The RTI response showed that expenditure on sitting Rajya Sabha members rose sharply from more than Rs 98 crore in 2024-25 to over Rs 163 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of nearly Rs 65 crore in a year. The expenditure covered salaries, domestic and international travel, office expenses, medical reimbursements and other facilities provided to MPs.
Parliament's Monsoon Session begins Monday with a packed legislative agenda. The government aims to pass the Women's Reservation Bill after its earlier defeat. Opposition parties face electoral losses and alliance collapses, altering parliamentary arithmetic. Several key bills are listed, including the FCRA and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan. The government hopes to secure passage with adjusted strategies and potential support.
Announcing the approval, the chief minister said the proposed legislation was aimed at guaranteeing equal rights for every citizen, irrespective of religion, and congratulated his Cabinet colleagues for unanimously backing the Bill. «Today, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has wholeheartedly and unanimously approved the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026. I wish to extend my congratulations to my esteemed Cabinet colleagues and to all of you,» he said.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju defended inviting the Nationalist Citizens Party of India to an all-party meeting. Opposition parties staged a symbolic walkout protesting the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs. Rijiju stated the government followed parliamentary norms and could not ignore the party's recognition request. Eight bills are listed for the upcoming Monsoon Session, which begins Monday. All parties have the right to express views and cooperate for the nation.
In another post, the CJP posted a photo of a security personnel sitting with a tear gas gun at the protest site. Earlier, Wangchuk described the proposed July 20 Parliament march as India's «second freedom movement», calling for «freedom from fear» and «freedom from injustice» while urging supporters to make the mobilisation a «big success».
Demanding a probe into financial affairs of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, both the leaders said that the «findings and the Trust's accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilised». Ahead of the Monoon Session of the Parliament, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged PM to "immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation.
More than 50 families living near Abdullah Bridge were forced to leave their homes after floodwaters flooded the settlement. Another locality near Tariq Bridge was also affected, prompting police to respond to distress calls and help residents move to safer places away from the riverbanks. Rescue and relief teams, assisted by the district administration, were deployed to evacuate affected families and assess the damage.
Two parliamentary committees have postponed approving their reports on significant legislation. This development occurs as the government seeks opposition support for other political proposals. The anti-graft bill and higher education regulator bills face widespread protest. Both bills may not be presented during the current parliamentary session. Congress criticizes the government's handling of these controversial legislative matters.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully launched into low Earth orbit on Saturday. This historic mission placed six payloads into their targeted orbit successfully. India now becomes the third nation with private orbital launch capability. The Hyderabad-based startup achieved this significant milestone on its first attempt. This launch signifies a new era for private Indian space industry operations.
Supreme Court clarified that abusive language is not obscenity under law. Mere swear words and profanities do not constitute an offense. The court set aside a conviction for using abusive slurs during an altercation. Obscenity requires a lascivious element appealing to prurient interests. Such words must also cause annoyance to others in public places.
Narcotics Control Bureau seized five kilograms of high-grade heroin in Poonch district. An alleged smuggler was arrested during a raid in Kosalyain village on Saturday. This seizure is considered one of the largest drug hauls in the border district. Investigators are working to identify the intended recipients and handlers. This incident highlights ongoing cross-border narcotics smuggling attempts.
A 30-year-old man died after being shot by police near Bhaderwah town. Shops and businesses remained closed in Doda and Kishtwar districts on Saturday. The man allegedly tried to snatch a service rifle from a police personnel. This incident led to injuries for three special operations group personnel as well. Mobile internet services were suspended for a second consecutive day as a precaution.
Kashmir school holidays have been extended by three days due to adverse weather. The Amarnath yatra is temporarily suspended from both routes as a precautionary measure. An adverse weather spell is expected from July 20 to July 23 across the region. This system may cause landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. Surface transport disruptions are also anticipated on major roads.
Authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras due to inclement weather. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to remain patient and follow official communication channels for updates. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra will remain suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The Yatra will resume once weather conditions are deemed safe for travel.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor claims the BJP fears his electoral debut. He alleges the ruling party is now campaigning door-to-door for votes. Kishor urges voters to reject money and food distribution practices. The Jan Suraaj Party aims to offer a credible political alternative. The Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30 in Bihar.
Anna Hazare urged the government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was hospitalized after his hunger strike entered its twenty-first day. Police removed him from Jantar Mantar amid heavy security measures. Opposition leaders condemned the government's actions and suppression of dissent. Wangchuk demanded the education minister's resignation over NEET examination issues.
