THE HEADLINES:

• Both Houses of the Parliament witness disruptions following  protests by Opposition against the alleged misuse of Central probe agencies.

• Polling to elect the new Vice President will be held tomorrow.

• Home Minister Amit Shah, launches Doordarshan's serial 'Swaraj - Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram ki Samagra Gatha' in New Delhi; Urges the youth to take pride in country's ancient culture and history.

• RBI increases repo rate by 0.5 per cent to 5.4 per cent;  Repo Rate is now back to pre-pandemic level highest since August 2019, says Governor Shaktikanta Das.

• Railways recruited over three lakh 50 thousand people during the last eight years, says Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha.

• Online registration for Army Agniveer Recruitment Rally commences from today in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets the visiting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Tokyo; Urges Beijing to call off its military exercises immediately.

• Bank of England warns country will fall into recession as it raised interest rates by the most in 27 years.

• And, India to take on Bangladesh in final of SAFF Under-20 Football Championship in Bhubaneshwar this evening.

• In Commonwealth Games , India's wrestlers to kick off campaign; All eyes on Hockey, Athletics, Badminton and Table Tennis.

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Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu today said, the Members of Parliament cannot avoid summons of law enforcement agencies in criminal cases when the Parliament session is on or otherwise. When the House met after first adjournment at 11.30 A.M, Mr. Naidu clarified that this is an incorrect notion that MPs are exempted from detainment, arrest and questioning while the house is in session. The remarks came in the backdrop of Congress members' arguments yesterday that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate despite the Parliament session is underway.

Citing different rulings of the Supreme Court as well as the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Naidu said, MPs are on the same footing as a common man and the privilege endowed by the house does not excuse them from responding to criminal allegations. He said, as a law-abiding citizen, it is a duty of MPs to respect law and legal procedure.

Earlier, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.30 A. M. amid protest by Opposition parties. When the house met in the morning, Congress members urged the Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu to allow the Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak. The Chairman denied it saying that he will allow Mr. Kharge after laying the papers. But, Congress members kept pressing their demand. Amid noisy scenes, the House was adjourned till 11.30 A.M.

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Lok Sabha was adjourned today till 12 noon, amidst protests by Opposition against the alleged misuse of Central agencies against Opposition leaders. As soon as the house met for the day, Opposition members including from the Congress and DMK trooped into the well of the House raising slogans against the government. Some of the protesting members were seen in black attires. Speaker Om Birla’s appeal to allow the house to function went in vain. As the uproar continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 12 noon.

Earlier, the house observed a minute’s silence in memory of Bhim Prasad Dahal, a former member who passed away recently and in the memory of the victims of the dropping of atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

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The Union Government today said around one crore 92 lakh cases were heard by the District Courts and High Courts till April this year using video conferencing since COVID lockdown started. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju said, District Courts heard nearly one crore 29 lakh cases while the High Courts heard over 63 lakh cases during this period through virtual mode. He said, the Supreme Court held over two lakh 61 thousand hearings through video conferencing till 13th of June this year since the beginning of lockdown period.

The Law Minister said, video conferencing emerged as the mainstay of the courts during the COVID lockdown period as physical hearings and normal court proceedings in the congregation mode were not possible. To bring about uniformity and standardization in the conduct of video conferencing, an overarching order was passed by the Supreme Court in April 2020 which gave legal sanctity and validity to the court hearings done through video conferencing.

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The Union Government has been encouraging use of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and complex fertilizers along with other phosphatic and potash fertilizers by providing subsidy under Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy. This information was given by Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. He said, there is substantial increase in subsidy on these fertilizers since 2019 to make these fertilizers available at affordable prices to the farmers. Dr. Mandaviya said, states have been asked to promote SSP and complex fertilizers by undertaking awareness activities at field level in a campaign mode.

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The Railways has recruited over three lakh 50 thousand people during the last eight years. While replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today said, his Ministry is in process to provide around one lakh 40 thousand job opportunities. He said, these recruitments will be done as part of the mission mode recruitment drive to fill 10 lakh posts in the various Ministries and Departments as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party today accused that the nationwide protests held by the Congress on price hike and inflation are meant to intimidate the Central probe agencies. Briefing media in New Delhi, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that the discussion of on inflation and unemployment is just an excuse.

