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Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over rising air pollution in major Indian cities, calling for a solution-focused discussion in the Lok Sabha. The government expressed readiness for a debate.

Rahul Gandhi Calls for Unified Approach to Combat Air Pollution

Gandhi Urges Joint Efforts Against Air Pollution

Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over rising air pollution in major Indian cities, calling for a solution-focused discussion in the Lok Sabha. The government expressed readiness for a debate.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday raised the issue of air pollution in major cities of the country and sought a discussion on it in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Gandhi said the discussion on the issue can be framed in an interesting manner where the opposition and the government do not trade abuses at each other, but find a solution to the problem.
"This is not an ideological issue. Everybody in this House would agree that air pollution, the damage it is doing to our people, is something that we would like to cooperate on," Gandhi said.&nbsp;
The Congress leader said the prime minister can then put in place a plan to deal with the issue of air pollution.&nbsp;
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a discussion on the issue and the Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha can allot time for the same.&nbsp;
"Most of our major cities are living under a blanket of poisonous air. Millions of children are getting lung disease. Their future is being destroyed. People are getting cancer. Older people are struggling to breathe," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

During Question Hour, BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a TMC member has been smoking e-cigarettes in the Lok Sabha for several days, prompting Speaker Om Birla to assure action if a formal complaint is filed.

Anurag Thakur accuses TMC MP of using e-cigarette in Lok Sabha

During Question Hour, BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a TMC member has been smoking e-cigarettes in the Lok Sabha for several days, prompting Speaker Om Birla to assure action if a formal complaint is filed.

BJP member Anurag Thakur on Thursday accused an unnamed TMC MP of smoking an e-cigarette in the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla assuring action.&nbsp;
During Question Hour, while asking a supplementary, Thakur wondered whether e-cigarettes are allowed in the House.&nbsp;
When Birla replied in the negative, the BJP MP said a TMC member has been "constantly smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past several days".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Speaking in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Anurag Thakur (<a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a>) says, &ldquo;I just want to request something so that the House knows. E-Cigarettes are banned in the country. Have you (Speaker) allowed it in the House? TMC MPs are using e-cigarettes in the House.&rdquo; Speaker Om&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/cVI4coJtUB">pic.twitter.com/cVI4coJtUB</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1999009853789057259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Several BJP members then demanded action against the opposition MP.&nbsp;
Amid uproar, Birla urged member to maintain dignity of the House. He said if a written complaint is lodged, he will take action.&nbsp;
E-cigarettes were banned in the country a few years ago.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed he challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on “vote chori” in Parliament, but received no response, calling Shah’s replies panicked and defensive.

Rahul Gandhi Challenges Amit Shah on 'Vote Chori' in Parliament

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Amit Shah of 'Vote Chori'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed he challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on &ldquo;vote chori&rdquo; in Parliament, but received no response, calling Shah&rsquo;s replies panicked and defensive.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he directly challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on "vote chori" in Parliament but did not get any answer.
A day after the Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between him and Shah during a debate on election reforms, Gandhi claimed that Shah appeared to be "under pressure".
"He (Shah) used the wrong language, his hands were shaking, you would have seen all this. He is under pressure mentally that was witnessed in Parliament, the whole country saw it," the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha told reporters in the Parliament House complex.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | On Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in the Parliament yesterday, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "Amit Shah ji was very nervous yesterday. He used the wrong language, his hands were trembling... He is under tremendous mental pressure.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/O7rXBMAzBu">pic.twitter.com/O7rXBMAzBu</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1999002279895310675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The things I have said, he did not address, did not give any proof. We have said it publicly in press conferences. I directly challenged him to let us discuss my press conferences in Parliament. Did not get an answer. You know the reality," Gandhi said.
Gandhi on Wednesday called the home minister's response during the debate "completely defensive" and asserted that "vote chori" is the "biggest treason".
He also claimed that the home minister did not respond to any of the points raised by him and remained evasive including on transparent voter lists, EVMs and granting immunity to the chief election commissioner.
The opposition MPs, including Gandhi, staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha during the debate on electoral reforms.
Later in a post on X, Gandhi said the home minister's response in Parliament on "vote theft" was "panicked" and "defensive".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured at an NDA parliamentary meeting following the coalition’s massive win in Bihar, where the alliance secured 202 of 243 assembly seats.

PM Modi Celebrated for NDA's Bihar Election Victory

PM Modi Honored for Bihar Election Win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured at an NDA parliamentary meeting following the coalition&rsquo;s massive win in Bihar, where the alliance secured 202 of 243 assembly seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated at a meeting of all MPs of the ruling NDA on Tuesday for the coalition's massive victory in the recent Bihar elections.
Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and J P Nadda, who is also the BJP president, were among those present at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting held at the Parliament House complex.
Modi was garlanded by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha -- both Rajya Sabha members.
On Monday, a delegation of NDA leaders from Bihar called on Modi and congratulated him for the alliance's landslide victory in the state polls.
During the meeting on Monday, the PM told the NDA MPs to work with more vigour for the welfare of the people after the ruling alliance's resounding victory in the Bihar assembly polls, saying with great victory comes great responsibility.
In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, which went to polls last month, the NDA secured 202 seats, paving the way for JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar to return as chief minister for the 10th time.
Among the alliance partners, BJP won 89 seats, JD(U) 85, LJP (Ram Vilas) 19, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) five, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha four.&nbsp;

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will lead the Lok Sabha debate on election reforms, with both the BJP and Congress fielding senior leaders for the two-day discussion.

