Mar 24, 2026 07:45 PM IST
Parliament LIVE Updates: Rajya Sabha adjourned
Rajya Sabha adjourned till Wednesday 11am.
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Parliament Budget Session 2026 Live Updates: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026 was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday introducing penalties of up to 14 years in jail for offences against transgender persons. The government led by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar said the bill aims to protect individuals facing discrimination due to biological factors and ensure continued legal recognition. However, opposition parties strongly criticised the bill for excluding sexual orientations and self-perceived identities from its scope, arguing it undermines the right to self-identification. They also called for the legislation to be reviewed by a parliamentary committee, but their amendments were rejected before the bill was passed by voice vote.
Foreign policy remarks: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex on Tuesday, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for invoking Covid-19 during his statement in Parliament on the West Asia situation. He said, “Modi’s personal foreign policy” which is being considered as a “universal joke”. Meanwhile, addressing the Rajya Sabha, Modi outlined India’s position on the ongoing West Asia conflict and its implications for energy security. He said India remains in contact with Iran, Israel, and the United States, and highlighted that over 3.75 lakh people have returned to the country since the conflict began. He also said that several West Asian nations have assured the safety of Indian nationals.
Markets gain: Separately, the share market opened on a higher note on Tuesday, tracking gains in broader Asian markets after US President Donald Trump postponed the bombing of Iran’s power grid, easing fears of a deeper energy shock. The Nifty 50 rose 1.23% to 22,789.55, while the BSE Sensex gained 1.17% to 73,555.52 as of 9:20 am. All 16 major sectors advanced at the open, with broader small-cap and mid-cap indices rising 1.6% each.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till Wednesday 11am.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026 was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday introducing penalties of up to 14 years in jail for offences against transgender persons. The government led by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar said the bill aims to protect individuals facing discrimination due to biological factors and ensure continued legal recognition. However, opposition parties strongly criticised the bill for excluding sexual orientations and self-perceived identities from its scope, arguing it undermines the right to self-identification. They also called for the legislation to be reviewed by a parliamentary committee, but their amendments were rejected before the bill was passed by voice vote.
Lok Sabha adjourned till Wednesday 11 am.
A new amendment introduced in Parliament proposes major changes to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, including removing the right to gender self-identification recognised by the Supreme Court in the landmark National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India in 2014 and introducing medical certification for identity recognition.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Friday (March 13). The move has drawn criticism from transgender and LGBT+ groups across the country. Here is what to know. Click Here
The Centre on Tuesday defended the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, saying it aims to ensure safety, benefits and a clearer legal framework for transgender persons through a precise definition and provisions like identity cards issued by district magistrates and a medical board for certification. However, the Opposition criticised the bill as regressive and exclusionary, arguing it undermines the right to self-determination of gender identity upheld by the Supreme Court. MPs from Congress, SP and DMK said the legislation was introduced without adequate consultation with the transgender community, narrows the definition by excluding self-perceived identities and sexual orientations, and imposes bureaucratic hurdles. They demanded the bill be sent to a standing committee for wider consultations, warning that it violates constitutional principles of dignity, equality and autonomy, while the government maintained that tighter definitions are necessary to ensure targeted protection and proper implementation of welfare measures. (PTI)
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule in Lok Sabha on Tuesday questioned the priority of the Transgender Amendment Bill 2026. She argued that the bill is against the interests of the transgender community and should be sent to a select committee for detailed review.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a “brazen attack” on constitutional rights and transgender identity. He alleged the proposed law is “regressive” and violates a Supreme Court of India judgment by removing the right to self-identification.
Gandhi claimed the bill imposes “dehumanising” medical scrutiny, introduces surveillance and penalties without safeguards, and erases India’s diverse transgender cultural identities. He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government of failing to consult the transgender community and undermining constitutional values of dignity and liberty.
The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, seeks to define “transgender” more precisely, excludes self-perceived identities and sexual orientations from the definition, and proposes a medical board-led authority for identification and enforcement. (PTI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his reference to COVID-19 in his statement to Parliament on the West Asia situation, saying he has forgotten what happened during the pandemic and the tragedies that unfolded then.
Gandhi alleged that India's foreign policy has become "Modi's personal foreign policy", which is being considered as a "universal joke".
