Current Affairs 9th February 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Zero Hour

Context: Some key issues such as Manipur violence, stricter laws against hate speech, etc. were raised during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.

About Zero Hour

• It is an Indian innovation in parliamentary proceedings (been used since 1962).
  • Not mentioned in rules of procedure of either house of the Parliament
• Commences immediately after question hour and lasts till the day’s agenda (i.e. regular business of the House) is taken.
• Members can raise matters without giving prior notice.

Measures for Parliamentary Oversight

• Question Hour and Zero Hour: It enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to ask questions to ministers regarding government policies, programs, and actions.
  • Example: Question hour played an important role in unravelling of Mundhra scam in 1950s

• Parliamentary Committees: They examine the bills, scrutinise government policies and budgets, and make recommendations.
  • Example: Public Account Committee examines audit reports of CAG
  • Example: Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) have examined issues like 2G spectrum allocation.

• Debates and Discussions: MPs can raise concerns, express their views, and hold the government accountable through constructive debates.
  • Example: Debates on issues like marriage age.

• No confidence motion: If passed results in the collapse of the Government.
  • Example: Fall of NDA govt. in 1996.

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ECOWAS

Context: An extraordinary ECOWAS session was convened following Senegal President Macky Sall’s abrupt election postponement and the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the bloc.

About ECOWAS

• Founded: 1975 (Treaty of Lagos)
• Mission: Foster economic integration among member states
• Vision: Seamless region with democratic governance, rule of law, and effective governance
• Members: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Togo
• Key Objectives:
  • Unified currency
  • Single trade zone (in areas: industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, finance, socio-cultural)

• Conflict Resolution: Aims to resolve regional military conflicts
  • Managed Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group(ECOMOG) peacekeeping force (led by Nigeria in 1990s-2000s)
• Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria

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