Lok Sabha Session Adjourned After Being Extended Till Midnight
Catch all the live updates on the Budget Session 2019 here.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday, 16 July, said infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by 43 percent in the first half of 2019 compared to the same period last year in Lok Sabha.
Seeking to give more teeth to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Lok Sabha on Monday, 15 July, passed a Bill to allow it to probe terrorist acts against Indians and Indian interests abroad.
During the discussion, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Narendra Modi government will "never misuse the NIA law." He said that the government plans to use it to finish off terrorism irrespective of the religion of the guilty.
The Centre on Monday, 15 July, asserted that a Bill to broaden the NIA’s investigating powers is part of its policy of 'zero tolerance against terrorism' and is in the national interest.
- Amit Shah and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi sparred over the NIA Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha on Monday, 15 july
- Earlier in the day, government introduced a bill in Lok Sabha to ban commercial surrogacy
- The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was passed by a voice vote in Rajya Sabha on 8 July
Catch all the updates of Budget 2019 here.
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TMC Moves Zero Hour Notice in RS
Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen has given Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over ‘Centre’s proposal to divest 42 PSUs.’
Cong Moves Adjournment Motion in LS
The Congress party has moved adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on ‘BJP trying to topple Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.’
TMC MPs Protest in Parliament
TMC MPs hold protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament over disinvestment in Public sector undertakings (PSUs).
EAM Jaishankar Takes Oath as RS MP
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP.
BJP Has Nothing to Do With K'taka Crisis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the Parliament, claimed that the BJP has “nothing to do” with the Karnataka political crisis.
“Our party has nothing to do with what is happening in Karnataka. Our party has never indulged in horse trading,” said Singh.
Tharoor Attacks Modi Govt 2.0's Maiden Budget
Congress leader and Thiruvanantapuram MP Shashi Tharoor attacked Nirmala Sitharaman’s maiden budget, alleging that the allocations were not mentioned the term GDP was mentioned only once in her speech.
Nirmala Sitharaman, Shaktikanta Das Address Media
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das are addressing a press conference in New Delhi.
“I am sure the government will have an internal discussion with the Reserve Bank of India,” said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on the proposition made in the Budget to raise part of market borrowing in external market.
Responding to a question on the likely impact of petrol and diesel prices on inflation, Das told ANI, that there is a meeting of Monetary Policy Committee in the first week of August.
"Our internal team will assess it," Das reportedly said.
Interest Rate Cut Transmission Taking Shorter Time: RBI Governor
Clarifying that Interest rate cut transmission is taking shorter time now, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Monday, 8 July, said he hopes to see better transmission of interest rate cuts in the coming weeks and months, PTI reported.
Das further said that Rs 70,000 crore for bank capitalisation is a very positive development, which will help them comply with regulatory requirement and step up banking.
1.86 Lakh Bullet-Proof Jackets to Be Procured by April Next Year: Govt
The shortage of bullet-proof jackets for armed forces is being met through procurement of 1.86 lakh such jackets by April 2020 for nearly Rs 639 crore, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed Rajya Sabha on Monday, 8 July.
Replying to supplementaries, the minister said there was no embargo on the import of raw material from China for making such bullet-proof jackets, and any supplier violating the tender norms would face action and could be disqualified, according to a PTI report.
The minister also assured the House that the government has no plans to reduce the justified benefits provided to armed personnel with disabilities.
Over 36% Schools in India Without Electricity: HRD Minister
Over 36 percent of schools across the country do not have electricity, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' reportedly said on Monday, 8 July.
The information was shared by the minister in response to a written question in Lok Sabha, news agency PTI reported.
"As per Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report, 2017-18, 63.14 percent schools have power supply," he said.
According to the report, Assam has least number of schools with electricity at 24.28 percent, followed by Meghalaya at 26.34 percent.
Bill on Voluntary Use of Aadhaar As ID Proof Moved in Rajya Sabha
A bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as proof of identity for opening bank accounts and getting mobile connections was moved in Rajya Sabha on Monday, 8 July.
The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which is intended to replace an ordinance issued in March 2019, has already been passed by Lok Sabha last week.
Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad moved the Bill for consideration and passage in the Upper House, news agency PTI reported.
He assured the House that use of Aadhaar is voluntary and informed consent of the biometric identity holder has to be obtained before it is used.
Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha
The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed in Rajya Sabha. The amendments provide for use of Aadhaar number for KYC authentication on voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
Replying to a debate on the matter, Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Aadhaar was a foolproof system and over 123 crore people were currently using it in the country.
Allaying fears of Opposition on data leakages, he said the Aadhaar system had enough safeguards to ensure privacy of the card holder.
"Data sovereignty is integral to us and it will never be compromised," Prasad reportedly said.
Govt Introduces NHRC Amendments Bill in Lok Sabha
A Bill to change the process of appointment of chairperson and members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday, 8 July.
Introducing the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the legislation was brought to strengthen the NHRC, but the opposition Congress alleged that it was an attempt to undermine the institution.
A key change proposed in the legislation is that a retired Supreme Court judge could also be considered for the Chairpersons position, currently reserved for former Chief Justice of India.
Bharatmala Phase-1 to Generate 14.2 Crore Man-Days of Employment: Gadkari
The first phase of Bharatmala project, under which 34,800 km of highways will be developed, will generate 14.2 crore man-days of employment, the Parliament was informed on Monday, 8 July.
The project has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 5.35 lakh crore.
"A total of 34,800 km of national highway length including 10,000 km of residual National Highways Development Project (NHDP) stretches have been approved for development under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I at an estimated cost of Rs 5,35,000 crore," Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.
"The project is expected to generate about 14.2 crore man days of employment during the implementation of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I," the Minister said.
Economy to Run like Bullet Train, Reach USD 5 Trillion Mark: Sinha
Speaking during the debate on Union Budget 2019-20 in Lok Sabha, former Union Minister Jayant Sinha on Monday, 8 July, expressed confidence that the Centre will not only meet its target of USD 5-trillion economy but reach the USD 10 trillion mark.
Rejecting the Congress' charge that the Budget was a missed opportunity, he said what the party could not achieve in 60 years was done by the BJP in 60 months, news agency PTI reported.
"When our government came to power in 2014, the economy was in a critical stage... it was a passenger train. We came and brought the train on track... and made that passenger train into Rajdhani train.
"And due to this visionary and effective budget we will make this Rajdhani train into a bullet train. And we will make the opposition member and public sit on that bullet train and complete the target of (USD) 5 trillion economy," he said.
41 AN-32 Aircraft Require Upgrade, Process Underway: Defence Ministry
Forty-one AN-32 transport aircraft require upgrade in advanced avionics, navigation and communication equipment and the process to do so should be over by 2024-25, the Defence Ministry said on Monday, 8 July.
In a written response to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Defence Ministry Shripad Naik said the AN-32 aircraft is the workhorse of the IAF transport fleet and is used to sustain troops in far flung areas of northeast India, news agency PTI reported.
"All AN-32 aircraft presently have useful residual life and are fully air worthy." There are 53 upgraded AN-32 aircraft in the fleet and aircraft distribution and deployment is as per existing operational requirements across the country, he said in response to another question.
Zero Hour Notice Given Over Delay in Punishment on Crimes Against Minor Girls
BJP MP RK Sinha has given Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha over delay in punishment in heinous crimes against minor girls, reported ANI.
Rajnath Singh Arrives for the BJP Parliamentary Party Meeting
Defence Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh arrives for BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at Parliament premises in Delhi.
K'taka Political Crisis: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, K Suresh Give Adjournment Motion in LS
Congress MPs Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and K Suresh have given adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha over political situation in Karnataka.
Congress LS MPs Meeting Begins at Parliament
Meeting of Lok Sabha MPs of Congress, called by Sonia Gandhi, begins at the Parliament premises.
K'taka Crisis: Cong MP BK Hariprasad Gives Adjournment Motion in RS
Congress MP BK Hariprasad has given Adjournment Motion Notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on the current political situation in Karnataka.
Question Hour Underway in Lok Sabha
The Question Hour started on schedule in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with MoS Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh L Mandaviya answering questions on branded and generic medicines.
RS Proceedings Adjourned Till Noon Amid Uproar
Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till noon on Tuesday, 9 July, following uproar by Congress members over the political crisis within the Karnataka government.
BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali Raises Issue of Mob Lynching in LS
BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali raised the issue of mob lynching in Lok Sabha and asked if the government plans to bring a law regarding this.