Speaking with reporters in the Parliament House complex, Gandhi said, "If the PM is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised." Asked about reports of Pakistan being one of the intermediaries between the US-Israel and Iran, and India's stand on the West Asia crisis, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said, "Our foreign policy is PM Modi's personal foreign policy. You can see the results of this, everybody considers this a universal joke." "US President Donald Trump knows exactly what Modi can do and what Modi cannot do. If the PM is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised, it is obvious," Gandhi said. (PTI)
The Women’s Reservation Act amendment is not coming up in the session that is scheduled to end on April 2. A special session is expected to be convened in May for changes to the Delimitation Act and the Women’s Reservation act.
Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament says: "Our foreign policy is PM Modi's personal foreign policy... Everyone considers this a universal joke... Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised... He made an irrelevant speech in the Parliament yesterday... It should seem that he is India's Prime Minister, but there is no position... People will have to suffer due to this."
He further said that the rise of LPG and fuel prices is "just the beginning". "He [PM Modi] claims the situation will be [overcome] like Covid... but he forgot how many people died during Covid and the number of tragedies that took place," Rahul Gandhi further said
#watcgh | Delhi | Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "Our foreign policy is PM Modi's personal foreign policy... Everyone considers this a universal joke... Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign… pic.twitter.com/2kI1wuKCQAPM Modi says, “Many ships from around the world are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, and a large number of Indian crew members are on board them, which is also a major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is necessary that from this Upper House of India’s Parliament, a united voice for peace and dialogue should go out to the entire world." He said that since the start of the war, he held two rounds of phone conversations with the heads of state of most countries in West Asia. "We are in continuous contact with all the Gulf countries, and we are also in touch with Iran, Israel, and the United States," he added.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Delhi: Addressing Rajya Sabha on West Asia crisis, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, “Many ships from around the world are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, and a large number of Indian crew members are on board them, which is also a major concern for India. In such a… pic.twitter.com/dNBZi46fss
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 24, 2026
"Our aim is de-escalation and opening of Strait of Hormuz... India wants peace in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy," PM Modi said.
PM Modi says over the last decade India expanded its crude oil and petrol and diesel reserves for such times. He further said India has ample crude oil reserves to facilitate uninterrupted supply. " India is arranging over 65 lakh metric ton gas," he said.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Addressing Rajya Sabha on West Asia conflict, PM Modi (@narendramodi) said, "The country is working on arranging over 65 lakh metric ton gas. Along with that, India's refining capacity has also been increased in the past 10 years. I want to assure the country that India… pic.twitter.com/LSvMDjXB8H
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 24, 2026
Since the beginning of the war, over 3.75 lakh people have returned to India. From Iran alone, 1000 people have returned. Most of them are medical students. All nations have assured of Indians' safety. However, it's saddening that despite that, a few lives were lost.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Delhi: Addressing Rajya Sabha on West Asia crisis, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, “All the countries have assured full safety for the Indians present there. However, it is very unfortunate that due to the attacks, some Indians have lost their lives and some have been… pic.twitter.com/ljT0b9HkXk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 24, 2026
He further said despite the these adverse conditions, the Centre has tried to create solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi said India will overcome West Asia crisis like it did during Covid. He said India has suggested for talks to resolve the situation in West Asia. No life lost can be justified in humanity.
PM Modi urges for a "united voice" for peace
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the situation in West Asia is worrying for India. PM Modi says, "...It has been more than 3 weeks since the war in West Asia started. The war has caused a serious energy crisis in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected."
The Finance Bill, 2026 taken up for further consideration and passing in Lok Sabha
Proceedings begin in Lok Sabha. The house will will take up key legislative and procedural business, including Question Hour, tabling of official papers, and presentation of committee reports.
Both Houses adjourned till Tuesday 11 am.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day till Tuesday morning.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Government of India for mishandling the crisis arising from the Middle East war, alleging lack of preparedness.
Taking to X Kejriwal stated, “The Modi government has completely failed to handle the crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. The stock market is crashing, LPG shortages have forced many businesses to shut down, people are queuing for cylinders in scorching heat, migrant workers have been left without livelihoods, and the rupee is touching record lows.”
