November 21, 2025 Friday India This Week 1 A We e k ly N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 34 No. 47 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday November 21, 2025 Landslide Victory for NDA in Bihar Elections Nitish Kumar is Bihar’s ‘Phoenix’, takes party and NDA to another term in power By Avinash Kumar | New Delhi [India], November 14 (ANI): The 2025 Bihar Assembly polls were widely considered a litmus test for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yet, true to form, Nitish once again steered Bihar’s politics around himself—a pattern he has repeated in every assembly election for over 20 years. Often criticised by the opposition as “paltu ram” (a frequent turncoat), Nitish Kumar has nonetheless maintained a firm political base. His lasting popularity stems from a focus on tangible development and inclusive growth. Having consistently delivered on promises—improving rural infrastructure, expanding welfare schemes, and offering direct financial assistance—he has earned trust across Bihar’s socio-economic spectrum. Voters remember his fulfilled commitments and value steady progress over lofty rhetoric. Nitish Kumar’s pragmatic and inclusive approach has bridged long-standing social and developmental gaps, exceeding historically low expectations. His governance continues to resonate with voters even after two decades in power. Recent initiatives have further strengthened his image, including pensions for widows, seniors, and differently-abled citizens; doubling salaries for night guards and PT teach- ers; and offering Rs.10,000 assistance to nearly one crore women. Nitish Kumar’s support cuts across caste lines. His base includes 10% of Hindu upper castes, over 4% of Kushwahas, more than 5% of Paswans, over 3% of Musahars, and 2.6% of Mallahs. This broad appeal, rooted in development-focused governance, has helped sustain his long reign. His emphasis on infrastructure, education, and healthcare has benefited diverse groups, while outreach to marginalised communities, including Muslims, has helped bridge social divides. Nitish’s ability to balance competing interests while adapting politically has ensured his longevity. Early election trends indicate a powerful NDA performance, with JD(U) and BJP leading in several seats. Nitish Ku- mar appears to have passed the political test with ease. Pre-election slogans like “25 se 30, phir se Nitish” attempted to portray him as the NDA’s weak link fol- lowing JD(U)’s decline in 2015 and 2020, but his political instincts once again prevailed. As per early trends at 11:00 AM, JD(U) was leading in 77 seats—a gain of 34 compared to 2020— and NDA as a whole was leading in 180 seats. Bihar also recorded a strong turnout of 67.13%, which analysts attribute to intense competition rather than anti-incumbency. Nitish’s governance has been marked by development and inclusivity, which has helped him win over communities— including Muslims—traditionally opposed to the BJP. His schemes have driven economic growth, Bihar Eelctions See Page 6 Nitish Kumar unanimously elected as leader of the JD(U) Legislature Party. Patna (Bihar) [India], November 19 (ANI): Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the Janata Dal (United) legislature party in the meeting held at his residence in Patna on Wednesday. JDU MP Sanjay Jha and Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh congratulated Nitish Kumar after the meeting.Bharatiya Janata Party leader Samrat Choudhary was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Bihar, while Vijay Sinha was elected as the deputy leader. After this, Nitish Kumar is slated to be elected as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar, followed by the swearing-in ceremony on November 20. Meanwhile, multiple leaders of the alliance expressed excitement about it being a “historic oath-taking” on November 20, with PM Modi and the Chief Ministers of various states attending.”The leader of the BJP legislature party will be selected today. It will be a historic oath-taking ceremony tomorrow as PM Modi and CMs of all states will be attending it,” BJP leader Prem Kumar told ANI.The NDA registered a historic landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar elections, winning 202 of the 243 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan could only secure 35 seats. The alliance secured a Nithish Kumar See page 2
