Morning Digest | Rajya Sabha unanimously passes women’s reservation Bill; Issue of visas paused in Canada amid tussle, and more

The Hindu’s Morning Digest brings readers a select list of stories to start the day

Rajya Sabha unanimously passes women’s reservation Bill

The Rajya Sabha passed the women’s reservation Bill unanimously on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the unanimity will instil confidence among the public. The Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, or the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and its six clauses were passed with all 214 members present in the Upper House voting in favour of them. “A historic achievement,” said Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar after passage of the Bill. The members welcomed the announcement of the passage of the Bill by thumping on the desks.

Visa issue paused amid Canada tussle

Normal functioning of Indian missions in Canada has been affected because of “security threats” faced by Indian diplomats and they are therefore “temporarily unable” to issue visas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday. The suspension of visa facility in Indian missions in Canada will also be enforced for third-country applicants who may choose to apply for visas through Indian missions in Canada.

50 injured in Manipur as groups of women throng police stations demanding release of 5 miscreants

At least 50 women suffered minor injuries as Central security forces and the police tried to disperse crowds that had gathered at several locations in the valley districts of Manipur demanding the release of five armed miscreants who were arrested last week, the police said on Thursday. The miscreants were also wearing police uniforms when they were arrested.

In Lok Sabha, Treasury and Opposition benches claim credit for India’s space success