HAJJ PILGRIMAGE FACILITIES
First batch of Hajj 2026 with 371 pilgrims departs for Mecca from New Delhi
The first Hajj 2026 flight carrying 371 pilgrims departed from New Delhi for Mecca. Delhi Hajj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan expressed congratulations and highlighted government efforts for smooth arrangements. Pilgrims shared emotional sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and praying for peace.
Bilateral Haj Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia; India's quota fixed at 175,025 for 2026
India's Haj quota for 2026 has been confirmed at 175,025. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the bilateral Haj Agreement in Jeddah. He met with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and held discussions focussing on improving facilities and support for Indian pilgrims. The agreement aims for a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Saudi Arabia gives 30 days to exit on expired visit visas in Hijri New Year initiative; Here’s how to apply
Saudi Arabia will soon allow individuals with expired visit visas to extend their stay for a final exit. The initiative starts on June 27, 2025, offering a 30-day grace period. Applicants must pay fees and penalties via the Absher platform. This follows a reminder to Hajj pilgrims to leave before their visas expire. The ministry emphasizes respecting the Kingdom's rules.
Iran announces limited ban on smartphones and laptops, fearing Israel's digital tracking
Iran has prohibited government officials from using communication devices. This ban follows suspected Israeli digital attacks. An Afghan shopkeeper in Tehran describes life as dire due to ongoing strikes. The UN reports direct impacts on Iran's Natanz enrichment site. Iranian pilgrims are stranded, and a Nobel laureate has fled Tehran. Russia is evacuating its citizens.
Saudi Arabia: Hotel bookings made mandatory by the country for acquiring Umrah visa
Saudi Arabia introduces new rules for Umrah visas. International pilgrims need confirmed hotel bookings via Nusuk Masar. This rule starts June 10, 2025. Only Ministry of Tourism-licensed hotels are accepted. The move aims to protect pilgrims' rights and prevent fraud. It also ensures high accommodation standards. The policy supports Saudi Vision 2030.
Hajj 2025: What to know about safety, costs, and new rules
Muslims gather in Mecca for the Hajj. Pilgrims face challenges like extreme heat, leading to safety measures. Saudi Arabia bans children under 12. High costs prompt flexible payment options. Overcrowding leads to visa restrictions. Authorities aim to manage crowds and ensure pilgrim safety. The Hajj remains a significant religious event despite these hurdles.
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Saudi Arabia prepares for 'worst case scenario' as extreme heat looms over Hajj 2025
Near a sprawling tent city outside Mecca, Saudi hospital staff are preparing for a flood of heat-related cases as Muslim pilgrims begin hajj this week in sweltering summer temperatures. Brimming with staff but no patients just yet, the hospital is part of the kingdom's efforts to prepare for "the worst case scenario" after pilgrims descend on Mina, Asiri said.
68 Indians among 900 Hajj pilgrims who have lost their lives in Mecca, says Saudi diplomat
Friends and family are searching for missing hajj pilgrims as the death toll from this year's pilgrimage, carried out in extreme heat, has risen to over 900. The scorching temperatures, reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) in Mecca, have raised concerns for the well-being of the 1.8 million participants, many of whom are elderly or infirm. The majority of the deaths are reportedly due to heat-related causes, with Egyptians accounting for a significant portion of the casualties.
Over 500 Hajj pilgrims died in Saudi's Mecca due to severe heat
At least 550 pilgrims died from extreme heat during this year's Hajj, with temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) at Mecca's Grand Mosque. Egyptians accounted for the highest casualties, totaling 323 deaths, primarily from heat-related illnesses. Saudi officials treated over 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress. The pilgrimage is increasingly impacted by climate change, as temperatures rise by 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade in ritual areas.
BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi emphasizes unity in diversity on Eid-Al-Adha, offers Namaz at Panja Sharif
Celebrating Eid-Al-Adha, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi offered Namaz at Dargah Panja Sharif in Delhi, highlighting India's unity in diversity with "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat." Syed Shahnawaz Hussain also offered prayers in Bihar, wishing for national progress. Patna's DM assured public services for celebrations. Across India, mosques were filled with worshippers reflecting on the festival's significance, from Delhi's Jama Masjid to Kerala's Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium. The festival, marking Prophet Abraham's sacrifice, promotes peace and joy.
Rising prices threaten Modi’s hold on India’s most crucial state
Soaring prices, joblessness and health complications from a wave of delta-fueled Covid-19 infections last year are high on the minds of voters in Uttar Pradesh, the most crucial of five states that will reveal election results this week.
India's surging case count will make pandemic more deadly in 2021
The more people infected in emerging countries while the rest of the world looks away, the more opportunities Covid-19 will have to develop into fresh strains and prolong this death and misery.
Kashmir headed towards virtual shutdown, all public transport banned in Srinagar
A day after a woman tested positive for coronavirus, Kashmir valley was headed towards a virtual lock down on Thursday as restrictions were imposed on movement of people in several parts and all public transport banned in Srinagar city.
Saudi corruption purge snares $33 billion of net worth in Riyadh
The stunning series of arrests has implicated three of the country’s richest people, including Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who’s No. 50 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Hajj pilgrims to begin journey of faith
Pilgrims will move to Mount Arafat where they stand in contemplative vigil, offer supplications, repent and atone for their past sins, seek mercy of God and listen to a sermon.
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