The Winter Session of Parliament begins today, poised to be a significant one with key legislative agendas and heightened political dynamics following the NDA's sweeping victories in Maharashtra and Haryana. The session, expected to run until December 20, will witness discussions on several crucial bills and issues.

Floor leaders of the INDIA bloc are set to meet this morning in Parliament House to strategize. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari highlighted pressing concerns for the Opposition, including the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur, rising unemployment, and severe pollution levels in northern India. However, recent electoral defeats may weaken the Opposition's footing.

On Sunday, the government, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held an all-party meeting to seek cooperation for the smooth functioning of Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged all leaders to support constructive debates in the two Houses.

Key legislative proposals include the Waqf Amendment Bill and the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, along with amendments to banking laws. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill aims to refine regulations under the Reserve Bank of India Act, Banking Regulation Act, and others to bolster the financial sector. Additionally, the Railway Act Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Speculation surrounds the possible introduction of the "One Nation One Election" bill, a concept Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized as a transformative reform to synchronize national and state elections.

In the Rajya Sabha, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, a comprehensive bill to regulate aircraft design, manufacture, and operations, will be debated.

As the Winter Session unfolds, the government appears to be on a stronger wicket, while the Opposition will seek to hold the ruling party accountable amid a busy legislative agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the BJP-led alliance's sweeping victory in Maharashtra as a historic endorsement of its governance model, attributing it to the party's focus on development, stability, and social justice. Speaking on Saturday, PM Modi criticized the Congress for its "lies, deceit, and divisive politics," accusing it of betraying the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution.

He highlighted the BJP's efforts to amend the Waqf Act as a rejection of Congress' "appeasement politics" and called for unity under the mantra "Ek hain to safe hain" (United, we are safe). The Congress, he claimed, has prioritized family interests over the nation, eroding its values and alienating its leaders. The prime minister also accused the party of fueling casteism and divisiveness, contrasting this with the BJP's agenda of inclusivity and nation-building.

PM Modi pointed out that the BJP-led alliance has achieved an unprecedented mandate, signaling public trust in its governance. He took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction for its alleged betrayal, emphasizing that stability and good governance resonate with voters.

He also underscored his government’s commitment to urban development, calling cities "engines of growth" and highlighting initiatives like metro projects, highways, and electric buses. The BJP’s urban success, he said, is a testament to India’s desire for modernization and progress.

PM Modi affirmed the permanence of the constitutional values, asserting that Article 370 would never return. Criticizing Congress' support for "urban naxalism," he called for advancing with the mantra "Vikas aur Virasat" (Development and Heritage).

The victory in Maharashtra, he concluded, is a rejection of negativity and nepotism and a resounding vote for stability, progress, and a united India.

The UN General Assembly legal committee has approved a landmark resolution paving the way for negotiations on the first-ever treaty addressing crimes against humanity. The resolution was adopted late Friday by consensus after intense negotiations, marking a significant step toward holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable. Applause erupted as the resolution passed, setting the stage for a final General Assembly vote on December 4, where it is expected to gain formal adoption.

The resolution initiates a time-bound process to finalize the treaty, with preparatory sessions scheduled for 2026 and 2027 and three-week negotiations planned for 2028 and 2029. Richard Dicker of Human Rights Watch called the decision a “historic achievement,” emphasizing its importance in addressing atrocities in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Ethiopia, and Myanmar.

While Russia initially proposed amendments that could have delayed the treaty’s progress, its deputy UN ambassador Maria Zabolotskaya announced their withdrawal “in a spirit of compromise.” However, Russia dissociated itself from the resolution’s consensus, signaling its reservations while maintaining a willingness to engage in future negotiations.

Crimes against humanity, which include acts like murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, are currently addressed under the International Criminal Court (ICC) but lack a dedicated treaty. With nearly 70 countries outside the ICC’s jurisdiction, the new treaty aims to fill this critical gap in international law.

Kelly Adams of the Global Justice Centre hailed the resolution as a “historic breakthrough” and expressed hope for a progressive and survivor-centric treaty. Despite concerns over the extended timeline, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnes Callamard noted the treaty’s importance in reinforcing international justice.

Gambia’s Counselor Amadou Jaiteh described the resolution’s adoption as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to amplify the voices of victims and strive for a world free of such heinous crimes.

The recently concluded bypolls across 46 assembly seats in 13 states showcased a mix of continuity and change, with the BJP and regional parties maintaining dominance in key states, while the Congress displayed signs of resurgence.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP further solidified its grip by winning two seats and leading in four of nine constituencies. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the victory as a testament to "good governance and public welfare policies." The Samajwadi Party won Sishamau and led in Karhal, signaling its continuing relevance ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) reaffirmed its stronghold, winning four seats, including the crucial Madarihat seat wrested from the BJP, and leading in two others. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed gratitude to voters, emphasizing her government’s commitment to serving the people.

The Congress emerged victorious in Karnataka, sweeping three seats, which Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar attributed to the state government’s pro-people initiatives. Punjab saw a boost for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which won three of four seats, while Congress secured Barnala.

Rajasthan witnessed a competitive race, with the BJP and Bharat Adivasi Party winning two seats each, while Congress led in one. In Bihar, the ruling NDA swept all four seats, wresting key constituencies from the INDIA bloc, strengthening its position ahead of 2025 elections.

The Congress-led UDF maintained its lead in Kerala’s Palakkad, while the Left won Chelakkara. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP led in Budhni, while the Congress showed promise in Vijaypur.

