Chaos and uproar continue in India's Parliament as a record number of MPs have now been suspended from the house. The tally now stands at 141.

Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament

A total of 78 opposition MPs were suspended from both houses of parliament on Monday, December 18, taking the total of suspended MPs since December 15 to 92. While 33 MPs were suspended in the Lok Sabha, 45 were suspended in the Rajya Sabha. On December 14, a total of 14 MPs (13 in Lok Sabha and one in Rajya Sabha) were suspended

India: 78 MPs suspended from Indian parliament for unruly behaviour

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned to parliament during the ongoing monsoon session. Gandhi was welcomed by several opposition leaders. He was earlier disqualified as a member of parliament in march after the Gujarat court sentenced him to two years in jail.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reinstated as member of parliament, expected to speak

Georgina Beyer, a true trailblazer for the transgender community and the world's first openly transgender MP from New Zealand, died at the age of 65, as per an announcement by the family on Monday.&nbsp;

Family and friends shared the news of Beyer's passing in an emotional social media post “with the heaviest of hearts." Many New Zealand politicians paid their tributes to the former actor, radio host, sex worker and drag performer.&nbsp;

Late MP Georgina Beyer played a significant role in decriminalising prostitution in 2003 and making it legal for any citizens aged 18 or over to buy or sell sexual services. Beyer's efforts and her sheer will to put up a fight were truly revolutionary as they resulted in sex workers' getting protection for their employment.&nbsp;

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A friend Scotty Kennedy wrote, “Georgie was surrounded by her nearest and dearest 24/7 over the past week, she accepted what was happening, was cracking jokes and had a twinkle in her eye, right until the final moment."&nbsp;

“Farewell Georgie, your love, compassion and all that you have done for the Rainbow and many other communities will live on forever.” Though born in Wellington, the former actor moved to Australia as an adult.&nbsp;

“It’s less of a reflection on me but a wonderful reflection on them – rural conservative New Zealand. Who would have thought?” Beyeer told a local media outlet, NZ Herald, during an interview.&nbsp;

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She surprised political commentators by winning a 3,033-vote majority over former colleague Paul Henry, to become the world's first transgender Member of Parliament.&nbsp;

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"I am the first transsexual in New Zealand to be standing in this House of Parliament. This is a first not only in New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen but also in the world. This is a historic moment. We need to acknowledge that this country of ours leads the way in so many aspects," she said during her maiden speech in the parliament.&nbsp;

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Georgina Beyer, a true trailblazer for the transgender community and the world's first openly transgender MP from New Zealand, died at the age of 65, as per an announcement by the family on Monday.

Georgina Beyer, a true trailblazer for the transgender community and the world's first openly transgender MP from New Zealand, died at the age of 65, as per an announcement by the family on Monday. Family and friends shared the news of Beyer's passing in an emotional social media post “with the heaviest of hearts." Many New Zealand politicians paid their tributes to the former actor, radio host, sex worker and drag performer. Late MP Georgina Beyer played a significant role in decriminalising prostitution in 2003 and making it legal for any citizens aged 18 or over to buy or sell sexual services. Beyer's efforts and her sheer will to put up a fight were truly revolutionary as they resulted in sex workers' getting protection for their employment. Also Read | Indian airline Indigo in talks with Boeing for largest-ever jet order, Airbus to get a tough fight A friend Scotty Kennedy wrote, “Georgie was surrounded by her nearest and dearest 24/7 over the past week, she accepted what was happening, was cracking jokes and had a twinkle in her eye, right until the final moment." “Farewell Georgie, your love, compassion and all that you have done for the Rainbow and many other communities will live on forever.” Though born in Wellington, the former actor moved to Australia as an adult. “It’s less of a reflection on me but a wonderful reflection on them – rural conservative New Zealand. Who would have thought?” Beyeer told a local media outlet, NZ Herald, during an interview. Also Read | Another train derails in Ohio, but poses no risk to public health, says company She surprised political commentators by winning a 3,033-vote majority over former colleague Paul Henry, to become the world's first transgender Member of Parliament. Watch | Elite Israeli defence pilots protest judicial reforms by boycotting reserve duty, training "I am the first transsexual in New Zealand to be standing in this House of Parliament. This is a first not only in New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen but also in the world. This is a historic moment. We need to acknowledge that this country of ours leads the way in so many aspects," she said during her maiden speech in the parliament. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World’s first openly transgender MP, Georgina Beyer, dies in New Zealand at 65

Yamina Party’s Shirley Pinto becomes the first hearing-impaired Member of Parliament in Israel who was sworn into office using sign language. Pinto is a long-time activist for disability-related issues, particularly those dealing with the hearing-impaired, and serves as Yamina’s representative in the World Zionist Congress.

