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The Winter Session of Parliament opened today with a packed legislative agenda and a schedule that stretches across 15 sittings in 19 days. But the first hours inside the Lok Sabha were far from smooth. What should have been a straightforward opening quickly turned into a day shaped by loud protests, stalled discussions, and repeated adjournments.

The primary flashpoint: opposition uproar over issues including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Even before Question Hour could gain momentum, disruptions overshadowed proceedings, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House twice before noon.

Lok Sabha’s Stop-Start Morning: Protests Take Centre Stage

When the House first convened at 11 AM, Speaker Om Birla began the session with obituary references for Dharmendra, Col. (Retd.) Sona Ram Choudhary, Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, and Ravi Naik. Members observed a moment of silence in their memory.

But the quiet did not last long.

As soon as Question Hour began, opposition MPs rushed into protest mode—raising slogans over the electoral roll revision and other issues. The noise drowned out proceedings, prompting the Speaker to express firm displeasure. Disrupting parliamentary functioning, he reminded members, cannot become routine.

Despite the caution, protests intensified, and the House was adjourned till noon.

Second Convening, Same Chaos: Lok Sabha Adjourned Again

By 12 PM, hopes for smoother proceedings faded quickly. The moment the session resumed, sloganeering erupted once again.

Amid the commotion, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman still managed to introduce several key bills:

  • Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025 — proposing excise duty on tobacco and related products
  • Health Security and National Security Cess Bill 2025 — imposing a cess on items like pan masala
  • Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill 2025 — amending Manipur’s GST Act

The House also formally extended the deadlines for two major committee reports:

  • Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
  • Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025

But with protests showing no signs of easing, the Speaker had little choice but to adjourn the House again—this time until 2 PM.

Rajya Sabha Opens with Oaths, Tributes and a New Chair at the Helm

While the Lok Sabha struggled with disruptions, the Rajya Sabha opened its day on a more composed note.

Three Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leaders—Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, Chowdhry Mohammad Ramzan and Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo—took oath as Members of Parliament.

A significant moment followed:
C. P. Radhakrishnan presided over the Rajya Sabha for the first time as Chairman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the House in welcoming him, highlighting his rise from modest beginnings to the Vice Presidency as a reflection of India’s democratic strength.
The sentiment was echoed by Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, both acknowledging his commitment to fairness and constructive debate.

What emerged was a rare instance of unified goodwill across party lines.

Reactions Outside the House: Leaders Speak on the Day’s Turbulence

Outside Parliament, MPs shared sharply contrasting views on the day’s disruptions.

  • BJP MP Dinesh Sharma told Akashvani News the government is “open to discussions on all issues” and that MPs will have ample opportunity to raise constituency matters.
  • JDU MP Sanjay Jha accused the opposition of attempting to derail the Winter Session the same way it disrupted the previous one, calling the protests politically motivated rather than issue-driven.
  • MoS Education Sukanta Majumdar described the opposition’s conduct as theatrics, arguing that Parliament cannot become a stage for constant drama.

The divide over the SIR issue appears set to remain one of the session’s defining points of contention.

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U.S. Government Shutdown

After weeks of political stalemate and mounting public frustration, the United States has finally turned a page. The 43-day government shutdown, the longest in the nation’s history, officially ended after Congress approved a new spending bill that President Donald Trump signed into law.

The breakthrough brings long-awaited relief to hundreds of thousands of furloughed federal employees and restores essential government services that had been paralyzed since September 30, 2025.

How the Deadlock Began

The shutdown began when federal funding expired at the end of September, following an impasse between Republicans and Democrats over health-tax credits—a policy central to keeping healthcare affordable for millions of Americans.

The dispute over whether to extend or modify these credits derailed budget negotiations, leading to a complete halt in non-essential federal operations. The shutdown’s ripple effects were felt across the country: from delayed paychecks for federal workers to stalled environmental programs and limited public access to federal institutions.

