NEW DELHI: Air India Express grounded a senior pilot rostered for duty on Friday after he allegedly assaulted a passenger in front of his family at Delhi airport’s T1 over the latter being allowed to use a security-check lane where aircraft crew and other staff supposedly get priority.Passenger Ankit Dewan accused Captain Virender Sejwal, en route to Bengaluru by IndiGo to join duty, of leaving him with a bloodied face when he called him out for allegedly “cutting the queue”. He said the pilot retorted that the lane was meant for staff and asked him if he was “anpadh” (illiterate), triggering what was initially a verbal altercation.Sources said Sejwal, seen in a blood-smeared white shirt in pictures posted by Dewan on his X handle, allegedly struck the passenger when the latter used “foul language for his ailing mother.” Security personnel intervened and the pilot flew to Bengaluru, but was barred from operating the flight he was to pilot from there. AI Express issued a statement later that Sejwal had been grounded pending an inquiry.Dewan, who describes himself as a “credit card & miles enthusiast” in his bio on X, posted on Friday night that he was to board a SpiceJet flight with his wife, daughter and an infant when the fracas took place.The passenger said airport staff guided him and his family to that security-check “because we had a 4-month-old baby in a stroller”. Dewan wrote that he had to “see a doctor” on reaching his destination and that his “seven-year-old daughter, who saw her father get assaulted brutally, is still traumatised & scared”.“I have no clue how DGCA and Air India Express can allow such pilots to fly. If they can’t keep their cool in a scuffle, can they be trusted with the lives of hundreds of people in the sky? How can Delhi airport get away with such mismanagement, combining staff entry with passengers carrying infants, creating chaos at a sensitive security area? I thought airports were safe places,” he said.Dewan claimed he was forced to write a letter stating that he wouldn’t pursue the case. “It was either write that letter or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakh holiday bookings down the drain. Delhi police, why can’t I file a complaint after coming back? Will the CCTV footage disappear in the two days till I make it back to Delhi?” he said.An AI Express spokesperson said the airline “remains committed to ensuring that its employees act responsibly at all times”.“We are aware of an incident involving one of our employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline… We unequivocally condemn such behaviour…Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry.”

