Parliament highlights: Both houses adjourned till 11 am Thursday

Environment Minister Bupender Yadav on Wednesday tabled the Wild Life (Protection) Bill in the Rajya Sabha that seeks to include a dedicated framework to regulate or ban international trade of endangered species as well as permit certain traditional activities of communities living around forest areas, reported PTI.

A bill which seeks to formulate a law to deal with piracy in the international waters was taken up by Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The purpose of the Anti Maritime Piracy Bill is to enact a domestic anti-maritime piracy legislation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reported PTI.

This is a very sensitive case. Their interests are foremost in our minds. Ambassadors, and senior officials are in constant touch with Qatar's govt. We assure, they're our priority: EAM S Jaishankar on Ex-Navy officers in Qatar, reported ANI.

We have given support to the entirety of Sri Lanka which also includes the Tamil community, Sinhalese community & people from all other communities. We haven't taken a communal approach in giving support to a neighbour in a serious economic situation: EAM S Jaishankar, reported ANI.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. This reflected India's long-standing relationship with Qatar which is home to 8.5 lakh India nationals: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha, reported ANI.

President Murmu's first overseas visit was to The United Kingdom to attend funeral of Late Queen Elizabeth II. VP represented India at ASEAN Summit in Cambodia which elevated the India-ASEAN relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership: EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha, reported ANI.

Former Member of Parliament from Karnataka, and senior Congress leader VS Ugrappa, on Wednesday, defended his statement in which he called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Bhasmasur", reported PTI.

Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha said, "My special thanks to the PM for his concern for the marginalised. It is a grace for the nation that our President belongs to tribal community. It is a great honour for the tribal community. A son of a farmer is now the Vice President."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a warm welcome to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in Rajya Sabha who was officiated as the chairman of the upper house on Wednesday with the start of the winter session in parliament. Referring to the Vice President’s three-decades long career in courts, PM Modi said: “I can confidently tell you... you would not miss the court here”. As a wave of laughter followed among members of the upper house, he added: “In Rajya Sabha, there are many members here who you have met in Supreme Court.” Read more

Lok Sabha proceedings were on Wednesday adjourned till 12 noon after paying glowing tributes to sitting MP and Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and eight former members who died in recent months.

As soon as the House met at 11 am on the first day of the winter session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla condoled the death of Yadav and the former MPs, and said their contributions to society would be remembered forever.

PM Modi said, “Our respected President Droupadi Murmu Ji hails from a tribal community. Before her, our former President Ramnath Kovind belongs to the marginalised sections of society and now, our Vice President is a Kisan Putra. Our VP also has great knowledge of legal matters.”

PM Modi in his address said, "I congratulate Chairman on behalf of this House as well as the nation. You've reached this stage while going ahead in life amid struggles, it's an inspiration for several people in the country. You are gracing this august post in the House."

PM Modi said, “This G20 Summit isn't just a diplomatic event, it's an opportunity to display India's capability before the world. Such a large country, mother of democracy, such diversity, such capability-it's an opportunity for world to know India &for India to show its capability to world.”

PM Modi in his address said, “It's the first day of Winter Session. This is important because we met before 15th August. 75 years of Independence completed on 15th Aug and we are going ahead in Azadi ka Amrit Kaal. We are meeting at a time when India has received the opportunity to preside over the G20.”

Ahead of winter session of parliament PM Modi said, “The manner in which India has made a space in global community, the manner in which expectations with India have risen & the manner in which India is increasing its participation on global platform, at a time like this, India receiving the G20 Presidency is a huge opportunity.”

PM Modi says this is a crucial session for the parliament as the winter session begins. 

Opposition leaders' meeting underway in Parliament in Chamber of Opposition. Leader Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the strategy for the Winter Session. TMC is also participating in the meeting.

The winter session will start with 15 obituaries of deceased lawmakers listed in both houses. Lok Sabha will adjourn for an hour post-reading of the obituary today. Opposition MPs, led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have requested Speaker to adjourn the House for half the day as a mark of respect to veteran politician and sitting MP Mulayam Singh Yadav who passed away this year.

Besides Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Obituary list includes the names of one sitting Loksabha member, eight former Lok Sabha members, and six Rajya Sabha members.