The Swiss government asked parliament on Wednesday to approve spending of up to 994 million Swiss francs ($1.00 billion) on a bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

The Swiss city of Sion is one of seven candidate sites.&nbsp

The others are Canada`s Calgary, Austria`s Graz, Stockholm, Turkey`s Erzurum, Japan`s Sapporo and an Italian bid involving Cortina d`Ampezzo, Milan and Turin, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said last month.

"Not only in sport, but also in the economy and society, the government expects numerous positive effects from the candidature `Sion 2026`," it said after a cabinet meeting in Bern.

Sion`s candidacy will remain on ice, however, until residents of the canton of Wallis, where the city is situated, vote on whether to approve the bid in a referendum scheduled for next month.&nbsp

The IOC will invite candidates to bid formally at a session in October, and a host city will be selected in September 2019.

The IOC has simplified the preparation process for Games organisers, reducing costs, increasing the Committee`s contribution and allowing host cities more flexibility in planning for the Olympics and the post-Games use of facilities.

The Swiss city of Sion is one of seven candidate sites.

The Swiss government asked parliament on Wednesday to approve spending of up to 994 million Swiss francs ($1.00 billion) on a bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The Swiss city of Sion is one of seven candidate sites. The others are Canada`s Calgary, Austria`s Graz, Stockholm, Turkey`s Erzurum, Japan`s Sapporo and an Italian bid involving Cortina d`Ampezzo, Milan and Turin, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said last month. "Not only in sport, but also in the economy and society, the government expects numerous positive effects from the candidature `Sion 2026`," it said after a cabinet meeting in Bern. Sion`s candidacy will remain on ice, however, until residents of the canton of Wallis, where the city is situated, vote on whether to approve the bid in a referendum scheduled for next month. The IOC will invite candidates to bid formally at a session in October, and a host city will be selected in September 2019. The IOC has simplified the preparation process for Games organisers, reducing costs, increasing the Committee`s contribution and allowing host cities more flexibility in planning for the Olympics and the post-Games use of facilities.

Swiss cabinet backs $1 billion support for Winter Olympics bid

An imperative opportunity for the youth of India to enhance their credentials by acquainting themselves with the Programme.&nbsp;

The Speaker's Research Initiative, Parliament of India has released an official notice of Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 inviting the aspiring youths in the country to work with the Parliament democracy through the internship to guide them to contribute towards the work for the use of our Members of Parliament.

Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018: How to Apply?

1. Visit the official website -&nbsp;<a href="http://sri.nic.in/" id="LPlnk357748" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://sri.nic.in</a>

2. Click on Online Applications for Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 on the home screen.&nbsp;

3. Click on Register and then Login

4. Fill the Application Form by providing all the necessary details.&nbsp;

5. Submit the form

There will be two Types of Internships:

One month Internship&nbsp; - With Age limit up to 18 to 30 Years

Three months Internship - With Age limit up to 21 to 30 Years

Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 10,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship.

Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 5,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship.

Eligibility Criteria:

One month Internship: All the candidates applying need to be Pursuing graduation/post-graduation in social sciences, science, languages, environmental studies, law, journalism, finance, management, etc from a recognised university or institute.

Three months Internship: All the candidates applying need to have a Post Graduate degree in relevant discipline from a recognised university or institute. Also, the candidate should be pursuing doctoral study.

The duration of One-month Internship Programme will be from July 2, 2018, to September 28, 2018.

And, for Three months Internship Programme, it will be from&nbsp;June 28,&nbsp;&nbsp;2018, to&nbsp;July 27, 2018.&nbsp;

The Last date to apply for the Internship Programme is May 4, 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Speaker's Research Initiative, Parliament of India has released an official notice of Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 inviting the aspiring youths in the country to work with the Parliament democracy through the internship to guide them to contribute towards the work for the use of our Members of Parliament

An imperative opportunity for the youth of India to enhance their credentials by acquainting themselves with the Programme. The Speaker's Research Initiative, Parliament of India has released an official notice of Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 inviting the aspiring youths in the country to work with the Parliament democracy through the internship to guide them to contribute towards the work for the use of our Members of Parliament. Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018: How to Apply? 1. Visit the official website - http://sri.nic.in 2. Click on Online Applications for Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018 on the home screen. 3. Click on Register and then Login 4. Fill the Application Form by providing all the necessary details. 5. Submit the form There will be two Types of Internships: One month Internship - With Age limit up to 18 to 30 Years Three months Internship - With Age limit up to 21 to 30 Years Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 10,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship. Stipend payable Rs. 20,000/- per month and Rs. 5,000/- for stationery and typing expenses for three months Internship. Eligibility Criteria: One month Internship: All the candidates applying need to be Pursuing graduation/post-graduation in social sciences, science, languages, environmental studies, law, journalism, finance, management, etc from a recognised university or institute. Three months Internship: All the candidates applying need to have a Post Graduate degree in relevant discipline from a recognised university or institute. Also, the candidate should be pursuing doctoral study. The duration of One-month Internship Programme will be from July 2, 2018, to September 28, 2018. And, for Three months Internship Programme, it will be from June 28, 2018, to July 27, 2018. The Last date to apply for the Internship Programme is May 4, 2018.

Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2018: How to Apply?

Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Renuka Chowdhury on Tuesday made a claim on the alleged culture of ‘casting couch’ that has often brought the Indian film industry under attack.&nbsp;

Chowdhury said that the ‘casting couch’ exists in the Parliament as well.&nbsp;

"It is not just in the film industry. It happens everywhere and it is the bitter truth. Don't imagine that Parliament is immune or other workplaces are immune to it. It is time that India stood up and said #MeToo," Chowdhary said.

Earlier in the day, &nbsp;Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan has defended the casting couch culture, saying the Indian film industry “at least” provided jobs and did not abandon women after raping them.

In comments that come in the wake of the #MeToo campaign which calls out sexual offenders, Ms Khan put the onus on the woman and said the casting couch was not a new phenomenon with “anyone and everyone”, including people in the government, indulging in it.

The 69-year-old choreographer made the remarks in response to a question from a journalist in Sangli on Telugu actor Sri Reddy stripping in protest against the casting couch culture in the Telugu film industry.

"This is going on from 'Baba Adam's times', it is not new. Someone or the other always try to take an advantage of a girl. The government officials do it too, then why are we only behind the film industry? It provides livelihood at least," she said.

"Does not rape and leave you. It is up to the girl, what she wants to do. If you don't want to fall into wrong hands, you won't. If you are talented, why would you sell yourself? Don't blame the film industry's name, it is everything to us, she added."

Further putting her view forward, she said as to why would anyone want to sell herself if she is confident about her talent. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

"It's time India also stands up and says #MeToo," Renuka Chowdhury said.

Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Renuka Chowdhury on Tuesday made a claim on the alleged culture of ‘casting couch’ that has often brought the Indian film industry under attack. Chowdhury said that the ‘casting couch’ exists in the Parliament as well. "It is not just in the film industry. It happens everywhere and it is the bitter truth. Don't imagine that Parliament is immune or other workplaces are immune to it. It is time that India stood up and said #MeToo," Chowdhary said. Earlier in the day, Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan has defended the casting couch culture, saying the Indian film industry “at least” provided jobs and did not abandon women after raping them. In comments that come in the wake of the #MeToo campaign which calls out sexual offenders, Ms Khan put the onus on the woman and said the casting couch was not a new phenomenon with “anyone and everyone”, including people in the government, indulging in it. The 69-year-old choreographer made the remarks in response to a question from a journalist in Sangli on Telugu actor Sri Reddy stripping in protest against the casting couch culture in the Telugu film industry. "This is going on from 'Baba Adam's times', it is not new. Someone or the other always try to take an advantage of a girl. The government officials do it too, then why are we only behind the film industry? It provides livelihood at least," she said. "Does not rape and leave you. It is up to the girl, what she wants to do. If you don't want to fall into wrong hands, you won't. If you are talented, why would you sell yourself? Don't blame the film industry's name, it is everything to us, she added." Further putting her view forward, she said as to why would anyone want to sell herself if she is confident about her talent. (With inputs from ANI)

Watch: 'Casting couch’ exists everywhere, even Parliament not immune, claims Renuka Chowdhury

Opposition parties led by the Congress will meet today to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and are likely to submit it to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

According to sources, opposition parties including the Congress, the NCP, the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and some others will meet in Parliament to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion.

Thereafter, the opposition parties will meet the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and are likely to submit the same today itself, the sources said.

A time has already been sought from the Chairman, they said.

“We will meet today to give final shape to the impeachment motion to be moved against the Chief Justice of India,” an opposition leader said.

Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it.

The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

The SC judgement was delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India.

An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by a total of at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100.

Once the notice of an impeachment motion is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion.

In case he finds merit, then he may form a committee to look into it, else he can reject it.

If moved, this will be the first time ever in the country's history that an impeachment would be moved against the Chief Justice of India.

Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it.

Opposition parties led by the Congress will meet today to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and are likely to submit it to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. According to sources, opposition parties including the Congress, the NCP, the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and some others will meet in Parliament to give final shape to the proposed impeachment motion. Thereafter, the opposition parties will meet the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and are likely to submit the same today itself, the sources said. A time has already been sought from the Chairman, they said. “We will meet today to give final shape to the impeachment motion to be moved against the Chief Justice of India,” an opposition leader said. Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it. The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. The SC judgement was delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India. An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by a total of at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100. Once the notice of an impeachment motion is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion. In case he finds merit, then he may form a committee to look into it, else he can reject it. If moved, this will be the first time ever in the country's history that an impeachment would be moved against the Chief Justice of India.

Opposition parties to meet to give shape to proposed CJI impeachment motion 

The Opposition is likely to hold a meeting in the Parliament today. The meeting will&nbsp;discuss the political situation prevailing in the&nbsp;country and is expected to be held in the chamber of Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.&nbsp;

The leaders may discuss the recent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-loya-death-case-supreme-court-dismisses-plea-for-sit-probe-131322">Supreme Court verdict on the death of judge BH Loya</a>. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of Special CBI Judge BH Loya.The court said attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judicial officers and judges of the Bombay High Court.&nbsp;

The leaders may also take up the issue of moving an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

The opposition party leaders may also discuss the collective measures that to take in order to defeat the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls.

The meeting is expected to be held in the chamber of Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad

The Opposition is likely to hold a meeting in the Parliament today. The meeting will discuss the political situation prevailing in the country and is expected to be held in the chamber of Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. The leaders may discuss the recent Supreme Court verdict on the death of judge BH Loya. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of Special CBI Judge BH Loya.The court said attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judicial officers and judges of the Bombay High Court. The leaders may also take up the issue of moving an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The opposition party leaders may also discuss the collective measures that to take in order to defeat the BJP in the upcoming assembly polls.

Opposition party leaders likely to meet today

Opposition parties led by the Congress on Friday met vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and handed over a notice for the impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

According to sources, 64 MPs of the Rajya Sabha belonging to seven political parties gave the notice for the impeachment against the CJI.

The MPs who signed the notice belong to the Congress, the NCP, the CPI-M and CPI, the SP and the BSP.

The leaders of these parties earlier met in Parliament and gave final shape to the notice for impeachment.

After the meeting, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad confirmed that the leaders were moving the notice for impeachment against CJI.

Among those who attended the meeting in Parliament were Congress leaders Azad, Kapil Sibal and Randeep Surjewala, besides CPI's D Raja and NCP's Vandana Chavan.

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INC COMMUNIQUE 
 
Statement issued by seven Opposition Parties led by LoP Rajya Sabha <a href="https://twitter.com/ghulamnazad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ghulamnazad</a> on impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India. <a href="https://t.co/BQfoBARog1">pic.twitter.com/BQfoBARog1</a>
— INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCSandesh/status/987241058730852352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief Justice has not asserted the independence of the judiciary: Kapil Sibal

Kapil Sibal said that the Opposition parties did not have any option apart from filing an impeachment notice. He said that the Chief Justice had not asserted the independence of the judiciary.

"We only wish to state that anyone occupying the office of Chief Justice of India must be judged on the basis of highest standards of integrity. The first charge relates to the conspiracy to pay illegal gratifications," Sibal said.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, in a press conference, said that Opposition parties had moved impeachment motion under five grounds of misbehaviour.

SC terms public statements on the impeachment of judges 'unfortunate'

The Supreme Court termed as very unfortunate the public statements, including those made by lawmakers, on the impeachment of judges.

"We are all very disturbed about it," a bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said after the counsel appearing for the petitioner raised the issue of politicians making public statements on the impeachment of judges.

The apex court asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to assist it to deal with the plea, which has also sought a gag on the media from reporting such statements.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to sources, 64 MPs of the Rajya Sabha belonging to seven political parties gave the notice for the impeachment against the CJI.

