Context

All the contesting candidates have promised the implementation of Article 244(A) of the Constitution to create an autonomous ‘state within a state’  in Assam’s tribal-majority Diphu Lok Sabha constituency.

About Diphu Lok Sabha Constituency

Diphu is the most sparsely populated constituency of Assam’s 14 Lok Sabha constituencies, with a voter count of just 8.9 lakh.

• Community profile: Karbi (third largest tribe in Assam), Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Rengma Naga, Zeme Naga, Bodo, Garo, Assamese, Bengali, Bihari, Gorkha, etc.
• It is reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs), and covers six legislative Assembly segments in three tribal-majority hill districts of Assam ie. Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.
  • These three districts are administered under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• These areas come under two autonomous councils: the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council. 

Background on the Demand For Autonomy in Assam

• Movement for separate Hill state: It started with the movement in the hill areas of undivided Assam, beginning in the 1950s, seeking a separate hill state which resulted in the creation of the full-fledged state of Meghalaya in 1972.
  • The leaders of the Karbi Anglong region opted to remain with Assam because of the promise extended through Article 244(A).
• Formation of an organization: The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) was formed to press for the region’s autonomy. 
  • It signed a Memorandum of Settlement with the state and central governments in 1995 for enhancing the powers of the two autonomous councils in the region by increasing the number of departments under their charge to 30 from 10.
• Armed Insurgency: The  demand for implementation of Article 244(A) also took the form of an armed insurgency, with the autonomy for the region remaining unmet.
  • Several  peace accords have been signed with the militant groups, including with the Karbi and Dimasa over the years by both the central and state government.
• Peace Accord: In 2021, a peace settlement was reached with five militant groups in Karbi Anglong (Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers, People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri, Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front, Kuki Liberation Front, and United People’s Liberation Army ) under which greater autonomy and a special development package of Rs 1,000 crore over five years were promised.
  • In 2023 an agreement was signed with the Dimasa National Liberation Army along the same lines.

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Sixth Schedule

This Schedule contains provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

• Provisions:
  • Creation of  Autonomous District and Regional Councils (ADCs and ARCs):  These are elected bodies with the power to administrate tribal areas.
  • Membership: Every autonomous district consists of a district council consisting of 30 members (four nominated by the governor and the other 26 elected on the basis of adult franchise).  Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council.
  • Term of office: The elected members hold office for a term of five years  and nominated members hold office as per governor’s pleasure.
  • Power of Governor: 
    • Reorganization: He is empowered to organize and reorganize the autonomous districts by increasing  or decreasing  their areas or changing their names or defining their boundaries and so on.
    • Administration: The governor can appoint a commission to examine and report on any matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions.
      • He may dissolve a district or regional council based on the recommendation of the commission.
  • Power and Functions: 
    • Legislative Power: They can make laws on subjects such as forest management, agriculture, administration of villages and towns, inheritance, marriage, divorce and social customs.
    • Judicial powers: In cases where the offenses are punishable with death or more than five years of imprisonment, the Governor of the state can confer upon the ADCs and ARCs the power to try them under the country’s criminal and civil laws.
      • Creation of village councils: The ADCs and ARCs may also constitute village councils or courts to decide disputes between parties from Scheduled Tribes, and appoint officers to oversee the administration of the enacted laws.
    • Administrative Powers: They are empowered to collect land revenue, impose taxes, regulate money lending and trading, collect royalties from licences or leases for the extraction of minerals in their areas, and establish public facilities such as schools, markets, and roads.

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Context

New research has found a rich microbial biosphere buried 13 feet (4 meters) beneath the hot surface of the Atacama Desert in Chile. 

Microbial Life Thrives in Atacama Desert’s Extreme Conditions

• Discovery of Isolated Bacterial Community in Yungay Valley: A team of researchers discovered a resilient group of bacteria thriving in the extreme bone-dry Yungay Valley. 
  • This microbial community is completely isolated from the surface world.
  • The researchers’ findings represent the deepest microbial survey and discovery of microbial life in Atacama soil.

