China kicked off its much-delayed annual parliament session on Friday with the government, in a rare move, did not set any specific target for this year's GDP. It cited uncertainties arising out of the coronavirus pandemic, slowdown of the Chinese and global economies and the decline in international trade as the reasons.

For years, China, the second-largest economy in the world, followed the custom of setting an annual target for its economic growth and strived to achieve it.

But with coronavirus pandemic virtually halting production for nearly three months amid a Cold War-like situation with the US besides a continued trajectory of economic slowdown, the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has decided to set itself free from rigid, regulatory targets, according to officials.

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The National People's Congress (NPC) session with about 2,900 members began this morning at the Great Hall of People amid unprecedented security in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has killed 4,634 people in China, majority of them in Wuhan where the deadly virus emerged in December last year, and infected.

As of Thursday, the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in China had reached 82,971, including 82 patients who were still being treated in hospitals, according to China''s National Health Commission (NHC).

It was very easy to distinguish the leadership -- they did not wear any masks. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li along with top leaders of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) attended the meeting without wearing masks, while 2,897 members who were present wore the masks.

President Xi Jinping sat right at the centre -- the usual air of confidence missing.

China has opened up almost all parts of the country after the virus outbreak and is currently holding the annual parliament session. It was due to be held in the first week of March but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.

The attendees paid a silent tribute to people who died fighting COVID-19 and those who lost their lives in the pandemic.

All those who attended the meeting needed to go through COVID-19 tests before getting permission to attend it. Journalists who were allowed to attend the meeting, needed to undergo tests. They waited for six hours for results and were permitted if they tested negative.

The meeting took place amid concerns over the slowdown of China's economy which contracted to 6.8 per cent in the first quarter, the first time since 1976, due to the coronavirus lockdowns and its impact on business in the world's second-largest economy.

Another topic of discussion was the national security law that China intends to impose on Hong Kong. China has, for several years, expressed frustration over what it sees as a weak national security regime in the freewheeling city. It is now determined to thwart the so-called threats of terrorism, independence, subversion of state power, and interference by foreign forces.

China's annual session of parliament will deliberate on the plan, announced on Thursday, before it is grafted into Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

The Basic Law gives Beijing the power to annex national laws into the document - which the local government must then legislate for or effectively impose by executive fiat.

China kicked off its much-delayed annual parliament session on Friday with the government, in a rare move, did not set any specific target for this year's GDP. It cited uncertainties arising out of the coronavirus pandemic, slowdown of the Chinese and global economies and the decline in international trade as the reasons.

China kicked off its much-delayed annual parliament session on Friday with the government, in a rare move, did not set any specific target for this year's GDP. It cited uncertainties arising out of the coronavirus pandemic, slowdown of the Chinese and global economies and the decline in international trade as the reasons. For years, China, the second-largest economy in the world, followed the custom of setting an annual target for its economic growth and strived to achieve it. But with coronavirus pandemic virtually halting production for nearly three months amid a Cold War-like situation with the US besides a continued trajectory of economic slowdown, the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has decided to set itself free from rigid, regulatory targets, according to officials. The National People's Congress (NPC) session with about 2,900 members began this morning at the Great Hall of People amid unprecedented security in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has killed 4,634 people in China, majority of them in Wuhan where the deadly virus emerged in December last year, and infected. As of Thursday, the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in China had reached 82,971, including 82 patients who were still being treated in hospitals, according to China''s National Health Commission (NHC). It was very easy to distinguish the leadership -- they did not wear any masks. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li along with top leaders of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) attended the meeting without wearing masks, while 2,897 members who were present wore the masks. President Xi Jinping sat right at the centre -- the usual air of confidence missing. China has opened up almost all parts of the country after the virus outbreak and is currently holding the annual parliament session. It was due to be held in the first week of March but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. The attendees paid a silent tribute to people who died fighting COVID-19 and those who lost their lives in the pandemic. All those who attended the meeting needed to go through COVID-19 tests before getting permission to attend it. Journalists who were allowed to attend the meeting, needed to undergo tests. They waited for six hours for results and were permitted if they tested negative. The meeting took place amid concerns over the slowdown of China's economy which contracted to 6.8 per cent in the first quarter, the first time since 1976, due to the coronavirus lockdowns and its impact on business in the world's second-largest economy. Another topic of discussion was the national security law that China intends to impose on Hong Kong. China has, for several years, expressed frustration over what it sees as a weak national security regime in the freewheeling city. It is now determined to thwart the so-called threats of terrorism, independence, subversion of state power, and interference by foreign forces. China's annual session of parliament will deliberate on the plan, announced on Thursday, before it is grafted into Hong Kong's mini-constitution. The Basic Law gives Beijing the power to annex national laws into the document - which the local government must then legislate for or effectively impose by executive fiat.

