PYQ Relevance: Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Parliamentary Sessions (2017 & 2018) and Parliamentary Powers (2021).
The recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament has been criticized for lacking productivity due to frequent disruptions. These productivity fluctuations indicate broader political tensions and the need for improved collaboration among parliamentary members to enhance governance.
Today’s editorial focuses on Parliamentary productivity and the challenges associated with it. This content can be used to present the current issues faced by our Parliamentary Democracy in India.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent winter session of Parliament (heldfrom November 25 to December 20, 2024) was marred by significant disruptions from both the Opposition and the Treasury benches, resulting in more adjournments than productive discussions.
This led to a prevailing feeling of having disappointed the Indian public.
Key Statistics:
• Total Hours Lost: The Lok Sabha lost 65 hours and 15 minutes due to disruptions, marking the highest loss among all sessions this year. • Productivity Rates: – Lok Sabha: Functioned for only 52% of its scheduled time. – Rajya Sabha: Achieved a mere 40.03% productivity rate, with effective functioning for just 43 hours and 27 minutes.
What were the key Legislative Activities?
Bills introduced and passed: A total of four bills were introduced, including the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, which was passed in both Houses with minimal opposition. This bill aimed to reform civil aviation regulations.
Other notable bills included the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, which proposes the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy, and the Coastal Shipping and Merchant Shipping Bills, which focused on maritime industry development.
Debates and Discussions: The Lok Sabha engaged in discussions about the Constitution for a total of 16 hours, while the Rajya Sabha devoted 17 hours to similar discussions. However, no adjournment motions were accepted in either House.
The proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’ sparked considerable debate, with the government advocating for it as a cost-saving measure while the Opposition raised concerns about its implications for federalism.
A special session was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, although it was overshadowed by ongoing protests.
Further, the session saw significant protests and chaos, primarily driven by the Opposition’s demands for discussions on various issues, including allegations against the Adani Group and remarks made regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Supplementary Budget: The first supplementary budget for 2024-25 was discussed and passed, providing an additional expenditure of ₹44,143 crore (approximately 1% of total budgeted expenditure) to enhance financial operations.
What were the challenges facedin the session?
Physical Altercations: Scuffles occurred among MPs, resulting in injuries and an FIR against the Leader of the Opposition.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister attributed the lack of productivity to persistent demonstrations by the Opposition. Emphasis was laid on the requirement of all parties to collaborate to restore parliamentary decorum.
Question Hour Ineffectiveness: In the Rajya Sabha, Question Hour did not function for 15 out of 19 days, while in the Lok Sabha, it was ineffective for over 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days.
The session was heavily impacted by protests and disruptions, resulting in the Lok Sabha losing approximately 65 hours of productive time.
This significantly reduced overall productivity, with Lok Sabha functioning at only 52% of its scheduled time and Rajya Sabha at 39%.
Private Members’ Business: There was minimal engagement in private members’ business; no bills were debated in the Lok Sabha, and only one resolution was discussed in the Rajya Sabha.
Way Forward: The Winter Session has been described as one of the least productive in recent years, reflecting a troubling trend in parliamentary proceedings. With ongoing tensions and frequent disruptions, political parties must prioritize effective governance and uphold the dignity of Parliament.
In the U.S. Supreme Court, dissenting opinions often reflect the political views of judges, as they are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. In contrast, dissenting opinions in the Indian judiciary cover a wider range, including political, social, and purely intellectual disagreements
What is the significance of dissenting opinions?
Preservation of Judicial Independence: Dissenting opinions serve as a safeguard for judicial independence, allowing judges to express their disagreements with majority decisions without fear of repercussions. This fosters a culture of open debate within the judiciary, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
Shaping Legal Precedents: Dissent can influence future legal interpretations and decisions. Over time, dissenting views may gain traction and become part of the evolving legal landscape, as seen in cases like ADM Jabalpur and P.V. Narasimha Rao, where dissents later informed subsequent rulings.
Encouraging Public Discourse: Dissenting opinions can stimulate public discussion and debate about important legal and constitutional issues. They often highlight alternative perspectives that may resonate with societal values or concerns, thereby enriching democratic dialogue.
How does dissent in the Indian judiciary compare to that in the U.S.?
