A parliamentary committee on Monday reviewed the large number of pending sexual offence cases against children under the POCSO Act and the performance of fast-track courts in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Data reveals over 2.45 lakh such cases are pending nationally, with many trials exceeding the one-year deadline.
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.
The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.
The Standing Committee on Information Technology will review 17 critical subjects, including social media regulation, AI safety, deepfakes, cybersecurity, and the semiconductor ecosystem, during 2026-27. This comprehensive review aims to address growing concerns around digital platforms, AI misuse, and infrastructure development, with India's cybersecurity agency already issuing warnings about AI-driven threats.
Several vital parliamentary committees, including those dealing with ethics, rules, and financial matters, are yet to be formally reconstituted. This delay affects the functioning of the Lok Sabha and the oversight of government operations.
US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has thrown his full support behind a legislative push to impeach Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing him of severe misconduct and responsibility for the ongoing war against Iran, as newly empowered opposition lawmakers prepare to intensify congressional oversight of the administration led by US President Donald Trump.
Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman are scheduled to meet to discuss parliamentary leadership, as Eisenkot holds the mandate to form Israel's next government amidst ongoing political negotiations and challenges.
The government is gearing up for a crucial "special session" of Parliament to secure the passage of the long-pending Constitution amendment bill, aiming to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, marking a significant political setback for incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu received 46, highlighting a shift in parliamentary support.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi shared an Instagram video reminiscing about her family's Diwali celebrations at 1, Safdarjung Road, the former residence of Indira Gandhi. She recalled traditions like decorating the Ganesh statue, lighting diyas, enjoying firecrackers, and having Kashmiri food, alongside Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and granddaughter Miraya Vadra.
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.
Sonia Gandhi has broken her silence on the censorship controversy surrounding her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.
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.
'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'
A parliamentary committee has noted Bangladesh's extradition request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a death sentence in absentia. The Indian government has confirmed the request is under examination, reiterating its humanitarian approach of offering refuge while ensuring no political activity is conducted from Indian soil. The committee has urged the government to keep it apprised of the matter.
The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition seeking an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks on Sikhs during a US visit in 2024. The court affirmed Gandhi's right to free speech as an elected representative, stating that raising concerns about minorities, even on foreign soil, does not automatically constitute an offence. This ruling upholds previous rejections by Varanasi courts.
Odisha's Director General of Prisons, Susanta Kumar Nath, has been booked for alleged sexual harassment of a subordinate staff member and subsequently transferred to an inconsequential post. A case was registered against Nath and a friend, Kudleep Rath, based on a complaint by a jailor who alleged unwelcome messages and invitations, followed by retaliatory actions including false implication in a prisoner escape case and suspension. The matter has also drawn the attention of a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi on Wednesday after he fell unconscious during his morning walk. The 75-year-old is under medical evaluation in the cardio-neuro centre and has a history of similar episodes, including a previous angioplasty in March 2025 and other fainting spells.
The NDA's parliamentary party meetings will now be known as 'Mangal Milan', with the first under this new name scheduled for July 21. This change was informally discussed in the Union cabinet. Additionally, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), comprising 20 MPs who defected from the TMC, is seeking formal recognition and parliamentary facilities, including a party office and designated floor leaders.
Israel's parliamentary election results have led to uncertainty in government formation, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc failed to secure a majority. The situation is further complicated by allegations of electoral fraud and foreign interference, which have been refuted by election officials and the Shin Bet security agency.
As Israel prepares for parliamentary elections on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical test of his leadership amidst the fallout from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the ongoing Gaza war, and significant domestic challenges.
Israel is set to hold parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vying to retain power. The election is a critical test of his leadership, influenced by the government's handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, subsequent wars, and ongoing legal challenges. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, are challenging his right-wing coalition, but opinion polls suggest a fragmented outcome with no clear majority. Key issues include security, accountability for the October 7 attack, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, and judicial reforms.
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.
The Indian government has made electric vehicles (EVs) the default choice for staff car procurement across ministries and departments, setting a higher price cap of 20 lakh for EVs compared to 10 lakh for ICE vehicles. Concurrently, new guidelines have been issued for procuring electronic devices, incentivising 'Make in India' products with a higher price ceiling.
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has alleged "great damage" to India's fabric, democracy, and institutions over the last 12 years, expressing optimism for a return to proper governance. In an interview, she also discussed the resilience of the Congress party against challenges and provided insights into her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', which covers her personal life and political journey.
Former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has called for the inclusion of popular sports like arm wrestling and Mallakhamb in the Olympics, citing their growing global popularity. His remarks came during the opening of the 47th WAF World Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi, an event also attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who pledged full government support.
Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi explained that giving up her Italian passport and adopting Indian citizenship felt more difficult, as it was a part of herself that she had brought from Italy.
A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest party in Israel's recent election, but his right-wing bloc secured only 53 seats, falling short of the 61 required for a parliamentary majority. This outcome positions Arab parties, with a combined 19 seats, as crucial powerbrokers in upcoming coalition negotiations.
Partial results from Israel's general election indicate that Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc remains short of a parliamentary majority with 54 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot has 48 seats, leading to a potential coalition deadlock.
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.
Sonia Gandhi's memoir "Belonging: A Journey Of Love" details the political targeting of her son, Rahul Gandhi, by the BJP and Narendra Modi government. She asserts that neither she nor Rahul received any monetary benefit from the National Herald revival process, despite facing legal challenges. The book also touches upon the legal issues faced by Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra, and highlights the family's resilience.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.
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.
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.
Sonia Gandhi, in her memoir "Belonging: A Journey Of Love", reveals that Indira Gandhi cried upon seeing the harrowing visuals of the aftermath of Operation Blue Star in 1984. She describes Indira's tears as those of pain, regret, and sorrow over the siege's end and the lives lost. The memoir details the rise of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the separatist movement, alleged Pakistani involvement, and the difficult decision Indira Gandhi faced to order the military operation to prevent the declaration of Khalistan.
Odisha's Director General of Prisons, Susanta Kumar Nath, has been booked for alleged sexual harassment of a subordinate jailor and subsequently transferred. The complaint details unwelcome messages, dinner invitations, and alleged retaliation after rejection, including implication in a prisoner escape case. A friend of Nath was also booked in the same case.
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.
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."
India celebrated Diwali with traditional fervour, marked by diverse festivities across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar, while other political leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Yogi Adityanath also shared their celebrations. Meanwhile, Delhi faced challenges with 'very poor' air quality and strict vigil on firecracker bursting.
