Highlights: India to take all steps to protect national interests, says commerce minister

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After US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, the Congress on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that while he had earlier highlighted issues related to TOP — Tomato, Onion, Potato — price fluctuations, the nation was now facing political challenges stemming from CAP — China, America, Pakistan.

 

The opposition party said that on the one hand President Trump criticises India strongly and imposes penalties on it for trading with Russia, while on the other hand, just before the Iranian President's visit to Pakistan, he announces a big partnership with Pakistan for hydrocarbon exploration and development, alongside a trade deal.

  Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to move the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha for its passage. The proposed legislation seeks to modernise and unify existing shipping laws to bring them in line with international maritime treaties to which India is a signatory.

 

As per the list of business in the Lower House, the bill aims to consolidate and revise merchant shipping laws to ensure India meets its international maritime obligations. It also seeks to support the growth of Indian shipping and ensure the effective management of the country’s mercantile marine in alignment with national interests.

 

Additionally, the Lok Sabha will resume consideration of The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, which was introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on 17 December 2024.

 

4:29 PM

India to take all steps to protect national interests, says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

The Centre is examining implications of just announced 25 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods, says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Lok Sabha.

 

2:57 PM

PM Modi faces opposition fury after Trump's 25% tariff threat

Indian opposition parties criticised the government on Thursday, describing US President Donald Trump's threat of a 25 per cent tariff as a diplomatic failure for New Delhi, while the rupee currency tumbled and equity indexes slid in response to the news.

2:53 PM

News update: Senior IPS officer SBK Singh gets additional charge as Delhi police commissioner

Senior IPS officer SBK Singh has been given the additional charge of Delhi Police Commissioner, starting Aug 1, 2025.

2:31 PM

Rajya Sabha adjourned for third time, to reconvene at 4:30 pm

As members of the opposition continued to voice their protests, the presiding chair adjourned proceedings until 4:30 pm.

2:18 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned till 4:00 pm

The lower house has been adjourned for two more hours amid sloganeering by the opposition.

2:12 PM

Lithuania PM Gintautas Paluckas steps down

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2:09 PM

Rajya Sabha reconvenes again amid opposition protests

Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings amid ongoing opposition protests, following two earlier adjournments.

1:57 PM

Rajya Sabha disrupted again over SIR, adjourned before lunch

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice in the pre-lunch session on Thursday as Opposition parties disrupted the House demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls being undertaken by the Election Commission. The proceedings were first adjourned till 12:00 pm  and then again till 14:00 pm as the opposition led by Congress, TMC and DMK pressed for allocation of a time for discussion.

1:28 PM

BRS welcomes SC directive to Telangana speaker on disqualification of turncoat MLAs

The BRS on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict, directing the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide within three months the disqualification petitions against 10 BRS MLAs, who had switched allegiance to the ruling Congress.

1:27 PM

ED's first-ever raids in Andaman & Nicobar Islands linked to cooperative bank 'fraud'

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted its first-ever searches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of a money laundering case probe linked to an alleged cooperative bank loan 'fraud' involving a former MP from the Union Territory. The case pertains to the Andaman Nicobar State Cooperative Bank (ANSCB) and its vice chairman Kuldeep Rai Sharma.

1:21 PM

LS Speaker nominates Premachandran as empanelled member to preside over House proceedings

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday announced that N K Premachandran has been nominated as an empanelled member to preside over the proceedings of the House. A leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Premachandran represents Kerala's Kollam constituency.

11:13 AM

India has to now contend with China, America, Pakistan, says Congress

 After US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India, the Congress on Thursday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he once spoke of the TOP -- Tomato, Onion, Potato -- challenges in prices, but the country now has to contend with the political challenges arising out of CAP -China, America, Pakistan.