Parliament Monsoon Session: Both Houses continue to remain in deadlock over Opposition protests
In both Houses, Opposition members protested demanding a special discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission of India (ECI), ahead of the Assembly elections there.
Parliament Monsoon Session: Follow LIVE updates on July 23, 2025
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that he has received 25 notices under Rule 267 demanding a discussion on the SIR in Bihar. A few other issues such as the 'discrimination against Bengali migrant workers' and the increasing number of air safety incidents in the country were also raised.
However, Mr. Harivansh rejected all notices and the Opposition members resorted to loud protests immediately. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko tried raising the issue of Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy but the Upper House was adjourned amid loud protests.
Similar scenes prevailed in the Lok Sabha too as Opposition members crowded the Well of the House demanding discussion over various issues. There was no let up in the protests and Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House after his repeated requests to allow the proceedings failed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
18 minutes ago
- India.com
Trump Cozying Up To Pakistan – Will It Push India Closer To China?
New Delhi: A meeting in Washington last month between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir sparked concern in New Delhi. Just days earlier, a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, had killed 26 innocent civilians. India blamed Pakistan after a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility. Foreign policy watchers are now weighing a critical question: could this renewed U.S.-Pakistan engagement unsettle India's fragile equation with China? For years, Beijing has served as the strategic common threat binding India and the United States. Both nations view China as a geopolitical rival and have steadily expanded cooperation to counter its influence. But Trump's warm overtures toward China-backed Pakistan are forcing India to rethink its calculus. Diplomatic experts say India is unlikely to pivot dramatically toward China based solely on the Trump-Munir meeting. Moves to de-escalate tensions with Beijing had already been set in motion months earlier. Still, the symbolism of the meeting and its implications for India's long-term strategy are difficult to ignore. Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C., said the meeting must be viewed in light of recent India-Pakistan military flare-ups during Operation Sindoor. 'It is not that India is suddenly leaning toward China because of Trump's outreach to Pakistan. But the context matters, especially given that Pakistan used Chinese weapons against India for the first time during that conflict,' he explained. He added that uncertainty around U.S.-India ties under Trump remains a major concern in New Delhi. 'There is no clear indication of how Trump plans to deal with China. At times, he talks tough, at others, he calls for cooperation. India is wary of assuming that the United States will always align with its strategic interests on China.' That ambiguity, Kugelman said, is one reason India has begun hedging its bets by stabilising ties with Beijing. A Subtle Thaw Between India and China Since October 2024, signs of a diplomatic thaw have emerged. Border troops from both sides have started withdrawing from several flashpoints along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC). Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the SCO foreign ministers' summit, marking his first visit to Beijing in six years. Direct commercial flights between India and China are set to resume. The long-suspended Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has reopened for Indian pilgrims. In a move with economic implications, the government think tank NITI Aayog has proposed allowing up to 24% Chinese equity in Indian companies without special clearance. Foreign policy commentator Indrani Bagchi believes India is proceeding cautiously. 'The government is trying to introduce a degree of stability into its relationship with China. We may see some Chinese investment flowing in, but it's unlikely to go much beyond that,' she said. She also warned against overreacting to Trump's overtures to Pakistan. 'This is not the first time Washington has leaned toward Islamabad. Whenever it does, the trust factor in U.S.-India ties takes a hit. If the United States resumes military aid to Pakistan, it will definitely raise red flags in New Delhi,' she added. At the same time, she noted, India has been attempting to diversify its defense partnerships, gradually reducing dependence on Russia and increasing procurement from the United States. 'If America is using Pakistan as a bridge to reach China, India will be forced to reassess,' she added. What Is Beijing's Game? Some former diplomats argue that if India extends a hand, China will likely respond with caution but openness. Achal Malhotra, a former ambassador, said New Delhi's foreign policy is guided by realism, not alignment. 'Our relations with China stand on their own merit. We are prudent but sovereign in our choices. The United States knows this. Trump's meeting with Munir likely reflects Pakistan's geographic utility in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Unless that directly threatens India, it is not an alarming development,' he said. Strategic analyst Zakir Hussain suggested it is U.S. inconsistency that might be nudging India toward China. 'The way Washington handles its ties with India is part of the reason New Delhi may explore a less confrontational path with Beijing. Economically, some of India's moves may lower tensions. But let us be clear that China will never abandon Pakistan for India,' he said.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
