Opposition MPs protested in Lok Sabha as the government tabled the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, aiming to replace MGNREGA. Concerns were raised over removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and weakening the legal right to employment, with demands for committee scrutiny.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Centre of attempting to dismantle the MGNREGA by renaming it to G RAM G. She warned that proposed changes, including shifting financial burden to states and centralizing decision-making, could lead to the scheme's collapse and eventual scrapping, despite claims of expanding employment days.

West Bengal authorities have issued show-cause notices to top police officials, including the DGP and Bidhannagar CP, following chaos during the Lionel Messi GOAT Tour event. Lapses in crowd control, security, and coordination led to disorder, vandalism, and the early termination of the program, prompting administrative action and an inquiry.

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has reportedly offered to resign following allegations of mismanagement and security lapses at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata. The move comes after angry spectators clashed with police, causing significant damage to stadium property. A Trinamool Congress leader shared a purported resignation letter, though its authenticity is being questioned.

Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that reducing air pollution within 9-10 months is unrealistic, apologizing for the current smog. He blamed the previous AAP government for the pollution crisis, claiming his administration is working to fix it.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor explained his absence from the party's «Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod» rally, citing a prior international commitment made six months ago. He assured that there were no issues from his side, despite recently skipping other party meetings and praising Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman, marking a significant bilateral visit to strengthen ties and discuss regional stability, particularly concerning Gaza. The leaders celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations and explored enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including counter-terrorism efforts and economic partnerships.

The Supreme Court urged the Centre and Tamil Nadu to avoid making the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) school establishment a language issue. Justices emphasized focusing on rural students' education and suggested the state present its two-language policy for consideration, viewing it as an opportunity, not an imposition.

Amid a barrage of AI deepfakes, U Sudhakar Reddy of STOI looks at how celebrities and courts are taking recourse to existing laws to counter the menace and protect their rights

The Indian Army displayed a Turkish-made Yiha kamikaze drone, shot down on May 10 during a conflict with Pakistan. Launched from Lahore with a 10-kg explosive payload, the drone was intended for Jalandhar but was intercepted by Army Air Defence. Pakistan deployed numerous such drones during the clashes.

The NIA has filed a chargesheet naming seven accused, including LeT and TRF, in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The chargesheet identifies Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt and three slain Pakistani terrorists, along with two locals who harbored them. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.

Security forces have established contact with terrorists in the Majalta area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began after a cordon-and-search operation, with intermittent firing reported. Reinforcements have been deployed, and escape routes are blocked.

Thane Regional Mental Hospital is undergoing redevelopment. This plan involves cutting down over half of its trees. This action will impact the environment and the therapeutic benefits nature provides to patients. Experts suggest decentralizing the hospital to preserve green spaces. The loss of these trees affects local biodiversity and urban well-being.

Delhi schools are shifting students up to Class V to online learning due to severe air pollution, with the AQI reaching 498. Physical classes for younger children are suspended until further notice. Older students (Class VI and above) will continue with existing arrangements. Authorities advise precautions as pollution is expected to remain high.

The government is set to repeal the MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, and introduce the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. This new legislation aims to provide 125 days of wage employment annually to rural households, shifting from an entitlement-based safety net to a future-oriented development mission aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reposted a thread comparing his political approach to Rahul Gandhi's, calling the analysis «fair» and «reflective of a certain perception of the current reality.» The thread criticized Gandhi's rural-centric policies as «devastating» and highlighted Tharoor's alignment with his background and audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, countries with deep historical and contemporary ties to India. The visits, spanning December 15-18, aim to bolster bilateral relations, commemorate diplomatic milestones, and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including trade and defense.

Former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim was expelled from the party for «anti-party» activities after he wrote to Sonia Gandhi expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership and recent electoral losses. Moquim defended his actions, stating he offered suggestions for reform as a true Congress worker.