NOIDA: Amit Kumar could not go back to Faridabad. Sachin Kumar could not return home to Dehradun. Manish Tripathi was told driving on the route he has been taking every day for years would incur a Rs 10,000 fine.It was a second day of arguments and confusion at the capital’s borders, where police continued to enforce Delhi govt’s ban on non-BS 6 vehicles from other states, interrupting daily commutes and derailing another workday.Traffic volume at the Kalindi Kunj, Chilla, DND and Ghazipur borders was, however, visibly lower on Friday compared to Thursday, when the ban was first implemented and led to traffic jams, possibly because some took the work-from-home option and some switched to metro.But at borders that lakhs of vehicles travel between Delhi and NCR cities daily, it still left a very high number of troubled commuters as cops scanned the number series of each car and then asked for papers.Driving back after a night shift at his office in Noida, Amit Kumar was told he could not proceed home to Faridabad. His Santro, a Haryana-registered BS 4 vehicle, was barred from entering Delhi. “I came to Noida on Thursday evening without any checking. Now they are not allowing me to go home,” an incredulous Kumar said, adding he was advised to park his car at the nearby metro station and buy a train ticket for Faridabad.Sachin Kumar, who had driven to Noida from Dehradun for a business meeting, also had a BS 4 car that was flagged down. “I was not aware that BS 4 vehicles are not allowed to enter Delhi,” he said. The options given to him were to either cool his heels in Noida for a while or take a long detour via Eastern Peripheral Expressway to avoid passing through the capital.“You want to cut down on pollution, and at the same time, make us drive many more kilometres on the road? How does that make sense?” another distraught commuter asked, only to be met by a poker face. Many had the same question: why force circuitous detours, burning double or more than usual fuel, if the point is to curb pollution?At DND Flyway, police personnel stood near the toll plaza, stopping vehicles for inspection. “We are entering registration numbers into a mobile app to verify emission standards,” a traffic cop said.Tripathi, a Greater Noida West resident, said he was stopped on the Flyway while driving to his office in south Delhi. “I have a valid pollution under control (PUC) for my BS 4 Ertiga but police stopped me and threatened a Rs 10,000 challan before asking me to take a U-turn,” he said. “This uncertainty has badly disrupted office commutes. Ad hoc enforcement cannot be a long-term solution.”Nilesh Sharma, a daily commuter to Delhi from the 7x sectors in the city, said contradictory instructions from Noida and Delhi police left him stranded on DND for nearly 20 minutes. Driving his BS 4 EcoSport to his office in ITO, he said he was told by Noida police that petrol BS 4 cars with a valid PUC were permitted, only for Delhi cops to stop him. “I had no option but to return home and take my bike,” he said. “I reached office late, missed an important meeting and lost work hours. This lack of coordination is deeply frustrating — commuters are paying the price for official confusion.”Chilla border had two-tier barricading by Noida and Delhi police to screen vehicles entering the capital. Motorists said limited public awareness had added to the confusion.Police officers acknowledged that the checks led to congestion but said traffic flow improved as the day progressed, thanks to fewer vehicles on the road. Noida DCP (traffic) Pravin Ranjan Singh said while non-compliant vehicles were told to turn back, fines were issued selectively, mainly when drivers argued with personnel or caused a disturbance during checks. “Some violators were fined up to Rs 10,000,” he said.By 6pm, police had fined 486 vehicles and forced 591 more to take U-turns from the Delhi entry points in Noida. Challans were issued to 207 other vehicles for violations of PUC norms.In Delhi, traffic police checked at least 5,037 vehicles across 13 circles, turning back 419 and issuing 374 challans, officials said. Narela saw the highest number of checks at 1,682 vehicles, followed by Najafgarh (689) and Kapashera (518). Most vehicles were turned back from Najafgarh (134), while Shahdara topped the list for enforcement action, with 114 challans issued, followed by Mayur Vihar, Kapashera and Kalyanpuri.Delhi ACP (traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta said the drive involved extensive preparation, with 37 Prakhar vans and over 500 personnel deployed at major borders and key stretches to enforce the order and guide motorists. Enforcement is expected to continue in the coming days, with officials urging commuters to check emission compliance before travel and use alternative routes or public transport where possible.—With inputs from Ayantika Pal in Noida & Ishita Jairath in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Raising the battle stakes over MGNREGA with the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Friday said Congress will force the Modi govt to withdraw the disbanding of the job guarantee scheme, with the party warning that farmers’ protest forced the Centre to roll back the “three black farm laws”. ‘Congress also warned that after MGNREGA, the BJP will target the acts on forest rights, food security and land acquisition, while RTI has already been hollowed out.In comments issued while abroad, Rahul said MGNREGA provided the vulnerable sections with “leverage” and “bargaining power” which brought down “exploitation” and distress migration, while improving wages and working conditions.“That leverage is precisely what this govt wants to break … Prime Minister Modi’s targets are clear: weaken labour, weaken the leverage of rural India, especially Dalits, OBCs and adivasis,” he said, adding the VB-G RAM G will enfeeble the job guarantee that was “rural poor’s last line of defence”, and is “anti-state and anti-village”.Rahul’s statement of intent – he did not participate in the LS debate as he is in Germany for an international political meeting – came as the Congress Working Committee is set to meet on Dec 27, likely to discuss an action plan for a nationwide stir. Congress MPs Jairam Ramesh and Manickam Tagore warned, “Farmers protested and forced the PM to roll back the three farm laws. The CWC will hopefully come out with an action plan on how to raise the issue.”The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha added, “We will stand with workers, panchayats and states to defeat this move and build a nationwide front to ensure this law is withdrawn.”With a joint protest inside the Parliament chambers, the opposition believes the issue can serve as an important outreach to the weaker sections while papering over the divisions that mar the anti-BJP bloc. The opposition members have in recent days spoken about the protests against the land acquisition bill and the farm laws, to argue that weakening of the job scheme structure will have resonance with the poor who have come to depend on MGNREGA. Jairam Ramesh said, “Like the three black farm laws were to impact the farmers, this G Ram G law will hurt the vulnerable sections.”That advocacy groups and NGOs will complement their effort in taking the message to target groups has only bolstered their hope of an effective agitation.

