The Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee has taken a “serious view” of the complaint against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh in which it was alleged that he had made “continual and deliberate disrespectful observations against Rajya Sabha Chairman”, sources said on Monday.

The Privileges Committee met here over the complaint by BJP member Sudhanshu Trivedi, which was referred to it in April 2023 by then Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Sources said Jairam Ramesh stated that he had no intention to make disrespectful remarks against the Chair.

The committee is chaired by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh

Members present included Sudhanshu Trivedi, Deepak Prakash, Kartikeya Sharma, Surendra Singh Nagar and GK Vasan.

The complaint pertains to Congress leader’s remarks in which he allegedly said that the Chairman should not be “cheerleader” of the ruling dispensation.

The Rajya Sabha privileges committee comprises 10 members across various political parties. The committee examines every question of privilege referred to it by the House or by the Chairman and determines with reference to the facts of each case whether a breach of privilege is involved. If the committee finds that a privilege breach has occurred, then it finds out the nature of the breach, the circumstances leading to it and makes recommendations accordingly.

The committee’s meeting was held days before the start of the Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, beginning today. During the three-day gathering, Mr Modi will participate in all sessions and present India’s key priorities, including Global South concerns, sustainable development, climate action, energy transition and reforms in global governance. This marks Prime Minister Modi’s 12th G20 Summit appearance since taking office in 2014. 

This year’s gathering carries special significance as it is the first time the Summit is being hosted on the African continent. The theme for 2025 is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” Under its Presidency, South Africa has focused on key priorities, including strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Johannesburg last evening to attend the three-day summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the G20 leaders’ Summit starting today. PM Modi will present India’s perspective on key global issues shaping the Summit’s agenda. The day’s highlights include the Prime Minister holding several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. The opening session will focus  on “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth – Leaving No One Behind.” The G20, the premier forum for international economic cooperation, plays a critical role in shaping global economic stability. At its inception, the G20 comprised 19 countries and the European Union.

The African Union was inducted as a permanent member under India’s presidency in 2023. India’s G20 Presidency has been regarded as a model for addressing global challenges, guided by Prime Minister Modi’s vision of an inclusive, ambitious, and decisive approach. India showcased its best practices, values, and cultural heritage reflecting the ancient philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.”-Asonuo, Akashvani News, Johannesburg. 

During its Presidency from December 2022 to November 2023, India hosted more than 200 meetings across 60 cities, representing all 28 States and 8 Union Territories. The Presidency witnessed participation on an unprecedented scale, with over one lakh attendees, including 30,000 delegates from 135 nationalities. India’s leadership provided a clear roadmap for transforming the G20 into a human-centric platform, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable global future.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to enhance regional collaboration and implement innovative strategies for disaster risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Around 90 defence officers have been equipped with comprehensive knowledge in corporate governance and independent directorship under the certification program conducted by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) in partnership with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR). The third batch of this two-week certification program was successfully concluded at Gurugram yesterday. 

Addressing the valedictory ceremony, Director General and CEO of IICA, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, highlighted the strong alignment between existing military strengths and the competencies required for effective independent directorship. He underscored strategic thinking, risk assessment experience, ethical framework, and ability to remain objective. 

India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility for UAE nationals to include Kochi, Calicut and Ahmedabad international airports, adding to the existing centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With this move, UAE citizens now have access to VoA at nine major entry points across India.

The facility is available exclusively to UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian e-visa or a regular paper visa.  UAE citizens arriving in India under this scheme may stay for up to 60 days and can enter for tourism, business, conferences or medical purposes. The visa allows double entry within 60 days. Applicants must hold passports with a minimum validity of six months and may be asked to provide proof of funds, accommodation and return or onward travel.

The VoA facility is not available to any UAE national whose parents or grandparents were born in or are permanent residents of Pakistan. The fee for Visa-on-Arrival remains 2,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency for each passenger, including children. There is no limit on the number of times a UAE national may avail the facility in a year.

