The Union government on Tuesday announced a major overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and revamped its examination team by removing 600 experts and deciding to onboard new experts to enhance transparency and accountability. Besides, a four-tier paper checking system will be put in place to strengthen the scrutiny of examination papers.&nbsp;In another staffing measure, around 20-25 officials will be inducted in the next two to three weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;NTA offices will be shifted to the new premises at Minto Road on a war footing, where security will be reinforced with CISF teams.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-ceasefire-now-war-must-come-to-a-permanent-end-says-iran-s-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-1787080893639">‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi</a>&nbsp;After recent lapses in the UGC-NET papers and the NEET-UG medical exam paper leak earlier, the Education Ministry has been in an overdrive to set things in order at NTA.&nbsp;Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi chaired a review meeting on Monday and directed the NTA to strengthen examination security and paper scrutiny.Joshi directed the NTA to conduct a thorough audit of all its examination processes and submit a corrective-action report within 30 days, following errors in the UGC-NET June 2026 question papers that led to re-examinations in three subjects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As a follow up meeting on NTA, Union Education Minister Shri <a href="https://x.com/JoshiPralhad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshiPralhad</a> directed that all necessary security and related infrastructural facilities should be put in place for the smooth conduct of examinations. Following directions from the Minister, DG, NTA apprised on the… <a href="https://t.co/SCSnko504d">pic.twitter.com/SCSnko504d</a>&mdash; Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) <a href="https://x.com/EduMinOfIndia/status/2089732255082262832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-says-agency-found-tonnes-of-nuclear-material-in-syria-1787067845191">IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says agency found ‘tonnes of nuclear material’ in Syria</a> The ministry said on Tuesday evening that Joshi had directed that all necessary security and related infrastructural facilities should be put in place for the smooth conduct of examinations.NTA Director General Abhishek Singh apprised the ministry of actions taken by the Agency, which is responsible for several examinations in the country. “A revamp of the examination team was undertaken with 600 experts being removed and new experts being onboarded,” the ministry said. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-both-war-and-diplomacy-araghchi-says-conflict-completely-dispelled-notion-of-tehran-s-weakness-1787060840037">‘Iran won both war and diplomacy’: Araghchi says conflict ‘completely dispelled’ notion of Tehran’s weakness</a> A four-tier question paper checking system will also be put in place to strengthen the scrutiny of examination papers, it added.Besides, 20-25 officials will be inducted in the next two to three weeks, while a further induction plan was also reviewed.The NTA offices will be shifted to new premises on a war footing where security will be reinforced with CISF teams, the ministry added. The NTA conducts major entrance and eligibility examinations, including JEE (Main), NEET (UG), CUET (UG), and UGC-NET.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directed the NTA to conduct a thorough audit of all its examination processes and submit a corrective-action report within 30 days, following errors in the UGC-NET June 2026 question papers that led to re-examinations in three subjects.

The Union government on Tuesday announced a major overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and revamped its examination team by removing 600 experts and deciding to onboard new experts to enhance transparency and accountability. Besides, a four-tier paper checking system will be put in place to strengthen the scrutiny of examination papers. In another staffing measure, around 20-25 officials will be inducted in the next two to three weeks. NTA offices will be shifted to the new premises at Minto Road on a war footing, where security will be reinforced with CISF teams. Also Read: ‘No ceasefire now, war must come to a permanent end,’ says Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi After recent lapses in the UGC-NET papers and the NEET-UG medical exam paper leak earlier, the Education Ministry has been in an overdrive to set things in order at NTA. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi chaired a review meeting on Monday and directed the NTA to strengthen examination security and paper scrutiny. Joshi directed the NTA to conduct a thorough audit of all its examination processes and submit a corrective-action report within 30 days, following errors in the UGC-NET June 2026 question papers that led to re-examinations in three subjects.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directed the NTA to conduct a thorough audit of all its examination processes and submit a corrective-action report within 30 days, following errors in the UGC-NET June 2026 question papers that led to re-examinations in three subjects.

