Top news of the day: Govt confirms extra sittings to debate amendments to Women’s Reservation Act, 2023; Iran vows ‘crushing’ attacks on U.S. and Israel after Trump’s threats, and more

Government confirms extra sittings to debate amendments to Women’s Reservation Act 2023 

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (April 2, 2026) confirmed that the Budget Session of Parliament will not be adjourned sine die as originally scheduled but will instead go into recess and reconvene “very soon” for a “specific period” to take up amendments to the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, popularly known as the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023.

AAP writes to Rajya Sabha Secretariat to remove Raghav Chadha as deputy leader

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday (April 2, 2026) submitted a letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to appoint MP Ashok Mittal as Deputy Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, replacing MP Raghav Chadha, according to party sources.

Himanta ‘most corrupt CM’ in India; Modi, Shah, Sarma running ‘land ATM’ in Assam: Rahul Gandhi

Calling Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma the “most corrupt CM” in India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (April 2, 2026) alleged that Mr. Sarma, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is running a “land ATM” in the State to give land to big corporates by snatching it from the public.

CAG flags ₹3.69 lakh crore cess transfer shortfall; RJD MP demands accountability in Rajya Sabha

A Rajya Sabha member from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Thursday (April 2, 2026) flagged a significant shortfall in the central government’s transfer of cess collections to designated funds, citing a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that revealed lapses spanning five decades.

Holding SIR judicial officers hostage in Bengal a ‘calculated attempt’ to disrupt elections: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday (April 2, 2026) found the gheraoing of seven judicial officers involved in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls (SIR) and their being held hostage for over nine hours in West Bengal’s Malda district by a mob a “calculated attempt” to derail the massive exercise on time.

Chhattisgarh High Court convicts Amit Jogi in 2003 NCP leader murder case

The Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday (April 2, 2026) convicted Amit Jogi – the son of former Chief Minister, the late Ajit Jogi – in a 2003 murder case, giving him three weeks to surrender.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s address on Iran-Israel war: Key quotes

U.S. President Donald Trump, on Thursday (April 2, 2026), addressed the nation on the Iran-Israel war, the U.S. strikes on Tehran, and the fluctuating global oil prices.

Iran-Israel war LIVE updates

Israel’s military said air defences responded to waves of Iranian missile fire on early Thursday (April 2, 2026), including at least two attacks after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an address to the American public about the war. 

Assembly Election LIVE updates

Parties continue to campaign and file nominations in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal after the official notification of the Assembly elections by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).

Parliament Budget Session LIVE updates

The Lok Sabha is scheduled to take up the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, on Thursday (April 2, 2026), after it was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

India’s defence exports hit record ₹38,424 crore in FY 25-26

India’s annual defence exports touched an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking an over 62% growth over the previous fiscal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday (April 2, 2026).

Need to continuously update public services to achieve goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 2, 2026) stressed the need for continuously updating the civil services to meet the changing times and achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

West Asia crisis impact: Manufacturing PMI drops sharply to near 4-year low of 53.9 in March 2026

Manufacturing sector activity slowed to its lowest level in nearly four years in March 2026, dragged down by the impact of the war in West Asia on costs, demand, and new order levels, according to a survey of private sector companies.

Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily in last 5 years, most in Gulf nations: govt data

Disturbing statistics about the conditions of Indian workers abroad reveal that over 20 individuals have died on foreign soil each day over the past five years, with most fatalities occurring in Gulf nations.

Iran vows ‘crushing’ attacks on U.S. and Israel after Trump’s threats

Iran on Thursday (April 2, 2026) threatened “crushing” attacks on the U.S. and Israel, firing missiles at Tel Aviv after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to bomb the Islamic republic “back to the Stone Ages”.