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Bishkek, August 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India’s support for all peaceful efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying the priority should be to move from a situation of “endless war” towards an end to hostilities.

Speaking during a joint statement with Russian President Vladimir Putin after their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, PM Modi said India had consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.

“We have to move from a situation of ‘endless war’ to ‘end of war’,” Modi said, adding that it was the desire of humanity that the conflict end at the earliest.

Referring to his previous discussions with President Putin on the Ukraine situation, the Prime Minister said India supported peaceful methods to resolve the impasse. He reiterated that India’s position was centred on resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

The remarks reinforce Modi’s earlier statement that “this is not an era of war”, made during his meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in 2022. At the time, Modi had emphasised diplomacy and dialogue as the means to address the conflict.

India has since maintained communication with both Russia and Ukraine, with New Delhi repeatedly calling for dialogue and diplomacy as the basis for resolving the conflict.

During his latest remarks, Modi also linked India’s position to the country’s association with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautama Buddha. “The land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message: the path of peace,” he said.

He also said that every day of war represents a setback for humanity and stressed the need to work towards ending hostilities.

The meeting between Modi and Putin comes ahead of Putin’s expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit. The upcoming engagement is expected to provide another opportunity for the two countries to discuss bilateral relations and international developments, including the Ukraine conflict.

India’s position reflects its continued emphasis on strategic autonomy while maintaining diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Western countries. New Delhi has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are necessary for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

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New Delhi August 27, 2026: A devastating flash flood along Nepal’s border with Tibet has left 823 people out of contact, including 133 Indian nationals, as rescue and search operations continue across the affected Himalayan region.

The disaster, triggered by a massive ice-and-rock avalanche, has caused widespread destruction in Nepal’s northern districts, damaging roads, bridges, settlements and vital infrastructure. At least 165 people have been confirmed dead in Nepal and China, while hundreds remain missing.

Many of those unaccounted for are tourists and pilgrims travelling toward the Kailash Mansarovar region. Nepalese authorities have deployed thousands of personnel and helicopters for rescue and relief operations, although difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure are hampering efforts.

India is closely monitoring the situation and has begun relief assistance, while authorities are working to establish contact with missing Indian nationals and assist their families.

The disaster has triggered an urgent humanitarian response, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate survivors and provide emergency assistance to affected communities.

The situation remains fluid, and casualty and missing-person figures are expected to be updated as search operations continue.

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RBI

New Delhi, August 22: The Reserve Bank of India’s special foreign-exchange swap facility has mobilised $72.848 billion as of August 21, 2026, providing additional foreign-currency liquidity to India’s financial system amid continued external economic uncertainties.

According to the figures provided, $65.397 billion was mobilised through FCNR(B) deposits, while $4.860 billion came through overseas foreign-currency borrowings and $2.591 billion through external commercial borrowings.

The mobilisation provides India with an additional foreign-currency liquidity buffer, but the amount should not be treated as a direct addition to the country’s wealth or foreign-exchange reserves. A significant portion represents foreign-currency deposits and borrowings that create future repayment obligations.

FCNR(B) deposits, for example, allow non-resident Indians to place foreign currency with Indian banks for a specified period. While the arrangement brings foreign currency into the domestic financial system, banks are required to repay the deposits, along with applicable interest, at maturity.

The facility is particularly relevant for an economy with substantial foreign-currency requirements. India depends heavily on imports of crude oil, machinery, electronics and other goods, creating sustained demand for US dollars and other foreign currencies. Periods of higher oil prices or global financial uncertainty can increase pressure on the rupee and the country’s external balance.

By encouraging foreign-currency funding, the RBI can increase the availability of dollars within the financial system and strengthen its ability to manage external shocks. The objective is therefore primarily to improve external liquidity and resilience rather than provide a permanent increase in foreign-exchange resources.

FCNR(B) deposits accounted for almost 90% of the total mobilisation, highlighting the role of overseas Indian savings as a potential source of foreign-currency liquidity. The scale of the response also led the RBI to shorten the mobilisation window after the facility attracted substantial inflows.