Inside how Travis Kelce earned Taylor Swift’s family approval (Image via: Getty Images)

Taylor Swift’s Disney+ docuseries, Taylor Swift: The End of an Era, has provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at how her relationship with Travis Kelce began. In episode four, titled “Thank You for the Lovely Bouquet,” Taylor, 36, and her mother, Andrea Swift, revealed the story of how the Kansas City Chiefs star first caught Andrea’s attention, ultimately setting the stage for the couple’s romance.The episode delves into the intricacies of being a celeb and having a relationship, showcasing the beginning of one of the most popular relationships within pop culture. Travis Kelce, at the age of 36, impressed people with his candor and even more so with a gesture that actually brought out his sincerity and integrity, winning over Taylor’s family even before this power couple began dating.

How Travis Kelce won over Taylor Swift’s family and became the perfect match

Andrea Swift actually spotted Travis through headlines and internet posts where he went to one of Taylor’s concerts with a friendship bracelet indicating his interest. She decided to inquire more through her cousin Robin, an expert on the Kansas City Chiefs, about the background of Kelce. Andrea’s attention was immediately drawn by the fact that Travis is “the nicest guy” and “the one who really loves his mom,” as described by Robin, a huge green flag for Andrea.Taylor confessed that she had hesitations regarding dating a sportsman as she had apprehensions regarding finding common interests. Andrea’s advice helped her overcome this apprehension. It was considered a heartwarming move on the part of Kelce as he brought a friendship bracelet. Their first date involved Travis explaining football to Taylor, whom he described as “violent chess,” sparking her curiosity and a newfound passion for the sport.The relationship quickly shifted Taylor’s energy and outlook. After two breakups earlier in the tour, she described Kelce as a “yes guy” who embraced life’s experiences and thrived in the spotlight. Andrea could see that he brought immense happiness into Taylor’s life, as well as into the lives of those around him, because he was among the happiest individuals Andrea had ever encountered in her life.Their engagement, which was announced in August of 2025, is a reflection of a relationship that is a mix of celebrity, sportsmanship, and a real connection, says the docuseries episode, which emphasizes the important role that considerate actions and approval by the families had in bringing these two worlds together.Also Read: Taylor Swift quietly joins Travis Kelce’s high school football reunion offering fans a rare look at life beyond the spotlight

Constipation, marked by irregular and hard defecations, is a common problem with respect to digestion that can occur in anyone. Though constipation may, at times, be a common occurrence, it can be a major life-altering situation if it is a regular occurrence. Among the best ways to ensure that this problem is avoided and eliminated is through food. It is important to remember that food can both be a source of solutions to this problem and, at times, be a cause of this problem. A balanced intake of foods that are rich in fibers such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, along with regular exercise, can help ensure that individuals have regular bowel movements.

Understanding how diet and fibre influence constipation and gut motility

There are several causes of constipation, and some of them include a sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, and some intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Food is a crucial component, as fiber is a huge component of a person’s faeces. Fiber has numerous functions, including enhancing gut flora by promoting a good balance of gut bacteria. In addition, fiber enhances gut motility, defined as the coordinated contraction of muscles in the intestines that propel food through.

Fibre has two types: soluble fibre and insoluble fibre. Both help in the treatment of constipation.On the other hand, insoluble fibers work by adding size, passing largely unchanged through the colon intact, and can be found in foods like the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables, leafy vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, and popcorn.Soluble fibre can be dissolved in water to form a gel-like texture, which makes defecation easier. These types of foods are oats, apples, bananas, vegetables, and grains. Certain foods, for instance, apples and potatoes, are high in both forms.

4 foods to consume to prevent constipation, bloating, and gas

According to John Hopkins Medicine, experts lists foods that helps to prevent constipation, bloating gas issues: Amongst the foods that can be relied upon for improving bowel regularity, oats reign because of the rich soluble fibre content, especially beta-glucan. When this type of soluble fibre enters the digestive tract, it mixes with water and forms a soft, gel-like substance that increases the volume of stool and adds moisture. That makes it easier to go into the toilet and push out with less need to strain. Besides, oats work like a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut, which is essential for digestion and the formation of stools. Oats consumed regularly will help maintain proper bowel movements and reduce episodes of constipation.The combination of dietary fibre and sorbitol makes prunes uniquely positioned to help alleviate constipation. The addition of fibre provides bulk to the stool, and the sorbitol draws water into the colon to soften the stool and stimulate the urge to go. Prunes also contain phenolic compounds that may support intestinal function. Due to this combined effect, prunes have often proved more effective than fibre alone and are able to give gentle, predictable relief if eaten regularly in moderate amounts.