Key Findings of Research:

• Microbial Resilience in Atacama Desert’s Extreme Conditions: Higher forms of life struggle to survive in the super-arid conditions in the Atacama Desert. 
  • Despite the rough environment, microbial life thrives in the salty and sulfate-rich soil in the desert. 
• Microbial Presence in Atacama Desert Soil Depths: Microbes have been previously documented in the desert region as deep as 2.6 feet (80 centimeters). 
  • The researchers have now discovered that microbial life extends from depths of 6.6 feet (2 meters) to at least 13 feet (4 meters) deep down below the surface of the desert. 
• Microbial Diversity Across Atacama Desert Sediment Depths: In the upper 2.6 feet (80 centimeters) of playa sediments, firmicute phylum microbes were prevalent which are resistant to high salt content and can thrive in less oxygen.
  • Below 6.6 feet, the scientists observed a distinct microbial population dominated by Actinobacteria which live in harsh environments, including the Arctic and other salty habitats.

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• Colonization and Burial of Actinobacteria in River Deposits: The team suggests Actinobacteria colonized the river deposits around 19,000 ago and became buried beneath playa sediments over thousands of years. 
• Microbial Survival Mechanism: The microbes survive at depth by extracting water from gypsum, which forms when the mineral anhydrite is exposed to water. 
  • This reaction is reversible at high temperatures, which could release water within Atacama soils.
• Significance of Study:  The Atacama desert is often used as an analog for studying the harsh conditions of Mars, where the surface is completely lifeless, but may hide evidence of microbial life below. 
  • The new research could inform the search for life on Mars which also has gypsum deposits. This could potentially serve as a water source for extraterrestrial life.

Atacama Desert

• About: It is known as Earth’s driest hot desert located in northern Chile. It forms a continuous strip for nearly 1,000 km along the narrow coast of Chile.  
  • It is a sparsely populated and rainless plateau, running east from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains. 
• Flora: The only plants characteristic of the sandy expanses are bromeliads, which are fed almost exclusively by the fog. 
• Fauna: Important species include scorpions and insects,  Darwin’s leaf-eared mouse or a South American gray fox. 
• Protected Area: Pan de Azúcar National Park expands northward to protect the region’s high levels of endemism, especially its plants. 

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Context

Recently, A study published in the Journal ‘Mausam’ by India Meteorological Department has revealed a significantly decreasing trend in solar power generation potential in the country and has suggested use of more efficient equipment to deal with the situation.

Solar Power Potential in India: IMD Study

The study titled “Understanding the climatology and long-term trends in solar radiation using ground based in-situ observations in India,” published by IMD.

• The quantity of solar radiation available that can be economically converted by solar panels to electricity is showing an “alarming decreasing trend” in several locations in India.
  • Solar power potential in India has decreased over the last three decades.
• Decreasing Solar Radiation Due to:
  • Increased aerosol load. 
    • Causative factors behind increased aerosol load :  fine particles from carbon emissions, fossil fuel burning and dust  and clouding.
    • Aerosols absorb the sunlight and deflect it away from the ground and they can also precipitate the formation of dense clouds that again block sunlight. 

