Parliament Winter Session: Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned for the day

2-state formula key, but terror unacceptable: EAM on West Asia

External affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended India's abstention from a UN resolution on the Israel-Palestine conflict, citing concerns about the resolution's language and its lack of reference to terrorism and hostage-taking. He reiterated India's support for a two-state solution and condemned both terrorism and civilian casualties, urging a ceasefire and adherence to humanitarian law. Read full story

Din in Parliament as BJP, opposition spar over Soros-Cong nexus charge

BJP and Congress clashed over billionaire George Soros's alleged involvement in undermining the Modi government. BJP accused Soros of using organizations like Open Society Foundations and OCCRP to time allegations coinciding with Parliament sessions. Congress protested against these claims, while BJP cited foreign media reports linking OCCRP to US funding and Soros. Read full story

Rahul assures citizens' delegation to take up air pollution issue in Parliament

A delegation of citizens and experts met Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss the worsening air pollution crisis, presenting practical solutions and urging immediate action. The group, including medical and environmental experts, called air pollution a "public health emergency" and demanded a national response. Gandhi assured them he would raise the issue in Parliament, emphasizing the need for collective action over political blame. He previously described air pollution in North India as a "national emergency," urging MPs to collaborate on solutions during the Winter Session of Parliament.

Over 30.4 crore informal workers registered on e-Shram portal: Labour Ministry

Approximately 30.4 crore workers from the unorganised sector have been registered on the e-Shram portal as of December 1, 2024, according to information presented to Parliament on Thursday. The portal, initiated by the ministry of labour and employment on August 26, 2021, aims to establish a comprehensive national database of unorganised workers (NDUW) linked with Aadhaar.

The platform enables unorganised workers to register themselves and obtain a Universal Account Number (UAN) through self-declaration, providing them with essential support services.

Minister of state for labour and employment Shobha Karandlaje, responding in writing to the Rajya Sabha, confirmed that more than 30.43 crore unorganised workers have registered on e-Shram as of December 1, 2024. The registration data indicates that 27.22 crore registrations originated from rural regions.

Rajya SABHA: Oppn points to new bills with only Hindi titles, alleges 'Hindification' of laws

pposition members in Rajya Sabha on Thursday accused the government of imposing Hindi by bringing new bills with titles only in that language, a charge the treasury benches contested while alleging they were stuck with a colonial mindset. Taking part in the discussion on 'The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024' that seeks to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act to boost the ease of doing business and attract investments in the aviation sector, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose opposed the bill's name while Kanimozhi NVN Somu of DMK asked the government to change its name.

"Why do so many laws have Hindi names? This is imposition of Hindi. The mandate of the people in 2024 was for diversity, dividend, and the federal principle but the government is persisting in the 'Hindification' of laws. This is Hindi imposition," Ghose asserted.

She further said the Indian Penal Code has been changed to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Indian Aircraft Act has now been changed to Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak.

Parliament passes Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, replacing 90-year-old Aircraft Act

What Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Nishikant Dubey's 'outrageous statement'

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "When Nishikant Dubey made an outrageous statement in which he violated at least three clear rules of the Parliament. Number one, you cannot attack people in a defamatory manner. Number two, you cannot take anyone's name without giving them notice in writing in advance, and Number three, you cannot assault the parliamentary privilege of an MP. He violated all those three rules, and he was allowed to go on speaking and ranting for quite some time, so we objected to that."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday called out the opposition for staging protests outside Parliament, accusing them of "creating drama outside the House by running around."

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress demands BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's apology for remarks targeting Rahul Gandhi

The Congress strongly criticised BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday for suggesting connections between a foreign investor and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that "agents of Adani" were tasked solely with discrediting those who expose the group's alleged financial irregularities. The party has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to direct Dubey to withdraw his comments and issue an apology.

The House witnessed two adjournments on Thursday after Dubey's controversial statements, where he alleged connections between an overseas investor and certain opposition figures, suggesting an international plot to undermine India's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Congress parliamentarians staged a demonstration at Parliament's Makar Dwar steps, voicing their opposition to the allegedly disrespectful remarks directed at Rahul Gandhi.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Is it just a coincidence?' BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi questions timings of Adani indictment issue

On Thursday, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted that numerous activities targeting India's administrative, economic and social framework have emerged since Prime Minister Modi announced his vision for transforming India into a developed nation.