Opposition parties led by the Congress on Friday met vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and handed over a notice for the impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. According to sources, 64 MPs of the Rajya Sabha belonging to seven political parties gave the notice for the impeachment against the CJI. The MPs who signed the notice belong to the Congress, the NCP, the CPI-M and CPI, the SP and the BSP. The leaders of these parties earlier met in Parliament and gave final shape to the notice for impeachment. After the meeting, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad confirmed that the leaders were moving the notice for impeachment against CJI. Among those who attended the meeting in Parliament were Congress leaders Azad, Kapil Sibal and Randeep Surjewala, besides CPI's D Raja and NCP's Vandana Chavan. INC COMMUNIQUE Statement issued by seven Opposition Parties led by LoP Rajya Sabha @ghulamnazad on impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India. pic.twitter.com/BQfoBARog1 — INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) April 20, 2018 × Chief Justice has not asserted the independence of the judiciary: Kapil Sibal Kapil Sibal said that the Opposition parties did not have any option apart from filing an impeachment notice. He said that the Chief Justice had not asserted the independence of the judiciary. "We only wish to state that anyone occupying the office of Chief Justice of India must be judged on the basis of highest standards of integrity. The first charge relates to the conspiracy to pay illegal gratifications," Sibal said. Ghulam Nabi Azad, in a press conference, said that Opposition parties had moved impeachment motion under five grounds of misbehaviour. SC terms public statements on the impeachment of judges 'unfortunate' The Supreme Court termed as very unfortunate the public statements, including those made by lawmakers, on the impeachment of judges. "We are all very disturbed about it," a bench comprising Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said after the counsel appearing for the petitioner raised the issue of politicians making public statements on the impeachment of judges. The apex court asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to assist it to deal with the plea, which has also sought a gag on the media from reporting such statements. (With inputs from Agencies)

CJI impeachment row: Seven parties move motion to sack Dipak Misra

Opposition parties led by the Congress today met vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and handed over a notice for impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

According to sources, over 60 MPs of the Rajya Sabha belonging to seven political parties gave the notice for the impeachment against the CJI.

The MPs who signed the notice belong to the Congress, the NCP, the CPI-M and CPI, the SP and the BSP.

The leaders of these parties earlier met in Parliament and gave final shape to the notice for impeachment.

After the meeting, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad confirmed that the leaders were moving the notice for impeachment against CJI.

Among those who attended the meeting in Parliament were Congress leaders Azad, Kapil Sibal and Randeep Surjewala, besides CPI's D Raja and NCP's Vandana Chavan.

Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it.

The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

The SC judgement was delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India.

An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100.

Once the notice of impeachment is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion.

In case he finds merit, then he may form a committee to look into it, else he can reject it.

If moved, this will be the first time ever in the country's history that an impeachment would be moved against the Chief Justice of India.&nbsp;

The MPs who signed the notice belong to the Congress, the NCP, the CPI-M and CPI, the SP and the BSP.

Opposition parties led by the Congress today met vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and handed over a notice for impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. According to sources, over 60 MPs of the Rajya Sabha belonging to seven political parties gave the notice for the impeachment against the CJI. The MPs who signed the notice belong to the Congress, the NCP, the CPI-M and CPI, the SP and the BSP. The leaders of these parties earlier met in Parliament and gave final shape to the notice for impeachment. After the meeting, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad confirmed that the leaders were moving the notice for impeachment against CJI. Among those who attended the meeting in Parliament were Congress leaders Azad, Kapil Sibal and Randeep Surjewala, besides CPI's D Raja and NCP's Vandana Chavan. Sources said the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, which were initially in favour of the impeachment against the CJI, are no longer part of it. The impeachment notice comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a bunch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the death of Judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. The SC judgement was delivered by a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India. An impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha has to be supported by at least 50 MPs of the Upper House, while the number of MPs supporting such a motion in the Lok Sabha is 100. Once the notice of impeachment is submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman, he will ascertain whether there is merit or ground for moving such a motion. In case he finds merit, then he may form a committee to look into it, else he can reject it. If moved, this will be the first time ever in the country's history that an impeachment would be moved against the Chief Justice of India.

Opposition parties meet vice president, give notice for impeachment of CJI Dipak Misra

After half of parliament’s budget session was washed out due to disruptions, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu requesting a special two-week session in May-June to pass important legislation and facilitate debate and discussion.

"I am aware that the Monsoon Session will be called sometime in mid-July, but a special session sends a different message altogether," read the letter.

"There is no doubt that the complete washout has inflicted great damage on Parliament as an institution, and I think a special session may help retrieve some of its lost prestige," added Naresh in his letter to Naidu.

Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) took a jibe at the Congress party over their demand for another session.

"First they do not let the session run, now they are asking for another session? Do they want salaries and allowances again?," Vijay Goel said.

The entire session of the Parliament was washed out owing to disruptions in the functioning of the House. Both the opposition Congress Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party blamed one another for disruptions.

In its wake, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Friday announced that the MPs of the BJP-NDA alliance parties would not claim their salaries and allowance for 23 days as the Parliament did not function.

Holding the Congress party responsible for the Parliament washout in the second phase of the Budget Session, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) also decided to go on a hunger strike on April 12.

The Telugu Desam Party, however, blamed the BJP for the disruptions, saying it was practising divide and rule method to run away from providing special status to Andhra Pradesh promised by the National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

"There is no doubt that the complete washout has inflicted great damage on Parliament as an institution," said Naresh.

After half of parliament’s budget session was washed out due to disruptions, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu requesting a special two-week session in May-June to pass important legislation and facilitate debate and discussion. "I am aware that the Monsoon Session will be called sometime in mid-July, but a special session sends a different message altogether," read the letter. "There is no doubt that the complete washout has inflicted great damage on Parliament as an institution, and I think a special session may help retrieve some of its lost prestige," added Naresh in his letter to Naidu. Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) took a jibe at the Congress party over their demand for another session. "First they do not let the session run, now they are asking for another session? Do they want salaries and allowances again?," Vijay Goel said. The entire session of the Parliament was washed out owing to disruptions in the functioning of the House. Both the opposition Congress Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party blamed one another for disruptions. In its wake, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Friday announced that the MPs of the BJP-NDA alliance parties would not claim their salaries and allowance for 23 days as the Parliament did not function. Holding the Congress party responsible for the Parliament washout in the second phase of the Budget Session, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) also decided to go on a hunger strike on April 12. The Telugu Desam Party, however, blamed the BJP for the disruptions, saying it was practising divide and rule method to run away from providing special status to Andhra Pradesh promised by the National Democratic Alliance. (With inputs from ANI)

After washout, Jairam Ramesh calls for special Parliament session

After a washout of the budget session of Parliament that ended Friday, the BJP and the Congress blamed each other for the impasse and announced countrywide fasts as protest even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low".

While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to "expose" the BJP's "lies" on the issue.

Addressing BJP MPs on the party's foundation day, Modi kept the Congress in his line of fire and spelt out an exercise by party lawmakers and ministers for reaching out to villages with substantial Dalit and tribal population through implementation of his government's seven key welfare schemes.

Modi at the BJP parliamentary party meeting accused the Congress of paralysing Parliament proceedings during the Budget Session that ended Friday, and said it was "throttling" democracy and "abusing" people's mandate.

Briefing reporters on the meeting, Union minister Ananth Kumar quoted the prime minister as saying that while the BJP's strength has been rising, the opposition, especially the Congress, has resorted to "divisive and negative" politics. 
Parliamentary proceedings stooped to a new low due to the conduct of the Congress, Modi said.

All BJP MPs will observe a day long fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's conduct in Parliament, he said.

On the other hand, Gandhi directed party workers to organise nationwide fast to protect and promote harmony among various sections on April 9.

In a letter to all PCC chiefs, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said "peace and harmony have been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress".

He said what has happened on April 2 during Bharat bandh was very unfortunate and it was very dangerous for the social fabric of this country and blamed BJP-ruled Centre and state governments for not initiating steps to curb violence neither to protect the fraternity.

"Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough time," he said.

At the AICC briefing, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma hit back at the BJP and held it responsible for not letting Parliament function and termed as a "gimmick" and "drama" the move by NDA MPs to forgo their salary for 23 days when Parliament did not function.

The Congress leaders said their party MPs had met Rajya Sabha chairman requesting him that the house should not be prorogued so that it can be reconvened for two more weeks to discuss issues of national importance as they could not be taken up due to disruptions.

Sharma alleged that the BJP and RSS were spreading hatred in society through their "divisive" agenda. The Congress "will expose it" and their chief Rahul Gandhi has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in society, he said.

Kharge also alleged that it was the government and its allies which were disrupting the Lok Sabha and questioned why members causing disturbance were not suspended and the no-confidence motions taken up for discussion.

The government and its allies were "orchestrating" disruptions and blaming the Congress for it, he alleged.

"Government encouraged its allies to disrupt proceedings which resulted in the Houses being adjourned day after day in the session, within seconds of the ruckus created at government's behest."

"We gave prior notice under the rules of Parliament. The Government is sole responsible for disruption of parliament and now 'the thief is blaming the cop'", Kharge said.

Sharma said, "one thing we want to make absolutely clear with truth and force of facts at our command that Congress is not responsible for the disruption. We wanted debate, we wanted accountability and we shall continue to demand that."

"Today we have told the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to inform the Government that we are willing, do not prorogue the Houses they have been adjourned only sine die. Reconvene the Parliament for two weeks or ten days to debate these five issues and to legislate, bring the important Laws.

"We have said the ball is in their court. This is what we have conveyed today and we are informing you," he said.&nbsp

While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to 'expose' the BJP's 'lies' on the issue

After a washout of the budget session of Parliament that ended Friday, the BJP and the Congress blamed each other for the impasse and announced countrywide fasts as protest even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the opposition party of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low". While Modi announced that NDA MPs would hold a fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's behaviour in Parliament, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told party workers to hold a fast on April 9 to "expose" the BJP's "lies" on the issue. Addressing BJP MPs on the party's foundation day, Modi kept the Congress in his line of fire and spelt out an exercise by party lawmakers and ministers for reaching out to villages with substantial Dalit and tribal population through implementation of his government's seven key welfare schemes. Modi at the BJP parliamentary party meeting accused the Congress of paralysing Parliament proceedings during the Budget Session that ended Friday, and said it was "throttling" democracy and "abusing" people's mandate. Briefing reporters on the meeting, Union minister Ananth Kumar quoted the prime minister as saying that while the BJP's strength has been rising, the opposition, especially the Congress, has resorted to "divisive and negative" politics. Parliamentary proceedings stooped to a new low due to the conduct of the Congress, Modi said. All BJP MPs will observe a day long fast on April 12 to protest the opposition's conduct in Parliament, he said. On the other hand, Gandhi directed party workers to organise nationwide fast to protect and promote harmony among various sections on April 9. In a letter to all PCC chiefs, party general secretary Ashok Gehlot said "peace and harmony have been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress". He said what has happened on April 2 during Bharat bandh was very unfortunate and it was very dangerous for the social fabric of this country and blamed BJP-ruled Centre and state governments for not initiating steps to curb violence neither to protect the fraternity. "Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough time," he said. At the AICC briefing, senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma hit back at the BJP and held it responsible for not letting Parliament function and termed as a "gimmick" and "drama" the move by NDA MPs to forgo their salary for 23 days when Parliament did not function. The Congress leaders said their party MPs had met Rajya Sabha chairman requesting him that the house should not be prorogued so that it can be reconvened for two more weeks to discuss issues of national importance as they could not be taken up due to disruptions. Sharma alleged that the BJP and RSS were spreading hatred in society through their "divisive" agenda. The Congress "will expose it" and their chief Rahul Gandhi has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in society, he said. Kharge also alleged that it was the government and its allies which were disrupting the Lok Sabha and questioned why members causing disturbance were not suspended and the no-confidence motions taken up for discussion. The government and its allies were "orchestrating" disruptions and blaming the Congress for it, he alleged. "Government encouraged its allies to disrupt proceedings which resulted in the Houses being adjourned day after day in the session, within seconds of the ruckus created at government's behest." "We gave prior notice under the rules of Parliament. The Government is sole responsible for disruption of parliament and now 'the thief is blaming the cop'", Kharge said. Sharma said, "one thing we want to make absolutely clear with truth and force of facts at our command that Congress is not responsible for the disruption. We wanted debate, we wanted accountability and we shall continue to demand that." "Today we have told the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to inform the Government that we are willing, do not prorogue the Houses they have been adjourned only sine die. Reconvene the Parliament for two weeks or ten days to debate these five issues and to legislate, bring the important Laws. "We have said the ball is in their court. This is what we have conveyed today and we are informing you," he said.

Congress, BJP blame each other for Parliament logjam, announce fasts in protest

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted.

As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable".

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. 
Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House.

The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die.

In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''.

"I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said.

The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.

The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.

Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours.

Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.

Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed.

There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers.

According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000".

During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said.

According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings.

But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said.

"The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said.

Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament.