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• The efficiency of solar panels are significantly influenced by the amount of sunlight incident on them. 
  • Therefore it highlighted the need for installing more efficient solar panels & need for wide use of solar panels with better efficiency to meet the energy requirements from solar resources.
• Study  based on the climatology and global radiation (GR) trends, diffuse radiation (DR), bright sunshine hours (BHS), and technical potential of solar power (solar photovoltaic potential/SPV) using in-situ data procured from the IMD between 1985 and 2019.
• Global radiation (GR) trends: 
  • Maximum over north-west India and inland areas of peninsular India.
  • Minimum over the extreme north and north-east India. 
  • Reduction in GR is due to :  Increased atmospheric turbidity and cloudiness. 
  • However, The declining trend of the average GR over the country has been reduced in the recent decade.
• Diffuse Radiation (DR) : 
  • DR is high over coastal stations, including the extreme northern parts of the country. 
  • A significant increase in DR has been observed in more than 50 percent of the stations, especially in the northwest and some parts of peninsular India,
  • Reduction in DR is due to : increased atmospheric turbidity and cloudiness.
  • The rate of increase of average DR over the country has escalated in the recent decade.
• Bright Sunshine Hours (BHS) : 
  • Annual BHS is high in northwest India  & Low in north, north-east and southern peninsular India. 
  • BHS has significantly decreased in 75 percent of the selected stations,
    • Most of the stations exhibit maximum BHS during the pre-monsoon and minimum during the monsoon season. 
• Technical Potential of Solar Power (Solar photovoltaic Potential) : SPV is the amount of radiation that may be practically available to be converted to electricity by panels.
  • The country has vast SPV potential, in the range of 1800–3400 Wm-2, though with substantial regional variations.
  • Data from in house stations to compute the changes in solar photovoltaic (SPV) potential showed a general decline in all stations.
    • India’s largest solar parks are located in the north-west, particularly Gujarat and Rajasthan, and cities in both these States are also showing a decrease in SPV potential.
• Therefore, Study Highlighted that Understanding the variations of solar power potential over the country is essential for the optimum utilization of solar energy in power generation, which demands accurate information of solar radiation and its variations.

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Context

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced its landmark rebranding as “UN Trade and Development”, commemorating its 60th anniversary this year.

UNCTAD Rebranding Initiative: Enhancing Global Influence and Advocacy for Developing Nations

• Significance of the UNCTAD Rebranding Initiative: It’s the first-ever comprehensive review of UNCTAD’s global communication footprint and a bold forward-looking strategy to communicate its work and values.
• Strategic Rebranding for Enhanced Global Influence: This strategic move underscores the organization’s commitment to greater impact with a new, clearer visual identity.
• The move aims to amplify its global voice on behalf of developing countries.

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UN Trade and Development

• About: It is a permanent intergovernmental body and the leading institution of the UN dealing with trade and development.
• Established: By the United Nations General Assembly in 1964 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Objective: To maximize the benefits of globalization and liberalization while reducing the costs to the weaker economies.
• Work Focuses Areas: Trade and development, investment and enterprise, technology and innovation, and macroeconomics and development policies.
  • It supports vulnerable economies by helping them integrate beneficially into the global economy.
  • UNCTAD also focuses on improving the competitiveness and economic diversification of these economies.
• Important Reports:
  • Trade and Development Report
  • World Investment Report
  • The Least Developed Countries Report

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Context

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting took place in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Key Highlights of SCO Defence Ministers Meeting

• Agreements and Declarations: During the meeting, a protocol was signed by the Defence Ministers of all SCO Member States. 
  • A Joint Communique was issued after the meeting, in which the SCO Defence Ministers agreed to develop the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which is rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
• India’s Commitment to Peace and Counterterrorism: The Defence Secretary of India reiterated India’s commitment towards maintaining peace, stability and security in the SCO region. 
  • He emphasized the need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms for prosperity and development of the SCO Member States. 
  • He mentioned India’s long-standing proposal of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.

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Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

• About: The SCO is an eight-member multilateral organization, established on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 
• Origin: Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five.
• Shanghai Five (1996) emerged from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks which the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders.
• Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the organization in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.
• Official Languages: Russian and Chinese
• SCO Member States:  Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan and Iran. 
• Observer States: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia 
• Coverage: The SCO’s geographic scope covers 60 percent of Eurasia and represents 40 percent of the world’s population, with a combined GDP accounting for 20 percent of the global economy.
• Chairmanship: The Chairmanship of SCO is by rotation for a year by Member States.

Objectives:

• To strengthen mutual trust, friendly relations and cooperation among young people of SCO member States.
• It seeks to counter western influence in Eurasia.

India and SCO:

• India was granted Observer status at the July 2005 Astana Summit, and subsequently participated in all SCO forums open to Observers.
• India and Pakistan became members at the Astana Summit, in 2017.