Political Influences: In the U.S., dissent often reflects the political affiliations of justices, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. For example, Justice Samuel Alito’s dissents align with conservative viewpoints on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
In contrast, Indian judges are selected through a collegium system, which aims to reduce political influence on judicial decisions, resulting in dissents that may not necessarily align with current political sentiments.
Nature of Dissents: U.S. Supreme Court dissents frequently stem from ideological divides among justices, whereas Indian judicial dissents encompass a broader spectrum, including political, social, and intellectual disagreements.
For instance, Justices Khehar and Nazeer in Shayara Bano focused on the social implications of personal law rather than political affiliations.
Impact on Law: While both systems recognise the importance of dissent in shaping jurisprudence, Indian dissents have historically led to significant legal changes post-ruling, as seen in cases like Sita Soren where earlier dissents influenced the court’s later position on parliamentary immunity.
What challenges and criticisms surround judicial dissent in India?
Risk of Retaliation: Judges who dissent against majority opinions may face professional backlash or career repercussions. Notable cases include Justice H.R. Khanna, who was superseded as Chief Justice after his dissent in ADM Jabalpur, highlighting potential risks for dissenters within the judiciary.
Infrequent Dissent: Despite its importance, dissent is relatively rare in the Indian Supreme Court compared to its potential significance. The Chief Justice often avoids dissenting opinions in constitutional bench cases, which raises concerns about conformity over independent judicial reasoning.
Public Perception: Judicial dissent can sometimes be viewed negatively by the public or political entities as undermining judicial authority or coherence. This perception can discourage judges from expressing their dissent openly.
What are the accountable-related issues?
High Bar for Impeachment: The process requires “proved misbehaviour or incapacity” and a two-thirds majority in Parliament, making it almost impossible to remove errant judges.
Resignation to Evade Accountability: Judges like Justice Soumitra Sen and P.D. Dinakaran resigned before the completion of impeachment proceedings, avoiding scrutiny while retaining post-retirement benefits.
Immunity Misuse: Judges continue to enjoy post-retirement benefits even after accusations of misconduct, as seen in Justice Ramaswami’s case, undermining accountability.
Limited Scope for Independent Oversight: The judiciary lacks an independent review mechanism outside the Parliament-driven impeachment process, leaving little room for holding judges accountable in real time.
What is the review mechanism of committee set up under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968?
Initiation: A removal motion, signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs, is submitted and approved by the Speaker or Chairman to initiate the process.
Investigation: A three-member committee (Supreme Court judge, Chief Justice of a High Court, and an eminent jurist) is constituted under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 to investigate allegations of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
Parliamentary Decision: If the committee confirms the charges, the motion is debated in Parliament and requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses for the judge’s removal by the President.
Way forward:
Institutional Support for Dissent: Establish mechanisms to safeguard dissenting judges from career repercussions, such as transparent evaluation criteria and protections for judicial independence, ensuring open debate within the judiciary.
Promote Judicial Dialogue: Encourage a culture of constructive dissent by incorporating dissenting opinions into judicial training and fostering recognition of their long-term contributions to legal evolution.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.
About WillowQuantum Processor:
Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.
Features and Significance
Smarter Error Handling:
Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
Bigger, Better Performance:
Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
Longer Stability:
Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.
PYQ:
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.
AboutSimilipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Details
Geographical Features
Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
Melanistic Tigers:
Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.
PYQ:
[2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.
What is the Coastal Security Scheme?
CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.
Implementation Phases
Phase I (2005–2011)
Budget: ₹646 crore
Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024.
About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to government service delivery, functioning 24×7.
It was established in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG); the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the technical framework.
The Prime Minister serves as the supreme head of CPGRAMS.
Key Functions
Grievance Lodging & Tracking: Each complaint gets a unique registration number for monitoring.
Role-Based Access: Ministries and states can access and resolve relevant grievances.
Appeal Facility: Citizens can appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution.
Feedback Mechanism: Complainants can rate the resolution; a “Poor” rating reopens the case for further appeals.
Exclusions: Subjudice cases, personal/family disputes, RTI queries, matters affecting national/international integrity, and government employees’ service issues.
