Today News Headlines for School Assembly, Dec 19, 2025: Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi win, Bangladesh protest, Parliament passes VB-G RAM G Bill

In Odisha, several BJP legislators have urged the Chief Minister to review the proposed salary hike for MLAs following public backlash, with concerns being raised over timing and fiscal priorities.

Ahead of the festive rush, Indian Railways will operate around 650 additional train trips during Christmas and New Year to manage increased passenger demand and ease travel congestion.

Meanwhile, protests have intensified in parts of the country over a proposed Bill to replace MGNREGA, with demonstrators invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy on the floor of the Lok Sabha to oppose changes to the rural employment guarantee framework.

International News

Bangladesh is going through another turbulent phase, with protests breaking out in several places and newspaper offices in Dhaka being attacked. This is the first spate of protests under the Md Yunus government since the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Australian authorities have confirmed that seven men allegedly planning a violent act at Bondi Beach were intercepted by police, preventing a potential attack and raising concerns over extremist activity.

In Europe, the European Union is debating whether to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defence, a move that could significantly alter the financial dynamics of the ongoing war.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump has announced plans for a “Presidential Walk of Fame”, while once again targeting President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama with critical remarks.

Sports News

In the Global Chess League (GCL), Gukesh Dommaraju and Arjun Erigaisi won their first match against Alpine SG Pipers.

As India assess their cricketing depth, analysts have highlighted the team’s bowling strengths and weaknesses, with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav forming the core of the attack.

Football-related travel concerns have emerged ahead of the tournament, as updated US visa guidelines linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup could deny entry to fans from countries such as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.

In Kabaddi, a Pakistani player is facing disciplinary action following allegations involving the Indian team, drawing attention to conduct and regulation in international competitions.

Business News

India’s aviation sector is shifting focus from rapid expansion to stability, with IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stressing resilience and root-cause analysis as airlines work to rebuild operations after disruptions.

In the startup ecosystem, Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has overtaken DMart’s Radhakishan Damani to become India’s top self-made entrepreneur, reflecting the growing influence of new-age digital businesses.

Education News

The PGIMER, Chandigarh, has been conferred the title of Best Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Institute in the country for the second consecutive year by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

IIM Kozhikode has welcomed a diverse cohort with 683 participants in its 18th Executive MBA batch, with women accounting for nearly 30% of the intake, highlighting rising gender diversity in management education.

At the policy level, the government has eased visa processes for foreign professionals, particularly engineers, to address skill shortages faced by Indian companies.