Delhi imposes strict anti-pollution measures
Delhi authorities on Dec 17 enforced emergency pollution controls after air quality entered the “severe” category. Older diesel trucks were banned, construction halted, and office attendance cut to 50 per cent.
Hybrid schooling was implemented, and daily-wage workers will receive Rs10,000 (S$142) compensation.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa vowed stricter steps to ensure clean air as dense smog and low visibility impacted daily life.
Singapore High Commission’s pollution advisory sparks political row
Singapore High Commission’s advisory on Delhi’s air pollution prompted backlash from opposition parties, who labelled it an “international embarrassment”.
The Aam Admi Party and Congress criticised the Rekha Gupta-led government, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed concerns as political drama.
The advisory urged Singaporeans to heed Delhi’s warnings under Stage IV pollution measures, including construction bans and stay-at-home guidance.
Four charged with murder in Zubeen Garg case
A special investigation team, probing the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, has charged four people, including Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of the Northeastern Festival in Singapore, with murder.
On Sept 19, Zubeen, 52, died in Singapore while swimming in a sea without a life jacket off the coast of Saint John’s Island.
Three other associates of the late singer – Siddhartha Sharma, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and Amritprava Mahanta – have also been charged with murder.
Zubeen’s cousin, suspended police officer Sandipan Garg, was charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Luthra brothers taken to Goa after Thailand deportation
Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, nightclub owners linked to a fire that killed 25 in Goa, were deported from Thailand and flown to Delhi, where a court granted Goa Police a two-day transit remand.
The brothers, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, were arrested and taken to Goa for further investigation.
India eases visa norms for Chinese professionals
The Indian government has streamlined business visa approvals for Chinese professionals, dropping additional vetting and reducing wait times to under a month, reported Reuters.
The move, aimed at boosting economic ties with China, comes amid trade tensions with the US. Visa delays had previously hampered tech projects by restricting access to skilled Chinese technicians.
Pakistan-based group charged over Kashmir attack
The National Investigation Agency has charged six people, including Pakistanis, over an April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.
The banned Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy, The Resistance Front, were also named in the chargesheet.
Three militants were killed, and two locals arrested for aiding the attackers. India accuses Pakistan of backing the assault, which Islamabad denies.
India fences most of borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh
India has fenced 93.25 per cent of its border with Pakistan and 79.08 per cent with Bangladesh, the Ministry of Home Affairs told Parliament.
Of the 2,289.66km Pakistan border, 2135km is secured, it said. Meanwhile, 3,240km of the 4,097km Bangladesh border is fenced.
The effort aims to curb infiltration and enhance border security.
Row over bill dropping Gandhi’s name from rural jobs scheme
The Central government has introduced the VB-G RAM G Bill (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill) to replace MGNREGA, dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name.
Opposition MPs protested fiercely in Parliament on Dec 17, accusing the government of insulting Gandhi’s legacy.
The new bill promises 125 days of employment and aims to promote rural growth, but its renaming has stirred controversy.
The opposition parties have demanded a Standing Committee review.
Court dismisses ED complaint in National Herald Case
A Delhi court has dismissed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) complaint against Congress party leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.
The judge ruled it lacked legal basis as it stemmed from a private complaint, not a first information report.
While not an acquittal, the decision halts the ED’s pursuit in one of India’s most politically charged cases.
Bengaluru opens Gen Z-themed post office
India Post launched Karnataka’s first Gen Z-themed post office at Bengaluru’s Acharya Institute of Technology.
Designed by students, the space features Wi-Fi, colourful decor, and selfie points, blending postal services with social appeal.
Chief Postmaster General K Prakash said it reflects India Post’s digital transformation and aims to attract young users.
Green becomes IPL’s most expensive overseas player
Australian cricketer Cameron Green made Indian Premier League history as the most expensive overseas player, bought for Rs25.2 crore (S$3.6 million) by Kolkata Knight Riders.
The 2026 auction also saw record deals for uncapped Indian players. Green’s signing surpassed Mitchell Starc’s 2024 record, with KKR also shelling out Rs18 crore for Sri Lankan bowler Pathirana.