India’s foreign-exchange reserves stood at around $716.9 billion as of August 14, according to the figures provided, close to their record level. The sizeable reserve position means that additional foreign-currency mobilisation needs to be assessed alongside its costs, including future repayment obligations and liquidity-management requirements.

The longer-term economic impact will depend partly on how the additional foreign-currency resources are used. Funding that supports productive investment, manufacturing, infrastructure and export-oriented activity could strengthen India’s capacity to generate foreign exchange in the future.

However, if foreign-currency funding is used for activities that generate primarily rupee-denominated returns, repayment obligations could create greater currency-related risks. This makes the quality and economic use of the capital an important consideration alongside the size of the mobilisation.

The RBI’s latest exercise therefore provides India with greater room to manage external volatility but does not eliminate the country’s structural demand for foreign currency. Longer-term external stability will continue to depend on stronger exports, services earnings, foreign investment and reduced dependence on imported energy.

The $72.85 billion mobilisation consequently represents an important external-liquidity measure rather than a permanent solution to India’s foreign-currency requirements. Its broader significance will depend on whether the additional financial flexibility supports economic activity that can generate sustainable foreign-exchange earnings.

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New Delhi, August 20: India has allowed the duty-free import of up to 1 million tonnes of raw sugar until October 31, 2026, in a move aimed at increasing domestic supply and limiting further price increases ahead of the festive season.

Domestic sugar prices have risen by around 40% over the past two months, reaching multi-year highs. The timing of the measure comes ahead of major festivals including Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra and Diwali, when demand for sugar typically increases.

The government’s decision is intended to address a short-term supply constraint, as domestic sugar production cannot immediately respond to higher demand. Additional imports could increase market availability and reduce the risk of further sharp price increases.

The measure is expected to benefit consumers and industries that use sugar as an input, including confectionery, beverages, biscuits and processed food manufacturers. Lower sugar prices could reduce input costs for these businesses and limit the impact of higher raw material prices on consumers.

Domestic sugar mills, however, could face some pressure as imported sugar increases competition in the domestic market. The limited quota and October 31 expiry indicate that the measure is focused on addressing a temporary supply gap rather than removing protection for domestic producers.

Alongside the import decision, the government has restricted bulk sugar users to maintaining inventories equivalent to 15 days of consumption between September 1 and November 30. The measure is intended to discourage excessive stockpiling and speculative purchases during the period of elevated demand.

Domestic supply is also expected to receive support from an earlier start to the sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Mills in the two major sugar-producing states are expected to begin crushing operations around 10 to 15 days earlier than usual, potentially bringing additional domestic sugar into the market.

The policy could also influence international sugar markets. India is the world’s largest sugar consumer, and the potential purchase of up to 1 million tonnes represents additional demand in the global market. Sugar futures reportedly rose by around 4% following the announcement.

Brazil is expected to be among the potential suppliers to the Indian market. However, shipping and contracting timelines could mean that some imported sugar reaches India closer to October.

The longer-term supply outlook remains dependent on the performance of the next sugarcane crop. Production in the 2026-27 season is currently projected at around 33.6 million tonnes, compared with estimated consumption of approximately 31 million tonnes. A stronger crop could ease supply conditions and prices, while adverse weather could limit production and require further policy measures.

Uneven monsoon conditions and a modest decline in sugarcane acreage remain among the factors that could influence the next production cycle.

The government’s current approach combines additional imports with inventory restrictions and earlier domestic crushing. The effectiveness of the policy will depend on how quickly imported sugar is contracted and delivered, the amount of additional supply released by existing port-based refiners and the performance of the upcoming sugarcane crop.

The immediate objective is to increase availability and contain price pressures during the high-demand festive period, while maintaining the broader framework of support for India’s domestic sugar industry.

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Unemployment

New Delhi, August 19: India’s labour market recorded a broad improvement in July 2026, with the overall labour force participation rate rising to 55.4% and the unemployment rate declining to 5.1%, according to the latest monthly bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for people aged 15 years and above increased from 54.4% in June to 55.4% in July. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR), which measures the share of the population that is employed, also increased from 51.4% to 52.5%.

