The Lok Sabha Speaker’s remarks about the need to enhance legislative productivity reflect growing concerns about the diminishing effectiveness of India’s legislative bodies. The challenges faced by Parliament in terms of sitting days, quality debates, and legislative scrutiny have broader implications for the country's governance, democracy, and public trust.
Parliament's sitting days have drastically reduced, from around 135 days per year in the 1st Lok Sabha to approximately 55 days per year in the 17th Lok Sabha. This sharp decline limits the time available for in-depth legislative work, including debates, lawmaking, and oversight of executive actions.
Short sittings have become more common. For instance, during the 2023 Budget Session, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha functioned for only 33% and 24% of the scheduled time, respectively, making it the 6th shortest Budget Session since 1952. Longer sittings are crucial for meaningful deliberation.
Although 79% of MPs attended the 17th Lok Sabha, their debate participation was limited, with MPs averaging only 45 debates each. This points to the lack of engagement in critical legislative discussions.
Frequent disruptions, including slogan shouting and walkouts, have significantly reduced legislative productivity. In the 15th Lok Sabha, over 30% of scheduled time was lost to disruptions, severely hampering the functioning of Parliament.
Only 10% of Bills in the 17th Lok Sabha were referred to parliamentary committees, a significant drop compared to earlier Lok Sabhas. This reduction weakens the quality of legislative review, undermining the thoroughness of legislative scrutiny.
These mechanisms, which are essential for executive accountability, were underutilized in the 17th Lok Sabha, with 19% of scheduled time in Lok Sabha and 9% in Rajya Sabha dedicated to Question Hour. These are vital tools for ensuring government transparency and addressing public concerns.
Private Member Bills have seen little success, with only 14 out of 300+ introduced since Independence being passed, the last one in 1970. This raises concerns about the marginalization of Opposition voices in lawmaking.
Constitutional vacancies, like the absence of a Deputy Speaker under Article 93, have also hindered the proper functioning of Parliament. Such delays diminish the authority of the legislature and challenge its constitutional responsibilities.
The decline in legislative productivity has several far-reaching consequences:
Reduced sitting days, disruptions, and underutilized Question Hours diminish Parliament’s ability to hold the executive accountable, leading to weakened scrutiny of government decisions and policies.
Bills passed in haste without proper scrutiny or debate result in poor-quality laws. This increases the likelihood of judicial review and implementation challenges, undermining the legitimacy of the legislative process.
Limited time for debate, lack of Private Member Bills, and reduced Opposition participation dilute inclusive lawmaking, weakening the role of dissent in democracy and limiting bipartisan cooperation.
Citizens' faith in democratic institutions is undermined when legislative dysfunction is evident. This leads to political apathy, reduced electoral participation, and a lack of trust in the lawmaking process.
The reduced engagement of the legislature allows the executive to bypass parliamentary processes through ordinances, delegated legislation, and executive orders, upsetting the constitutional balance of power.
India has taken several steps to improve legislative productivity, though challenges remain:
A formal code of conduct aims to improve MP behavior, reduce disruptions, and promote constructive participation in parliamentary proceedings.
Live streaming of proceedings has increased public scrutiny, making MPs more accountable. The e-Vidhan (NeVA) initiative seeks to make state legislatures paperless, improving efficiency and transparency.
Parliamentary committees, such as Departmentally Related Standing Committees, now examine bills and policies in more detail, helping improve legislative quality and deliberation.
Disciplinary actions like suspension or expulsion for MPs violating rules have been implemented to maintain order and discipline within Parliament.
Various organizations provide training and workshops to MPs to improve their understanding of parliamentary procedures and enhance their contribution to debates.
To make Parliament and State Legislatures more efficient, several measures can be adopted:
Mandate minimum sitting days for Parliament and establish annual legislative calendars to ensure more predictable and structured proceedings. This can help prioritize meaningful deliberations over disruption.
Empower Standing and Subject Committees to thoroughly examine Bills, policies, and budgets. Make committee referrals mandatory for significant pieces of legislation to ensure robust scrutiny and incorporate expert and public input early in the legislative process.
Track and publish the attendance and debate participation of MPs. Utilize the RTI Act to make parliamentary processes more transparent and ensure MPs are held accountable for their actions. Live streaming and archiving of proceedings can further bolster public trust.
