MAINS Current Affairs includes Redistribution of Lok Sabha Seats Based on 2011 Census & India as an Architect of the Emerging Global Order

Polity and Governance

1. Redistribution of Lok Sabha Seats Based on 2011 Census

Context

The Union Government has proposed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill to enable redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census.

Present Distribution of Seats in Lok Sabha

• The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 550 seats (530 from States and 20 from Union Territories).
• At present, the effective strength is 543 elected members:

530 from States

13 from Union Territories

• The allocation of seats among States is still based on the 1971 Census, while constituency boundaries were last adjusted using the 2001 Census.
• The freeze on seat allocation remains valid until the first Census after 2026.

Key Features of the Proposed Bills

• The Bills aim to remove the constitutional freeze on inter-State seat allocation.
• A Delimitation Commission will reallocate seats based on the 2011 Census data.
• The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is proposed to be increased from 550 to 850 seats.
• Out of 850 seats:

815 seats for States

35 seats for Union Territories

• A uniform increase of around 50% in seats for each State is proposed.
• It is assured that no State will lose its existing proportional share.

Arguments in Favour

• Ensuring Democratic Equality: Aligns representation with current population, strengthening the principle of “one person, one vote”.
• Correcting Historical Distortions: Removes imbalances caused by reliance on outdated 1971 Census data.
• Reflecting Demographic Changes: Accounts for population growth and migration patterns across States.
• Enabling Women’s Reservation: Facilitates implementation of 33% reservation for women as per the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023.

Arguments Against

• Threat to Federal Balance: States with higher population growth (mainly northern States) may gain more seats, reducing the relative influence of southern States.
• Institutional Imbalance: Expanding the Lok Sabha without increasing the strength of the Rajya Sabha may weaken bicameral balance.
• Reduced Legislative Efficiency: A larger House (around 850 members) may reduce quality of debates and individual participation.

Conclusion

The delimitation issue reflects a deeper tension between population-based representation and federal equity.

A consensus-based approach involving all States is essential before implementing reforms.

The idea of expansion without reducing existing shares offers a balanced path, but its success depends on clarity, safeguards, and cooperative federalism.

International Relations

2. India as an Architect of the Emerging Global Order

Context

The ongoing West Asian conflict triggered by Operation Epic Fury has exposed deep flaws in the current global order.

It raises questions about India’s role and credibility as a potential architect of a new global system.

Crisis in the Existing Global Order

• The conflict highlights the weakening effectiveness of the United Nations in preventing conflicts and maintaining peace.
• Violations of sovereignty and increased unilateral military actions have undermined the UN Charter principles.
• The role of NATO has also weakened due to internal divisions.
• These developments indicate a transition toward a multipolar but unstable global order.

Changing Geopolitical Dynamics

Emerging Strategic Gains

• Russia has gained through increased energy revenues amid supply disruptions.
• China has accelerated de-dollarisation, promoting yuan-based trade and projecting diplomatic restraint.

Strategic Vulnerabilities

• Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have faced security threats, exposing the limits of external security guarantees.
• Regional instability has disrupted global energy supply chains, affecting countries like India.

Implications for India

• Energy Security Risks: Nearly 50% of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it highly vulnerable.
  • Disruptions have led to:
  • Increased dependence on Russian crude
  • Higher LNG imports from the U.S.
  • Rising domestic inflation
• Diplomatic Ambiguity: India’s cautious response reflects realpolitik but may weaken its claim as the voice of the Global South.
• Strategic Constraints: While India adapted through diversification and fiscal measures, its limited influence in shaping global outcomes became evident.

Why India Must Act as a Global Architect

• India aspires to represent the Global South, which requires both moral clarity and strategic leadership.
• Passive diplomacy may weaken India’s global standing.
• India’s legacy of non-alignment and strategic autonomy provides a strong foundation for leadership.
• The current crisis presents an opportunity for India to shift from a balancing power to a shaping power.

Strategic Priorities for India

• Proactive Diplomacy:
  • Take clear positions on violations of sovereignty
  • Engage actively in conflict resolution and peace-building
• Strengthen Energy Security:
  • Diversify energy sources
  • Increase investment in renewables
• Lead Global South Cooperation:
  • Use platforms like G20 and BRICS
  • Advocate for equitable global governance
• Build Regional Stability:
  • Strengthen engagement with West Asia
  • Enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region

Conclusion

The current crisis reflects a leadership vacuum in global governance.

By adopting a proactive, principled, and strategic approach, India can emerge as a key architect of a stable, inclusive, and rules-based global order.

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