NTA overhaul after paper leak: 600 experts out, four-tier paper checking, and CISF security

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 28) attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister, accusing him of being a "defender of rapists".&nbsp;The Congress MP questioned the government's decision to appoint Joshi after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi said the BJP could have selected anyone from the Prime Minister's Cabinet but chose Joshi for the key ministry.&nbsp;"Education Minister of India - the BJP puts a man who is a defender of rapists. That is the most filthy type of man. There can be no filthier man than somebody who says that rapists need protection. That is the Education Minister of India today. It's a strange reaction from the PM that there are so many people in his cabinet; he could have chosen any one of them. But he chooses a person who protects rapists. Quite amazing," he said.&nbsp;Gandhi made the remarks shortly after his sister and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra levelled similar allegations against Joshi in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/allegations-of-police-excess-at-cjp-protests-warrant-independent-probe-says-sc-1785240526841">Allegations of police excess at CJP protests warrant independent probe, says SC</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Pralhad Joshi strongly objected to her remarks and demanded an apology. They also called for the statements to be expunged from the parliamentary record.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi's remarks appeared to refer to alleged comments by Joshi on the premature release of 11 men convicted in the 2002 Bilkis Bano gangrape case. The Supreme Court in January 2024 struck down the Gujarat government's decision to grant remission to the 11 convicts, who had gangraped Bilkis Bano and murdered members of her family during the 2002 Godhra riots.&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi's remarks against Joshi triggered a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha. BJP members asked her to authenticate her allegations, following which she said she had an article containing the minister's remarks.&nbsp;Rijiju described Priyanka Gandhi's comments as character assassination inside Parliament and demanded that she apologise to the House.&nbsp;"We do not expect such language...These statements should be expunged from the record. Secondly, such language should not be used...She should apologise to the House".&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday began discussions on the anti-paper leak bill. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the legislation reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the welfare of students and young people.&nbsp;Speaking on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, the Minister of State in the PMO said the Modi government completed the long-pending task of introducing a law to prevent examination malpractices in 2024.

The Congress MP questioned the government's decision to appoint Joshi, accusing him of defending rapists after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of protests over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 28) attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister, accusing him of being a "defender of rapists". The Congress MP questioned the government's decision to appoint Joshi after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak. Rahul Gandhi said the BJP could have selected anyone from the Prime Minister's Cabinet but chose Joshi for the key ministry. "Education Minister of India - the BJP puts a man who is a defender of rapists. That is the most filthy type of man. There can be no filthier man than somebody who says that rapists need protection. That is the Education Minister of India today. It's a strange reaction from the PM that there are so many people in his cabinet; he could have chosen any one of them. But he chooses a person who protects rapists. Quite amazing," he said. Gandhi made the remarks shortly after his sister and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra levelled similar allegations against Joshi in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill. Also Read: Allegations of police excess at CJP protests warrant independent probe, says SC Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Pralhad Joshi strongly objected to her remarks and demanded an apology. They also called for the statements to be expunged from the parliamentary record. Rahul Gandhi's remarks appeared to refer to alleged comments by Joshi on the premature release of 11 men convicted in the 2002 Bilkis Bano gangrape case. The Supreme Court in January 2024 struck down the Gujarat government's decision to grant remission to the 11 convicts, who had gangraped Bilkis Bano and murdered members of her family during the 2002 Godhra riots. Priyanka Gandhi's remarks against Joshi triggered a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha. BJP members asked her to authenticate her allegations, following which she said she had an article containing the minister's remarks. Rijiju described Priyanka Gandhi's comments as character assassination inside Parliament and demanded that she apologise to the House. "We do not expect such language...These statements should be expunged from the record. Secondly, such language should not be used...She should apologise to the House". Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday began discussions on the anti-paper leak bill. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the legislation reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the welfare of students and young people. Speaking on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, the Minister of State in the PMO said the Modi government completed the long-pending task of introducing a law to prevent examination malpractices in 2024.

The Congress MP questioned the government's decision to appoint Joshi, accusing him of defending rapists after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of protests over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

'Defender of rapists': Rahul Gandhi questions Joshi's appointment as Education Minister

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has officially assumed charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The appointment comes after weeks of nationwide student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. Joshi will continue to hold his existing portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, in addition to the Education Ministry. Speaking after taking charge, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing his trust in him and pledged to discharge his new responsibilities with dedication, humility and honesty.

Pralhad Joshi takes charge of Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns | NEET Protest 

In a major political development, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has officially assumed additional charge of the Ministry of Education, following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Centre moved swiftly to ensure continuity in the Education Ministry after weeks of unprecedented nationwide student protests. Pralhad Joshi, who continues to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to discharge his duties with humility, dedication, and honesty. The appointment follows a month-long agitation led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. The protest officially ended after the third round of talks between the Centre and CJP, during which the government accepted the protesters' key demands, including the resignation of the Education Minister, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, and consideration of a five-point charter on examination reforms.