Rahul Gandhi to initiate debate on election reforms in Lok Sabha

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will lead the Lok Sabha debate on election reforms, with both the BJP and Congress fielding senior leaders for the two-day discussion.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will initiate the debate on election reforms in the Lower House on Tuesday.&nbsp;
The opposition has been demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Parliament since the monsoon session, but the government suggested having a debate on election reforms, citing that the Election Commission was an independent, autonomous and constitutional body.&nbsp;
The BJP is expected to field senior leaders Nishikant Dubey, P P Chaudhary, Abhijit Gangopadhyay and Sanjay Jaiswal in the debate which will take place over two days.&nbsp;
Besides Gandhi, the Congress is expected to field K C Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Jawed, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isa Khan, Ravi Mallu, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and Jothimani in the debate.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a Lok Sabha discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, reflecting on its role during India’s freedom struggle and recalling the Emergency during the song’s 100th anniversary as a dark chapter in history.

PM Narendra Modi speaks on Vande Mataram in Parliament Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a Lok Sabha discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, reflecting on its role during India&rsquo;s freedom struggle and recalling the Emergency during the song&rsquo;s 100th anniversary as a dark chapter in history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the Congress of breaking into pieces national song Vande Mataram under the guise of social harmony, and said it was still following the politics of appeasement.
He also targeted former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for agreeing with the suggestion that Vande Mataram could antagonise Muslims.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on Vande Mataram, Modi cited a letter written by Nehru to Subhash Chandra Bose claiming that the background of Vande Mataram could antagonise Muslims. He said the letter was written following a protest by Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Lucknow.
Quoting the letter, Modi said, Nehru had written that he had read the background of the song and it could spark anger amongst Muslims.
Modi said later Congress convened a session in "Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Bengal" to review the use of Vande Mataram. "But, on October 26, Congress compromised on Vande Mataram. They broke it into pieces under the mask of social harmony, but history is witness ..This was Congress' attempt at politics of appeasement. Under pressure of politics of appeasement, Congress agreed to divide Vande Mataram.. this is the reason Congress also bowed to the demand for partition..," Modi alleged.
The prime minister said history is a testament to the fact that Congress knelt before the Muslim League and did this under pressure. "This is an instance of the politics of appeasement of the Congress. Because it bowed to the division of Vande Mataram, it bowed to the division of India later on. Congress has maintained the same politics of appeasement even today," he asserted amid thumping of desks by treasury benches.
The prime minister recalled that Mahatma Gandhi wrote in 1905 that Vande Mataram has become so popular that it has emerged as national anthem and wondered that why was injustice meted out to it. "If Vande Mataram was so popular, why was injustice meted out to it, why was it betrayed in the last century.What were those forces that were so powerful to overrule the wishes of Mahatma Gandhi on Vande Mataram," he said.
Modi lamented that the Constitution was "throttled" and the nation chained by the Emergency when national song Vande Mataram completed 100 years.
The prime minister also noted that Vande Mataram stood like a rock and inspired unity despite British oppression. "When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, the nation was chained by the Emergency. At that time, the Constitution was throttled and those who lived and died for patriotism were pushed behind bars," he said. "The Emergency was a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the opportunity to restore the greatness of Vande Mataram. And I believe this opportunity should not be allowed to pass," Modi said.
Modi noted that the mantra of Vande Mataram gave power and inspiration to the entire country during freedom struggle. "The mantra energised and inspired India&rsquo;s freedom movement and showed the path of courage and determination. Remembering that sacred Vande Mataram today is a great privilege for all of us in this House.
"It is a matter of pride for us that we are witnessing the historic occasion of Vande Mataram completing 150 years," he said.
The prime minister recalled that the British were forced to ban Vande Mataram even though they brought in laws to prevent printing and propagation of the poem. "Vande Mataram was written at a time when, after the uprising of 1857, the British government was alarmed and unleashing various forms of oppression. A campaign was underway to push the British national anthem 'God Save the Queen' into every household.
"Through Vande Mataram, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay responded to this challenge with great strength and resolve. British divided Bengal in 1905, but Vande Mataram stood like a rock and inspired unity," he said.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury’s “Bow Bow” reaction to reports of a privilege motion over her bringing a dog to Parliament triggered a political row, sharp exchanges between parties and a wave of social media memes.

Dog row: Renuka says 'Bow Bow' on reports of privilege motion against her

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury&rsquo;s &ldquo;Bow Bow&rdquo; reaction to reports of a privilege motion over her bringing a dog to Parliament triggered a political row, sharp exchanges between parties and a wave of social media memes.

"Bow Bow"! That was Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury's quick response on Wednesday to reports that some ruling party members are seeking to bring a privilege motion against her for bringing a dog to Parliament.
The snappy reply quickly became fodder for social media memes and even a remix of the popular song "Who Let The Dogs Out" by the Bahamian band Baha Men with the MP's "Bow Bow" interspersed in rhythm.
"Bow bow...what else should I say," Chowdhury told PTI Videos outside Parliament when asked to comment on reports of the privilege motion.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&ldquo;If my silence is the reason you believe I cannot suffer, then remember this: your cruelty speaks louder than my voice ever could.&rdquo;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveAnimals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveAnimals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnimalRights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnimalRights</a> 🐾🐶💕 <a href="https://t.co/qHfnTmtQiM">pic.twitter.com/qHfnTmtQiM</a>
&mdash; Renuka Chowdhury (@RenukaCCongress) <a href="https://twitter.com/RenukaCCongress/status/1996105101979914352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"We will see when it comes...what is the problem. When it comes, I will give a befitting reply," she added when questioned further on what she would do.
The often outspoken Rajya Sabha MP has been at a centre of a growing controversy for bringing a dog in her car in Parliament premises on Monday, the first day of the Winter session.
She said the canine was a stray who she had rescued and was taking it to a vet.
"Those sitting inside bite, dogs don't," Chowdhury told reporters when asked why she had done so.
As debate escalated, her party colleague Rahul Gandhi joined in on Tuesday, saying that pets are not allowed outside but are "allowed inside". He said so while pointing to the Parliament House.
The action triggered a row with some BJP members accusing her of indulging in drama and sought action against her.
Chowdhury, a known dog lover, had also claimed that the government does not like animals and questioned the objections raised by the ruling party MPs.
"Which law says that I can't rescue a dog," she asked.
There has been a chorus of protest on the issue from ruling MPs.
BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "The way the decorum and dignity of Parliament was hurt by the statement made by Rahul Gandhi and Renuka Chowdhury. Both the 'Rs' need to remember that there is an R -- that is 'responsibility of an MP'."
With their remarks, both Gandhi and Chowdhury have insulted all MPs, including those of the Congress, as well as the security personnel, officials and other staff working in Parliament, he alleged.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said in an X post, "Rahul Gandhi is comparing his own Congressmen, and Opposition leaders to Dog! This is how Parivarvadi treat temple of democracy."
"You keep bringing 'kutta' (dog) here and we will continue to get 'satta' (power)," added Union minister Ramdas Athawale said.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal accused Chowdhury of indulging in a "tamasha" (theatrics) and violating protocol by bringing a dog to Parliament.