The Turning Point: Breaking Party Lines

The path to reopening the government required rare acts of political courage. In the Senate, eight Democrats crossed party lines to back an amendment that helped move the spending bill forward—on the condition that Congress would revisit the health-tax credit debate in the near future.

In the House of Representatives, six Democrats also broke ranks to support the measure: Jared Golden, Adam Gray, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Don Davis, Henry Cuellar, and Tom Suozzi. Their votes proved decisive in securing passage, with the final count standing at 222–209.

Interestingly, not all Republicans were on board. A few conservative members, including Thomas Massie and Greg Steube, opposed the deal, citing concerns over long-term fiscal responsibility.

What the Bill Achieves

While the spending bill does not resolve the health-tax credit issue, it ensures that the federal government can operate without further interruption. Federal employees will now receive back pay, and critical public services—from national parks to regulatory agencies—will resume normal operations.

More importantly, it reestablishes stability in the federal system after weeks of uncertainty that had shaken both domestic confidence and international perception of U.S. governance.

Beyond the Bill: The Politics of Compromise

This resolution represents more than just the end of a shutdown—it’s a moment of political recalibration. In an era defined by polarization, bipartisan cooperation has become increasingly rare. Yet, this episode proves that negotiation and mutual concession remain possible when national interests outweigh partisan agendas.

The willingness of some lawmakers to step across the aisle underscores a larger truth: governance in a democracy requires not just debate but also dialogue.

What Comes Next

The next major political challenge will center on the renewal of health-tax credits, which are set to expire in December. Lawmakers from both sides have acknowledged that without reform, millions of Americans could face higher healthcare costs.

The coming weeks will test whether the same spirit of compromise that ended the shutdown can extend into policy-making on healthcare and fiscal planning.

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Parliament Winter Session 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Winter Session of Parliament will take place from December 1 to 19, 2025. The announcement, made via X (formerly Twitter), invited all parties to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at “strengthening democracy and serving the aspirations of the people.”

Traditionally, the Winter Session begins in the third week of November and continues until just before Christmas. However, this year’s schedule—spanning just 19 days—has triggered criticism from opposition parties, who view the delay as an attempt to limit parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

Opposition’s Response: “An Unusually Delayed and Truncated Session”

The announcement immediately drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh labelled the move as “unusually delayed” and “truncated,” questioning the government’s intent.
“What message is being sent to the nation?” he wrote on X. “Clearly, the government has no business to transact, no bills to get passed, and no debate to be allowed.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien accused the government of suffering from what he termed “Parliament-ophobia.” He remarked, “PM Narendra Modi and his team continue to suffer from an acute fear of facing Parliament. This short session sets a dubious record.”

Context: A Year of Limited Parliamentary Business

The criticism stems from a broader pattern noted throughout 2025. The Monsoon Session, which ended on August 21, witnessed limited legislative activity amid frequent disruptions and protests.
While 12 bills were passed in the Lok Sabha and 14 in the Rajya Sabha, much of the session was overshadowed by debates on Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar, both of which led to repeated adjournments.

Observers suggest that the Winter Session, being significantly shorter, may not allow adequate time to discuss pressing national issues or pending legislation.

Historical Comparison: Last Year’s Heated Winter Session

Last year’s Winter Session (2024) had been longer and far more eventful. It featured debates marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, a no-confidence motion against then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and an Opposition-led impeachment notice against an Allahabad High Court judge.
The session concluded with a charged debate over the alleged insult of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, reflecting the politically charged atmosphere that often defines India’s parliamentary proceedings.

Government’s Stance: Focus on “Constructive Debate”

Despite the criticism, Minister Rijiju expressed optimism about the upcoming session. His statement emphasized collaboration and purpose: “We look forward to a constructive and meaningful session that strengthens democracy and serves the aspirations of the people.”
Government insiders suggest that the session will prioritize key economic and administrative bills while reviewing progress made under various national schemes before the fiscal year’s end.