SCO Organizational Structure:

• Heads of State Council: The supreme SCO body which decides its internal functioning and its interaction with other States & international organizations, and considers international issues.
• Heads of Government Council: Approves the budget, considers and decides upon issues related to economic spheres of interaction within SCO.
• Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Considers issues related to day-to-day activities.
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Established to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism.
• Secretariat: The Secretariat of the SCO serves to implement organizational decisions and decrees, documents (such as declarations and agendas).

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Context

The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred on April 26, 1986,  is still a matter of  debate and disagreement about who or what was to blame for the Chernobyl disaster.  

Background of Chernobyl Disaster

• Soviet authorities pointed to human error as the main cause of the disaster.
  • They emphasized shortcomings in operational procedures and the lack of “production discipline.”
• Reactor operators disagreed with this point 
  • They argued that their actions were in accordance with the regulations of the time.
  • Operators also highlighted flaws in the reactor’s design as contributing factors to the catastrophe.

The Chernobyl Disaster 1986

• This disaster started on April 26, 1986. 
• Explosion of No. 4 reactor: It occurred due to the explosion of the No. 4 reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, close to the city of Pripyat in Ukraine. 
• April 26 is celebrated as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
  • It was initiated by the United Nations to commemorate the events of the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986.

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Factors Causing Chernobyl Disaster

The Chernobyl disaster is blamed on a combination of factors including:

• Reckless decisions and improper operation by the reactor staff: The operators did not follow proper safety guidelines and made some critical mistakes during a safety test.
  • It led to additional explosions and a partial meltdown of the reactor core.
  • A significant amount of radioactive material was released into the atmosphere.
  • The contamination affected nearby regions such as Belarus and Russia, as well as parts of northern and eastern Europe.
• Flawed reactor design: The design of the RBMK reactor used at Chernobyl had inherent safety issues that contributed to the severity of the accident.
• Inadequate human-machine interaction: The control systems and design of the reactor made it difficult for the operators to respond safely to the situation.

Consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster

• Environmental and Social Disruption:

  • Radioactive material: The Chernobyl disaster resulted in the largest uncontrolled release of radioactive material into the environment during a civilian operation.
    • This caused widespread social and economic disruption, particularly affecting large populations in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.

• Radioactive Release and Distribution:

  • xenon gas: The accident released all of the xenon gas, about half of the iodine and cesium, and at least 5% of the remaining radioactive material in the Chernobyl 4 reactor core.
    • Radioactive material was deposited as dust and debris locally, while lighter particles were carried by wind over Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Scandinavia, and Europe.

• Human Toll:

  • Number of death: The Chernobyl disaster caused the death of many employees due to radio -exposure. 
  • Acute radiation syndrome (ARS): This syndrome affected individuals exposed to doses exceeding 700 milligrays (mGy), causing symptoms such as nausea, burns, and fever.

• Population Exposure and Resettlement:

  • Radiation in contaminated areas: Residents of contaminated areas received radiation doses, with an average of 31 mSv in strict radiation control areas and 9 mSv in contaminated areas from 1986 to 2005.
  • Resettlement: Over time, an additional 220,000 people were resettled into less contaminated areas, and exclusion zones were modified and extended to cover 4,300 square kilometers.

Initiatives Related to Nuclear Safety and Safe Radioactive Discharge

Here are several international conventions and agreements, along with international and regional initiatives, that work to ensure nuclear safety and manage safe radioactive discharge.

• Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident:

  • It is a treaty made in 1986 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • It requires countries to inform other countries about any nuclear accidents that might affect them.

• Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS):

  • It is a legal treaty made in 1994.
  • Objective: Its aim is to keep nuclear power plants safe.

• • • It is an incentive-based treaty that requires countries to make rules to ensure nuclear safety and protect people and the environment from radiation.

• European Union (EU) Directives on Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management:

  • This body frame  Rules for managing radioactive waste and spent fuel.
    • Member countries have to create plans for dealing with these materials.

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Context

The United States criticized Russia for vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution regarding the Outer Space Treaty. 

