India's Parliament has set a new record by remaining unprorogued for 88 days since the Monsoon session was adjourned indefinitely on August 13. This unusual procedural move is linked to speculation about convening Parliament at short notice to consider a constitutional amendment for the Women's Reservation Bill. The decision allows for quicker reconvening compared to starting a fresh session.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Rahul Gandhi has turned creating ruckus in Parliament and resorting to boycotts into a Congress culture.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong counterattack against the INDIA bloc's 'vote chori' allegations, challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to a special Parliament session debate on EVMs and infiltrators. Shah dismissed the INDIA bloc's rally as a "save infiltrator" event, questioning Congress's wins if EVMs are faulty and asserting the BJP's commitment to removing all infiltrators from electoral rolls.
Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," reveals her interactions with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, including a phone call after the 2001 Parliament attack and a heated exchange during a joint session in 2002 over the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO). Gandhi recounts Vajpayee's strong reaction to her criticism and her later reflection on the incident.
Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," reveals her limited interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting his tendency to avoid eye contact. She discusses their differing visions for India, rooted in their ideological backgrounds, and critiques his political style and the BJP's aim for a "Congress-free India."
The BJP claimed a rift within the Congress party, claiming Rahul Gandhi is actively sidelining his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at INDIA bloc protests.
Chitta, Siddhu Moosewala and allegations that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reeked of alcohol in Parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched an all-out attack against Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday as he kicked off his party's election campaign.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to disclose details of his foreign trips to the public, saying they have a right to know since he was the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions challenging Section 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. This provision grants blanket immunity from civil and criminal prosecution to current and former CECs and ECs for actions taken in their official capacity. Petitioners argue this immunity is unconstitutional and broader than that afforded to other high-ranking officials, potentially undermining accountability.
A Delhi court has directed the Parliament Street police station to file an action-taken report on a woman's plea alleging sexual assault by a police officer and others during an October 3 protest. The court also ordered the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital evidence related to the incident, with a compliance report due within a week and the ATR by December 1.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav stated on Tuesday that he would not contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, expressing confidence in becoming chief minister directly, similar to his 2012 tenure as a Lok Sabha member.
Sonia Gandhi's memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love" reveals the intense internal conflict and family opposition behind her decision to decline the prime minister's post in 2004. Despite initial rejection, then a hesitant acceptance under pressure from alliance leaders, she ultimately followed her "inner voice" to refuse the top job, nominating Manmohan Singh instead.
King Charles III has acknowledged Britain's historic role in the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter" that fills him with horror, during his address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. This comes amidst increasing pressure from Caribbean nations for an apology and reparations. While the monarch stated history cannot be changed, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a "debt reset" plan to support Commonwealth countries, seen as a compromise to address these demands.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has interpreted the US midterm election results as a clear rejection of conflict by the American public, stating, "Americans said NO TO WAR, and we endorse this message." This comes as Democrats are poised to take control of the US Congress, securing the Senate and gaining seats in the House of Representatives.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act will be introduced in the next Parliament session. These amendments aim to criminalise the trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances to athletes, imposing jail terms of up to five years for suppliers, including medical practitioners. India is committed to sporting integrity and has already strengthened its anti-doping framework, conducting extensive tests and awareness sessions.
Sonia Gandhi has broken her silence on the censorship controversy surrounding her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.
The Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing protests against the Chief Election Commissioner, seeking responses from the Centre and other parties while emphasizing that protest sites cannot be occupied indefinitely, impacting local businesses.
Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde, were questioned by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for four hours on Thursday. The questioning pertained to two FIRs filed against them concerning their protest at Jantar Mantar on October 13, where they allegedly trespassed and violated protest site restrictions.
The Supreme Court's High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC), tasked with investigating alleged violence and police excesses during CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar, has reported receiving hardly any complaints from affected individuals. Despite extensive efforts to solicit complaints via a portal, email, and newspaper notices, the response has been minimal. The court has urged petitioners to forward materials and encourage victims to come forward, while also accepting a member's request to be relieved from the panel.
In her memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', Sonia Gandhi describes the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as a 'tragic and shameful' chapter. She asserts that Rajiv Gandhi, despite being thrust into a moment of governmental failure, was inherently just and compassionate and could not have authorised the heinous acts. Gandhi also discusses the delay in army deployment and the ongoing struggle for justice for victims, noting that cases continue to drag on in courts.
Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," reveals that Pranab Mukherjee hinted at his desire to become prime minister during a 2010 conversation. Gandhi recounts her surprise at his suggestion for a "change at the top." The book also addresses criticisms of Gandhi being a "back seat driver" during the UPA years, which she refutes. Mukherjee's daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, has since questioned Gandhi's "shock," asserting her father's ambition was earned through hard work, not dynastic entitlement.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has introduced the word 'quockerwodger' as an alternative to terms like "andhbhakts" and "paid followers" often used in political discourse. He defined it as a "political puppet" or a person controlled by others. Tharoor has a history of sharing obscure English words, often using them to comment on political situations, prompting social media users to look up their meanings.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on Thursday evening that it is unclear who has the ability to form a government, despite Gadi Eisenkot receiving 67 recommendations and Benjamin Netanyahu 46. This uncertainty stems from mutual vetoes between and within political blocs, particularly concerning the inclusion of Arab parties due to their stance on Hamas. Herzog plans to hold personal talks with party leaders before tasking someone on Sunday.
The United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees has strongly opposed the proposed sale of a majority stake in IDBI Bank to Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings, demanding an immediate suspension of the process and a comprehensive review under parliamentary scrutiny.
Former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot has secured majority support from newly elected Knesset members, including key Arab parties, to be tasked with forming the next Israeli government. This development comes after the October 27 elections resulted in a political deadlock, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's camp achieving a clear majority. Arab parties, holding 19 seats, emerged as kingmakers, recommending Eisenkot despite acknowledging disagreements, aiming to replace Netanyahu's government.
Disquiet is growing within the Manipur BJP regarding its handling of the controversy surrounding Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. Public attacks on Akoijam, following his dismissal from JNU over sexual harassment complaints, have reportedly backfired, leading to a surge in his popularity, especially among Meitei youth in Imphal Valley. Senior BJP leaders privately acknowledge this miscalculation, while some within the party express concern over Akoijam's rising influence. The Congress MP has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated, and his strong electoral performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls further highlights his political sway.
The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) is encouraging pensioners to adopt Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) through face authentication technology. A nationwide campaign is underway to facilitate this process, aiming for digital empowerment and convenience for pensioners, including those in remote areas.
'In 2013-2014, Modi was asking for regime change. In fact, the words he used were, they should be pulled out and thrown away; ughadke phekna hai. That is part of democracy.'
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill clarified that churches and faith-based organisations receive only about 6 per cent of the Rs 22,000 crore in foreign contributions. JPC chairperson Sanjay Jaiswal stated the committee is examining practical concerns raised by stakeholders, including allegations from opposition parties that the bill targets minority institutions. The government maintains the bill is not religion-specific and aims to regulate foreign contributions. The JPC is conducting nationwide consultations to gather feedback.
The INDIA bloc conducted a symbolic "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of electoral malpractice. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided from a chair historically used by Jawaharlal Nehru, a detail highlighted by Congress. Opposition leaders demanded Kumar's removal, calling the event a "political weapon."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that the BJP would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttar Pradesh if it returns to power in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a state working committee meeting, Shah expressed confidence in the BJP's victory, criticised opposition parties on issues like the Ram temple and alleged voter list irregularities, and highlighted the Adityanath government's achievements in law and order and development.
The Congress party and the INDIA bloc are planning a 'public impeachment' of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of violating the Constitution and subverting electoral democracy. This comes after alleged denials of permission for their event, which they claim is an attempt by the government to silence criticism. The JD(U) has criticised the move as an insult to Parliament and the judiciary.
India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.
The INDIA bloc conducted a symbolic "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of operating under the influence of the Modi government and threatening voting rights. Led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, the event saw leaders demand Kumar's removal, the repeal of the 2023 law governing election commissioner appointments, and an end to the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging intentional deletion of around 14 crore voters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified allegations of election fraud by Arab-led parties, describing suspected foreign interference as an "earthquake". The Central Elections Committee has asked the internal security agency, Shin Bet, to investigate these claims, which come amid an inconclusive election where neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition secured a majority. President Isaac Herzog has called for a thorough investigation while cautioning against general suspicion of the Arab community.
The Congress-led INDIA bloc held a major protest rally in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and past corruption allegations. Leaders stated the protest was a "stern warning" to the government, vowing to continue until Kumar steps down, citing threats to parliamentary democracy.
The Gujarat government has proposed to allot a long-disputed municipal plot in Vadodara to former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, gifting 500 square metres and offering the rest at a concessional rate. This proposal comes months after Pathan, a newly elected MP, broke away from the Trinamool Congress to join the NDA. The plot has been subject to legal battles and encroachment notices since 2012.
Srinagar Lok Sabha member Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has resigned from the National Conference, accusing its leadership of abandoning key election promises, particularly the restoration of Article 370. He also hinted at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir, criticising NC leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah for their alleged betrayal of public trust and incompetence.
A British Conservative Party MP, Bob Blackman, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to reaffirm India's sovereignty and territorial integrity over Jammu and Kashmir. The motion, timed for Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, also expresses concern over terror incidents and targeted killings in the region and calls for constructive dialogue.
As CEC Gyanesh Kumar faces protests over electoral roll revisions, a 20-year-old Kerala corruption case resurfaces.
