Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Prelims: Office of Speaker and Deputy speaker: Rules, Constitutional Provisions and Mandates, Provisions for Presiding Officers Of the parliament, Article 93, Article 94, Article 95.  

Mains: Significance of the Office of Deputy Speaker. 

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Despite being a constitutionally envisaged post vital for ensuring impartiality and continuity in the functioning of the Lok Sabha, the office of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha has remained vacant throughout the 17th Lok Sabha  and continues to be unfilled in the 18th. 

• While the Constitution sets no fixed timeline for the appointment, the use of “shall” and “as soon as may be” in Articles 93 and 178 makes the election mandatory. 

What are the Key Provisions Associated with the Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha? 

• Constitutional Provisions: 
  • Article 93: It provides that Lok Sabha must, as soon as may be, choose 2 members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker. 
  • Article 94: It provides the procedures for the vacation, resignation and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of People or Lok Sabha. 
  • Article 95(1): The Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker’s duties when the Speaker’s post is vacant and exercises the same powers while presiding over the House. 
    • All references to the “Speaker” in the Rules are deemed to be references to the Deputy Speaker as well for the times when he or she presides. 
  • Article 178: It contains the corresponding provision for the Speakers and Deputy Speakers in the State Assemblies. 
• Election Process: 
  • The Deputy Speaker,  (as well as Speaker) is elected from among Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of those present and voting. 
  • Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha governs the election.  
    • The Speaker fixes the date for electing the Deputy Speaker. 
  • The opposition party has held the post of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha on several occasions. (But it is not mandated neither by constitution nor by any law, just a convention).  
    • Example during UPA-I (2004–09), UPA-II (2009–14), and under Prime Ministers Vajpayee (1999–2004), PV Narasimha Rao (1991–96), and Chandra Shekhar (1990–91). 
  • No separate oath is required; only the MP's oath under the Third Schedule suffices. 
• Tenure & Removal: 
  • The Deputy Speaker, like the Speaker, holds office during the life of the Lok Sabha but may vacate it earlier in the following cases: 
    • Ceases to be a Lok Sabha member; 
    • Resigns by writing to the Speaker; 
    • Removed by a resolution passed by a majority of the total Lok Sabha membership (absolute majority), with 14 days’ prior notice. 
  • Whenever the Deputy Speaker’s post becomes vacant, the Lok Sabha elects a new member to fill the position. 

What is the Historical Background Associated with the Office of Deputy Speaker?  

• The position of Deputy Speaker originated in the Central Legislative Assembly under British rule, known then as the "Deputy President." Sachidanand Sinha was the first to hold this post in 1921. 
• After independence, M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar became the first elected Deputy Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha. 
  • In 1956, following Speaker GV Mavalankar’s demise, Ayyangar served as Acting Speaker and was later elected Speaker of the second Lok Sabha. 

What is the Significance of the Office of Deputy Speaker? 

• Ensures Legislative Continuity: The Deputy Speaker ensures uninterrupted functioning of the Lok Sabha in the absence of the Speaker, maintaining procedural order and preventing legislative paralysis. 
• Constitutional Authority: Mandated under Article 93, the Deputy Speaker holds an independent constitutional position and is not subordinate to the Speaker. The office is also associated with key parliamentary committees such as the Rules Committee. 
• Neutral and Impartial Role: Upon election, the Deputy Speaker is expected to function above party affiliations, reinforcing impartiality and public trust in parliamentary procedures. 
• Democratic Inclusion & Consensus Building: Traditionally offered to the Opposition, the post of Deputy Speaker serves as a tool for bipartisan cooperation, fostering consensus-based politics and cross-party trust. This convention upholds institutional balance, promotes inclusivity in parliamentary leadership, and reinforces the democratic ethos of the legislature.

Note:

• The Deputy Speaker automatically becomes the chairman of any Parliamentary Committee when appointed as a member of that committee.

What Safeguards are Required for Effective Functioning of the Deputy Speaker’s Office? 