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India This Week Virginia Stores Fairfax — (703-896-4640); Falls Church — (703-573-6300); Annandale — (703-914-4222); Centreville — (703-830-6180); Manassas — (571-358-3400); Burke — (703-621-2345); Herndon — (571-346-7330) Maryland Stores Catonsville — (443-612-9020); Wheaton — (301-9425071; Gaithersburg — (301-355-7499); Ellicott City — (443-574-3456Frederick — (443-574-3456) Nitish Kumar unanimously elected as leader of the JD(U) Legislature Party. Nitish Kumar from Page 1 three-fourths majority in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, marking the second time the NDA crossed the 200-seat mark in state polls. In 2010, it had won 206 seats. In the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 89 seats, Janata Dal (United) won 85, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) won 19, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAMS) won five, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha won four seats. Among opposition parties, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won 25 seats, the Indian National Congress six, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) [CPI(ML)(L)] two, the Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) one, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] one seat.All India Majlis- E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured five seats, while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won one seat.The Bihar assembly elections were held in two phases on November 6 and 11. Bihar recorded a historic 67.13 per cent voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outpacing men (71.6% vs 62.8%). (ANI) India is on path to becoming global hub of natural farming: PM Modi in Coimbatore Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 19 (ANI): Noting that India is on the path to becoming a global hub of natural farming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that there has been a transformation in the agriculture sector of the country in the last 11 years, and agricultural export has almost doubled. Addressing a gathering after releasing the 21st instalment of PMKisan Samman Nidhi to the beneficiaries, PM Modi said natural farming is a subject very close to his heart. More than Rs 18,000 crore were transferred to the bank accounts of nine crore beneficiaries of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. “I extend best wishes to all farmers of Tamil Nadu for organising the wonderful South India Natural Farming Summit. I was watching the exhibition. I received the opportunity to speak to several farmers. Someone had pursued Mechanical Engineering, PhD and was then doing farming, someone was doing farming by leaving NASA, they are preparing and training several youth. I accept this publicly, had I not come here to this event, I would have missed a lot in my life. By coming here today, I have learnt a lot. I salute the courage of farmers of Tamil Nadu, I salute their strength to accept change,” PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said that in the years to come, there would be several major transformations in India’s agriculture.”India is on the path to becoming a global hub for natural farming. Our biodiversity is taking a new shape, the youth of the country are seeing agriculture as a modern, scalable opportunity. This will give a majot boost to the rural economy of the country,” he said. “In the last 11 years, there has been a massive transformation in the entire agriculture sector of the country. Our agricultural export has almost doubled. To make agriculture modern, government has thrown open all paths to support the farmers,” he added. PM Modi said youth of the country are seeing agriculture as a modern, scalable opportunity.”India is on the path to becoming a global hub for natural farming. Our biodiversity is taking a new shape, the youth of the country are seeing agriculture as a modern, scalable opportunity. This will give a majot boost to the rural economy of the country,” he said. “In the last 11 years, there has been a massive transformation in the entire agriculture sector of the country. Our agricultural export has almost doubled. To make agriculture modern, government has thrown open all paths to support the farmers,” he added. Prime Minister Modi, who inaugurated South India National Farming Summit here, interacted with local farmers, and inspected the exhibition, which showcased various agricultural products, along with a corner for showing growth of plants and crops. He was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi.South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, being held from November 19-21, has been organised by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum.
