News from India as of Wed 2023
Parliament Winter Session:
- The Parliament session has been marred by disruptions and suspensions.
- 143 MPs from the opposition have been suspended so far, leading to accusations of muzzling dissent.
- Despite the disruptions, 3 criminal law amendment bills aimed at overhauling the criminal justice system were passed in the Lok Sabha.
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2024 Elections:
- The battle lines for the 2024 elections are starting to be drawn, with the opposition trying to unite against the BJP.
- Mallikarjun Kharge, the new Congress president, is emerging as a potential opposition face against PM Modi.
- The INDIA bloc, a group of regional parties, held a key meeting in Delhi to discuss seat distribution and strategy.
Other major news:
- COVID-19: 21 cases of the new JN.1 variant have been confirmed in India, prompting warnings and increased testing.
- Nationwide health alert: Union Health Minister to hold a review meeting on December 20 due to uptick in respiratory illness cases.
- Parliament security breach: Probe panel recreates crime scene and questions security personnel.
- Terrorism: NIA arrests 8 members of an IS module planning terror attacks.
- Economy: Telecom Bill paves the way for allocation of satellite spectrum, potentially boosting the telecom sector.
In addition to these, here are some other interesting stories:
- PM Modi inaugurates Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi: This temple complex is being seen as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Tiger in Karachi: A retired police officer claims a tiger found refuge in Karachi after the 1993 blasts, staying in defense-protected villas.
- UP man bites wife’s nose over dowry demand: This shocking incident highlights the continuing practice of dowry in India.