What Lies Ahead

With the session scheduled to begin in early December, all eyes will be on how both Houses navigate political tensions and time constraints. Whether the short session will produce substantial legislative outcomes or dissolve into partisan gridlock remains to be seen.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

The Indian government has tabled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Parliament with a bold vision—to make India the global capital of game development. The legislation seeks to regulate the booming digital gaming industry, encourage innovation in e-sports and creative gaming, and curb the risks associated with money-based online gambling.

A National Online Gaming Authority in the Works

At the heart of the bill is the proposal for a national-level Online Gaming Authority. This regulatory body will oversee digital gaming platforms across the country, ensuring that safe, skill-based games are nurtured while harmful gambling-like platforms face strict scrutiny.

By providing a framework for classification and compliance, the authority aims to bring consistency to a sector that has long been fragmented by varying state laws.

Differentiating Safe Games From Gambling Platforms

A major highlight of the bill is its attempt to draw a clear line between skill-based e-sports and casual online games versus chance-driven money games.

The government has emphasized support for games rooted in skill, creativity, and competition—like e-sports and gamified social platforms. On the other hand, platforms offering poker, rummy, and other real-money card games are being targeted for stricter oversight, given their association with financial risks, fraud, and addiction.

Officials noted that while operators often blur the line between “skill” and “luck,” this bill seeks to remove ambiguity and protect both players and legitimate developers.

Addressing Addiction, Fraud, and Social Concerns

The government has underscored that the bill is not aimed at punishing players but rather at holding operators accountable. Concerns flagged by political leaders across parties highlight issues like:

  • Addiction and its impact on families.
  • Misleading platforms promising quick financial gains.
  • Fraudulent operators exploiting loopholes in state laws.

Recent investigations revealed that illegal betting apps—often disguised as skill-based games—are part of a market valued at over ₹8.3 lakh crore, growing at nearly 30% annually. The bill’s stricter oversight aims to tackle this rapidly expanding shadow sector.

Driving India’s Game Development Vision

Beyond regulation, the bill reflects the government’s larger ambition: to position India as a global hub for game development. With clarity in classification and active government support for safe gaming, the industry is expected to see greater investment in creative content, e-sports infrastructure, and gamified digital platforms.

As S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, put it, the goal is to encourage the positive, innovative side of gaming, while discouraging exploitative practices that harm users.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

Parliament’s Monsoon Session: Protests, Barricades, and Landmark Sports Reforms

The 17th day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, held on August 12, 2025, was a mix of high-stakes politics, street drama, and significant legislative developments. Both Houses opened to loud protests led by the opposition INDIA bloc, which has taken strong exception to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Electoral Roll Dispute Sparks Street Protests

The opposition alleges that the SIR exercise risks excluding marginalized and minority voters from Bihar’s electoral list—a move they describe as an orchestrated “vote theft.” Their frustration moved beyond Parliament’s walls as prominent leaders—Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and Sanjay Raut—marched toward the Election Commission to demand intervention.

In a moment that drew nationwide attention, Akhilesh Yadav leaped over police barricades, prompting a brief scuffle. Rahul Gandhi and several other leaders were detained by the police, though they were released shortly after.

Government Pushes Through Legislative Business

While protests raged, the Lok Sabha pressed forward with its legislative agenda. By voice vote, it passed:

  • National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
  • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
  • A third pending bill

In the Rajya Sabha, the day saw the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill—described by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as the most transformative overhaul in Indian sports administration since independence.

Sports Reform at the Forefront

The new sports governance framework seeks to:

  • Enforce transparency in sports bodies
  • Ensure fair play across disciplines
  • Strengthen anti-doping measures
  • Standardize administrative accountability

The government hailed the reforms as a long-overdue cleanup that will better protect athletes’ rights and restore credibility to sports institutions.

