In a momentous development for gender equality and women’s empowerment in India, the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, unanimously passed The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023. This groundbreaking legislation, popularly referred to as the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill, received resounding support from members of all political parties during a day-long debate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the historic achievement, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on women’s participation in the country’s political process. In a tweet, he thanked MPs from across party lines for their overwhelming support, stating that this legislation would further boost women’s empowerment.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, included in The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, paves the way for a transformative change in Indian politics. The most remarkable aspect of the bill is its provision for a 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. This reservation will not only empower women but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal played a pivotal role in explaining the nuances of the bill to the Lok Sabha members. His efforts were instrumental in gaining consensus, and after the thorough deliberation, the bill was approved. During the division, an astounding 454 members supported the legislation, with only two voting against it. Opposition-proposed amendments were rejected, reaffirming the strong backing for the bill’s various clauses. Speaker Om Birla officially announced the successful passage of the historic legislation.

The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill carries significant weight, especially considering that it is the first piece of legislation to be passed in the Lok Sabha since its relocation to the new Parliament building. The bill was passed by a majority of the total membership of the House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of House members present and voting. The division was conducted meticulously through the distribution of slips, ensuring a transparent and democratic process.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal dismissed criticism from the Opposition regarding implementation delays, emphasizing that the bill guarantees transparency. The day-long debate, led by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, showcased the commitment of Parliament to women’s rights and gender equality.

The journey for this historic bill does not end with its passage in the Lok Sabha. It is now set to be debated in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, on the following day. This represents a crucial step towards its eventual implementation.

Notably, the Rajya Sabha had previously passed the Women’s Reservation Bill during the Congress-led UPA government in 2010. However, it remained unaddressed in the Lok Sabha, ultimately resulting in the bill’s stagnation and eventual demise.

The introduction of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 by the government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolute commitment to women’s empowerment, underscores the significance of this legislation. As it progresses through the legislative process, India moves one step closer to achieving a more equitable and inclusive political landscape, where the voices and contributions of women are recognized and valued. The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill stands as a testament to India’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in the 21st century.

Denmark's parliament has passed a law banning the burning of the Holy Quran.

The law was passed by the country's parliament on Thursday (December 7) local time amid outrage from Muslim countries.

Qatar-based media Al Jazeera reported that after the law is passed, it will be considered a crime if someone burns the Holy Quran. And the offender must serve a maximum sentence of two years. In addition, a fine must be paid.

Last January, the Holy Quran was burned in front of a mosque in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, and in front of the Turkish embassy. A person named Rasmus Paludan was associated with this incident. He is the leader of Hard Line, a hard-right political party in Denmark.

Muslim countries expressed great anger in that incident. In such a context, the country decided to stop burning the Holy Quran.

The law was voted on in Denmark's parliament before it was passed. In this vote of 179 MPs, 94 MPs voted in favor of the law, while 77 voted against it.

In an immediate reaction after the law was passed, former minister Inger Stoiberg said the law would take away freedom of expression. But Danish Prime Minister Mite Frederiksen said the law would not criminalize criticism of religion.

The US Senate has blocked a billion-dollar security assistance bill for Ukraine and Israel.

Republican senators on Wednesday (Dec. 6) blocked the bill to push for tougher measures to stop migrants from crossing the border with Mexico. British news agency Reuters reported this information.

President Joe Biden's proposed 110.5 billion funding bill was 49 in favor, 51 against, according to the report. This means the bill did not get the support of 60 required for debate in the 100-member Senate.

Joe Biden's reasoning for approving the proposal for new funds for Ukraine and Israel was that not allocating this money would be a "gift" from the United States to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also, if Ukraine freezes in the current winter season, the people there will be in great trouble due to lack of money. Of the proposed money, Biden wanted 61 billion for aid to Ukraine. The rest of the money goes to Israel and Palestinian aid to Gaza.

But independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who usually votes for Democrats, made an exception this time. He voted against the bill, expressing concern over Israel's inhumane military tactics against Palestinians.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voted no. So that he can bring the proposal to reconsider the bill again.

Republicans said the move was necessary to tighten immigration policies and controls at the southern border.

Two Israeli soldiers, including the son of wartime cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot, were killed in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Through this, Israel has lost 90 soldiers so far after the ground operation in Gaza.

On Thursday (December 7), the Qatar-based media Al Jazeera reported this information.

According to a statement from the Israeli military, reserve soldier Mir Izenkot was killed in a bomb explosion in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Another soldier was also killed in the southern Gaza Strip, it said. Two more soldiers were seriously injured in the encounter.

The army said 416 soldiers had been killed in Gaza since the conflict began on October 7.

Israel resumed its military offensive in the Gaza Strip on December 1, after a week-long humanitarian ceasefire with the Palestinian group Hamas ended.

At least 17,177 Palestinians have been killed and more than 46,000 injured in non-stop air and ground attacks on the Palestinian Gaza Strip since October 7.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Bairuta signed an agreement with the country's government to relocate undocumented migrants to Rwanda.

The British Home Secretary signed an agreement with Foreign Minister Vincent Bairuta on Tuesday (December 5).

This information was given in the report of the news agency Reuters.

It is to be noted that the discussion about sending immigrants to Rwanda started during the time of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Then the British Supreme Court objected to it, the court said, if Rwanda pushes the migrants who left Britain to another country - in that case, the matter will be in conflict with the principles and ideals of the United Kingdom.

Later, the current government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's, after providing assurance on this matter, the Supreme Court removed the objection, paving the way for an agreement with Rwanda.