Top News: Congress flags Lok Sabha delay, cricketers urge Pakistan on Imran Khan

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday questioned the 10-day delay in proroguing the Lok Sabha after it was adjourned sine die on August 13. In a post on social media platform X, Mr. Ramesh noted that under normal parliamentary practice, the gap between adjournment and prorogation is generally two to four days, though there have been instances where both took place on the same day. He asked whether the “abnormal delay” indicated the government's efforts to gather the necessary numbers to clear the Bill on delimitation.

A group of 21 former international cricket captains, including former Australia captain Greg Chappell, has appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to ensure “humane treatment and proper medical care” for Imran Khan. Mr. Khan, a former Pakistan Prime Minister and former captain of the national cricket team, has been facing legal difficulties and the appeal urges the government to provide adequate care.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to visit Beijing on Monday and Tuesday for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the boundary question. The visit comes ahead of a possible visit to India by Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, and before India's hosting of the BRICS Summit on September 12. Mr. Doval will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on broader bilateral ties.

Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir will visit Tehran on August 24, according to Iran's foreign ministry. The visit aims to continue efforts to bring peace and security to the region. Pakistan has been acting as a mediator in negotiations between Iran and the U.S. to end the war that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.

Bangladesh has said there is “no rush” for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Dhaka would not compromise its national interests despite wanting a positive relationship with New Delhi. He added that the visit would take place at an appropriate time after sufficient progress in bilateral discussions.

Delhi Police on Sunday said no permission has been granted for any protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar over reservation reforms. The police warned people against assembling based on "misleading" social media posts. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force in New Delhi district.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea seeking a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's public service examinations. The petition will be taken up by the court on August 24.