Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court announced that it would soon address petitions for 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips, just ahead of the first phase of voting on 19th April 2024. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of Article: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines: Challenges with VVPAT machines: […]
Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India
Context: Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India (ECI) Purpose and Objective Functionality Services Offered Ease of Use IT Infrastructure Companion App Features
Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004
Context: The Allahabad High Court (HC) has struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, as unconstitutional. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 Purpose and Objectives Concerns and Criticisms Regarding the Act Constitutional Concerns Quality of Education Curriculum Focus Compatibility with Higher Education […]
India Leads Global Internet Blackouts for Fifth Consecutive Year
Context: For five consecutive years, India has topped the world in implementing internet bans, accounting for over 60% of all reported blackouts between 2016 and 2022. While these state-imposed internet shutdowns often cite reasons of national security and threats to public order, they have faced criticism from rights groups for restricting freedom of expression and […]
Supreme Court’s Warning on Court-Ordered Counseling for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Context: The Supreme Court (SC) cautions judges against using court-mandated counseling to influence LGBTQ+ individuals to reject their sexual orientation and identity. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Status of LGBTQIA+ Rights and Recognition in India Definition of LGBTQIA+: Historical Overview: Major Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ in India Societal Attitudes and […]
ECI Raises Concerns Over Non-Biodegradable Materials in Elections
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently reiterated its concerns regarding the environmental hazards posed by the use of non-biodegradable materials in election campaigns. Since 1999, the ECI has been urging political parties and candidates to refrain from using plastic or polythene for the preparation of election-related materials. This ongoing initiative underscores the […]
District Election Management Plan
Context: The conduct of elections in contemporary times has evolved into a complex and multifaceted endeavor, demanding meticulous planning and execution to uphold the principles of a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process. At the heart of this intricate planning lies the District Election Management Plan (DEMP), a comprehensive document crafted with statistics and analysis. […]
Delhi Chief Minister Sent to Enforcement Directorate’s Custody in Excise Policy Case
Context: A Magistrate Court in Delhi has recently remanded the Chief Minister of Delhi to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Excise Policy Case. The ED has accused the Chief Minister of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the Delhi excise scam, marking a significant development in the ongoing […]
Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 2024
Context: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently introduced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, replacing the outdated 1983 rules. This update comes in line with the amendments made to the Cinematograph Act of 1952 by the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023. The amended legislation governs the certification, exhibition, and censorship of films in India, reflecting […]
Vote From Home in 2024 Election
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has, for the first time in the history of the Lok Sabha elections, extended its ‘vote-from-home’ facility to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens aged 85 and above. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Vote-from-Home Eligibility Criteria for Vote-from-Home: Process to Avail Vote-from-Home […]