Encourage dialogue and consensus-building between the government and Opposition. This will foster cooperation and enhance the quality of legislation. Training and orientation programs for first-time MPs can help improve legislative skills and knowledge.
Engage with citizens and foster youth leadership rooted in integrity and public service. Recognize high-performing legislators through awards and create platforms for sharing best practices in legislative work.
Learn from international standards, like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) guidelines, and adopt fixed sitting days and mandatory committee scrutiny models from countries like the UK and Germany.
The effectiveness of India’s legislature is crucial for democratic accountability, quality lawmaking, and responsive governance. While technology adoption and reforms in parliamentary committees have been helpful, issues like disruptions, low scrutiny, and reduced sittings continue to undermine the system.
India's rapid urbanization is set to dramatically shape its future. The transformation of its cities holds immense potential for economic growth, but it also brings significant challenges. As India's urban population soars, addressing these challenges will be pivotal to the nation's long-term prosperity and sustainability.
Cities contribute nearly 60% of India’s GDP while occupying just 3% of land. This highlights the key role of urban centres in driving economic output. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad contribute to 30% of India's GDP alone.
These cities will play a major role in achieving India’s USD 5 trillion economy goal by 2026 and USD 40 trillion by 2047, fostering further innovation, job creation, and industrial growth.
Urbanization fosters the clustering of industries and services, leading to higher productivity and job creation. These agglomeration effects, particularly in cities, are expected to increase economic output by 1.5% annually.
Efficient cities attract foreign investment, improve the ease of doing business, and boost India’s global competitiveness. This, in turn, positions India to be a significant player in the global economy.
Cities are also the hubs of innovation, startups, and technological advancements, facilitating the transformation of industries and services.
Urbanization can bridge the gap between economic growth and human development, offering improved access to education, healthcare, and employment, thus contributing to poverty reduction.
India’s cities, despite their importance, face numerous pressing challenges:
Urban residents spend 1.5–2 hours daily in traffic, which contributes to pollution, lost productivity, and wasted time.
Inadequate public transport systems (e.g., Ranchi with just 41 buses for 1.46 million people) are a significant part of the problem.
With 42 of the 50 most polluted cities in the world, India faces a health crisis due to air pollution, primarily from vehicular emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning.
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru suffer from rising levels of respiratory diseases.
Polluted rivers and poor wastewater management contribute to a severe water shortage in many cities. Around 40-50% of water is lost due to outdated infrastructure, exacerbating the scarcity crisis.
Over 150,000 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily, but only a fraction is processed sustainably. Poor waste segregation and recycling worsen pollution and health risks.
Many cities still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, particularly in informal settlements, leading to poor public health outcomes and water contamination.
With a shortage of 10 million affordable homes (set to triple by 2030), many urban poor live in slums, lacking basic infrastructure. This causes overcrowding, rising property prices, and increased risk of social unrest.
Cities often struggle with flooding due to poor drainage systems and rapid urbanization. Examples like the 2018 Kerala floods and 2015 Chennai floods showcase how inadequate infrastructure leads to severe damages.
Cities fail to generate enough revenue through local taxes and rely heavily on central government funding. This dependency makes urban development inefficient and often insufficient.
India’s internet speeds lag behind cities in places like Singapore and Seoul, hampering the growth of digital businesses and slowing overall economic development.
Cities experience increased temperatures due to limited green spaces, leading to greater demand for air conditioning, higher energy consumption, and greater carbon emissions.
India has launched several initiatives to improve urban infrastructure and sustainability:
Swachh Bharat Mission: Aimed at improving sanitation and waste management.
Smart Cities Mission: Focused on creating technologically advanced and sustainable urban infrastructure.
National Urban Livelihood Mission: Supports urban poverty reduction and the promotion of livelihoods.
PM SVANidhi Scheme: Focuses on providing affordable loans to street vendors to help revive their businesses.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): Addresses the housing shortage by providing affordable housing.
AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): Aims at revamping urban infrastructure across the country.
India’s future urban success depends on strategic reforms:
Urban mobility, water, sanitation, and waste management should be prioritized alongside highways, ports, and energy grids.
Urban growth should align with industrial corridors, promoting Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This would integrate housing, commerce, and transportation, ensuring compact and livable urban spaces.