In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was 'eminently forgettable'

The washed out second leg of Parliament's Budget Session ended Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die, capping a month of relentless disruptions and stated to be the least productive since 2000 with nearly 250 working hours being wasted. As a blame game erupted between the BJP and the Congress over the opposition protests that paralysed both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the rival parties announced protest fasts by their MPs and workers next week. An anguished Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the budget session was "eminently forgettable". The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) recommended prorogation of the Budget Session of Parliament to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Lok Sabha was also unable to take up multiple opposition notices for no-confidence motion against the Modi government with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan saying there is no order in the House which witnessed protests by various parties. Mahajan said the members should keep in mind the larger interests of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. The last day of the session was also marred by protests by AIADMK and Congress members over setting up of the Cauvery river management board as well as by TDP members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Mahajan also said she wanted to take up the notices for no-confidence motion. "I am sorry... If you don't want to take up (notices for no-confidence motion)," she said and proceeded to read out a brief summary of the Budget session and its second leg before adjourning sine die. In the Rajya Sabha, Naidu even wondered if the fears of those who doubted the need for a Second Chamber during the debates in the Constituent Assembly were coming true. "Let us not be a party to this House becoming a 'clog(impediment) in the wheel of progress''. "I am pained to note that it(the session) turned out to be an eminently forgettable one on account of utter disregard of the mandate of this important parliamentary institution and its responsibilities and missed opportunities," he said. The disruptions and adjournments were caused by protests over issues like special status to Andhra Pradesh, bank scams, demand for Cauvery water management board, vandalising of statues, review of the recent Supreme Court order on SC/ST Act and law and order situation in Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. The second leg of the Budget session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. Speaker Mahajan said a total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected by "interruptions and forced adjournments" while Naidu said the Rajya Sabha lost over 121 hours. Just five bills, including the crucial Finance Bill 2018 for which the Budget Session is convened, were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. Besides, The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 were among those passed. There was lot of drama outside the Parliament too on the concluding day of the Budget session with several ministers and ruling alliance MPs protesting near the iconic statue of the meditating Mahatma inside the complex, often a site of protest by opposition lawmakers. According to PRS Legislative Research, "this was the least productive Budget session for both Houses since 2000". During the session on an average, Lok Sabha worked for 21 per cent of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha worked for 27 per cent, it said. According to data provided by Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, the productivity of the Lok Sabha(LS) was 134 per cent, and that of the Rajya Sabha(RS) around 96 per cent during the brief first part of the session. The first part had seven LS and eight RS sittings. But the second part of the session saw productivity taking a nose dive due to daily disruptions and adjournments. The productivity of the LS was four per cent and that of the RS eight per cent, the minister said. "The productivity of the complete Budget session was 23 per cent for the LS and 28 per cent for the RS," he said. Accusing the Congress of taking parliamentary proceedings "to a new low" with its conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fast by BJP MPs on April 12 to protest the impasse "caused" by the opposition party in Parliament. In a counter-offensive, the Congress said its workers would hold a day-long fast at all state and district headquarters on April 9 to expose the BJP's "lies" on various issues.

Parliament adjourned sine die after least productive budget session since 2000

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday, paving the way for a general election showdown with his old mentor and the country's most seasoned campaigner, Mahathir Mohamad.

Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic win for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he struggles to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded.

The 64-year-old leader is expected to retain power due to a rift in opposition ranks between Mahathir's bloc and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party.

But analysts predict a tough fight from Mahathir, who transformed Malaysia into an industrial nation from a rural backwater during his iron-fisted 22-year rule until 2003.

The opposition says the election will be unfair.

In recent days, parliament approved plans to redraw electoral boundaries and passed a contentious anti-fake news bill, changes critics say will favour Najib.

The government rejects the accusations.

"If victory is given to BN, we promise to do our best, to carry out a bigger, more inclusive and more comprehensive transformation of the country," Najib said in an announcement on state television, adding that the dissolution of parliament would be effective from Saturday.

Polling must be held within 60 days of a dissolution. The Election Commission is expected to meet in days to announce a date for the approximately 14 million eligible voters to cast their ballots.

High living costs and corruption are issues that have resonated with voters but overall, Najib's standing is likely to be bolstered by a robust economy.

"We don't choose parties, we choose leaders," said 27-year-old Amir Mukris Bakeri, a travel agent in Kuala Lumpur.

"If the leader can provide for people's welfare, that's who we'd pick."

Growth has been buoyed by a recovery in global crude oil prices and increased trade and infrastructure investment from Malaysia's largest trading partner, China.

'Tricks'

Political apathy, however, is pervasive among young Malaysians and urban voters, many of whom are reluctant to choose between Mahathir and Najib, who are seen as cut from the same cloth.

Mahathir, 92, who was himself criticised for his authoritarian premiership, told a news conference Malaysia's 14th general election would be "dirty".

"Should Najib win this election through his tricks and his cheating, then we can kiss goodbye to democracy in the 15th, 16th, 17th elections," Mahathir said.

If elected, Mahathir would become the world's oldest prime minister.

Najib resisted demands to step down in mid-2015 following reports of financial mismanagement at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), including that $681 million was deposited into his personal bank account.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB, but the scandal created a rift between Najib and Mahathir, who has become the prime minister's harshest critic.

With the common goal of taking down Najib, Mahathir has joined hands with his former deputy and jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, ending a feud that had shaped the country's political narrative over two decades.

'Unpredictable'

Najib's United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) party heads the ruling coalition that has held power since Malaysia's independence in 1957.

The coalition lost the popular vote in the last election, in 2013, but Najib held on to power with a smaller majority in parliament.

Malaysia has a first-past-the-post election system, which is based on the number of seats won, not the popular vote.

Even if Najib's coalition retains power, a weak victory could lead to an internal leadership challenge against him.

His predecessor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had to step down after the coalition lost its two-thirds majority in the 222-seat parliament for the first time in 2008.

"He wants not only to win, but to win big," said Yang Razali Kassim, Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

The election could be a very close call, he said.

"This will in fact be the most unpredictable general election in Malaysian politics," he said.

&nbsp

Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic win for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he struggles to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the dissolution of parliament on Friday, paving the way for a general election showdown with his old mentor and the country's most seasoned campaigner, Mahathir Mohamad. Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic win for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he struggles to appease Malaysians unhappy with rising costs and a multi-billion dollar scandal at a state fund he founded. The 64-year-old leader is expected to retain power due to a rift in opposition ranks between Mahathir's bloc and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party. But analysts predict a tough fight from Mahathir, who transformed Malaysia into an industrial nation from a rural backwater during his iron-fisted 22-year rule until 2003. The opposition says the election will be unfair. In recent days, parliament approved plans to redraw electoral boundaries and passed a contentious anti-fake news bill, changes critics say will favour Najib. The government rejects the accusations. "If victory is given to BN, we promise to do our best, to carry out a bigger, more inclusive and more comprehensive transformation of the country," Najib said in an announcement on state television, adding that the dissolution of parliament would be effective from Saturday. Polling must be held within 60 days of a dissolution. The Election Commission is expected to meet in days to announce a date for the approximately 14 million eligible voters to cast their ballots. High living costs and corruption are issues that have resonated with voters but overall, Najib's standing is likely to be bolstered by a robust economy. "We don't choose parties, we choose leaders," said 27-year-old Amir Mukris Bakeri, a travel agent in Kuala Lumpur. "If the leader can provide for people's welfare, that's who we'd pick." Growth has been buoyed by a recovery in global crude oil prices and increased trade and infrastructure investment from Malaysia's largest trading partner, China. 'Tricks' Political apathy, however, is pervasive among young Malaysians and urban voters, many of whom are reluctant to choose between Mahathir and Najib, who are seen as cut from the same cloth. Mahathir, 92, who was himself criticised for his authoritarian premiership, told a news conference Malaysia's 14th general election would be "dirty". "Should Najib win this election through his tricks and his cheating, then we can kiss goodbye to democracy in the 15th, 16th, 17th elections," Mahathir said. If elected, Mahathir would become the world's oldest prime minister. Najib resisted demands to step down in mid-2015 following reports of financial mismanagement at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), including that $681 million was deposited into his personal bank account. Najib has denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB, but the scandal created a rift between Najib and Mahathir, who has become the prime minister's harshest critic. With the common goal of taking down Najib, Mahathir has joined hands with his former deputy and jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, ending a feud that had shaped the country's political narrative over two decades. 'Unpredictable' Najib's United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) party heads the ruling coalition that has held power since Malaysia's independence in 1957. The coalition lost the popular vote in the last election, in 2013, but Najib held on to power with a smaller majority in parliament. Malaysia has a first-past-the-post election system, which is based on the number of seats won, not the popular vote. Even if Najib's coalition retains power, a weak victory could lead to an internal leadership challenge against him. His predecessor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had to step down after the coalition lost its two-thirds majority in the 222-seat parliament for the first time in 2008. "He wants not only to win, but to win big," said Yang Razali Kassim, Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The election could be a very close call, he said. "This will in fact be the most unpredictable general election in Malaysian politics," he said.

Malaysians hope for change after PM Najib dissolves parliament ahead of election

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday.

Protests by members from various parties on diverse issues marred proceedings almost every day during the two-phase Budget session. The second leg of the session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted.

In her summary report, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House functioned for a total of 34 hours and 5 minutes during the 29 sittings.

A total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected due to "interruptions and forced adjournments". Around 9 hours and 47 minutes went in to transact urgent government business, Mahajan said.

According to her, out of the 580 starred questions, answers were given to 17 of them in the floor of the House and this translates to "0.58" questions being answered on an average every day.

Written replies for remaining starred questions and 6,670 unstarred questions were tabled in the House.

Just five bills were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha.

'The Finance Bill 2018', 'The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017' and 'The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017' were among those bills that were passed.

Discussions on Presidential address took place for 10 hours and 43 minutes while that on Budget went on for 12 hours and 13 minutes.

"This House is a sacred platform for members to raise issues related to public interest and public welfare," Mahajan said even as she emphasised that they need to keep in mind the larger interest of the country.

"I have always tried that members who have given notices raise their issues in the House...," she said.

She also thanked all parties for their support in organising the National Legislators' Conference on March 10 and 11.

Ministers gave 43 statements on various important issues and 1,185 papers were tabled.

Under Rule 377, which pertains to urgent matters of public interest, members raised 238 issues.

A total of 61 reports by various department-related Standing Committees were presented during the Budget session.&nbsp

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday

Disruptions led to loss of more than 127 hours of the Budget session in the Lok Sabha with just about 0.58 per cent of starred questions answered during 29 sittings before the House adjourned sine die on Friday. Protests by members from various parties on diverse issues marred proceedings almost every day during the two-phase Budget session. The second leg of the session, that started on March 5, had 22 sittings that were mostly disrupted. In her summary report, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the House functioned for a total of 34 hours and 5 minutes during the 29 sittings. A total of 127 hours and 45 minutes were affected due to "interruptions and forced adjournments". Around 9 hours and 47 minutes went in to transact urgent government business, Mahajan said. According to her, out of the 580 starred questions, answers were given to 17 of them in the floor of the House and this translates to "0.58" questions being answered on an average every day. Written replies for remaining starred questions and 6,670 unstarred questions were tabled in the House. Just five bills were passed and five were introduced during the Budget session in the Lok Sabha. 'The Finance Bill 2018', 'The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017' and 'The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017' were among those bills that were passed. Discussions on Presidential address took place for 10 hours and 43 minutes while that on Budget went on for 12 hours and 13 minutes. "This House is a sacred platform for members to raise issues related to public interest and public welfare," Mahajan said even as she emphasised that they need to keep in mind the larger interest of the country. "I have always tried that members who have given notices raise their issues in the House...," she said. She also thanked all parties for their support in organising the National Legislators' Conference on March 10 and 11. Ministers gave 43 statements on various important issues and 1,185 papers were tabled. Under Rule 377, which pertains to urgent matters of public interest, members raised 238 issues. A total of 61 reports by various department-related Standing Committees were presented during the Budget session.

Lok Sabha lost over 127 hours due to disruptions in Budget session

Parliament's Lower and Upper House, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were on Tuesday adjourned till tomorrow after the AIADMK MPs protested demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board and other issues.

The Lower House, the Lok Sabha was initially adjourned till 12 pm and later till tomorrow.

In the Rajya Sabha, MPs (Members of Parliament) belonging to the Congress, TMC, BSP, TDP and those of Tamil parties -- DMK and AIADMK, were in the Well even before Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu could settle down in his chair.

Unlike past days when listed papers were allowed to be laid on the table peacefully, Naidu had to go through the exercise today amid chaos as members persisted with slogan shouting.

The Congress and the BSP led the charge against the government, accusing it of being "anti-dalit", an apparent reference to the Supreme Court ruling on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The main opposition party also raised the issue of India's biggest bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) alongside the TMC. Tamil parties were demanding immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. 
 
As soon as the Lower House met for the day and took up the Question Hour, AIADMK members rushed into the Well shouting slogans such as "we want justice" and "we demand Cauvery board".

Citing assembly polls in Karnataka, the Centre had sought more time from the Supreme Court last week to set up the board to implement water sharing formula between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Congress member Kantilal Bhuria and RJD's J P N Yadav were seen waving documents and demanding a&nbsp;review of the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of immediate arrest under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Congress party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) earlier gave adjournment motion notices in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev gave adjournment motion notices in the Lok Sabha over the leak of the class 10th CBSE maths paper and the class 12th CBSE economics papers. 
&nbsp;

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RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev have given adjournment motion notices in Lok Sabha over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBSEPaperLeak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBSEPaperLeak</a> (file pics) <a href="https://t.co/J5Gu0fMhJP">pic.twitter.com/J5Gu0fMhJP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980667458699874305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress gave an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in the Upper House over the nearly Rs 1300 crores Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam by designer jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi.