These bypolls, spanning states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Gujarat, reflect India's dynamic political landscape, where national and regional players continue to jockey for influence, setting the stage for crucial state and general elections ahead.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that his government is reviewing the "chargesheet reports" filed in the United States regarding an alleged bribery scandal involving the previous YSRCP government and the Adani Group. The case revolves around claims that the Adani Group paid USD 250 million (?1,750 crore) in bribes to Indian officials to secure favorable terms for solar power contracts.

Speaking in the Assembly, Naidu said, “I have all the chargesheet reports filed there (US). It is in the public domain. We will study the allegations, act accordingly, and inform the public.” He added that the TDP-led government has been discussing alleged corruption during the 2019-2024 YSRCP regime over the past five months.

The YSRCP has refuted the allegations, asserting that there were no direct agreements between the state’s power distribution companies and the Adani Group. However, Naidu expressed concern that the scandal has tarnished Andhra Pradesh’s reputation and could affect its ability to attract investment. “This is a very sad development. It has hurt the prestige and brand image of the state,” he said.

In response to calls from Assembly members to hold former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accountable, Naidu assured that his government would take action if the allegations are proven.

The scandal stems from US Department of Justice charges against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, accusing him of leading a years-long scheme to bribe Indian officials for solar energy contracts. The Indian conglomerate has denied the allegations, calling them baseless.

Naidu emphasized the importance of transparency and pledged that his administration would pursue the issue to safeguard the state’s credibility. "We cannot let these allegations go unchecked," he stated.

Amid worsening diplomatic ties, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed claims made by The Globe and Mail that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of a plot to kill Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as a "smear campaign." The Canadian newspaper, citing unnamed officials, alleged that Mr. Modi, along with India’s national security advisor and external affairs minister, were privy to the purported scheme.

“These ludicrous claims, supposedly originating from a Canadian government source, deserve nothing but contempt,” said Mr. Jaiswal. “Such smear campaigns only further damage our already strained relations.”

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was fatally shot in Vancouver in June 2023. He had been listed among India’s most-wanted terrorists, accused of masterminding several crimes, including the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab. India's National Investigation Agency had placed a ?10 lakh bounty on his capture.

Nijjar's assassination escalated tensions when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement, claiming “credible information” was shared with allies, including the United States. Following this, Canada expelled Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats, prompting a reciprocal response from New Delhi, which expelled Canadian diplomats, including Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler.

Mr. Trudeau further criticized India, stating, “The Indian government made a fundamental error in thinking they could support criminal activities—murders, extortion, and violence—on Canadian soil. This is unacceptable.”

The allegations have exacerbated the diplomatic crisis between the two nations, already strained over issues of Sikh separatism and mutual accusations of interference. India continues to deny any involvement in Nijjar’s death, labeling him a terrorist and his activities a threat to national security.

In a significant political shift ahead of the February Assembly elections, Kailash Gahlot, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Delhi Transport Minister, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. His decision, announced in the presence of Union Ministers ML Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, has been described as a "turning point" by Khattar.

Gahlot, once considered a close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, attributed his move to AAP's alleged deviation from its foundational values. "This was not an easy decision," he said, reflecting on his journey with AAP since the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement. Rejecting allegations of coercion, Gahlot asserted, "I have never made decisions under pressure," dismissing speculations about pressure from investigative agencies like the CBI or ED.

Gahlot accused AAP of prioritizing "political ambitions" over governance, citing the party’s declining focus on key promises, including Yamuna cleaning and allegations over Kejriwal’s "Sheeshmahal" residence renovation.

His departure follows months of tension, marked by his removal as Law Minister and a contentious episode during Delhi's Independence Day celebrations, where Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena chose Gahlot to unfurl the flag, sidelining AAP’s favored choice, Atishi.

AAP leaders, including Durgesh Pathak, dismissed Gahlot's claims, alleging he succumbed to sustained pressure from central agencies. Meanwhile, Kejriwal maintained a pointed silence, deflecting questions during a press event.

Gahlot’s switch to the BJP, a party he once opposed, underscores deepening fractures within AAP, as it faces a critical electoral battle. The move is a morale boost for BJP, which views his induction as symbolic of AAP's weakening grip on its leaders and governance credibility.

Entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy, alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has been appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Speaking at an event in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Ramaswamy announced plans for a dramatic overhaul of federal bureaucracy, emphasizing significant job cuts.

"Elon Musk and I are set to begin the mass deportation of unelected federal bureaucrats from the DC bureaucracy. That’s how we’re going to save this country," he declared. Praising Musk’s approach, Ramaswamy added, "He doesn’t bring a chisel—he brings a chainsaw. It’s going to be a lot of fun."

Ramaswamy, an Indian-American, dismissed notions of America’s decline, likening the initiative to a “new dawn” for the nation. “Our best days are ahead. We’re building a country where hard work and merit will determine success, where free speech flourishes, and where the best person gets the job, regardless of race or color,” he said.

Musk and Ramaswamy plan to host weekly livestreams, dubbed “Dogecasts,” to keep the public informed about DOGE’s progress. “Our goal is to shrink government while maintaining transparency. We’re creating a system our Founders would be proud of,” Ramaswamy noted.

He criticized the inefficiency of federal agencies like the FDA and the NRC, arguing that excessive regulation stifles innovation and burdens businesses. "This is a modern Manhattan Project," he said, emphasizing that reducing bureaucratic overreach would restore self-governance and spark economic growth.

Under their leadership, DOGE aims to slash government costs while fostering a culture of innovation. "We’re assembling the brightest minds to tackle the core problem: a bloated federal bureaucracy. Cut the waste, save money, and reignite America’s potential," Ramaswamy concluded.