Good morning. Here are the top news headlines curated for your school assembly on this Thursday, December 19, 2025. Today's news brings you significant developments from the world of sports, state politics in Odisha, national updates on travel and protests, and key international security incidents.
National Headlines: Politics and Policy
In Odisha, a political debate has erupted over the proposed increase in salaries for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Several BJP legislators have publicly urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to review the proposed hike. This call comes amid significant public backlash, with critics questioning the timing and fiscal priorities of the government when other public welfare needs are pressing.
On the travel front, Indian Railways is set to operate approximately 650 additional train trips to manage the expected surge in passengers during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This move aims to ease congestion and ensure smoother travel for citizens across the country.
Meanwhile, protests have intensified in various parts of India against a proposed Bill intended to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Demonstrators have taken their opposition to the floor of the Lok Sabha, invoking Mahatma Gandhi's legacy to argue against changes to the flagship rural employment guarantee framework.
International and Sports Updates
Turning to international news, a major security threat was averted in Australia. Police successfully intercepted seven men who were allegedly planning a violent attack at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach. The incident has raised fresh concerns about extremist activities in the region.
In Europe, a significant financial debate is underway. The European Union is considering a controversial proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defence efforts against the ongoing invasion, a move that could reshape the war's financial landscape.
In sports, a controversy has hit the kabaddi world. A Pakistani kabaddi player is facing disciplinary action following allegations involving an impersonation attempt of an Indian teammate. The incident has drawn sharp attention to issues of conduct and regulation in international sporting competitions.
Football fans from nations like Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire face potential travel hurdles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Updated US visa guidelines linked to the tournament could lead to entry denials for some supporters.
Business and Education Briefs
In the business sector, a notable shift is occurring in Indian aviation. Airlines, led by voices like IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, are now focusing on operational stability and resilience rather than unchecked rapid expansion, learning from recent industry disruptions.
The startup ecosystem sees a new leader. Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has surpassed DMart's Radhakishan Damani to become India's top self-made entrepreneur, underscoring the rising clout of digital-first new-age businesses.
In education, IIM Kozhikode has enrolled 683 participants in its 18th Executive MBA batch, with women making up nearly 30% of the cohort, marking a positive step towards gender diversity in management education. Additionally, the government has simplified visa processes for foreign professionals, especially engineers, to help Indian companies bridge critical skill gaps.
