Month: December 2025

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharply criticised the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, asserting that the original MGNREGA scheme, structured with the Centre paying the bulk of funds (often referred to as 90%), was the backbone of the rural economy and the greatest support for very poor people facing employment difficulties.

She warned the funding shift would burden states and harm the rural poor.

Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said,”This Bill is going to be very harmful for the poorest of the poor because the original MGNREGA scheme, the way it was structured – where the Centre paid 90% of the funds for it, was the backbone of the rural economy and the greatest support for the people who are very poor and had difficulty getting employment. For 20 years, this has been one of the good schemes which has run and helped poor people, especially those who have nothing. Now, in this new form of the Bill, when you cut down so much of the allocation from the funds from the Centre, the States are not going to be able to afford it. It means that the scheme will die and that is going to be very harmful.”

The remarks came as Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, with the Rajya Sabha approving the legislation following Lok Sabha’s nod.

Meanwhile, members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are staging a 12-hour dharna (sit-in protest) against the passing of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, also known as the VB-G RAM G Bill.

The dharna is taking place outside Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament complex against the Bill. This bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 18, 2025, and subsequently cleared by the Rajya Sabha early on December 19, amid significant opposition.

With the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill in both Houses and the Upper House adjourning until Friday afternoon, the passage was marked by protests from the Opposition benches, with members objecting to the manner in which the government pushed it through.

The Lok Sabha passed the bill amid protests, with opposition MPs tearing copies and throwing them in the air. The government maintains the bill will strengthen rural employment and livelihoods.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the bill will play an essential role in the welfare of the poor. He accused Congress of disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.

The Bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work.

As per Section 22 of the Bill, the fund-sharing pattern between the Central Government and the State Governments will be 60:40, while for the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and Union Territories (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir), it will be 90:10.

Section 6 of the Bill allows the state governments to notify in advance, a period aggregating to sixty days in a financial year, covering the peak agricultural seasons of sowing and harvesting.

Opposing the Bill, Congress announced a series of nationwide protests on December 17, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to “dismantle rights-based welfare”. (ANI)

Owing to cold weather in Northern India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Friday that airport operations across the country may be affected.

“Passengers are requested to remain in contact with their airlines, check official platforms for updates, and allow extra time for travel,” the ministry posted on X. “Passenger facilitation teams are available at airports to support travellers,” it added.

On Thursday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog across Northern India, advising passengers of low visibility and possible flight delays at several airports.

In a weather advisory posted on X, AAI said, “Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays.” The authority advised passengers to check their flight status with the airline before heading to the airport and to allow additional travel time.

“Passenger are advised to confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. Check the airport’s official website or social media handles for updates Plan your journey in advance and allow additional travel time,” AAI further said.

Meanwhile, IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, noting that early-morning fog in Delhi and across parts of northern India is affecting flight operations.

In a post on X, IndiGo wrote, “Early-morning fog in Delhi and across parts of northern India is reducing visibility and disrupting flight operations. We seek your understanding, as this is a seasonal occurrence, and flight movements are being managed accordingly to ensure safe and orderly operations. Customers travelling in the early hours may experience delays or revised timings. We recommend checking the latest flight status prior to leaving for the airport, goindigo.in/flight-status.”

The airline is monitoring the weather, coordinating with authorities, and adjusting operations to help passengers.

Additionally, Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport said operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to low visibility.

CAT III is a category of Instrument Landing System (ILS) that offers lower minimums for visibility and decision height. CAT III permits almost-zero-visibility landings in some cases. Advanced equipment and pilot training are required for CAT III approaches.

“Dense fog is impacting flight schedules, and operations are currently under CAT III conditions. Our on-ground teams are working in close coordination with all stakeholders to assist passengers and provide necessary support across all terminals. For real-time flight updates, please reach out to your respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding,” the airport said in a statement.

These advisories come as dense fog continues to envelope Delhi and northern India, reducing visiblity in the early morning hours and disrupting flight and airport operations.

The national capital, Delhi, woke up to poor air quality on Friday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 387 at around 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (ANI)

It was undoubtedly a star-studded evening at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School on Thursday as several Bollywood celebrities stepped out to attend their children’s annual day function.

In visuals captured by Mumbai-based paparazzi, B-town celebs were spotted arriving at the campus, many of them accompanied by family members, as they gathered to cheer for their kids’ performances.

Shah Rukh Khan was seen arriving with his wife, Gauri Khan, and daughter, Suhana Khan to support young AbRam. The family was clicked as they made their way into the school, as fans gathered outside to get a glimpse of their favourite star.