Several opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, protested against the new labour codes in Parliament, raising slogans and banners demanding their rollback.

Opposition MPs protest new labour codes, demand immediate scrapping

Several opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, protested against the new labour codes in Parliament, raising slogans and banners demanding their rollback.

Several Opposition MPs, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, protested in Parliament House complex on Wednesday against the new labour codes and demanded their scrapping. MPs of the Congress, DMK, TMC, Left parties, among others, participated in the protest in front of the Makar Dwar of Parliament.
Slamming the Centre, Kharge accused the Modi government of being "anti-labour, anti-worker and pro-cronies".
In a post on X after the protest by the opposition, Kharge said the Opposition parties protested against the Modi government in Parliament premises, expressing strong objection about the newly implemented labour codes.
"Some of the serious concerns in the New Codes are -- threat to job security. Layoff threshold raised from 100 to 300 workers i.e. more than 80% of factories in India can now lay off or retrench workers without government approval, reducing job security. Expansion of Fixed Term Employment (FTE) will end many permanent jobs. Companies can now hire workers on short-term contracts, avoiding long-term benefits," the Congress chief said.
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Modi Govt is anti-labour, anti-worker and pro-cronies! &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Opposition parties protested against the Modi Govt in Parliament today, expressing our strong objection about the newly implemented Labour Codes. Some of the serious concerns in the New Codes are - &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Threat to Job&hellip; &lt;a href="https://t.co/5dpIbuSdFF"&gt;pic.twitter.com/5dpIbuSdFF&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1996100304421748836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;December 3, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
He further said that although the code keeps an 8-hour day on paper, states can allow 12-hour shifts through flexible scheduling. "Coupled with state-determined overtime limits, this effectively permits much longer workdays, increasing fatigue and safety risks even when labelled 'consensual'," he said.
"Workers must wait 60 days before striking, plus a 14-day cooling-off period. This prevents quick action against unsafe or unfair conditions. Requiring one union with 51% membership to be the sole negotiator sidelines smaller unions and reduces representation for diverse worker groups," Kharge said.
He pointed out that standing orders will not apply to units with fewer than 300 workers. "Basic rules on working hours, leave, and termination will not be mandatory. This may increase arbitrary 'hire and fire' practices in medium-sized units," the Congress chief said.
Alleging that the codes weakened safety and welfare of workers, Kharge said that by raising the definition of a factory to 20 workers (with power) and 40 workers (without power) where violations and unsafe conditions are most common, they fall outside the law&rsquo;s safety net.
"The Code fails to extend safeguards for migrants, removing the displacement allowance and retaining a restrictive Rs 18,000 income cap that leaves many migrants without protection. Mandatory Aadhaar-based registration risks leaving out migrants and informal workers who often face documentation errors or limited digital access, creating barriers to social-security enrolment," Kharge said.
By allowing offences to be settled for a fee, the Code turns wage violations into a payable cost, weakening accountability and effectively monetising illegality, he said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who also participated in the protest, said that in the name of simplifying labour laws, the central government has brought in four new labour codes but under this pretext, the government has snatched away all the rights that workers had in their hands.
"The protection previously granted to workers have been taken away, and new avenues for their exploitation have been opened. Through these laws, Narendra Modi ji's pro-capitalist and anti-worker mindset has once again come to the fore. The country does not accept these laws," she said in her post on X in Hindi after the protest.
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="hi" dir="ltr"&gt;श्रम कानूनों को सरल बनाने के नाम पर केंद्र सरकार 4 नये लेबर कोड लेकर आई है। इस बहाने श्रमिकों के हाथ में जितने अधिकार थे, सरकार ने उन्हें छीन लिया। श्रमिकों को पहले से मिली हुई सुरक्षा छीन ली और उनके शोषण के नये रास्ते खोल दिए। इन कानूनों के माध्यम से नरेंद्र मोदी जी की&hellip; &lt;a href="https://t.co/5LjB4g5wXA"&gt;pic.twitter.com/5LjB4g5wXA&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi/status/1996116965128372256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;December 3, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
She slammed the codes as "exploitative laws". Carrying posters and placards against the new labour codes, the opposition MPs raised slogans demanding their rollback.
Besides Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, TMC's Dola Sen, DMK's K Kanhimozhi and A Raja, CPI(M)'s John Brittas, CPI(ML) Liberation's Sudama Prasad, among others, participated in the protest.
The MPs also held a large banner which read - 'No to Corporate Jungle Raj, Yes to Labour Justice'.
The Centre had last month notified the four labour codes, pending since 2020. The Congress had alleged that the 29 existing labour-related laws have been re-packaged into the four codes.
The four labour codes are the Code of Wages (2019, Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020) and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020).
Key reforms include mandatory appointment letters to workers to ensure formalisation and job security; universal social security coverage, including to gig, platform, contract, and migrant workers, with PF, ESIC, and insurance benefits; statutory minimum wages and timely payment across all sectors; expanded rights and safety for women, including night-shift work and mandatory grievance committees; and free annual health check-ups for workers aged 40 and above.
The codes, however, had earlier come under criticism from trade unions over unclear provisions on retrenchment and possible discretionary behaviour during the implementation by the central or state governments.
The rules raised the ceiling for mandatory government approval for carrying out closures, layoffs or retrenchment. Against the existing provision of establishments employing 100 or more workers needing government nod, the new code raises the cap to 300 workers.
It also increases working hours in factories from 9 to 12 hours and in shops and establishments from 9 to 10 hours.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assures that the Sanchar Saathi app is secure and cannot snoop, amid concerns over mandatory pre-installation on smartphones.

