03 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. A Profound Shift in the Global Order

(Source – Page 6, The Hindu International Edition​)

Topic: GS Paper 2 – Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business

Context

The global order shaped after WWII and furthered by institutions like the WTO and UN is undergoing a dramatic transformation. With declining Western dominance and the rise of Asia, especially India and China, there is a need to rethink multilateralism, trade, and global governance frameworks.

Significance

• Global Power Shift: Asia is regaining its historical prominence, likely to control two-thirds of global GDP and power.

• India’s Opportunity: With the crumbling of outdated multilateral institutions and trade models, India has a chance to propose new frameworks and reposition itself as a strategic leader.

• Technology as a New Driver: AI, semiconductors, and digital platforms are the new battlegrounds, replacing traditional goods-based trade.

Key Issues and Analysis

1. Collapse of the Post-Colonial Global Order

• WTO, UN, and similar bodies are losing credibility and relevance.

• The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the G7’s insular mindset, weakening the global North’s moral authority.

2. Rise of Regional and Bilateralism

• Bilateral trade deals are replacing multilateralism but often compromise domestic autonomy.

• BRICS+ and other regional groupings are emerging to fill the vacuum.

3. India’s Strategic Role in Asia

• India must collaborate with ASEAN and the African Union to build a new trade-consumption network.

• Proposal for an Asian Common Market could offset Western trade blocs.

4. Technology and Innovation: Missed and Emerging Opportunities

• India earlier missed out on industry-academia collaboration in innovation.

• Now has a chance to lead in AI and software innovation, especially open-source systems.

• Huawei and DeepSeek show India’s potential in AI and chip design (7nm).

5. Endogenous Growth vs. Western Model

• India should learn from China’s model: internally-driven prosperity rather than dependency on Western approval.

• Lowering electricity costs, strengthening patent output, and encouraging home-grown innovation are critical.

Way Forward

• Develop Alternative Multilateralism: India must take the lead in drafting new global governance frameworks inclusive of Asia and Africa.

• Boost R&D and Academia-Industry Linkage: Major investment in AI, semiconductor tech, and language models is needed.

• Rebuild Trade Architecture: Move beyond tariffs to holistic agreements covering services, investment, and infrastructure.

• Promote Open-Source Leadership: Open-source technology can be India’s soft power tool in the new digital order.

• Form Strategic Trade Alliances: Target bilateral gains with ASEAN and Africa where consumption is rising.

Practice Question: The global order shaped by post-colonial multilateralism is witnessing a breakdown. In this context, examine how India can leverage the shifting geopolitical and economic landscape to shape a new, inclusive world order.

2. Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight in India

(Source – Page 6, The Hindu Editorial​)

Topic: Polity and Governance: Parliament and its Role, Executive Accountability

Context

The editorial underscores the urgent need to balance the ideal of ‘maximum governance’ with ‘maximum accountability’. It argues that a strong and empowered Parliament is central to democratic functioning and executive scrutiny in India.

Significance

• Democratic Accountability: An active legislature is key to holding the executive accountable on a daily and periodic basis.

• Governance Quality: Oversight mechanisms improve transparency, implementation, and course correction.

• Parliamentary Integrity: Upholding checks and balances strengthens public confidence in democratic institutions.

Key Issues and Analysis

1. Diminishing Role of Legislative Oversight

• While constitutional provisions empower Parliament to scrutinize the executive, this function has weakened in recent years.

• Efficiency in governance is often prioritized over transparency, reducing democratic checks.

2. Underutilization of Parliamentary Mechanisms

• Question Hour and Zero Hour, crucial for real-time accountability, are frequently disrupted by protests and political stand-offs.

• In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024), Question Hour was utilized for only 60% of its scheduled time in the Lok Sabha and 52% in the Rajya Sabha.

• Members often raise fragmented questions, missing broader cross-sectoral scrutiny.

3. Limitations of Parliamentary Committees

• Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) produce detailed reports, but these are rarely debated or acted upon.

• Temporary nature of committee membership prevents expertise development.

• Stakeholder consultations lack diversity, often confined to a limited circle.

Notable Successes of Oversight Mechanisms

1. Institutionalize Post-Legislative Scrutiny

• India currently lacks a system to evaluate law implementation after enactment.

• Subcommittees under DRSCs or a dedicated review body can bridge this gap.

• UK model: Major laws reviewed 3–5 years post-enactment by departments and parliamentary committees.

2. Increase Public Access and Discourse

• Translate committee findings into local languages.

• Use visual explainers, short videos, and infographics for wider citizen engagement.

• Mandate ministerial response to key DRSC reports tabled in Parliament.

3. Leverage Technology for Effective Oversight

• MPs lack access to expert staff and analytics tools.

• Use of Artificial Intelligence and data tools can help analyze budgets, identify policy gaps, and frame evidence-based questions.

Conclusion

Strengthening legislative oversight should not be viewed as adversarial to the executive but as a support mechanism to improve governance. As Vice President K.R. Narayanan stated during the 1993 inauguration of DRSCs, committees serve to strengthen administration, not weaken it. A Parliament that scrutinizes well ensures governance remains accountable, transparent, and truly representative.

Practice Question: In the context of democratic governance, evaluate the current status of parliamentary oversight in India. What reforms are needed to enhance the effectiveness of legislative scrutiny?

Read more – 02 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis