Overview On December 10, 2025 , several critical issues were raised in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, highlighting gaps in public health, social justice, and environmental governance. Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan brought attention to the urgent need for dedicated emergency lanes for ambulances, while other MPs raised concerns about mental health support, tribal rights, and environmental issues. Key Issues Raised Emergency Lanes for Ambulances: Jaya Bachchan emphasized the disparity between quick commerce delivery times and ambulance response times, advocating for dedicated lanes to prevent patient deaths due to delays. Gender-Sensitive Mental Health Facilities: BJP MP Rekha Sharma called for improved mental health support for traumatized women, highlighting the need for accessible and specialized care. Tribal Rights and Income Tax: Mizo National Front MP K Vanlalvena raised concerns about income tax officials harassing tribals in Mizoram, who are exempt from such taxes. Sand Mining in Punjab: AAP MP Swati Maliwal demanded an inquiry into sand mining activities in Punjab, linking it to devastating floods. Emergency Lanes for Ambulances Jaya Bachchan highlighted the critical issue of delayed ambulance response times, stating that patients are dying due to traffic congestion despite a 2018 Supreme Court directive on ambulance corridors. She noted that while groceries and pizzas are delivered quickly, ambulances often arrive late, with urban delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes . She called for a nationwide mandate for dedicated emergency lanes, AI traffic signals prioritizing ambulances, and strict enforcement of existing directives. Proposed Solutions Nationwide mandate for dedicated emergency lanes. AI traffic signals prioritizing ambulances. 30-second green corridors. Enforcement of the 2018 Supreme Court directive. Penalties for violators. High-level probe into ambulance delay deaths. Gender-Sensitive Mental Health Support Rekha Sharma and Jaya Bachchan both addressed the severe shortage of accessible gender-sensitive mental health support, particularly for survivors of violence, harassment, and trauma. Bachchan acknowledged the government's initiatives like Tele Manas but pointed out persistent gaps in rural, marginalized, and low-income communities. She urged the government to deploy dedicated women's mental health counselors at various centers and integrate Tele Manas with women's helplines and Anganwadi networks. Recommendations Deploy dedicated women's mental health counselors at centers, police stations, and hospitals. Expand Tele Manas outreach and integrate it with women's helplines. Increase awareness and training for mental health professionals. Other Issues Raised Income Tax Harassment of Tribals: K Vanlalvena demanded central government intervention to protect tribals in Mizoram from unwarranted income tax scrutiny. High Court Benches in Uttar Pradesh: Laxmikant Bajpayee called for the establishment of more High Court Benches to address the high pendency of cases. Water Pollution: Subhah Barala urged the Central Pollution Control Board to address water pollution issues. Road Accidents on National Highway 3: Sumer Singh Solanki requested government intervention to reduce accidents on National Highway Number 3. Minimum Wages for Skilled Workers: Manoj Jha advocated for uniform minimum wages for skilled workers. Sand Mining in Punjab: Swati Maliwal demanded an inquiry into sand mining and its role in causing floods. Agricultural University in Pratapgarh: Amar Pal Maurya requested the establishment of an agricultural university in Pratapgarh district. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to GS2 (Governance, Social Justice) and GS3 (Infrastructure, Environment) . It highlights critical issues related to public health, social welfare, and environmental governance, providing valuable insights for Mains answer writing and essay topics.