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are examples of leafy greens that are rich in insoluble fibre, which is added to the stool for bulk and helps to accelerate the movement of food through the intestines. They also contain magnesium, an important mineral that relaxes the muscles within the intestines and promotes bowel contractions. Moreover, leafy greens have a high water content, further contributing to stool softness. Variety in different leafy greens at daily meals promotes smoother digestion and decreases constipation. Yoghurt with live probiotic cultures encourages a good balance of bacteria in the intestines, which is vital for one’s digestion. Some ‘good’ bacteria can digest food more rapidly and also regulate bowel movement. This will reduce gas production and bloating by influencing the gut’s fibre-processing patterns. Regular intake of this probiotic yoghurt will be especially helpful for those whose constipation is related to a disturbance in gut flora, thus bringing in both immediate digestive relief as well as long-term gut health.

How to increase fibre safely and use natural remedies for constipation relief

In the case of intermittent constipation, increasing high fiber diet may be adequate. However, in the case of chronic constipation, a planned effort with the help of a dietitian would be necessary. In such cases, women’s diet should consist of 25 to 30 grams of fiber, while men’s diet should consist of 30 to 38 grams of fiber. Too much fiber in the diet in a short time can lead to gas, distension, and cramps in the digestive tract. It is essential to increase the dietary fiber intake gradually.

Randi Mahomes thanks fans for their prayers as Patrick Mahomes begins rehab after season-ending knee surgery. (Image via Getty)

Patrick Mahomes is already in rehab after a season-ending left knee injury, and his mom is making it clear she is reading every message that comes in. Randi Mahomes posted public thanks this week after the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback underwent surgery, telling supporters she and her family appreciate the prayers and the words of encouragement.The update lands at the worst possible moment for Kansas City. Mahomes tore his left ACL and LCL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the loss pushed the Chiefs out of playoff contention for the first time in the Mahomes era.

Patrick Mahomes’ injury, surgery, and the timeline Kansas City is now staring at

Athlon Sports reported Mahomes suffered the injury against the Chargers and later underwent surgery on Monday. The report said the procedure was performed by Dallas Cowboys head physician and orthopedic surgeon Dan Cooper. Kansas City placed Mahomes on injured reserve, and the quarterback has already begun rehab.The medical timeline matters because it shapes everything the Chiefs do next. Chiefs vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder said the recovery expectation is nine months, though it could swing by a month or two in either direction, per USA Today. That puts Mahomes’ 2026 season availability at the center of every offseason decision, even if the team stays quiet publicly.Mahomes’ injury also closes the book on a season where he still produced. Athlon Sports noted he recorded 22 passing touchdowns and five rushing scores in 2025 before the knee gave out. Now the conversation shifts from stats to survival: how Kansas City steadies itself without the player it has been built around, and how quickly Mahomes can get back to full strength.The Chiefs missing the playoffs is the loudest headline. Athlon Sports called the Chargers loss the final blow to Kansas City’s postseason hopes. It is also a rare swing in the Mahomes era. Andy Reid’s teams had been a January constant, and Athlon Sports noted Kansas City reached the Super Bowl five times in the last six seasons, winning three. That is the standard Mahomes and the Chiefs are judged by, and it is why this injury lands like a crisis instead of a routine rehab story.

Randi Mahomes thanked supporters as Patrick Mahomes posted ‘why this had to happen’