Addressing media earlier this morning, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that India has high unemployment today and inflation is continuously increasing. He claimed that the entire job creation system is in a shambles and small and medium businesses have been wiped out.

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Congress President Sonia Gandhi today led the protest by party MPs on the issue of inflation and unemployment in the Parliament Complex. Congress MPs including Rahul Gandhi marched towards Rashtrapati Bhawan raising slogans against the price rise and GST hike on essential commodities.

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The polling to elect the new Vice President will be held tomorrow. The polling will take place at the Parliament House between 10 a. m. and 5 p. m. Mr Jagdeep Dhankar is the NDA candidate, while Ms Margaret Alva is the Opposition candidate for the Vice Presidential Election. A Report from our Correspondent --

The Vice President is elected by the members of the Electoral College consisting of the members of both houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The total number of electors are 788 Members of Parliament. It includes 543 elected Members of the Lok Sabha and 233 elected Members of the Rajya Sabha as well as 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha. The counting will take place at the Parliament House after the voting tomorrow. The term of Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu ending on 10th of this month. ANUPAM MISHRA, AIR NEWS, DELHI. 

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Home Minister Amit Shah today launched Doordarshan's mega historical Hindi serial - 'Swaraj - Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram Ki Samagra Gatha' in New Delhi.

This 75-episode series will present the glorious history of India's freedom struggle and lesser known tales about Indian history.

Speaking on the occasion, the Home Minister said the endeavour of this Swaraj series should be to make Indians feel proud about their culture, values and ancient texts. He urged the youth to take pride in the country's ancient culture and history.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that through this series, youth can learn about the sacrifices of freedom fighters during the freedom struggle.

He added that the lesser known stories of freedom fighters will evoke a sense of patriotism in the youth and make every Indian proud of their glorious past. He also said that during this 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', an emergence of New India is being witnessed and the entire world is acknowledging the strength of the Indian flag.

Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan was present on the occasion along with other dignitaries.

The series will be broadcast in nine Indian languages along with English from 14th of August from 9 P. M. to 10 P.M. This serial will also be broadcast on All India Radio.

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The Reserve Bank of India today increased the Repo Rate by 50 basis points to 5.40 per cent. RBI Governor Shaktikant Das announced the bi-monthly Monetary Policy today. He said the Monetary Policy Committee which held a three-day Meeting from Wednesday unanimously decided to increase the Repo Rate.

The RBI Governor said the Repo Rate is now back to the prepandemic level the highest since August 2019.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, the online registration for Army Agniveer Recruitment Rally commences from today and will close on September 3rd, 2022. The recruitment rally will be conducted at Zorawar Stadium at Sunjwan Military Station, Jammu from October 7 to October 20 for the candidates from Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. The rally will be conducted for recruitment into the Indian Army as an Agniveer under Agnipath Scheme.

The candidates have to apply online through the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in only. 

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Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik.

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The Indian Space Research Organization will send a small satellite launch vehicle on Sunday from Sriharikota. It is a three-stage vehicle with all solid propulsion stage. The mission is to launch Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-02 and a co-passenger satellite, 'Azaadi SAT', into low earth orbit. The satellite will be launched from Sriharikota at around 9.18 a. m.

The 'Azaadi Satellite' is designed by 750 girl students of the government schools in rural areas from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Space Kidz India Founder Dr. Srimathy Kesan said that it was an incredible opportunity for the girls to be a part of the programme.

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In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel today launched a 100 per cent state funded scheme for promoting the use of drones in the agricultural sector. Launching the scheme from a village in Gandhinagar today, the Chief Minister said, the use of drone in spraying the nano urea will cut down the agricultural cost substantially which will increase the income of the farmers. The provision of 35 crore rupees has been made for the scheme in the current financial year.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is going on smoothly from both the routes of Baltal and Pahalgam in Kashmir valley. So far, more than three lakh Yatris have taken Darshan at the holy cave. Meanwhile, amid tight security a fresh batch of 174 pilgrims left from the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu this morning towards Kashmir valley. However, due to the closure of Jammu- Srinagar National Highway, the Yatris have been halted at Yatri Niwas Chanderkote in Ramban District.

