Top news of the day: Congress flags delay in Lok Sabha prorogation after sine die; former cricket captains urge Pakistan to ensure ‘humane treatment’ for Imran Khan, and more

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Lok Sabha proceedings underway during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. File Photo: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab

Flagging the 10-day delay in proroguing the Lok Sabha after it was adjourned sine die on August 13, 2026 in accordance with the schedule of the monsoon session of Parliament, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh on Sunday (August 23, 2026) asked whether the “abnormal delay” was an indication of the government’s efforts to cobble together the necessary numbers to clear the Bill on delimitation.

Under normal parliamentary practice, “the time gap between the adjournment of the Lok Sabha sine die and its prorogation is generally two to four days”, Mr. Ramesh said in a post on social media platform X, although he acknowledged there have been instances when “adjournment and prorogation have taken place on the very same day”.

Former Australian captain Greg Chappell with the support of 20 other former international skippers appealed to the Pakistan Government led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to provide ‘humane treatment and proper medical care’ for Imran Khan , former Pakistan Prime Minister and former Pakistan cricket captain.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to visit Beijing on Monday (August 23, 2026) and Tuesday (August 24, 2026) for the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives (SRs) on the boundary question, and ahead of a possible visit to India next month by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mr. Doval’s visit and talks with Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also take stock of the broader bilateral relationship. That the visit is taking place a few weeks before India’s hosting of the BRICS Summit on September 12 is an indication that both sides are preparing for a first visit by Mr. Xi in seven years, which would also likely include bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on ​Monday (August 24, 2026) to continue efforts to bring peace and ‌security to the region, Iran’s Foreign Ministry ​spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday (August 23, 2026), ⁠according to a statement by the ministry.

Pakistan has taken on a mediator role in negotiations between Iran and the ‌U.S. aimed at ending the war which began with U.S.