Why it is in news?

• In sharp contrast to the noisy start to the Winter Session, the Rajya Sabha today set a record after 15 years by taking up all the 15 listed starred questions during the Question Hour, while 18 members spoke on issues of public importance during the Zero Hour.
• The last time all listed starred questions were taken up was in 2002 during the 197th Session of the Upper House.
• Members sought government's responses on several major issues

1.         including GST filing

2.       poor rating of Indian Renewal Energy Companies,

3.       regulation of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin,

4.       non-performing assets,

5.       clinical trial of drugs and

6.       Air India's operating losses.

• Due to disruptions and scarcity of time, texts of Special Mentions are usually laid on the table of the House

What is zero hour and Question hour?

• During the Zero Hour, members raise issues of public importance, while they question the government on various issues during the Question Hour.

• Question Hour: The first hour of every sitting of Parliament is generally reserved for the asking and answering of questions.
• Zero Hour: The time immediately following the Question Hour has come to be known as "Zero Hour". It starts at around 12 noon (hence the name) and members can, with prior notice to the Speaker, raise issues of importance during this time.
• Typically, discussions on important Bills, the Budget, and other issues of national importance take place from 2pm onwards.

(Business Standard ,PRS india)