Congress MPs Stage Walkout in Lok Sabha Over K'taka Crisis
The Congress MPs in Lok Sabha staged a walkout in protest against the political situation in Karnataka.
Net Cross-Border Infiltration Has Reduced by 43%: MoS Home Nityanand Rai
Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai on Tuesday, 9 July, said the net infiltration has reduced by 43 percent, hailing the government for adopting a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration.
“The electric fence on LoC along Indo-Pak Border has proved to be a potent tool to guard against infiltration,” Rai said.
“Due to concerted and synergized efforts of security forces, the security situation in the State has witnessed an improvement in first half of the year over same period in 2018,” Rai added.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till Tomorrow Amid Uproar Over K'taka Crisis
Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till Wednesday, 9 July, reported news agency ANI.
BJP Issues Whip to MPs To Be Present in Parliament
BJP issues a three line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, asking them to be present in the House on Wednesday.
Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till Noon
Proceedings in the upper house of the Parliament, Rajya Sabha, have been adjourned till noon after the Congress leaders’ uproar over developments in Karnataka.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Calls Upon Centre to Extend NRC to K'taka
BJP MP from Bangalore south, Tejasvi Surya, while addressing the lower house of the Parliament, raised the issue of illegal immigrants, saying that they are a security threat to the state.
He further gave an example of a terror module that operates from Bangladesh and was busted in Bengaluru. Surya called upon the Centre to extend the NRC to Karnataka and Bengaluru to weed out illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
Rajasthan Gehlot Announces Rs 1,000-cr Farmers' Welfare Fund, Infra Projects
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday presented the Budget for 2019-20 which proposed a Rs 1,000 crore fund for farmers' welfare apart from various schemes in the irrigation, renewable energy and health sectors.
He added that it is a people's Budget and has been prepared considering their sentiments and suggestions.
Gehlot announced a Rs 1,000 crore farmers' welfare fund, a policy for new and renewable energy projects, set a target of Rs 16,000 crore crop loans from cooperative banks and said 'Nandi Shala' will be built in each gram panchayat.
The chief minister also announced Rs 927 crore for state highways, Janta Clinics on the lines of Mohalla Clinics in Delhi, new policy for electric vehicles, and said no permission will be required for MSMEs for the first three years.
He also announced including 104 types of new medicines in the state government's free medicine scheme and Rs 1,000 crore assistance under the CM Youth Employment Scheme. Besides, 75,000 vacant positions will be filled in various government departments to provide jobs to the youth.
No Proposal to Privatise Railways: Piyush Goyal
There is no proposal to privatise Indian Railways, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
The Railway's response to a question about privatisation came against the backdrop of a proposal of the national transporter to give two trains to private operators.
In a written reply, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said, "No specific passenger train has been identified to be run by private payers so far."
However, sources have said that Railways have identified New Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express, but no official announcement has been made.
Responding to a supplementary, Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi said further studies on the issue are underway and trials will be held in the coming days.
In his written response, Goyal said, "... there is no proposal to privatise Indian Railways."
He was asked whether he is aware that a report submitted to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018 had highlighted challenges presented by large-scale privatisation to protection of human rights.
Centre Has No Role in HC Judges Appointment: RS Prasad in Lok Sabha
Under Article 235, administrative control over the members of district and subordinate judiciary in the states are vested with the concerned High Court.
The initiation of the proposal for appointment of Judges in HCs vests with the Chief Justice. Further, the state in consultation with HC frames rules and regulations regarding the appointment, promotion, reservations etc. of judicial officers in the state. Therefore, the Centre has no role in this.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Addresses Lok Sabha, Will Carry Forward Budget Discussion
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday, addressed the Lok Sabha, and answered questions about the 2019 Union Budget, which was presented by her last week, on 5 July.
Sithraman began by thanking all the MPs who took part in the budget discussion.
'Govt Committed to Path of Fiscal Consolidation Without Compromising on Public Expenditure': FM Sitharaman
Addressing the Lok Sabha on the Union Budget on Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is “committed to the path of fiscal consolidation without compromising on public expenditure.”
“Budget reflects the government’s commitment to substantially boost education, health and infrastructure sectors…(It) targets good cycle of investment, more jobs, ‘Make in India’, infrastructure development,” she was further quoted as saying.