• Clear Time Frame for Election: The Constitution can be amended or rules must be framed to mandate the election of the Deputy Speaker within a specific period (e.g., within 30 days of the first sitting of the new Lok Sabha). 
  •  A statutory provision could be introduced empowering the President, upon advice from the Prime Minister, to initiate the election process if delayed beyond the prescribed period 
• Regular Delegation of Authority: Institutionalising the regular delegation of presiding duties to the Deputy Speaker, even in the Speaker’s presence, can enhance administrative efficiency and affirm the functional relevance of the office. 
• Clear Role Codification: Defining the Deputy Speaker’s powers and responsibilities through detailed parliamentary rules or a statutory framework would reduce ambiguity and safeguard legislative neutrality from executive influence. 

Conclusion 

The Office of the Deputy Speaker in India is not symbolic but an essential pillar of parliamentary democracy. Upholding this office is a test of respect for rule-based governance, institutional integrity, and democratic resilience. It is imperative for Parliament to act promptly and in the spirit of the Constitution.

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the constitutional and functional importance of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q1. Consider the following statements: (2017) 

1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected. 
2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (d) 

Q2. Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha speaker, consider the following statements: (2012) 

1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President. 
2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election. 
3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 1, 2 and 3 
(d) None 

Ans: (b)

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Mains:

Q. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (2021)

Q. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (2020)

India’s Blueprint for Clean Drinking Water

For Prelims: Waterborne diseases, Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Central Water Commission 

For Mains: Challenges of water governance in India, Role of urbanization and infrastructure in water scarcity, Water resource management 

Source:TH 

Why in News?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in line with ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, has unveiled a blueprint to ensure clean drinking water directly from taps across India.  

• The plan shifts focus from bottled water and tankers to building sustainable water treatment systems and robust infrastructure for reliable supply in both urban and rural areas. 

What are the Objectives of the Blueprint on Clean Drinking Water for All? 

• Safe Drinking Water: The plan aims to move away from bottled water and water tankers by providing direct access to clean, safe drinking water from taps in both urban and rural areas. 
• Strengthening Water Treatment Infrastructure:  The blueprint focuses on upgrading and expanding water treatment plants and distribution networks to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply. 
  • It seeks to improve water quality to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and contamination risks across the country. 
• Smart Water Management Systems: The blueprint incorporates digitization of water infrastructure by using smart meters, sensors, and remote monitoring systems to track water use, detect leakages, and optimize distribution. 
• Water Recycling Initiatives: The plan targets recycling 10,000 million litres per day (MLD) of water for agriculture, industrial, and urban use. 
  • It also encourages industries to adopt water recycling technologies to promote sustainable operations. 
  • The plan promotes reuse of treated water in agriculture to reduce pressure on freshwater sources and encourages adoption of water-efficient farming practices. 
• Revival and Restoration of Water Bodies: The initiative focuses on restoring lakes, ponds, rivers, and traditional wells to boost water storage, improve quality, and recharge groundwater. 
  • It promotes the creation of green urban infrastructure with permeable surfaces to naturally absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. 

What is the Status of Drinking Water Access in India? 

• Access to Basic Drinking Water: In 2020-2021, 95% of rural and 97.2% of urban populations had access to improved sources of potable water. 
• Groundwater Dependency: Groundwater accounts for 85% of drinking water in rural areas and 48% in urban areas.  
  • This reliance on groundwater comes from over 30 million access points (e.g., hand pumps and tube wells). 
• Tap and Piped Water: As of February 2025, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has provided tap water connections to a total of 15.44 crore households, covering 79.74% of rural households in India.  
  • This marks significant progress toward ensuring universal access to clean drinking water, with a continued focus on achieving 100% coverage. 
  • In urban areas, piped water supply coverage was 71% in 2011, and by 2019, 93% of India's urban population has access to basic water supply.  
  • The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) launched in 2015 aimed at universal piped water supply. By November 2023, 1.73 crore new tap connections were provided.  
    • AMRUT 2.0, targets 100% functional tap connections and water security by 2026, with a focus on 24x7 pressurized water supply systems (PWSS) and "drink from tap" facilities. 