During his address in Rajya Sabha, he discussed the Mediapart (French outlet) report regarding the news portal Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. He pointed out that according to this report, OCCRP receives funding from foreign governments and maintains links with George Soros's organisation, which has India among its areas of focus.

Trivedi presented a chronological analysis showing that various reports, including those about Pegasus and the Hindenburg investigation, consistently surfaced just prior to Parliamentary Sessions. When he mentioned the US indictment related to the Adani group matter, opposition members began loud protests, which ultimately resulted in the House's adjournment.

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day, to meet at 11:00 hours on December 6

The Lok Sabha session had earlier faced disruption and was adjourned after BJP member Nishikant Dubey made specific comments, coupled with opposition protests regarding the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. When Speaker Om Birla commenced the Zero Hour at noon, opposition members stood up, insisting on discussing the Sambhal violence situation in the House.

Speaker Birla assured the opposition that they would be permitted to address the Sambhal issue after Dubey completed his presentation to the House.

The situation escalated when Dubey attempted to establish connections between an overseas investor and certain opposition leaders, suggesting an international plot aimed at undermining India's achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 63 'specialists' appointed in government departments via lateral entry

The Union government has appointed 63 specialists in various Central departments through the lateral entry mode between 2019 and 2023, Union minister of state for personnel Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Of these, 35 were appointed on a contractual basis, while the remaining 28 joined on deputation, Singh stated in a written reply.

“Lateral recruitment at the levels of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary has been undertaken since 2018 for specific assignments, considering the candidates’ specialised knowledge and domain expertise,” the minister explained.

Providing further details, Singh noted that eight joint secretaries were appointed in 2019, with five hired on contract and three through deputation from other government departments or organisations.

Occurrence and filling up of vacant posts is a continuous process and details of vacancies are maintained by the respective ministries or departments, the Centre said on Thursday.

Ministries or departments of the central government have been directed, from time to time, to fill up the vacant posts in a time bound manner, Union minister of state for personnel Jitendra Singh told Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: BJP did not let elections be contested in Ayodhya because they were scared of their defeat, says SP MP

"Our family is PDA and PDA defeated the BJP in UP Lok Sabha elections. We will keep on fighting the dictators (BJP) strongly. In Ayodhya, they did not let elections be contested because they were scared of their defeat. If the people of Ayodhya were happy with their work, they would have elected a BJP MP," said SP MP Iqra Hasan.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Demanded to provide security to Krishna Bhakts,' says BJP MP Hema Malini.

"We raised the issue of Bangladesh yesterday. I have demanded from my government to provide security to Krishna Bhakts and all Sanatani brothers in Bangladesh. This is not a matter of foreign policy, it is a matter of sentiments of Krishna bhakts," said Malini.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Lok Sabha adjourned till 3.00 pm amid ruckus in the House.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Responsibility of the speaker to allow discussion on the Adani issue,' says SP MP Dimple Yadav

"If an issue is continuously being raised by the opposition then it is the responsibility of the Speaker to allow a discussion on the Adani issue," said Dimple Yadav.

"When the state government and administration is the culprit, then they can give any angle to the incident. BJP is trying to disturb the atmosphere of UP. To divert the attention of people from the rigging that took place in elections, the Sambhal incident was carried out. The public of the state has realised that the state government will not talk about employment, reservation, women's safety, farmers," she said on the Sambhal incident.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'A deep relationship between Adani and PM Modi,' Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.

"The Congress and oppostion parties showed the proof of a deep relationship between Adani and PM Modi and in the Question Hour, TMC MP proved that all the airports are being privatised which is benefitting Adani company. When we tried to raise the issue of LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being stopped from going to Sambhal, the BJP MP made disgusting remarks. We have seen that whenever Rahul Gandhi raises his voice against Adani, some agents of Adani, sleeper cells of Adani get activated in the Parliament. He (BJP MP) made disgusting remarks...We demand an apology from the MP who made such remarks and should take action against it," said Gogoi.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'I am very distressed by the behaviour of the opposition parties,' says Kiren Rijuju

"I am very distressed by the behaviour of the opposition parties since the beginning of the Winter Session today. When the Winter Session has begun and we have always taken decisions on important subjects like bills and discussion on the Constitution in the Business Advisory Committee, why is there protest by the Congress Party and their allies? Why are they disrupting the proceedings of the House and creating drama outside the Parliament House by running around? Is this the way to run the House? The Parliament House is for debate and discussion and they are running around the Parliament House wearing colourful clothes. Today some of our MPs raised a very important issue about some conspiracies hatched by some groups outside India and attacking the interests of sovereignty, unity and integrity of India and these are very serious matters. And these people are talking about some other issues which have nothing to do with the Government of India and they are running around the Parliament premises raising issues. I am very upset with opposition parties," said Rijuju.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Both Houses adjourned till 2.00 pm

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'BJP is not ready to discuss the unemployment, situation in Manipur,' says TMC MP Sushmita Dev.