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Congress has given an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over 'Bank Scam' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ZuQU6aaVz">pic.twitter.com/0ZuQU6aaVz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980660559225016320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha has previously been adjourned for 15 days without undertaking any significant business due to protests by various Opposition political parties for different reasons including special status for Andhra Pradesh, the SC/ST Act, the PNB scam and the Cauvery water dispute.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for 15 days without undertaking any significant business due to protests by various Opposition political parties

Parliament's Lower and Upper House, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were on Tuesday adjourned till tomorrow after the AIADMK MPs protested demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board and other issues. The Lower House, the Lok Sabha was initially adjourned till 12 pm and later till tomorrow. In the Rajya Sabha, MPs (Members of Parliament) belonging to the Congress, TMC, BSP, TDP and those of Tamil parties -- DMK and AIADMK, were in the Well even before Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu could settle down in his chair. Unlike past days when listed papers were allowed to be laid on the table peacefully, Naidu had to go through the exercise today amid chaos as members persisted with slogan shouting. The Congress and the BSP led the charge against the government, accusing it of being "anti-dalit", an apparent reference to the Supreme Court ruling on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The main opposition party also raised the issue of India's biggest bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) alongside the TMC. Tamil parties were demanding immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. As soon as the Lower House met for the day and took up the Question Hour, AIADMK members rushed into the Well shouting slogans such as "we want justice" and "we demand Cauvery board". Citing assembly polls in Karnataka, the Centre had sought more time from the Supreme Court last week to set up the board to implement water sharing formula between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Congress member Kantilal Bhuria and RJD's J P N Yadav were seen waving documents and demanding a review of the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of immediate arrest under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Congress party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) earlier gave adjournment motion notices in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev gave adjournment motion notices in the Lok Sabha over the leak of the class 10th CBSE maths paper and the class 12th CBSE economics papers. RJD MP JP Yadav and Congress MP Sushmita Dev have given adjournment motion notices in Lok Sabha over #CBSEPaperLeak (file pics) pic.twitter.com/J5Gu0fMhJP — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × The Congress gave an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in the Upper House over the nearly Rs 1300 crores Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam by designer jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi. Congress has given an adjournment motion notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over 'Bank Scam' #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/0ZuQU6aaVz — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × The Lok Sabha has previously been adjourned for 15 days without undertaking any significant business due to protests by various Opposition political parties for different reasons including special status for Andhra Pradesh, the SC/ST Act, the PNB scam and the Cauvery water dispute. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament adjourned for the day over ruckus in both houses

Protests and sloganeering marked the day&#39;s proceedings in the Lok Sabha Thursday.&nbsp;

Opposition MPs could be heard chanting &quot;We want justice&quot; in the background, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the day&#39;s business.&nbsp;

As the protests grew louder, she said, &quot;Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House.&quot; She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm.&nbsp;

A little after the house reconvened, it was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;

This is the 14thd day now that the Lok Sabha has been disrupted.&nbsp;

Similar scenes were witness in the Rajya Sabha which&nbsp;was adjourned till Friday.&nbsp;

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Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after TDP MPs walked up to the Well with placards, raising slogans, demanding special status for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/JCGRkIOFhk">pic.twitter.com/JCGRkIOFhk</a>
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As the protests grew louder, she said, "Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House." She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm.

Protests and sloganeering marked the day's proceedings in the Lok Sabha Thursday. Opposition MPs could be heard chanting "We want justice" in the background, even as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tried to conduct the day's business. As the protests grew louder, she said, "Nobody wants to listen, nobody wants to run the House." She then adjourned the Lok Sabha till 12 pm. A little after the house reconvened, it was adjourned for the day. This is the 14thd day now that the Lok Sabha has been disrupted. Similar scenes were witness in the Rajya Sabha which was adjourned till Friday. Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after TDP MPs walked up to the Well with placards, raising slogans, demanding special status for #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/JCGRkIOFhk — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2018 ×

Both houses of Parliament adjourned again, no-trust motion not taken up

The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted today for the 13th day after members from the AIADMK and TRS continued with their noisy protests, stalling the taking up of two notices of no-confidence motion against the council of ministers for the fourth day.

Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that she cannot do a headcount of 50 members supporting the move, a prerequisite for taking up the notices for the trust vote.

She then adjourned the House for the day.

Minutes after the House met this morning, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour due to protests by parties from Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. When the House reassembled at 12 noon, members from the AIADMK, TDP and the TRS were seen raising slogans and holding placards in the Well.

While the AIADMK wants early establishment of the Cauvery river board to settle the water dispute with neighbouring states, the TRS is demanding hiked quota for Telangana. The TDP is demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Expelled RJD member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was seen holding a placard demanding special status for Bihar. The members from Congress, TMC and the Left were standing at their seats.

After the laying of papers by ministers, when the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members to return to their seats so that legislative business could be taken up.

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Ruckus in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabha</a>, TDP MPs storm the well of the House over demand of special status to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a>, opposition members say, &#39;it is also the duty of the govt to facilitate proceedings of the House.&#39; Chairman adjourns the House till 11 am, tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/fI0KOvGgsE">pic.twitter.com/fI0KOvGgsE</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976332059349168128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said the government is willing to discuss any issue, including the no-confidence motion. &quot;We have the confidence of the House as well as of the entire country,&quot; he said. 
 
When the Speaker took up the two notices of the trust vote given by the TDP and YSRC, the AIADMK members raised the pitch of their slogans. TRS members were also seen in the Well.

Mahajan said while she is duty-bound to take up the notices, she cannot move ahead due to the ruckus.

She noted that she is not in a position to count the 50 members supporting the move as she can&#39;t see anything from the chair. Placards were apparently blocking her view.

Members from the Congress, TMC and the Left raised their hands to indicate to the Speaker that they were supporting the motion.

But Mahajan said as the House is not in order, she cannot move ahead with the issue and adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day.

At least 50 members have to support the motion before it is moved for which a headcount is done. However, it is difficult to carry out the exercise when there are disruptions and several members are standing, former top LS officials explained.&nbsp;

Even before Speaker Sumitra Mahajan took up the Question Hour, MPs from the TDP, YSR Congress, TRS and AIADMK, trooped into the well of the house holding placards

The Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted today for the 13th day after members from the AIADMK and TRS continued with their noisy protests, stalling the taking up of two notices of no-confidence motion against the council of ministers for the fourth day. Amid the din, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that she cannot do a headcount of 50 members supporting the move, a prerequisite for taking up the notices for the trust vote. She then adjourned the House for the day. Minutes after the House met this morning, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for an hour due to protests by parties from Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. When the House reassembled at 12 noon, members from the AIADMK, TDP and the TRS were seen raising slogans and holding placards in the Well. While the AIADMK wants early establishment of the Cauvery river board to settle the water dispute with neighbouring states, the TRS is demanding hiked quota for Telangana. The TDP is demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. Expelled RJD member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was seen holding a placard demanding special status for Bihar. The members from Congress, TMC and the Left were standing at their seats. After the laying of papers by ministers, when the protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the members to return to their seats so that legislative business could be taken up. Ruckus in #RajyaSabha, TDP MPs storm the well of the House over demand of special status to #AndhraPradesh, opposition members say, 'it is also the duty of the govt to facilitate proceedings of the House.' Chairman adjourns the House till 11 am, tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fI0KOvGgsE — ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2018 × He said the government is willing to discuss any issue, including the no-confidence motion. "We have the confidence of the House as well as of the entire country," he said. When the Speaker took up the two notices of the trust vote given by the TDP and YSRC, the AIADMK members raised the pitch of their slogans. TRS members were also seen in the Well. Mahajan said while she is duty-bound to take up the notices, she cannot move ahead due to the ruckus. She noted that she is not in a position to count the 50 members supporting the move as she can't see anything from the chair. Placards were apparently blocking her view. Members from the Congress, TMC and the Left raised their hands to indicate to the Speaker that they were supporting the motion. But Mahajan said as the House is not in order, she cannot move ahead with the issue and adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day. At least 50 members have to support the motion before it is moved for which a headcount is done. However, it is difficult to carry out the exercise when there are disruptions and several members are standing, former top LS officials explained.

Lok Sabha disrupted for 13th day, no-confidence motion not taken up again

&nbsp;Seychelles&#39; opposition coalition, which holds a majority in parliament, said Tuesday it would not ratify a deal signed with India to build a military base on one of the archipelago&#39;s outlying islands.

The deal would see India invest $550 million dollars in building the base on Assumption island to help it ensure the safety of its vessels in the southern Indian Ocean.

Indian soldiers would be deployed on the island which lies 1,135 kilometres southwest from the capital Victoria, and help train Seychelles&#39; troops.

However, the deal has faced some resistance from locals, and Wavel Ramkalawan, head of the opposition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (Seychelles Democratic Union in Creole) said the coalition &quot;will not ratify the Assumption deal. This deal is dead&quot;.

The LDS had held a majority in parliament since its victory in 2016 legislative elections.

On Monday, President Danny Faure said he would meet with Mr Ramkalawan on March 26 to discuss the deal, which was agreed in principle in 2015 and then finalised in January this year.

The government says the base will help coastguards to patrol its 1.3 million square kilometre exclusive economic zone for illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy.

Currently, the remote coral island has a tin shack post office, an air strip and almost no people. Less than seven kilometres long the island has a high point just 30 metres above sea level and is covered in bird excrement.

But its location lends it strategic importance for monitoring shipping in the Mozambique Channel.

However, Indian presence in Seychelles is a sensitive matter. Some fear an influx of Indian workers who, they say, might come to dominate the economy, while others consider a foreign power building a military base an affront to sovereignty and national pride.

Opponents of the plan also cite Assumption&#39;s relative proximity to Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the world&#39;s largest population of giant tortoises. 
&nbsp;

On Monday, President Danny Faure said he would meet with Mr Ramkalawan on March 26 to discuss the deal, which was agreed in principle in 2015 and then finalised in January this year.

Seychelles' opposition coalition, which holds a majority in parliament, said Tuesday it would not ratify a deal signed with India to build a military base on one of the archipelago's outlying islands. The deal would see India invest $550 million dollars in building the base on Assumption island to help it ensure the safety of its vessels in the southern Indian Ocean. Indian soldiers would be deployed on the island which lies 1,135 kilometres southwest from the capital Victoria, and help train Seychelles' troops. However, the deal has faced some resistance from locals, and Wavel Ramkalawan, head of the opposition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (Seychelles Democratic Union in Creole) said the coalition "will not ratify the Assumption deal. This deal is dead". The LDS had held a majority in parliament since its victory in 2016 legislative elections. On Monday, President Danny Faure said he would meet with Mr Ramkalawan on March 26 to discuss the deal, which was agreed in principle in 2015 and then finalised in January this year. The government says the base will help coastguards to patrol its 1.3 million square kilometre exclusive economic zone for illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy. Currently, the remote coral island has a tin shack post office, an air strip and almost no people. Less than seven kilometres long the island has a high point just 30 metres above sea level and is covered in bird excrement. But its location lends it strategic importance for monitoring shipping in the Mozambique Channel. However, Indian presence in Seychelles is a sensitive matter. Some fear an influx of Indian workers who, they say, might come to dominate the economy, while others consider a foreign power building a military base an affront to sovereignty and national pride. Opponents of the plan also cite Assumption's relative proximity to Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises.

India plan to open military base on Indian Ocean island runs aground

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began.&nbsp;

As soon as proceedings began, chants of &quot;we want justice&quot; echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties.&nbsp;

Stormy scenes had been expected.&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra &quot;special status&quot; row.&nbsp;

They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments.&nbsp;

More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow:&nbsp;

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YSRCP&#39;s YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/ucxSyaE7Lq">pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975992667623567360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">confirmed as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">dead</a>, before that house too was adjourned for the day.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Tuesday almost as soon as it began. As soon as proceedings began, chants of "we want justice" echoed through the house. The house has been adjourned till Wednesday morning. PTI reported that the house was adjourned till noon following protests over different issues by several parties. Stormy scenes had been expected. The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying since last week to table a motion for a no-trust vote against the government over the Andhra "special status" row. They have so far been unsuccessful because of the adjournments. More stormy scenes can be expected tomorrow: YSRCP's YV Subba Reddy writes to Lok Sabha Secretary General, gives notice to include no-confidence motion in the list of business for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ucxSyaE7Lq — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Rajya Sabha meanwhile was able to conduct a little business. External Affairs Minister was able to inform the house that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq had been confirmed as dead, before that house too was adjourned for the day.

No-confidence motion: Both houses of Parliament adjourned till Wednesday

Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The no-confidence motion against the government, which is being tabled since March 16, was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned yesterday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-proceedings-disrupted-for-fourth-day-35111"> for the fourth day</a>.&nbsp;

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Today also we are going to give no-confidence motion notice in the Lok Sabha. We are going to continue protesting until our demands are met: Thota Narasimham, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/Gb7XBB7cvK">pic.twitter.com/Gb7XBB7cvK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975956374621491200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Lok Sabha was adjourned after continuous uproar over the demand for a no-confidence motion. The TDP MPs did not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the Lower House. They would run into the well of the house each time the Lok Sabha would convene. &nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the TDP and the AIADMK MPs created an uproar over special status to Andhra Pradesh and the Cauvery water dispute.

Yesterday, the Parliament secretariat received three notices on a no-confidence motion against the Centre for its refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Two was received from TDP and one from YSR Congress Party.

The YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has again asked for the motion to be taken up today.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday asked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs not to dilute their fight against the Centre for the Special status to Andhra Pradesh in the Parliament. He warned that the government would &quot;let some ome other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die.&quot;

&quot;We should not dilute our fight. The public interest is our priority. We will not compromise on the matter of our rights. There is a possibility that the union government will let some other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die,&quot; the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the party MPs via through teleconferencing in the evening.

The Chief Minister further asserted that all the TDP MPs must attend the Parliament.

&quot;All the TDP MPs must be present in the Parliament. See that MPs of other parties also attend the House and that other parties also give notices of no confidence motion,&quot; he said.

