Tag: Rajya Sabha

Politics

MP Tanavade Joins India–Ukraine Friendship Group

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sadanand Shet Tanavade has been appointed as a Member of the India–Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, marking a significant step in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy between the two nations. The initiative is aimed at fostering closer engagement between lawmakers of India and Ukraine, encouraging dialogue and cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

Parliamentary Friendship Groups serve as an important platform for legislators to directly interact with their international counterparts. Through these engagements, members exchange legislative experiences, discuss policy approaches, and build long-term relationships rooted in trust and cooperation. The India–Ukraine group is expected to play a vital role in enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, social policy, culture, and shared global challenges faced by democracies.

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the appointment, Tanavade thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for placing their trust in him and entrusting him with this responsibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Tanavade said he was honoured to be part of the initiative and looked forward to contributing towards strengthening ties between the two countries. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in building meaningful international relationships.

His appointment reflects India’s continued commitment to engaging with global partners through parliamentary channels, complementing diplomatic efforts at the governmental level. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, such initiatives are expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting collaboration, stability, and shared progress between nations.

Politics

C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn In as 15th Vice-President of India

Tanisha Cardozo

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was officially sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, September 12, 2025, in a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office in the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and several former Vice-Presidents such as Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hamid Ansari, and M. Venkaiah Naidu.

This ceremony marked the first public appearance of Mr. Dhankhar since his resignation in July due to health reasons. Accompanied by his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, he was seated in the front row alongside other prominent leaders. Notably, some attendees expressed concerns over seating arrangements, as Mr. Kharge was placed in the second row while other Opposition floor leaders were placed as far back as the fifth row.

After the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to congratulate Mr. Radhakrishnan, describing him as a “dedicated public servant” and wishing him a successful tenure in service to the nation.

Later in the day, Mr. Radhakrishnan met with floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament. While key parties such as the Trinamool Congress, Biju Janata Dal, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped the meeting due to short notice, Mr. Radhakrishnan expressed his intention to work inclusively with all parties. He highlighted his own experience as an Opposition leader in Tamil Nadu and underscored the importance of Opposition in a healthy parliamentary democracy. He also reflected on his political lineage, mentioning that his grandfather was aligned with the Left and his uncle with the Congress.

To mark the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi, at Sadaiv Atal to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and at Kisan Ghat to former Prime Minister Charan Singh. He also visited Prerna Sthal at Parliament House, where relocated statues from the old Parliament building have been preserved.

At Parliament House, he was received warmly by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministers of State Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, and Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody. In a symbolic gesture, he planted a sapling in the Parliament complex, signaling growth, renewal, and commitment to the future.

Mr. Radhakrishnan’s swearing-in marks a new chapter in the upper house of Parliament, and his inclusive tone in early interactions sets a hopeful tone for collaborative governance.

Politics

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Holds the Longest Tenure

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has set a historic benchmark by becoming the longest-serving Finance Minister of India. A seasoned economist and senior BJP leader, Sitharaman has held the position of Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister since 31 May 2019.

She has now presented eight Union Budgets — a record unmatched in recent Indian history, second only to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. In February 2024, she equaled Desai’s record of six budgets, and by 2025, she surpassed it by delivering her eighth budget. Her legacy also includes being the first person to present a Union Budget in the newly inaugurated Indian Parliament building, adding another historic milestone to her tenure.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s political journey is as remarkable as her policy work. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2016, representing Karnataka, and had earlier served as a member from Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2016. On 3 September 2017, she was appointed India’s Defence Minister — making her only the second woman to hold the position after Indira Gandhi, and the first full-time female Defence Minister of the country.

Born on 18 August 1959, Sitharaman has consistently balanced economic prudence with political responsibility. Her long and continuous service in key ministerial roles demonstrates her influence and leadership within the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Her unprecedented run as Finance Minister marks a turning point in India’s political and administrative history, particularly with regard to women’s leadership in top executive roles.

Entertainment

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Announce Pregnancy with Heartwarming Post

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Actor Parineeti Chopra and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha have delighted fans with the announcement of their pregnancy.

On Monday, the couple took to Instagram with a joint post to share the joyous news. The announcement featured an elegantly decorated cake placed on a silver platter over a soft beige backdrop, adorned with delicate white flowers. At the center of the cake were golden imprints of two tiny baby feet along with the inscription “1 + 1 = 3”, symbolizing their expanding family.

The post also included a tender video of Parineeti and Raghav strolling hand in hand through a serene park, their backs to the camera, as they walked side by side. Accompanying the visuals was their heartfelt caption: “Our little universe … on its way (evil eye and red heart emojis)… Blessed beyond measure.”

The announcement has sparked a wave of love and congratulations from fans, colleagues, and political figures alike. While Parineeti continues to enjoy her flourishing career in Bollywood, Raghav Chadha remains an active figure in Indian politics as a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party.

The news marks a beautiful new chapter in their lives, one that blends Bollywood charm with political prominence.

Sports

P.T. Usha Announces Engagement of Son Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal to KrishnaTrack Legend Shares Joyous Family Moment

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July 19, 2025 | India: In a delightful and heartfelt announcement, Indian track icon, Olympian, and Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, P.T. Usha, has shared that her beloved son, Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal, is now engaged to Krishna.

A beacon of discipline and excellence on the track, P.T. Usha expressed her joy and blessings for the young couple in a warm statement:
“May God bless them in abundance with happiness and love.”

Known globally as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” P.T. Usha has long been a role model to generations of athletes. Now, she celebrates a personal milestone — one filled with love, family, and the promise of a new beginning.

The engagement is being celebrated with joy by friends, well-wishers, and members of the sports fraternity. As a parliamentarian and President of the Indian Olympic Association, Usha continues to inspire, and this moment adds a special chapter to her legacy — not just as an athlete, but as a proud mother.

We extend our warmest wishes to Dr. Vignesh Ujjwal and Krishna as they begin this beautiful journey together.