The unemployment rate declined from 5.5% in June to 5.1% in July. The improvement was driven largely by rural India, where both labour force participation and employment increased more significantly than in urban areas.

Rural LFPR rose from 56.6% in June to 58% in July, while urban LFPR increased marginally from 50.1% to 50.4%. On a year-on-year basis, rural LFPR increased from 56.9% in July 2025 to 58% in July 2026, while urban LFPR declined from 50.7% to 50.4%.

The increase in the share of employed people was also stronger in rural areas. Rural WPR increased by 1.6 percentage points to 55.4% in July, while urban WPR rose from 46.8% to 47%.

Female labour force participation recorded a notable increase during the month. Overall female LFPR rose from 32.7% in June to 34.4% in July. Rural female LFPR increased from 36.6% to 38.8%, while urban female LFPR rose from 24.8% to 25.3%.

The year-on-year comparison showed that overall female LFPR increased from 33.3% in July 2025 to 34.4% in July 2026. Rural female participation also increased, while urban female LFPR declined from 25.8% to 25.3%.

Female employment followed a similar rural-urban pattern. Rural female WPR increased from 34.7% in June to 37.2% in July, while urban female WPR rose more modestly from 22.7% to 23.1%.

The unemployment data, however, showed differences between rural and urban workers and between men and women. Rural unemployment declined from 5% in June to 4.5%, while urban unemployment remained broadly stable at 6.7%, compared with 6.6% in June.

Male unemployment declined from 5.3% to 5% overall. Rural male unemployment fell from 4.9% to 4.6%, while urban male unemployment stood at 5.9%.

The picture for women was more mixed. Overall and rural female unemployment declined from June levels, but urban female unemployment increased from 8.4% to 8.8% in July. The rate was also higher than the overall female unemployment rate of 5.4%.

Compared with July 2025, urban female unemployment remained broadly unchanged, at 8.8% compared with 8.7%.

The July estimates were based on information collected from 3,71,021 people, including 2,11,411 respondents in rural areas and 1,59,610 in urban areas. The monthly estimates use the Current Weekly Status approach.

The PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates of key labour-market indicators.

The July data therefore presents an improvement in overall labour market indicators, particularly in rural India, while also highlighting continued differences between rural and urban employment outcomes and higher unemployment among urban women.

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Celebrating 80 Years of Independent India

August 15, 2026,: India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, marking eight decades since the country achieved independence in 1947.

Independence Day is an occasion to remember the long struggle for freedom and the sacrifices made by countless individuals who contributed to India’s independence. It is also a day to appreciate the democratic values and institutions that have shaped the country since 1947.

Over the past 80 years, India has travelled a remarkable journey. From the early challenges of building a newly independent nation to becoming a major economy with growing capabilities in science, technology, infrastructure, and innovation, the country has continued to evolve.

The occasion is not only about looking back in time. It is also about looking ahead.

As India moves towards 2047 and the centenary of independence, the country faces new opportunities and responsibilities. Education, employment, technological innovation, economic growth, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development will remain important for India’s future.

Independence also carries a responsibility for every citizen. The values of democracy, equality, unity, respect, and responsible citizenship remain important to the continued development of the country.

On this Independence Day, The Parliament News extends its warmest wishes to all Indians in the country and across the world.

May this day remind us of the value of freedom, the importance of our democratic institutions, and the responsibility that comes with being citizens of a diverse and democratic nation.

May India continue to progress, innovate, and create greater opportunities for every citizen.

May the coming years bring peace, prosperity, unity, and progress to the nation.

The Parliament News wishes everyone a very happy 80th Independence Day.

Let us remember the past, value the present, and work towards a better future.

🇮🇳 Jai Hind. 🇮🇳

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Monsoon Session

New Delhi, August 13: The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on Thursday with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die amid repeated disruptions, political differences and limited legislative debate. The session saw frequent protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak, the handling of student protests and police action against demonstrators.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the session as successful in terms of legislative output, highlighting the passage of 12 Bills. However, parliamentary productivity remained limited, with the Lok Sabha functioning for around 19% of its scheduled time and the Rajya Sabha for around 39%. Only one Bill was discussed in both Houses, according to reports.

