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Parliament’s winter session gets off to a stormy start, has 40 Bills on agenda

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Parliament’s winter session gets off to a stormy start, has 40 Bills on agenda

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As Congress and other Opposition parties hope to corner Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on a slew of issues, stormy session likely

The bitter war of words between the BJP and the Congress, seen during the election campaign for Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat Assemblies ended on Thursday, moved on to the Parliament on Friday with the start of its winter session.

The much delayed session got off to a stormy start with uproarious scenes forcing repeated adjournments. While the Lok Sabha sitting wound up for the day after obituary references, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice in an hour and was to resume business later in the afternoon at 2.30.

The Parliament has a heavy load of business to transact in this session with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government putting as many as 40 Bills on the agenda.

Minutes before the session began on Friday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the customary appeal for a constructive session.

However, with the Opposition, particularly the Congress party and its president-elect Rahul Gandhi, ready with a slew of issues to corner the government and especially the Prime Minister, it remains to be seen whether the session – with just 14 working days before it ends on January 15 – will actually see any major legislative business.

As the sitting began, Opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha questioned the Chair’s decision to disqualify senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. Even as Chairman Venkaiah Naidu continued to tell the leaders of Opposition to sit down, Leader of Opposition in Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Opposition did not intend to question the Chair’s decision but demanded clarification on why was Yadav expelled from the Rajya Sabha. The furore led to the House being adjourned till noon.

When the House resumed, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raised the issue of Modi’s allegations against former prime minister Manmohan Singh and others of conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat election. “Ye sadharan aarop nahi hai (This isn’t a ordinary allegation),” Azad said.  The uproar that followed forced the House to be adjourned again, till 2.30 pm.

On the agenda for the ongoing session are key legislations, including the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill, 2017, the Citizen (Amendment) Bill, 2016, the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017.

According to a list compiled by the PRS Legislative Research, 25 bills have been listed for consideration and passing, 14 Bills are listed for introduction, consideration, and passing, while one bill is listed for withdrawal.

Many of the Bills on the agenda are controversial and would, if and when tabled, undoubtedly lead to howls of protests from the Opposition benches.

But even before the government actually begins pushing its legislative agenda, it would first have to find ways to blunt the Opposition’s tirade over issues which are not related to the matters that have presently been placed for the Parliament’s consideration.

The Congress party is desperate to press for an apology on the floor of Parliament from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent allegation against its leaders, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and former Vice President of India Hamid Ansari. During the recently concluded Gujarat Assembly poll campaign, Modi had accused Dr Singh, Ansari and the Congress party of holding a ‘secret meeting’ with Pakistani officials at the residence of suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and alleged that the leaders were hatching a conspiracy with Pakistan over the Gujarat elections. The outlandish claim had outraged the Congress and forced even the mild-mannered Dr Manmohan Singh to launch a scathing broadside against the Prime Minister who he said was spreading “falsehoods and canards”.

The ‘Pakistan conspiracy’ issue aside, the Congress party also hopes to put the Prime Minister and his closest aide, BJP president Amit Shah on the mat over allegations of financial impropriety against the latter’s son, Jay Shah.

It is pertinent to note that the ongoing winter session marks the debut of Amit Shah as a parliamentarian – he had been elected to the Rajya Sabha in September. The session will also be the first for Rahul Gandhi after his recent elevation as President of the Congress party.

The Opposition benches also hope to corner the government over issues related to GST, rising unemployment, unabated inflation, allegations of financial irregularities against Shaurya Doval, the son of Modi’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, inconvenience caused to the public at large over the government’s insistence of mandatory Aadhaar-linking with a host of services and welfare schemes, among others.

While the government may have an ambitious legislative agenda for the winter session and hope to carry a chunk of it through, at least in the Lok Sabha based on its brute majority, it would face a major challenge in the Rajya Sabha where the combined Opposition still has greater numerical strength.