Snooping will never happen with Sanchar Saathi app: Scindia in Lok Sabha

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assures that the Sanchar Saathi app is secure and cannot snoop, amid concerns over mandatory pre-installation on smartphones.

Amid privacy concerns over the Sanchar Saathi app, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday asserted that snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the app.&nbsp;
Depending on the feedback, the ministry is ready to make changes to the order regarding the installation of the app in devices, he told Lok Sabha.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Parliament Winter Session: Speaking in Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia (<a href="https://twitter.com/JM_Scindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JM_Scindia</a>) said snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app, amid a row over his ministry's order asking smartphone makers to&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/s30bHCAazi">pic.twitter.com/s30bHCAazi</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1996113633030689241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sanchar Saathi app se "na snooping sambhav hai, no snooping hoga," he said in response to Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda's supplementary question regarding snooping concerns related to the app.&nbsp;
The ministry's order, dated November 28, mandating all mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi app in all handsets to be sold in India as well as in existing devices through software update has triggered a row.&nbsp;
Concerns have been raised about possible snooping and that the app could be used to read messages that users exchange.&nbsp;
Asserting that the app is for the protection of people, he said the government wants to give choices to consumers. If a consumer has not been registered on the app, then the app will not be operational and one can also delete the app, he stated.&nbsp;
There have been around 1.5 crore app downloads. With the portal and the app, 26 lakh stolen handsets have been traced, 7 lakh stolen handsets have been returned to the consumers, 41 lakh mobile connections have been disconnected and 6 lakh frauds have been blocked, the minister said.&nbsp;
The ministry's order also mandates mobile phone companies to ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha conducted Question Hour without disruptions for the first time in the ongoing Winter session, with upcoming discussions on 'Vande Mataram' anniversary and election reforms.

Lok Sabha Question Hour Proceeded Smoothly Post SIR Discussion Resolution

Lok Sabha Resumes Smooth Question Hour

Lok Sabha conducted Question Hour without disruptions for the first time in the ongoing Winter session, with upcoming discussions on 'Vande Mataram' anniversary and election reforms.

Lok Sabha on Wednesday took up the Question Hour without disruptions for the first time in the ongoing Winter session, a day after the logjam over the opposition's demand for a discussion on SIR was resolved.&nbsp;
During a meeting chaired by Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday evening, it was decided to hold a discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of national song 'Vande Mataram' on next Monday and on election reforms on next Tuesday.&nbsp;
As soon as the House assembled for the day, obituaries were paid to former members who had passed away recently.&nbsp;
The House then took up the Question Hour.&nbsp;
Since the session began on Monday, proceedings were disrupted by opposition members demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ongoing in nine states and three Union territories.&nbsp;

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is ready to discuss Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and electoral reforms in Rajya Sabha but asked Opposition not to insist on a timeline amid heated protests.

Govt says ready for discussion on SIR but remains non-committal on time

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is ready to discuss Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and electoral reforms in Rajya Sabha but asked Opposition not to insist on a timeline amid heated protests.

Amid demands by the Opposition for an immediate discussion on the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said the government is ready to discuss anything but the Opposition should not fix timelines.
After Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that a discussion on the crucial issue of SIR should begin in the House immediately, Rijiju said he will hold consultations with leaders of various parties on Tuesday and chalk out a solution.
Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J P Nadda said the Parliamentary Affairs Minister has already said that "we will come back." "I am told that very soon a meeting is going to take place with Opposition leaders and very soon we will decide," Nadda said.
Responding to Kharge's demand for an immediate discussion on SIR, Rijiju said "please don't put timeline condition on anything." "I am going to engage with leaders of various political parties, it may be formally or informally. Ultimately, it will come to you when we start the consultations. The problem begins when you start questioning the time. Everything cannot be mechanical. In Parliamentary democracy, we have to engage in dialogue, we have to engage in discussion," Rijiju said.
He said there are many issues in the country, but they should not undermine one issue and take up another issue as all the issues are important. "You are unable to win elections and people do not believe in you and you vent out your anger in Parliament. This is not right. In a democracy, there is a platform of elections with the people. We said yesterday too that we are ready to discuss and you should at least hold consultations. But, they try to fix the time, saying government should tell now. This is not right," Rijiju said while taking a swipe at the Opposition.
Earlier, Kharge said notices were given by them on Tuesday under Rule 267, which the chairman has rejected without listing the subject and the reasons, which has not been the tradition. He said suddenly it has happened that for the members who give notices, neither their name nor the subject of the notice is read out.
"Our appeal is that there should be an immediate discussion on SIR. This is a very serious issue, because the lives of BLOs are at stake in the country. Discussion on SIR is in the interest of the country, citizens, and democracy. We are all ready to discuss this issue with the government," he said.
The Opposition leader said these are urgent matters as more than 28 people have died due to the SIR work pressure. "I want the discussion to take place now, only in the interest of democracy, citizens and our country. I request that you allow the discussion. We will cooperate with you if you allow," he asserted.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s reference to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden exit triggered protests in the Rajya Sabha during the welcome of new Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