Shirley Pinto becomes first-ever hearing-impaired MP in Israel Parliament

Harsimrat Badal walked out of Lok Sabha this evening when the House was taking up discussion on the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020,

Indian lawmaker Harsimrat Badal resigns from Union Cabinet in protest against farm Bills

Congress MP from Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari H Vasanthakumar has died due to Coronavirus. The 70-year old leader was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on August 10 with a Coronavirus infection.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Indian Congress MP H Vasanthakumar dies Of COVID-19 In Chennai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions.

In the 60th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said the businesses done in the Budget and Winter sessions broke "all records of the past 60 years".

"I am proud to point out that representatives you sent to Parliament have broken all records in the past 6 months. Both the sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha were very productive. Lok Sabha completed 114 per cent business while Rajya Sabha completed 94 per cent business," he said.

The Prime Minister said that about 135 per cent of work was completed in the previous Budget session of Parliament.

Lauding MPs for the achievement, he said, "All MPs are worthy of praise for this achievement. This amount of work in itself is a reflection of the strength of India`s democracy and the faith therein."

"I want to congratulate the presiding officers, leaders of all political parties and MPs for their active role," Modi said. The radio programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and suggestions, stories and ideas are invited from people for it.&nbsp;

 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated and lauded MPs of all parties for "record-breaking" productive business during the last two Parliament sessions. In the 60th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said the businesses done in the Budget and Winter sessions broke "all records of the past 60 years". "I am proud to point out that representatives you sent to Parliament have broken all records in the past 6 months. Both the sessions of the 17th Lok Sabha were very productive. Lok Sabha completed 114 per cent business while Rajya Sabha completed 94 per cent business," he said. The Prime Minister said that about 135 per cent of work was completed in the previous Budget session of Parliament. Lauding MPs for the achievement, he said, "All MPs are worthy of praise for this achievement. This amount of work in itself is a reflection of the strength of India`s democracy and the faith therein." "I want to congratulate the presiding officers, leaders of all political parties and MPs for their active role," Modi said. The radio programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month and suggestions, stories and ideas are invited from people for it.

PM Modi lauds MPs for 'record-breaking' Parliament sessions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon newly-elected BJP MPs to take the work done by the government to the grassroots and said that they should increase their involvement in social activities as it will improve their connect with people.

He made the remarks at the inaugural event of the two-day orientation programme for BJP MPs.

Sources said Modi told the MPs to remain in touch with ministers to get a better idea of government schemes.

Modi sat among the MPs after his brief introductory remarks. He is expected to make his concluding remarks on Sunday.Sources said that BJP working president J P Nadda spoke on 'Hamara Vichar Aur Naye Bharat Ki Sankalpna'&nbsp;(Our thoughts and vision to build a New India) and spoke in detail about government schemes and their string linkage with masses.

He said the effort should be to see that the benefits reach all the intended beneficiaries.

The party's general secretary Bhupender Yadav briefed the MPs about the parliamentary procedures and practices and urged members to make the best use of their time in Parliament.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke on how the members can make the best use of MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon newly-elected BJP MPs to take the work done by the government to the grassroots and said that they should increase their involvement in social activities as it will improve their connect with people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon newly-elected BJP MPs to take the work done by the government to the grassroots and said that they should increase their involvement in social activities as it will improve their connect with people. He made the remarks at the inaugural event of the two-day orientation programme for BJP MPs. Sources said Modi told the MPs to remain in touch with ministers to get a better idea of government schemes. Modi sat among the MPs after his brief introductory remarks. He is expected to make his concluding remarks on Sunday.Sources said that BJP working president J P Nadda spoke on 'Hamara Vichar Aur Naye Bharat Ki Sankalpna' (Our thoughts and vision to build a New India) and spoke in detail about government schemes and their string linkage with masses. He said the effort should be to see that the benefits reach all the intended beneficiaries. The party's general secretary Bhupender Yadav briefed the MPs about the parliamentary procedures and practices and urged members to make the best use of their time in Parliament. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke on how the members can make the best use of MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

PM Modi asks party MPs to take government work to grassroots

BJP will hold an intense training programme of&nbsp;two days for all its Members of Parliament in Delhi to train and sensitise them on the issues related to parliamentary practice, ideology and party.&nbsp;

The importance of this meeting lies in the fact that the training session would give clarity to MPs on crucial ideological issues which are important to BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend Abhyas Varg on both days and is expected to speak at the event as well.

Sources also said that speakers from outside may also address the party MPs. Strict instructions have been sent from the organization that it should not be given a miss at all.&nbsp;

The programme is expected to start at 9 am and would finish at 9 pm.&nbsp;MPs will have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the venue of the training session itself.&nbsp;

Though details of the programme have not been officially released by the party the exercise is to ensure that certain basics of being a Member of Parliament, minister and organizational position holder are made clear to everyone in the party.

This is in contrast to all the major Opposition parties who hold a great public commitment to a certain ideology in public domain do very little to train their MPs when it comes to ideological commitment and responsibility towards parliament and the party.&nbsp;

In this case, BJP has charted a different course and has continued with a vigorous training programme for its elected representatives. Abhyas Varg will be organized in the Parliament for the BJP MPs.

BJP will hold an intense training programme of two days for all its Members of Parliament in Delhi to train and sensitise them on the issues related to parliamentary practice, ideology and party.

BJP will hold an intense training programme of two days for all its Members of Parliament in Delhi to train and sensitise them on the issues related to parliamentary practice, ideology and party. The importance of this meeting lies in the fact that the training session would give clarity to MPs on crucial ideological issues which are important to BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend Abhyas Varg on both days and is expected to speak at the event as well. Sources also said that speakers from outside may also address the party MPs. Strict instructions have been sent from the organization that it should not be given a miss at all. The programme is expected to start at 9 am and would finish at 9 pm. MPs will have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the venue of the training session itself. Though details of the programme have not been officially released by the party the exercise is to ensure that certain basics of being a Member of Parliament, minister and organizational position holder are made clear to everyone in the party. This is in contrast to all the major Opposition parties who hold a great public commitment to a certain ideology in public domain do very little to train their MPs when it comes to ideological commitment and responsibility towards parliament and the party. In this case, BJP has charted a different course and has continued with a vigorous training programme for its elected representatives. Abhyas Varg will be organized in the Parliament for the BJP MPs.

Now a training camp for lawmakers: BJP to conduct 'Abhyaas Varg' for its MPs

What do the new entrants in the Team Modi offer? Here is a closer look at the new faces.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: The New Entrants

The Members of Parliament in India earn 1,00,000 month salary. But is that all? In this segment of India Election Watch decode what are the perks a Member of Parliament gets.

IEW: The perks of being an Member of Parliament

In the interview Prakash Javadekar said, ''We are going to do very well in Rajasthan'' Watch complete video to know more.

Watch exclusive interview of HRD Minister & MP Prakash Javadekar

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began a series of meetings Monday with representatives of political parties voted into parliament in last week's elections ahead of choosing who will form the next government.

Rivlin would appear to have little choice but to pick incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/final-israel-election-results-leave-netanyahu-on-course-209860&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiRxNKpztHhAhUk4HMBHdhfAtwQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VhLQmBxQtY8ooRLpsrFTT">Netanyahu</a> after his party won the most seats in the April 9 vote leaving it best placed to form a coalition government.

Netanyahu's Likud party which won 36 seats was the first to meet Rivlin on Monday morning.

The consultations, broadcast live from Rivlin's residence, will take place over two days, during which members of each party will tell the president who they think should be tasked with forming the government.

The president will assign the mission to the member of parliament who wins the support of at least 61 lawmakers, constituting a majority of the parliament's 120 members.

"The process should reflect the people's will, as reflected in their vote," said Rivlin, a former Likud member whose relationship with Netanyahu has been tense at times.

"A president does not choose a prime minister, nor does one person from the population. The sovereign does, and the sovereign is the people."

There were no surprises from the Likud's representatives when asked who they thought should form a coalition.