Streamlining urban planning and governance through digital solutions (like urban digital twins and performance dashboards) can improve accountability and make cities more responsive to challenges.
Sanitation and waste management should be treated as economic priorities, with private sector models facilitating effective systems for circular economy and waste management.
The PPP model needs to be redefined to attract private capital into both existing (brownfield) and new (greenfield) urban projects. De-risking instruments such as viability gap funding can attract more investments.
Government and industry should collaborate to develop the digital infrastructure for cities, including AI-powered planning, automated construction permits, and digital governance systems.
Urban planning must be climate-resilient, with adaptive infrastructure like flood barriers, green roofs, and urban forestry to mitigate urban heat islands and flood risks.
Urban reforms should be co-created with citizens and industry, involving participatory governance frameworks. This would ensure cities are inclusive, resilient, and equitable.
India's urban future hinges on overcoming the infrastructure, sustainability, and governance challenges that plague its cities today. Strategic urban planning, innovative waste management, affordable housing, and digital transformation are essential for India to leverage its urban growth and fulfill its economic potential.
China's recent successful test of Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) technology is a significant step forward in revolutionizing high-speed transportation. This technology holds the potential to drastically increase the speed of trains, potentially making them faster than jets, which could drastically change travel dynamics across the globe.
Magnetic levitation (or maglev) is an advanced transportation system that uses electromagnetic principles to eliminate physical contact between a vehicle (typically a train) and its track. This reduces friction and allows the vehicle to travel at unprecedented speeds while providing a smooth, energy-efficient ride.
Maglev trains rely on three core components to function:
Levitation:
Magnets are used to lift the train above the track, ensuring there’s no physical contact between the train and the track. This reduces wear and tear and provides a smooth, frictionless ride.
Guidance:
Electromagnets are used to stabilize the train laterally, keeping it centered on the track. This ensures that the train remains on course, even at very high speeds.
Propulsion:
Linear motors generate magnetic fields that push and pull the train along the track, which replaces the traditional engines or fuel-powered systems. This magnetic propulsion system enables high speeds and minimizes energy loss.
In essence, superconducting magnets in the trains interact with electromagnets embedded in the tracks, allowing for contactless movement and smooth propulsion.
The advantages of maglev trains go far beyond speed and efficiency:
Speed and Efficiency:
Maglev trains can reach speeds in excess of 600 km/h (373 mph), significantly faster than conventional trains, and in some cases, they can rival short-haul flights.
The lack of friction means the trains require less energy to maintain high speeds, making them far more energy-efficient than traditional transportation.
Reduced Friction:
Since the train never touches the track, there is no wear and tear on the train or the track, leading to lower maintenance costs and increased longevity of the system.
Eco-Friendly:
Maglev trains generate zero direct emissions, making them a sustainable option for clean transportation.
They can also be powered by renewable energy, further reducing their environmental footprint, making them an excellent alternative to fossil fuel-powered transportation systems.
Comfort:
With no wheels and rails, passengers experience a smooth and quiet ride with minimal vibrations.
The absence of physical contact between the train and the track also results in a more comfortable and stable ride, even at very high speeds.
While maglev technology presents incredible potential, there are several challenges:
Infrastructure Cost:
Maglev systems are still very expensive to build, primarily due to the cost of creating specialized tracks with embedded electromagnets. The construction of a new maglev railway involves significant capital investment compared to traditional rail systems.
Energy Consumption:
While maglev trains are energy-efficient in terms of speed maintenance, the initial energy demand for magnetic levitation and propulsion can be high, especially for the early stages of implementation. However, this is often mitigated by using renewable energy sources.
Land and Space Requirements:
Due to the need for dedicated tracks and high-speed infrastructure, maglev trains require large swaths of land, and their routes need to be carefully planned and regulated, especially in densely populated areas.
The successful test of Maglev technology in China could be a game-changer for the global transportation sector. By making high-speed travel faster, cleaner, and more efficient, this breakthrough has the potential to reshape the future . Faster than jets, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance—maglev trains could become the new standard in global transit systems, heralding a new era of sustainable and fast transportation.
Machilipatnam, or Masulipatnam, has a rich and varied history, and its revival as a port city , a thriving trading hub, the city is now poised for a renaissance, particularly with the ongoing development of the Greenfield port at Manginapudi, which is already 48% complete.
