Mohammed Abdul Shoaib (centre), the lone survivor of the bus accident in Saudi Arabia’s Madina, with his family at his residence, in Hyderabad. (Picture credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: The only survivor of the November 17 Umrah bus accident in Saudi Arabia returned to India on Tuesday and described the moments before the vehicle went up in flames, killing 45 other passengers. Mohammed Abdul Shoaib said the bus was travelling towards Madinah when a passenger asked the driver to stop for a toilet break. “As the driver stopped the bus, it was struck from behind by a tanker,” he said, as per ANI.Shoaib recalled that the driver escaped through a window immediately after the crash and “didn’t try to help any of the passengers”. As the fire spread rapidly, Shoaib managed to climb out of the same window, but his clothes had already caught fire. “There were 46 passengers on the bus, including me. Everyone else died,” he said, adding that his father, mother and maternal grandfather were among the victims.“I have no support left now. That is why I request the Telangana government to give me a government job,” he appealed.The group was part of a 54-member team that had flown from Hyderabad on November 9. Eighteen members of one extended family were among the dead. Shoaib survived only because he was seated beside the driver when the bus collided with the fuel tanker and burst into flames around 1.30 am.His brother, Mohammed Sameer, had said that he survived only because a visa delay kept him from travelling with the rest of the family. Sameer, who later reached Saudi Arabia and spoke to his injured brother in hospital, said Shoaib had “seen our parents being charred to death right in front of him”.The Telangana government has announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for the families of the dead and will send a team led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin to coordinate relief.Saudi authorities have begun investigating the crash, which happened about 25 km short of the group’s destination.

Rohit Sharma, left, and Virat Kohli greet each other between the wickets during the first ODI cricket match of a series between India and South Africa, at JSCA International Stadium Complex, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India heads into the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday with a mix of confidence and questions. Confidence, because Virat Kohli’s imperious 52nd ODI century and Rohit Sharma’s brisk 57 paved the way for a 17-run win in the series opener at Ranchi. Questions, because off the field, whispers about differences with head coach Gautam Gambhir have grown louder.Kohli and Rohit are not just playing to win games—they are also auditioning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, two years away in South Africa. Having set up two consecutive victories for India in last as many ODIs—including a nine-wicket hammering of Australia at Sydney in October—Kohli and Rohit have shown they will do everything possible to be on that flight to the World Cup in South Africa. Both chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir have remained non-committal about their World Cup participation, which seems to be at the centre of simmering tensions.On the field, India’s combination still looks unsettled. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a consistent performer in List A cricket, was moved from opening to No. 4. He didn’t look completely comfortable, while stand-in captain KL Rahul held firm at No. 6. Washington Sundar, who has seen plenty of batting experiments, batted at No. 5 and fell during a slow phase for India. He bowled only three overs for 18 runs.Harshit Rana made his mark with two early wickets using the new ball but leaked runs in the latter stage. The ICC’s rule allowing only one ball to be continued from the 34th over adds another layer of challenge for bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav’s variations won India crucial wickets, ending with 4/68, making the difference in a match South Africa nearly stole.Speaking of South Africa, they showed resilience after being reduced to 11/3. Marco Jansen tore into the Indian attack for a 70 off 39 balls, while Matthew Breetzke scored 72 on his first ODI against India. Their tail, led by Corbin Bosch, made India sweat before eventually falling short.The Proteas were without regular skipper Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, rested after their historic Test series win. Their return is expected in Raipur.Raipur itself is not a well-trodden path for India. In the only ODI previously played here, India dismantled New Zealand for 108 in January 2023 and won by eight wickets. In the only T20I here, against Australia in December 2023, India posted 174/9 and won by 20 runs.

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar on Tuesday projected a strong display of unity after their second breakfast meeting at Deputy CM’s residence, declaring that they would “run the government together,” amid escalating leadership tussle within the Congress.Addressing the joint press briefing, Siddaramaiah said a meeting with the party high command was also likely soon. When asked about the possibility of Shivakumar becoming chief minister, he responded, “When the High Command says.”“There are no differences. Me and DK Shivakumar are united. We will run the government together in the future as well. All our MLAs are united, and unitedly we will face the opposition. We are in the same party, we follow the same ideology, and we work together. In the future, too, both of us will work together and bring the party back to power,” he said, setting a confident tone of unity, downplaying the speculated leadership conflict.“This unity is not something new today; we have always been united. Whatever decision Rahul Gandhi makes, we will act accordingly; that is what I have said,” he added, reiterating that their partnership was not new.Siddaramaiah’s breakfast visit was the second in three days. It was seen as another attempt to ease tensions. On Saturday, Shivakumar had joined the CM at his Cauvery residence for a traditional idli–vada–sambar spread. On Tuesday, Shivakumar hosted him with Nati chicken and idlis.The outreach comes after the Congress high command nudged both leaders to present a united front ahead of the Belagavi legislature session starting December 8.