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The News Services Division of All India Radio will bring you a special programme entitled "Jammu and Kashmir - Ek Nayi Suvah; Naya Daur, Nayi Umang, Nayi Ummede" in the programme 'Spotlight' tonight. 

This can be heard on FM Gold Channel and additional frequencies from 09.15 p.m. onwards. This will also be available on our website NEWS ON AIR DOT GOV DOT IN and on our YouTube Channel NEWS ON AIR OFFICIAL

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In the United Kingdom, the Bank of England has warned the country will fall into recession as it raised interest rates by the most in 27 years. Interest rates rose to 1.75 per cent as the Bank battles to stem soaring prices, with inflation now set to hit over 13 per cent.

According to media reports, the economy is forecast to shrink in the last three months of this year and keep shrinking until the end of 2023. The main reason for high inflation and low growth is soaring energy bills, driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly condemned missile launches by China as Chinese missiles for the first time landed in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone during live-fire military exercises conducted by China around Taiwan following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei. Prime Minister Kishida also met the visiting US House Speaker and said that his government had urged Beijing to call off its military exercises immediately.

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And now, let's listen to our special programme, 'Azadi ka Safar' highlighting the importance of the day during the freedom struggle.

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Favourites India will take on Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF under-20 football Championship at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar today. The summit clash will start at 7 this evening. Bangladesh and India finished first and second respectively after their round robin league engagements.

Both teams will have one player each suspended, with Bangladesh missing Shahidul Islam and India entering the game without Parthib Gogoi. 

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On Day 8 of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, all eyes will be on the Indian wrestlers with focus on Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia today while the women's hockey team will be up against Australia in the semi-final round.

A 12-member Indian wrestling team, including Olympic medallists Ravi Kumar Dahiya, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, will start their campaign in their respective weight categories from 3 p.m. onwards. Wrestling events at Birmingham will be held across two days at the Coventry Stadium and Arena. Other prominent wrestlers include Deepak Punia, Mohit Grewal, Anshu Malik and Divya Kakran.

In Lawn Bowls Women's Pair, India wil take on England in the Quarter-Finals at 1 p. m. Men’s Fours Quarter-finals between India and Canada can be seen at 4.30 p. m. 

India’s para-table tennis stars will be looking to seal medals as they are in the semi-final action from 2 p. m. 

The quarter finals round of Table Tennis will begin at 2 p. m. onwards. Sathiyan Gnansekaran, Achantha Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, Akula, Reeth Tennison, K. Srikanth and Sanil Shetty will be seen in action.

In Athletics, 22-year-old Jyoti Yarraji will be in action in the women’s 100m hurdles at 2.55 p. m.  So far, India have won 20 medals, which include six Gold, seven Silver and seven Bronze.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

• Both Houses of the Parliament witness disruptions following  protests by Opposition against the alleged misuse of Central probe agencies.

• Polling to elect the new Vice President will be held tomorrow.

• Home Minister Amit Shah, launches Doordarshan's serial 'Swaraj - Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram ki Samagra Gatha' in New Delhi; Urges the youth to take pride in country's ancient culture and history.

• RBI increases repo rate by 0.5 per cent to 5.4 per cent;  Repo Rate is now back to pre-pandemic level highest since August 2019, says Governor Shaktikanta Das.

• Railways recruited over three lakh 50 thousand people during the last eight years, says Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha.

• Online registration for Army Agniveer Recruitment Rally commences from today in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets the visiting US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Tokyo; Urges Beijing to call off its military exercises immediately.

• Bank of England warns country will fall into recession as it raised interest rates by the most in 27 years.

• And, India to take on Bangladesh in final of SAFF Under-20 Football Championship in Bhubaneshwar this evening.

• In Commonwealth Games , India's wrestlers to kick off campaign; All eyes on Hockey, Athletics, Badminton and Table Tennis.

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