Pralhad Joshi Takes Over Education Ministry | Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns | CJP Ends Protest

In a major political development, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointment to ensure continuity in the Education Ministry.

The change comes after weeks of unprecedented student protests over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. The month-long agitation, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), concluded after the third round of talks with the Centre, where the government accepted key demands, including the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and consideration of a five-point education reform charter.

Pralhad Joshi takes charge of Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns | CJP protest ends

President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, while Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi will take additional charge of the Education Ministry, according to an official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the Minister of New and Renewable Energy.&nbsp;"The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India.&nbsp;Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio," the statement reads.&nbsp;The development comes hours after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Education Minister following weeks of intense protests in the national capital led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the paper leak in the NEET 2026 exam and wider concern over the education minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;The CJP, which has put Pradhan's resignation as a key demand, has called off its protests at Jantar Mantar after meeting with Union Minister JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.&nbsp;&nbsp;In his official resignation letter, Pradhan expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister and cabinet colleagues for their support during his tenure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Who is the new Education Minister?</h2>Born in Vijayapura, Karnataka, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi has represented the Dharwad constituency in the Lok Sabha for five consecutive terms.&nbsp;The 63-year-old BJP leader began his political journey as an RSS loyalist and rose through the party ranks before taking on key responsibilities in the Union government.&nbsp;He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kadasiddeshwar Arts College in Hubballi. He initially dabbled in the business world before entering active politics. Joshi first gained regional prominence in the early 1990s when he led a high-profile movement to hoist the Indian National Flag at Hubballi's Idgah Maidan.&nbsp;He entered the Lok Sabha in 2004 and went on to win five consecutive terms from the Dharwad constituency, helping establish the seat as a BJP stronghold.&nbsp;Between 2012 and 2016, he served as the Karnataka BJP president. He later moved to national politics and served on the Lok Sabha Panel of Chairpersons before joining the Union government.&nbsp;During his tenure as a Union minister, he handled key portfolios, including Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines. He played a key role in managing legislative floor strategies and overseeing India's mineral and energy policies.

President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation from the Union Council of Ministers and assigned Pralhad Joshi additional charge of the Education Ministry.

President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, while Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi will take additional charge of the Education Ministry, according to an official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the Minister of New and Renewable Energy. "The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India. Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio," the statement reads. The development comes hours after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Education Minister following weeks of intense protests in the national capital led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the paper leak in the NEET 2026 exam and wider concern over the education minister. The CJP, which has put Pradhan's resignation as a key demand, has called off its protests at Jantar Mantar after meeting with Union Minister JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. In his official resignation letter, Pradhan expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister and cabinet colleagues for their support during his tenure.

President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation from the Union Council of Ministers and assigned Pralhad Joshi additional charge of the Education Ministry.

Pralhad Joshi assigned Education Ministry charge; President accepts Pradhan's resignation

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist Pralhad Joshi took oath as Union&nbsp;Minister in India's Narendra Modi cabinet at a ceremony Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9).

BJP leader Joshi contested the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Karnataka's Dharwad constituency and won the seat by polling 716,231 votes.

He defeated Congress' Vinod Asooti by a margin of 97,324 votes.

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Born on November 27, 1962, Joshi is the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha since the year 2004, and served as the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines during Modi's second term (2019-2024).

He was sworn in as the cabinet minister in the Modi government on 30 May 2019.

He was also the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka (BJP) from 2014 to 2016.

He served on the panel of chairpersons of Lok Sabha from the year 2014 to 2016.

<h2>Early political career</h2>

Joshi stepped into the political orbit when he initiated a campaign to hoist the Indian flag at Idagah Maidan (also known as Kittur Rani Chennamma Maidan) in Karnataka's&nbsp;Hubli from 1992 to 1994.

He also spearheaded the "Save Kashmir Movement" during those years, which established him as a known figure in the area.

Following this, he was elected as the president of BJP in Dharwad district.&nbsp;

He first contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 and won the Dharwad seat by defeating Congress' BS Patil.

Joshi has won three consecutive elections from Dharwad constituency.