The Opposition criticised the limited opportunity for debate and parliamentary scrutiny, arguing that the passage of legislation should be accompanied by adequate discussion, examination of provisions and accountability from the government.

The alleged NEET paper leak and subsequent student protests were a major source of confrontation throughout the session. Opposition parties sought discussions on the circumstances surrounding the protests and demanded answers from the government regarding police action against students.

The disagreement continued into the final days of the session. On August 12, Home Minister Amit Shah indicated that he was willing to participate in a comprehensive discussion on the student protests and police response. Rijiju also indicated that the government was prepared to provide additional time for discussions.

However, the Opposition remained dissatisfied with the proposed approach. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi argued that young protesters were seeking concrete answers and accountability. The disagreement reflected the wider differences between the government and the Opposition over how the issue should be addressed in Parliament.

The disruptions also affected Question Hour, one of Parliament’s principal mechanisms for holding the executive accountable. Reduced sitting time consequently limited opportunities for MPs to question ministers, examine government policies, and raise matters of public concern.

The government maintained that the Opposition was responsible for preventing several MPs, including newer members, from participating effectively in debates. It argued that the passage of 12 bills demonstrated that legislative work continued despite the disruptions.

Meanwhile, the Opposition maintained that parliamentary performance should not be measured only by the number of Bills passed. It argued that legislation requires sufficient debate and scrutiny to identify shortcomings, consider amendments, and examine its potential impact.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed legislative activity on the final day, with the House passing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, following discussion. Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan referred to the disorder witnessed during the session and expressed regret over disruptions to parliamentary proceedings.

In the Lok Sabha, the final day’s proceedings concluded after the national song, Vande Mataram, was played. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were present in the House.

The session therefore ended with a contrast between legislative and deliberative productivity. The government highlighted the passage of legislation despite disruptions, while the Opposition pointed to the limited use of scheduled parliamentary time and the extent of debate.

The Monsoon Session has consequently renewed a broader debate over how parliamentary performance should be assessed. Legislative efficiency remains important for governance, but debate, questioning and scrutiny are also central functions of Parliament. The repeated cycle of protests and adjournments during the session highlighted the challenge of maintaining political dissent while ensuring that Parliament remains functional and deliberative.

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New Delhi, August 6: The 21st edition of EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026, one of India’s largest exhibitions dedicated to water and wastewater management, opened at Bharat Mandapam on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology companies, researchers and water-sector experts to deliberate on the country’s evolving water challenges and sustainable solutions. Organised by the Earth Water Foundation, the three-day event is being held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Water Through Innovation, Sustainability and Collaboration.”

The Expo was inaugurated by Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, who underscored the critical role of water security in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Addressing delegates from government, industry and academia, the Minister said sustainable water management must become a national priority, driven by cooperation among governments, businesses, technology innovators, researchers and local communities. He stressed that innovation, policy reforms and circular water management practices would be essential to building resilient water infrastructure capable of meeting India’s future domestic, agricultural and industrial needs.

The inauguration began with the traditional Jal Kalash Ceremony, followed by the inaugural session titled “India Water Mandate 2030,” which set the tone for discussions on India’s long-term water strategy. The session focused on strengthening water governance, promoting advanced technologies, encouraging sustainable resource management and accelerating policy initiatives to address increasing water stress across the country.

Welcoming participants, Ms. Shivani Ghorawat, Founder of Earth Water Foundation, said the Expo has evolved significantly over the past two decades. She noted that what began as an initiative to bring together fragmented discussions on water has now become a national platform where governments, industries, technology providers and water professionals collaborate to develop practical and scalable solutions for the sector.

The inaugural session also featured addresses by Dr. Ambika Sharma, Assistant Secretary General of ASSOCHAM, and Mr. Siddharth K. Desai, Co-Chair of the ASSOCHAM National Council on Water and Joint Managing Director of KISHOR Pumps, who outlined the importance of stronger public-private collaboration, technological innovation and policy support in ensuring sustainable water management. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Turbaashu Bhattacharya, Co-Chair of the ASSOCHAM National Council on Water.

