MAINS Current Affairs includes Delimitation Push to Fast-Track Women’s Reservation & India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Under Stress Amid Global Uncertainty

Polity & Governance

1. Delimitation Push to Fast-Track Women’s Reservation

Context: The Union Government is considering an amendment to conduct delimitation using the 2011 Census, aiming to implement women’s reservation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Background

• The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 provides:
  • 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies
• Implementation requires:
• Conduct of a Census
• A delimitation exercise based on that Census
• Delay in Census 2021 (COVID-19) pushed implementation timeline

Proposal: Use 2011 Census data to fast-track reservation

Key Implications

• Lok Sabha seats may increase to 816
• Around 273 seats reserved for women
• Marks a major structural reform in political representation

What is Census?

• A census is a survey of the population of an area that includes collecting details of a country’s demographics including age, sex and occupation.
• The census, typically conducted every ten years to update the National Population Register (NPR).
• The Constitution mandates that enumeration is carried out but the Census of India Act of 1948 does not specify its timing or periodicity.
• Conducted by:
  • Office of Registrar General & Census Commissioner (MHA)

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation is the process of fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies in each State for the Lok Sabha and Legislative assemblies.

• It also includes determining the seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in these houses.
• Article 82 and 170of the Indian Constitution provide that the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative assemblies as well as its division into territorial constituencies shall be readjusted after each Census.
• This process is performed by the ‘Delimitation Commission’ that is set up under an act of Parliament.

Delimitation History

• 1951 Census → 494 seats
• 1961 Census → 522 seats
• 1971 Census → 543 seats

Post-1971: Seat freeze to promote population control

Key Amendments

• 84th Amendment (2001):
  • Freeze extended till first Census after 2026
  • Allowed boundary changes (no seat increase)

Issues with Using 2011 Census

of seats may create regional tensions

Significance of the Move

Faster Implementation

• Enables women’s reservation before 2029

Political Inclusion

• Enhances gender representation in governance

Balancing Urgency vs Accuracy

• Trade-off between:
  • Timely reform
  • Updated population data

Way Forward

Build Consensus

• Engage states and stakeholders to avoid disputes

Ensure Fair Representation

• Balance population-based representation with federal equity

Update Data Systems

• Expedite next Census for future corrections

Phased Implementation

• Consider gradual seat adjustments to reduce disruption

Conclusion

Using the 2011 Census for delimitation is a pragmatic step to fast-track women’s reservation, but it raises concerns of fairness and representation.

A consensus-driven and balanced approach is essential to ensure that democratic reform strengthens both gender justice and federal harmony.

Energy Security

2. India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Under Stress Amid Global Uncertainty

Context: As of March 2026, nearly 36% of India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) remain unfilled, raising concerns amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

What are Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs)?

• SPRs are emergency crude oil stockpiles maintained by governments
• Purpose:
  • Handle supply disruptions
  • Stabilise prices during crises

Origin: After the 1973 Oil Crisis, when global supply shocks exposed vulnerabilities

SPRs in India

Managed by: Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL)

Existing Facilities (Total: 5.33 MMT)

• Visakhapatnam – 1.33 MMT
• Mangaluru – 1.5 MMT
• Padur – 2.5 MMT

Planned Expansion (6.5 MMT)

• Chandikhol (Odisha) – 4 MMT
• Padur (Karnataka) – 2.5 MMT

Current Status

• Stored oil: ~3.37 MMT (≈64% capacity)
• Coverage:
  • Only ~5 days (vs ~9.5 days at full capacity)

Indicates reduced emergency preparedness

Strategic Risk Factors

Dependence on Imports

• India imports ~88% of crude oil
• Highly vulnerable to external shocks

Strait of Hormuz Risk

• 40–50% of India’s oil imports pass through this chokepoint
• Any conflict can disrupt supply significantly

Weak Emergency Buffer

• Low SPR levels reduce ability to handle: Wars, Sanctions, Supply disruptions

Below Global Standards

• International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends 90 days reserve
• India has ~74 days (including commercial stocks)

Reduced Strategic Leverage

• Countries like USA, China, Japan use SPRs as geopolitical tools
• Limited reserves reduce India’s bargaining power

Why SPRs Matter for Energy Security

• Ensure continuity of fuel supply
• Stabilise domestic prices
• Provide time buffer during crises
• Strengthen strategic autonomy

Way Forward

Fill Existing Capacity

• Take advantage of low global oil prices

Expand Storage Capacity

• Move toward 90-day reserve benchmark

Diversify Energy Sources

• Increase:
  • Renewables
  • Biofuels
  • Green hydrogen

Strengthen Strategic Use

• Use SPRs not just as reserves but as:
  • Market stabilisation tools
  • Strategic geopolitical assets

Conclusion

India’s partially filled SPRs highlight a critical vulnerability in energy security amid global uncertainty.

Strengthening reserves, diversifying energy sources, and improving strategic planning will be key to ensuring resilience against future supply shocks.

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