The emotional side of this hit the public right away. TMZ reported Mahomes posted a message on X after the injury report became public, and he did not try to dress it up.“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes wrote. “And not going to lie, it’s hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again.” He also addressed the fan base directly in the same TMZ report.“Thank you, Chiefs kingdom, for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I will be back stronger than ever.”TMZ noted Randi Mahomes shared his message with a heart and prayer emoji, and her own posts kept the focus on gratitude. Athlon Sports reported she wrote a public message while also sharing about her “Home for the Holidays” event for the Kansas City community.“Thank you all for the prayers and kind messages for Patrick. We truly appreciate every one of them,” she wrote.Athlon Sports also reported she added a second note on her Instagram Stories. “Thank you for lifting Patrick up in prayer. We’re so thankful for this community.”That is the cleanest read on the moment. The family is not selling false optimism. They are acknowledging reality, leaning on faith, and keeping the message tight: Mahomes has surgery behind him, rehab in front of him, and a fan base watching every step.For the Chiefs, the next part is not dramatic. It is practical. Mahomes’ rehab is the story now, and the rest of the roster gets judged by how it responds to life without him. The one piece of good news, per Athlon Sports, is that Mahomes is on track to return to full health when the 2026 NFL season comes around. The rest is patience, and nine months can feel like forever when you are Kansas City.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP)

TL;DR: Driving the news

Parliament on Thursday passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, a landmark law that opens the country’s tightly controlled civil nuclear sector to private and foreign investment for the first time since Independence.The Rajya Sabha approved the bill by voice vote, defeating opposition demands to refer it to a standing committee. The Lok Sabha passed it a day earlier. Once the President gives assent, the bill becomes law.

“It marks a transformational moment for our technology landscape,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, linking the bill to India’s clean energy ambitions and global leadership in AI and green manufacturing.PM Modi added in his post on X: “My gratitude to MPs who have supported its passage. From safely powering AI to enabling green manufacturing, it delivers a decisive boost to a clean-energy future for the country and the world. It also opens numerous opportunities for the private sector and our youth. This is the ideal time to invest, innovate and build in India!”

Why it matters

The SHANTI Bill aims to supercharge India’s clean energy transition. It also enables India to scale from 8.9 GW of nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, requiring investments worth Rs 19.3 trillion ($214 billion), as Bloomberg reported.“This (nuclear energy) will be the most reliable, steady 24×7 source of energy, unlike some other renewable sources,” said Jitendra Singh, minister of state for Atomic Energy, defending the bill in Parliament.

At a time when power demand is exploding-driven by industrial growth, data centers, and urban expansion-the bill aims to ensure a firm, carbon-free power source, unlike solar or wind, which are intermittent.

Zoom in: What the SHANTI Bill actually does

This isn’t just about inviting private capital. The bill overhauls the entire nuclear governance architecture, combining safety, licensing, regulation, liability, and dispute resolution into one statute.

Private sector involvement is now a reality: Indian private firms are now permitted to construct, possess, and manage civil nuclear facilities. Foreign entities can also get involved through partnerships or joint ventures.Out with the old: The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act of 2010 are both being repealed, making way for a single, updated regulatory structure.Liability is being redefined: Operators’ liability is capped (for instance, Rs 3,000 crore for large reactors), and the government can establish a Nuclear Liability Fund to cover any claims that exceed this limit. Suppliers are generally protected from liability, unless their contracts specify otherwise.The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is now a statutory body, gaining legal independence as a safety regulator. This grants it the power to inspect, halt, or even shut down operations.A dual authorization system is being implemented. Nuclear plants will require both an operating license and a safety authorization. Every single action, from building to waste management, will need official approval.“The standard operating procedure explicitly states: ‘safety first, then production,'” Singh noted, emphasizing that India’s safety protocols remain firmly grounded in the Nehru-era approach.Dual authorization model: Plants will now need two clearances-a licence to operate and a safety authorisation. Every activity-from construction to waste storage-requires approval.“The SOP in place clearly mentions: ‘safety first, second production’,” said Singh, asserting that India’s safety standards are still rooted in the Nehru-era framework.

Between the lines

The bill is not just about clean energy-it’s about unlocking stalled mega-projects and repositioning India geopolitically.India’s 2010 liability law scared off global suppliers. Companies like GE, Westinghouse, and EDF shelved projects worth billions because of Section 17(b) of the CLND Act, which allowed victims to sue suppliers in case of a nuclear accident.That’s now gone.SHANTI removes this statutory risk, aligning India with global conventions like the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) and signalling to Washington, Paris, and Tokyo that India is open for business.