What are the Challenges in Accessing Drinking Water in India? 

• Water Scarcity: India, despite being home to 17% of the world’s population, has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. This creates a significant gap between water demand and supply, especially as demand is expected to exceed available resources by 256 billion cubic meters (BCM) by 2050. 
  • The Central Water Commission estimates per capita availability at 1,486 m³ in 2021, projected to drop to 1,367 m³ by 2031.   
  • India is already a water-stressed nation (below 1,700 m³ per capita) and risks becoming water-scarce (below 1,000 m³ per capita) without urgent action. 
• Urban Pressures: Rapid urbanization leading to over-extraction of groundwater, and water contamination. Many urban poor rely on private tankers or unsafe sources. 
• Issues with Water Governance: The NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index shows that 16 states scored below 50/100, indicating poor water management. 
  • Water governance in India is top-down and engineering-driven, focused on building dams and extracting groundwater, ignoring river system health and catchment sustainability. 
  • Policies in India have primarily focused on increasing water supply through dams, pipelines, and borewells, while neglecting demand management, such as water-use efficiency in agriculture and urban conservation.  
    • As a result, cities like Bengaluru still face severe water shortages due to rising demand and wastage, despite expanding supply systems. 
• Infrastructure Gap:  Only 21.4% of households have piped drinking water according to the National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) 76th round, and just 28% of urban wastewater is treated, leaving the rest to pollute water bodies.  
  • India faces a water crisis due to aging infrastructure, rapid population growth, and unplanned urbanization.   
  • Upgrading water systems needs heavy investment and interstate coordination, further strained by the JJM’s budget cut from Rs 9.10 to Rs 8.68 lakh crore, impacting states like UP, Rajasthan, and MP. 
• Groundwater Depletion: Overexploitation of groundwater in India, driven by policies like free electricity, depletes water resources, particularly in agriculture-heavy regions.  
  • This leads to reduced access to safe drinking water, increases contamination risks, and makes it harder to meet the growing demand for potable water. 
• Water Quality:  Most Indian cities discharge untreated sewage into water bodies, severely degrading water quality. A survey shows only 6% of urban households receive drinkable water from municipal sources, while 62% depend on purifiers. 
  • Alarmingly, Nonylphenol, a toxic endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been detected in drinking water samples across India, yet India lacks specific standards to regulate it. 
• Behavioral Change: Public habits, such as water wastage and inadequate sanitation practices, hamper the effectiveness of government initiatives like the JJM and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in ensuring sustainable access to clean drinking water. 

What Measures can India Take to Ensure Clean Drinking Water for All? 

• Puri's 24-Hour Tap Water Initiative: Puri, Odisha  has become the first city in India to provide high-quality, 24x7 drinking water directly from taps under the 'Drink from Tap' project.  
  • This initiative sets a model for other cities to upgrade water infrastructure and ensure safe, continuous access to potable water. 
• Climate Resilience: Invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure such as flood-resistant embankments and levees, desalination plants, rainwater harvesting systems, and floodwater storage reservoirs.  
  • Integrate climate adaptation strategies into water planning to address erratic rainfall and frequent droughts. 
• Revival of Water Bodies: Restore rivers, lakes, and ponds through community-driven conservation models, as seen in the Namami Gange Programme. 
  • Focus on catchment area protection and soil conservation to enhance water storage capacity. 
  • Enhance community participation, in water management through Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), 
• Technological Innovation: Scale up solar-powered water purification systems and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies for rural and urban areas. 
  • Expand smart water management systems using IoT, sensors, and AI for real-time monitoring and leak detection. 
• Policy and Legal Reforms: Implement user-pays water pricing, ensuring sustainable consumption. 
  • Focus on demand-side management in agriculture by incentivizing water-efficient practices such as Drip Irrigation, development of aquaponics farms and reducing subsidies for water-intensive crops. 