Key Reforms to Improve CPGRAMS
Reduced Timelines: Grievance resolution deadlines shortened from 30 days to 21 days, with mandatory interim updates.
Integrated Platform: A unified portal for all ministries, departments, and states; accessible via web, mobile apps, and UMANG.
Feedback & Appeals: Citizens can provide feedback through SMS/email; a “Poor” rating escalates unresolved issues.
AI-Driven Process Improvements: Tools like the Tree Dashboard help identify problems and streamline grievance handling.
Training & Monitoring: Under SEVOTTAM (Service Excellence through Total Quality Management), Grievance Officers get specialized training, with regular performance reviews to enhance service delivery.
A recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International has found that Rohingya refugees detained in India face serious violations of their basic rights. It also criticizes India for not meeting its responsibilities under international human rights agreements.
What has a recent report said about India’s refugee policy for the Rohingya people?
Human Rights Violations: The report indicates that Rohingya refugees are subjected to “gross violations of constitutional and human rights,” including arbitrary detention without charges and inhumane living conditions in detention centres.
Call for Legal Revisions: It urges India to clarify the legal status of Rohingya refugees and revise outdated laws like the Foreigners Act of 1946 to align with international refugee standards.
Recommendations for Action: The report advocates for the immediate release of vulnerable detainees and calls on international actors, including the U.S. and UNHCR, to engage with India on these issues.
What does the 1951 Refugee Convention state?
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol establish fundamental principles for the protection of refugees, including:
Non-refoulement: This principle prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or serious harm. It is a cornerstone of international refugee law and is considered customary international law, binding even on states not party to the Convention.
Rights of Refugees: The Convention outlines various rights that refugees are entitled to, such as access to legal assistance, work, education, and social services, ensuring their dignity and protection from discrimination.
Note: India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention.
What is India’s stand?
Non-signatory Status: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol, which it argues absolves it from legal obligations to provide asylum or adhere to non-refoulement principles.
Detention Practices: The Indian government continues to detain Rohingya refugees under domestic laws that classify them as illegal migrants. Recent court rulings have reinforced this stance, stating that while they have a right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, they lack right to reside or settle in India.
Judicial Interpretation: Despite India’s non-signatory status, some High Courts have interpreted international norms as applicable under Article 21, suggesting a potential pathway for legal protections for refugees.
What are India’s international obligations?
International Treaties: India is a party to several international human rights treaties that imply obligations related to the treatment of individuals at risk of torture or inhumane treatment. For instance:
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) includes provisions against refoulement (forcible return of refugees) under Article 7.
Other treaties like the Convention Against Torture also emphasise non-refoulement principles, even if India’s ratification status complicates direct enforcement.
Constitutional Mandates: Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution encourages respect for international law and treaty obligations. Landmark Supreme Court rulings have indicated that international conventions should guide domestic law when local legislation is lacking
Way forward:
Establish a Comprehensive Refugee Policy: India should enact a uniform refugee law aligning with international principles, ensuring legal clarity and protection for all refugees, including the Rohingya, while upholding the constitutional mandate under Article 21.
Strengthen Collaboration with UNHCR and Civil Society: Engage with international agencies and local organizations to improve refugee support systems, focusing on humane detention practices, legal aid, and sustainable resettlement initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) in space with a PSLV rocket.
What is SpaDeX mission?
The SpaDeX mission, or Space Docking Experiment, is a significant initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating advanced in-space docking technology.
Docking technology involves manoeuvring two spacecraft into the same orbit, aligning them precisely, and physically joining them to enable modular assembly, resupply, crew transfer, or sample return missions in space.
What is Space Docking?
Space docking refers to the process where two spacecraft in orbit rendezvous and physically connect to form a single entity. It is a highly complex and precise maneuver essential for advanced space missions.
Key Steps of Space Docking:
Rendezvous: Involves bringing two spacecraft into the same orbit with minimal distance and velocity difference.
Docking: Establishing a mechanical connection between the spacecraft using specialized docking systems.
Power and Resource Sharing: Once docked, the spacecraft can transfer power, fuel, or crew to support joint operations.
What is the significance of India’s achievement in space docking technology?
Joining an Elite Club: With the successful completion of the SpaDeX mission, India becomes only the fourth country in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, capable of conducting space docking operations. This positions India as a key player in global space exploration and technology.
