Parliament Diary

The discussion on climate change, which began in the 2021 Winter Session, resumed in Lok Sabha today. Replying to the debate in the House, the Environment Minister said that the developed nations should provide the developing nations with climate finance and technology transfer.

The New and Renewable Energy Minister also spoke on the debate. He added that India achieved its COP21 pledge of meeting 30% of the power generation capacity through non-fossil fuels, ahead of the 2030 target. India met close to 40% of its power generation capacity through non-fossil fuels in November 2021. 

The House then took up another debate on the need to encourage sports in India. Moving the debate, a Member expressed concern over several sports federations not being professionally run. He asked the government to apprise the House about steps taken to ensure that the federations have a regular calendar of competitions, dedicated training facilities for athletes and a good working relationship with athletes and coaches.

Another Member said that encouraging youth to get into sports would also help with the drug menace in the country. The discussion did not conclude.

Earlier in the day, during Question Hour, a Member raised concern over incidents of electric vehicles (EVs) catching fire. The Road Transport Minister informed the House that a forensic investigation has been ordered into the four incidents that were reported in the last week. The Minister added that the government would take appropriate action based on the findings of the expert Committee report. 

In Rajya Sabha, the Question Hour and Zero Hour were suspended to make time for farewell speeches for Members whose terms are coming to an end. A third of the Members of the Upper House will retire between April and July this year. The speeches concluded in the second half and the House adjourned early.