(With inputs from ANI)

 
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Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh

Fireworks are expected in Parliament even as the YSR Congress and the TDP spearhead the tabling of a no-confidence motion for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The no-confidence motion against the government, which is being tabled since March 16, was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned yesterday for the fourth day. Today also we are going to give no-confidence motion notice in the Lok Sabha. We are going to continue protesting until our demands are met: Thota Narasimham, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/Gb7XBB7cvK — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The Lok Sabha was adjourned after continuous uproar over the demand for a no-confidence motion. The TDP MPs did not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the Lower House. They would run into the well of the house each time the Lok Sabha would convene. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the TDP and the AIADMK MPs created an uproar over special status to Andhra Pradesh and the Cauvery water dispute. Yesterday, the Parliament secretariat received three notices on a no-confidence motion against the Centre for its refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Two was received from TDP and one from YSR Congress Party. The YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has again asked for the motion to be taken up today. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday asked the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs not to dilute their fight against the Centre for the Special status to Andhra Pradesh in the Parliament. He warned that the government would "let some ome other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die." "We should not dilute our fight. The public interest is our priority. We will not compromise on the matter of our rights. There is a possibility that the union government will let some other parties create din and adjourn the House sine die," the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the party MPs via through teleconferencing in the evening. The Chief Minister further asserted that all the TDP MPs must attend the Parliament. "All the TDP MPs must be present in the Parliament. See that MPs of other parties also attend the House and that other parties also give notices of no confidence motion," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

Parliament gears up for stormy session, no-confidence motion to be tabled today again

The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning.&nbsp;

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No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. <a href="https://t.co/bdT3dbBWA8">pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975622822293893120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down,&nbsp;it was adjourned after a continuous uproar.&nbsp;

The TDP&#39;s MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house.&nbsp; Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday.&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status.&nbsp;

Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet &mdash; Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary &mdash; to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly.&nbsp;

The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote &mdash; a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held &mdash; last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote.&nbsp;

Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government.&nbsp;

That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote.&nbsp;

The parties asking for the vote seem to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-no-trust-vote-debate-but-not-trying-to-make-government-fall-tdp-mp-36314" target="_blank">understand</a> that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning:&nbsp;

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We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It&#39;s responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP <a href="https://t.co/LbdfpLAQAd">pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975587133309313024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year &mdash; which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress&#39;s Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now.&nbsp;

More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress&#39;s YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again.&nbsp;

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YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow &#39;no confidence motion in the council of ministers&#39;. <a href="https://t.co/6fsIhkk10H">pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975639641847140352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The YSR Congress and the TDP have been trying to push the motion over the 'special status' issue for Andhra Pradesh

The no-confidence motion against the government was again not taken up after both houses of Parliament were adjourned Monday morning. No confidence motion not introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after continuous uproar. pic.twitter.com/bdT3dbBWA8 — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The Lok Sabha had earlier been adjourned till 12 pm. But a little after the house sat down, it was adjourned after a continuous uproar. The TDP's MPs would not allow Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to run the house. Each time the Lok Sabha would convene, they would run into the well of the house. The Rajya Sabha had earlier already been adjourned till Tuesday. The YSR Congress and the TDP have asked for a trust vote against the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. The central government had refused to give the state the special status it was asking for, but had said it would give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status. Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had recently asked the two TDP ministers in the union cabinet — Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary — to put in their papers. He had then later he would take his next steps accordingly. The YSR Congress and the TDP had asked for the trust vote — a minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion for the vote to be held — last week. The Left, the AIADMK, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the AIMIM will support the vote. Should the motion be accepted, this will be the first no-trust vote against the central government. That said, the Narendra-led Modi NDA government is at the moment in no danger of falling. It has a simple majority on its own, and enough independent MPs in the house it could approach, should the need ever arise, to sail through a no-trust vote. The parties asking for the vote seem to understand that. The TDP MP RM Naidu said Monday morning: We are going to go move no-confidence motion,gather support of all respective parties in Parliament. It's responsibility of all parties in Parliament to support us. Trying to gather as much support as possible so debate happens, not trying to make the govt fall: RM Naidu, TDP MP pic.twitter.com/LbdfpLAQAd — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × The TDP however, commentators says, wishes to attack the government on the issue before assembly elections in Andhra next year — which is exactly what opposition parties in the state are doing to it. Taking on the central government also allows the TDP to ward off the YSR Congress's Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been pushing for special status for Andhra for some four years now. More fireworks can be expected on Tuesday when Parliament reconvenes; the YSR Congress's YV Subba Reddy has asked for the motion to be taken up tomorrow again. YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy again writes to Secretary General Lok Sabha to include in list of business for tomorrow 'no confidence motion in the council of ministers'. pic.twitter.com/6fsIhkk10H — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 ×

No-confidence motion not taken up, both houses of Parliament adjourned till Tuesday

At a highway check point on the outskirts of Beijing, local police are this week testing out a new security tool: smart glasses that can pick up facial features and car registration plates, and match them in real-time with a database of suspects.

The AI-powered glasses, made by LLVision, scan the faces of vehicle occupants and the plates, flagging with a red box and warning sign to the wearer when any match up with a centralised &quot;blacklist&quot;.&nbsp;

The test - which coincides with the annual meeting of China`s parliament in central Beijing - underscores a major push by China`s leaders to leverage technology to boost security in the country.&nbsp;

That drive has led to growing concerns that China is developing a sophisticated surveillance state that will lead to intensifying crackdowns on dissent.

&quot;(China`s) leadership once felt a degree of trepidation over the advancement of the internet and communication technologies,&quot; said David Bandurski, co-director of the China Media Project, a media studies research project at the University of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

&quot;It now sees them as absolutely indispensable tools of social and political control.&quot;

Wu Fei, chief executive of LLVision, said people should not be worried about privacy concerns because China`s authorities were using the equipment for &quot;noble causes&quot;, catching suspects and fugitives from the law.

&quot;We trust the government,&quot; he told Reuters at the company`s headquarters in Beijing.

Reuters was able to verify that the glasses were being used in tests by the police to help identify suspect individuals and vehicles in the Beijing area in recent days. 
China, under President Xi Jinping, is making a major push to use artificial intelligence, facial recognition and big data technology to track and control behaviour that goes against the interests of the ruling Communist Party online and in the wider world.

Xi is expected to cement his power base this weekend as a reform to remove term limits is pushed through. That would in effect allow him to stay in his post indefinitely.

Delegates and visitors entering the Great Hall of the People, the venue for the parliament, the National People`s Congress, have to go through facial scanners. The same happened to those attending the related advisory body, the Chinese People`s Political Consultative Conference.

&quot;This year, security at the two sessions has some freshly-baked `black tech` coming online,&quot; wrote the state-run Science and Technology Daily newspaper, using a comic-book term in China for futuristic surveillance gadgets.

The paper said cameras at the event had been upgraded to capture, analyse and compare suspicious faces in around two seconds, powered by a system called &quot;Skynet&quot; - which has a national database of blacklisted individuals.

&quot;The plot of sci-fi film `Minority Report` is now basically becoming a part of daily life,&quot; the newspaper added, referring to the Tom Cruise movie set in a futuristic society where crimes are solved and punished before they even happen.

Robots and drones

China has been deploying a growing arsenal of security technology, fuelling the growth of a domestic industry and worrying civil rights defenders about the growing intrusion on individual privacy.

A key concern is that blacklists could include a wide range of people stretching from lawyers and artists to political dissidents, charity workers, journalists and rights activists.

The new technologies range from police robots for crowd control, to drones to monitor border areas, and artificially intelligent systems to track and censor behaviour online. There are also scanners to forcibly read mobile phone data and even police dogs with virtual reality cameras.

A recent Human Rights Watch report said China was also expanding a biometric voice database to boost voice recognition capabilities.

Surveillance measures long-used in restive areas such as Xinjiang in the northwest are also being rolled out more widely around the country, with a planned drive to centralize and standardize powerful but fragmented systems over the next year.

At the meeting of the NPC, most delegates said the increasing use of technology to improve state security was a positive, and that the benefits far outweighed privacy concerns.

&quot;This is a good thing, it means our technology is really leading the world,&quot; said Lu Yaping, a delegate from Jiangsu province in eastern China. &quot;I don`t have any concerns about safety.&quot;

The test underscores a major push by China`s leaders to leverage technology to boost security in the country

At a highway check point on the outskirts of Beijing, local police are this week testing out a new security tool: smart glasses that can pick up facial features and car registration plates, and match them in real-time with a database of suspects. The AI-powered glasses, made by LLVision, scan the faces of vehicle occupants and the plates, flagging with a red box and warning sign to the wearer when any match up with a centralised "blacklist". The test - which coincides with the annual meeting of China`s parliament in central Beijing - underscores a major push by China`s leaders to leverage technology to boost security in the country. That drive has led to growing concerns that China is developing a sophisticated surveillance state that will lead to intensifying crackdowns on dissent. "(China`s) leadership once felt a degree of trepidation over the advancement of the internet and communication technologies," said David Bandurski, co-director of the China Media Project, a media studies research project at the University of Hong Kong. "It now sees them as absolutely indispensable tools of social and political control." Wu Fei, chief executive of LLVision, said people should not be worried about privacy concerns because China`s authorities were using the equipment for "noble causes", catching suspects and fugitives from the law. "We trust the government," he told Reuters at the company`s headquarters in Beijing. Reuters was able to verify that the glasses were being used in tests by the police to help identify suspect individuals and vehicles in the Beijing area in recent days. China, under President Xi Jinping, is making a major push to use artificial intelligence, facial recognition and big data technology to track and control behaviour that goes against the interests of the ruling Communist Party online and in the wider world. Xi is expected to cement his power base this weekend as a reform to remove term limits is pushed through. That would in effect allow him to stay in his post indefinitely. Delegates and visitors entering the Great Hall of the People, the venue for the parliament, the National People`s Congress, have to go through facial scanners. The same happened to those attending the related advisory body, the Chinese People`s Political Consultative Conference. "This year, security at the two sessions has some freshly-baked `black tech` coming online," wrote the state-run Science and Technology Daily newspaper, using a comic-book term in China for futuristic surveillance gadgets. The paper said cameras at the event had been upgraded to capture, analyse and compare suspicious faces in around two seconds, powered by a system called "Skynet" - which has a national database of blacklisted individuals. "The plot of sci-fi film `Minority Report` is now basically becoming a part of daily life," the newspaper added, referring to the Tom Cruise movie set in a futuristic society where crimes are solved and punished before they even happen. Robots and drones China has been deploying a growing arsenal of security technology, fuelling the growth of a domestic industry and worrying civil rights defenders about the growing intrusion on individual privacy. A key concern is that blacklists could include a wide range of people stretching from lawyers and artists to political dissidents, charity workers, journalists and rights activists. The new technologies range from police robots for crowd control, to drones to monitor border areas, and artificially intelligent systems to track and censor behaviour online. There are also scanners to forcibly read mobile phone data and even police dogs with virtual reality cameras. A recent Human Rights Watch report said China was also expanding a biometric voice database to boost voice recognition capabilities. Surveillance measures long-used in restive areas such as Xinjiang in the northwest are also being rolled out more widely around the country, with a planned drive to centralize and standardize powerful but fragmented systems over the next year. At the meeting of the NPC, most delegates said the increasing use of technology to improve state security was a positive, and that the benefits far outweighed privacy concerns. "This is a good thing, it means our technology is really leading the world," said Lu Yaping, a delegate from Jiangsu province in eastern China. "I don`t have any concerns about safety."

China eyes 'black tech' to boost security as parliament meets

China&#39;s Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a path to rule indefinitely as parliament abolished presidential term limits, handing him almost total authority to pursue a vision of transforming the nation into an economic and military superpower.

The move reverses the era of &quot;collective&quot; leadership and orderly succession that was promoted by late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to ensure stability following the turbulent one-man rule of Communist China&#39;s founder Mao Zedong.

The historic constitutional amendment breezed through the rubber-stamp parliament with 2,958 in favour, two against and three abstentions despite an unusual bout of online criticism that censors have scrambled to extinguish.

Xi stood up first at the imposing Great Hall of the People in Beijing to cast his paper ballot in a red box, as delegates of the National People&#39;s Congress applauded after each vote on the constitutional amendment to lift the two five-year term limit for the presidency.

The first constitutional amendment in 14 years had been expected to breeze through the legislature, which has never rejected a Communist Party diktat in its half-century of existence.

&quot;This is the urgent wish of the common people,&quot; Ju Xiuqin, a delegate from northeastern Heilongjiang province, told AFP, echoing party claims that the amendment had the unanimous support of &quot;the masses&quot;.

Xi, 64, has consolidated power since 2012 when he was appointed to the country&#39;s top office: general secretary of the Communist Party.

While the position has no term limits, his two predecessors both gave it up after two terms as part of an orderly process established by Deng.

Soft coup

The country&#39;s presidency is a largely ceremonial office, but the constitutional limits meant Xi would have had to give it up in 2023.

But with the new amendments, he could now have a lifetime to push his goal of turning China into global economic powerhouse with a &quot;world-class&quot; military by mid-century.

His rise has been accompanied by tighter restrictions on civil society, with the detention of activists and lawyers, and stricter limits on the already heavily controlled internet.

At the same time, he gained a measure of popularity among Chinese people through a relentless crackdown on corruption that has punished more than a million party officials, and sidelined potential rivals.

&quot;I think that during the past five years, he has been carrying out a soft coup, including making the Politburo a mere figurehead,&quot; Chinese political commentator Wu Qiang told AFP, referring to the 25-member Communist Party body one level under the ruling council.

&quot;He wants to prevent power from falling into the hands of technocrats like Jiang (Zemin) and Hu (Jintao),&quot; Wu said, referring to Xi&#39;s two predecessors.

