplomatic pressure.
Key Conspirator Arrested in Delhi's Red Fort Car Bombing Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Amir Rashid Ali, a resident of Kashmir, in connection with the November 10 car bomb blast near Delhi's Red Fort that killed 13 people. The NIA alleges Ali conspired with the "suicide bomber," Dr. Umar Un Nabi, and helped procure the car used in the attack. The investigation is also focusing on a "white-collar terror module," leading to the questioning of individuals at Faridabad's Al-Falah University, where Nabi was an assistant professor.
Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to Telangana Speaker Over Defection Pleas
The Supreme Court has issued a contempt of court notice to the Telangana Assembly Speaker for failing to decide on disqualification pleas against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress. The court had set a three-month deadline which expired in October. A bench headed by CJI B.R. Gavai termed the non-compliance "the grossest kind of contempt" and gave the Speaker two weeks to act or face further proceedings, reiterating that a speaker acting as a tribunal does not enjoy constitutional immunity.