UN Security Council Resolution on Outer Space Treaty

• Fundamental Obligation of State Parties: The  U.N. Security Council resolution, proposed jointly by the United States and Japan aimed to establish a legally binding obligation prohibiting the placement of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear weapons, in orbit.
• Consequences of Orbital Nuclear Weapon Placement:  The act of a State Party placing a nuclear weapon in orbit would not only breach the Outer Space Treaty but also endanger the essential services provided by satellites.
• Strengthening Arms Control in Outer Space: If passed, the resolution would have underscored the importance of additional measures, such as political agreements and enforceable treaties, incorporating robust verification mechanisms. 
  • These measures are essential to prevent any form of arms race in outer space comprehensively.

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What is Outer Space?

• About: Outer space is the region beyond the atmosphere of Earth. It begins about 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. The line separating the atmosphere and outer space is called the Kármán line. 
  • The terms outer space and the universe are roughly equivalent, except that outer space refers only to the area between planets, while the universe encompasses planets as well.

Outer Space Treaty, 1967 

The United Nations Outer Space Treaty is an international agreement binding member states to only use outer space for peaceful purposes.

• It provides principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.
• India ratified the treaty in 1982.
• Objective: It primarily addresses the peaceful use of outer space and prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space.
  • It also contains provisions related to space debris and the return of space objects to Earth.
• Mandate: It mainly deals with damage caused by space objects to other space assets.
  • It also applies to damage caused by falling objects on Earth.
• Governing Principles: It lays down the following governing principles:
  • The exploration and use of outer space will be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and will be the province of all mankind.
  • Outer space will be free for exploration and use by all states.
  • Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty.
  • Astronauts will be regarded as the envoys of mankind.
  • States will be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities.
  • States will be liable for damage caused by their space objects.
  • States shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.

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Context

Recently, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) was granted ‘Navratna’ status by the Department of Public Enterprises. 

• Comparing year-on-year figures, IREDA witnessed a 32% rise in net profit, while it remained consistent quarter-on-quarter at ₹337 crore.

About Navratna Status

• Criteria for Classification: 
  • To qualify for Navratna status, a company must first attain the Miniratna category-I designation and be included in Schedule A of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
  • For a company to achieve Navratna status, it must report a net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore for three consecutive years, and maintain an average annual turnover of Rs 25,000 crore for three years, or have an annual average net worth of over Rs 15,000 crore for three years.
  • CPSEs must have achieved an ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ rating in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for three out of the last five years.
  • Also, eligible CPSEs must attain a composite score of 60 or above in six selected performance indicators (see image).
• Benefits Avail: 
  • The Indian government granted Navratna status to premier public sector undertakings (PSUs), empowering them to execute significant investments of up to ₹1,000 crore without requiring approval from the central authority.
  • These firms are permitted to allocate up to 30% of their net worth annually, provided it remains under ₹1,000 crore. 
  • They have the option to participate in joint ventures, forge partnerships, and set up overseas subsidiaries.
    • The status gives the Board of Directors of these CPSEs the power to allow mergers and acquisitions in India and abroad.
      • However, they need approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) to make investments abroad.

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About IREDA: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency

• Under the Aegis of: IREDA is a non-banking financial institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy,  established in 1987.
• Evolution:
  • 1987: It was established and later to be classified under the “Public Financial Institution” under section 4 ‘A’ of the Companies Act, 1956, and is officially registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • 2015: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) acknowledged IREDA’s contributions by conferring upon it the status of Mini Ratna (Category-I).
  • 2023: The MNRE, has upgraded IREDA from Schedule B to Schedule A category Central Public Sector Enterprises. This paved the way for IREDA to attain Navratna status, granting it greater financial autonomy.
  • 2024: The Department of Public Enterprises granted ‘Navratna’ status to IREDA.
• Mandate: IREDA is engaged in promoting, developing and extending financial assistance for setting up projects related to new and renewable sources of energy.
  • It offers financial assistance to projects that produce electricity using fresh and sustainable sources. The government holds a 75% ownership stake in the company.
• Some Remarkable Projects of IREDA:
  • Green Rooftops Scheme, World’s First Floating Solar PV Project, Financing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

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Context

Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the electronic voting machine (EVM) system of polling and refused a plea to revive paper ballots.