Discussions on MSP, assembly session and party issues

Siddaramaiah said the two discussed issues affecting farmers, including MSP for maize and sugarcane. “After breakfast, we discussed the assembly session. It was decided that we should call a meeting of the MLAs on December 8. We will discuss farmers’ issues and other issues of the state,” he said.Reaffirming loyalty to the leadership, he added, “Both of us will accept the decision taken by the high command, especially Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge.”The CM also said the opposition was preparing to bring a no-confidence motion, “BJP and JD(S) are planning to oppose whatever decisions we take. Our government is pro-farmer.”Shivakumar echoed this messaging, posting on X, “Honoured to welcome the Hon’ble Chief Minister to my residence today. We stand committed to the development of Karnataka and the progress of our people.”

BJP hits out at Breakfast diplomacy 2.0

Taking a swipe at the Congress leaders, BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said the state had become a stage for political theatrics. “This is just a teaser, the full picture showing Congress’s condition will release soon… If the CM and Dy CM are engaged in breakfast meetings, then when will they work for the welfare of the people? ‘Karnataka ka natak’ should finish soon,” he said.The display of unity comes amid intense speculation of a leadership change after the government completed half of its five-year term on November 20. Talk of a 2023 “power-sharing” formula, where Siddaramaiah would serve 2.5 years before handing over the CM post to Shivakumar has fueled tensions, though neither leader has acknowledged such an agreement and the party has never confirmed it.While Siddaramaiah insists he will serve the full term, Shivakumar’s camp has pushed for the alleged rotational arrangement. The high command is now attempting to keep both leaders aligned as it works to prevent instability in the state.

Jaxson Dart’s necklace (Getty Images)

Jaxson Dart’s necklace sparkles during every New York Giants game, but beneath the bright stadium lights, it stands for something far more personal. This small piece of jewelry has been with him through bowl games, draft day expectations, and now the roaring NFL stage. It is never just part of his outfit. It is a ritual, a reminder, a heartbeat from home woven into every snap and every throw.He takes the field with confidence, toughness, and real emotion. It is a demanding job to step into the spotlight as a rookie quarterback in New York, but Dart brings a piece of family faith to steady him in every moment. That little chain carries a lot of heart.

Jaxson Dart‘s necklace: The deeper meaning behind a Giants good luck charm

When asked about the necklace, Dart explains it openly. “I haven’t missed a game with it. I make sure it’s one of the first things that I pack,” Dart said. For him, it is not crafted from diamonds or forged by luxury jewelers. It is something much more meaningful. It came from his sister.He still remembers the moment he first picked it up. “I remember I was walking out the door, and I was just grabbing my headphones, whatever it may be on the table, and I saw this necklace,” he said. “I looked at it and I was like, dang, I like that necklace. I asked my mom, I said, ‘Whose is it?’ And she’s like it’s your sister’s.”That day, he wore it into a college bowl game and threw four touchdowns. From then on, it became tradition. “It started out because I felt like it looked cool, you know, during the games. And that was kind of a swag piece that I’d put together each game day,” he said. “It’s a good luck charm for sure. But at the same time, it’s a cool thing between me and my sister.”Through every rough tackle and every triumphant first down, it stays with him. “I try to do my best to adjust it if it’s kind of messed up when I come back on the sideline,” Dart said. “It’s definitely held its own because I’ve taken a lot of hits.”The hearts on the chain are not real gemstones, but they might as well be priceless. “It’s definitely very valuable to me, because like I said, it’s a relationship thing between me and my sister,” Dart said. Then he shared the meaning that goes beyond football. “I’ve kind of thought of it as a deeper meaning to love all that you’re around … a special reminder that we live in a world where maybe not everybody agrees with everybody’s opinion. I think that’s kind of the beauty of our identity as people. But at the same time, I think it’s important to share love and bring people together. So that’s just kind of like the emoji of a heart, bringing people together and kind of spreading joy and love to all.”In a league full of glare and glitter, Jaxson Dart reminds us that the most powerful symbols are not worn for show. They are carried from home, from family, and from the people who held belief long before the world ever did.Also Read: While Drake Maye prepares for Giants, his wife Ann’s Patriots-themed cookies become unexpected pre-game sensation

An IIT professor said the institutes have also decided to emphasise more on participation by start-ups promoted by Centre under Viksit Bharat scheme

