The Times of India News

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.

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.

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.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has demanded an apology from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi following the surfacing of videos showing party workers chanting slogans to eliminate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rijiju stated that the BJP-NDA has never threatened anyone's life and questioned the Congress's mentality.

Congress expelled former MLA Mohammed Moquim for anti-party activities after he urged Sonia Gandhi to replace party president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing age and a need for young leaders. Moquim's letter highlighted recent electoral defeats and questioned leadership choices, drawing criticism from party officials who suggested he join the BJP.

Unaccounted Currency Notes Were Recovered From Official Residence

Proposed N-Law changes will help implement Indo-US deal, open doors for US investment

With Curbs On Immigration Rising In West, Indians Look To Explore East

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Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, a seasoned politician and revered six-time MLA, has sadly passed away at the age of 95 after battling age-related ailments. His commitment to the upliftment of education and community service marked his illustrious career. His departure is a significant loss for Karnataka's political landscape and the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, prompting leaders from all sides to express their condolences.

Telecom regulator Trai is clashing with the Department of Telecom over satellite spectrum charges. Trai objects to DoT's proposal for lower charges for state-owned BSNL, deeming it discriminatory to new entrants. Trai argues that preferential treatment for BSNL, even for strategic purposes, is unfair given evolving market dynamics and the need for a level playing field.

This bill marks Indias strongest legislative move yet to protect personal time in an always-connected digital work culture.

Do women end up paying hidden taxes just to survive? From the 'pink tax' to 'safety tax' and more, where women pay more for gendered products and essential safety measures. Does simply existing as a woman become financially and emotionally more expensive, a burden society continues to overlook but hard to escape.

The AAP leader's comments come a day after CM Gupta alleged that while Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are trying to fight pollution by staying in Delhi, Kejriwal simply abandons Delhi by taking a Vipassana every six months.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah congratulated Nitin Nabin on his appointment as BJP National Working President. Nabin, a five-time MLA and former Bihar minister, is lauded for his organizational experience and dedication. His political journey began in student politics, building a strong base before entering electoral politics and focusing on urban development.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that he skipped his son's operation to protest alleged vote chori and Special Intensive Revision, calling it crucial to save 140 crore people. He labelled BJP gaddars and dramebaaz, asserting only Congress ideology can protect the Constitution from being destroyed by the BJP's agenda. Rahul Gandhi was lauded for leading the fight.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed Bihar minister Nitin Nabin as its national working president, a significant organizational shift. Nabin, a four-time MLA from Patna's Bankipur constituency, brings extensive grassroots experience and a strong organizational background to the party's national leadership.

India has firmly rejected Bangladesh's interim government's assertions, stating New Delhi consistently supports free, fair, and inclusive elections in the neighboring country. India denied allowing its territory to be used for activities hostile to Bangladesh's interests and called on Dhaka to ensure internal law and order for peaceful elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which claimed 11 lives and injured 16 others. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, and India has expressed solidarity with Australia, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Nitin Nabin has been appointed as the new national working president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, succeeding JP Nadda. A PWD minister in Bihar and MLA from Patna's Bankipur constituency, Nabin's political journey began in student politics with the ABVP. He has established himself as a key urban and infrastructure leader since entering electoral politics in the late 2000s.

West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose has called the chaos at Lionel Messi's event a shame for Kolkata and football lovers. He demanded strict accountability, including a judicial inquiry and arrests of organizers, emphasizing the need for a standard operating procedure for managing large congregations to prevent public suffering during commercialized events.

Delhi-NCR's air quality has plunged to 'severe plus', prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to halt all outdoor sports activities. This directive, aimed at protecting children's health, comes as the strictest Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is enforced. Construction bans and truck entry restrictions are also in effect, with schools adopting hybrid learning.

Millions of Indian homes unknowingly waste electricity through 'phantom loads' and inefficient appliances, inflating bills and carbon emissions. From unplugged chargers to old refrigerators, these silent drains cost thousands annually. National Energy Conservation Day highlights the urgent need for awareness and simple, low-cost fixes to curb this widespread, invisible wastage.

PIB has debunked viral claims of a large-scale Chinese military build-up near Arunachal Pradesh. The government's fact-checking agency clarified that the circulated video depicts a routine exercise by the PLA's 78th Group Army, unrelated to the Indian border. Citizens are urged to verify information from official sources.

Thiruparankundram, a hill in Tamil Nadu with a history of religious coexistence, is now a flashpoint for political and legal battles. A dispute over lighting a sacred lamp during the Karthigai deepam festival has escalated, pitting the DMK against the BJP and raising questions about judicial authority and communal harmony.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi unit President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday criticised Chief Minister Rekha Gupta over the worsening air quality in the national capital, stating that she is unaware of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and its parameters, adding that she must leave the pollution problem for the experts to deal with.

Goa authorities are aggressively inspecting and sealing nightclubs for safety and licensing violations following a deadly fire. Teams are checking all establishments, with two already shut down for lacking fire safety and structural integrity. The crackdown aims to prevent further tragedies during the festive season, with liquor sales now restricted after 11 pm.

India has intensified its aid to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, deploying an Engineer Task Force to restore critical infrastructure and providing extensive medical support. The Indian Army is working with Sri Lankan counterparts to rebuild damaged bridges, while Operation Sagar Bandhu delivers essential medicines and humanitarian assistance, underscoring India's commitment to its neighbor's recovery.

The BJP has strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following chaos at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's visit. Leaders accused the state government of gross mismanagement, demanding accountability and punishment for those responsible. The incident saw fans protesting, leading to vandalism and a police baton charge, with many ticket holders unable to see the football star.

In a captivating viral video, an Indian vlogger shared his experience in Australia, where he stumbled upon a touching handwritten note on a car after a trivial parking accident. This simple yet profound act, complete with contact information for potential damage claims, stood in stark contrast to the reactions often seen in India.

The Congress is holding a major rally at Ramlila Maidan to protest alleged vote chori and issues with electoral rolls. Top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, will address the gathering. The party claims to have collected over five crore signatures nationwide, criticizing the Election Commission's neutrality and demanding electoral reforms.

VIPs Surround Stars, Block View From Stands

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in the 47th All India Public Relations Conference-2025 held at Hotel Emerald Grand on Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun.

West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose was denied entry to Salt Lake stadium after chaos erupted during a Lionel Messi event. He deemed the incident an affront to his constitutional office and sought an explanation, vowing to inspect the site to finalize his report. The Governor also demanded accountability for the mismanagement and police failures.