Article 370 Temporary Provision in Constitution: Govt tells Rajya Sabha
The government on Wednesday said Article 370, which provides for special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is a temporary provision in the Constitution, and Article 35A, which gives special rights to the natives of the state, was added through a Constitution order issued by the President of India.
Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy told Rajya Sabha that at present, Article 370 is contained as a temporary provision with respect to Jammu and Kashmir in Part XXI (Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions) of the Constitution.
"At present, Article 35A is contained in the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 which was added through the Constitution Order issued by the President of India under Article 370," he said in a written reply.
RS Adjourned for Second Straight Day on Uproar Over K’taka Crisis
Uproar by Congress over political crisis in Karnataka stalled major part of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha for the second straight day on Wednesday. But the national party finally agreed to continue the debate on Budget in an orderly manner on Thursday.
The Upper House was adjourned thrice, before being adjourned for the day, after the Treasury and Opposition benches agreed to continue the discussion on Budget on Thursday.
Rahul Gandhi Attacks Modi Govt Over Farmer Issues
Addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday, 11 July, Wayanad MP and former Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the Narendra Modi-led government over farmer issues. Gandhi said, “The farmers in the country are suffering. I would like to draw the government's attention towards it. No concrete steps were taken in the Union Budget to provide relief to the farmers.”
He added, “I would like to request the central government to direct RBI to consider the moratorium by Kerala government and ensure that banks don't threaten farmers with recovery notices."
Cong Leaders Protest in Parliament over Karnataka, Goa Crisis
Congress MPs held a protest against the ruling BJP in Parliament on Thursday, 11 July, over the political crisis which has hit the party in Karnataka and Goa.
A number of top Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Anand Sharma, protested near the Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex and shouted slogans. They also carried placards with messages like "Save Democracy".
Rajnath Singh Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Farmer Issues in Lok Sabha
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a counter attack to Rahul Gandhi, said in Lok Sabha “People who ran govt for decades responsible for situation of farmers".
Govt Preparing Rs 14K Project to Identify Accident Black Spots: Nitin Gadkari in Lok Sabha
A Rs 14,000 crore project has been prepared by the government to identify accident black spots and plug gaps in highways to reduce casualties, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said in Lok Sabha on Thursday, 11 July.
Gadkari said the Ministry of Finance has given its in- principle approval to the project and his Ministry has approached the World Bank to implement it.
"It is a highly sensitive subject for our government.
Despite our efforts, the success rate to reduce road accidents is not good. We have prepared a Rs 14,000 crore project to identify accident black spots so that loopholes can be plugged. The Ministry of Finance has given its in-principle approval to it," he said during Question Hour.
Congress Walks out of Lok Sabha over Karnataka, Goa
Congress members on Thursday, 11 July, walked out of the Lok Sabha over the political situation in Karnataka and Goa where many of its MLAs have either quit the House or joined the BJP.
The House was plunged into uproar when a Congress request to raise the issue during Zero Hour was not allowed by Speaker Om Birla.
The agitated Congress MPs then trooped out of the House. This was the party's third walkout in as many days.
Water in 1,186 Blocks 'Over-Exploited': Govt Tells LS
Ground water levels in various parts of the country are declining because of continuous withdrawal and 1,186 blocks have been categorised as 'over- exploited', Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday, 11 July.
Union minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also said as announced in the Union Budget, it has been envisaged to ensure piped water supply to all rural households by 2024 under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Chidambaram Says Karnataka, Goa Crisis Will Hurt Economy
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram attacked the BJP-ruled government over the situation in Karnataka and Goa, saying they have "gravely damaged" democracy and that the developments will hurt the economy.
The developments in Karnataka and Goa may help the BJP in "advancing their political goals", but at the "same time they are doing a great disservice to the economic goals of this country", the former finance minister said while participating in the debate on the Union Budget in Rajya Sabha.
LS Extended till Friday Midnight, Discussion on Railway Grants Underway
The Lok Sabha was extended till midnight on Thursday. The discussion on the demands for grants under control of the Ministry of Railways for 2019-2020 is underway.
Railways' Capital Expenditure Doubled During NDA Rule: MoS
Under the NDA government, the Railways has spent double the amount in capital expenditure compared to the UPA rule, Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi said in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Intervening in the debate on Demands for Grants for the Railway Ministry, he also pitched for parliamentarians to play a lead role in maintaining cleanliness in trains and stations.