MUMBAI: Even as the placement season began across the premier IITs on Monday, more than 20 companies were banned from participating this year. These firms had rescinded job offers made to students in the last academic year, some even as late as June or July this year, at the time of joining. Since many IITs do not allow students with existing offers to sit for further interviews, such late withdrawals not only jeopardised career prospects but also affected students’ mental well-being, said officials. IITs, therefore, unanimously decided to ban these companies from the current placement cycle. IITs tried helping the concerned students despite the time lapse.The list of banned companies was finalised after these firms revoked offers at more than one IIT. Some of them are data analytics and software-based firms. They, however, are allowed to place students through off-campus process.An IIT professor involved in the placement process said the names of the companies were cross-verified by placement coordinators at 15 IITs recently. “We looked at their past records too. Some of these companies had a history of revoking offers and six to seven IITs had already banned them from participation. Offers have been revoked by some companies where some alumni are working. There were also a few companies that reduced salary packages offered in the letter. The placement cells are trying to speak to higher authorities in these companies,” said the professor.Speaking about such cancellations, a computer science graduate from IIT-Bombay’s batch of 2025, said he was hired by a trading platform last December and his joining date was June 1, 2025. “My offer was revoked on May 29. The company made me an offer of nearly Rs 30 lakh and I was more than happy to join. They revoked my offer just two days before I was supposed to join, but fortunately, I got a better offer through an alumnus in some time. Though IIT-Bombay extended help, I did not need it at that time,” said the graduate. He said some of his friends’ offers were revoked too, but a few of them landed other offers. “By June and July it becomes difficult for the institutes too to help with placements as phase-II of the process concludes by the end of the academic year,” he said.The professor added that the IITs this year have also decided to emphasise more on participation by start-ups promoted by the Centre under the Viksit Bharat programme. “The job market is slow, but we are trying to reach out to many more companies and encourage start-ups incubated on prominent campuses to reach the best targets,” he said, adding that so far the placement season looks good.

(AI-generated image used for representation purposes)

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court order for pan-India CBI probe into ‘digital arrest’ cases, while signifying the threat from digital scamsters, is important also because the opposition-governed states had withdrawn “general consent” to CBI to probe crimes in their territories.Keeping two other forms of cyber-crime – investment scams and part-time job scams – on the back burner, the bench said CBI shall investigate digital arrest scam cases, and the court will consider whether the other two forms of cyber-crime require court supervision/monitoring. Suspecting assistance to scamsters by banking system insiders, the bench said, “CBI shall have a free hand to investigate bankers under Prevention of Corruption Act when they are suspected to be involved in the opening of ‘mule accounts’ where the fraudsters park their extorted monies.“

CJI Kant and Justice Bagchi said that given the magnitude of the crimes and the fact that many of them were being committed from ‘scam hubs’ located in foreign countries, “we direct the CBI to coordinate with Interpol to lay their hands on the cyber-crime havens operating from abroad”.The bench also issued notice to RBI and asked it to explain to the court why artificial intelligence tools or machine-learning technologies should not be employed to identify mule accounts in banks and freeze the deposits suspected to be proceeds of crime.The court also directed the IT intermediaries to preserve data relating to phones and equipment used by fraudsters, provide it to CBI and render full assistance to the central agency as and when sought in a particular case or in general.The bench further said that there is widespread breach of norms in issuance of SIM cards. “Facts brought on record so far reveal an alarming negligent and irresponsible approach of telecom service providers while issuing multiple SIM cards in one name. We direct the DoT to submit a proposal for the consideration of SC, which may eventually be required to be implemented to prevent misuse of SIM cards,” it said.SC directed all states and UTs to ensure establishment of regional/state Cyber-Crime Coordination Centres and operationalise them for better coordination with Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of MHA so that effective steps could be taken against cyber-crimes, especially digital arrest scam cases.It asked MHA, ministry of finance, DoT, MeitY to submit a detailed plan of action for coordinated steps against digital arrest scam cases. The court adjourned hearing on the case by two weeks to enable CBI to choose experienced hands from state police forces as well as experts in information technology who can assist it in investigating digital arrest cases across India.

Cardinals monitor Trey Benson’s comeback ahead of Week 14 (Image via: Getty images)

The Arizona Cardinals will continue to navigate their backfield without Trey Benson, as the promising young running back remains on injured reserve with no firm return date in sight. Benson has been working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery, but the recovery has taken longer than initially hoped. With Week 14 approaching, the uncertainty surrounding his availability has become one of the team’s most closely watched storylines.Benson hasn’t appeared in a game since Week 4, and while he was designated to return from injured reserve on November 19, the Cardinals have yet to activate him. He logged a limited practice earlier in the week, but his subsequent absence raised questions about whether he experienced a setback. Although speculation continues, head coach Jonathan Gannon has kept details guarded, reiterating that Benson’s status is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis as the deadline to activate him draws near.

Trey Benson activation deadline approaches with Week 15 emerging as most likely return target

The Cardinals have until December 10 to decide whether to bring Benson back to the active roster, giving them a shrinking window to make a call. Reports from team insider Darren Urban suggest that the next week will be a crucial checkpoint, especially with the 21-day activation period nearing its conclusion. Despite early signs of progress, Benson finishing the week as a non-participant in practice has tempered expectations for a Week 14 return.

This makes Week 15 the more realistic target, barring a significant improvement in his condition. The Cardinals continue to approach Benson’s recovery with caution, mindful of both his long-term health and the importance of having him fully ready when he returns. In the meantime, Arizona’s depth at running back remains under pressure, and the team must keep adjusting its offensive approach while awaiting clarity on Benson’s comeback.As the Cardinals push deeper into the season, Benson’s recovery timeline remains a key storyline for fans tracking roster decisions and the team’s offensive rhythm. His return could provide a valuable boost, but for now, all signs point to continued patience as Week 14 approaches, making his comeback even more critical.Also Read: Travis Kelce’s three-word comment on Pat McAfee’s baby on board sparks fatherhood rumors: Is a mini Kelce-Swift on the way?