News

India in 2 Minutes for the Week of Nov 28

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Bite-sized news from across the Indian subcontinent.
Photo: tabla!

Trade unions protest new labour codes

Thousands of Indian trade union workers staged protests nationwide on Nov 26 against newly implemented labour codes, reported Reuters. Critics say the reforms weaken workers’ rights, allowing longer shifts and easier layoffs.

While the codes consolidate older laws and offer gig workers social security, unions allege they promote corporate exploitation and stifle strike rights, demanding fairness and transparency.

Flights cancelled after Ethiopia volcano eruption

Air India and Akasa Air cancelled several flights on Nov 24 and 25 after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption disrupted routes, reported Reuters.

The ash plume, reaching 14km, affected skies over northern India and Pakistan. Indian aviation authorities issued precautionary directives as the cloud moved eastwards, with the smoke finally clearing on Nov 25.

Israeli PM cancels India visit again

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed his India visit for the third time this year, citing security concerns after a deadly blast in Delhi killed at least 15.

Scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Netanyahu’s visit will be rescheduled in 2026, pending safety assessments, according to Israeli media outlet i24NEWS.

UN reverses curb on India’s animal imports

A United Nations wildlife trade body (CITES) reversed its call to restrict India’s endangered animal imports after controversy over tycoon Mukesh Ambani’s Vantara zoo.

Following inspection, many nations — including the United States and Japan — said there was no evidence of illegal activity, reported Reuters. CITES delegates agreed the earlier recommendation was premature and further regulatory discussion may follow.

Foreign universities set up campuses in India

Deakin University’s Gujarat campus helped student Sakshi Talreja pursue an Australian degree at home. It’s among 14 global institutions opening campuses in India amid rising education costs and declining overseas student numbers.

The Indian government backs this trend to deliver global-quality education while reducing dependence on foreign visa and residency regimes, reported The Straits Times.

Tejas jet crash mars export hopes

A Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai Airshow on Nov 21, undermining India’s export prospects, reported Reuters.

Meant to showcase homegrown defence tech, the crash – seen by international buyers – raised concerns.

While tributes poured in for the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died, experts said negative optics could temporarily dent India’s global defence image.

Seventh arrest in Delhi bombing case

Faridabad resident Soyab has been arrested for aiding suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi before the Nov 10 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort.

He allegedly provided shelter and logistics, reported NDTV.

The National Investigating Agency, probing the attack that killed 13, now has seven suspects in custody and is continuing its investigation across multiple states.

Nine arrested in Rs70 million ATM van heist

Bengaluru police have arrested nine suspects linked to a Rs70 million (S$1.02 million) ATM cash van robbery, reported NDTV.

Disguised as Reserve Bank officials, the gang hijacked the van by tricking guards. Police recovered Rs68.5 million and found the group had used multiple vehicles and fake plates to evade detection. The investigation is ongoing.

Kerala High Court rules emergency treatment must not be denied

The Kerala High Court has ruled that no hospital may deny life-saving emergency care due to lack of payment or documents. Both public and private hospitals must comply, reported Kerala Kaumudi.

It also said all hospitals must display patient rights, fees, and staff details. Non-compliance will lead to inspection and action within 60 days by registration authorities.

Smriti Mandhana skips KBC amid wedding drama

Cricketer Smriti Mandhana missed a Kaun Banega Crorepati television game show shoot on Nov 26, celebrating India’s World Cup win, citing personal reasons, reported the Hindustan Times.

Her wedding to composer Palash Muchhal was recently postponed due to her father’s health scare.

Smriti deleted pre-wedding photos and videos from her social media accounts, while Palash was briefly hospitalised for emotional distress following the abrupt halt in celebrations.

Rs90 crore cyber scam busted in Puducherry

A Rs90 crore (S$13.1 million) cyber scam involving Puducherry engineering students has been uncovered.

Students allegedly sold bank account details used to launder money via Dubai and China, reported NDTV. Seven people have been arrested.

Police seized cash, tech equipment, and documents. Key suspect Ganesan reportedly coordinated crypto conversions with foreign cybercriminals through Telegram.

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