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Both Houses of the Federal Parliament are holding meetings today to  discuss the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill.

The meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled for 11 am while the meeting of the National Assembly will start at 11:15 am.

General Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat Padma Prasad Pandeya informed that both Parliaments are scheduled to dwell on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill (except tax) for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel had presented the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill on Sunday.

The policies and programs of the government have been endorsed by the Parliament. 

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly asserted that the country will not be intimidated by Pakistan's nuclear weapons. In a resolute address to the nation on Monday, he emphasized that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, describing the current pause in hostilities as only a temporary halt, according to The Hindu.

Speaking on May 12 in his first public statement since the commencement of the operation on May 7, Modi warned that India is closely monitoring Pakistan’s actions and will assess developments in the coming days before considering further military or strategic responses.

“We will not succumb to nuclear blackmail,” Modi declared, reinforcing India’s commitment to national security and regional stability, The Hindu reported.

Modi's words came amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides exchanging harsh rhetoric following recent escalation.

Operation Sindoor is not just a name but it's a reflection of the feelings of millions of people of the country. Operation ‘Sindoor’ is our unwavering commitment to justice, PM Modi said.

Late night of 6th May and in the early morning of 7th May, the whole world saw this pledge turn into reality, he said.  He further said:  “Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centers with precision. The terrorists had never imagined that India could take such a big decision. But when the country is united, endowed with the spirit of Nation First and national interest is paramount, then strong decisions are taken and results are achieved.”

“First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.”

“Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”

“Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday, following Labor's overwhelming election victory, which gave the party its highest majority since Australia's formation in 1901.

Labor secured at least 92 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, but the Liberal Party suffered significant losses. Former Liberal leader Peter Dutton lost his seat, and Sussan Ley was elected as the party's first female leader, as reported by Reuters.

Key cabinet roles remain unchanged, with Michelle Rowland appointed Attorney-General, Murray Watt as Environment Minister, and Tanya Plibersek as Social Services Minister.

Reuters claimed Albanese will travel to Indonesia and later to Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration, where he will also meet EU leaders to discuss trade.

President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he may attend the next peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which is scheduled to take place in Turkey on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was hopeful about the outcome of the meeting. “I think you may have a good result out of the Thursday meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine,” he stated, according to Reuters.

The president is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar later this week. However, he indicated that he might change his travel arrangements. "I thought about flying over. I don't know where I'll be on Thursday. "I have so many meetings, but I was thinking about flying over there," Trump stated.