The Opposition’s anger against the Modi government aside, the Centre’s legislative agenda itself is bound to trigger a logjam. For instance, the government hopes to get the National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 passed in the current session. In the monsoon session of parliament, while this Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha, the Congress had succeeded in getting three amendments moved to the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, leaving Modi red-faced. The government hopes to have its version of the Bill cleared by Parliament in this session but such a move is unlikely to be accepted by the Opposition.

Similarly, the Centre’s GST Amendment Bill, FRDI Bill, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, Citizen (Amendment) Bill, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill are all likely to face intense scrutiny and protests by the Opposition.

It remains to be seen how, despite its absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, the Modi government will try to realise the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hope for a “productive session”. Not to forget, the result for the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections are scheduled for December 18 (Monday) – the day when the Lok Sabha is scheduled to reconvene after being adjourned on Friday following obituary references. Exit polls have predicted a BJP victory in both states but irrespective of the outcome of the polls, the result is bound to create an upheaval in both Houses of Parliament which will most likely washout another day or two of the already brief session.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India News

PM Modi says India managed Hormuz crisis with minimal impact on citizens through energy diversification

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India successfully navigated the Hormuz crisis by expanding energy imports, reducing the burden of rising fuel prices on citizens and strengthening the country’s refining capacity while inaugurating Rajasthan’s first integrated refinery.

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July 4, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India successfully managed one of the world’s most challenging energy crises by expanding its energy sourcing, strengthening diplomatic partnerships and shielding citizens from the impact of rising global fuel prices.

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the country’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Pachpadra, Rajasthan’s Balotra district, the Prime Minister said India adopted proactive measures during the recent Middle East crisis that helped maintain energy security despite global uncertainties.

According to PM Modi, India significantly diversified its energy imports as tensions disrupted global fuel markets.

“When the crisis began, India was importing energy from around 25 to 26 countries. During the crisis, we expanded imports to more than 40 countries,” he said, crediting India’s diplomatic outreach for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the financial measures taken by the government to cushion consumers from soaring international crude oil prices. He said public sector oil companies absorbed losses exceeding Rs. 75,000 crore between April and June while the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10 per litre to prevent a steep rise in fuel prices for consumers.

PM Modi added that despite attempts by some groups to spread rumours and create panic during the crisis, the government’s efforts ensured stability.

He said those who expected India to struggle during the crisis had been proven wrong as the country successfully overcame the challenge.

India strengthening refining capacity

Speaking about India’s energy infrastructure, the Prime Minister said the country has become the world’s fourth-largest refining hub and continues to expand its refining capabilities to meet future energy demand.

He also said the government’s long-term planning helped India deal with disruptions in fuel and fertiliser supplies triggered by the conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

Pachpadra refinery inaugurated in Rajasthan

During the visit, PM Modi inaugurated India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, marking Rajasthan’s first refinery project. He launched the facility by remotely activating the project after inspecting the refinery complex.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for several development projects in the state.

Highlighting the government’s approach towards infrastructure development, PM Modi said the BJP governments focus not only on announcing projects but also on ensuring their timely completion.

He also remarked that work on the Pachpadra refinery had remained largely stalled during the Congress government’s tenure in Rajasthan between 2018 and 2023 before gaining momentum again.

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Entertainment

Aamir Khan set to wed Gauri Spratt on July 5

Actor Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing to marry longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5. While the couple has not officially confirmed the wedding, reports suggest the celebration will be a low-key affair attended by close family and friends.

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13 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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Actor Aamir Khan is readying to finally marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5. Unlike other high-profile Bollywood weddings, the couple is expected to celebrate the occasion with close family members and a handful of friends, choosing a simple gathering over a lavish event. 

The reported wedding has attracted widespread attention from fans and the film industry, with many taking to social media to congratulate the couple. While neither Aamir nor Gauri has shared extensive details about the ceremony, reports suggest the celebrations will remain intimate and focused on family.

The actor was first married to Reena Dutta, and they have two children together. In 2005, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao. The couple announced their separation in 2021 but have continued to maintain a friendly relationship and jointly raise their son while working together on select projects.

Gauri Spratt has largely stayed away from the limelight. Despite growing public interest in their relationship, she has preferred to keep her personal life private. Reports indicate that Gauri and Aamir have known each other for several years before deciding to take the next step in their relationship.