The Bachchan family was also present at the event. Big B, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were seen arriving together to cheer for Aaradhya Bachchan, who studies at the school.

Kareena Kapoor Khan was spotted attending the function to support her sons. The actor kept it casual yet stylish, wearing a dark pink shirt paired with blue denim as she arrived at the venue. She was accompanied by her sister Karisma Kapoor, who looked equally stunning.

Several other film personalities were also seen at the school on Thursday evening. Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor and Mira Kapoor were among the parents who attended the annual day celebrations to watch their children perform on stage.

Earlier this year, Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) was ranked ninth among International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) schools worldwide based on the IBDP Results 2025.

The list was released by Education Advisers UK. DAIS is the only Indian school to feature in the Global Top 10. The school has the largest IBDP cohort among all schools in the Top 10 list. (ANI)

The Rouse Avenue court on Thursday reserved an order on the applications of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi seeking the transfer of cases against her and her family members.

She has sought transfer of CBI and ED cases linked with the IRCTC hotel tenders case and land for a job. The court is to pronounce an order tomorrow at 2 PM. Principal District and Session judge Dinesh Bhatt on Thursday reserved an order on pleas of Rabri Devi after receiving the comments of the concerned Judge who is hearing the cases.

After hearing the arguements of counsel for Rabri Devi, CBI and others at length, the court reserved the order for Friday. Rabri Devi has moved four pleas for the transfer of four matters linked with the IRCTC hotel corruption case and the Land for Job corruption cases pending before the special court.

During arguments, Senior Advocate on behalf of Rabri Devi submitted that they have no faith in the court hearing the case. The manner in which the proceedings were conducted demonstrates bias. He had also submitted that the bias was “observed, felt, and suffered. Biased is deliberate”.

Senior Advocate Maninder Singh alongwith with Ekta Vats, Varun Jain and Navin Kumar for Rabri Devi. The high court earlier passed an order that no final order on the charge will be passed without hearing the accused persons on the point of sanction. The cognisance could not be taken as there was no sanction, the senior advocate had submitted.

“We had moved an application that the court has no jurisdiction to take cognisance, the same was kept pending. And charges framed against the applicant and others. My (Rabri Devi) life cannot be decided by a particular point of view of a judge,” said the senior advocate.

Senior advocate had further submitted, “It was duty of the judge to not to curtail my right. My right was curtailed by keep pending my application. It was also submitted that during strike, adjournment were given in other cases, I (Rabri Devi) was compel to argue. What is special in this case?”

“The court waited till the election began in Bihar to pronounce order on charge. The entire Lalu family was made to come to Delhi to attend order on charge,” a senior advocate submitted.

“In normal practice, accused are not asked to be present during order on charge. They are required to be present during framing of charges,” senior counsel added.

He further submitted, “I as Rabri Devi don’t expect fair trial from the court. Court is not following the dictum of the Supreme Court; I have no faith. If we don’t have faith in the court than there is no point to argue. The court may cancel my bail for purportedly for delaying the trial.

“It is not a civil case, it is criminal case, the only result is the jail. If, I (Rabri Devi) will be convicted, will be sent to jail, I have no faith,” senior advocate said.

Senior advocate Sadan Farasat argued on behalf of other accused who are respondents in the transfer application. It was submitted that the manner in which the proceedings took place itself shows the bias. Special public prosecutor (SPP) D P Singh, alongwith Manu Mishra appeared for the CBI. The applications were opposed by the CBI.

The special public prosecutor for CBI argued that the application is a forum-shopping exercise aimed at demeaning the judge and interfering with the administration of justice.

He also submitted that Rabri Devi’s plea casts unwarranted aspersions on the judiciary and seeks to browbeat the trial court.

He had argued that the special judge had followed the procedure established by superior courts and consistent judicial practice, and that an accused cannot choose a forum or undermine a judicial officer because the proceedings are not going in their favour.

“You cannot bulldoze a court. You cannot go forum shopping. You cannot demean a judge,” Singh told the court, asserting that such attempts directly affect the independence and dignity of the judicial process.

Responding to Rabri Devi’s allegation that Judge Vishal Gogne deliberately delayed the order on framing of charges in the IRCTC corruption case to coincide with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Bihar elections, Singh said the claim was baseless.

He clarified that the court had only sought clarifications from the investigating agency, which was a legitimate judicial exercise.

“These clarifications were sought for the court’s clarity and conscience. It is the duty of the judge to ask questions,” Singh had submitted.