Foundation for Future Missions: The docking capability is crucial for various upcoming missions, including India’s plans for a lunar sample return mission (Chandrayaan-4) and establishing its own space station by 2035. The ability to dock spacecraft allows for complex missions that require multiple launches and assembly in orbit.
How does the SpaDeX mission contribute to India’s future space exploration goals?
Support for Lunar Missions: SpaDeX is designed to demonstrate technologies necessary for future lunar missions, particularly for Chandrayaan-4, which will involve multiple components that need to be docked in space before proceeding to the Moon.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station: The mission is a critical step towards building the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), which will consist of several modules that must be docked together in orbit. The first module is expected to launch by 2028.
Satellite Servicing and Interplanetary Missions: The docking technology developed through SpaDeX will facilitate satellite servicing missions and interplanetary missions, enhancing India’s capabilities in space exploration.
What technological advancements were demonstrated through the SpaDeX mission?
Innovative Docking Technology: The mission showcases advanced docking techniques using two small satellites (SDX01 and SDX02), which require high precision due to their smaller size compared to typical spacecraft. This necessitates more intricate maneuvering during the docking process.
New Sensors and Systems: SpaDeX employs various new sensors such as Laser Range Finders and Rendezvous Sensors to ensure accurate measurements during docking.
Additionally, it utilizes a new processor for determining relative positions and velocities, paving the way for future autonomous docking systems.
Biological Experiments: For the first time, ISRO is conducting biological experiments in space with the CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), which will study plant growth under microgravity conditions. This adds a new dimension to India’s space research capabilities.
Way forward:
Enhancing Autonomous Docking Systems: Focus on developing fully autonomous docking capabilities for complex missions, enabling seamless execution of lunar, interplanetary, and modular space station operations.
Strengthening Collaborative Ventures: Leverage international partnerships to exchange expertise and expand applications of docking technology in satellite servicing, resupply missions, and deep-space exploration.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?(UPSC IAS/2019)
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 highlights key trends in consumption patterns across India. It is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every 5 years.
Important Highlights of HCES, 2023-24:
Rural Spending: Monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) increased by 9.3% to ₹4,122 in 2023-24 (from ₹3,773 in 2022-23); significantly higher than ₹1,430 in 2011-12.
Urban Spending: MPCE rose by 8.3% to ₹6,996 (from ₹6,459 in 2022-23); up from ₹2,630 in 2011-12.
Rural-Urban Gap: Narrowed to 69.7% in 2023-24, compared to 71.2% in 2022-23 and 83.9% in 2011-12.
Food Expenditure: Share increased to 47.04% in rural and 39.68% in urban households, reversing a decades-long decline.
Rural households spent most on beverages and processed food (11.09%), followed by milk products (8.44%) and vegetables (6.03%).
Urban households spent most on beverages and processed food (9.84%), milk products (7.19%), and vegetables (4.12%).
Decline in expenditure on sugar and salt, with rising spending on beverages and processed foods, signaling dietary shifts.
Non-Food Expenditure: Accounted for the majority in both rural (52.96%) and urban areas (60.32%).
Major rural non-food expenses: Conveyance (7.59%), medical expenses (6.83%), and clothing & bedding (6.63%).
Major urban non-food expenses: Conveyance (8.46%), entertainment (6.92%), and durable goods (6.87%).
– Regional Variations:
States with largest rural-urban gaps: Meghalaya (104%), Jharkhand (83%), and Chhattisgarh (80%).
Consumption Inequality: Gini coefficient declined from 0.266 to 0.237 in rural areas and 0.314 to 0.284 in urban areas, indicating reduced income disparity.
Features and Significance
Consumption Trends: Indicates rising food expenditure driven by inflation and evolving post-pandemic behaviors.
Changing Diet Patterns: Increased preference for beverages and processed foods in both rural and urban households reflects dietary shifts.
Regional Disparities: Offers insights into high- and low-spending regions, aiding targeted interventions.
Policy Implications: Highlights the need for price stabilization for essentials, rural infrastructure investments, and urban employment growth to address income disparities and rising expenses.
PYQ:
[2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:
(a) poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) price levels vary from State to State
(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State