Kharge mentions Dhankhar's 'sudden' exit in Rajya Sabha, Treasury benches object

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge&rsquo;s reference to former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar&rsquo;s sudden exit triggered protests in the Rajya Sabha during the welcome of new Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday mentioned the "unexpected and sudden exit" of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Upper House welcomed his successor CP Radhakrishnan, triggering a brief uproar from the Treasury benches, saying it was not suited to the occasion.
Welcoming the Chairman on his first day in the Rajya Sabha on behalf of the Opposition parties, Kharge also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement at the beginning of the Winter Session, and said they would respond later.
The Congress, he said, "staunchly stands by Constitutional values and time-honoured Parliamentary traditions". "Be assured of our cooperation in the conduct of proceedings".
He, however, added, "Fair and impartial conduct of proceedings, providing just opportunity to members of each party, is essential for credibility of this office".
He referred to Dhankhar, who had resigned from the post of Vice-President on July 21 over health issues.
"I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's unexpected and sudden exit from the office of Chairman, which is unprecedented in the annals of Parliamentary history... The Chairman Rajya Sabha, as the custodian of the House, belongs as much to the opposition as to the government," Kharge said, triggering uproar from ruling party benches.
"I was disheartened that this House did not get an opportunity to give him a farewell," he said.
Kharge also mentioned that Radhakrishnan is related to former three-term Lok Sabha MP CK Kuppuswamy, who was a member of the Congress.
"It is better if you keep a balance between both sides. I wish you a successful term... The background you come from was mentioned by the PM, but you should also not forget you are from a Congress family," he said.
"Secondly, PM gave a statement outside (Parliament). He attacked us indirectly as well, we will reply to it here..." he added.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, slammed the Leader of Opposition for mentioning Dhankhar's resignation on the "solemn occasion".
"This is a very solemn occasion... The Prime Minister has made very dignified remarks as part of the felicitation event. .. Why did the honourable Leader of Opposition refer to a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment..." Rijiju said.
"The language you used for the former chairman, the way you insulted him, the motion you served, we still have that copy..." he said.
He was referring to a motion for the removal of the Vice-President submitted by Opposition parties when Dhankhar was in office.
Leader of the House JP Nadda also intervened, urging members to maintain the dignity of the occasion.
He also referred to the loss faced by the opposition alliance, including Congress, in the recent Bihar assembly polls.
"This program is a pious occasion. We should maintain the dignity of the occasion. The issue that the Leader of Opposition raised, if we start discussing this, it is irrelevant... We will also have to mention that you brought a no-confidence motion against him twice. It is an obstacle in a good and congenial environment debate which is going on," Nadda said.
"Talking about what the Prime Minister spoke outside... The loss of Bihar and Haryana must have given you a lot of pain... Speak about it when the time comes," he said.
Addressing the media on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said the opposition was perturbed by the electoral losses in Bihar and was unable to digest its failure.
"Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either," the prime minister said.
Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery, he said, adding it should not be used by Opposition to vent out frustration after defeat in elections.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced two bills in Lok Sabha to replace the GST compensation cess on tobacco products and levy a new Health Security se National Security Cess on pan masala.

India Revises Tax Framework for Tobacco & Pan Masala Goods

India: Revised Taxes on Sin Goods

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced two bills in Lok Sabha to replace the GST compensation cess on tobacco products and levy a new Health Security se National Security Cess on pan masala.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha aimed at taxing tobacco and pan masala products, ensuring continuity of revenue after the GST compensation cess ends.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes to replace the GST compensation cess currently levied on tobacco products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookahs, zarda, and scented tobacco.
According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, it seeks "to give the government the fiscal space to increase the rate of central excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products so as to protect tax incidence," once the GST compensation cess is discontinued.
The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 proposes a new cess on the manufacturing of specified goods like pan masala, with the government empowered to notify additional goods for the levy.
The statement of objects and reasons explains that the cess is intended to serve &ldquo;the twin purposes of enabling targeted utilisation for public health, as well as national security.&rdquo;
Currently, sin goods like tobacco and pan masala attract 28 per cent GST plus a compensation cess levied at varied rates. Under the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill:
- Excise duty on cigars, cheroots, and cigarettes would range from Rs 5,000&ndash;11,000 per 1,000 sticks.
- Unmanufactured tobacco would attract 60&ndash;70 per cent duty, while nicotine and inhalation products would face 100 per cent duty.
At present, cigarettes are taxed with a compensation cess of 5 per cent ad valorem plus Rs 2,076&ndash;3,668 per 1,000 sticks, depending on the length. After the compensation cess ends, tobacco products will carry 40 per cent GST plus excise duty, and pan masala will have 40 per cent GST plus the Health Security se National Security Cess.
Opposition Concerns: TMC member Saugata Ray opposed the bills, stating that while tobacco is harmful, the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill does not mention this. He also opposed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, noting that cess proceeds are not shared with states.
Background: When GST was introduced on July 1, 2017, a compensation cess mechanism was established for five years, till June 30, 2022, to offset revenue losses for states. The levy was later extended by four years until March 31, 2026, with collections used to repay loans taken by the Centre to compensate states for GST losses during the COVID period. Since the loan repayment is expected to conclude in December 2025, the compensation cess will cease.
On September 3, 2025, the GST Council decided to continue the compensation cess on tobacco and pan masala until the loans are fully repaid. The cess on other luxury items ended on September 22, 2025, as part of GST rate rationalisation, implementing two slabs of 5 and 18 per cent and a 40 per cent rate for ultra-luxury goods, aerated drinks, and other demerit goods.
The introduction of the Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, and the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 ensures that the tax incidence on sin goods such as tobacco and pan masala remains consistent after the discontinuation of the GST compensation cess.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Modi for calling Parliament a place for delivery, calling him the “biggest dramabaaz” and urging the government to focus on unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.

Congress hits back at PM Modi, labels him 'biggest dramabaaz'

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Modi for calling Parliament a place for delivery, calling him the &ldquo;biggest dramabaaz&rdquo; and urging the government to focus on unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.