The CBI further contended that Rabri Devi’s transfer plea was intended to delay the proceedings at a crucial stage. Referring to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Singh pointed out that arguments on the framing of charges must be concluded within 60 days. In contrast, more than two years have elapsed.

He emphasised that the inconvenience faced by an accused during trial cannot be a ground for seeking transfer of a case, and that such pleas undermine the dignity of the court and obstruct the course of justice.

Rabri Devi, in her plea, has sought the transfer of four cases pending before Judge Gogne, in which she and several of her family members are accused. These include the IRCTC scam case, the alleged land-for-jobs case, and the related money-laundering proceedings.

On October 13, Judge Gogne framed criminal charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in the IRCTC case.

In her transfer application, Rabri Devi has alleged that the special judge is biased and conducting the trials with a premeditated mind, claiming that he is “unduly inclined” towards the prosecution and that his conduct has created a reasonable apprehension of bias. The CBI has denied the allegations, terming them an attempt to scandalise the court and delay the trial. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday flagged off new electric buses and an interstate bus service from ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) in the national capital. The new interstate bus service, Delhi-Dharuhera, aims to enhance connectivity between the two cities.

During the event, the Delhi CM described the service as critical to inter-state connectivity. She said that electric buses are the most effective way to eradicate pollution.

“Today, we are starting Delhi Interstate Bus, which is Delhi-Dharuhera… this in itself is a very important step for interstate connectivity… And with this, 100 new EV buses will be added to the roads from today… The most effective solution to eradicate pollution is that the public transport system should be improved, so that most people leave their private vehicles and join our public transport system,” CM Rekha Gupta said.

Furthermore, the Delhi CM stated that the Delhi government has been working to increase the number of electric buses in the city, with the current fleet of 3400 EV buses expected to increase further by next year. Gupta announced that the government plans to make the entire bus fleet fully EV.

She also informed that the university bus service, which was shut down during the previous government, has been restarted.

“Given the government’s ongoing efforts to improve Delhi’s transport system, I would like to point out a few points. First, the number of EV buses currently stands at 3400, which will increase by next year, and efforts will be made so that our entire bus fleet is fully EV… Apart from this, the university buses, which had been shut down for many years during the previous government’s rule, have been restarted. Charging stations are being installed for our EVS. The electric fleet we are deploying now needs bus depots equipped with charging facilities. Therefore, we are renovating all bus depots and installing charging stations there.” CM Gupta said.

The CM also highlighted other initiatives, including the construction of new automatic testing centres and a new pink card system for women, which will allow them to travel for free.

She claimed that vehicles were roaming across Delhi “without pollution certificates”. CM Rekha informed that updated automatic testing centres are being built in Nand Nagri, Tehkhand, and Burari.

“Due to a shortage of centres in Delhi, pollution certificates were in short supply. As a result, vehicles were roaming the roads without a pollution certificate… Now, an updated automatic testing centre will be built in Nand Nagri, Tehkhand, and Burari… Delhi’s sisters, who are currently exempt from paying for bus travel, will soon benefit from a new pink card system. This system will eliminate the need to purchase tickets repeatedly. They will only need to swipe their card once to travel multiple times in a day..,” CM Rekha added.

Gupta also mentioned the government’s efforts to improve the metro system, saying, “The fourth phase of the metro system is being fully supported by the Delhi government, which is providing all its financial support to the metro system… a large budget has been set for the metro system… All of our ISBTs, we are continuously trying to take their renovation work forward… We are developing Sarai Kaale Khan, Anand Vihar, using the latest technology to significantly expand its current capacity.”

The event was attended by Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, who flagged off the new buses along with the CM. (ANI)

Actor Nidhhi Agerwal was left visibly shaken after being surrounded and mobbed by an unruly crowd during a promotional event in Hyderabad.

The incident took place during the launch of the song ‘Sahana Sahana’ from her upcoming film ‘The Raja Saab.’

Videos now circulating on social media show the situation at the venue turning chaotic, making it difficult for the actor to leave safely after the event.

The videos show Nidhhi struggling to reach her car as a large crowd closed in around her. Despite the presence of people escorting her, the actor appeared uncomfortable and terrified as she tried to move through the tightly packed group.

In no time, clips from the event began spreading on social media, drawing strong reactions from users who raised concerns over safety at public events.

Several users described the scene as “terrifying,” with one commenting that such behaviour goes beyond fan culture and amounts to harassment. Another user said that mobbing an actress at a public function was “scary and unacceptable.”

‘The Raja Saab,’ directed by Maruthi, is a horror-fantasy drama slated for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026. The film stars Prabhas in the lead, alongside Nidhhi Agerwal, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar.