While attention has focused on the term limits, the amendments also include major provisions that will engrave Xi&#39;s eponymous political mantra in the constitution and hand the Communist Party an even larger role in the country&#39;s affairs.

In a written report, the head of the parliament&#39;s Standing Committee, Zhang Dejiang, said the amendments &quot;will ensure the constitution improves and develops in step with the times and provide a firm constitutional guarantee for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era&quot;.

Secret path

The Communist Party says the move merely aligns the presidency with the limit-free titles of party secretary and military chief, claiming &quot;the masses&quot; unanimously called for the removal of term limits.

But the proposal was kept secret until it was revealed in a state media report on February 25, a week before the legislature&#39;s opening session.

The party later disclosed that Xi had presided over a meeting of the Politburo in September during which the leadership decided to revise the constitution.

The party then sought proposals and opinions, culminating in a decision in late January to introduce constitutional amendments at the NPC.

&quot;Xi Jinping has presided over so many important projects such as economic reforms and the fight against corruption. There was a consensus that we supported him having more time to finish his work,&quot; said Dou Yanli, a delegate from eastern Shandong province.

The surprise move triggered a backlash online, prompting censors to block phrases and words such as &quot;I disagree&quot; and &quot;emperor&quot; and the image of Winnie the Pooh, the cartoon bear to which Xi has been compared.

Activists fear that removing term limits may lead to a further tightening of already strict controls on media, civil society and religion, as Xi tries to impose his highly ideological vision of socialism on every aspect of society.

Beijing-based activist Hu Jia, who says authorities forced him to leave the capital during the congress, called the amendment &quot;illegal&quot;.

&quot;Xi asked all people to obey the constitution, and then used the amendment to place himself above it. He used the constitution as the ultimate legal weapon that binds officials and all citizens.&quot;

The almost 3,000 delegates to the country`s rubber-stamp legislature passed the measure

China's Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a path to rule indefinitely as parliament abolished presidential term limits, handing him almost total authority to pursue a vision of transforming the nation into an economic and military superpower. The move reverses the era of "collective" leadership and orderly succession that was promoted by late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to ensure stability following the turbulent one-man rule of Communist China's founder Mao Zedong. The historic constitutional amendment breezed through the rubber-stamp parliament with 2,958 in favour, two against and three abstentions despite an unusual bout of online criticism that censors have scrambled to extinguish. Xi stood up first at the imposing Great Hall of the People in Beijing to cast his paper ballot in a red box, as delegates of the National People's Congress applauded after each vote on the constitutional amendment to lift the two five-year term limit for the presidency. The first constitutional amendment in 14 years had been expected to breeze through the legislature, which has never rejected a Communist Party diktat in its half-century of existence. "This is the urgent wish of the common people," Ju Xiuqin, a delegate from northeastern Heilongjiang province, told AFP, echoing party claims that the amendment had the unanimous support of "the masses". Xi, 64, has consolidated power since 2012 when he was appointed to the country's top office: general secretary of the Communist Party. While the position has no term limits, his two predecessors both gave it up after two terms as part of an orderly process established by Deng. Soft coup The country's presidency is a largely ceremonial office, but the constitutional limits meant Xi would have had to give it up in 2023. But with the new amendments, he could now have a lifetime to push his goal of turning China into global economic powerhouse with a "world-class" military by mid-century. His rise has been accompanied by tighter restrictions on civil society, with the detention of activists and lawyers, and stricter limits on the already heavily controlled internet. At the same time, he gained a measure of popularity among Chinese people through a relentless crackdown on corruption that has punished more than a million party officials, and sidelined potential rivals. "I think that during the past five years, he has been carrying out a soft coup, including making the Politburo a mere figurehead," Chinese political commentator Wu Qiang told AFP, referring to the 25-member Communist Party body one level under the ruling council. "He wants to prevent power from falling into the hands of technocrats like Jiang (Zemin) and Hu (Jintao)," Wu said, referring to Xi's two predecessors. While attention has focused on the term limits, the amendments also include major provisions that will engrave Xi's eponymous political mantra in the constitution and hand the Communist Party an even larger role in the country's affairs. In a written report, the head of the parliament's Standing Committee, Zhang Dejiang, said the amendments "will ensure the constitution improves and develops in step with the times and provide a firm constitutional guarantee for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era". Secret path The Communist Party says the move merely aligns the presidency with the limit-free titles of party secretary and military chief, claiming "the masses" unanimously called for the removal of term limits. But the proposal was kept secret until it was revealed in a state media report on February 25, a week before the legislature's opening session. The party later disclosed that Xi had presided over a meeting of the Politburo in September during which the leadership decided to revise the constitution. The party then sought proposals and opinions, culminating in a decision in late January to introduce constitutional amendments at the NPC. "Xi Jinping has presided over so many important projects such as economic reforms and the fight against corruption. There was a consensus that we supported him having more time to finish his work," said Dou Yanli, a delegate from eastern Shandong province. The surprise move triggered a backlash online, prompting censors to block phrases and words such as "I disagree" and "emperor" and the image of Winnie the Pooh, the cartoon bear to which Xi has been compared. Activists fear that removing term limits may lead to a further tightening of already strict controls on media, civil society and religion, as Xi tries to impose his highly ideological vision of socialism on every aspect of society. Beijing-based activist Hu Jia, who says authorities forced him to leave the capital during the congress, called the amendment "illegal". "Xi asked all people to obey the constitution, and then used the amendment to place himself above it. He used the constitution as the ultimate legal weapon that binds officials and all citizens."

China's parliament abolishes presidential term limit, Xi Jinping could stay in power for life

The proceedings in the two Houses of Parliament were disrupted for the fourth straight day today, but both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha were united in promising to strive for women&#39;s rights on the International Women&#39;s Day.

As members in the Upper House sought an early passage of the Women&#39;s Reservation Bill to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and the state assemblies, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan extended greetings to the people on the occasion and exhorted the women to move forward with renewed vigour and confidence.

Soon after it assembled for the day, the Rajya Sabha held an hour-long discussion on women&#39;s issues in which members, cutting across party lines, voiced concern over the growing incidents of crimes against women, and made a strong case for early passage of the women&#39;s quota bill.

It was a rare occasion in the Upper House, which has been experiencing a washout of its proceedings due to protests over various issues since Monday, as members put their political affiliations behind to speak unitedly on the women&#39;s cause.

But as soon as this debate was over, members of some opposition parties, the TDP and others, trooped into the Well, carrying placards and raising slogans protesting over various issues like the banking scam and the Cauvery river water dispute.

This provoked Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to make some angry remarks, which could not be heard in the din and then adjourning the House till 2 PM.

Earlier, the scenario was completely different as the House assembled at 11 AM and Naidu said the International Women&#39;s Day was being observed all over the world to celebrate the achievements of women as well as to renew the commitment to empowering them and ending gender biases.

&quot;With women constituting about 50 per cent of our population, social, economic and political empowerment of women, including providing reservation in Parliament and state legislatures, has to be accorded top priority for the country to achieve rapid progress,&quot; Naidu said.

He stressed the need to renew focus on gender equality and women&#39;s safety, besides efforts to educate and empower them.

After his remarks, women MPs from different parties began discussion on the issue and pressed for early passage of the women&#39;s quota bill. The bill has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha and is pending approval of the Lok Sabha.

Veteran Congress leader Ambika Soni said a resolution should be passed by the House to support the legislation providing reservation to women in Parliament and assemblies.

The leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed concern over rising incidents of sexual assault against the girl child. &quot;The government, together with the opposition, should create an atmosphere to ensure the safety of women,&quot; he said and agreed with the others on the early passage of the bill.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj said she favoured women&#39;s quota and continued to support it. Although women have excelled in many fields and entered areas so far dominated by men but were still &quot;continued to face injustice, which is shameful&quot;, she said and called for a mass movement to usher in a change of the mindset of the people towards women.

Naidu also agreed to a suggestion by some members to have a woman member in the panel for Vice Chairman panel.

However, the amiable atmosphere in the House was short- lived as slogan-shouting members from the opposition Congress as well some from the AIADMK trooped into the Well. Amid disruptions, the House could not take up the Question Hour and the Chairman adjourned the proceedings till 1400 hours.

When the House reassembled, Minister of State for Finance Pon Radhakrishnan tabled the supplementary demands for grants for 2017-18.

Almost immediately thereafter, opposition members again stormed the Well raising slogans and displaying placards.

While the TDP was demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, the AIADMK sought immediate setting up of Cauvery River Management Board. The Congress and Trinamool Congress members were demanding a discussion on the banking scam and a response from the Prime Minister on it.

Amid the din, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (Trinamool Cong) wanted to raise a point of order but the members continued to raise slogans in the Well. The pandemonium led Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who was in the Chair at that time, to adjourn the House for the day.

The Lok Sabha too failed to transact any legislative business for the fourth consecutive day, as members from several opposition parties, including NDA ally TDP, AIADMK and TMC, continued their protests on various issues.

However when the House met for the day and before the disruptions began, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan extended greetings on the International Women&#39;s Day and said women&#39;s empowerment was the need of the hour as well as a big challenge.

She emphasised the need to work together for the all-round development of women for a positive change. &quot;If you consider man and woman as two wings of humanity, their empowerment is absolutely necessary for it to fly high,&quot; she said and also recited a few lines she has penned on women&#39;s empowerment.

Mahajan said, &quot;If we all work for the all round development of women for a positive change, then I am sure that India will shine on the global stage.&quot;

But soon after she ended her speech, members of the TDP, AIADMK, TRS and TMC trooped into the Well, with many holding placards and raising slogans.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal moved the Supplementary Demands for Grants seeking Parliament nod for additional cash spending of Rs 85,315 crore.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the Speaker to continue with the listed business and said,&nbsp; &quot;We are ready to discuss irregularities in the banking sector.&quot;

He also said that a debate under Rule 193, which does not entail voting, was listed on today&#39;s agenda on the alleged systemic irregularities in the banking sector over the years and its impact on Indian economy.

However, as the noisy protests continued, Mahajan adjourned the proceedings first till noon and thereafter for the entire day.

TDP leader and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was not present in the House even though it was the question day of his ministry. However, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha was present.

Disappointed over the Centre not granting special status to Andhra Pradesh, the TDP had late last night announced that the party&#39;s two ministers - Raju and YS Chowdary - would resign from the central government.&nbsp;

Proceedings were disrupted, but both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha were united in promising to strive for women's rights on the International Women's Day

The proceedings in the two Houses of Parliament were disrupted for the fourth straight day today, but both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha were united in promising to strive for women's rights on the International Women's Day. As members in the Upper House sought an early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and the state assemblies, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan extended greetings to the people on the occasion and exhorted the women to move forward with renewed vigour and confidence. Soon after it assembled for the day, the Rajya Sabha held an hour-long discussion on women's issues in which members, cutting across party lines, voiced concern over the growing incidents of crimes against women, and made a strong case for early passage of the women's quota bill. It was a rare occasion in the Upper House, which has been experiencing a washout of its proceedings due to protests over various issues since Monday, as members put their political affiliations behind to speak unitedly on the women's cause. But as soon as this debate was over, members of some opposition parties, the TDP and others, trooped into the Well, carrying placards and raising slogans protesting over various issues like the banking scam and the Cauvery river water dispute. This provoked Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to make some angry remarks, which could not be heard in the din and then adjourning the House till 2 PM. Earlier, the scenario was completely different as the House assembled at 11 AM and Naidu said the International Women's Day was being observed all over the world to celebrate the achievements of women as well as to renew the commitment to empowering them and ending gender biases. "With women constituting about 50 per cent of our population, social, economic and political empowerment of women, including providing reservation in Parliament and state legislatures, has to be accorded top priority for the country to achieve rapid progress," Naidu said. He stressed the need to renew focus on gender equality and women's safety, besides efforts to educate and empower them. After his remarks, women MPs from different parties began discussion on the issue and pressed for early passage of the women's quota bill. The bill has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha and is pending approval of the Lok Sabha. Veteran Congress leader Ambika Soni said a resolution should be passed by the House to support the legislation providing reservation to women in Parliament and assemblies. The leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed concern over rising incidents of sexual assault against the girl child. "The government, together with the opposition, should create an atmosphere to ensure the safety of women," he said and agreed with the others on the early passage of the bill. External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj said she favoured women's quota and continued to support it. Although women have excelled in many fields and entered areas so far dominated by men but were still "continued to face injustice, which is shameful", she said and called for a mass movement to usher in a change of the mindset of the people towards women. Naidu also agreed to a suggestion by some members to have a woman member in the panel for Vice Chairman panel. However, the amiable atmosphere in the House was short- lived as slogan-shouting members from the opposition Congress as well some from the AIADMK trooped into the Well. Amid disruptions, the House could not take up the Question Hour and the Chairman adjourned the proceedings till 1400 hours. When the House reassembled, Minister of State for Finance Pon Radhakrishnan tabled the supplementary demands for grants for 2017-18. Almost immediately thereafter, opposition members again stormed the Well raising slogans and displaying placards. While the TDP was demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh, the AIADMK sought immediate setting up of Cauvery River Management Board. The Congress and Trinamool Congress members were demanding a discussion on the banking scam and a response from the Prime Minister on it. Amid the din, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy (Trinamool Cong) wanted to raise a point of order but the members continued to raise slogans in the Well. The pandemonium led Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who was in the Chair at that time, to adjourn the House for the day. The Lok Sabha too failed to transact any legislative business for the fourth consecutive day, as members from several opposition parties, including NDA ally TDP, AIADMK and TMC, continued their protests on various issues. However when the House met for the day and before the disruptions began, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan extended greetings on the International Women's Day and said women's empowerment was the need of the hour as well as a big challenge. She emphasised the need to work together for the all-round development of women for a positive change. "If you consider man and woman as two wings of humanity, their empowerment is absolutely necessary for it to fly high," she said and also recited a few lines she has penned on women's empowerment. Mahajan said, "If we all work for the all round development of women for a positive change, then I am sure that India will shine on the global stage." But soon after she ended her speech, members of the TDP, AIADMK, TRS and TMC trooped into the Well, with many holding placards and raising slogans. Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal moved the Supplementary Demands for Grants seeking Parliament nod for additional cash spending of Rs 85,315 crore. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar urged the Speaker to continue with the listed business and said, "We are ready to discuss irregularities in the banking sector." He also said that a debate under Rule 193, which does not entail voting, was listed on today's agenda on the alleged systemic irregularities in the banking sector over the years and its impact on Indian economy. However, as the noisy protests continued, Mahajan adjourned the proceedings first till noon and thereafter for the entire day. TDP leader and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was not present in the House even though it was the question day of his ministry. However, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha was present. Disappointed over the Centre not granting special status to Andhra Pradesh, the TDP had late last night announced that the party's two ministers - Raju and YS Chowdary - would resign from the central government.