Kejriwal questioned why the government failed to anticipate the crisis and secure alternative supplies in advance, accusing it of passing the burden onto the common people.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Modi government has completely failed to handle the crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. The stock market is crashing, LPG shortages have forced many businesses to shut down, people are queuing for cylinders in scorching heat, migrant workers have been left without…
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 23, 2026
The Congress, led by Rajya Sabha MP Niraj Dangi, criticised the government during discussions on the Appropriation Bill (2), 2026, accusing it of failing to tackle unemployment, rising food prices and the weakening rupee. He alleged lack of transparency in expenditure plans and “step-motherly treatment” towards non-BJP ruled states.
Dangi also flagged issues like rising gold and silver prices, LPG shortages linked to the West Asia conflict, fertiliser scarcity, and increased burden on households and small businesses. He questioned whether the ₹53 lakh crore expenditure would benefit the broader public.
Responding, BJP leader Madan Rathore defended the government, highlighting progress in technology, renewable energy, and action against Maoist terrorism, while accusing previous Congress governments of corruption. (PTI)
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule flagged concerns in the Lok Sabha over a potential LPG cylinder shortage following US-Israel strikes on Iran. She urged the government to prioritise vulnerable sections of society and questioned the Finance Ministry on its preparedness to address the crisis in the ongoing Finance Bill discussions.
Exhorting Indians to be be “prepared to face the long-term impact of the West Asia war,” Prime Minister Narendra Monday addressed the Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session. He informed the House about the measures that the government has taken since the conflict in West Asia triggered a global energy crisis and called the situation “worrisome”.
Trade along the Strait of Hormuz – the conduit for a fifth of global energy supplies – came to a grinding halt after the conflict began on February 18.
Here are some key moments from his speech:
Situation in West Asia worrisomePM Modi said that the situation in West Asia is worrisome and that the crisis created by the war has left a negative impact on the world economy and people. The war has set unprecedented challenges for India too, he noted. Read
PM Modi said, while addressing the Lok Sabtha, "Presently, the situation in West Asia is concerning. In the past two three weeks, EAM Jaishankar and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri have given detailed information to the House. Now this conflict has completed three weeks. This is adversely impacting the world economy and the lives of people. So, the whole world is requesting all sides to quickly find a solution.
This conflict has precipitated unprecedented challenges for India as well. These challenges are economic, linked to national security and carry human concerns. India has comprehensive trade relations with nations involved in the conflict and those affected by it.
PM Modi said, "I have spoken to all leaders in West Asia and requested to reduce tension and to bring an end to the conflict.
India has objected to attacks on civilians, energy and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial vessels and obstruction of strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. India is trying continuously through diplomacy to ensure the movement of Indian ships."
PM Modi said, "India is focusing on security on all areas including coastal and cyber security. We have faced a similar situation during Covid era. Likewise, we must be prepared to face the long-term impact of the West Asia war."
PM Modi urged state governments to monitor complaints on black-marketing and unfair usage of essential commodities.
PM Modi, while addressing the Lok Sabha, said, "Global supply chain was also affected during the Covid crisis. Urea, a major fertiliser was made available to Indian farmers at affordable prices. We have made 6 functional Urea manufacturing units. Farmers have been awarded with PM Kusum scheme to fulfill their diesel needs. In India, the need of electricity will increase during summers. We are aiming to generate 100 cr of coal to generate power. Our renewable coal energy is at 140 gW. Under Govardhan Yojana, rooftop solar panels have been installed in more than 40 lakh houses. The government is also considering encouraging nuclear power generation.
India has sufficient stock of food grains. The government has also maintained sticks of fertilizers to meet contingencies."
We have achieved 20% ethanol blending today. In 2014, we have expanded our metro rail connectivity from just 250km. India has been actively working on alternative energy and fuel needs. Today, energy is the backbone of our economy. West Asia fulfills a broad requirement of global energy needs. India is working to ensure undisrupted connectivity to meet our long-term and short-term needs. We have formed an interministerial group that reviews India's import and export needs on a daily basis.
PM Modi said, "India imports a large amount of crude oil via the Hormuz strait. The government has been trying that it's impact do not affect the countrymen. We import around 60% of our energy needs. We have prioritised domestic production of LPG to ensure smooth supply. India has, in the last 11 years diversified import of its energy needs. Today, we import enery from 41 countries as compared to 27 countries in the last decade. We have a strategic petroleum reserve of more than 53 lakh tonnes. Our refinery capabilites have also escalated. The Indian government is keeping a keen eye on the Gulf and the strait of Hormuz to secure our energy, gas and fertiliser needs."