China kicks off delayed annual parliament session amid coronavirus crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions.

In the 60th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said the businesses done in the Budget and Winter sessions broke "all records of the past 60 years".

"I am proud to point out that representatives you sent to Parliament have broken all records in the past 6 months. Both the sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha were very productive. Lok Sabha completed 114 per cent business while Rajya Sabha completed 94 per cent business," he said.

The Prime Minister said that about 135 per cent of work was completed in the previous Budget session of Parliament.

Lauding MPs for the achievement, he said, "All MPs are worthy of praise for this achievement. This amount of work in itself is a reflection of the strength of India`s democracy and the faith therein."

"I want to congratulate the presiding officers, leaders of all political parties and MPs for their active role," Modi said. The radio programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and suggestions, stories and ideas are invited from people for it.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions. In the 60th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said the businesses done in the Budget and Winter sessions broke "all records of the past 60 years". "I am proud to point out that representatives you sent to Parliament have broken all records in the past 6 months. Both the sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha were very productive. Lok Sabha completed 114 per cent business while Rajya Sabha completed 94 per cent business," he said. The Prime Minister said that about 135 per cent of work was completed in the previous Budget session of Parliament. Lauding MPs for the achievement, he said, "All MPs are worthy of praise for this achievement. This amount of work in itself is a reflection of the strength of India`s democracy and the faith therein." "I want to congratulate the presiding officers, leaders of all political parties and MPs for their active role," Modi said. The radio programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and suggestions, stories and ideas are invited from people for it.

PM Modi lauds MPs for 'record-breaking' Parliament sessions

Home Minister Amit Shah's meeting with several politicians and activists of Northeast states including the chief minister of Mizoram to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 concluded in the wee hour of Wednesday, following which Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a lot of confusion has been eliminated and cabinet may take it for discussion in its next meeting.

He also said that the bill is likely to be introduced in the parliament in the last week of winter session.

Shah had been conducting meeting over the Bill for the past few days and the discussions with different stakeholders went for over 100 hours.

Shah spoke about different provisions of the Bill and tried to clear the confusion about its various aspects.

Speaking about the discussions held in the meeting, North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Shah had also met representatives of different north-east states and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

"I think a lot of confusion has been eliminated. There are still some issues but some solutions have also been found," he said.

The Bill will be introduced in the Parliament in a positive environment, Sarma said hoping that after listening to Shah's address and examining the draft of the Bill the remaining confusion will also go away.

He said that CAB is likely to be introduced in the Parliament by the last week of winter session and it may be discussed in the Cabinet's next meeting.

"I cannot tell you officially but there are indications that the Bill may be introduced in Parliament in the last week of winter session. There's also a broad indication that the Bill will be discussed in the cabinet tomorrow," he said.

Stating that there will no protest and CAB will satisfy each and every person, he maintained that there will be some protests which no one can deny as political risk is involved in it.

He also said that the Bill not particularly emphasised on Hindus.

"There is no mention of Hindu in the manifesto of the Bill. The stress has been laid on minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, which includes Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and Parsis," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah's meeting with several politicians and activists of Northeast states including the chief minister of Mizoram to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 concluded in the wee hour of Wednesday, following which Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a lot of confusion has been eliminated and cabinet may take it for discussion in its next meeting.

Home Minister Amit Shah's meeting with several politicians and activists of Northeast states including the chief minister of Mizoram to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 concluded in the wee hour of Wednesday, following which Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a lot of confusion has been eliminated and cabinet may take it for discussion in its next meeting. He also said that the bill is likely to be introduced in the parliament in the last week of winter session. Shah had been conducting meeting over the Bill for the past few days and the discussions with different stakeholders went for over 100 hours. Shah spoke about different provisions of the Bill and tried to clear the confusion about its various aspects. Speaking about the discussions held in the meeting, North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Shah had also met representatives of different north-east states and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga. "I think a lot of confusion has been eliminated. There are still some issues but some solutions have also been found," he said. The Bill will be introduced in the Parliament in a positive environment, Sarma said hoping that after listening to Shah's address and examining the draft of the Bill the remaining confusion will also go away. He said that CAB is likely to be introduced in the Parliament by the last week of winter session and it may be discussed in the Cabinet's next meeting. "I cannot tell you officially but there are indications that the Bill may be introduced in Parliament in the last week of winter session. There's also a broad indication that the Bill will be discussed in the cabinet tomorrow," he said. Stating that there will no protest and CAB will satisfy each and every person, he maintained that there will be some protests which no one can deny as political risk is involved in it. He also said that the Bill not particularly emphasised on Hindus. "There is no mention of Hindu in the manifesto of the Bill. The stress has been laid on minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, which includes Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and Parsis," he said.