Parliament proceedings disrupted for fourth day

Hundreds of people marched through Myanmar&#39;s largest city Yangon to oppose amendments to a protest law. Activists fear new law would limit free speech.

Amendments to the 2011 Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession law proposes maximum three-year prison term for those hold protests and demonstrations that challenge the security and rule of the land.

As per the amendment, organisers of the protests will be required to provide details of the budget and source of their funds in order to be able to stage any protest or demonstration.

The changes to the law are being backed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi&#39;s ruling party, National League for Democracy.&nbsp;

&ldquo;If they are trying to make it difficult to protest, the authorities that rule the country - the parliament, judiciary and government - cannot hear the true opinions of the people,&rdquo; said Zaw Yan, a farmers&#39; rights activist.

Nearly 190 Myanmar civil society groups have signed a petition against the amendment.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Activists fear new law would limit free speech

Hundreds of people marched through Myanmar's largest city Yangon to oppose amendments to a protest law. Activists fear new law would limit free speech. Amendments to the 2011 Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession law proposes maximum three-year prison term for those hold protests and demonstrations that challenge the security and rule of the land. As per the amendment, organisers of the protests will be required to provide details of the budget and source of their funds in order to be able to stage any protest or demonstration. The changes to the law are being backed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party, National League for Democracy. “If they are trying to make it difficult to protest, the authorities that rule the country - the parliament, judiciary and government - cannot hear the true opinions of the people,” said Zaw Yan, a farmers' rights activist. Nearly 190 Myanmar civil society groups have signed a petition against the amendment. (With inputs from Reuters)

Myanmar: Locals stage protests as parliament debates new curbs on demonstrations

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with the Opposition determined to corner the government on the PNB scam.

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that &nbsp;&quot;Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress&quot;.

&quot;The problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue,&quot; the railway minister told reporters outside Parliament.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.20 am after protests&nbsp;by TDP over &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh.

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YSR Congress Party MPs protest in Delhi demanding &#39;Special Category Status&#39; to Andhra Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/DO6ox9oNFe">pic.twitter.com/DO6ox9oNFe</a>
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In the Lok Sabha too Opposition MPs were quick to raise a ruckus on&nbsp;the Nirav Modi connection in the PNB scam, as a result, the lower house of Parliament had to adjourned&nbsp;by the Speaker.

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&nbsp;

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that "Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress".

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with the Opposition determined to corner the government on the PNB scam. Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was quick to take on the Opposition asserting that "Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are connected to Congress". "The problem started during their time, they cannot mislead the nation on this issue," the railway minister told reporters outside Parliament. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.20 am after protests by TDP over 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh. YSR Congress Party MPs protest in Delhi demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/DO6ox9oNFe — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × In the Lok Sabha too Opposition MPs were quick to raise a ruckus on the Nirav Modi connection in the PNB scam, as a result, the lower house of Parliament had to adjourned by the Speaker. Delhi: Telugu Desam Party MP Siva Prasad dressed as Lord Krishna during TDP protest demanding 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/wp0nyAW4Ez — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × PM Narendra Modi arrives in parliament, welcomed by BJP Chief Amit Shah and Union Ministers. #BudgetSession pic.twitter.com/fKOA0C4Shb — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 ×

Parliament Budget Session: House adjourned after Opposition protests

Parliament&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-session-to-resume-in-parliament-from-today-34685"> Budget Session resumed</a> after a month-long break today. Ahead of the session, lawmakers from the Opposition parties gave an adjournment motion notice for various reasons including the Punjab National Bank and the SSC scams.

In the Rajya Sabha, CPI Leader D Raja and SP MP Naresh Agarwal gave adjournment motion notices over the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.

In the Lok Sabha, Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav gave an adjournment motion notice over the alleged SSC exams scam.

BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gave an adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on &quot;reports of corrupt practices indulged in by relatives of former ministers under tacit protection by ministers.&quot;

The Punjab National Bank scam relates to the alleged Rs 12,636-crore fraud by billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi.

The SSC exams leak is about the alleged leak of questions of the Combined Graduate Level (Tier-II) Examination 2017 held from February 17 to 22. Screenshots of the question paper of the exam along with answers were found circulating on social media.

The SSC had cancelled the exam that was slated to be held on February 21, 2018. The commission later said that this exam will be re-conducted on March 9, 2018. 
&nbsp;

Parliament's Budget Session resumed after a month-long break today

Parliament's Budget Session resumed after a month-long break today. Ahead of the session, lawmakers from the Opposition parties gave an adjournment motion notice for various reasons including the Punjab National Bank and the SSC scams. In the Rajya Sabha, CPI Leader D Raja and SP MP Naresh Agarwal gave adjournment motion notices over the alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. In the Lok Sabha, Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav gave an adjournment motion notice over the alleged SSC exams scam. BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe gave an adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on "reports of corrupt practices indulged in by relatives of former ministers under tacit protection by ministers." The Punjab National Bank scam relates to the alleged Rs 12,636-crore fraud by billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi. The SSC exams leak is about the alleged leak of questions of the Combined Graduate Level (Tier-II) Examination 2017 held from February 17 to 22. Screenshots of the question paper of the exam along with answers were found circulating on social media. The SSC had cancelled the exam that was slated to be held on February 21, 2018. The commission later said that this exam will be re-conducted on March 9, 2018.

Budget Session: Lawmakers give adjournment motion notice

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with both houses of Parliament meeting after a month-long break.

The Opposition parties are likely to corner the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on the Rs 12,636 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam involving celebrity jewellery designer Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi.

The government&#39;s priorities are likely to be the passage of the triple talaq bill andd the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union cabinet had approved the proposal to introduce the offenders bill 2018 in the Parliament on March 1.

The purpose of the bill is to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets.

The Parliament will also take up a discussion on the Union budget, which was tabled in the first half of the session, and pass it.

The government has listed a few bills for consideration and passage in both Houses.

In the Lok Sabha, it intends to bring The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 5, and The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 6.

In the Rajya Sabha, the government has listed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017, for the first day of the session.

(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

The government's priorities are likely to be the passage of the triple talaq bill and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill

The second part of the Budget session resumes today with both houses of Parliament meeting after a month-long break. The Opposition parties are likely to corner the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on the Rs 12,636 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam involving celebrity jewellery designer Nirav Modi and his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi. The government's priorities are likely to be the passage of the triple talaq bill andd the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union cabinet had approved the proposal to introduce the offenders bill 2018 in the Parliament on March 1. The purpose of the bill is to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets. The Parliament will also take up a discussion on the Union budget, which was tabled in the first half of the session, and pass it. The government has listed a few bills for consideration and passage in both Houses. In the Lok Sabha, it intends to bring The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 5, and The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017, on March 6. In the Rajya Sabha, the government has listed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017, for the first day of the session. (With inputs from ANI)

Budget Session to resume in Parliament from today

Dismissing allegations of corruption in the contract for 36 Rafale jets, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted there can be no comparison between the scam-hit Bofors gun deal and the procurement of the fighter aircraft.

&quot;Do not even compare it (Rafale deal) with Bofors. There is no scam here,&quot; Sitharaman told reporters when asked whether Rafale deal will go the Bofors way.

Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday.

&quot;I will welcome it (if Congress raises it),&quot; she said.

The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore.

Official sources claimed the original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage due to an intervention by the then defence minister A K Antony as he felt something wrong in the process.

They said the government selected Rafale for procurement of the 36 fighter jets not because of the price arrived at during the UPA tenure but due to the &quot;overarching&quot; assessment of the jet.

There were allegations that payoffs were made in the procurement of the artillery guns from Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors in the late 1980s during the then Congress government. The allegations and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army&#39;s procurement of artillery guns.

Alleging corruption, the Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to $80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the

Modi government&#39;s per aircraft negotiated price of&nbsp; $241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates.

The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning.

However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime.

The Congress had also claimed that Qatar had purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets in November 2017 for $108.33 million per aircraft (Rs 694.80 crore), noting that the per aircraft rate at which the Gulf nation is buying the jet is much lower than the rate at which India will procure them.

The government has refused to give details of the price break up of each rafale aircraft, citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact.

In a detailed statement, the defence ministry last month had termed as &quot;unfounded&quot; allegations made by the Congress about the Rafale deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was &quot;unrealistic&quot; as doing so might compromise India&#39;s national security.

It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet.

The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of the 126 jets.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday

Dismissing allegations of corruption in the contract for 36 Rafale jets, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted there can be no comparison between the scam-hit Bofors gun deal and the procurement of the fighter aircraft. "Do not even compare it (Rafale deal) with Bofors. There is no scam here," Sitharaman told reporters when asked whether Rafale deal will go the Bofors way. Sitharaman said she would welcome if the Congress raises the issue of procurement of Rafale jets when the budget session of the Parliament reconvenes from Monday. "I will welcome it (if Congress raises it)," she said. The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. Official sources claimed the original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage due to an intervention by the then defence minister A K Antony as he felt something wrong in the process. They said the government selected Rafale for procurement of the 36 fighter jets not because of the price arrived at during the UPA tenure but due to the "overarching" assessment of the jet. There were allegations that payoffs were made in the procurement of the artillery guns from Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors in the late 1980s during the then Congress government. The allegations and its subsequent political ramifications had severely crippled the Indian Army's procurement of artillery guns. Alleging corruption, the Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to $80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of $241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates. The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime. The Congress had also claimed that Qatar had purchased 12 Rafale fighter jets in November 2017 for $108.33 million per aircraft (Rs 694.80 crore), noting that the per aircraft rate at which the Gulf nation is buying the jet is much lower than the rate at which India will procure them. The government has refused to give details of the price break up of each rafale aircraft, citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact. In a detailed statement, the defence ministry last month had termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rafale deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security. It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet. The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of the 126 jets.

No question of Rafale deal going the Bofors way: Nirmala Sitharaman

The extension of a state of emergency in the Maldives was unconstitutional, the country&#39;s prosecutor general has said, according to two sources and local media on Wednesday.

Parliament approved on Tuesday the extension sought by President Abdulla Yameen, but it was passed without the constitutionally required quorum of 43 lawmakers.

The prosecutor general, Aishath Bisham, had told police in a letter the state of emergency was unconstitutional, two senior officials of the Prosecutor General&#39;s office told Reuters.

&quot;The prosecutor general said that she believed the vote was unconstitutional and as a result, the state of emergency is also unconstitutional,&quot; one official said.

&quot;She did not ask the police to release the state of emergency arrestees, but she said that she could not see any legal basis for keeping them under arrest.&quot;

Prosecutor General&#39;s letter comes after several travel advisories since Yameen declared the state of emergency on Feb. 5 and several tourists have been cancelling hundreds of hotel bookings every day despite government assurances that all is normal in the resort islands, far from the capital.

When parliament approved the extension of emergency, the ruling party legislators also sought a Supreme Court opinion through a resolution on the approval without the quorum.

In his request to extend the emergency, Yameen said a threat to national security had not diminished and a constitutional crisis had not been resolved.

Yameen imposed a state of emergency on Feb. 5 for 15 days to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. The emergency ended on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court after the parliament vote on Tuesday issued a temporary stay, asking all state institutions to follow the state of emergency declaration until it deliberated on a resolution submitted to the court by the parliament.

The resolution raised questions about the legality of the vote to extend the state of emergency.

Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the vice president Yameen&#39;s Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said the Supreme Court&#39;s stay order means that the Court has seen the state of emergency declaration vote as &quot;something that can be lawfully done&quot;.

Ahmed Mahloof, an opposition spokesperson, said the president was forcing the police to keep the people arrested in detention, despite the prosecutor general&#39;s letter.

&quot;The chief justice and a judge of the court are detained illegally,&quot; Mahloof told reporters. &quot;The Supreme Court can&#39;t deliberate without the chief justice. They can&#39;t even use the seal of the court without the permission of the chief justice.&quot;

Police dispersed night protests by opposition supporters who have been demanding the detention of president Yameen and release of opposition leaders.

Under the emergency, Yameen&#39;s administration has arrested the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government.

