Parliamentary Actions and Debates:
The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a significant legislative move aimed at banning online games played with money. This bill seeks to curb rising instances of addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud associated with such applications. It also prohibits related advertisements and prevents financial institutions from facilitating transactions for these games.
In a notable development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills, including a Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposing the removal of elected representatives, such as the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or other ministers, if they are arrested or detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges. This proposal led to heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha, with the Opposition questioning the timing and implications of such legislation. The bills have since been sent to a joint parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.
Additionally, Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, designed to liberalize and modernize India's mineral sector. A bill to establish an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Guwahati was also passed.
Defence and Diplomacy:
India successfully conducted a test-fire of its intermediate-range ballistic missile, Agni-5, off the Odisha coast. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the launch validated all operational and technical parameters, marking a boost to India's strategic defence capabilities.
Diplomatically, India firmly rejected Nepal's objections regarding India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass, asserting that Nepal's territorial claims over the Kalapani region are unjustified and historically unfounded. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation in Moscow, focusing on enhancing trade and investment ties. Reports circulating about the US imposing tariffs on India to pressure Russia, and India potentially pausing US arms purchases, were dismissed by India as "false and fabricated."
Domestic Incidents:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public meet at her camp office in north Delhi. An FIR for attempt to murder has been registered, and the accused has been taken into custody for interrogation. Separately, heavy monsoon rains led to significant waterlogging and disruption in Mumbai.