Digest for 21 August, 2025
Parliament Considers Bills for Removal of Jailed PM, CMs, and Ministers
The Union government has introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha, including a constitutional amendment, that would mandate the removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or minister if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on criminal charges punishable by five or more years. The bills, introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah, were referred to a joint parliamentary committee for examination amidst fierce protests from opposition parties, who labelled the move an undemocratic attack on federalism.
India Deepens Russia Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure Over Oil Purchases
As the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, India is strengthening its economic ties with Moscow. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar encouraged Russian companies to engage more intensively with India, while Russia called US pressure "unjustified" and affirmed that energy cooperation would continue. Meanwhile, prominent Republican Nikki Haley urged the US administration to treat India as a "prized democratic partner" to counter China, not an adversary.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Ban Online Gaming with Real Money
The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which imposes a blanket ban on all online games involving monetary deposits, including fantasy sports and card games. Citing concerns over addiction, financial fraud, and money laundering, the legislation introduces severe penalties, with up to three years imprisonment and a ₹1 crore fine for operators. While banning money games, the bill also establishes an authority to regulate and promote e-sports and online social gaming.
India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-5 Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters of the nuclear-capable missile. With a reported range of over 5,000 km and equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Agni-5 is a cornerstone of India's strategic deterrence and second-strike capability, placing it in an elite group of nations with such technology.
GST Exemption Proposed for Health and Life Insurance Premiums
A Group of Ministers (GoM) has proposed exempting individual health and life insurance policies from the Goods and Services Tax. Currently, premiums attract an 18% GST rate. The proposal, aimed at making insurance more affordable and accessible to boost penetration across the country, will now be submitted to the GST Council for a final decision. The move responds to long-standing demands from the industry and consumers who see the high tax rate as a barrier to coverage.