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Parliament Stalemate Continues: Day 5 of Monsoon Session Ends in Chaos

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
parliament monsoon session

BJP-Led Monsoon Session Grinds to Halt Again

On Day 5 (July 25, 2025) of the Monsoon Session, both Houses of Parliament failed to conduct any business. Protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar persisted, leading to complete adjournments in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Opposition Escalates Protest: Tear Placards, Storm the Well

Members of the INDIA bloc, including senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged symbolic demonstrations inside Parliament. They tore SIR placards and tossed them into the dustbin, chanting “Take back SIR”. The repeated disruptions forced both Houses to grind to a standstill.

Rule 267 Notices and Demands for Debate

In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury invoked Rule 267, seeking suspension of regular business for urgent discussion on Bihar’s voter list revision. The Opposition raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement due to opaque guidelines and insufficient submission timelines.

Meanwhile, Kiren Rijiju, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, affirmed that both Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack would be addressed in detail from July 28, following consensus reached in an all-party meeting.

Legislative Agenda Stalls Despite Bills List

Key legislation such as the Goa ST Representation Bill and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 were listed for Lok Sabha consideration. However, no bill was taken up due to the persistent uproar.

Concurrently, a statutory resolution to extend President’s Rule in Manipur and the impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma were also scheduled but remained unrealised.

Special Debate Show Scheduled for Monday

Disruptions may pause, but key issues remain—both Houses agreed to commence a 16-hour special debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror strike starting July 28. Final details will be confirmed by the Business Advisory Committees.

Crisis Mode: Tariffs, Governance, and Political Fallout

With Parliament tied up, important national decisions—such as the anticipated extension of President’s Rule in Manipur and ongoing tariff talks with the U.S.—hang in limbo. The entrenched logjam underscores deepening political polarization and the stakes ahead in upcoming legislative sessions.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaWorld

India Backs Maldives With Massive Credit Line and Trade Pact Vision

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

India and Maldives have entered a transformative phase in their bilateral relations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Male and held in-depth discussions with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on July 25, 2025. A key outcome of the visit is the extension of a substantial Line of Credit (LoC) worth ₹4,850 crore from India to Maldives, alongside the official announcement of negotiations for an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA).

Strengthening Strategic Ties Through Economic Cooperation

In a major diplomatic step forward, both leaders highlighted their commitment to boosting trade, strengthening defence cooperation, and enhancing infrastructure development. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s firm support towards Maldives’ growth and security, stating that the new Line of Credit will not only support current infrastructure projects but also encourage new bilateral ventures.

Additionally, India has decided to ease Maldives’ annual debt servicing obligations under earlier GoI-funded credit lines, providing crucial financial breathing space to the island nation.

A New Chapter with the Free Trade Agreement

The announcement of IMFTA negotiations marks a significant evolution in India-Maldives economic engagement. President Muizzu emphasized the importance of this agreement in expanding market access, streamlining trade processes, and creating new business opportunities for both countries.

This move is expected to bring structural transformation to Maldives’ economy, while also cementing India’s role as a trusted regional partner. The proposed FTA will likely focus on sectors like tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and logistics.

Defence and Infrastructure – The Twin Pillars of Partnership

Beyond economic cooperation, the Modi-Muizzu meeting emphasized shared regional security interests. India reaffirmed its willingness to strengthen the Maldives’ defence capabilities. Several infrastructure projects funded by India are also poised to gain momentum, including port development, housing, and health infrastructure.

Modi’s visit signals a reset in the diplomatic tone between the two nations, which had recently experienced a dip in engagement. This renewed partnership is expected to contribute positively to the stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Parliament Paralysed for Fourth Straight Day: SIR Protests Continue

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

India’s Monsoon Session of Parliament remained stalled for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, July 24, 2025, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha unable to function. Loud protests from Opposition MPs forced repeated adjournments and brought all legislative activity to a halt.

Why Are MPs Protesting?

At the heart of the protests is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Opposition has condemned the exercise, calling it undemocratic and politically motivated. Slogans like “Take back SIR!” echoed through both Houses as MPs stormed the well, demanding immediate rollback of the decision.

A Repeat of Earlier Disruptions

Thursday’s disruptions mirrored scenes from the first three days of the Monsoon Session. The protests are not just about the SIR. Opposition members are also pressing for:

  • A detailed discussion on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam
  • Clarifications on Operation Sindoor, a classified government military operation

Despite demands, the government has yet to provide comprehensive responses on these matters.

Some Progress on Operation Sindoor Discussion

Though the week was largely marked by deadlock, there may be a breakthrough on Operation Sindoor. Sources indicate that the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha has reached a consensus on scheduling a 16-hour debate next week. The Lok Sabha is expected to follow suit with a similar discussion plan.