"I don't know why the Rajya Sabha was adjourned. BJP MPs get six minutes to raise the issues in the parliament in the zero hour whereas the opposition MPs get less than three minutes. BJP is not ready to discuss the unemployment, situation in Manipur. BJP runs the session by bulldozing the voice of opposition," said Dev.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'LoP Rahul Gandhi betraying the whole country,' says Sambit Patra.

"OCCRP is a global media agency, crores of people read what they publish. Open Society Foundation is a big funder of this agency. It is George Soros's foundation. Such agencies work for the interest of the people who fund them. LoP Rahul Gandhi betraying the whole country. OCCRP dictates and Rahul Gandhi follows," said Patra.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Traitor of the highest order,' BJP MP Sambit Patra slams Rahul Gandhi.

" We are going to talk about this dangerous triangle which is trying to destabilise India. In this triangle, on one side it is George Soros from America, some agencies of America, another side of triangle is a big news portal named OCCRP...the last and the most important side of the triangle is Rahul Gandhi, 'traitor of the highest order'. I am not scared to say this word. I don't have any hesitation to call LoP Lok Sabha, a traitor," said Patra.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'LoP tried to reach there and find out the facts,' says Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala.

"In democracy whenever an incident happens across the country, being a LoP should reach there and find out the facts. Between the four walls (of Parliament) we don't know what happened in Sambhal. Our LoP tried to reach there and find out the facts. The state government did not allow him to reach there which shows that transparency is not there. They are trying to break the secular fabric of the country," said Chamala.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Lok Sabha adjourned

Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm amid uproar over certain remarks by a BJP member, issue of Sambhal violence

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates

"It would have been better if the people who call themselves as LoP would have done 'Parikrama' of Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Those who are doing political drama here, it would have been better if they had gone and sat at Rajghat," said Giriraj Singh.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Opposition will lose everywhere,' says BJP MP Ravi Kishan.

"They have lost Haryana. They registered a historic defeat in Maharashtra. They will lose everywhere in the days to come. So, their pain of loss is being reflected in this," said Kishan.

"Everyone is scattering away. Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi left (for Sambhal) without intimating. Akhilesh Yadav was told to wait here and he himself left for Sambhal...Now, Akhilesh Yadav has also come to know of their mindset," Kishan on SP and TMC giving the protest a miss.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Every party has its strategy but on the floor, we are one,' says TMC MP Kirti Azad.

"Every party has its strategy but on the floor, we are one. Every party has its issues. For the past five years, funds have not been given to the West Bengal government. We want a discussion on it. There is a shortage of fertilisers in the country. Employment, inflation, situation in Bangladesh and the government is not at all saying anything about it. The situation in Bangladesh is getting worse day by day," said Azad.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Rahul Gandhi was talking about breaking the Constitution with the Constitution book in his hand,' BJP MP Dinesh Sharma.

"Rahul Gandhi was talking about breaking the Constitution with the Constitution book in his hand. His job was not to go there (Sambhal), in fact, he had to complete his photo session, his sympathy is not with Sambhal or the people there. His sympathy is with his vote bank. Samajwadi Party and Congress want to pull each other's vote bank, there is mutual rivalry between the two, if one goes, then seeing him the others will also go," said Sharma.

Watch: Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka protest outside Parliament over Adani issue

Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka protested outside the Parliament on Thursday demanding a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the Gautam Adani-indictment issue."...Modi ji can't get Adani ji investigated because if he does that, he would be getting himself investigated...Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain ," the leader of opposition said. Read more

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'The Adani issue is tarnished the image of our country,' says CPI MP P. Santhosh Kumar

"The Adani issue is a very serious issue and has tarnished the image of our country. The government is not at all serious about it. American court of law took cognisance of it and now the case is going on and we are demanding a JPC enquiry as it will help us to reveal the exact facts. What is preventing the government from announcing a JPC probe?," said Kumar.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'The PM should constitute a JPC into the Adani matter,' says Congress MP Aujla.