Earlier this year, the teaser for the film was released, showing Prabhas in a light-hearted role before the story takes a darker turn. (ANI)

Union Agricultural Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday slammed the Congress over the ruckus in Parliament and tearing a copy of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, stating that the INDIA bloc MPs undermined the integrity of democracy.

Addressing a press conference after the Lok Sabha passed the VB-G RAM-G Bill amid uproar from the Opposition, Shivraj Chouhan criticised the INDIA bloc MPs’ behaviour during his address in the Lower House, while backing the legislation, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The Union Minister termed the alleged tearing of the Bill and MPs getting onto the tables as “murder of Bapu’s ideals.”

He said, “The behaviour of the opposition in the Lok Sabha today, including members of the Congress and the INDIA Alliance, has undermined the integrity of our democracy. Parliamentary decorum has been thoroughly disregarded. Democracy has been transformed into mobocracy. There was a discussion on VB-G RAM-G Bill yesterday, which went on until 1:30 am. We listened carefully to the opposition. I said I would answer each question, but I should be heard. But pages were torn, and they got onto the tables. Isn’t it a murder of Bapu’s (Mahatma Gandhi) ideals?”

Defending the Bill, he stated that rural development schemes have evolved over time, and the VB-G RAM-G scheme will provide an employment guarantee of 125 days, compared with 100 days under MGNREGA.

Addressing the issue of 60:40 share of funds between the Centre and the state governments, the Union Minister said that the Centre’s share exceeds Rs 95,000 crore out of the total proposed Rs 1,51,282 crore.

He said, “You speak your view, but do not let others speak. Isn’t it immoral? I condemn their actions. There have been many schemes for rural development. One scheme runs for a few days and then changes, like Sampoorn Gramin Rojgar Yojana, Jawahar Rojgar Yojana, and then MNREGA came. It was not named after Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, so was it an insult to him? Welfare of the poor is a resolve of the BJP, and many schemes were brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is why 25 crore people have been uplifted from the poverty line.”

“Viksit Gaon for Viksit Bharat is a resolve for Modi ji. There was an employment guarantee for 100 days, which has been raised to 125 days, and to support this expansion, adequate funds have been proposed, totalling Rs 1,51,282 crore. Of this amount, the Centre’s share exceeds Rs 95,000 crore,” the BJP leader said.

Earlier today, the Lower House of the Parliament passed the Bill with a voice vote while the Opposition protested, showing posters of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Opposition MPs demanded that the Bill be sent to a Standing Committee for further consideration.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed strong opposition to the Bill passed in the Lok Sabha, saying the legislation threatens the future of MGNREGA.

Addressing reporters, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated, “We will protest against this bill. With this bill, MGNREGA will end in the coming months. The moment the burden shifts to the states, this scheme will gradually end. This bill is against the poor.”

She further highlighted concerns that the bill’s implementation would place undue responsibility on state governments, potentially undermining the welfare scheme that supports millions of rural households across the country.

“However, you look at it, and any sensible person will understand this, this is a clever trick involving 100 to 125 days. If anyone reads this bill, it will become crystal clear that this entire scheme will end in the coming months. Because as soon as the burden of providing this much money falls on the state governments, the scheme will gradually come to an end,” she said. (ANI)

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said the party is providing an aid of Rs 2 lakh to the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) amid reported deaths during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav asked the Election Commission to support the families of the deceased BLOs.

He said, “We are giving an aid of Rs 2 Lakh. We have demanded that the Election Commission help his family.”

Further alleging “vote theft” by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Yadav claimed that the party is receiving threats to remove its voters from the electoral roll.

“The CM himself has accepted (vote theft). We are getting threats that they will remove our votes. The Election Commission should take action on people like that,” the SP chief said.

Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav had also raised concerns in Parliament over the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) engaged in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh, urging the Centre to extend financial and institutional support to their families.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on electoral reforms, the SP Chief said, “Till now, 10 BLOs have lost their lives in the state during the ongoing SIR process. We demand that families of the deceased BLOs be given Rs 1 crore as ex-gratia amount and a government job be given to one member of the deceased’s family.”

Uttar Pradesh received an extension of 15 days for the enumeration period of the SIR exercise, which will now end on December 26, and draft rolls will be published on December 31, ECI said in a press note.

Meanwhile, as per the revised schedule, the draft roll for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat will be published on December 19. The enumeration period for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will end on December 18, with the draft rolls on December 23.

The enumeration period for Kerala will end on December 18, and the draft roll will be published on December 23. The final electoral roll will now be published on February 21, 2026, instead of February 14, 2026. (ANI)