Session Adjourned Amid Ongoing Standoff

Despite legislative progress, the opposition refused to relent on its demand for a structured debate on Bihar’s draft electoral rolls. Repeated disruptions forced adjournment of both Houses until August 18, leaving the political standoff unresolved and Bihar’s voter roll controversy firmly in the spotlight ahead of the state elections.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

Persistent Deadlock Grips Parliament

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another tumultuous day on August 7, 2025, as the opposition ramped up its protest over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Day 13 of the session was characterized by repeated adjournments, uproarious scenes, and a rising sense of impasse between the treasury and opposition benches.

INDIA bloc MPs launched a coordinated protest, accusing the ruling government of manipulating the revision process to disenfranchise large sections of marginalized voters in Bihar. Their demand for an immediate, detailed debate went unmet—triggering an unrelenting standoff inside both Houses.

Lok Sabha in Gridlock

The Lok Sabha was adjourned almost immediately after it convened at 11 AM. Sloganeering and vocal demands for a discussion on the SIR exercise drowned out all attempts to proceed with business. Although the House reconvened at noon, disorder persisted, leading to another abrupt adjournment.

When proceedings resumed briefly later in the day, the government attempted to push through the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, which was passed by voice vote. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the opposition’s obstruction, pointing out that the funds were crucial for a state currently under President’s Rule.

Rajya Sabha Proceeds Amid Protests

The Rajya Sabha mirrored the turbulence of the lower house. Deputy Chairman Harivansh struggled to maintain order as opposition MPs raised slogans and disrupted scheduled debates. Despite the din, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 was passed, a rare legislative moment in an otherwise paralyzed session.

Opposition Stages Symbolic Protest

Beyond the chaos within the chambers, the opposition staged a visible and pointed protest on Parliament premises. Standing at the iconic Makar Dwar, leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Dharmendra Yadav, and newcomer MP Sagarika Ghose joined hands in denouncing what they termed “systematic voter suppression.”

Placards, silence, and unified presence sent a clear message to the government — that the opposition would not relent unless the SIR issue was addressed in Parliament.

A Session at Crossroads

The continued friction has turned this Monsoon Session into a political standoff. While the government pushes ahead with legislative priorities, the opposition remains locked in on accountability around the SIR process — a confrontation rooted in fundamental concerns about electoral fairness and democratic inclusion.

Unless dialogue replaces deadlock, both legislative productivity and public trust in Parliament could erode further in the remaining days of the session.

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parliament session

A Silent Start in the Rajya Sabha

Day 11 of the Monsoon Session of Parliament began on a somber note. As Rajya Sabha convened on Monday, August 4, 2025, it was immediately adjourned after members paid tribute to the late Shibu Soren, former Jharkhand Chief Minister and a towering figure in Indian politics. A minute’s silence was observed in his memory, after which proceedings were suspended for the day.

Lok Sabha: Protests Eclipse Parliamentary Business

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha faced yet another day of disruption. The House was first adjourned until 2 p.m. due to loud protests from opposition MPs, who continued their demand for a dedicated debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

When the session resumed briefly in the afternoon, the government attempted to introduce the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025—a significant piece of legislation expected to reform India’s sports administration. However, the Opposition’s protests intensified, and the session was ultimately adjourned for the day without any productive discussion.

Government’s Push, Opposition’s Standstill

The ruling alliance has made clear its intention to pass key legislative bills before the Monsoon Session concludes. Yet, the continued deadlock, driven by the INDIA bloc’s demands, has made progress nearly impossible.

The opposition’s letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla—requesting a formal debate on SIR in Bihar—remains unanswered by the government. The opposition insists that the SIR process may have wide-reaching implications on voter rights and electoral fairness, particularly in politically sensitive regions.

PM and HM Meet President Amid Tensions

Adding another layer of intrigue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu separately on Sunday, August 3. While no official details were disclosed, the timing of the meetings raises questions, especially in the context of the ongoing unrest over the Bihar SIR issue.

A Session at Risk of Being Lost

Other than a brief two-day debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor earlier in the session, Parliament has been largely unproductive since July 21. With just a few days left in the Monsoon Session, lawmakers and citizens alike are questioning whether meaningful legislative action is still possible.

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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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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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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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