The Centre has rejected claims that new rules will allow large-scale mining in the Aravalli region. It said over 90 per cent of the area will remain protected. The government cited a Supreme Court-approved framework that freezes new mining leases. Mining will stay banned until a full management plan is ready. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said no relaxation has been given. He added that only 0.19 per cent of the region may be eligible for mining. The Centre said the new definition removes confusion and stops misuse. Illegal mining remains the main concern. (PC: NDTV)

Parents of children with thalassemia in India are devastated after their children tested HIV positive. Five children in Madhya Pradesh and five in Jharkhand were found infected during routine tests. The children depend on regular blood transfusions to survive. Authorities have ordered probes into blood banks and hospitals involved. Health officials said treatment has started and the children are stable. Parents fear social stigma and loss of schooling. Activists say the cases expose gaps in blood screening. They have urged faster passage of stronger blood safety laws. (PC: BBC)

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025. The law replaces the MGNREGA scheme.   The new law raises guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days for rural families. It changes funding to a 60:40 Centre-state share. Earlier, the Centre paid most of the cost. Work can be paused for 60 days during farm seasons. Jobs will focus on water, roads, livelihoods, and climate needs. The government says the law fits the Viksit Bharat vision. The Opposition says it weakens workers’ rights. (PC: NDTV)

Shubman Gill was not picked in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The decision ended the selectors’ four-month experiment with Gill in T20Is. Sanju Samson returned as India’s main opener. Ishan Kishan was named as back-up after strong domestic form. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan said Gill did not fit the T20 format. He said playing all formats puts unfair pressure on players. Gill is now expected to focus on Tests and ODIs. (PC: HT)

A video of an Indian pilot taking his 8-month-old son on his very first flight has captured hearts on social media. The clip, shared on Instagram by Gunjan Apte, shows baby Agastya dressed in a tiny pilot-style outfit matching his father Aakash Khanna’s uniform as he experiences the aircraft with wonder. In a touching scene, Khanna brings his son into the cockpit, introducing him to the controls, creating an unforgettable family memory. Social media users have widely praised the joyful moment, dubbing Agastya “Daddy’s little co-pilot” and celebrating the father-son bond. 

At a public rally in Assam’s Dibrugarh and Guwahati, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce political attack on the Congress party, accusing it of engaging in anti-national activities by allegedly helping illegal Bangladeshi immigrants settle in the state and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls aimed at keeping infiltrators out of elections. Modi claimed Congress neglected Assam and the Northeast for decades and prioritised vote-bank politics over security and development. He also highlighted BJP government’s development initiatives in the region and vowed to protect Assamese identity and interests ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: X)

A minute’s silence was held at Bondi Beach to remember victims of last week’s deadly shooting. The attack happened during a Hanukkah event. Fifteen people were killed, including two children. Crowds gathered as heavy police security guarded the area. Candles were lit across Australia in a show of unity. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed by some in the crowd. Community leaders blamed rising antisemitism. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Australia after the attack. (PC: BBC)

India has indefinitely suspended visa services at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, effective December 21, 2025, citing security concerns following a recent incident near the Assistant High Commission of India in the port city. The move comes amid heightened tensions and unrest triggered by the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which sparked protests and clashes. The IVAC statement said operations will remain halted until further notice, with a decision to resume only after the security situation is reviewed. No timeline has been given for reopening the centre. (PC: The Hindu)

Lionel Messi’s appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during his India tour was marred by chaos and dissatisfaction. Organiser Satadru Dutta told investigators that Messi was uncomfortable being touched and hugged by crowds, and was surrounded closely, including by West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who was seen posing with Messi. This situation made the Argentina star visibly unhappy and contributed to mismanagement. Thousands of ticket-holding fans struggled to see Messi, leading to frustration and vandalism inside the stadium. A Special Investigation Team is probing security lapses, crowd control failings, and organisational issues surrounding the event. (PC: AFP)

An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, allegedly assaulted passenger Ankit Dewan at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 following a dispute over queue use during security checks. Dewan claims the pilot called him “illiterate,” sparking a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical attack, leaving Dewan bloodied and traumatising his family, including his children. The airline condemned the act, suspended the pilot and launched an inquiry. Sejwal’s statement counters that Dewan made casteist remarks and threats, framing the incident as personal. The Civil Aviation Ministry and security agencies are probing the case.