India in 2 Minutes for the Week of Dec 26

President clears SHANTI Bill, private firms enter nuclear energy

India’s President Droupadi Murmu has approved the SHANTI Bill, opening India’s civil nuclear sector to private firms.

The bill consolidates existing laws and aims to accelerate clean energy development.

While the government hails it as a bold step toward sustainability, opposition parties warn it compromises safety norms. The move could boost India’s role in next-gen nuclear energy globally.

Seven elephants killed by train in Assam

Seven elephants died, and one was injured after a train collided with a herd in Assam’s Hojai district on Dec 20.

The accident occurred outside a designated elephant corridor.

Despite the train driver applying emergency brakes, the elephants moved toward the train. The impact derailed five coaches, though no human injuries were reported.

Michel gets bail in chopper scam case

A Delhi court granted bail to Christian Michel in a money-laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland chopper scam, citing his seven-year custody exceeding the Prevention of Money Laundering Act sentence.

However, the Briton remains jailed due to a separate Central Bureau of Investigation corruption case.

The 2010 deal for 12 VVIP helicopters allegedly involved bribery and tampered technical specifications to favour AgustaWestland.

Gujarat student in Ukraine appeals for help after forced Russian Army service

Sahil Mohammad Hussain from Gujarat, studying in Russia, claimed in a video from Ukraine that he was blackmailed into joining the Russian army under a fake drugs case.

Captured by Ukrainian forces, he appealed to the Indian government for help. He said Russian police offered to drop charges if he joined military service.

IndiGo to compensate stranded flyers with Rs10,000 travel vouchers

IndiGo will issue Rs10,000 (S$145) travel vouchers to passengers stranded during massive flight delays on Dec 3–5. The move follows government pressure after a high-level aviation review.

Compensation will be processed from Dec 26 for direct bookings, with efforts to reach others via agents. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will oversee the disbursement process.

BJP-led alliance sweeps Maharashtra local body polls

The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti alliance won 207 of 288 municipal body president posts in Maharashtra, with BJP securing 117.

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed only 44. Independent and smaller parties won the remaining seats.

H-1B visa holders stranded in India after US delays interviews

Hundreds of H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after their United States consular interviews, scheduled between Dec 15 and 26, were abruptly postponed to March.

The delays stem from new social media vetting rules. Law firms say the situation is chaotic, and workers fear job losses as US companies await their return.

Punjab declares Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo, Anandpur Sahib ‘holy cities’

Punjab has banned the sale of meat, alcohol, and tobacco in Amritsar’s Walled City, Talwandi Sabo, and Anandpur Sahib, following their designation as “holy cities”.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the move honours Sikh heritage.

The government will improve public transport and facilities for pilgrims while enforcing strict regulations in these areas.

Rajasthan panchayat bans camera phones for women

A panchayat in Rajasthan’s Jalore district has banned daughters-in-law and young women in 15 villages from using smartphones with cameras, effective Jan 26, reported NDTV.

Only keypad phones are allowed, even at social events.

Leaders say the move is to protect children’s eyesight, as women often lend their phones to keep children occupied during household chores.

Curfew imposed after violence in Karbi Anglong

Violence erupted in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong on Dec 22 during protests against alleged tribal land encroachment.

Protesters torched the home of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang, prompting police to open fire.

At least four people were injured.

Authorities imposed curfew and prohibitory orders district-wide to restore order amid escalating tensions over land rights.

Supreme Court ruling on Aravallis sparks protests

A new Supreme Court-approved definition of Aravalli hills – based on elevation – has triggered protests across northern India. Activists warn that excluding lower hills endangers ecology and groundwater recharge.

Demonstrations erupted in Gurugram and Udaipur, with environmentalists urging scientific criteria for protection. Critics fear the change could lead to increased mining and construction in vulnerable areas.

Snowfall transforms Gulmarg into tourist magnet

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir’s top ski destination, is witnessing a tourism boom after fresh snowfall.

Hotels are fully booked for the first time since the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April.

Though snow depth is low for professional skiing, tourists are enjoying gondola rides and scenic views as Chillai Kalan – the harshest winter period of 40 days – sets in.