The Congress on Monday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "biggest dramabaaz" and said his statement accusing the opposition of indulging in drama in Parliament is "nothing but hypocrisy".
Congress leaders, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary Jairam Ramesh, were responding to Modi saying in his comments before the start of the Winter session that Parliament is not a place for drama but delivery.
Instead of addressing the real issue of people, Prime Minister Modi has once again made his 'dramebazi delivery", Kharge said in a statement on X.
He said the reality is that the government has been continuously trampling on parliamentary decorum and system for the past 11 years, and the long list of such instances is well-known.
"The BJP should now end this drama of distraction and engage in debate in Parliament on the real issues facing the people," Kharge said in his post.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
शीतकालीन सत्र के पहले दिन प्रधानमंत्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी ने संसद के समक्ष मुख्य मुद्दों की बात करने के बजाय फ़िर से "ड्रामेबाज़ी की डिलीवरी" की है ! असलियत यह है कि संसदीय मर्यादा और संसदीय प्रणाली को पिछले 11 साल से सरकार ने लगातार कुचला है उसकी लंबी फेहरिस्त है । 🔸 पिछले&hellip;
&mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1995369573546418500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He added that the truth is that common people are struggling with unemployment, inflation, economic inequality, and the looting of the country's precious resources, while "those in power are playing the game of dramabazi in the arrogance of authority".
In the last Monsoon session, at least 12 Bills were passed in haste, some in less than 15 minutes and some without any discussion at all, Kharge said.
"The entire country has previously witnessed how you bulldozed anti-farmer black laws, GST, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and such bills through Parliament in a frantic rush," he said.
When the Manipur issue was raised, the prime minister remained silent until the opposition brought a no-confidence motion, Kharge alleged.
"Due to SIR, BLOs are continuously losing their lives due to the workload in the process. The opposition wants to prioritize issues including 'vote theft' and we will continuously raise them in Parliament," the Congress leader added.
His party colleague Ramesh said the PM never attends Parliament, undermines it and doesn't engage with the opposition.
"Yet before every session he will stand outside the Parliament building and speak grandly to the nation asking for constructive cooperation from the Opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha."
"The PM's statement before Parliament begins is nothing but hypocrisy. The biggest dramabaaz of them all is talking of drama," Ramesh said in a post on X.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The PM never attends Parliament and undermines it. He never engages with the Opposition. Yet before every session he will stand outside the Parliament building and speak grandly to the nation asking for constructive cooperation from the Opposition to ensure the smooth&hellip;
&mdash; Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1995359887690518976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He said if the Parliament doesn't function smoothly, the fault is entirely that of the PM and his stubborn refusal to allow the Opposition to raise issues of urgent public importance.
"He wants to always have his way without giving the Opposition an opportunity to at least have its say," Ramesh said on X.
Hitting out at the opposition for stalling parliamentary proceedings earlier in the day, Modi said, "We need to work with a sense of responsibility. Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery."
Referring to the drubbing of opposition parties in the Bihar polls, he said the opposition was perturbed by the electoral loss and unable to digest failure.
"For some time now, our Parliament is being used either as a warm up arena for elections or as an outlet for frustration after defeat," Modi said.
"Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either," the prime minister said.
The opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its depression after loss in elections, he said, adding that that must come out of ths frustration.
"They should change their strategy - I am ready to give them a few tips," the PM said.

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of Congress cooperation for smooth proceedings, while urging fair treatment for both Opposition and Treasury benches.

Kharge Assures Cooperation in Rajya Sabha, Emphasizes Fairness

Kharge Assures Cooperation in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of Congress cooperation for smooth proceedings, while urging fair treatment for both Opposition and Treasury benches.

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday assured Chairman CP Radhakrishnan of cooperation from the Congress party in the smooth conduct of the House, as he also urged him to treat the Opposition and Treasury benches equally.
As the Rajya Sabha members felicitated the Vice President, who is also the Chairman of the Upper House, on his first day in the Chair, Kharge also remembered Radhakrishnan's predecessor, former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, triggering protests from the treasury benches.
Welcoming the Chairman on behalf of the Opposition parties, Kharge said the Congress "staunchly stands by Constitutional values and time-honoured Parliamentary traditions... be assured of our cooperation in the conduct of proceedings".
"Fair and impartial conduct of proceedings, providing just opportunity to members of each party, is essential for credibility of this office," Kharge said.
He referred to Dhankhar, who had resigned from the post of Vice-President on July 21 over health issues.
"I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's unexpected and sudden exit from the office of Chairman Rajya... I was disheartened that this House did not get an opportunity to give him a farewell," he said, triggering protests from the treasury benches.
Kharge urged the Chairman to ensure a balance between the Treasury and Opposition sides.
"Better if you keep a balance between both sides. I wish you a successful term," he said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the Leader of Opposition for mentioning Dhankhar's resignation on the "solemn occasion".
"Why did the honourable Leader of Opposition refer to a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment..." Rijiju said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged opposition parties to focus on constructive debates instead of using Parliament as a platform for election warm-ups or venting frustration, as the Winter session begins with 15 sittings.

PM Modi Criticizes Opposition for Misusing Parliament as Election Arena

Modi Criticizes Opposition for Parliament Misuse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged opposition parties to focus on constructive debates instead of using Parliament as a platform for election warm-ups or venting frustration, as the Winter session begins with 15 sittings.

Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday in a hard-hitting attack on the opposition and accused it of turning the House into a "warm up arena" for elections or as an outlet to vent out frustration after defeat.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament ahead of the Winter session, he said the session must not become a stage for political theatrics but a platform for constructive and result-driven debate, and offered to give the opposition tips to bring positivity in politics.
"We need to work with a sense of responsibility. Parliament is not a place for drama, it is a place for delivery," Modi said, hitting out at the opposition for stalling parliamentary proceedings.
The Monsoon session of Parliament was virtually washed out over opposition protests on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The opposition has also threatened to stall the Winter session of Parliament over the SIR exercise in nine states and three union territories, if the issue was not discussed in Parliament.
"For some time now, our Parliament is being used either as a warm up arena for elections or as an outlet for frustration after defeat," Modi said.
Referring to the drubbing of opposition parties in the Bihar polls, he said the opposition was perturbed by the electoral loss and unable to digest failure.
"Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either," the prime minister said.
The record turnout witnessed in Bihar elections is the biggest strength of democracy, he said, adding the opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its depression after loss in elections.
The prime minister said the game the Opposition have been playing for the last 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people.
"They should change their strategy - I am ready to give them a few tips," Modi said.
He urged all parties to recognise the purpose of Parliament and "come out of the frustration of defeat."
Prime Minister Modi added that he had heard statements of leaders of certain Opposition parties which suggest their inability to accept electoral outcome.
"There are one or two parties that are unable to accept their defeat. From the statements I heard yesterday, it seems that the loss has deeply troubled them," he said.
The prime minister also said that opportunities should be given to the new generation of young Members of Parliament.
"The House should benefit from their experiences, and through this House, the nation should also gain from their fresh perspective," Modi said.

