Parliament Winter Session 2023: Lok Sabha passes Central Universities (Amendment) Bill

Lok Sabha passes the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Lok Sabha adjourned to meet again on Friday at 11:00 am.

Rajya Sabha adjourned to meet again on Friday (December 8) at 11:00 am.

Unemployment rate has declined to 10 per cent from 17.8 per cent in 2017-18: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks on the economic situation in the country in Rajya Sabha.  "MP Jairam Ramesh had mentioned that in all probability there will be a discussion, something to the extent of saying we've been asking for these debates in the previous sessions, but the government has not been willing. We've never been hesitant about talking about the economy..."

Rajya Sabha MP Jose K Mani on Thursday asked the government to undertake a comprehensive scientific study on the erosion of the country's coastal line and formulate a coastal protection plan. During Zero Hour mention, the Kerala Congress (M) MP raised concerns over coastal erosion along shores of Kerala, saying "It is a matter of grave concern that requires immediate attention." Coastal erosion poses a threat not only to the environment but also to the livelihood of coastal communities, he added. India has a 7,560 km long coastline of which Kerala has a 590 km stretch". According to the study by the National Centre for Coastal Research, 33.6 per cent of the Indian coastal line is vulnerable to erosion and nearly 46 per cent of Kerala coastline is already affected," he said.

"Giriraj Singh's statement reflects anti-women mindset of the BJP. The way he said about a sitting CM, we are not here to take lessons from him. He should apologise to Mamata Banerjee," said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Union Minister Giriraj Singh's purported remarks on West Bengal CM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with the thumping of desks and slogans by treasury benches as he entered the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour on Thursday. He attends the Question Hour proceedings every Thursday, the day when queries related to the departments he handles are listed.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said the budget to be presented on February 1, 2024, would not have any "spectacular announcement" as it would be a vote on account in run up to the general elections. "It is a matter of truth that the February 1, 2024 budget that will be announced will just be a vote on account because we will be in an election mode. So the budget that the government presents will just be to meet the expenditure of the government till a new government comes to play," she said.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said the number of air passengers has gone up from six crore in 2014 to 14.5 crore at present and added that airfares are competitive with the railway AC first class fares.

"Bihar's DNA is very good. The whole country knows about it...Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is sitting silent. The public will give them an answer," BJP leader Ashwini Choubey said.

During a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the party's prominence, citing data on incumbent parties winning state polls. According to the information presented by PM Modi, the BJP stands out as the most preferred party for governance.

The Prime Minister's remarks, reported by PTI, underscore the BJP's confidence in its appeal to voters across various states. Utilising data on victories in state elections by the ruling parties, PM Modi positioned the BJP as a frontrunner in garnering public trust and support.

The assertion comes amid discussions within the BJP about its electoral strategy and positioning ahead of upcoming state polls and the general elections. PM Modi's emphasis on the party's track record and popularity signifies a strategic move to consolidate support and project the BJP as the preferred choice for governance among the electorate. The meeting served as a platform for key discussions on the party's future course and electoral strategies.

The Congress party has declared its intent to extend its protest within the Lok Sabha following remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah concerning former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The protest unfolded during the discussion on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Amit Shah's comments on Nehru's historical decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir prompted the Congress members to walk out of the House after the Bills were passed

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dr S Jaishankar and Virendra Kumar arrive for the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting in Delhi.

In a notable move, Congress Member of Parliament Manish Tewari has submitted an Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha, urging a discussion on the death penalty imposed on eight former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar. Tewari's initiative underscores the significance of addressing this critical matter within the parliamentary domain.

As the Winter Session of Parliament unfolds, BJP Member of Parliament Chhedi Paswan is slated to present the Statements of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (2023-24). This move underscores the ongoing efforts and discussions concerning the well-being and upliftment of these communities within the parliamentary agenda.