What they’re saying

Meanwhile, opposition MPs raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha, questioning the Centre’s decision to allow private players into the nuclear sector, warning it could affect the country’s sovereignty.“We are seeing profits being privatized, and risks being socialized,” warned Manoj Kumar Jha of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, referring to taxpayer-backed safety nets for private players.“The bill dismantles the liability framework established after the Bhopal gas tragedy,” said IUML’s Haris Beeran, adding, “Posterity will judge us very badly”.“The government comes up with an acronym first and then a policy,” said Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, accusing the BJP of rewriting history and ignoring contributions made before 2014.“It’s a milestone. We are now a first-line nation, not followers,” Jitendra Singh told Rajya Sabha, adding India’s global role in energy and climate has changed significantly.Participating in the debate, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose described the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill as not just flawed but “fundamentally dangerous.”“This Bill brings neither Shanti nor security… we are not debating whether India should pursue nuclear energy, India has always pursued nuclear energy responsibly for decades…” she said.“But as a country, are we now prepared to abdicate our sovereign responsibility, gamble with public safety and place one of the most sensitive sectors of the nation at the mercy of crony capitalism and government-friendly oligarchs as well as foreign pressure?”“This Bill is not reform, it is recklessness. This Bill is not for the public, it’s for profit,” she added.DMK MP P Wilson said the Bill is a “nuclear bomb which threatens the country’s peace and security”. He also demanded that the Bill be sent to a Select Committee of Parliament.AAP MP Sandeep Pathak questioned BJP-led Centre and pointed out that the saffron party had opposed India-US civil nuclear deal due to foreign involvement.“Do you accept the opposition at that time was political not ideological? If it was ideological, do you accept that you have changed your ideology?” he said.“Is it for money? Or do you think they will bring technology? We are importing a foreign model without importing their regulatory spine,” he added.

The big picture

India is betting on nuclear while the world is rediscovering it as a climate-friendly baseload power source.Global nuclear capacity could potentially exceed 860 GW by 2050, a projection fueled by AI, data centers, and the push for clean technology, as highlighted by Morgan Stanley Research in August.

Nations such as China, South Korea, and Japan are actively increasing their nuclear power capabilities. The US and EU are also showing interest in small modular reactors (SMRs), a trend the SHANTI Bill supports.India’s plans are in step with this global shift:

The Department of Atomic Energy reports that India’s nuclear energy budget has seen a significant increase, nearly tripling from Rs 13,879 crore in 2014 to Rs 37,483 crore in 2025.The safety-liability issue remains a point of contention.Critics argue that SHANTI weakens accountability standards.No strict criminal liability for suppliers.Operators face capped compensation.Victims have limited recourse.G Sundarrajan, an anti-nuclear activist, told the AP that the bill “takes away essential safeguards,” making it “nearly impossible” for radiation victims to seek legal redress.“This also provides little recourse for any Indian citizen to claim damages from nuclear companies,” he added.Union minister Singh, however, countered those concerns, stating, “Wide consultations were held… with industry leaders, scientific experts, startups, and ministries.”“We took more than a year, and the bill was framed with safety and global benchmarks in mind.”

Implications: Enter the SMR era

SHANTI’s strategic vision hinges on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These compact, factory-assembled reactors, each under 300 MW, are designed to power industrial hubs or remote areas.Consider these possibilities:

The legislation’s framework permits private ownership, licensing, and safety approvals for these installations, providing a competitive advantage in clean energy for heavy industries.According to Bloomberg, L&T is already exploring SMR technology.The geopolitical implications are significant.The SHANTI Bill extends beyond energy; it’s also a tool of foreign policy.By adhering to global standards for liability and safety, India is:Reviving the Westinghouse project in Andhra Pradesh, which had previously stalled.Reengaging in agreements with EDF, GE, and Rosatom.Strengthening strategic relationships with the United States, France, and Japan.This also positions India as a climate-conscious global leader, particularly in the lead-up to G20 follow-up meetings and COP summits.

Looking ahead:

How quickly are licenses granted? What are the specific safety requirements? Who will be the first to apply – Tata? Adani?Insurance: Who’s going to take on the nuclear risk? And are the premiums even realistic?Liability Fund: How does the funding work? What’s the process for payouts?AERB’s autonomy: Will it actually enforce the rules, or will it cave to political influence?Local opposition: Places like Kudankulam have seen protests. Could land acquisition and health concerns spark fresh conflicts?(With contributions from various sources)