Opposition parties demanded a detailed discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and national security before the Winter Session, while the government urged smooth functioning of Parliament without assurances on the issues raise

Winter Session: Opposition united in demanding discussion on SIR; govt seeks cooperation

Opposition parties demanded a detailed discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and national security before the Winter Session, while the government urged smooth functioning of Parliament without assurances on the issues raised.

Opposition parties demanded a detailed discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and national security before the Winter Session, while the government urged smooth functioning of Parliament without assurances on the issues raised.

Opposition parties on Sunday demanded a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session beginning December 1, with the government saying it would engage with everyone to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament.
As many as 50 leaders of 36 political parties attended the meeting convened by the government ahead of the session.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president and Union Minister J P Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and his two deputies Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, attended the meeting.
While the SIR continued to dominate the meeting proceedings, several other issues, like national security in the wake of the Delhi blast, and labour codes were also raised by the leaders.
Some raised the point of federalism, alleging that governors were sitting on bills passed by the state legislatures and funds of opposition-ruled states were being blocked.
Even though he gave no assurance to the opposition, Rijiju said the House must be allowed to function.
"This is the Winter Session of Parliament and everyone should think and conduct themselves with a cool mind," he told reporters after the two-hour long meeting.
"Parliament should not be stalled and it should function smoothly. The government will keep discussing with all parties to ensure smooth functioning of the House," he said.
Asked if the opposition's demand for a discussion on SIR will be accepted, Rijiju said the agenda of the session will be decided by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) this evening.
"There are differences among political parties, but if we decide not to disturb the House then productivity will rise, democracy strengthened and Parliament's respect among people enhanced," he said.
Opposition leaders at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting of the Rajya Sabha on Sunday demanded a short discussion on the matter in the Upper House on Monday, a source said.
Later in the day, a BAC meeting was called and it was chaired by Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan.
A source said that at the meeting the opposition parties agreed to cooperate to ensure smooth functioning of the House, and urged the Rajya Sabha chairman to allow a discussion on the SIR exercise on Monday.
"... the opposition parties conveyed that they want Parliament to run smoothly. They also sought a short discussion on the urgent need for further electoral reforms at 2 pm on Monday. If the discussion is not held, the government must be held responsible for disrupting Parliament, they said," the source said.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed the all-party meeting "a mere formality" and said the Narendra Modi government had made its intentions clear by listing a subject for a short duration for discussion without any consultation with the Opposition.
"This session of 15 days will be the shortest in Parliamentary history. The Modi government has listed 13 Bills for passage. Of these one replaces an ordinance and two have gone through a committee of the Lok Sabha. So 10 Bills have not been examined by the Standing Committee concerned," he said.
Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the ruling party wanted to finish off democracy, derail Parliament, and bury parliamentary traditions.
The Congress, he said, demanded a discussion on national security, air pollution, purity of voter list, foreign policy, and issues of farmers who are not getting the right price for their crops.
"It seems the government, under the leadership of the prime minister and the home minister, is looking to finish off India's democracy and parliamentary traditions," he told reporters after the meeting.
"The EC before, during and after elections is acting in a biased manner. There should be a discussion on the purity of the voter list," he said.
Gogoi also said India's foreign policy was being forged on the basis of action of other countries.
Congress' deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said, "The opposition parties feel that if no discussion is held on SIR, this means the government does not want Parliament to function."
He also alleged that Modi failed in fulfilling his responsibility of participating in Parliamentary discussions despite coming to the House.
Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav said his party would not allow Parliament to function if discussion on the SIR is not held.
"We will not allow the House to function if discussion is not held on SIR," he told reporters, adding, several BLOs killed themselves as they had been told to delete specific votes.
CPI-M leader John Brittas said if Parliament is disrupted, full responsibility will be of the government.
He also said that the Red Fort blast exposed the government and necessitated a discussion on national security.
Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee said his party was ready to cooperate in running the House provided treasury benches respond with similar gestures.
"The government should allow discussion on issues such as SIR. Forty persons have lost their lives conducting SIR exercise," Banerjee said, alleging that the objective of EC was to delete votes through SIR.
Banerjee alleged that the government allocated itself 70 per cent of the Houses' time and that its tendency has been to pass the bills in the din.
"There has been a serious breach of national security in the wake of the Delhi blast and this calls for an elaborate discussion," Banerjee said.
She alleged that the prime minister used the word 'ghuspaithiya' in his poll campaign for Bihar, but the SIR in the state proved otherwise.
"We hope good sense will prevail &hellip; and a discussion on SIR is held," Banerjee said.
Tiruchi Siva of the DMK said the Opposition is unanimous in demanding a discussion on SIR.
"The government has listed 14 bills. The common issue for the opposition is SIR," Siva said.
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar raised the issue of national security in the wake of the Delhi blast, alleged irregularities in SIR, and demanded a discussion on air pollution.
BJD's Sasmit Patra said all parties demanded a discussion on SIR, but his party wants a discussion of the electoral reforms.
The Winter session commences on Monday and will conclude on December 19.

The government will introduce two new bills to levy excise duty on tobacco products and impose a new cess on pan masala manufacturing, ensuring tax incidence remains unchanged after the GST compensation cess ends.

Govt to bring 2 bills in Lok Sabha to replace GST cess on tobacco, pan masala with new levies

The government will introduce two new bills to levy excise duty on tobacco products and impose a new cess on pan masala manufacturing, ensuring tax incidence remains unchanged after the GST compensation cess ends.

