- Election Commission Launches Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Election Commission initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on September 15 to update voter lists for upcoming state and local elections.
- Aims to enroll over 10 crore new voters, particularly targeting youth aged 18-19, and remove duplicates through door-to-door verification and Aadhaar linkage.
- Focuses on inclusivity for marginalized groups, including tribals and transgenders, to enhance democratic participation.
- Leverages digital platforms like the Voter Helpline app to streamline updates and address voter grievances.
- Concepts: Article 326 – Universal adult suffrage; Representation of the People Act, 1950, for electoral roll maintenance.
- Strengthens electoral integrity by curbing bogus voting and ensuring accurate voter data for fair elections.
- The drive aligns with the goal of achieving 100% voter registration in urban and rural constituencies.
- Wayanad Landslide Labeled ‘Grey Rhino’ in Scientific Report
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- A September 15 report termed Kerala’s Wayanad landslide a “grey rhino event” due to ignored ecological warnings, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.
- The July 2024 disaster killed over 200, exposing unstable slopes, deforestation, and erratic monsoon patterns in the Western Ghats.
- NDMA funds eco-restoration projects, including afforestation and early warning systems, to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.
- The report criticizes inadequate land-use policies and calls for stricter zoning regulations in eco-sensitive areas.
- Concepts: Article 21 – Right to life includes disaster management; Disaster Management Act, 2005, for risk mitigation.
- Urges climate-resilient policies in vulnerable regions to protect lives and livelihoods.
- Highlights the need for community-driven disaster preparedness and sustainable development practices.
3. India-Mauritius Sign Maritime and Defence Agreements
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- On September 15, India and Mauritius formalized pacts for joint surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area and hydrographic mapping of Mauritius’ EEZ.
- Includes supply of Indian-made helicopters, training programs, and joint maritime patrols to enhance regional security.
- Aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision to counter Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
- Strengthens Mauritius’ role in Indo-Pacific strategies, ensuring maritime domain awareness and anti-piracy operations.
- Concepts: Article 51 – Promotion of international peace and security; UNCLOS for exclusive economic zone rights.
- Enhances India’s strategic presence amid geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Supports capacity-building for Mauritius’ coast guard, fostering bilateral defence cooperation.
4. GeM Portal Achieves ₹15 Lakh Crore Procurement Milestone
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Government e-Marketplace (GeM) hit ₹15 lakh crore in procurement on September 15, empowering over 60,000 MSME vendors across India.
- Promotes transparency, reduces procurement costs by 15-20%, and prioritizes local sourcing for government purchases.
- Half of registered sellers are small enterprises, fostering inclusive economic growth and job creation.
- Introduces AI-driven analytics for faster vendor onboarding and real-time bid monitoring.
- Concepts: Article 19(1)(g) – Right to trade and business; MSME Development Act, 2006, for small enterprise support.
- Drives Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing import dependency.
- Plans to expand GeM’s reach to rural cooperatives and women-led enterprises by 2026.
5. SAMBHAV Indigenous Mobile System Deployed by Army
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Indian Army deployed SAMBHAV, a DRDO-developed encrypted mobile communication system, on September 15 for secure battlefield operations.
- Replaces imported systems, integrating AI for real-time coordination across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Reduces India’s defence import reliance by 60%, enhancing data security in sensitive operations.
- Tested successfully in high-altitude terrains like Ladakh, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions.
- Concepts: Article 355 – Union’s duty to protect states from external threats; Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.
- Advances self-reliance by promoting indigenous defence technology and manufacturing.
- Plans for export to friendly nations, boosting India’s defence diplomacy.