The expanded access aims to further streamline travel for UAE nationals and strengthen people-to-people ties, amid growing movement between the two countries for tourism, business and medical visits.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava today said that strong partnerships between Ministries and the pharmaceutical industry are important to enhance public health outcomes and address global health challenges.

Addressing the 60th Annual Summit of Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) in New Delhi, Ms Srivastava emphasised the need to foster greater innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and transition from volume-based to value-based production.

The Health Secretary urged OPPI to intensify its focus on research and development within India, positioning the country as a global centre of excellence in pharmaceuticals.

A coffee table book showcasing OPPI’s 60-year journey was also launched at the event.

He also expressed deep concern over the growing erosion of trust between citizens and institutions due to the unchecked influence of social media. The Minister noted that the proliferation of deepfakes, synthetic material and rapidly amplified rumours is severely damaging the fabric of societal trust.

Mr Vaishnaw highlighted India’s techno-legal approach to digital governance, explaining that the Data Protection Act is designed as a principles-based law. He said such a framework is essential because technology evolves rapidly and overly prescriptive laws could stifle innovation. 

India is set to host the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in October next year. Inviting the investors to the Forum, the Minister said India will continue to offer a stable policy regime, sustained simplification, good growth and very moderate inflation in the coming years, underscoring the country’s readiness to be a key driver of the global economic transformation.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will co-chair the 16th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Foreign Affairs Minister of Australia Penny Wong in New Delhi today. Ms Wong arrived in the National Capital yesterday to attend the dialogue. The visit offers an opportunity to build on the various facets of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

She added that India and Australia will look to enhance the cooperation across cyber and strategic technology, trade, maritime security, Defence, and people-to-people ties. She further added that both countries are working bilaterally, through the Quad, and multilateral institutions to advance collective security and prosperity.

President Droupadi Murmu will be formally inaugurating the 2nd edition of Bharatiya Kalamahotsav at Rashtrapathi Nilayam at Bollaram tomorrow evening. 

The 10-day festival will showcase traditions from Western India in Hyderabad, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa states and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Union Territories taking part in the Kalamahotsav.

Speaking at a poster launch at Rashtrapati Nilayam last evening, Rashtrapati Bhavan OSD, Swati Shahi and PRO Kumar Samresh informed the media that the Western India Kalamahotsava is expected to draw a larger audience than last year.

The inaugural edition attracted more than 1 lakh visitors, and this year’s turnout is projected at around 1.5 lakh. The officials informed that the Kalamahotsav will be a single platform for social, cultural, craft and cuisine, besides literature and the Visitors will be able to explore a wide array of traditional handlooms, handicrafts and regional products.

They also said the highlights include Kutch Bandhani from Gujarat, Kota Doria sarees and Pattu cotton weaves from Rajasthan, Kolhapuri chappals and Paithani sarees from Maharashtra, and Goa’s Kumbi sarees. A regional food court featuring 13 curated stalls is expected to be among the major attractions.

Entry for the general public will begin on Saturday, the 22nd, till the 30th of this month. Rashtrapathi Bhavan is organising the event with the support of the Ministries of Culture, Tourism and Textiles. 

A Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, on September 11, had reserved its decision after hearing oral arguments over 10 days from Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Centre, as well as from Opposition-ruled states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, who opposed the Presidential reference.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Modi said, agriculture sector has witnessed transformative reforms in the past 11 years. He said, the country is becoming a global hub in natural farming and its biodiversity is taking a new shape. He said, agricultural exports has doubled, and the government has taken steps to modernise the agriculture practices. He said, farmers received the benefits of 10 lakh crore rupees through Kisan Credit Cards.  

The agency said that operating closely with various Bishnoi gang associates, Anmol continued to run terror syndicates and execute terrorist acts from the US for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, using its operatives on the ground. 

 Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan has urged media houses to become partners in nation-building through their constructive role as the fourth pillar of the democratic system. He emphasised the urgency to check the spread of fake news and misinformation in the digital era. Addressing the inaugural event of Ramoji Excellence Awards-2025 at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, the Vice-President lauded the efforts of late media industrialist Ramoji Rao in value-based journalism.