Lot of confusion eliminated, Citizenship bill likely in next week of parliament session: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament.

In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development-oriented issues would be discussed."

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Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. 
 
We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development oriented issues would be discussed. <a href="https://t.co/EsNze39bSA">pic.twitter.com/EsNze39bSA</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1195732108112732160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Apart from Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and his junior Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's TR Baalu, BSP's Danish Ali, LJP's Chirag Paswan and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present at the all-party meeting, called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that issues raised by political parties during the all-party meeting will be discussed in Parliament`s Winter Session which will start Monday.

"All political parties have given the assurance that they will try to run the House in a good way with the cooperation of everyone," he said.

With the government set to table several important Bills including Citizenship Amendment Bill, the winter session is expected to be stormy.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament. In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament. In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development-oriented issues would be discussed." Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development oriented issues would be discussed. pic.twitter.com/EsNze39bSA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2019 × Apart from Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and his junior Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's TR Baalu, BSP's Danish Ali, LJP's Chirag Paswan and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present at the all-party meeting, called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that issues raised by political parties during the all-party meeting will be discussed in Parliament`s Winter Session which will start Monday. "All political parties have given the assurance that they will try to run the House in a good way with the cooperation of everyone," he said. With the government set to table several important Bills including Citizenship Amendment Bill, the winter session is expected to be stormy. (With inputs from agencies)

Look forward to a productive Parliament session: PM Narendra Modi

Iraqi security forces sought to clamp down on protests in Baghdad and across the south on Saturday, a day after dozens died in a bloody resumption of anti-government rallies.

Iraqi security forces sought to clamp down on protests in Baghdad and across the south on Saturday, a day after dozens died in a bloody resumption of anti-government rallies. A parliamentary session scheduled for Saturday afternoon to discuss the renewed protests was cancelled after it failed to reach a quorum. Since anti-government rallies first erupted on October 1, nearly 200 people have died and thousands were wounded in Baghdad and across the country's Shiite-majority south in violence condemned worldwide. Almost a quarter of them, 42, succumbed on Friday alone from live rounds, tear gas canisters or while torching government buildings or offices belonging to powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary factions in several southern cities. Tensions remained high across several cities there on Saturday, with security forces cutting off roads and imposing strict curfews. The storming of provincial headquarters, parliamentarians' workspaces or Hashed offices marks a new phase in the southern rallies but there have been no such incidents so far in the capital. In Baghdad, a few hundred protesters dug in around the emblematic Tahrir (Liberation) Square on Saturday morning despite efforts by riot police to clear them with tear gas. "It's enough -- theft, looting, gangs, mafias, deep state, whatever. Get out! Let us see a (functioning) state," said one protester, referring to perceived cronyism and corruption in the country. "We don't want anything, just let us live," he added as puffs of smoke from tear gas rose behind him. Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-highest producer -- but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment sits at 25 percent, according to the World Bank. The staggering rates of joblessness and allegations of corruption sparked the widespread protests on October 1 and the government has struggled to quell public anger by proposing reforms. 'They tricked us' Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi has suggested a laundry list of measures, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament in a session earlier this month, the only time it was able to reach a quorum since protests began. But protesters seemed unimpressed. "They told young people: 'go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side. About 60 percent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25. Protesters have directed some of their anger at the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis. Others have been waiting for signal from influential populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has thrown his weight behind protests. On Friday, Sistani urged protesters and security forces to show "restraint", warning of "chaos" if violence resumed. "Sadr, Sistani -- this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday. "We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces. Riot police had been trying to keep protesters around Tahrir from reaching the high-security Green Zone across the river, which hosts government offices including parliament. Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited Tahrir overnight, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.

Iraq forces clamp down on protests after bloodshed

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">protesters away from Baghdad</a>'s Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed.