This could signal a temporary thaw in tensions, although the Opposition insists that the SIR issue must also be formally addressed.

A Session in Crisis

With Parliament unable to transact any legislative business for four days in a row, crucial bills and discussions on pressing national issues remain pending. The government is under pressure to break the impasse, but Opposition parties have made it clear that without redressal of the SIR issue, normalcy in the Houses cannot resume.

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BlogBusinessFeaturedIndia

India’s Mobile Exports Skyrocket: A 127× Growth

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
India's Mobile Exports

In a remarkable transformation, India’s mobile phone exports rose from ₹1,500 crore in 2014–15 to a staggering ₹2 lakh crore in 2024–25, marking a 127-fold increase, according to Parliament data disclosed by Electronic & IT Minister of State Jitin Prasada.

How the PLI Scheme Power-Pumped Growth

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM) has proven instrumental. As of June 2025, it had:

  • Drawn investments totaling ₹12,390 crore
  • Generated ₹844,752 crore in production
  • Contributed ₹465,809 crore in exports
  • Created over 1.30 lakh direct jobs

This momentum has reshaped India’s standing in global electronics.

Shift from Importer to Exporter

In 2014–15, India imported 75% of domestic mobile demand. That figure has plummeted to just 0.02%, as domestic manufacturing has ramped up dramatically. Today, India ranks as the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally.

Expanding the Scheme: PLI 2.0 & FDI Inflows

A new wave of incentives under PLI Scheme 2.0, focused on IT hardware, has already attracted ₹717 crore in investment, generated ₹12,196 crore in production, and created 5,056 direct jobs.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in electronics manufacturing has surged to USD 4.07 billion since 2020–21, with PLI beneficiaries accounting for USD 2.80 billion of that inflow.

The Strategic Upshot

  • India’s export boom reinforces its position as a global electronics manufacturing hub.
  • The PLI models are delivering impact, driving production, employment, and exports.
  • Reducing import dependence and enhancing domestic capabilities across hardware sectors.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Deadlock in Parliament: Opposition Protests Stall Proceedings on Day 3

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament Monsoon Session

The third day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session was marked by complete legislative deadlock as protests erupted across both Houses. The core issue fueling the disruption was the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. With no resolution in sight, proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were brought to a standstill, culminating in adjournment for the entire day.

Lok Sabha Turmoil: Speaker Warns Against “Street Behaviour”

The Lok Sabha witnessed high-decibel sloganeering as Opposition MPs stormed the Well of the House, waving placards and demanding urgent debate on the Bihar electoral issue. Speaker Om Birla strongly objected to their actions, stating that their conduct was akin to “street behaviour,” a sharp rebuke aimed at restoring decorum but with little effect.

Rajya Sabha Adjourned Thrice Amid Unrelenting Protests

In the Rajya Sabha, disruptions began almost immediately after the House convened. The session was adjourned first till noon, then till 2 p.m., and finally for the remainder of the day. Despite repeated attempts to resume normal proceedings, the Opposition’s unrelenting protest strategy ensured that no legislative business could be conducted.

A Missed Opportunity: The Sports Governance Bill Delayed

Caught in the legislative paralysis was the much-anticipated Sports Governance Bill, which was scheduled for tabling on July 23, 2025. The Bill proposes the establishment of a Sports Tribunal, headed by a Supreme Court judge, to expedite resolution of sports-related disputes—potentially easing pressure on India’s overburdened judiciary. However, due to the deadlock, its introduction was deferred.

A Pattern of Stalemate: Is a Breakthrough Likely?

This is now the third consecutive day of unproductive sessions in Parliament. With key legislative agendas pending and political tempers flaring, the possibility of reaching a compromise appears bleak. The Centre and Opposition remain at odds, and unless both sides move toward negotiation, future sittings risk suffering a similar fate.

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BlogFeaturedWorld

Trump Unveils Historic US-Japan Trade Deal Worth $550 Billion

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
US-Japan

Trump Confirms Massive US-Japan Trade Agreement

In a bold announcement on his Truth Social platform, former US President Donald Trump revealed the finalization of a sweeping trade agreement between the United States and Japan. Marketed as one of the largest trade deals ever, the agreement reportedly includes a 15% reciprocal tariff structure and a substantial investment promise from Japan.

$550 Billion Investment and 90% Profit Clause

According to Trump, Japan has committed to investing $550 billion in the United States. The structure of the deal allegedly guarantees the US a striking 90% share of the resulting profits, although exact mechanisms for this distribution remain unclear. Trump emphasized that the investment is expected to create “Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs” for American citizens.