A key highlight of the opening day was the ASSOCHAM Water Leaders Summit on “Navigating India’s Water Transition: Technology, Policy and Circularity.” Experts discussed emerging challenges in industrial water security, climate resilience, wastewater reuse, circular economy practices and the application of artificial intelligence in water management. Participants emphasised that rapid urbanisation, industrial growth and climate change require integrated planning, advanced monitoring systems and greater investment in sustainable water infrastructure.

The CEO’s Water Leadership Forum, moderated by Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran, brought together senior executives from IOTA Group, WOG Group, VA Tech Wabag and Microfilter Polymers Limited to discuss industry-led innovation and collaboration. The panel explored strategies for improving industrial water efficiency, expanding wastewater recycling, adopting smart technologies and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors to enhance water security.

Spread across multiple exhibition halls, the Expo combines five integrated platformsExhibition, Conference, Business, Market Access and Knowledgeto facilitate dialogue, business networking and technology exchange. More than a conventional trade exhibition, the event provides opportunities for policymakers, utilities, startups, MSMEs and researchers to engage with solution providers and explore emerging technologies in water treatment, wastewater management, desalination, digital monitoring systems and sustainable infrastructure. The Global Water Business Lounge and Innovation Spotlight Arena are serving as dedicated platforms for business meetings, product launches and startup demonstrations.

The remaining two days of the Expo will feature the World Sustainable Water Summit, technical conferences on water infrastructure, financing, rainwater harvesting, water reuse and regional cooperation, along with specialised training sessions under the EAW Water Academy. Industry experts expect these discussions to generate policy recommendations, encourage investment and strengthen partnerships that support India’s long-term water security agenda.

As India faces growing pressure on freshwater resources due to urbanisation, industrial expansion and climate variability, EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 seeks to provide a collaborative platform where government agencies, businesses, researchers and innovators can develop practical solutions to ensure sustainable water management. The organisers believe the event will contribute to advancing technological innovation, strengthening institutional partnerships and supporting the country’s transition towards a resilient and water-secure future.

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New Delhi, August 5: Parliament has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation after a discussion and returned it to the Lok Sabha, which had approved the Bill earlier this week. The legislation amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. Earlier this year, President Droupadi Murmu had promulgated an ordinance to provide for the increase in the number of judges.

Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the legislation forms part of the government’s judicial reform efforts and is intended to improve the efficiency of the Supreme Court. He said the increase in judicial strength was necessary in view of the growing workload, evolving legal issues and the need for faster disposal of cases.

During the discussion, Congress MP Vivek Tankha questioned the decision to introduce the measure through an ordinance and highlighted that around 95,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court.

Members from several political parties supported the legislation, stating that increasing the number of judges could help reduce pendency and improve access to justice. Some members also called for filling vacancies in High Courts and strengthening judicial infrastructure alongside the expansion of the Supreme Court’s strength.

After completing discussion on the Bill, the Rajya Sabha took up Special Mentions on matters of public importance before adjourning for the day.

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New Delhi, July 31: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) reported a consolidated net loss of ₹1,141 crore for the first quarter of FY27, despite recording higher revenue and continued growth in domestic fuel demand.

The company registered a 27% year-on-year increase in revenue, supported by improved refinery throughput and higher fuel sales. However, the rise in global crude oil prices increased input costs, resulting in lower marketing margins during the quarter.

As crude procurement costs rose, retail fuel prices did not increase proportionately, reducing profitability on petrol, diesel and LPG sales. The results indicate that while demand for petroleum products remained strong, higher operating costs weighed on earnings.

IOCL’s performance also reflects broader trends in India’s energy sector. As the country imports a significant share of its crude oil requirements, fluctuations in international crude prices continue to influence the financial performance of oil marketing companies.

The quarter also highlights the role of government policies in the fuel sector. Pricing decisions and compensation mechanisms, including support related to LPG, remain important factors affecting the financial position of public sector oil marketing companies.

Market participants will continue to monitor global crude oil prices, domestic fuel pricing decisions, marketing margin recovery, government policy measures, exchange rate movements and upcoming earnings from other oil marketing companies to assess the sector’s outlook in the coming quarters.

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