Known for balancing a successful film career with a private personal life, Aamir Khan has often avoided discussing family matters in public. His reported decision to opt for a low-key wedding is in line with his long-standing preference for privacy. 

As news of the upcoming ceremony continues  to make headlines, fans are eagerly waiting for an official glimpse of the celebrations. Whether through a family photograph or a public statement, many hope to see the couple share the joyful occasion with their well-wishers.

With this wedding, Aamir Khan appears ready to embrace a new phase in his life while continuing to focus on both his personal happiness and his significant contribution to Indian cinema.  

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India News

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes India’s youngest international debutant, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become India’s youngest-ever international cricketer after making his debut in the second T20I against England at the age of 15 years and 99 days. The milestone sees him surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Shafali Verma in the Indian record books.

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13 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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Vaibhav suryavanshi123

Indian cricket witnessed the beginning of a new era as teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his senior international debut, becoming the youngest player ever to represent India in men’s or women’s cricket.

The left-handed batter received his maiden India cap ahead of the second T20I against England in Manchester. At 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi broke a long-standing national record previously held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days in 1989.

The milestone also saw Sooryavanshi overtake Shafali Verma, who had been India’s youngest international debutant overall after making her debut at 15 years and 239 days.

Historic moment for Indian cricket

The young opener’s debut had been eagerly anticipated ever since he was included in India’s squads for the Ireland and England T20I series.

Although he did not feature in the matches against Ireland, India initially continued with the experienced opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the opening T20I against England. Following Samson’s struggles with the bat, discussions around Sooryavanshi’s inclusion intensified.

The Indian team management eventually decided to hand the youngster his opportunity, with captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir backing the teenager for his first international appearance. The debut cap was presented to him by Tilak Verma before the Manchester encounter.

Youngest men’s debutants for India

Following his debut, Sooryavanshi now tops the list of India’s youngest men’s international debutants.

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 15 years, 99 days (vs England, July 4, 2026)
  • Sachin Tendulkar – 16 years, 205 days (vs Pakistan, November 15, 1989)
  • Piyush Chawla – 17 years, 75 days
  • Laxman Sivaramakrishnan – 17 years, 118 days
  • Parthiv Patel – 17 years, 152 days
  • Maninder Singh – 17 years, 193 days

While Sooryavanshi now holds the record for India’s youngest international debutant, Pakistan’s Hasan Raza remains the youngest men’s Test debutant globally at 14 years and 227 days. Romania’s Marian Gherasim continues to hold the record as the youngest international cricketer overall, having debuted in T20Is at 14 years and 16 days.

Shreyas Iyer backs the young opener

Speaking before the match, captain Shreyas Iyer expressed confidence in the youngster’s temperament and ability to perform at the highest level.

Iyer said Sooryavanshi had consistently impressed during training, adding that the teenager deserved his opportunity after displaying fearless batting and showing no signs of pressure despite his age.

IPL heroics paved the way

Sooryavanshi’s selection followed a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign for the Rajasthan Royals, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

He accumulated 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, registering one century and five half-centuries while smashing 72 sixes. His performances earned him multiple individual honours, including the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Super Sixes awards.

Strong performances across formats

The teenager has also impressed in domestic and age-group cricket.

During the recent tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, he scored 211 runs in five innings, including a match-winning 94 in the final. He also recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket by reaching the milestone in just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A.

His record in youth cricket has been equally impressive. Sooryavanshi finished as the leading run-scorer at the Under-19 World Cup with 439 runs in seven matches, helping India lift the title. He also set a tournament record by hitting 30 sixes.

Across youth ODIs, he has accumulated 1,412 runs at an average of 56.48, while his T20 numbers include 1,477 runs from 34 innings at a strike rate above 220.

In the IPL, the youngster has already crossed the 1,000-run mark in just 23 innings, underlining the promise that has made him one of India’s brightest emerging talents.

With his record-breaking debut now complete, Indian cricket fans will be hoping that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international journey lives up to the enormous expectations surrounding one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.

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