Though Yameen has ignored the court rulings, he has stopped short of saying he will not obey them. He has, however, fired two police chiefs who said they would uphold the rulings, and he continues to jail opposition members.

Parliament approved on Tuesday the extension sought by President Abdulla Yameen, but it was passed without the constitutionally required quorum of 43 lawmakers.

The extension of a state of emergency in the Maldives was unconstitutional, the country's prosecutor general has said, according to two sources and local media on Wednesday. Parliament approved on Tuesday the extension sought by President Abdulla Yameen, but it was passed without the constitutionally required quorum of 43 lawmakers. The prosecutor general, Aishath Bisham, had told police in a letter the state of emergency was unconstitutional, two senior officials of the Prosecutor General's office told Reuters. "The prosecutor general said that she believed the vote was unconstitutional and as a result, the state of emergency is also unconstitutional," one official said. "She did not ask the police to release the state of emergency arrestees, but she said that she could not see any legal basis for keeping them under arrest." Prosecutor General's letter comes after several travel advisories since Yameen declared the state of emergency on Feb. 5 and several tourists have been cancelling hundreds of hotel bookings every day despite government assurances that all is normal in the resort islands, far from the capital. When parliament approved the extension of emergency, the ruling party legislators also sought a Supreme Court opinion through a resolution on the approval without the quorum. In his request to extend the emergency, Yameen said a threat to national security had not diminished and a constitutional crisis had not been resolved. Yameen imposed a state of emergency on Feb. 5 for 15 days to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. The emergency ended on Tuesday. The Supreme Court after the parliament vote on Tuesday issued a temporary stay, asking all state institutions to follow the state of emergency declaration until it deliberated on a resolution submitted to the court by the parliament. The resolution raised questions about the legality of the vote to extend the state of emergency. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the vice president Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said the Supreme Court's stay order means that the Court has seen the state of emergency declaration vote as "something that can be lawfully done". Ahmed Mahloof, an opposition spokesperson, said the president was forcing the police to keep the people arrested in detention, despite the prosecutor general's letter. "The chief justice and a judge of the court are detained illegally," Mahloof told reporters. "The Supreme Court can't deliberate without the chief justice. They can't even use the seal of the court without the permission of the chief justice." Police dispersed night protests by opposition supporters who have been demanding the detention of president Yameen and release of opposition leaders. Under the emergency, Yameen's administration has arrested the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. Though Yameen has ignored the court rulings, he has stopped short of saying he will not obey them. He has, however, fired two police chiefs who said they would uphold the rulings, and he continues to jail opposition members.

Prosecutor General calls Maldives' extension of emergency unconstitutional: Media

The Maldives&#39;&nbsp;parliament on Tuesday approved the extension of the state of emergency by 30 days, a day after President Abdulla Yameen sought it saying a threat to national security had not diminished and a constitutional crisis had not been resolved.

The opposition, which boycotted the sitting, said the approval was illegal as it was against the constitution.

Earlier today, the Indian foreign ministry hoped that the Maldivian government will not seek the extension of the state of emergency.&nbsp;

MEA&#39;s official release was tweeted by the ministry&#39;s official spokesperson Ravish Kumar.&nbsp;

The release noted that the &quot;democratic institutions&quot; of the Maldives, including the judiciary, &quot;should be allowed to function independently and in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution&quot;.

The SAARC parliamentary body has also appealed in the favour of the restoration of democracy in the island country.&nbsp;

The Maldives was put under a state of emergency by President Yameen after he quashed the Supreme Court&#39;s order to release&nbsp;nine prisoners noting that there were several obstacles to enforcing the apex court&#39;s ruling which the government was not able to communicate with the court.&nbsp;

Former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed, Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed and Judicial administrator Hassan Saeed were arrested on Yameen&#39;s directive. ordered security forces to seize control of the court and arrest the chief justice among others.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The opposition, which boycotted the sitting, said the approval was illegal as it was against the constitution

The Maldives' parliament on Tuesday approved the extension of the state of emergency by 30 days, a day after President Abdulla Yameen sought it saying a threat to national security had not diminished and a constitutional crisis had not been resolved. The opposition, which boycotted the sitting, said the approval was illegal as it was against the constitution. Earlier today, the Indian foreign ministry hoped that the Maldivian government will not seek the extension of the state of emergency. MEA's official release was tweeted by the ministry's official spokesperson Ravish Kumar. The release noted that the "democratic institutions" of the Maldives, including the judiciary, "should be allowed to function independently and in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution". The SAARC parliamentary body has also appealed in the favour of the restoration of democracy in the island country. The Maldives was put under a state of emergency by President Yameen after he quashed the Supreme Court's order to release nine prisoners noting that there were several obstacles to enforcing the apex court's ruling which the government was not able to communicate with the court. Former President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed, Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed and Judicial administrator Hassan Saeed were arrested on Yameen's directive. ordered security forces to seize control of the court and arrest the chief justice among others.

Maldives Parliament approves extension of emergency by 30 days

The Congress Party on Monday said that it will raise special CBI Justice Loya&#39;s death case in the upcoming budget session of the parliament.&nbsp;

Judge Loya, who, before his death, was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. BJP president Amit Shah was the prime accused in the case. Shah was subsequently discharged by the judge who succeeded Loya.

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Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra started hearing a batch of PILs seeking an investigation into the suspicious death of Loya.&nbsp;

During the hearing, the SC transferred to itself two petitions from Bombay High Court regarding the case on Monday. The court also restrained all high courts from entertaining any petition relating to the judge&#39;s death. &nbsp;

The court also asked lawyers not to cast aspersions on BJP President Amit Shah.&nbsp;

&quot;As of today, it was a natural death. Do not cast aspersions,&quot; the court said.

The court termed as &quot;serious&quot; the issues raised in the pleas; saying &quot;we must look into all documents with the utmost seriousness&quot;.&nbsp;

Judge Loya, who, before he died, was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

The Congress Party on Monday said that it will raise special CBI Justice Loya's death case in the upcoming budget session of the parliament. Judge Loya, who, before his death, was presiding over the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. BJP president Amit Shah was the prime accused in the case. Shah was subsequently discharged by the judge who succeeded Loya. Congress to raise Judge Loya death case in upcoming budget session of #Parliament pic.twitter.com/nA9dZkfOpI — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra started hearing a batch of PILs seeking an investigation into the suspicious death of Loya. During the hearing, the SC transferred to itself two petitions from Bombay High Court regarding the case on Monday. The court also restrained all high courts from entertaining any petition relating to the judge's death. The court also asked lawyers not to cast aspersions on BJP President Amit Shah. "As of today, it was a natural death. Do not cast aspersions," the court said. The court termed as "serious" the issues raised in the pleas; saying "we must look into all documents with the utmost seriousness".

Congress to raise Judge Loya death case in upcoming budget session of Parliament

Prime Minister&rsquo;s Narendra Modi&rsquo;s speech is being described in terms of what it should have been or could have been. The story of his speech neither lies in his attack on the Congress nor on the historical veracity of the facts he dished out or in the tone and tenor he deployed. His speech acknowledged what RSS, for long, has been articulating what it interpreted as historical right and wrong of contemporary Indian history.&nbsp;

Modi articulated the principal ideological underpinning of the RSS in his speech with strong electoral messaging. On Wednesday, he simply stamped his authority on issues which, in general, have been kept aside during the Parliamentary sessions.

Modi made it amply clear in his speech that the principle fight of RSS-BJP is not with the Congress but with Gandhi family. For this reason, Prime Minister Modi has been consistently raising the issue of dynasty.

It is for this reason, the attack of the argument had a span of 50 years, covering all the Gandhi&rsquo;s. He, in one breath, started from Nehru, then added Kashmir and &lsquo;what if&rsquo; Sardar Patel would have become the first Prime Minister of the country.

The content becomes irrelevant here. It ignores the fact that Sardar Patel himself acknowledged the leadership of Nehru despite the age difference and Nehru being a natural successor. The speech was about possible subterfuge. The historical facts become irrelevant; the fact that Sardar Patel&rsquo;s relationship with Nehru was that of a companion and not that of an aggrieved person comes to of no use.

&nbsp;For the same reason, it does not matter that politics has been positioned as a wish- as historical wrong- which cannot be corrected but repented in public. In the same breath, the issue of Rahul Gandhi and Cabinet papers came up. It is for this reason, Bofors, Davos, emergency and corruption cases were argued in the context of the family.

The subtext of the attack is that penance should come from marginalisation of the Congress as a political entity and not simply from defeating it electorally.

The point to be noted is that he ignored the barbs thrown by the TDP in the house. Instead, he appealed to the Telugu sentiment by evoking the issue of division of Andhra Pradesh and Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s meeting with the Congress Chief Minister on the tarmac. This brings us to the politics of slur and attribution. The context of Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s meeting with then CM was different but the historical memory continues to be embedded in the issue backward caste politics. For Modi, it becomes even more important because of the election in Karnataka where BJP is still struggling. Coming back to the issue of slur, it is a throwback from the days when the word &lsquo;Sanghi&rsquo; was used as an abuse. Today, &lsquo;Congressi&rsquo; has acquired the attribution and should be a cause of great concern for the Congress Party.

&nbsp;Lastly, Modi&rsquo;s political outrage in the Parliament reflects modest but important success of Rahul&rsquo;s politics.

Post-2015, Rahul Gandhi has taken an issue and pilloried BJP with it. Whether it was the jibe of suit boot ki Sarkar, or Vemula&rsquo;s issue, or GST and now Rafale, Rahul Gandhi did not let the issue be drowned in the discourse of national vs anti-national barring self-goals engineered by his own party.

On the other hand, the prime minister has reacted on the issues either by correcting the position by sewing a new strategy or by going for a blistering attack against Congress and Rahul. After suit boot, he gave away the suit which subsequently got auctioned.

After Gujarat, he immediately shifted his focus to the rural sector and utilised the Budget to address the issues raised by the Opposition. But during the same election, he made it about us vs them and dynasty. If his speech in Parliament is an indication of the tenor of BJP&rsquo;s future electoral politics, it also reflects its current anxiety in the context of Rajasthan and Gujarat results which parties like the TDP and Shiv Sena are waiting to exploit.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Modi made it amply clear in his speech that the principle fight of RSS-BJP is not with the Congress but with Gandhi family.

Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s speech is being described in terms of what it should have been or could have been. The story of his speech neither lies in his attack on the Congress nor on the historical veracity of the facts he dished out or in the tone and tenor he deployed. His speech acknowledged what RSS, for long, has been articulating what it interpreted as historical right and wrong of contemporary Indian history. Modi articulated the principal ideological underpinning of the RSS in his speech with strong electoral messaging. On Wednesday, he simply stamped his authority on issues which, in general, have been kept aside during the Parliamentary sessions. Modi made it amply clear in his speech that the principle fight of RSS-BJP is not with the Congress but with Gandhi family. For this reason, Prime Minister Modi has been consistently raising the issue of dynasty. It is for this reason, the attack of the argument had a span of 50 years, covering all the Gandhi’s. He, in one breath, started from Nehru, then added Kashmir and ‘what if’ Sardar Patel would have become the first Prime Minister of the country. The content becomes irrelevant here. It ignores the fact that Sardar Patel himself acknowledged the leadership of Nehru despite the age difference and Nehru being a natural successor. The speech was about possible subterfuge. The historical facts become irrelevant; the fact that Sardar Patel’s relationship with Nehru was that of a companion and not that of an aggrieved person comes to of no use. For the same reason, it does not matter that politics has been positioned as a wish- as historical wrong- which cannot be corrected but repented in public. In the same breath, the issue of Rahul Gandhi and Cabinet papers came up. It is for this reason, Bofors, Davos, emergency and corruption cases were argued in the context of the family. The subtext of the attack is that penance should come from marginalisation of the Congress as a political entity and not simply from defeating it electorally. The point to be noted is that he ignored the barbs thrown by the TDP in the house. Instead, he appealed to the Telugu sentiment by evoking the issue of division of Andhra Pradesh and Rajiv Gandhi’s meeting with the Congress Chief Minister on the tarmac. This brings us to the politics of slur and attribution. The context of Rajiv Gandhi’s meeting with then CM was different but the historical memory continues to be embedded in the issue backward caste politics. For Modi, it becomes even more important because of the election in Karnataka where BJP is still struggling. Coming back to the issue of slur, it is a throwback from the days when the word ‘Sanghi’ was used as an abuse. Today, ‘Congressi’ has acquired the attribution and should be a cause of great concern for the Congress Party. Lastly, Modi’s political outrage in the Parliament reflects modest but important success of Rahul’s politics. Post-2015, Rahul Gandhi has taken an issue and pilloried BJP with it. Whether it was the jibe of suit boot ki Sarkar, or Vemula’s issue, or GST and now Rafale, Rahul Gandhi did not let the issue be drowned in the discourse of national vs anti-national barring self-goals engineered by his own party. On the other hand, the prime minister has reacted on the issues either by correcting the position by sewing a new strategy or by going for a blistering attack against Congress and Rahul. After suit boot, he gave away the suit which subsequently got auctioned. After Gujarat, he immediately shifted his focus to the rural sector and utilised the Budget to address the issues raised by the Opposition. But during the same election, he made it about us vs them and dynasty. If his speech in Parliament is an indication of the tenor of BJP’s future electoral politics, it also reflects its current anxiety in the context of Rajasthan and Gujarat results which parties like the TDP and Shiv Sena are waiting to exploit. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Modi's speech indicates his fight to nail the Gandhis

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