India First: Rajnath Singh Hails Air Power In 'Operation Sindoor'; Tharoor Panel Calls Bangladesh Crisis 'Biggest Challenge Since 1971'

The Lok Sabha passed the 'Vikasit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajivika Mission Grameed' bill, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) amidst opposition protests. This new legislation increases guaranteed annual work days to 125 but shifts the funding model, reducing the central government's share to 60 percent. The government stated the reform serves public interest, while a debate between Congress and BJP spokespersons highlighted the political divide. In other developments, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed IAF commanders, praising the success of 'Operation Sindoor' and the 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence shield. Singh noted that the operation demonstrated India's high-impact, short-duration operational capability. Additionally, Income Tax officials conducted raids at actor Shilpa Shetty's 'Bastion' establishment. A Parliamentary Committee report led by Shashi Tharoor also termed the situation in Bangladesh as India's 'biggest strategic challenge' since 1971.