Location:
Machilipatnam is a coastal city situated in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh on the Coromandel Coast of southeastern India. The city is strategically located along the Bay of Bengal and has been an important port since ancient times.
Historical Significance:
Historically, Machilipatnam was a prominent trading centre, particularly during the medieval period. It attracted traders from across the world, including Europeans, who established trade routes and settlements here. In particular, it was famous for producing Muslin cloth, which contributed to its name as Masalia (derived from the term for muslin) and Masulipatnam.
Handloom Industry and Kalamkari:
The city is renowned for its handloom industry, especially its production of Kalamkari textiles, a traditional form of hand-painted or block-printed fabric that often features intricate motifs. This form of art has deep roots in the region's cultural heritage.
Machilipatnam’s port has a fascinating history, tracing its evolution through several periods of foreign influence, trade, and conquest:
Ancient Period:
The city was established during the Satavahana Dynasty in the 3rd century BCE, where it was known as Maisolos or Masalia. This port served as an important gateway for sea trade during the early historic period.
Medieval Period:
During the 15th century, Machilipatnam came under the control of Muhammad Shah Bahamani II (1478), later falling under Sri Krishna Devaraya’s rule after his victory in 1515. The city saw a number of foreign influences, particularly from Portuguese and Dutch traders who set up trading centers near the port.
British Era:
The British arrived in 1611, setting up their first trading settlement on the Bay of Bengal. The Masulipatnam Fort, constructed by the Dutch in the 17th century, further cemented the city's role as an important strategic hub. However, the city went through many foreign invasions and internal strife, including control by the French and Dutch, before being ceded to the British in 1759.
Natural Disasters:
In 1779, Machilipatnam faced a devastating cyclone that killed 20,000 people and destroyed much of the infrastructure, including the Dutch factory. This marked a significant blow to the city’s prosperity.
After years of decline, Machilipatnam's revival is in full swing, with the ongoing construction of the Manginapudi Greenfield Port. This project aims to turn the city into a major commercial and trade hub once again.
Project Development:
Nearly 48% of the new Greenfield port has already been completed, a testament to the momentum and effort behind the revival. This port is expected to have a transformative impact on the region’s economy by boosting trade, shipping, and connectivity.
Economic Opportunities:
The Greenfield port will not only revive the city’s historic trade routes but will also foster new industries and economic growth. It will enhance exports, particularly of agricultural products, handloom textiles, and other local resources.
Infrastructure and Connectivity:
With the port development, Machilipatnam will benefit from upgraded infrastructure, including improved road, rail, and shipping connectivity, enhancing both national and global trade linkages.
While the port’s revival is promising, there are several challenges that must be addressed:
Environmental Impact:
Being located near the coast, the port’s construction must take into account the environmental impact, particularly the marine ecosystem. Any potential harm to the region's biodiversity and fisheries must be mitigated through sustainable practices.
Cultural Heritage:
The city’s handloom and Kalamkari industries must be preserved and promoted, even as the city undergoes development. Efforts should be made to integrate modern trade with traditional industries and protect the cultural heritage of Machilipatnam.
The recent resurgence of pink and green lotus beds in Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant event, marking a hopeful return of life and ecological balance to the lake after nearly 25 years since the devastating 1992 floods.
Wular Lake is one of India’s most important freshwater ecosystems, located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Largest Freshwater Lake in India:
Spanning an area of 200 sq. km, Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia.
Location and Formation:
The lake lies at an altitude of 1,580 meters on the foothills of Haramuk Mountain, and its basin was formed through tectonic activity. Additionally, it is believed to be a remnant of the Satisar Lake from ancient times.
Lake Basin and Zaina Lank Island:
Wular Lake is a large, sprawling body of water that is approximately 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth. At the center of the lake lies Zaina Lank, a small island, which was built by the Kashmiri King Zainul-Abi-Din.
Ecological Importance:
Wular Lake is an important wetland ecosystem, recognized under the Ramsar Convention since 1990, making it a Wetland of International Importance. The lake is crucial for biodiversity, especially as a habitat for birds and fish.
