INDIAN PILGRIMS
Saudi issues 'potential danger' warning for Mecca, Jeddah
Saudi Arabia's civil defence agency issued warnings of potential danger for several western provinces including Mecca. The alerts concerned major cities like Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu and were quickly rescinded. Residents were advised to seek safety as Yemeni Houthis targeted the kingdom's infrastructure in recent conflicts. Interceptions of ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu were reported on the same day.
Air India, Air India Express extend Saudi flight suspension until November 7
Air India and Air India Express have postponed flights to Riyadh and Dammam until early November. IndiGo and Akasa Air also cancelled their services to various Saudi cities during this period. Affected passengers, including Umrah pilgrims, are receiving assistance from Indian diplomatic missions for accommodation and other needs. In response to security alerts, the Saudi authorities confirmed a danger that has since passed.
India extends assistance to its nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims, stranded in Saudi Arabia
India has issued an advisory to assist its nationals in Saudi Arabia affected by ongoing flight cancellations. The Consulate General in Jeddah is providing support to the affected Umrah pilgrims and coordinating with local authorities. Assistance includes food, medicines, and connecting with airlines to facilitate their return. Pilgrims are advised to contact local services to address accommodation concerns during their extended stay.
Akasa Air extends suspension of flights to Jeddah, Riyadh amid evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia
Akasa Air has announced the extension of its flight suspensions to Jeddah and Riyadh due to rising security concerns. The airline's decision is based on a careful assessment of the prevailing safety environment in Saudi Arabia. Passengers whose flights are affected can choose full refunds or reschedule their trips without extra charges. The Indian government is actively assisting stranded Umrah pilgrims and coordinating their return home.
The age-old business of liberation & salvation
Moksa, or spiritual investment, mirrors historical practices like indulgences sold by the Church five centuries ago. Islamic finance offers similar concepts, rebranding interest-based transactions while still capitalizing on profit. In India, wealth managers curate portfolios aligned with moral principles while sidelining ethical considerations about labor. Temple towns, including Tirupati, create systems where money enhances access to religious experiences for the wealthy.
Major efforts on to bring back Indian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia; airlines, tour operators roped in
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were coordinating with airlines and tour operators to arrange the early return of the remaining pilgrims. Officials are discussing additional arrangements to facilitate their travel at the earliest, he said.
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14 Indians on board a yacht involved in incident off Yemen coast safe, Indian embassy says
Fourteen Indian nationals on a yacht near Yemen are safe, according to the Indian mission's statements. Reports indicated that the yacht was involved in an incident claimed by a Houthi spokesman. The Indian embassy is actively seeking details about the situation to ensure their safety and well-being. Recently, tensions have escalated between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces, leading to attacks on various locations.
AIMIM president Owaisi seeks Centre's help for Indian pilgrims stranded in Makkah, Madina to return home
Asaduddin Owaisi has highlighted the plight of 4,000 Indian pilgrims stranded in Makkah and Madina. Airlines have suspended flights due to a concerning security situation in Saudi Arabia. He urges the Indian government to arrange larger flights to facilitate their return. Owaisi emphasizes the abandonment of these pilgrims by their travel agents in this crisis. He calls for immediate action and support for the stranded individuals from relevant government officials.
Ecommerce festive sales fizzle out on price pangs
Executives attributed the slowdown to sluggish demand for premium electronics, including smartphones, home appliances and laptops, as prices of these products have risen 30-40% in the past few months. Smartphones and electronics, which account for more than half of GMV during festive sale events for some platforms, have been hit by price increases, an executive said.
India asks its nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow safety directives amid security concerns
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued emergency instructions following attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Indian nationals are advised to take shelter indoors when receiving alerts for safety. Following a recent attack, an Indian national was killed, raising security concerns for expatriates.
From Deoghar to Udupi: Family offices bet Rs 2,000 crore on hotels in pilgrimage towns
Nearly Rs 2,000 crore has been committed across key religious destinations over the past 12-18 months, according to Noesis Hotel Advisors, as some of India's wealthiest business families turn their conviction in these destinations into a hospitality investment play.
India working to bring back 4 nationals rescued in Ethiopia after being kidnapped
Four Indian nationals from Punjab were kidnapped in Ethiopia and later rescued by local law enforcement agencies. The Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa remained in constant contact with local authorities during this situation. Following their rescue, consular officers met the individuals and provided them with necessary assistance. All four individuals are safe and efforts are being made to facilitate their return to India.
Makkah Control Room established for Indian Umrah pilgrims amid Saudi flight disruptions
Due to the recent flight disruptions, India has established a dedicated control room in Makkah to provide support for Indian Umrah pilgrims. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah maintains its 24-hour control room services. Travellers are encouraged to confirm flight details directly with airlines and remain alert to safety advisories issued by the embassy, especially given the ongoing regional tensions.
Airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia until October 17
Airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia following an attack at Riyadh airport that injured multiple individuals. Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, halted services to major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. International airlines, such as Emirates and Lufthansa, also canceled numerous flights due to the disruptions. Passengers are advised to explore alternative travel options through neighboring Gulf countries.