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November 21, 2025 Friday India This Week “Massive majority, complete unity”: Nitish Kumar expresses gratitude to NDA allies after impressive performance in Bihar Polls Patna (Bihar) [India], November 14 (ANI): As the NDA is speculated to again form the government in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed gratitude to alliance partners, emphasising that the “massive majority” reflects the “Unity” of the alliance.In a post on X, Nitish thanked voters and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Rashtirya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha. He asserted that Bihar will now progress even further with the support of all the NDA members. “In the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections-2025, the people of the state have expressed their confidence in our government by giving us a massive majority. For this, I bow to all the esteemed voters of the state, and express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks. I express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for the support received from him, while bowing to him,” CM Nitish Kumar said.”The NDA alliance has achieved a massive majority in this election by demonstrating complete unity. For this massive victory, thanks and gratitude are also due to all the partners of the NDA alliance – Shri Chirag Paswan Ji, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi Ji, and Shri Upendra Kushwaha Ji,” he said “With the support of all of you, Bihar will progress even further and will be included in the category of the most developed states in the country,” Nitish wrote on X. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the NDA’s impressive performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections as the “victory of good governance, development, public welfare and social justice” and vowed to work with renewed vigour for the state’s progress. According to the Election Commission, as of now, the BJP has won 55 seats and is leading in 35. The JDU has won 33, LJP (RV) has won 7, and HAM has won 1. The RJD has also won 8 seats and is leading on 17 others. The Congress has won 1, AIMIM 4, CPI (ML)(L) 1 and CPI(M) 1.According to data from the Election Commission of India, the NDA has surpassed the majority mark and is now leading in 197 of the 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly. The NDA’s performance in Bihar can be attributed to the strong show by major parties like BJP and JD(U) with comprehensive support from Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha.It’s worth noting that Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outnumbering men (71.6% vs 62.8%). (ANI) Diaries recovered from blast accused Umar and Muzammil indicate plan for explosions By Ravi Jalhotra New Delhi [India], November 13 (ANI): Security agencies have recovered the diaries of Delhi blast case accused Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, which mention the dates November 8 to 12, indicating that the planning was underway for such an incident during that period, sources said. According to the sources, the diary also contained the names of about 25 individuals, most of them hailing from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad. According to the information from the diaries, it can be said that the blast was to be car- ried out as part of a wellplanned conspiracy. These diaries were recovered on Tuesday and Wednesday from Dr Umar’s room number four and Muzammil’s room number 13. Additionally, police recovered a diary from Muzammil’s room, the same location where they recovered 360 kg of explosives in Dhauj, located just 300 meters from Al-Falah University. The diaries carried code words which investigators are now piecing together. The agencies are also looking into whether different vehicles were being prepared for the blasts. According to sources, after the i20 and EcoSport, it was learned that the suspects were planning to prepare two more vehicles for the blast to expand the target. Investigation agencies on Thursday informed that around eight suspects were allegedly preparing to execute coordinated explosions at four locations, with each pair assigned to a specific target city.Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused groups had intended to move in pairs, each carrying multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for simultaneous attacks. Among those under scrutiny are individuals linked to past terror cases, including Red Fort blast accused Dr Muzammil, Dr Adeel, Dr Umar, and Shaheen.According to sources, the police were able to foil a major terror conspiracy involving a plan to carry out a series of blasts across multiple Indian cities. Sources revealed that the accused had jointly raised approximately Rs 20 lakh in cash, which was handed over to Umar for operational expenses. The funds were allegedly used to procure over 20 quintals of NPK fertiliser ( NPK fertiliser is a blend of three Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) and can be used to extract explosive material ) worth around Rs 3 lakh from Gurugram, Nuh, and adjoining areas, Community-led greywater revolution puts Gujarat village on national map Across rural Gujarat, communities are writing powerful stories of sustainability – turning local ideas into lasting solutions for water security and sanitation. In Vedancha village, Banaskantha, that spirit has earned national recognition. The village has won the prestigious CIPS Innovation Award 2024–25 for its outstanding greywater management model under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). With support from WASMO and the District Rural Development Agency, the Gram Panchayat built an effective treatment plant for just Rs.5.55 lakh back in 2019. Today, it treats 200 kilo-litres of household wastewater – cleaning it for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and even livestock. intended for the preparation of IEDs. Investigators have also uncovered that Umar created a Signal app group comprising two to four members to coordinate activities securely.According to probe agencies, Dr Muzammil became inclined towards Ansar Gazwat-UlHind, an offshoot of ISIS, between 2021 and 2022 after maintaining contact with associates of slain terrorists. He was introduced to the network by one Irfan, alias Maulvi. Weapons recovered in 2023 and 2024 are believed to have been ac- quired by this module as part of their preparation for forming an independent terror group.Investigation agencies continue to trace the broader network, suspecting that the accused had planned to execute the attack in the near future. Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed that the man who carried out the car blast near Red Fort was Dr Umar Un Nabi, after forensic DNA testing matched his biological sample with that of his mother.The blast near the Red Fort complex in the national capital killed 12 people on November 10. (ANI)
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November 21, 2025 Friday India This Week Landslide Victory for NDA in Bihar Elections PM Modi inaugurates B E cilities for disabled passen- ahead in early trends. respectively. BJP’s Mangal south India natural F P 1 gers, and major gauge con- “I was saying Pandey led in Siwan, while from day one that we will RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav held improved infrastructure, version works. farming exhibition in His first stint as have a landslide victory. a lead in Raghopur. and raised living standards, Vote counting making him a formidable Bihar Chief Minister in The people of Bihar have Coimbatore 2000 lasted just seven voted for peace, justice and began at 8 AM with strict political figure. ihar lection rom age Nitish Kumar’s political journey reflects adaptability and strategic growth. Influenced by leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, SN Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and VP Singh, he emerged from the JP movement (1974–1977) as a recognised political figure. Joining the Janata Party, he won his first assembly election from Harnaut in 1985 and became a voice for backward communities and secular governance. He later joined the BJP, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Barh in 1996. His tenure as Railway Minister (2001–2004) highlighted his development-centric approach, including senior citizen concessions, improved fa- days after failing to prove a majority. However, this setback marked a turning point. Since 2005, except for a nine-month gap in 2014–15, Nitish has remained Bihar’s Chief Minister—positioning him to join India’s longest-serving leaders like Pawan Kumar Chamling, Naveen Patnaik, and Jyoti Basu. “People of Bihar voted for justice, development”: Giriraj Singh projects NDA’s landslide victory Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday projected a landslide victory for the NDA in the Bihar Assembly elections, as the ruling alliance surged The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- November 21, 2025 If Pleasure Is Our End Goal By Rajan George What is life when its only goal is chasing pleasures of ego and flesh— brief, vainglorious moments that glow but fade like mist in the morning breath? To labor only for pleasure’s sake is draining toil with hollow end; comfort shifts, and sorrow wakes, a silent, ever-creeping friend. The rich may gather, hoard, and gain, add treasure high upon their shelf; yet when the winds of hardship rain, pleasure cannot shield the self. No strength, no power, nor earthly might, no wealth amassed in golden store, can stop the storm of pain’s dark night— pleasure flees and is no more. Life was not shaped for pleasure’s claim; a nobler calling lights its way. Though we may grasp at joy in vain, it slips from us without delay. Some joys are small, yet good indeed— the quiet fruits of kindly deeds. But wicked hearts may take delight in others’ wounds; it turns to blight. Yet blessed are they who choose to serve, whose gentle words and faithful hands bring healing grace to those who hurt— their joy forever stands. Life finds its meaning when eternity becomes the aim for which we strive. The flesh returns to dust, but we in righteous hope remain alive. To live for pleasure is to chase a shadow racing from your reach; contentment never shows its face to souls who make pleasure their goal. development,” Singh told ANI. Congress MP Manickam Tagore, however, alleged large-scale deletion of opposition votes, claiming that “democracy cannot survive if the playing field is uneven.” He alleged that 65 lakh voters—mostly opposition supporters—had been removed from voter lists. Despite the claims, the NDA crossed the halfway mark of 122 seats early in the day. According to leads on 229 seats, NDA was ahead in 167 constituencies, with BJP leading in 71 and JD(U) in 72. Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV) led in 18 seats. BJP and JD(U) maintained high conversion rates of 67% and 64%. