Government Schemes and Policy · 17 April 2026

Rajya Sabha reconstitutes panel of Vice‑Chairpersons

Exam-focused facts from the 17 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • The Rajya Sabha reconstituted its panel of vice‑chairpersons on Thursday, with effect from 15 April.
  • Six members were nominated to the panel: Dinesh Sharma, S Phangnon Konyak and Ghanshyam Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Phulo Devi Netam of the Indian National Congress (Congress); M. Thambidurai of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK); and Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
  • Members of the panel preside over the House when both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent.
  • While presiding, panel members exercise the same powers as the Chairperson, including maintaining order, regulating debate and ensuring smooth functioning of the House.
  • Unlike the Deputy Chairman, panel members do not hold a permanent constitutional office and preside on a rotational basis.

View this story in the full daily briefing

Earlier coverage selected by topic similarity to help connect developments over time.

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