Reciprocal Tariffs and Market Access

One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is the implementation of a 15% tariff on Japanese goods entering the United States. This measure replaces the 25% tariff Trump had threatened to impose starting August 1. In exchange, Japan will reciprocate by opening up its markets to American exports—especially in the sectors of automobiles, agricultural goods like rice, and other key products.

Context and Political Timing

The deal follows a series of fast-tracked trade negotiations that Trump has pursued in recent weeks. Similar trade pacts have recently been announced with countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Britain, and Vietnam. The timing of the announcement also coincides with political turbulence in Japan, where Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently suffered electoral setbacks that reduced his ruling coalition’s upper house majority.

Strategic and Economic Implications

While the full implications of the trade structure are still under scrutiny, the agreement signals a deepening of economic ties between two of the world’s largest economies. Analysts suggest this move could rebalance trade relations in the Indo-Pacific region while giving the US leverage in broader global trade dynamics.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Parliament Monsoon Session disrupted amid voter rights debate

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament

Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision Sparks Parliament Protests

Day 2 of Monsoon Session Adjourned Within Minutes Amid Uproar

The Indian Parliament’s Monsoon Session on July 22, 2025, was disrupted within minutes of commencement, as Opposition parties vocally protested against Bihar’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Accusing the exercise of being a tool for mass voter disenfranchisement, leaders stormed the well of the House, effectively halting proceedings for the day.

Opposition’s Stand: Why the Protest?

Congress MP Manickam Tagore led the charge in the Lok Sabha by submitting a notice on the issue. However, before any meaningful discussion could take place, the House was adjourned. Opposition members carried placards and gathered near the Makar Dwar, symbolically demonstrating their displeasure.

On the Rajya Sabha front, the situation mirrored that of the lower house. Members attempted to debate the SIR, but Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected 12 notices filed under Rule 267, which calls for suspending all business to discuss a pressing issue.

The SIR Controversy in Bihar

The Special Intensive Revision exercise, initiated to update Bihar’s electoral rolls, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, has emerged as a central figure in the resistance, alleging that the move could disenfranchise large sections of voters. On July 20, he released letters sent to 35 political leaders across India, appealing for collective opposition to the SIR process.

Many Opposition leaders argue that the exercise lacks transparency, proper oversight, and disproportionately targets marginalized communities.

Parliamentary Business Disrupted

Despite the planned discussions around critical legislative matters—such as The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha and The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha—no deliberation could proceed. The day’s business came to a halt as political protests overshadowed legislative responsibilities.

Larger Implications: Right to Vote and Democratic Integrity

The protests raise deeper questions about the sanctity of democratic rights in India. While the right to vote is a statutory right under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the SIR controversy brings to light how administrative processes can influence voter access. The Opposition insists that this revision could disenfranchise thousands, especially in socio-economically vulnerable sections.

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BlogFeaturedtechnology

ChatGPT Hits 2.5 Billion Daily Interactions: Is AI the New Search Engine?

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

OpenAI’s generative AI tool, ChatGPT, is shattering records with over 2.5 billion daily prompts, a remarkable milestone that underscores the platform’s rapid global expansion. According to newly obtained data, this figure translates to an astonishing 912.5 billion annual interactions, highlighting how deeply embedded the AI chatbot has become in everyday digital workflows.

US Leads the Charge in Prompt Volume

Out of the billions of interactions processed each day, around 330 million originate from the United States, positioning the country as ChatGPT’s largest user base. A spokesperson from OpenAI has verified the accuracy of these figures, affirming the monumental scale at which the AI platform operates today.

Growth That Stuns Even the Tech Industry

What makes this surge even more notable is the meteoric rise in active users. From 300 million weekly users in December to over 500 million by March, the trajectory shows no signs of slowing. This exponential rise is not just a milestone for OpenAI—it represents a fundamental shift in how users interact with information and automation.

A Looming Threat to Google’s Search Supremacy

While Google still maintains dominance with 5 trillion annual searches, the momentum behind ChatGPT suggests a possible reshaping of the search engine landscape. Unlike Google’s keyword-based model, ChatGPT provides direct, human-like responses, offering users a more conversational and task-oriented experience.

Strategic Moves: AI Agent and Browser on the Way

Adding to its expanding arsenal, OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT Agent, a powerful tool capable of performing tasks on a user’s device autonomously. This marks a major step toward an all-in-one digital assistant. In addition, OpenAI is reportedly planning to launch a custom AI-powered web browser, designed to rival Google Chrome directly—an aggressive move that signals OpenAI’s ambitions beyond just chat.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaIndia Parliament

Parliament adjourned as Opposition demands immediate debate on Operation Sindoor.