In the 2009 general elections, he emerged victorious by the second highest margin among 28 constituencies in Karnataka, whereas the majority of the ministers and MPs suffered a defeat in the same year.

In 2019 general elections, he won the Dharwad seat for the second consecutive term by a margin of over one lakh votes. He was soon&nbsp;appointed Minister of parliamentary affairs, coal and mines in Modi's cabinet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist Pralhad Joshi took oath as Union Minister in India's Narendra Modi cabinet at a ceremony Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9).

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist Pralhad Joshi took oath as Union Minister in India's Narendra Modi cabinet at a ceremony Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9). BJP leader Joshi contested the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Karnataka's Dharwad constituency and won the seat by polling 716,231 votes. He defeated Congress' Vinod Asooti by a margin of 97,324 votes. × Born on November 27, 1962, Joshi is the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha since the year 2004, and served as the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines during Modi's second term (2019-2024). He was sworn in as the cabinet minister in the Modi government on 30 May 2019. He was also the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka (BJP) from 2014 to 2016. He served on the panel of chairpersons of Lok Sabha from the year 2014 to 2016. Early political career Joshi stepped into the political orbit when he initiated a campaign to hoist the Indian flag at Idagah Maidan (also known as Kittur Rani Chennamma Maidan) in Karnataka's Hubli from 1992 to 1994. He also spearheaded the "Save Kashmir Movement" during those years, which established him as a known figure in the area. Following this, he was elected as the president of BJP in Dharwad district. He first contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 and won the Dharwad seat by defeating Congress' BS Patil. Joshi has won three consecutive elections from Dharwad constituency. In the 2009 general elections, he emerged victorious by the second highest margin among 28 constituencies in Karnataka, whereas the majority of the ministers and MPs suffered a defeat in the same year. In 2019 general elections, he won the Dharwad seat for the second consecutive term by a margin of over one lakh votes. He was soon appointed Minister of parliamentary affairs, coal and mines in Modi's cabinet. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 3.0 swearing-in ceremony: Pralhad Joshi takes oath as union minister

India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the government is calling a Special Session of Parliament. The minister said that the special session will have five sittings and will be held between September 18 and 22.

"Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. &nbsp;Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament,"&nbsp;Joshi posted on X.&nbsp;

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Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament. <a href="https://t.co/b3PIRngpOs">pic.twitter.com/b3PIRngpOs</a>
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshiPralhad/status/1697173967889637678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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There was no immediate indication or information from the government about the exact agenda of the special session.

The dates of the special session mean that it will be held after G20 Summit which is due to be held on September 9 and 10.

The announcement of the special session has come at a time when the opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. is going in a huddle in Mumbai. The announcement has also come close on the heels of Indian government's message to Supreme Court of India that it was open to conduct elections in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The Union minister also attached a picture of the old parliament building and the new one, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28. 
 
The monsoon session of parliament was held in the old parliament building. 
 
The announcement of the Special Session came as a surprise to political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. The winter session of Parliament usually begins in the last week of November.

The Monsoon Session held between July 20 and August 12 was the last session of Parliament of India. During the Monsoon Session, 23 bills were passed by the government. The Opposition parties held protests during the session on number of issues including Manipur violence and even moved a vote of no confidence against the government in vain. 
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India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the government is calling a Special Session of Parliament.

India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the government is calling a Special Session of Parliament. The minister said that the special session will have five sittings and will be held between September 18 and 22. "Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament," Joshi posted on X. Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament. pic.twitter.com/b3PIRngpOs — Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) August 31, 2023 × There was no immediate indication or information from the government about the exact agenda of the special session. The dates of the special session mean that it will be held after G20 Summit which is due to be held on September 9 and 10. The announcement of the special session has come at a time when the opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. is going in a huddle in Mumbai. The announcement has also come close on the heels of Indian government's message to Supreme Court of India that it was open to conduct elections in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Union minister also attached a picture of the old parliament building and the new one, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28. The monsoon session of parliament was held in the old parliament building. The announcement of the Special Session came as a surprise to political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. The winter session of Parliament usually begins in the last week of November. The Monsoon Session held between July 20 and August 12 was the last session of Parliament of India. During the Monsoon Session, 23 bills were passed by the government. The Opposition parties held protests during the session on number of issues including Manipur violence and even moved a vote of no confidence against the government in vain. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Modi government calls five-day Special Session of Parliament from September 18

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gives-adjournment-motion-notice-in-lok-sabha-for-psus-disinvestment-264798">Lok Sabha</a> on Wednesday created a record as it took up all the questions listed for oral answers during the question hour. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/business-advisory-committee-members-concerned-over-unruly-episode-in-lok-sabha-264557">Speaker Om Birla</a> complimented the members and the ministers.