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan trailed with only 60 leads. RJD led in 43 seats, Congress in 8, and CPI(ML)-L in 6. AIMIM was ahead in two seats. Prominent leaders like Deputy CMs Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary were leading in Lakhisarai and Tarapur, security arrangements, involving 4,372 counting tables and over 18,000 agents. Exit polls had widely predicted an NDA victory, though some suggested a closer contest. The 2025 polls were held in two phases, with 2,616 candidates from 12 recognised parties. No repolling was requested in any constituency. The NDA and Mahagathbandhan have remained the principal contenders in Bihar politics. In 2020, NDA won 125 seats, installing Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister. However, in 2022, Nitish broke with the BJP and joined the RJD-Congress alliance, emerging as a key INDIA bloc architect—only to return to the NDA in January 2024. While BJP improved its performance between 2015 and 2020, RJD also remained strong. JD(U), however, saw declining numbers in the last two polls—falling from 71 seats in 2015 to 43 in 2020. Congress too declined from 27 seats in 2015 to 19 in 2020. INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the natural farming exhibition and attended the South India National Farming Summit here. PM Modi met and interacted with local farmers, and inspected the exhibition, which showcased various agricultural products, along with a corner for showing growth of plants and crops. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and others. PM Modi is also set to release the 21st instalment of PMKISAN, amounting to over Rs.18,000 crore to support nine crore farmers across the country.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited Andhra Pradesh, where he took part in the birth centenary celebrations Sri Satya Sai Baba. Earlier on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said that this summit has brought together many farmers, researchers and innovators working in this field.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “I will be in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to take part in the South India Natural Farming Summit. The Summit brings together many farmers, researchers and innovators working in this field. The emphasis on sustainable, eco-friendly and chemical-free agricultural practices is indeed commendable.”South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, being held from November 19-21, is being organised by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum.The Summit aims to promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and chemicalfree agricultural practices, and to accelerate the shift towards natural and regenerative farming as a viable, climatesmart and economically sustainable model for India’s agricultural future. The Summit will also focus on creating market linkages for farmerproducer organisations and rural entrepreneurs, while showcasing innovations in organic inputs, agroprocessing, eco-friendly packaging, and indigenous technologies. The programme will witness participation from over 50,000 farmers, natural farming practitioners, scientists, organic input suppliers, sellers, and stakeholders from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi said that the principle of “Seva Parmo Dharmah” (service is the highest duty) has been the civilisational backbone of India for centuries, and Sri Sathya Sai Baba placed service at the very heart Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ
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November 21, 2025 Friday India This Week Botswana President Duma Boko hails President Murmu’s “historic state visit” as testament to deepening India-Botswana friendship Gaborone [Botswana], November 12 (ANI): President of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko received Indian President Droupadi Murmu in Gaborone, describing her visit as historic and a testament to the close and growing friendship between the two nations. Speaking during the state visit, President Boko said, “I wish to thank Her Excellency, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India, for undertaking this historic State visit to Botswana. It is the first time in almost sixty years of diplomatic relations that Botswana is hosting a Head of State of India.” He noted the visit’s special significance, marking the first state visit since the new administration took office following the October 2024 general elections. Reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to democratic values, President Boko added, “Despite the differences between Botswana and India in terms of population and economy, our shared belief in democratic principles serves as a strong bond that unites our countries.” Highlighting discussions between the two leaders, he said, “The atmosphere was warm and cordial, reflective of the friendly relations and convergence on areas of mutual interest.” He thanked President Murmu for India’s support in health, education, military cooperation, and trade and investment, noting the positive contribution of India to Botswana’s development and skills enhancement. President Boko also emphasized Botswana’s economic priorities, saying, “We agreed to strengthen cooperation, particularly in light of prevailing economic challenges, and invited India to partner with us in initiatives necessary for our transformational and economic revival journey.” He praised the ongoing Botswana-India Business Forum for bolstering investment and business ties. On environmental collaboration, President Boko announced, “Botswana will be donating eight cheetahs to India to assist in regenerating their cheetah population, reflecting our shared environmental goals.” He also highlighted Botswana’s participation in the International Solar Alliance, initiated by Prime New Delhi [India], November 17 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said he was “deeply shocked” by a bus accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, that involved several Indian pilgrims on Umrah. In a post on X, Jaishankar said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending their “fullest support” to all affected families. “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he wrote. Following the accident, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah announced that a 24×7 control room has been activated to assist relatives and coordinate emergency response. “In view of a tragic bus accident near Madina, Saudi Arabia, involving Indian Umrah pilgrims, a 24×7 Control Room has been set up in the Consulate General of India, Jeddah,” the Consulate posted. Officials said they are in constant touch with Saudi authorities for updates on casualties, injured passengers and hospitalisation details. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed shock after reports indicated that several victims were from Hyderabad. According to an official statement, the Chief Minister has contacted officials in New Delhi and instructed them to coordinate closely with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for updated information. Te l a n g a n a Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari alerted Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal in New Delhi, directing him to immediately gather details on how many passengers from Telangana were on the bus and ensure timely support. A control room has also been activated at the state Secretariat to monitor the situation. Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed grief over the incident and urged the Centre to arrange the repatriation of the bodies. He told ANI that he had spoken to Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, and contacted two Hyderabadbased travel agencies, sharing passenger details with the Embassy and the Foreign Secretary. Owaisi said there were 42 people on the bus involved in the accident. Minister Narendra Modi, to promote solar energy uptake. Discussing global affairs, President Boko acknowledged India’s position as the fifth-largest economy and its pivotal role in advocating for the Global South, particularly its support for African Union membership in the G20 during India’s 2023 Chairmanship. President Murmu’s visit to Botswana followed her engagements in Angola, reinforcing India’s commitment to deepening partnerships across Africa and the Global South. The two-nation tour marks the first-ever State visit by an Indian Head of State to both Angola and Botswana, underscoring India’s growing engagement with the African continent. (ANI) EAM Expresses Shock Over Saudi Arabia Bus Accident Involving Indian Pilgrims; 24×7 Control Rooms Activated
9 November 21, 2025 Friday MORE Get from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and with predictable monthly spending. 2. MORE amenities, including a pool, I know that my needs will be taken care of.” fitness center, and restaurants. —Marge V., A community resident 3. MORE peace of mind with additional on-site care should you need it. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. 1550760 Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. Iranian Embassy in Delhi Condoles Deaths of Indian Pilgrims in Madinah Bus Accident New Delhi [India], November 17 (ANI): The Embassy of Iran in New Delhi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Indian pilgrims in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India. “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi expresses its deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Indian pilgrims in #Madinah and extends its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of #India,” the embassy wrote in an X post. In its message, the Embassy conveyed “sincere sympathy to the bereaved families,” praying for “eternal peace and mercy for the deceased and patience and strength for their loved ones.” The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also posted that it “expresses deep condolences on the tragic bus accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims near Madinah, Saudi Arabia,” adding that the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are extending all possible assistance in the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, noting that Indian officials were in close contact with Saudi authorities. “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities,” PM Modi said in an X post. Reportedly, a bus carrying several pilgrims from Hyderabad caught fire on its way from Mecca to Medinah. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his condolences, saying he was “saddened by the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia,” and noted that Indian officials were coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure proper care for the injured. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 control room following the late-night accident involving Umrah pilgrims near Madinah. Multiple contact numbers have been shared for families seeking support, including 8002440003 (tollfree), 00966122614093, 00966126614276, and 00966556122301 (WhatsApp). In its statement, the Consulate expressed “deepest condolences to the bereaved families” and confirmed that Embassy officials were in touch with the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, local authorities, and Umrah operators. A team of consulate staff and Indian community volunteers has reached hospitals and other locations to assist victims. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier said he was “deeply shocked” by the accident and confirmed that Indian missions were extending “fullest support” to families affected. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also reacted after initial reports suggested several victims were from Hyderabad. The state government has activated a control room in the Secretariat and is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to gather details of affected passengers. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Centre to bring back the bodies of those killed and said he had spoken to Embassy officials in Riyadh and shared details of the passengers. According to him, 42 individuals were traveling on the bus when the accident occurred. Local reports indicate that the bus was traveling from Mecca to Madinah at the time of the accident. Further details on casualties and survivors are awaited.
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