Background of EVM VVPAT Verification Case

• Filing of Petitions: The NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), one of the petitioners, had sought to reverse the poll panel’s 2017 decision to replace the transparent glass on Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines with an opaque glass through which a voter can see the slip only when the light is on for seven seconds.
• The petitioners have also sought the court’s direction to:
  • Revert to the old system of ballot papers,
  • The printed slip from the VVPAT machine be given to the voter to verify, and put in the ballot box, for counting,
  • That there should be 100% counting of the VVPAT slips in addition to electronic counting by the control unit.

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Key Takeaways from the Supreme Court Judgment on EVM VVPAT Verification Case

• Rejection to All Petitions:
• • The SC refused petitioners’ suggestion to hand over paper slips from Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units to electors to take a close-down look before inserting them into the ballot boxes.
  • The  Court also refused to intervene against Section 49 MA of the Conduct of Election Rules.
    • This section penalises a voter whose complaint of mismatch (of votes cast and votes counted) would attract penal proceedings initiated by poll officials under Section 177 of the Indian Penal Code for submitting false information.
  • The  Supreme Court also refused to direct the cross-verification of 100% EVMs and VVPATs across the country. Currently, only 5% of EVM-VVPAT counts are randomly verified in any given Assembly constituency. 
• Suggestion for an Electronic Machine for Vote Counting: 
  • The SC suggested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to examine the suggestion for an electronic machine for vote counting the paper slips and whether along with the symbol, there can be a bar code for each party.
• Storage of Symbol Loading Units (SLUs): 
  • After completing the process of loading symbols into the EVMs, the SLUs must be sealed and stored in secure containers and shall be kept in the storerooms along with the EVMs at least for 45 days after the declaration of results.
• Post-poll Checking: 
  • The burnt memory semicontroller in 5% of the EVMs that is the Control Unit, Ballot Unit and the VVPAT per assembly constituency per parliamentary constituency shall be checked and verified by a team of engineers after the declaration of results.
    • The actual cost to be borne by the candidate making the request. Expenses to be refunded in case the EVMs are found to be tampered with.

• On Voters Right: There is the fundamental right of voters to ensure their vote is accurately recorded and counted, however it cannot be equated with the right to 100% counting of VVPAT slips, or a right to physical access to the VVPAT slips. 
  • These are two separate aspects – the former is the right itself and the latter is a plea to protect or how to secure the right.
  • The Court said that voters’ rights can be safeguarded through other measures. 
    • Examples: 
      • VVPATs were introduced after the judgment in Subramanian Swamy v. Election Commission of India case.
      • The counting of VVPAT slips of 5% EVMs per assembly constituency or assembly segment in a parliamentary constituency was started after directions of the top Court in N. Chandrababu Naidu v. Union of India case.

Superiority of EVMs Over Ballot Paper System

• Elimination of Booth Capturing: EVMs have effectively eliminated booth capturing by restricting the rate of vote casting to 4 votes per minute.
  • Hence, prolonging the time needed and thus check insertion of bogus votes. 
• Elimination of Invalid Poles: EVMs have eliminated invalid votes, which were a major issue with paper ballots and had often led disputes during the counting process. 
• Administrative Convenience: EVMs reduce paper usage and alleviate logistical challenges. They provide administrative convenience by expediting the counting process and minimizing errors.
  • So far, there were 41,629 instances of random verification till date. Over four crore VVPAT paper slips had been matched till date. There was not a single instance of mismatch.
• Eco-Friendly: Considering the size of our electorate which is close to one billion, the use of EVMs is eco-friendly as it reduces the consumption of paper. 
• Checks to Ensure Integrity of the EVMs and Voting Process:
  • Maintenance of Secrecy: Every elector is permitted to vote in secrecy in the voting compartment of the polling station. 
  • Transparency: The elector is entitled to view through a transparent window the printed VVPAT paper slip.
    • Counting is done in the presence of the polling agents/candidates by pressing the ‘RESULT’ button on the control unit.
  • Confirmation: Even after entering details in Form 17A and having put signature or thumb impression thereon, if an elector doesn’t vote, the presiding officer is required to make a remark in Form 17A and take the signature or thumb impression of the elector against such remark.
  • Periodic Check: The Presiding Officer is periodically required to check the total number of votes cast as recorded in the control unit with the data as recorded in Form 17A.
  • Random Check for Accountability: The VVPAT slips of five polling stations per assembly constituency/assembly segment of the parliamentary constituency are randomly selected and counted and then tallied with the electronic results of the control unit.
  • Preference to Printed VVPAT Slips: As per ECI guidelines, in case of any mismatch between the total number of votes recorded in the control unit and Form 17C on account of non-clearance of mock poll data or VVPAT slips, the printed VVPAT slips are considered.
  • Test by Technical Experts Committee: The EVMs have been subjected to test by technical experts committee from time to time. 