"I congratulate the House. Due to the cooperation of members and ministers, we could take 20 questions," he said.

The Speaker said he will try that members ask their full question and get the right answer in brief from the ministers.

"We completed the question hour with your cooperation," the Speaker said and hoped that he will continue to get the cooperation of members to run the House smoothly. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-hits-out-at-bjp-for-making-its-mps-sit-in-opposition-in-parliament-263090">Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi</a> said that the House taking up 20 questions for oral answers was "a record" and thanked the chair and members.

Lok Sabha on Wednesday created a record as it took up all the questions listed for oral answers during the question hour. Speaker Om Birla complimented the members and the ministers.

Lok Sabha on Wednesday created a record as it took up all the questions listed for oral answers during the question hour. Speaker Om Birla complimented the members and the ministers. "I congratulate the House. Due to the cooperation of members and ministers, we could take 20 questions," he said. The Speaker said he will try that members ask their full question and get the right answer in brief from the ministers. "We completed the question hour with your cooperation," the Speaker said and hoped that he will continue to get the cooperation of members to run the House smoothly. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the House taking up 20 questions for oral answers was "a record" and thanked the chair and members.

Lok Sabha takes up 20 questions for oral answers during Question Hour, sets record

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said. The plan was discussed at BJP`s parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Joshi said: "There will be a healthy competition among the states. The states that will perform well in terms of water conservation will get more funds."Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave a presentation to the BJP MPs on how they can contribute towards water conservation in their respective constituencies.

Joshi also said that the government will promote the competition at block-level to ensure that "every drop of water is utilised".

The government`s plan to ensure drinking water to every household was also discussed at the meeting.

Joshi said that Home Minister Amit Shah briefed MPs about the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary and on tree plantation at booth level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak at the meeting, he said.

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said.

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said. The plan was discussed at BJP`s parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament on Tuesday morning. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Joshi said: "There will be a healthy competition among the states. The states that will perform well in terms of water conservation will get more funds."Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave a presentation to the BJP MPs on how they can contribute towards water conservation in their respective constituencies. Joshi also said that the government will promote the competition at block-level to ensure that "every drop of water is utilised". The government`s plan to ensure drinking water to every household was also discussed at the meeting. Joshi said that Home Minister Amit Shah briefed MPs about the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary and on tree plantation at booth level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak at the meeting, he said.

Government planning competition among states to encourage water conservation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for all the Members of Parliament on Thursday.

The dinner will take place at Ashoka Hotel in the national capital, sources said.

The invitation was extended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to all members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

It will be the first time that the Prime Minister will be meeting all the MPs after the new government was formed last month.

Meanwhile, Modi will chair a meeting of the presidents of all political parties today to discuss the idea of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-mamata-stalin-and-chandrababu-naidu-decide-to-skip-pm-modis-one-nation-one-election-meeting-today-228537">'One Country, One Election'</a> along with other issues of national importance in both the Houses of Parliament.

During the all-party meet on Sunday, ahead of the start of the 17th Lok&nbsp;Sabha, the Prime Minister had urged all leaders to keep their political differences aside.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for all the Members of Parliament on Thursday. The dinner will take place at Ashoka Hotel in the national capital, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for all the Members of Parliament on Thursday. The dinner will take place at Ashoka Hotel in the national capital, sources said. The invitation was extended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to all members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It will be the first time that the Prime Minister will be meeting all the MPs after the new government was formed last month. Meanwhile, Modi will chair a meeting of the presidents of all political parties today to discuss the idea of 'One Country, One Election' along with other issues of national importance in both the Houses of Parliament. During the all-party meet on Sunday, ahead of the start of the 17th Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister had urged all leaders to keep their political differences aside.

PM Modi to host dinner for all MPs tomorrow

Mukhtar Naqvi and Pralhad Joshi take oath as cabinet minister. To know more watch the video

Mukhtar Naqvi and Pralhad Joshi take oath as minister

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