Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Centre’s plan to rename and replace MGNREGA. He called the move unfortunate and said Mahatma Gandhi’s name is central to the scheme’s purpose. Tharoor said Gandhi stood for the rural poor and believed in dignity of work. He argued that removing Gandhi’s name ignores the moral base of the programme. Tharoor also warned against creating divisions where none exist. His remarks come as the government plans a new rural jobs law under the Viksit Bharat vision. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Congress and other parties. (PC: NDTV)

The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet in the Pahalgam terror attack case that killed 26 people in April 2025. The chargesheet names seven accused, including Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front. It also names Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt and three terrorists who were later killed by security forces. Two local men have been charged for helping the attackers. The NIA said the attack was planned and supported from Pakistan. The agency has filed the case under terror, arms, and criminal laws. The attack led to major military action by India against terror camps. (PC: X)

Ahmed Al Ahmed, who confronted one attacker during the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, was wrongly identified online after the incident. Early reports claimed he was a fruit seller from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. This information was incorrect. Al Ahmed is the owner of a tobacco and convenience store, which he has run since 2021. The mistake spread quickly as people shared messages of support on social media. A local fruit business later clarified it had no link to him. Al Ahmed was shot twice during the attack and is recovering in hospital. Police believe his actions helped limit further harm during the shooting. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has started social media screening for all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents from December 15. The rule requires applicants to keep their social media accounts public for review. US officials say the move aims to identify people who may pose security or safety risks. Indians are likely to be the most affected, as they make up over 70 percent of H-1B visa holders. Many visa interviews in India have been rescheduled, leaving workers stranded. Immigration lawyers warn the delays could lead to job losses and long work disruptions. (PC: HT)

The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet in the Pahalgam terror attack case. The attack killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The NIA named seven accused, including Lashkar-e-Taiba handler Sajid Jatt. Two terror groups, Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front, were also chargesheeted. Investigators said Sajid Jatt planned and guided the attack from Pakistan. Three Pakistani terrorists involved were later killed in an encounter. Two local men were charged for helping the attackers. The NIA said the attack was part of a larger plot against India. Charges were filed under terror, arms and war laws. (PC: India Today)

The Weekend Activity Club is bringing young people together across Kolkata. Started by five friends in their early 20s, the group meets every weekend. Activities include morning runs at Rabindra Sarobar, games, music jams, picnics and parties. Most events are free or low cost. The aim is to help people step away from phones and meet in real life. Members say the club feels welcoming and safe. Many have found close friends through it. Some have even found love. The founders say the focus is friendship, fun and mental well-being. For many, WAC has become a second home. (PC: The Telegraph India)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met poll strategist Prashant Kishor in Delhi last week, sources said. The meeting followed poor results for both sides in the Bihar election. It took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence. The report triggered fresh talk of possible cooperation. Asked about it, Priyanka Gandhi said her meetings were not important. Kishor denied that any meeting happened. Both sides stayed cautious. They have worked together earlier with mixed results. Kishor later formed Jan Suraaj, which failed to win seats in Bihar. Sources say defeats may reopen talks ahead of future state and national elections in India today.

Air pollution in Delhi remains at dangerous levels. The city government has ordered schools to move online for students up to Class V. The decision follows stricter curbs under Stage Four of GRAP. Officials said young children should avoid outdoor exposure. Earlier, schools were allowed to run in a hybrid system. Attendance in online classes was optional. That order now stands revised. Schools must stop physical classes for younger students. Campus activity will remain limited. Authorities are monitoring air quality daily. Parents have been advised to follow health guidelines. Further steps may follow if conditions worsen in coming winter days. (PC: HT)

A manhunt is underway after police released a person of interest in the Brown University shooting. Authorities said new evidence points in a different direction. The attack happened on Saturday in Providence, Rhode Island. A gunman opened fire inside a classroom. Two students were killed and nine others were injured. Police released CCTV footage showing a suspect dressed in black walking away. Investigators are now searching for more video evidence. Some campus areas remain closed as the probe continues. Around 2,000 students were moved to safe places. A vigil is planned for the victims. (PC: BBC)

Lionel Messi is set to visit Vantara in Jamnagar after completing the Delhi leg of his GOAT India Tour. Reports said Messi will stay for one night at the wildlife rescue centre, where he will be hosted by Anant Ambani. Messi is expected to be joined by teammates Luis Suarez and other members of his group. Vantara is a large animal rescue and care centre spread across thousands of acres in Jamnagar. The visit follows Messi’s appearance in New Delhi, where he interacted with fans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The tour has drawn large crowds across India. (PC: India Today)