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Parliament Monsoon Session

The monsoon session of Parliament on July 21, 2025, unfolded with high drama, repeated adjournments, and rising political tensions as the Opposition demanded an official statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the controversial Operation Sindoor.

Lok Sabha Adjourned Twice Over Opposition Protests

The Lok Sabha faced early disruptions, leading to an initial adjournment just after it convened. Opposition leaders raised slogans and insisted on a response from the Prime Minister about the recent events tied to Operation Sindoor and the tragic incident in Pahalgam.

After a brief resumption, the House was again forced into adjournment due to the relentless uproar. During the short interval of proceedings, BJP MP Baijayant Panda presented the Select Committee’s report on the Income Tax Bill, 2025. The proposed legislation includes 285 amendments aimed at overhauling the outdated tax framework.

Tributes were paid in the House for multiple recent incidents, including the devastating Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. However, calm was short-lived, as tensions quickly escalated again.

Speaker Om Birla reiterated that every issue, including the contentious Operation Sindoor, would be taken up for debate following due parliamentary procedure.

Rajya Sabha Walkout Over Operation Sindoor

The Rajya Sabha didn’t fare much better. The session was stalled early on after Opposition members began protesting loudly, demanding answers and initiating a walkout over Operation Sindoor.

When proceedings resumed, Deputy Chairman Harivansh made a firm appeal to allow the Question Hour to continue. But the protests only grew louder, eventually causing another halt. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar stressed that the government was open to a full and detailed discussion, but that it must be done through proper channels.

Government’s Stance: Ready for Dialogue, But Under Rules

In a pre-session all-party meeting, the government emphasized its readiness to engage on all major concerns, including Operation Sindoor. At the same time, it underscored the importance of maintaining order and adhering to the framework that governs debates in Parliament.

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BlogFeaturedWorld

PM Ishiba Cornered: Japan Election Deals Massive Blow to Ruling Bloc

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Shigeru Ishiba

Ruling Coalition Fails to Secure Majority

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s political future hangs in the balance following a disappointing performance by his ruling coalition in the latest upper house elections held on Sunday. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its ally Komeito failed to secure the 125-seat majority needed in the 248-member upper house, a critical loss for a party that has dominated Japanese politics for 70 years.

Despite having 75 uncontested seats, NHK projections confirmed that the coalition was unable to acquire the remaining 50 seats, signaling a historic shift in Japan’s legislative landscape.

Historic First: Coalition Fails to Control Either House

For the first time in LDP’s 70-year history, the ruling coalition no longer controls either the upper or lower house of the National Diet. While Prime Minister Ishiba vowed to remain in power, political analysts argue that this result drastically weakens his mandate.

The defeat follows the LDP’s earlier setback in the lower house elections in October and further exposes the party to internal challenges and no-confidence motions.

Breakdown of the Election System

Japan’s upper house has 248 seats, with elections held every three years for half the chamber. This cycle included 124 seats and one additional seat to fill a vacancy. Of these, 75 were filled through electoral districts and 50 through proportional representation.

The ruling coalition’s return of only 47 seats fell short of the required majority. Meanwhile, the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party, secured 22 seats, consolidating its position.

Far-Right Sanseito Party Gains Ground

One of the most surprising outcomes was the meteoric rise of the far-right populist Sanseito party, which increased its seat count from 1 to 14. While it remains a minor player in the lower house, its sudden popularity reflects growing support for its “Japanese First” stance, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and populist economic promises like tax cuts and welfare reform.

Founded on YouTube in 2020 during the pandemic, Sanseito capitalized on conspiracy theories and dissatisfaction with the LDP’s governance.

Party leader Kamiya Sohei ruled out joining the ruling coalition for now, citing concerns of being overshadowed due to their limited strength.

Implications of the Election Results

Though the upper house elections do not directly force a government change, they do place significant political pressure on PM Ishiba. His government is already weakened and now faces critical tariff negotiations with the U.S., with a looming deadline of August 1 to avoid crippling trade sanctions.

Ishiba acknowledged the setback, calling it a “harsh result”, but reaffirmed his commitment to stay in office and navigate Japan through this volatile period.

Leadership Crisis in the LDP?

If Ishiba is pushed out, no clear successor has yet emerged. This uncertainty could deepen Japan’s political instability at a time when strategic negotiations with global powers and economic recovery post-COVID are paramount.

Japan’s 2025 upper house election represents a turning point in the country’s political dynamics. The ruling coalition’s failure to maintain its majority, combined with the rise of populist forces and deepening party fractures, could reshape the direction of Japanese governance. All eyes are now on Prime Minister Ishiba, as he navigates this crisis with both domestic discontent and international pressure closing in.

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