India, Jan. 31 -- The Budget session of Parliament commenced on Friday with tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former US President James Earl Carter Jr., veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, and other notable figures. The session also expressed sorrow over the recent stampede at the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, paid tribute to Singh, acknowledging his long tenure as Prime Minister and his decade-long service to the nation.

"A few days ago, we lost the former Prime Minister of the country, Manmohan Singhji. He served the nation as Prime Minister for ten years and was a long-time member of Parliament. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Ma...