The Times of India

Parliament's monsoon session faces potential washout amid opposition demands. Opposition insists on discussing Ram temple donations and police actions. Union ministers criticize opposition for boycotting legislative proceedings. Bills were passed without debate due to the ongoing parliamentary standoff. The government has not yet assured discussions on the opposition's key demands.

The Unified Pension Scheme for central government employees has seen low adoption rates. Only a small percentage of National Pension Trust subscribers have opted for this new scheme. The government introduced UPS with assured pension benefits and gratuity provisions. However, the response has been tepid, prompting an extension of the migration deadline. No changes are currently being considered to replace the Unified Pension Scheme.

The Supreme Court has sought the government's response regarding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act. Concerns were raised that the new law might erase existing benefits for transgender individuals. Senior advocates reported that hormone treatment is being denied due to fear of prosecution. They also alleged the discontinuation of the national portal for transgenders. The court questioned the retrospective invalidation of previously issued transgender identity cards.

The FSSAI has prohibited adding rum or whisky flavour to spirits. This practice misrepresents the true nature of alcoholic beverages and misleads consumers. Manufacturers were found using neutral alcohol and adding identical flavouring substances. Several companies, including United Spirits, faced prohibitions and notices. The regulator stressed that characteristic taste should develop naturally through base ingredients.

The Supreme Court has extended legal protection to live-in relationships. These relationships are now covered under Section 498A of the IPC. The court stated that the law must adapt to changing societal norms. Cruelty within such relationships will now be punishable by law. This decision aims to protect women from domestic violence and harassment.

Indian Army athletes secured sixteen medals at the recent Commonwealth Games. These included eight gold, seven silver, and one bronze medal. Two Indian Navy personnel also contributed silver medals in weightlifting. Combined, services personnel achieved forty-six percent of India's total medal haul. Their performance highlights the Army's commitment to nurturing world-class athletes.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that NDA-ruled states have taken firm action against recruitment scams and examination-related irregularities, while alleging that opposition-ruled states failed to curb such malpractices and were marked by widespread irregularities in recruitment processes.

Prashant Kishor achieved a remarkable victory in the Bankipur byelection, effectively breaking the BJP's three-decade dominance on the assembly seat. This triumph represents Kishor's resurgence in politics following his party's prior electoral drubbing in the state. He leveraged this win to critique Bihar's chief minister and emphasize the need for development. The outcome comes as an embarrassment for the current government's leadership.

The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges. The legislation will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration. The government argues this increase will improve judicial efficiency and speed. The sanctioned strength was last increased in 2019.

The Supreme Court stated police using excessive force and hardened criminals will not be protected. States can withdraw FIRs against students from the NEET-UG protest as per law. The court may issue guidelines on pellet gun usage during protests. Criminal antecedents will only cover grave and heinous offences, not minor cases. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August eighteenth.

An independent MP, Pappu Yadav, faced an alleged attack during a news conference. A man threw a slipper while another reportedly brandished a knife at the event. The incident is believed to be linked to his recent protest outside Parliament. Police have detained one suspect and are investigating the other's involvement. The MP's team claims he had received prior death threats.

Prime Minister Modi launched a campaign for drug-free youth for a developed India. He emphasized that families should seek expert help and foster open communication. Youth overcoming addiction are considered warriors and deserve societal respect and second chances. Enemy nations use drug supply as part of terror plans targeting the country's future. The campaign will run for 100 weeks, organizing various de-addiction activities.

Despite significant investment, court infrastructure and technology have not reduced decades-old case pendency. Over ten thousand cases remain pending in the Supreme Court for more than ten years. High courts across India have over eighty thousand cases pending for over three decades. The law minister cited judicial responsibility and judicial vacancies as reasons for the delays. New laws and committees have been established to address the growing backlog of cases.

Exiled author Taslima Nasreen believes Bangladesh's student movement misled people. She drew parallels between past protests and recent demonstrations in Delhi. Nasreen stated that Islamic fundamentalists were behind the Bangladesh movement. This experience reinforced her concerns about the consequences of such actions. The developments in Bangladesh should serve as a cautionary lesson for others.

The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh requested a special preview screening of the upcoming Ramayana film. This demand aims to prevent any scenes that might offend Hindu sentiments. The organization warned of protests if their preview request is not accepted. The film's trailer features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Yash as Ravana. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.

Exiled author Taslima Nasreen urged India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to adopt a Uniform Civil Code. She stated this law is essential for eliminating discrimination, particularly against women. Nasreen highlighted that Hindu women in Bangladesh lack equal inheritance rights. She also expressed disappointment over disruptions at her felicitation ceremony. The author emphasized the importance of freedom of expression for all individuals.

Pappu Yadav remains defiant after police filed a case against him and other opposition leaders. The FIR stems from a Parliament skit which depicted alleged theft of Ram Temple donations. Yadav stated he is ready to face death to protect people's faith and religious sentiments. Varanasi Police registered the case following a complaint by a religious leader. Another complaint was filed against the MP in the national capital.