Fri Dec 19 00:51:17 UTC 2025: Summary:

The article presents a snapshot of events from December 18-19, 2025, viewed through an Indian lens. Key events include:
* Political turmoil in Bangladesh following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi.
* The Indian Parliament passing the VB-G RAM G Bill replacing MGNREGA and the SHANTI Bill to boost nuclear energy.
* Concerns raised by a Parliamentary panel regarding India’s relationship with Bangladesh.
* Upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai.
* Congress party planning to discuss MGNREGA replacement.
* Cancellation of Sahitya Akademi’s press conference after government’s orders.
* NCST investigation into the death of a tribal student.
* Information revealed about Indians recruited into the Russian armed forces.
* Restitution of funds to Kingfisher Airlines’ workers.
* Release of new images from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate in the US.

News Article:

India Grapples with Regional Tensions, Domestic Policy Changes

NEW DELHI, December 19, 2025 – A new wave of political upheaval is hitting India as lawmakers vote to replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Bill (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin).), igniting debate and sparking a Congress Working Committee meeting scheduled for December 27 to discuss the implications of this move.

The government is also pushing ahead with its energy agenda, with the passage of the SHANTI Bill, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand India’s nuclear energy capacity.

Meanwhile, regional concerns are mounting as a Parliamentary panel warns of a deteriorating strategic relationship with Bangladesh, exacerbated by recent unrest following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka. Protests have erupted in Bangladesh.

Domestically, political activity is heating up in Mumbai as the BJP and Shiv Sena finalize seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Other developments include an investigation into the death of a tribal student at KISS, revelations about Indians recruited into the Russian military, and the restitution of funds to Kingfisher Airlines employees.

Internationally, the release of new images from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is making headlines.

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