Parliament Winter Session: Key Highlights and Live Updates

The Winter Session of Parliament continues with significant discussions and developments. As the Lok Sabha begins a two-day debate to mark 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to respond to the debate on Saturday.

Key Developments:

Constitution Debate and Political Strategies

• The Lok Sabha will kick off the Constitution debate today, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leading the discussion, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah will spearhead a similar debate in the Rajya Sabha next week.
• Both ruling and opposition parties have issued three-line whips to their members to ensure full attendance on December 13 and 14.
• Opposition Congress, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighted concerns over alleged misuse of autonomous bodies and governance issues.
• Prime Minister Modi and senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, held a strategy meeting ahead of the debate. Similarly, Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, convened to plan their parliamentary approach.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Debut Speech

• Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to deliver her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha during the debate, marking a significant moment in her political career.

Domestic and International Issues Raised

• India’s External Concerns: Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reported that 86 Indian nationals were attacked or murdered abroad in 2023, with the highest incidents in the US, Canada, UK, and Saudi Arabia.
• West Asia Tensions: The government expressed concern over the evolving situation in West Asia, highlighting potential threats to trade and energy security due to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
• Heritage Preservation: The government identified 18 protected monuments and sites as “not in good state of preservation” due to urbanisation pressures. Additionally, heavy rainfall in Agra caused minor water seepage in the Taj Mahal, prompting immediate preventive measures.

Parliamentary Proceedings and F&O Ban List

• The Winter Session, which began on November 25, has seen repeated disruptions over various issues, including allegations linking the Congress to billionaire George Soros and unrest in Sambhal and Manipur.
• Stocks in the F&O ban list include Granules, Manappuram, Metropolis, PVR Inox, RBL Bank, and Hindustan Copper.

Looking Ahead

The Rajya Sabha will hold its debate on the Constitution on December 16-17, with Prime Minister Modi addressing the Upper House on Tuesday. Markets, political observers, and citizens are closely watching this session as it addresses both historical milestones and pressing contemporary issues.