Conclusion

India can ensure clean drinking water for all by 2047 through strategic governance reforms, leveraging technology, promoting water reuse, restoring water bodies, and preparing for climate change impacts. These measures require a multi-dimensional approach integrating policy, technology, and community involvement. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Water for All: Pipe Dream or Achievable Reality?”, examine India’s roadmap to universal drinking water access. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims:

Q.1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021) 

(a) Dholavira 

(b) Kalibangan 

(c) Rakhigarhi 

(d) Ropar 

Ans: A 

Q.2. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021) 

1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector. 
2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank. 
3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: C 

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Mains:

Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020) 

Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)

Cucumber Mosaic Virus and RNA Silencing

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

A German research team has developed  "effective double-stranded Ribonucleic acid (dsRNA)," enriched with potent small interfering RNA (siRNA) to boost plant immunity against viruses like Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). This method cut CMV viral load by up to 80%, outperforming conventional approaches. 

• The innovation uses RNA silencing, a natural plant defence, to precisely detect and suppress the virus. 

What is Cucumber Mosaic Virus? 

• About: CMV is one of the most common and globally prevalent plant viruses. It belongs to the genus Cucumovirus in the Bromoviridae family. 
  • It is known for its extremely wide host range, it affects over 1,200 plant species, including vegetables, cereals, ornamentals, and medicinal plants. 
• Symptoms: CMV causes yellow mottling (irregular, light spots or streaks on plant leaves) , distorted or mosaic-patterned leaves, and stunted growth. 
  • Symptoms are commonly seen not only in cucumbers but also in melons, bananas, pumpkins, and other garden plants. 
• Transmission: It is spread primarily through sap-sucking insects like aphids. Around 90 aphid species are capable of transmitting the virus, making containment difficult. 
  • Aphids, belonging to the superfamily Aphidoidea, are small, soft-bodied insects that use slender mouthparts to suck fluids from plant stems and leaves. 
• Impact on India: In India, CMV causes 25–30% yield losses in bananas and up to 70% infection in pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons. 
  • Infected plants show mosaic discoloration, stunted growth, and deformed fruits, with no known cure available for CMV.

Note:  According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), plant pests and diseases destroy nearly 40% of the world’s annual crop, costing the world more than USD 220 billion. Of that, plant viruses alone contribute to over USD 30 billion in losses each year. 

What is RNA Silencing in Plants? 

• About: RNA silencing is a natural defense mechanism in plants that helps them fight off viruses.  
  • When a virus infects a plant, it introduces double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which signals the plant's immune system to respond. 
• Working of RNA Silencing: When a virus infects a plant, the plant activates Dicer-like enzymes (DCLs). 
  • DCLs slice the dsRNA into small fragments called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).  
    • These siRNAs guide the plant’s defense system to recognize and destroy the viral RNA, preventing the infection from spreading. 
• Limitations of RNA Silencing: Not all siRNAs generated by the plant are effective in fighting the virus. 
  • The CMV mutates rapidly, often evading the plant’s natural defense mechanism, making the process less reliable. 
• Human Developed RNA Silencing Technologies: 
  • Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS): It genetically modifies plants to produce virus-fighting dsRNA, offering continuous protection.  
    • However, its use is limited by regulations, high costs, and potential viral resistance. 
  • Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS):  A flexible alternative where plants are treated with RNA sprays. It triggers the plant’s immune response without genetic modification.  
    • SIGS is cost-effective and eco-friendly, but its effectiveness is limited due to traditional dsRNA formulations producing a random mix of siRNAs, many of which fail to efficiently silence the virus.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for (2020)

(a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm  

(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells  

(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos  

(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring  

Ans: (d)  

Q. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (2019)

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing  

(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients  

(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant  

(d) A herbicidal substance synthesised in genetically modified crops  

Ans: (a)  

Q. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?(2019)

(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.  

(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.  

(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.  

(d) Cells taken out from plasma and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.  

Ans: (a)

River Cities Alliance

Source: PIB

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved a master plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA) to promote river-sensitive urban planning through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and expert guidance in India’s cities. 

