The Winter Session of Parliament, set to take place from December 1 to 19, 2025, is poised to engage lawmakers in extensive discussions on critical issues surrounding digital regulation, trade challenges, labour reforms, and energy policy. Sources familiar with the government’s agenda indicate that technology policy, data governance, e-commerce, and global trade developments will take center stage alongside essential economic reforms.
As part of this agenda, lawmakers are expected to scrutinize the government’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, particularly concerning concerns around deepfakes, misinformation, and proposed amendments to the IT Rules regarding synthetically generated content. Questions surrounding the recently announced India AI Mission and newly released AI governance guidelines are anticipated, especially in light of findings from the DPIIT committee, which is exploring AI and copyright intersections, including potential exemptions for text and data mining.
With the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules now in effect, Members of Parliament (MPs) are likely to seek clarification on the timeline for establishing Significant Data Fiduciaries, the restrictions imposed on cross-border data transfers, and the Ministry’s suggestions regarding potentially shortened compliance deadlines for large platforms.
In the realm of content standards and broadcasting regulation, the government’s recent submissions to the Supreme Court regarding the regulation of obscene online content may prompt inquiries in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding enforcement gaps across social media, digital news, and OTT platforms. Additionally, the long-awaited Broadcasting Services Bill is expected to resurface during this session.
The Commerce Ministry’s proposal to revise foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for inventory-based e-commerce targeted at exports is also likely to be a focal point. This discussion may encompass compliance with dark patterns guidelines and “country of origin” disclosures. Furthermore, questions about the progress of the Digital Competition Bill are anticipated, especially after indications that the government is reviewing qualitative and quantitative thresholds before advancing the bill.
Cybersecurity and virtual digital assets are expected to be another area of focus, with MPs seeking updates on the rise in cybercrime incidents and the national cybersecurity policy’s status. The Madras High Court’s recent classification of crypto assets as “property” may also raise questions regarding the broader regulatory framework, which is expected to cover custody norms, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering oversight.
In light of recent developments in U.S. trade relations, particularly the 50% tariffs imposed on select Indian exports, Parliament is anticipated to press the Commerce Ministry for insights into sector-specific disruptions and the government’s strategy to mitigate impacts, alongside ongoing multi-country Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The power ministry may also face questions regarding India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and the implementation of newly established sectoral emission-intensity targets, with discussions expected to center on competitiveness concerns following the EU’s stance on carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) exemptions.
The detailed legislative agenda includes several key bills slated for introduction. Among them is the Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025, which aims to streamline compliance by consolidating multiple securities laws into a single framework. The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is set to increase the FDI limit in insurance from 74% to 100%, fostering sector expansion. The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025, seeks to establish a new regulatory structure by merging UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, while the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, aims to facilitate private participation in the civil nuclear sector, aligning with plans to expand nuclear capacity to approximately 22 gigawatts by 2032.
Other significant bills include the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025, designed to expedite land acquisition processes, and the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which implements recommendations from the Company Law Committee. The session will also address the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at strengthening institutional arbitration and limiting judicial interference. Furthermore, the government plans to table the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, which seeks to eliminate around 120 obsolete laws.
Sector-specific issues are expected to surface, particularly in telecom, where MPs may inquire about the draft national telecom policy, delays in 5G rollout, Vodafone-Idea’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, and the status of the Mobile Number Verification platform. In electronics manufacturing, legislators may request updates on the electronic components manufacturing scheme and semiconductor fabs, as well as strategies to reduce import dependence on China.
With the implementation of labour codes underway, discussions may focus on state readiness and minimum wage settings, as well as protections for gig workers under the Code on Social Security. Underperforming Production-Linked Incentive schemes are likely to come under scrutiny, alongside demands for updates on new schemes proposed for various industries, including chemicals, leather, apparel, toys, jewellery, and handicrafts.
Finally, rising student suicides and the challenges posed by unregulated coaching centres, particularly in preparation for NEET and IIT-JEE, are expected to warrant attention, along with debates surrounding the centralization of authority in the Higher Education Commission of India Bill. As the session approaches, the Energy Committee is set to review renewable energy self-reliance and PLI schemes for solar modules, while the External Affairs Committee will assess India–China relations, and the Commerce Committee will focus on India–US trade relations amid tariff escalations.
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