"We naturally would like to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu, head of the Likud and the prime minister, as the person who won the most trust, the broadest public support, to be the one to form the next government," outgoing Tourism Minister Yariv Levin told Rivlin.&nbsp;

Final results from the vote will be announced by the central elections committee on Wednesday, and Rivlin said he intended to summon the designated prime minister the same day.

The chosen politician then has 28 days to form a government but can ask for an extension of up to 14 days.

The combined total of seats projected for Likud and what Netanyahu calls its "natural partners" among the right and religious Jewish parties adds up to a comfortable 65 seats -- a workable five-seat majority.

No single political party in Israel's more than 70-year history has ever won an absolute majority in elections, and coalitions are the norm.

Netanyahu's centrist challenger Benny Gantz, whose representatives were next to meet Rivlin, came a close second with his Blue and White alliance winning 35 seats, but with no feasible means to form a coalition.

Gantz's representatives recommended him for prime minister during their meeting with Rivlin.

There have been suggestions that Netanyahu could form a unity government with Blue and White, but the possibility appears far less likely given the prime minister's leverage.

Netanyahu is facing the threat of indictment for corruption and the allegations are likely to play an important role in coalition negotiations.

Many analysts expect the prime minister to seek pledges from potential partners to agree to remain in his government if he is indicted during what would be his fifth term in office.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began a series of meetings Monday with representatives of political parties voted into parliament in last week's elections ahead of choosing who will form the next government.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began a series of meetings Monday with representatives of political parties voted into parliament in last week's elections ahead of choosing who will form the next government. Rivlin would appear to have little choice but to pick incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after his party won the most seats in the April 9 vote leaving it best placed to form a coalition government. Netanyahu's Likud party which won 36 seats was the first to meet Rivlin on Monday morning. The consultations, broadcast live from Rivlin's residence, will take place over two days, during which members of each party will tell the president who they think should be tasked with forming the government. The president will assign the mission to the member of parliament who wins the support of at least 61 lawmakers, constituting a majority of the parliament's 120 members. "The process should reflect the people's will, as reflected in their vote," said Rivlin, a former Likud member whose relationship with Netanyahu has been tense at times. "A president does not choose a prime minister, nor does one person from the population. The sovereign does, and the sovereign is the people." There were no surprises from the Likud's representatives when asked who they thought should form a coalition. "We naturally would like to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu, head of the Likud and the prime minister, as the person who won the most trust, the broadest public support, to be the one to form the next government," outgoing Tourism Minister Yariv Levin told Rivlin. Final results from the vote will be announced by the central elections committee on Wednesday, and Rivlin said he intended to summon the designated prime minister the same day. The chosen politician then has 28 days to form a government but can ask for an extension of up to 14 days. The combined total of seats projected for Likud and what Netanyahu calls its "natural partners" among the right and religious Jewish parties adds up to a comfortable 65 seats -- a workable five-seat majority. No single political party in Israel's more than 70-year history has ever won an absolute majority in elections, and coalitions are the norm. Netanyahu's centrist challenger Benny Gantz, whose representatives were next to meet Rivlin, came a close second with his Blue and White alliance winning 35 seats, but with no feasible means to form a coalition. Gantz's representatives recommended him for prime minister during their meeting with Rivlin. There have been suggestions that Netanyahu could form a unity government with Blue and White, but the possibility appears far less likely given the prime minister's leverage. Netanyahu is facing the threat of indictment for corruption and the allegations are likely to play an important role in coalition negotiations. Many analysts expect the prime minister to seek pledges from potential partners to agree to remain in his government if he is indicted during what would be his fifth term in office.

Israeli president starts process of selecting next PM

Senior Goa Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, party officials said.

Naik was taken to a private hospital in nearby Margao town from his residence here after he complained of uneasiness. At the hospital, he was declared brought dead, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary Altinho Gomes told.

He was declared dead at&nbsp;7 am, he said.

The veteran Congressman, who also served as chief of the state unit of the party, was 72 and is survived by wife and a son.

A multiple-time Member of Parliament, Naik was one of the tallest leaders of the Congress in Goa. Naik was elected to the Lok Sabha from the South Goa constituency in the 1984 general election.

He actively supported the demand for statehood to Goa which was fulfilled in 1987.