India, UK unveil road map to boost defence, tech, energy ties
India, UK unveil road map to boost defence, tech, energy ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly raised issues like the need to shun double standards on terrorism, presence of Indian economic offenders in the UK and Khalistan extremism in his meeting with counterpart Keir Starmer, saying those who use democratic freedom to undermine democracy must be held accountable. Thanking Starmer for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Modi said that the two leaders were united in their view that there can be no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism. Modi also said that Indian and British agencies would work together for the extradition of economic offenders, in what was seen as a clear message to fugitives such as Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Sanjay Bhandari that government intends to get them back to face legal action in the country. Although government has got assistance, Mallya and Nirav Modi have been seeking to prolong their stay in the UK by using multiple forums for appeal. While the formalisation of India-UK free trade agreement was the highlight of Modi's visit to the UK, another significant takeaway was the launch of a Vision 2035 roadmap for boosting ties in areas like defence, technology, education, clean energy and people-to-people contacts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The leaders adopted a blueprint for defence industrial cooperation to promote, as the Indian government said, collaboration in co-design, co-development and co-production of defence products to meet the growing demand in both countries as well as for the world market. On the issue of Khalistan extremism, which he was expected to raise with Starmer, Modi said there was agreement between India and the UK that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms. "Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account," said the PM, in his joint press statement with the UK PM. "On the matter of extradition of economic offenders as well, our agencies will continue to work together in close coordination and cooperation," added Modi, who sought the UK's cooperation in bringing the fugitives to justice. India and the UK also reached an agreement between the CBI and the UK's National Crime Agency to jointly fight organised crime. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said that the leaders committed to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. "While noting that extremism and radicalisation pose threat to both societies, they agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation to deal with the menace," said the official. Modi said that Vision 2035 will serve as a roadmap for a strong, trusted, and ambitious partnership in the areas of technology, defence, climate, education, and people-to-people connectivity. "It is our commitment that, from AI to critical minerals, semiconductors to cyber security, we shall create the future together," he said, while inviting Starmer to visit India soon. Starmer accepted the invitation. Amid concerns over the erratic US trade policies, both sides also sought to promote a fair, non-discriminatory and inclusive trading system. According to the roadmap, India and the UK reaffirmed their shared commitment to a rules-based international order and to strengthening multilateralism through meaningful reform. Importantly for India, the roadmap focuses on reform of the United Nations, including the security council, and other multilateral institutions such as the Commonwealth, WTO, WHO, IMF, and the World Bank, ensuring these bodies "reflect contemporary global realities and are equipped to address emerging challenges".
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
There may be a swing or a miss, but we play with straight bat: PM Modi
There may be a swing or a miss, but we play with straight bat: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) would pave the way for enhanced market access in the UK for Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods. "It will also unlock new opportunities for India's agricultural produce and processed food industry. Above all, this agreement will be especially beneficial for India's youth, farmers, fishermen, and the MSME sector. On the other hand, UK-made products such as medical devices and aerospace components will become more accessible and affordable for Indian consumers and industries." Besides, he said, the Double Contribution Convention - which will remove the burden on Indian employees on temporary assignments in the UK from making social security contributions in both countries - will reduce costs, make it easier for doing business and help the UK get access to skilled Indian talent. "This will inject new momentum into the service sectors of both countries, particularly in technology and finance. " Highlighting the contribution of Indians in Britain, Modi said, "They didn't just bring curry from India, but also creativity, commitment and character." "I would be remiss not to mention cricket when India and the UK are coming together, especially during a Test series. For both of us cricket is not just a game but a passion. And also, a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be a swing and a miss at times. But we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high scoring solid partnership," he said.