He hailed Ramoji Group for instituting the Excellence Awards in his memory. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy termed the Ramoji Film City as the fourth wonder of Hyderabad and said that the State government will extend all support to sustain the legacy of the “Ramoji” brand in various sectors, mainly journalism and the promotion of the state-of-the-art Ramoji Film City, which has emerged as the hub of film-making in the world.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu said Ramoji Rao, as a media house owner, championed the people’s issues. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, and former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana called Ramoji Rao a true inspiration for generations to come and recalled his services in the field of journalism.

The award recipients include Pallabi Ghosh in the Women Achievers category, Sathupati Prasanna Sree in Arts and Culture, Akash Tandon in Service to Humanity, Jaideep Hardikar in Journalism, Madhavi Latha in Science and Technology, Srikanth Bolla in Youth Icon, and Amla Ruia in the Rural Development category. Union Ministers Kishan Reddy, K Ram Mohan Naidu and Ministers of state Bandi Sanjay and others were also present on the occasion.

The BJP has emerged as the largest party with 89 seats in recently held assembly elections, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Chirag Paswan, has 19 MLAs. Hindustani Awam Morcha has won 5 seats, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha has secured 4 seats.

The JDU Legislature Party will meet today in Patna to elect its leader. JD(U)’s 85 newly elected MLAs are likely to unanimously elect Nitish Kumar as the legislative leader of the party. The BJP is also likely to elect its legislative leader, following this NDA meeting will be held. The NDA legislature party meeting is also expected to take place today.

Only after the NDA legislature party elects its leader will it stake a claim for forming the new government. Before this, the final meeting of the current government’s cabinet will be held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In this meeting, a recommendation will be made to dissolve the existing cabinet to pave the way for the formation of the new government. After that, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will submit his resignation to the Governor.

Meanwhile, preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government have also started. The ceremony will be held at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan, where Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will administer the oath to the new Chief Minister and other cabinet members. The swearing-in is expected to take place on 20th November. Meanwhile, Patna District Administration has closed Gandhi Maidan to the general public from today until 20th November.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan called upon media organisations to be part of nation-building to make the country Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing a gathering at the presentation ceremony of the first Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 in Hyderabad on Sunday, he said the media must maintain true objectivity in the era of misinformation and dominance of social media. The ceremony coincided with Birth anniversary of the illustrious founder of Ramoji Group of Industries. Stating that great institutions are built not on investments but values, integrity, excellence and dedication, he said continuing the values that Ramoji Rao followed during his lifetime, is the right tribute to him. 

Later the Vice President presented Ramoji Excellence awards in seven sectors like Rural development and science and technology. 

Earlier, the speakers recalled the services rendered by Ramoji Rao to the fields of Telugu language, journalism and media among others.  

Earlier, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma hosted a ceremonial felicitation followed by a special High Tea in honour of the Vice President at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad. Besides Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Union Coal Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and several state ministers attended the event. 

 The sites were originally scheduled for inauguration on 27 September, but the plan was delayed due to administrative and logistical hurdles. Speaking to reporters, C.S. Rao, Sikkim’s Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, confirmed that preparations are now in their final phase. By opening these previously restricted regions, the Sikkim government aims to promote adventure and heritage tourism. 

The Sikkim government is preparing to open Cho La and Doklam under the Battlefield tourism initiative of the Defence ministry. After 8 years of a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops, Doklam will be opened for tourists. This place is located at nearly 14 thousand feet and nearly 70 km away from the capital, Gangtok city.

On the other hand, Cho La is a must-visit for history buffs, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers for its captivating landscapes and rich heritage. Cho La is primarily remembered for the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 1967. The Sikkim government and the army are developing these places to welcome tourists by next month. However, the government will only allow a limited number of vehicles and bikes daily, with specific dos and don’ts instructions while visiting both places.