PM Modi said, "The war in West Asia has put India in a tense situation". Since the war broke out, a few Indians have lost their lives in the war-ridden areas. We are in continous touch and helping our citizens. We have so far rescued over 3 lakh citizens. From Iran, we have rescued more than 1000 Indians. CBSE has also cancelled exams for students in Middle Eastern countries."
Proceedings of the Lok Sabha to resume shortly. PM Modi to speak on West Asia situation.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 PM.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said PM Narendra Modi should have addressed the West Asia conflict earlier.
She noted that he had visited Israel just days before the war began.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament session: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, “PM should have discussed West Asia conflict earlier as he visited Israel two days before the war started,” on Modi to address in Parliament over West Asia conflict. pic.twitter.com/7HiQ827JJ4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026
(PTI)
Union Minister Giriraj Singh supported PM Narendra Modi speaking in Parliament on the West Asia conflict.
He questioned why the Opposition objects and said it is a good step.
Singh added that during Covid, the PM turned adversity into opportunity despite criticism.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi | On PM Modi to speak in Parliament on the ongoing West Asia conflict, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says," What problem does the Opposition have if the PM is going to make a statement? It is good that the PM is going to speak. During the Covid pandemic, the… pic.twitter.com/K6T9Ua5gCk
— ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2026
(ANI)
BJP MP Arun Govil spoke after PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on fuel and power.
He said the Prime Minister has always prioritised citizens and there is no shortage as per official records.
Govil added that reports of shortages may be misinformation or fake news.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament budget session: BJP MP Arun Govil on PM Narendra Modi chairs high-level review meeting on fuel power amid Middle East tensions, says, “Prime Minister has always considered the people of his country. As per records there is no shortage, there could be fake news… pic.twitter.com/0Dd2dWVwMN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026
(PTI)
INC Manish Tewari opposes the introduction of Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. INC Manish Tewari says the bill in the current form raises serious concerns. He says that I strongly oppose the introduction of the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The FM Sitharaman proposes the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to oversee the bill. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepts the proposal.
Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told the Lok Sabha that approval for central grants is one thing and applying for the amount by the states is another thing as she mentioned that Kerala did not avail Rs 311.95 crore as part of national disaster mitigation fund.
The minister was responding to supplementaries during the Question Hour on the arrears of grants and amounts pending from the central government towards Kerala.
Sitharaman, who is in charge of the finance and corporate affairs ministries, said a state has to provide the utilisation certificate so that the next round of funds can be released.
For instance, she said there was a specific case related to Kerala where despite the allocation, the Kerala government has not even drawn the amount.
(PTI)
It is our aim to develop 1000 Nagar Van across the country, says Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Education Minister says loan schemes can be availed by all kind of students. MoS Education Jayant Chaudhary says the government is planning to enable all schools to be able to make students learn at least three languages, as per NEP. There's complete flexibility on which languages are to be taught.
He further said, PM Shri schools is a model on leadership design. It is upto the states to devise an expenditure plan for their students under Samgra Shiksha scheme.
There's no state or central quota in this scheme. The scheme is open to all kind of students. Students from all central institutions, including central universities, IITs, NITs and top 200 NIRF ranking institutions can apply under the PM Vidyalakshmi scheme scheme, says Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
FM Sitharaman says the second installment of Swamih Scheme is launched. Builders can approach and carry-on with projects which were stalled earlier.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla presides the question hour with discussions of Swamih investment fund for stressed housing projects.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman says the scheme is centered around 6 eligibility criterias.
BJP MP Hema Malini praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Budget Session of Parliament.
She called him a remarkable leader and said he has done exceptional work for the country.
Malini added that India has never had a Prime Minister like him and said she feels proud.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament Budget Session: BJP MP Hema Malini on PM Narendra Modi becoming the longest-serving Head of Government in India says, “Our Prime Minister is remarkable and does exceptional work. I do not understand what people who speak against him are thinking. The country… pic.twitter.com/oV5skXZGmi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026
(PTI)
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