The Hindu Editorial Topic-1 : Parliaments past, a mirror to changing dynamics
Short notes or Revision Notes
Parliamentary Performance in Recent Years
Introduction
- 17th Lok Sabha concluded its proceedings on a Saturday.
- This article analyses the performance of the Parliament in recent years.
How Ministries fared
- Shift in focus:
- Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare are now the top two most questioned ministries.
- Scrutiny of healthcare system predates the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Declining interest in national security:
- Ministry of Home Affairs has seen a decline in the number of questions directed towards it.
- Ministry of Finance:
- Witnessed a decline in parliamentary interest.
- Seen a rise in the number of questions admitted for deliberation.
- Education:
- Remains among the top five questioned ministries.
- Seen a rise in the number of disallowed questions.
- Disallowed Questions:
- Rajya Sabha sees a rising trend in disallowed questions compared to Lok Sabha.
- Ministries like Health, Home Affairs, Defence etc. account for a significant portion (36.6% in Rajya Sabha, 37.8% in Lok Sabha) of disallowed questions, highlighting challenges in oversight.
- Use of Interventions:
- Zero Hour interventions witnessing a sharp rise in both Rajya Sabha (62% increase) and Lok Sabha (34% increase) over 15 years.
- This signifies focus on pressing issues and seeking clarifications from the government.
- However, usage of other interventions like Half-an-Hour Discussions and Calling Attention is declining.
- Limitations of Zero Hour:
- Despite its popularity, Zero Hour has limitations for in-depth discussions.
- Need for Balance:
- Leverage other interventions like Calling Attention and Half-an-Hour Discussions for broader participation and better solutions.
Overall Performance
- 16th Lok Sabha demonstrated a higher level of proactivity compared to the 17th Lok Sabha.
- Missed opportunities for discussions on critical issues like student suicides.
Conclusion
- Need to revitalise legislative engagement to ensure accountability and enact people-centric policies.
The Hindu Editorial Topic-2 : Escalation ladder
Escalating Conflict in West Asia
- Israel-Iran Tensions:
- April 1 attack on Iranian embassy annex in Damascus killed 13 Iranians including a top commander.
- Seen as a major escalation as embassy complex is protected under international law.
- Part of a shadow war between Israel and Iran targeting each other’s military figures.
- Israel’s Concerns:
- Views Iran as the backbone of anti-Israel militias like Hamas and Hezbollah.
- Launched offensive in Gaza and air strikes in Syria and Lebanon to counter Iranian influence.
- Concerns and Next Steps:
- Continued fighting could lead to a wider war dragging in the US.
- Iran urged to show restraint and avoid being provoked by Israel.
- US needs to rein in Israel to prevent further escalation.
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