Current Context : President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers, nominated four eminent personalities to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution.

 ABOUT THE NOMINATION:

• Article 80(1)(a): Enables the President to nominate up to 12 members with expertise in art, literature, science, and social service.
• These appointments fill vacancies left vacant for almost a year.

 NEW NOMINEES:

1. Ujjwal Nikam – Renowned special public prosecutor in cases like 26/11, Mumbai blasts, Pramod Mahajan murder; awarded Padma Shri (2016).
2. Harsh Vardhan Shringla – Former Foreign Secretary, key architect of India’s G20 Presidency, and veteran diplomat.
3. Sadanandan Master – Kerala-based teacher turned social worker who overcame political violence to champion youth empowerment.
4. Dr Meenakshi Jain – Esteemed historian and academic in education, literature, and political science.