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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

Parliament Disrupted Over Bihar Electoral Roll Dispute, Sports Bills Clear Lok Sabha Amid Protests

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed yet another day of disruptions on Monday, August 11, 2025, as both Houses were forced to adjourn until 2 p.m. due to loud protests by Opposition MPs demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls and other matters.

Scenes in the Lok Sabha

When the Lok Sabha reconvened after the weekend, Opposition members, including Congress MPs, rose to their feet, shouting slogans and brandishing placards. Speaker Om Birla attempted to proceed with Question Hour, fielding queries to the Ministry of Environment and Forests despite the commotion. However, within 10 minutes, he halted proceedings, accusing the Opposition of systematically blocking the House’s work for two weeks.

“This is against the rules and democratic spirit,” Birla remarked, urging MPs to represent the people’s interests instead of engaging solely in protests. With no sign of calm, the House was adjourned until the afternoon.

The Opposition’s central demand was a detailed discussion on the SIR process initiated by the Election Commission ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections.

Rajya Sabha Adjourned in Minutes

The Upper House fared no better, with proceedings halted almost immediately after they began. Opposition MPs moved into the aisles and well of the House, pressing for a debate on alleged irregularities in Bihar’s voter list revision.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected 29 notices under Rule 267, which allows suspension of scheduled business for urgent debates, citing procedural lapses and the sub judice status of the matter. He reminded members that parliamentary rules restrict discussion on ongoing court cases to avoid influencing judicial outcomes.

Despite his clarification and an appeal to resume Zero Hour, Opposition MPs persisted with slogan-shouting, prompting another adjournment. Harivansh noted that continued disruptions had already cost the Rajya Sabha over 62 hours of productive time this session.

Legislation Moves Forward Despite Uproar

Amid the noise, the Lok Sabha managed to pass two significant sports reform bills when it reconvened after the early adjournment: the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill-2025.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described the governance bill as the “single biggest reform in Indian sports since independence,” aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and better governance in sports federations.

The bill proposes the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) with powers to regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs), de-recognise bodies failing to meet governance standards, and bring all recognised sports bodies under the ambit of the RTI Act if they receive government funding. It also introduces a National Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes between federations and athletes, with appeals only possible in the Supreme Court.

Key provisions include flexibility in age limits for sports administrators and mandatory compliance with election and financial audit norms.

Amendments to Anti-Doping Law

The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill-2025 was passed to align India’s regulations with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) requirements. The changes remove government oversight of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to preserve its operational independence, a move WADA had demanded.

Originally enacted in 2022, the law’s implementation was stalled due to concerns over political interference. The amendments now ensure that the National Anti-Doping Board cannot issue directions to NADA, focusing instead on compliance with global anti-doping norms.

Looking Ahead

While the passage of these bills marks a milestone for India’s sports governance framework, the persistent parliamentary deadlock over the SIR controversy signals more turbulent days ahead. With the Bihar elections approaching, the political heat around electoral roll revisions is unlikely to cool soon.

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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 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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Parliament Monsoon Session

Parliament Monsoon Session 2025: Eight New Bills on the Agenda

The Monsoon Session of Parliament, commencing July 21 and running through August 21 (with a break for Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day), will see the government introduce eight new Bills designed to strengthen governance across diverse domains.

Key Bills to Watch

  • National Sports Governance Bill: Aims to overhaul the administration of sports bodies and promote transparency.
  • Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation & Maintenance) Bill: Focuses on safeguarding India’s unique geological and palaeontological heritage.
  • Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Bill: Seeks to modernize mining regulation and streamline licensing.
  • National Anti‑Doping (Amendment) Bill: Introduces stricter compliance and testing protocols in sports.
  • Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill: Aligns state GST structure for Manipur with central norms.
  • Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill: Expands the ambit of ‘good faith’ protections and decriminalisation measures.
  • Indian Institute of Management (Amendment) Bill: Enhances autonomy and governance for IIMs.
  • Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill: Includes updates on income tax, corporate tax, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Additionally, the Income Tax Bill, 2025, previously introduced in February and reviewed by a Select Committee, is scheduled for presentation in the Lok Sabha on July 21.

Other Key Business

  • Seeking approval to extend President’s Rule in Manipur, along with the Demand for Grants for the state.
  • Pending Lok Sabha bills include the Readjustment of ST Representation in Goa, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Indian Ports Bill, 2025.

Anticipated Parliamentary Flashpoints

  • Electoral rolls revision in Bihar via Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission.
  • Opposition queries linked to Operation Sindoor and Trump’s claims of preventing nuclear war between India and Pakistan could lead to sharp political exchanges.

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US

In a narrow 51-48 vote, the US Senate has approved a controversial $9 billion rescissions package aimed at slashing funds previously authorized by Congress. The bill targets foreign aid and public broadcasting, marking a significant step in the Trump administration’s broader fiscal tightening agenda. This decision has sparked bipartisan debate over its potential implications for global health programs and rural media infrastructure.

What Is the Rescissions Package?
The rescissions package is a legislative tool that allows Congress to revoke previously approved funding. This $9 billion rollback is part of ongoing efforts by the Republican-led Senate to curtail federal spending and deliver on President Donald Trump’s commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit.

The bill now returns to the House of Representatives, which earlier passed a slightly different version with $9.4 billion in proposed cuts.

Foreign Aid and Global Health Impacted
A significant portion of the cuts—around $8 billion—will come from international assistance, including funding for global health initiatives under the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Initially, the House version proposed eliminating $400 million from Pepfar, the US’s global HIV/AIDS program. However, after substantial pushback, a Senate amendment preserved this funding. Despite this, many other global aid programs remain on the chopping block.

Cuts to Public Broadcasting Raise Concerns
More than $1 billion will be slashed from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds radio and television services nationwide. Critics argue these cuts will disproportionately affect rural communities, where public radio stations often serve as vital sources of information.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was among the few Republicans opposing the bill, citing concerns about its impact on public broadcasting in remote regions.

Partisan Divide and Political Repercussions
The vote took place during an intense overnight session known as a “vote-a-rama,” highlighting deep divisions within Congress.
While Republicans see the package as a long-overdue measure to rein in government spending, Democrats and some moderate Republicans argue it undermines critical services at home and abroad.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the move, calling it “a small but important step toward fiscal sanity.” Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed frustration that the Senate version altered their original proposal, stating: “We wanted them to pass it unaltered like we did.”

What Happens Next?
The rescissions package now returns to the House for reconciliation. Both chambers must agree on a final version before Friday, or the bill will expire—eliminating the Republicans’ window to implement these cuts. The outcome remains uncertain as lawmakers negotiate the final contours of the legislation.

The Senate’s approval of the $9 billion spending cuts reflects growing urgency within Republican ranks to address rising federal expenditures. However, with vital programs in public health and broadcasting on the line, the bill’s final fate will depend on intense negotiations in the House over the next 48 hours.

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