He said capital expenditure during the NDA rule doubled as compared to the UPA dispensation.
Modi Would Have Given Fitting Reply Had 11 July Train Blasts Happened During His Regime: Piyush Goyal
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, in the Lok Sabha, said PM Narendra Modi would have given a fitting reply if Mumbai train blasts of 11 July, 2006 had happened during his regime.
Budget Shows Commitment to Boost Investments in Agriculture Sector: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the big picture presented in the Budget is backed with a plan to increase investment without compromising on the fiscal consolidation roadmap, reported PTI.
Replying after a general discussion on the Union Budget 2019-20 in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said, "Comprehensive steps" have been envisaged for the next 10 years.
Sitharaman said the mid-term target of the government is to make India a USD 5 trillion economy.
The target of putting India in the USD 5 trillion club is not "without a plan", she said and listed out measures proposed in the Budget.
Health Ministry to Use AI in Safe Way in Public Health
The Union Health Ministry is working towards using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a safe and effective way in public health in the country, reported PTI.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also said in Lok Sabha on Friday, 12 July, that to address gaps in India's AI ecosystem and realise its economic impact, the central government has prioritised building AI technology capabilities.
"The potential of AI in public health is being explored in our country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is working towards using AI in a safe and effective way in public health in India," he said during Question Hour.
Govt Doing Best Possible for Cancer Research, Says Vardhan
The government is doing the best possible for research on cancer and the Department of Biotechnology's funding for such activities has resulted in vastly improved understanding of the disease, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said, reported PTI.
Observing that cancer is a serious disease, the Science and Technology Minister told the Lok Sabha that best possible is being done for research on cancer.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Adjourned
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned. While the Upper House will resume at 3 PM, Lok Sabha will convene from 2.30 pm.
Lok Sabha Passes Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Lok Sabha has passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Friday, 12 July.
Won't Allow People to Give JNU a Bad Name: HRD Minister in LS
The Jawaharlal Nehru University is a top research institution and "intentions" of some people who have given it a "bad name" will not be allowed to succeed, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said in the Lok Sabha on Friday, reported PTI.
Replying to concerns raised by SP Singh Baghel (SP) during the discussion on a bill to establish two universities in Andhra Pradesh, the minister said JNU is a top institution and doing a good job in research.
Congress Member Moves Bill for Abolishing Death Penalty
A private members bill seeking abolition of death penalty was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday by a Congress member.
Moving the bill, Pradeep Tamta said that countries around the world were moving away from awarding capital punishment and India should also follow the suit.
"Around 140 countries have abolished capital punishment around the globe. There are only 53 countries which currently award death penalties. Most of these countries do not have democratic governments," he added.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 11 am Monday
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are adjourned till 11 am on Monday, 15 july.
BJP MPs Take Part in 'Swacchta Abhiyaan' in Parliament
On Sunday, 14 July, BJP MPs including Hans Raj Hans and Manoj Tiwari and Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ took part in ‘Swacchta Abhiyaan’ in the Parliament.
(Source: ANI)
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 Introduced in Lok Sabha
Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday, 15 July, introduced the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha.
BJP MLAs Protest Over Law and Order Situation in Odisha
BJP MLAs protest in the well of the house against law and order situation in Odisha.
Government Introduces NIA Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha
The government on Monday, 15 July, asserted that a bill to broaden the NIA’s (National Investigation Agency) investigating powers is part of its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and is in national interest, according to PTI.
Modi Govt Will Never Misuse NIA Law: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha
Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha said, “Modi government will never misuse NIA law and use it to finish off terrorism irrespective of religion of the guilty.”
He said, “UPA government did not repeal anti-terror law POTA due to its misuse but to save its vote bank.”
“Parliament should speak in one voice in giving powers to NIA to send out message to terrorists and world,” said Shah.
BJP Creates Ruckus in House Over Minister's Questioning MLA's Intention Behind Query
The BJP on Monday, 15 July, created an uproar in the Rajasthan legislative assembly over Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh questioning the intention of a party MLA behind raising a particular query in the House.
Protesting against the minister questioning BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf's intention behind raising the query, the opposition party legislators stormed the Well of the House, leading to its adjournment of for nearly half an hour.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Give NIA More Powers
Seeking to give more teeth to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Lok Sabha on Monday passed a Bill to allow it to probe terrorist acts against Indians and Indian interests abroad.