In the capital and across the south, protesters died Friday from live rounds, wounds sustained from tear gas canisters and in fires set to government and paramilitary offices.

On Saturday morning, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-march-towards-baghdads-green-zone-one-killed-258183">demonstrators</a> tried to reach Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where parliament is scheduled to "discuss protesters' demands, cabinet's decisions and the implementation of reforms" later in the day, according to its agenda.

Security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the adjacent Al-Jumhuriya bridge, which leads to the Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies.

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A first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iraqs-wave-of-protests-its-roots-and-how-to-begin-fixing-it-258108">wave of protests</a> erupted on October 1, demanding an end to corruption and unemployment before escalating to calls for an overhaul of the political system.&nbsp;

More than 150 people were killed, according to a government probe, most of them protesters in Baghdad who died of gunshot wounds to the head or chest.&nbsp;

In response, authorities have pledged a laundry list of measures including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle.

New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to reach quorum since protests began.

But protesters seemed unimpressed and called for a resumption of nationwide demonstrations on October 25.&nbsp;

Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited protesters overnight in Tahrir, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.&nbsp;

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Baghdad's Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Baghdad's Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed. In the capital and across the south, protesters died Friday from live rounds, wounds sustained from tear gas canisters and in fires set to government and paramilitary offices. On Saturday morning, demonstrators tried to reach Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where parliament is scheduled to "discuss protesters' demands, cabinet's decisions and the implementation of reforms" later in the day, according to its agenda. Security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the adjacent Al-Jumhuriya bridge, which leads to the Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies. × A first wave of protests erupted on October 1, demanding an end to corruption and unemployment before escalating to calls for an overhaul of the political system. More than 150 people were killed, according to a government probe, most of them protesters in Baghdad who died of gunshot wounds to the head or chest. In response, authorities have pledged a laundry list of measures including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to reach quorum since protests began. But protesters seemed unimpressed and called for a resumption of nationwide demonstrations on October 25. Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited protesters overnight in Tahrir, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.

Iraq: Security forces fire tear gas as protests linger in Baghdad ahead of parliament session

While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting with lawmakers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-upset-with-bjp-mps-over-attendance-in-parliament-236321">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> said that number of days in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament can be extended, if needed.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty.

During the meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today.

The prime minister also asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people across the country.

The meeting was attended by all BJP MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of External Affairs, S&nbsp;Jaishankar, and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan were among the early leaders to arrive for the meeting.&nbsp;

Currently, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is underway. The session will conclude on July 26.

While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting with lawmakers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that number of days in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament can be extended, if needed.

While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting with lawmakers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that number of days in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament can be extended, if needed. Earlier in the day, PM Modi came down heavily on some ministers who were absent from Parliament duty. During the meeting, he asked for a list of ministers who did not adhere to the roster and were absent from their Parliament duty today. The prime minister also asked parliamentarians to work towards ensuring that government schemes reach people across the country. The meeting was attended by all BJP MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan were among the early leaders to arrive for the meeting. Currently, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is underway. The session will conclude on July 26.

Can extend Parliament session if needed: PM Modi tells BJP lawmakers

In the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-budget-session-pm-modi-chairs-all-party-meet-opposition-demands-debate-on-unemployment-farm-distress-227603"> all-party meeting</a> here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament.

"We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting.

Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply.

The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important Bills.

Besides the Triple Talaq Bill, the other Bills, which are likely to be introduced in the Parliament, are the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019.

The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections.

A resolution seeking the extension of Proclamation issued by the President on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also required to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by July 2, 2019.

Ten Ordinances have been promulgated during the inter-session period, which are to be replaced by Acts of Parliament as these shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament, that is, by August 1, 2019.

As many as 46 Bills have lapsed on the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha which were at various stages in both the Houses.

Some of these important Bills are likely to be revived and brought before Parliament.

Prime Minister Modi also exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.'

He also said that the government is always receptive to the issues raised by all political parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both the Houses of Parliament.

"We had a fruitful all-party meeting today. The first one after the election results and before the start of the Monsoon Session. Thankful to the leaders for their valuable suggestions. We all agreed on the smooth running of Parliament so that we can fulfill people's aspirations," said PM Modi in a tweet.

Briefing media persons after the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said,&nbsp;"To ensure that 17th Lok Sabha starts functioning on a positive note, Prime Minister Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19, and MPs of both the Houses on June 20 interaction and exchange of views with the government.

