India News
AAP Dominates Punjab Local Body Elections with Victories in Over 900 Zones
Dec 18, 2025 01:09 am CST
The counting of votes for Punjab's zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections shows AAP securing significant victories, winning 60 out of 71 declared zila parishad zones and 867 out of 1,875 panchayat samiti zones. Opposition parties have raised concerns about transparency in the counting process, with allegations of unauthorized access to counting centers.
Shashi Tharoor Criticizes SHANTI Nuclear Bill as "Dangerous Leap" with Inadequate Safety Measures
Dec 17, 2025 10:49 pm CST
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the government's SHANTI nuclear energy bill, calling it a "dangerous leap into privatized nuclear expansion" that lacks adequate safeguards. The bill would allow private entities to operate across the nuclear fuel cycle with minimal oversight and caps liability at just $460 million, despite nuclear disasters like Fukushima costing hundreds of billions to remediate. Tharoor warns that profit motives should not override public safety and environmental protection.
Climate Change Threatens Kashmir's Tourism: Omar Abdullah Calls for Sustainable Adventure Tourism Diversification
Dec 17, 2025 10:22 pm CST
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addresses climate change's impact on Kashmir's tourism industry, highlighting diminishing snowfall in Gulmarg and advocating for tourism diversification. Speaking at the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India convention, Abdullah emphasized the need for sustainable tourism strategies including artificial snow technologies while acknowledging recent challenges to the sector and forecasting possible relief with expected snowfall ahead of holiday celebrations.
34 Congress MLAs Temporarily Suspended in Chhattisgarh Assembly Over Allegations of Investigative Agency Misuse
Dec 17, 2025 10:19 pm CST
The Chhattisgarh Assembly witnessed turmoil as 34 Congress MLAs were suspended after protesting alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government. Former CM Bhupesh Baghel claimed investigative bodies were being weaponized to target opposition, citing his son's ED arrest and manipulation of witness statements. The suspension was later revoked after Congress members, who had entered wearing "Satyamev Jayate" posters, walked out following failed attempts to discuss their adjournment motion.
Tamil Nadu High Court Confronts State Officials Over Failure to Implement Karthigai Deepam Lighting Order
Dec 17, 2025 10:06 pm CST
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has questioned Tamil Nadu officials for allegedly failing to implement a judicial order permitting the lighting of Karthigai Deepam on a disputed pillar near a dargah at Thiruparankundram hill. The contempt hearing involves senior state officials and highlights tensions between religious practices and administrative decisions in the region.
Bengaluru Apartment Association Charged for Operating Illegal Justice System and Concealing Serious Crimes
Dec 17, 2025 10:05 pm CST
Police in Bengaluru have filed criminal charges against Provident Sunworth Apartment Association and its security contractor for creating an unauthorized justice system that concealed serious offenses including sexual assault and drug crimes. The association allegedly imposed fines up to Rs 25,000 instead of reporting incidents to authorities, raising significant legal and safety concerns in the residential community.
P Chidambaram Calls MGNREGA Renaming "Second Assassination of Gandhi": Analysis of Rural Employment Bill Changes
Dec 17, 2025 10:03 pm CST
Former Union Minister P Chidambaram criticizes the government's decision to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA), calling it an attempt to erase Gandhi's legacy. The new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill not only changes the name but also fundamentally alters the program's structure, raising concerns about its impact on rural livelihood security and accessibility for India's poor.
Punjab Kabaddi Player Murder: Main Suspect Killed in Police Encounter Following Tournament Shooting
Dec 17, 2025 10:03 pm CST
The main suspect in the murder of 30-year-old kabaddi player Kanwar Digvijay Singh was killed in a police encounter in Punjab's Mohali. The victim was shot during a kabaddi tournament, with police identifying three suspects connected to a gang allegedly seeking dominance over the sport in the region. Two police officers were injured during the encounter with the primary suspect, who had a significant criminal history.
India's Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill: Opening Nuclear Sector to Private Players While Targeting 100 GW Capacity by 2047
Dec 17, 2025 10:01 pm CST
The Lok Sabha has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, allowing private participation in the civil nuclear sector. Union Minister Jitendra Singh described it as milestone legislation aimed at helping India achieve its target of 100 GW atomic energy generation by 2047, while opposition parties express concerns about diluted nuclear liability provisions.
Karnataka Implements Ban on Pigeon Feeding in Public Spaces Due to Significant Health Risks
Dec 17, 2025 09:43 pm CST
Karnataka government has enacted a ban on pigeon feeding in public areas due to serious health concerns including respiratory issues from bird droppings. The new regulations establish designated feeding zones managed by recognized organizations, limited feeding hours, and strict enforcement measures including fines and potential prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for those violating these public health protections.