"A question mark has been raised over the character and the reputation of Indian businessmen globally. The entire country has imposed a ban on him as he is involved in corruption. The PM should answer and should constitute a JPC into the matter. One person is maligning the image of the entire country," said Aujla.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'If the LoP is not allowed into Uttar Pradesh, who else would be,' says Congress MP Manickam Tagore.

"LoP Rahul Gandhi was stopped from meeting the families of those who lost their loved ones. The way Uttar Pradesh Police handled the situation is highly condemnable. We had raised it in the Parliament and we walked out. Today, we have given notice for adjournment motion because if the LoP himself is not allowed into Uttar Pradesh, who else would be," said Congress leader Manickam Tagore.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: One should not try to disturb the law and order,' BJP MP on police stopping Rahul Gandhi from visiting Sambhal.

"Rahul Gandhi must be aware that where there is a law and order situation, as per tradition, if the administration does not deem it fit, it stops everybody, no matter who it is. One should also not try to visit the area and disturb the law and order situation there," said BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpai.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12.00 pm

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Opposition MPs protest over Adani matter.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Modi aur Adani ek hain. Do nahi hain, ek hain,' says LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'Rahul Gandhi could have raised the Sambhal issue in Parliament,' says BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

"If Rahul Gandhi is MP and LoP, he should have been present in the Parliament where the problems of 140 crore people of India are highlighted...one unfortunate incident happened there, administration is normalising the situation and ordered not to come. If you want to ensure peace, you could have done it from here as well. He could have raised the issue in Parliament but he is not interested in running the Parliament session," said Pal on Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra being stopped from going to violence-hit Sambhal

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Opposition MPs wear jackets symbolising their protest over the Adani issue.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: 'It shows the arrogance of the BJP govt in UP,' says Congress MP Manickam Tagore.

"Today, we moved an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha against the illegal action of the UP Govt by stopping LoP Rahul Gandhi from entering UP. It shows the arrogance of the BJP and the BJP Govt in UP. Therefore, we are going to raise it in the Parliament and we have moved an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha," said Tagore.

"You have to ask them. We are protesting against the scam which is going to affect everyone in India," he said on TMC and SP missing from INDIA Alliance's protest.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Delhi: 'Where are we not together in protest? We are together,' says Ram Gopal Yadav on TMC and SP missing from INDI alliance's protest.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at the Parliament

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: OBC Committee to present reports

Ganesh Singh and Rodmal Nagar, representing the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (2024-25), shall present Action Taken Reports regarding OBC representation in employment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).
The presentation includes observations and recommendations from the 30th Report (17th Lok Sabha), focusing on OBC representation across various institutions under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which falls under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Additionally, the fourth Report details the Government's response to observations and recommendations from the 33rd Report (17th Lok Sabha), specifically addressing OBC representation and welfare measures within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP KC Venugopal gives Adjournment Motion Notice

Congress MP KC Venugopal gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha, over the issue of LoP Rahul Gandhi being stopped on his way to visit the violence-hit Sambhal.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Union home minister Shah to move Disaster Management Bill

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, bringing more clarity to roles and empowering authorities at the national and state levels. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 1 and seeks to amend the existing Act which was originally enacted to ensure effective management of disasters in India by creating institutional mechanisms, disaster management plans, and strategies for preventing and mitigating disaster impacts.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: DMK MP Tiruchi Siva gives Suspension of Business Notice

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva gives Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 and urges the government to address the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu, which requires immediate release of Rs 2,000 crores from the NDRF as interim relief, as well as the deputation of a Central Team to undertake comprehensive assessment for further financial assistance.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP Vijay Vasanth gives Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss to address the urgent issues faced by Kaniyakumari fishermen.

Vasanth highlighted the critical challenges threatening their livelihood, including overfishing, declining fish stocks, climate change, and inadequate government support.

The MP called for immediate measures such as financial aid, modern fishing equipment, sustainable fishing practices, improved healthcare, insurance schemes, and disaster management plans to support the fishermen and their families. He urged the government to act swiftly to protect this vulnerable community and ensure their survival and well-being.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP Manickam Tagore gives Adjournment Motion notice

Congress MP Manickam Tagore gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of LoP Rahul Gandhi being stopped on his way to visit the violence-hit Sambhal.

Parliament Winter Session Live Updates: Congress MP gives Adjournment Motion notice

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of LoP Rahul Gandhi being stopped on his way to visit the violence-hit Sambhal.