The amendments will also allow the NIA to probe cybercrimes and cases of human trafficking.
The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack, that had claimed 166 lives. Since 2017, the Union Home Ministry has been pushing for giving more power to the NIA to meet fresh challenges.
SP Leader Neeraj Shekhar Resigns as Rajya Sabha Member
Samajwadi Party leader Neeraj Shekhar has resigned as Rajya Sabha member and Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has accepted his resignation, sources told PTI.
Lok Sabha Adjourned Till 11 am 16 July
Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 11 am on Tuesday, 16 July.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Gives Adjournment Notice on Chinese incursion into Indian territory
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has given Adjournment Notice in Lok Sabha on Chinese incursion into the Indian territory on Tuesday, 16 July, ANI reported.
Infiltration in J&K Reduced by 43% in the First Half of 2019: MHA
The Ministry of Home Affairs in a written reply on Tuesday, 16 July, said infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by 43 percent in the first half of 2019 compared to the same period last year.
Further, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy, said nearly 400 terrorists infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in the last three years and 126 of them have been killed by security forces.
Rajya Sabha Proceedings Adjourned Till Noon Amid Protest by AIADMK
Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for an hour following vociferous protests by Tamil parties led by the AIADMK, against holding of recruitment exam for postmen only in English and Hindi language, according to PTI.
Banks Bad Loans Down to Rs 9.34 Lakh Cr at FY19-End: Sitharaman
Total bad loans of commercial banks declined by Rs 1.02 lakh crore to Rs 9.34 lakh crore in the 2018-19 fiscal on the back of steps taken by the government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on 16 July.
The government has instituted a comprehensive 4R's strategy for recognition of non-performing assets (NPAs) transparently, resolution and recovery of value from stressed assets, recapitalising of public sector banks (PSBs) and reforms in PSBs so as to reduce their bad loans, Sitharaman said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Farmers Livelihood Is in Pathetic Condition: DMK
Attacking the government in the Lok Sabha, the Opposition DMK said the condition of the farmers in the country is "pathetic."
Party Member SS Palanimanickam said farmers are lagging behind every other profession in the country.
"BJP said that they would be doubling the income of farmers but they are only repeating the same slogan because there is a big gap between their saying and action," he said.
LS Approves Demands for Grants under Road Transport & Highways
Lok Sabha approved the demands for grants under Road Transport and Highways for 2019-20.
Speaking on this, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Lok Sabha on Tuesday said, "Work worth about Rs. 11 lakh crore were awarded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in the last 5 years."
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority Amendment Bill Passed in RS
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
Speaking on this Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that "the government aims at providing quality services to citizens at low cost."
Exam for Appointments of Postmen to Be Re-Conducted in Local Languages: Govt
Acceding to the demand by Tamil parties led by AIADMK, the Government on Tuesday decided to cancel the examination for appointment of postmen held on 14 July. It will now re-conduct the exams in all local languages.
"The examination will now be held in all local languages, as per the notification of 10-5-2019 of the department concerned (with) examination, including (in) Tamil," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the Rajya Sabha.
Cattle Trade Impacted Due to Mob Lynching: BSP
A Bahujan Samaj Party member on Tuesday raised the issue of mob lynching in the Lok Sabha saying it has impacted the cattle trade and resulted in lot a difficulties for farmers.
Ritesh Pandey (Bahujan Samaj Party) who raised the issue during the discussion on the Demands for Grants for Ministries of Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for 2019-20, earned the praise of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi who applauded him for the same.
"Due to mob lynching the cattle trade has been impacted," Pandey said.
Terming the present government at the Centre as "Anti farmer," he said, it will have to seriously look at the challenges that would come in the way of doubling the farmers income.
Lok Sabha Session Extended Till Midnight
Lok Sabha session extended till midnight for discussion and demand for grants under the control of Ministries of Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare of 2019-20.
Lok Sabha Adjourned Till 11 AM on Wednesday
Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 11 AM on Wednesday after being extended till midnight on Tuesday.
Speaking on the extension, Parliamentary Affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said, “It's being done with the initiation of speaker, government and all MPs. Farmer issues were discussed. For the first time there has been such productivity and our concern for farmers can be seen through this”.