• River Cities Alliance (RCA): It has been conceptualized to help river cities in India maintain this symbiotic relationship with their rivers. 
  • Launched in 2021, with 30 river cities, the RCA has now expanded to 145+ cities. 
  • It is currently being managed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.  
    • It supports the creation of Urban River Management Plans (URMPs).  
• Urban River Management Plans (URMPs): The URMP framework, launched in 2020 by the NIUA and the NMCG, represents a first-of-its-kind approach to ensure that environmental, economic, and social dimensions are considered in the urban management of rivers.  
  • Five cities, namely Kanpur, Ayodhya, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Moradabad, and Bareilly, have developed URMPs, with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar's Kham River Restoration Mission gaining global recognition from the World Resources Institute. 

Read more: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) 

Revive Our Ocean Initiative

Source: DTE 

The 'Revive Our Ocean' initiative, launched by the international NGO Dynamic Planet, seeks to boost marine conservation by empowering local communities to create marine protected areas (MPAs) and promote sustainable economic growth through fishing and tourism. 

• Revive Our Ocean: The initiative aligns with the 30X30 target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. 
  • It initially targets seven countries UK, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico, where local communities will be empowered to establish and manage MPAs effectively. 
  • It highlights MPAs as economic assets, with examples like Medes Island (Spain), where a no-fishing zone generates USD 16 million annually through tourism. 
  • The initiative is in line with the 2023 High Seas Treaty, which requires ratification by 60 countries to come into effect (India signed the High Seas Treaty). 
• MPAs: An MPA is a region managed for the conservation of marine resources, with restrictions on certain activities to protect ecosystems, habitats, or fisheries.  
  • Some activities, like fishing and research, may still occur in multi-purpose MPAs. 
  • Although over 16,000 MPAs cover 8% of the world's oceans, only 3% are fully protected, as per the Protected Planet Report, 2024.  
  • Many MPAs suffer from poor management or allow destructive practices like bottom trawling. 

Read more: Marine Protected Areas 

Importance of Crimea to Russia

Source: IE 

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict, the Crimea has gained renewed attention, particularly after US President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting that the US will recognize Crimea as part of Russia. 

• Crimea: It is an autonomous region that was part of Ukraine prior to 2014, located between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. 
  • Crimea is linked to the mainland by the narrow Perekop Isthmus and is separated from the Sea of Azov by the Tonka of Arabat sandspit. 
  • It links to Russia via the Kerch Strait and the Crimean Bridge. 
• Russia’s Historical Claim: Crimea was part of Russia’s empire for centuries until it was transferred to Ukraine in 1954 by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Russia disputes this move, considering it a historical injustice. 
• Significance of Crimea for Russia: Russia’s coastline spans over 37,000 km, but much of it lies north of the Arctic Circle, where sea ice makes many ports unusable in winter.  
  • The Black Sea, the warmest marine feature bordering Russia, is crucial for its access to the Mediterranean.  
  • Crimea’s geography, particularly the Sevastopol port, is essential for Russia’s access to warm water ports and holds significant strategic military value for projecting power in the Black Sea and Mediterranean. 
  • The securing of Crimea ensures that Russia can control economic corridors in the Black Sea, which are crucial for trade and energy routes to southern Europe and West Asia. 

Read more: Russia-Ukraine Conflict 

I4C Brought Under PMLA, 2002

Source: TH 

To combat transnational cyber frauds and track illicit money trails, the Revenue Department under the Ministry of Finance has brought the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 specifically under Section 66. 

• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre: I4C is a national-level coordination centre for addressing cybercrime issues.  
  • It is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, approved in 2018 and dedicated to the nation in 2020. Its headquarters are in New Delhi. 
  • It provides a coordinated and comprehensive framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to tackle cybercrimes.  
• Integration of I4C with PMLA: Section 66 of the PMLA deals with the disclosure of information. 
  • It allows the Director or specified authority to furnish information to officers or bodies performing functions under laws related to tax, duties, foreign exchange, or illicit trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. 
  • The integration of I4C aims to track financial trails and identify transnational cyber frauds by sharing and receiving information with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other enforcement agencies. 

Read more: Rising Digital Arrests