The lake supports a wide range of wildlife and contributes significantly to the region's biodiversity:
Birdlife:
Wular Lake serves as a critical habitat for birds, particularly as a site for wintering, staging, and breeding. Some of the bird species observed include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrowhawk, Himalayan golden eagle, and Himalayan monal, which are significant to the region's ecological health.
Fish Habitat:
The lake is a major resource for fish production, contributing 60% of the total fish production in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 1992 floods had a devastating effect on Wular Lake’s ecosystem, disrupting its delicate balance and causing widespread damage. The lotus beds, an important part of the lake's flora, were completely submerged and unable to thrive for decades.However, the reappearance of the lotus beds after 25 years is a sign of ecological recovery, and a hopeful symbol of the lake’s resilience. This resurgence might be attributed to improved environmental conditions, reduced pollution, and conservation efforts in the region.
Cultural Significance:
Lotus flowers have a deep cultural significance in India and are often seen as symbols of purity, beauty, and spirituality.
Ecological Role:
Lotus beds in the lake contribute to the aesthetic beauty, act as a natural filter, and provide habitats for various aquatic species. They also help in oxygenating the water and serve as food sources for many species of birds and fish.
It’s possible to manipulate pheromones released by locusts to prevent swarming or disrupt their group behaviors is a significant breakthrough in pest control.
Pheromones are chemical substances that animals, including insects like locusts, release into the environment to communicate with others of their species. They are detected by other individuals of the same species and can trigger specific behaviors or responses.
Definition:
Pheromones are ecto-hormones, meaning they are secreted outside the body and affect the behavior or physiology of others in the same species.
Detection:
These chemicals can be found in various bodily secretions, including sweat, and are detected through an animal's olfactory system or, in some cases, a specialized sensory organ called the vomeronasal organ.
Releaser Pheromones:
These trigger immediate responses in the recipient.
For example, when locusts release releaser pheromones, they may trigger a group behavior, like swarming, which leads to their feeding frenzy. If these pheromones can be controlled or disrupted, locusts might be prevented from swarming.
Signaler Pheromones:
These provide information about the individual who releases them.
Example: A mother mammal might release pheromones to help her identify her baby among many others.
Modulator Pheromones:
These affect moods and emotions.
In social insects, such as ants, modulator pheromones can alter social structures or hierarchies within the colony.
Primer Pheromones:
These affect hormones and can lead to long-term changes in the reproductive cycle.
Example: During pregnancy or menstrual cycles in mammals, pheromones can influence hormonal levels.
Locusts, like many social insects, rely on pheromones to communicate and organize their behavior. These pheromones can trigger:
Swarming: When food sources are abundant, locusts are triggered to swarm and travel together.
Feeding Frenzy: The swarming leads to massive, highly destructive feeding behaviors, as locusts consume everything in their path.
By manipulating the pheromones that cause swarming behavior, researchers believe we could:
Prevent large-scale locust infestations that threaten crops and agriculture.
Disrupt their group behavior, reducing the devastating impact they have on food supplies.
Manipulating pheromones to stop swarming or alter group behavior could be done in several ways:
Blocking or Disrupting Pheromone Signals:
By using synthetic chemicals that mimic locust pheromones, researchers might be able to confuse locusts and prevent them from sensing the swarming signals from other individuals.
Creating “Fake” Pheromone Trails:
By releasing artificial pheromones into the environment, we could either attract locusts to a specific area (to trap them) or mislead them to prevent them from gathering in large swarms.
Neutralizing Pheromones:
Enzyme inhibitors or other chemicals could be developed to break down the pheromones released by locusts, disrupting their communication and coordination.
The ability to manipulate pheromones could have applications beyond pest control:
Agricultural Pest Management:
Pheromone-based pest management techniques could be used for other insects, such as moths, beetles, or flies, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pesticides.
Behavioral Studies in Wildlife:
Manipulating pheromones could provide insights into social dynamics, reproduction, and territorial behavior in various animal species.
Human Behavior:
Though not yet applicable, understanding and manipulating pheromones could one day play a role in human psychology or even attraction.
The research into pheromone manipulation for controlling locust swarming is an exciting frontier in ecological pest management. By leveraging the natural chemical communication systems of locusts, scientists may have found a way to prevent devastating crop damage caused by these insects. However, like all new technologies, it requires careful consideration of its broader ecological effects to ensure its benefits outweigh potential risks.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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