Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a sapling at the Ethiopian Parliament as part of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. He also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, extending India’s greetings of friendship and goodwill. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of trusteeship, Modi emphasized that humanity holds the planet in trust for future generations. He noted that India’s tree-planting initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental protection. Highlighting the historic ties between the two countries, he described India and Ethiopia as “one family” and natural partners, with Ethiopia at Africa’s crossroads and India at the heart of the Indian Ocean.

In a social media post, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “PM Modi planted a sapling at the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives, as part of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative. Two nations, two traditions, one shared promise to honour our Mother Earth and build a greener future.”

Modi also highlighted India and Ethiopia’s shared vision for the Global South, emphasizing fair development, accessible technology, sovereignty, shared prosperity, and peace. He drew parallels between the constitutions of the two nations, noting that both place the people at the centre of national destiny.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the contributions of Indian teachers in Ethiopia, who have played a key role in the country’s development. Earlier, he visited the Adwa Victory Monument and the Adwa Museum, honoring Ethiopia’s historic struggle for freedom and sovereignty. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described Modi’s visit to Adwa as a tribute to Ethiopia’s heroes and Africa’s enduring legacy of dignity and resilience.

After addressing Parliament, Modi interacted with its members and expressed that Ethiopia’s rich history and culture inspire admiration. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on shared values, mutual trust, and a common vision for peace, development, and cooperation.

In a social media post, Modi wrote: “It was a great honour and privilege to address the Ethiopian Parliament this morning. Ethiopia’s rich history, culture and spirit inspire deep respect and admiration. I conveyed India’s commitment to further strengthening our partnership, guided by shared values, mutual trust and a common vision for peace, development and cooperation.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@MEAIndia.

The Lok Sabha saw the introduction of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025—commonly called the VB-G RAM-G Bill—which is intended to replace the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly criticized the bill, claiming it would weaken MGNREGA and undermine its guarantee of 100 days of employment. During the Lok Sabha debate, the Wayanad MP argued that no legislation should be rushed through Parliament without proper consultation or discussion and accused the government of pushing the bill due to "personal obsession" or "bias."

Addressing the House, she said, "The bill should not be rushed through without proper consultation or discussion. It ought to be withdrawn, and a new bill should be introduced. Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy is an emotion shared by the nation, and this bill should be referred to the Standing Committee for detailed examination. No legislation should be pushed through merely due to personal obsession or bias." She also highlighted delays in MNREGA wage payments, stating, "This new bill will weaken the right to income for at least 100 days. Wherever you go, MNREGA employees will tell you they have not received their wages."

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought the Lok Sabha’s approval to introduce the bill. The legislation proposes to increase wage employment to 125 days per rural household, up from 100, for adults willing to perform unskilled manual work. It also aims to ensure income security while creating durable, productivity-enhancing rural assets through a coordinated national development strategy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday began a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, countries that share deep civilisational ties and strong bilateral relations with India. “First, I will be visiting Jordan at the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between our countries,” Modi said while departing. During his visit, he will hold extensive discussions with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation.

In Ethiopia, Modi will address a joint session of Parliament, reflecting on India’s journey as the “Mother of Democracy” and highlighting the potential of India-Ethiopia partnership in supporting the Global South. He is also scheduled to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and interact with the Indian diaspora in the country, acknowledging their contributions to strengthening people-to-people ties.

The final leg of Modi’s tour will be in Oman, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In Muscat, he will meet the Sultan of Oman to discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership, as well as economic and commercial cooperation. Modi will also address the Indian diaspora in Oman, recognizing their pivotal role in the country’s development and in deepening bilateral relations. This visit underscores India’s commitment to nurturing historic partnerships and advancing cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres across the three countries.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said the country will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by security personnel who gave their lives defending the “temple of democracy” during the 2001 Parliament terror attack, as leaders from across political parties paid homage on its anniversary.

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju said December 13 is a solemn day for the nation. He noted that every year tributes are paid at the Parliament premises to the martyrs, with the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Members of Parliament joining in remembrance. He emphasized that the fallen personnel laid down their lives to protect India’s democratic institutions and saved Parliament from terrorist assault.

President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that the nation will always remain indebted to them and their families. In a post on X, she said the courage and dedication of the heroes who protected Parliament in 2001 continue to inspire the nation, reaffirming India’s resolve to fight terrorism in all forms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likewise honored the security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju, and several senior parliamentarians from both the ruling alliance and the opposition also paid their respects. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remembered the martyrs, calling the attack a cowardly assault on the nation’s sovereignty and democracy, and said the country would forever be grateful for their sacrifice.

The Central Reserve Police Force paid special tribute to Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the 88 Battalion, recalling her bravery during the attack. Despite sustaining serious injuries, she continued to pursue the terrorists and share crucial information, actions that led to all five attackers being neutralized. She was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for her valor. On December 13, 2001, five heavily armed terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked the Parliament complex in New Delhi. The assault, which occurred shortly after Parliament was adjourned, claimed the lives of 14 people, including security personnel and a civilian.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In December 2019, a fishing boat set out from an Alaskan port with an experienced crew, unaware that an icy storm was gathering. The events that followed underscore why deep-sea fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This account is by Rose George, read by Rosalie Craig, and is adapted from Every Last Fish: What Fish Do for Us, and What We Do to Them, published by Granta.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Just over 50% of voters acknowledge that climate change is real and driven by human activity, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. Interestingly, a similar proportion held the same view more than 15 years ago. Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, and political reporter Josh Butler examine the disconnect between climate science and the politics of climate action in Australia. They also discuss why self-aware AI, rather than climate change, is seen as the biggest existential threat, and how strong public backing for gambling reform highlights the gap between Prime Minister Albanese’s current policies and the public’s appetite for change.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.