In a major move ahead of the Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of certain categories of visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. The suspension is aimed at curbing illegal attempts to perform Hajj outside the official registration channels and will remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage scheduled between June 4 and June 9.

The visa suspension affects countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco. The affected visa categories include Umrah, business and family visit visas. However, individuals with valid Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13, according to Saudi authorities quoted in reports.

Why the temporary ban?

The decision was taken to prevent pilgrims from entering the country on non-Hajj visas and illegally joining the pilgrimage, which undermines Saudi Arabia’s strict Hajj quota system. This system regulates the number of pilgrims each country is allowed to send, aiming to avoid overcrowding and ensure the safety and logistical management of the event.

Reports highlight that many individuals in the past have overstayed their visit or Umrah visas to perform Hajj unofficially, resulting in serious crowding issues. During the Hajj in 2024, at least 1,200 pilgrims reportedly died, exacerbated by high temperatures and overwhelming numbers beyond capacity.

Visa misuse and labor law violations

Saudi officials also flagged the illegal use of business and family visas by foreigners who took up unauthorized employment, breaching visa conditions and causing disruptions in the labour market. The visa pause, therefore, also serves as a deterrent against such violations.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that the move is purely logistical, not political, and does not impact diplomatic relations. Visas related to Hajj, diplomatic categories and valid residency permits remain unaffected.

Authorities have urged affected individuals to respect the new regulations. Violators may face penalties, including a five-year entry ban for breaching the visa suspension order.

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

In one of the most brutal bloodbaths Dalal Street has seen in recent memory, Indian stock markets nosedived within seconds of opening on Monday, erasing over Rs 20 lakh crore in investor wealth. The carnage was triggered by US President Donald Trump’s shockwave tariffs — a move that has set fire to global financial markets and plunged India into a crisis.

The Sensex crashed a staggering 3,939.68 points to 71,425.01 at the opening bell, while the Nifty tanked 1,160.8 points to 21,743.65 — a nosedive of over 3.5% in just minutes. The rupee wasn’t spared either, opening 30 paise lower at 85.74 against the US dollar.

This wasn’t just a bad day. It was a full-scale collapse. A punch to the gut for retail investors and institutional players alike.

Trump’s tariffs ignite global market panic

Trump’s latest tariff bomb — including a shocking 26% slapped on India — has thrown exporters and traders into disarray. Adding fuel to the fire is a 10% baseline duty applied universally. While Trump touted it as a “golden period” for American industries, for the rest of the world, it’s financial arson.

Unapologetic and defiant, Trump told reporters his actions were like medicine to fix a broken system. But what he has really done is set off a chain reaction — and India is feeling the burn.

Asian markets were decimated in early trade. China crashed over 4%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng plummeted 10% and Japan’s Nikkei tanked more than 6.5%. Taiwan and Singapore? Nearly 10% and 8% wiped off respectively. Wall Street is next, with futures already in a tailspin, pointing to deeper global collapse.

Analysts raise red flags: India not ready

Experts are sounding the alarm. “India is not falling because of domestic weakness, but because we are entangled in global chaos,” said market veteran Ajay Bagga. He warned that only a robust fiscal, monetary, and reform response could protect India from the “economic winter” Trump’s war has unleashed.

SEBI-registered analyst Sunil Gurjar added that the Nifty50 has smashed through crucial support levels — and further breakdowns could take the market into uncharted territory.

Recession fears skyrocket

Global markets are now teetering on the edge of a recession. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management didn’t mince words: “The market is in free-fall mode again. Trump’s team isn’t blinking. The tariffs are being treated as a victory lap, not a bargaining chip.” For investors, that’s not strategy — that’s economic suicide.

Mumbai Indians have received a major boost ahead of their crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the return of their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. With the five-time champions currently placed 8th on the points table, Bumrah’s comeback could not have been better timed.

The announcement of Bumrah’s return was accompanied by an emotional video featuring his wife Sanjana Ganesan and son Angad, narrating the story of a lion cub re-entering the IPL jungle. For fans, it symbolised the return of a warrior after injury, ready to lead Mumbai Indians once again.

MI’s bowling attack had come under sharp criticism during Bumrah’s absence. Despite having big names like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, the team failed to dominate powerplay overs, barring their performance against KKR. Their early tournament form has raised concerns over balance and execution.

The leadership factor: Bumrah beyond the ball

More than just his bowling, Mumbai is relying on Bumrah’s leadership on the field. Batting coach Kieron Pollard’s joyous reaction to his return — lifting him in celebration — underscored the relief and excitement within the camp.

Former India pacer Varun Aaron also weighed in, saying MI needs “Bumrah the leader” to reignite the team. His on-field presence is expected to energise the squad, especially young bowlers like Ashwani Kumar, and bring much-needed cohesion.

Shane Watson echoed the sentiment, calling Bumrah “the best fast bowler in the world in all formats.” He stated that Bumrah is not just vital for Mumbai, but a treat for IPL fans. Former Australian all-rounder added that Bumrah’s tactical brilliance and composure often transform MI into a united, dangerous unit — traits they’ve missed in his absence.

The Wankhede Stadium crowd is now gearing up for his much-anticipated return on April 7, when Mumbai face long-time rivals Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Bumrah’s track record against RCB is formidable — 29 wickets in 19 matches — and all eyes will be on him as he takes on a star-studded batting lineup including Virat Kohli.

Coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that Bumrah is available for selection, further fuelling expectations that MI’s campaign could take a turn for the better under his watch.