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Problems Associated with EVMs and VVPATs Machines

• Potential Vulnerabilities: EVMS are susceptible to hacking as it is an electronic device. 
  • The ECI has clarified that it is a standalone device like a calculator with no connectivity to any external device and hence free from any kind of external hack. 
• Limitations of Current Sample Size: The sample size for matching of the EVM count with VVPAT slips at present is five per assembly constituency/segment. 
  • This is not based on any scientific criteria and may fail to detect defective EVMs during counting. 
• Identification of Booth-wise Polling Behaviour: The present process also allows for booth-wise polling behaviour to be identified by various parties that can result in profiling and intimidation.
• Lack of Accessibility: EVMs pose challenges for certain segments of the population, such as elderly voters or those with disabilities.
• High Cost: The initial investment in procuring and maintaining these machines are high.
  • For conducting elections, the Commission expects that a total of Rs 9,284.15 crore will be needed for procurement of EVMs and VVPATs.

Suggestions to Make VVPAT More Transparent

• Machine Audit: A machine audit trail of all the commands that are executed is maintained in the system, beyond just the votes recorded in the EVM’s ballot unit and the printed slips in the VVPATs, allowing for an audit to rule out any malicious code. 
• Upgrading Existing Machines: This could indeed make the system more robust and be considered as an upgrade to the existing machines.
  • The well-functioning VVPAT are required to alleviate concerns of EVM tampering. The EC should take proactive steps to remedy the concerns with VVPAT. 
• Increase in Recounting Samples: An increase in the recount sample to make it more statistically significant, by making the selected number of Assemblies specific to each State/Union Territory based on the size of the province.
  • Increase the recount sample in seats where the margin of victory is narrow (say, less than 1% of the overall votes).
• Random Allocation: There is a need for random allocation of EVMs to booths before polls.
• Mock Polls: Conduct of a mock poll to display the correctness of EVMs and VVPAT before commencement of the actual poll.
• Scientific Approach to EVM-VVPAT Matching: 100% match of EVM count with VVPAT slips would be unscientific and cumbersome. 
  • The sample for matching of EVM count and VVPAT slips should be decided in a scientific manner by dividing each State into large regions as suggested by experts. 
• Enhancing Confidence in Counting Process: In case of even a single error, the VVPAT slips should be counted fully for the concerned region and form the basis for results. 
  • This would instill a statistically significant confidence in the counting process. 
• Introducing Totaliser Machines for Enhanced Voter Privacy and Security: In order to provide a degree of cover for voters at the booth level, ‘totaliser’ machines can be introduced that would aggregate votes in 15-20 EVMs before revealing the candidate-wise count.

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Conclusion

In the Indian context, keeping in view the vast size of the Indian electorate of nearly 97 crore, the number of candidates who contest the elections, the number of polling booths where voting is held, and the problems faced with ballot papers, there is a need for improvements in the EVMs or even a better system that people would look forward to in the ensuing years. The “voices and choices” of the electorate should be fortified through open dialogue, transparency and trust.

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