Masks, MPs Separated By Poly-Carbon Sheets As Parliament Begins

An 18-day monsoon session of parliament started with unprecedented precautions against the coronavirus, including staggered sittings of both houses and social distancing between MPs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his traditional comments before the parliament session, delivered a strong message on the China dispute at the border. "We hope parliament and all members will unitedly send the message that the nation stands with our soldiers," PM Modi said. A record plunge in the economy, marked by the first contraction in four decades, Chinese aggression at the border and the Covid-19 crisis are likely to be discussed, besides the listed agenda of 18 bills. An all-party meeting was not held this time because of the coronavirus outbreak, the government said on Sunday. There will be four-hour sittings and parliament will function seven days a week. Only written questions and answers will be allowed, which has hugely upset the opposition.