The government will introduce two bills in the Lok Sabha on Monday to levy excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, and a new cess on manufacturing of pan masala.
The Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, will replace the GST compensation Cess, which is currently levied on all tobacco products like cigarette, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookahs, zarda, and scented tobacco.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks "to give the government the fiscal space to increase the rate of central excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products so as to protect tax incidence," once the GST compensation Cess ends, according to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill.
The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, seeks to levy Cess on the production of specified goods like pan masala.
The Government may notify any other goods on whose manufacturing such a Cess can be levied.
Sin goods like tobacco and pan masala currently attract a GST of 28 per cent, plus a compensation Cess which is levied at varied rates.
Once the compensation Cess ends, sale of tobacco and related products will attract GST plus excise duty, while pan masala will attract GST plus the Health Security se National Security Cess.
Since the GST rate of 28 per cent has been done away with, such sin goods will be subject to the highest GST slab of 40 per cent.
"It is proposed to levy the Health Security se National Security Cess to contribute towards the twin purposes of enabling targeted utilisation for public health, as well as national security," according to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill.
The cess shall be in addition to any other duties or taxes chargeable on the specified goods under any law for the time being in force, it added.
Such businesses will have to file a self-declaration of all machines or processes for each factory or premises, and the cess would be calculated in the aggregate for each such location, it said.
The two bills are listed for introduction by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday.
At the time of the introduction of the GST on July 1, 2017, a compensation cess mechanism was put in place for 5 years till June 30, 2022, to make up for the revenue loss suffered by states on account of GST implementation.
The levy of compensation cess was later extended by four years till March 31, 2026, and the collection is being used to repay the loan that the centre took to compensate states for the GST revenue loss during the Covid period.
Since that loan repayment is going to be fully repaid sometime in December, the compensation cess will cease to exist.
On September 3, 2025, the GST Council had decided to continue with the compensation cess on tobacco and pan masala till the loans taken are repaid.
On other luxury items, the compensation cess ended on September 22, when the GST rate rationalisation was implemented with just 2 slabs of 5 and 18 per cent.
A 40 per cent rate was fixed for ultra-luxury goods, aerated drinks and other demerit goods.
The Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, and The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 will ensure that the tax incidence on sin goods like tobacco and pan masala remains the same after discontinuation of the compensation Cess.

A man attempted to scale a wall of Parliament around 6:30 am on Friday but was immediately caught by security personnel and handed over to police.

Security Breach: Man Scales Parliament Wall

Security Breach at Indian Parliament

A man attempted to scale a wall of Parliament around 6:30 am on Friday but was immediately caught by security personnel and handed over to police.

In a security breach, a 20-year-old man attempted to scale a wall of Parliament on Friday morning but was caught by security personnel and handed over to police, police said.
The man, identified as Rama, hails from Uttar Pradesh and appears to be "mentally incoherent", they said.
"Around 5.50 am on Friday, a person attempted the scale a boundary wall of Parliament but was promptly apprehended by alert CISF and Delhi Police staff," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla said.
"He appears to be mentally incoherent and further interrogation and verification is in process," the DCP added.
Sources said he tried to gain entry into Parliament by climbing a tree adjoining the boundary wall.
Multiple central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell of Delhi Police, are questioning the man.
"He has since been handed over to Delhi Police for further interrogation. The IB and Special Cell officers are questioning him to determine his motive," said the source.
The incident revived memories of the December 13, 2023, breach when two men climbed into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery and released yellow-coloured smoke canisters, while two others carried out a similar act outside.
It coincided with the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament, raising serious security questions.

Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, banning online money games, amid repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session.

Parliament Monsoon Session: Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die

Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, banning online money games, amid repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Thursday, with Deputy Chairman Harivansh regretting that repeated disruptions deprived the House of meaningful discussion on various matters of public importance during the Monsoon Session.
Earlier, the House passed the The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, without debate amid din.
After the Rajya Sabha met in the morning, it was adjourned till 2 pm, following a protest by Opposition members over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
When the House resumed at 2 pm, the protest continued.
Amid the din, the Upper House passed the gaming bill, and thereafter, it was adjourned sine die by the Deputy Chairman.
In his valedictory address, Harivansh lamented that the entire session was marred by repeated disruptions, and members could not get an opportunity to raise meaningful issues despite the best efforts of the chair.
"This not only results in the loss of precious Parliamentary time but deprives us of the opportunity to deliberate on several matters of public importance," he said.
The monsoon session commenced on July 21. It was repeatedly disrupted by Opposition members who demanded discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Harivansh said the House functioned for only 41 hours and 15 minutes.
"The productivity of this Session stood at a disappointing 38.88 per cent, something that calls for serious introspection," he noted.
The Deputy Chairman said that the members had the opportunity to raise 285 questions, 285 Zero Hour submissions, and 285 Special Mentions. However, only 14 questions, 7 Zero Hour submissions, and 61 Special Mentions could actually be taken up.
"While these contributions are of value, they represent only a fraction of what this august House is capable of achieving when it functions to its full potential," he said.
During the session, as many as 15 Government Bills were passed or returned.
"The House also held a special discussion on India's strong, successful, and decisive Operation Sindoor, undertaken in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a matter of great national importance," Harivansh said.
The discussion on Operation Sindoor saw the participation of 64 Members over two days, and was replied to by the Home Minister, he noted.
"The House also benefited from a suo motu statement by the Hon&rsquo;ble Minister of Commerce and Industry on India-US Bilateral Trade, which provided valuable insights into India's expanding economic engagement. In addition, the House was duly apprised of the vacancy in the office of the Hon'ble Vice-President of India," Harivansh said.
The Deputy Chairman also bade farewell to six Members from Tamil Nadu, who completed their term on July 24, 2025.
"I hope the lessons of this session will guide us towards more constructive and purposeful deliberations in the future," he said.

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