"The session will mainly be devoted to oath-taking, the election of the speaker, the motion of thanks on the President's address, financial business relating to union budget for 2019-20. However, time will also be provided for the transaction of essential legislative and non-legislative business during the Session.

The Economic Survey of India will be presented tabled in the House on July 4 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

She will present the Union Budget for 2019- 20 in the Lok Sabha on July 5 at 11 am.

Present in the meeting were also Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha Thawar Chand Gehlot.

Other leaders who attended the meeting included V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, NCP's Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Jayadev Galla of TDP.

In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament.

In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament. "We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting. Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply. The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important Bills. Besides the Triple Talaq Bill, the other Bills, which are likely to be introduced in the Parliament, are the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019. The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections. A resolution seeking the extension of Proclamation issued by the President on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also required to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by July 2, 2019. Ten Ordinances have been promulgated during the inter-session period, which are to be replaced by Acts of Parliament as these shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament, that is, by August 1, 2019. As many as 46 Bills have lapsed on the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha which were at various stages in both the Houses. Some of these important Bills are likely to be revived and brought before Parliament. Prime Minister Modi also exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.' He also said that the government is always receptive to the issues raised by all political parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both the Houses of Parliament. "We had a fruitful all-party meeting today. The first one after the election results and before the start of the Monsoon Session. Thankful to the leaders for their valuable suggestions. We all agreed on the smooth running of Parliament so that we can fulfill people's aspirations," said PM Modi in a tweet. Briefing media persons after the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "To ensure that 17th Lok Sabha starts functioning on a positive note, Prime Minister Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19, and MPs of both the Houses on June 20 interaction and exchange of views with the government. "The session will mainly be devoted to oath-taking, the election of the speaker, the motion of thanks on the President's address, financial business relating to union budget for 2019-20. However, time will also be provided for the transaction of essential legislative and non-legislative business during the Session. The Economic Survey of India will be presented tabled in the House on July 4 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She will present the Union Budget for 2019- 20 in the Lok Sabha on July 5 at 11 am. Present in the meeting were also Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha Thawar Chand Gehlot. Other leaders who attended the meeting included V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, NCP's Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Jayadev Galla of TDP.

Keep political differences aside for smooth functioning of Parliament: PM Modi says in all-party meet

In an outreach exercise before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and other senior BJP ministers met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday. Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Arjun Meghwal accompanied Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, for the meeting which lasted around 15 minutes.

"Our meeting with Sonia Gandhi was very cordial. We sought her cooperation for the smooth functioning of Parliament. She said they (opposition) also need cooperation from treasury benches. I told her that the government has always been ready to cooperate," Joshi told reporters after the meeting at her residence.

The senior ministers also met Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. Sources say the BJP wants to end the logjam in Rajya Sabha which has led to more than three dozen bills not seeing the light of the day. Some of them are in force as ordinance, including the one to ban the practice of instant triple talaq, and government is keen to pass them in the House of Elders.

The ordinances were issued in February-March this year by the previous government.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on June 17. After new MPs take oath on the first two days, the Lok Sabha Speaker's election is scheduled for June 19. The session, the first of the 17th Lok Sabha, will go on till July 26 and the budget will be tabled on July 5.

President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 20.

In an outreach exercise before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and other senior BJP ministers met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday.

In an outreach exercise before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and other senior BJP ministers met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday. Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Arjun Meghwal accompanied Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, for the meeting which lasted around 15 minutes. "Our meeting with Sonia Gandhi was very cordial. We sought her cooperation for the smooth functioning of Parliament. She said they (opposition) also need cooperation from treasury benches. I told her that the government has always been ready to cooperate," Joshi told reporters after the meeting at her residence. The senior ministers also met Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. Sources say the BJP wants to end the logjam in Rajya Sabha which has led to more than three dozen bills not seeing the light of the day. Some of them are in force as ordinance, including the one to ban the practice of instant triple talaq, and government is keen to pass them in the House of Elders. The ordinances were issued in February-March this year by the previous government. The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on June 17. After new MPs take oath on the first two days, the Lok Sabha Speaker's election is scheduled for June 19. The session, the first of the 17th Lok Sabha, will go on till July 26 and the budget will be tabled on July 5. President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on June 20.

Government reaches out to Sonia Gandhi ahead of Parliament session

PM Modi addresses media before Parliament's winter session

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