Riyadh airport attack: Indian Embassy issues advisory; Jeddah Consulate sets up helpline for Indians
In the face of the recent Riyadh airport attack, The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow local safety instructions amid the ongoing situation. Separately, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has issued an advisory for Indians, particularly Umrah pilgrims, travelling between India and Saudi Arabia, and established a 24-hour control room to assist those affected by flight disruptions.
'Bamo Wali Devi' mandir in Jaisalmer sees a record turnout of devotees. Check why Tanot Mata temple so famous
Tanot Mata Temple in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district received more than 20,000 devotees on the opening day of Navratri. Revered as the ‘Goddess of Bombs’ because of accounts of unexploded bombs during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, the border shrine began its 10-day fair with traditional rituals. The BSF has arranged medical assistance, food, crowd management and other facilities for pilgrims.
One dead in new attack on Saudi airport, a day after Houthi strike kills 13
On Sunday, an attack on Riyadh's international airport led to one fatality and eleven injuries. This incident occurred following a prior strike claimed by the Houthis that caused numerous casualties. Saudi coalition forces reported intercepting multiple projectiles targeting various locations, revealing vulnerabilities in the kingdom's defense. The Saudi government has stated that air defenses are monitoring threats closely amid ongoing conflict.
Groundwater near Kumbh Mela site in Nashik shows high levels of cancer-linked toxin: SANDRP
Groundwater in Ambad in Maharashtra's Nasik shows acute toxic contamination in laboratory testing, with levels of cancer-linked chemicals 1000 times higher than the safety limit. The contaminated water has caused skin and other health-related issues among residents. The chemical's source could be electroplating, metal finishing, paint and other industries located in the Ambad Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation (MIDC) zone. The issue raises concerns ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela event.
India has the hair, China has the wigs: Inside a $940 million trade
Indian hair has emerged as a sought-after commodity on the international stage, prized for its vibrant hues and high quality. Yet, the country is encountering significant challenges due to the smuggling of raw hair to China, creating a shortage. The market for processed hair, essential for wigs and extensions, remains limited in India.
Family leaves 8-year-old behind at Himachal dhaba, drives 80 km away before police tracks them down
An eight-year-old boy from Lucknow was accidentally left at a dhaba in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district during a pilgrimage stop. After the family travelled around 80 km, police used CCTV footage to trace their Tempo Traveller. The group returned to collect the child, who was handed over to his parents after identification checks.
Indians remain largest source of tourists to Nepal in September
Nepal recorded 88,248 international tourist arrivals in September, with Indians accounting for the largest share at 17,425, up 12% year-on-year. Arrivals in the first nine months of 2026 rose 6% to 865,920. Nepal and northeast India also agreed to develop a Buddhist and cultural tourism circuit linking Lumbini with eight northeastern states.
Pope Leo heads to Lourdes: What to know about one of Catholicism's most famous pilgrimage sites
Pope Leo XIV will embark on a four-day apostolic journey to France starting this weekend. His visit includes a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a significant Catholic site. The location attracts millions of pilgrims each year, including many seeking healing from ailments. During his visit, the Pope will meet with bishops and victims of abuse in the church.
Festive ad spending to rise 13-17% as brands spread budgets across channels: Report
Spending on ecommerce advertising is expected to rise 27% YoY to Rs 30,091 crore in 2026, as brands increasingly seek ad formats that directly link an impression to a transaction.
India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls Red Sea escalation ‘totally unacceptable’
India voiced deep concern regarding escalating Red Sea security and Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. The government condemned these strikes which threaten regional peace and freedom of navigation. India is also monitoring an Indian national's detention in Saudi Arabia over an unpaid penalty. Diplomatic officials are actively engaging Saudi authorities for his welfare and care. This situation arises amid ongoing fighting and rising tensions in West Asia.
Pakistan acknowledges India's participation in anti-terrorism meeting, calls terrorism a common challenge
Pakistan acknowledged India's participation in a recent regional anti-terrorism meeting. Terrorism was described as a common challenge for both nations during the event. Pakistani officials denied reports of Sikh pilgrims being stopped from traveling to India. They stated the visas were not covered under the existing bilateral protocol. The pilgrims may be allowed to travel via the Wagah Border crossing.
India, Nepal teams reach final stage to rescue 6 trapped workers in Chilime tunnel
Joint rescue teams are nearing an underground powerhouse in Nepal. They are working to clear a blocked tunnel section for trapped workers. Unexpected challenges like water inflow and large boulders have slowed the operation. Mud pumps are being used to remove water from the tunnel. Clearing work is expected to continue today to reach the powerhouse.
‘Miracles do happen’: Families await news of pilgrims missing after Nepal-China flood
Families anxiously await news of loved ones missing after a Himalayan flood. A mudslide destroyed a Nepal-China border crossing, causing widespread devastation. Many foreigners and locals remain unaccounted for after the disaster struck. Rescue efforts continue, but information flow has significantly slowed. Loved ones hold onto hope for miraculous survival amidst the uncertainty.
Uttarakhand: Second phase of Adi Kailash Yatra in Pithoragarh postponed until September 20 due to adverse weather
The second phase of the Adi Kailash pilgrimage is postponed until September 20. This postponement is due to adverse weather conditions and road closures in the region. The Bailey bridge near Kulagad on the Dharchula-Gunji route was washed away, causing delays. Inner Line Permits will commence issuance on September 20, subject to favorable conditions.
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