Naik represented Goa in the Rajya Sabha for two consecutive terms -- 2005-2011 and 2011-2017. However, in July 2017, he lost the election to the Upper House of Parliament to BJP candidate Vinay Tendulkar.

In March this year, Naik resigned as president of the GPCC to pave the way for the younger generation to take the reins of the party.

Naik took over as GPCC chief in July 2017, months after the Congress failed to form a government in the coastal state despite emerging as the single largest party.

He was replaced as the state unit chief by Girish Raya Chodankar in April.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, among other leaders, condoled the death of Naik.

Naidu said the ex-Congress MP was active in Parliament and made good contribution to debates in the House.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Member of Parliament from Goa and former Goa Congress President.

"He was one of the most active MPs and made good contribution to parliamentary debates. "I pray for his eternal peace," Naidu said in a tweet.

Gandhi, on hearing the news of the demise, called up the family members of Naik and conveyed his condolences to them, Chodankar said.

Gandhi, who spoke to Naik's wife and son, hailed the role played by the Congress veteran in the battle for Goa's statehood.

"I am sorry to hear about the passing away of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Goa Congress Chief, MP and senior Congress leader, who played an important role in the battle for Goa's statehood.

"My condolences to his family in their time of grief. May his soul rest in peace," the Congress chief tweeted.

Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said Naik was an important leader of the party in Goa.

"Shocked and saddened by the passing away of Shantaram Naik ji, a pillar of indomitable strength for Congress party in Goa.

"In this hour of grief, I express my solidarity with his family, friends and supporters and pray for the departed soul," Surjewala tweeted.

Chodankar said Naik was a mentor to the young Congressmen.

"It is a shocking news for us. We have lost a guide in the form of him. He had mentored so many youths and inspired them to join Congress party. It is a big loss for us," said Chodankar.

The veteran Congressman, who also served as chief of the state unit of the party, was 72 and is survived by wife and a son

Senior Goa Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, party officials said. Naik was taken to a private hospital in nearby Margao town from his residence here after he complained of uneasiness. At the hospital, he was declared brought dead, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary Altinho Gomes told. He was declared dead at 7 am, he said. The veteran Congressman, who also served as chief of the state unit of the party, was 72 and is survived by wife and a son. A multiple-time Member of Parliament, Naik was one of the tallest leaders of the Congress in Goa. Naik was elected to the Lok Sabha from the South Goa constituency in the 1984 general election. He actively supported the demand for statehood to Goa which was fulfilled in 1987. Naik represented Goa in the Rajya Sabha for two consecutive terms -- 2005-2011 and 2011-2017. However, in July 2017, he lost the election to the Upper House of Parliament to BJP candidate Vinay Tendulkar. In March this year, Naik resigned as president of the GPCC to pave the way for the younger generation to take the reins of the party. Naik took over as GPCC chief in July 2017, months after the Congress failed to form a government in the coastal state despite emerging as the single largest party. He was replaced as the state unit chief by Girish Raya Chodankar in April. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, among other leaders, condoled the death of Naik. Naidu said the ex-Congress MP was active in Parliament and made good contribution to debates in the House. "I convey my heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Member of Parliament from Goa and former Goa Congress President. "He was one of the most active MPs and made good contribution to parliamentary debates. "I pray for his eternal peace," Naidu said in a tweet. Gandhi, on hearing the news of the demise, called up the family members of Naik and conveyed his condolences to them, Chodankar said. Gandhi, who spoke to Naik's wife and son, hailed the role played by the Congress veteran in the battle for Goa's statehood. "I am sorry to hear about the passing away of Shri Shantaram Naik, former Goa Congress Chief, MP and senior Congress leader, who played an important role in the battle for Goa's statehood. "My condolences to his family in their time of grief. May his soul rest in peace," the Congress chief tweeted. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said Naik was an important leader of the party in Goa. "Shocked and saddened by the passing away of Shantaram Naik ji, a pillar of indomitable strength for Congress party in Goa. "In this hour of grief, I express my solidarity with his family, friends and supporters and pray for the departed soul," Surjewala tweeted. Chodankar said Naik was a mentor to the young Congressmen. "It is a shocking news for us. We have lost a guide in the form of him. He had mentored so many youths and inspired them to join Congress party. It is a big loss for us," said Chodankar.

Former Goa Congress chief Shantaram Naik dies