NEWS:Decoding ECI’s counter affidavit on SIR

GS-2 governance

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has submitted a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court defending the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which has triggered concerns over its legal validity and potential voter exclusion.

• ECI invokes Article 326 and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to justify SIR.
• The affidavit excludes Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration cards as valid proof of citizenship.
• Over 90% of Bihar’s 7.89 crore electors submitted forms, but document scrutiny is pending.
• Approximately 53 lakh electors were not found at their residence; 21 lakh are deceased, and 31 lakh have migrated.
• Political parties were urged to help connect with 21 lakh remaining electors.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

• Special Intensive Revision is undertaken in exceptional cases, such as missed areas, large-scale errors, or legal or political exigencies.
• The ECI may, under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, conduct a special revision using either summary or intensive methods, or a combination of both.
• The nomenclature ‘SIR’ indicates that the ECI is exercising its discretionary powers under Section 21(3) of the 1950 law, which permits it to revise electoral rolls “in such manner as it thinks fit”.
• It involves door-to-door verification of electoral rolls through house-to-house enumeration.

Need for Special Intensive Revision

• It aims to eliminate duplicate and bogus voters, especially those listed at both permanent and current addresses.
• EC insists that only residents currently living in an area should be on its voter rolls, in accordance with constitutional norms ensuring that only Indian citizens can vote.

Electoral Roll

• An electoral roll (or electoral register) is an official list of individuals eligible to vote in a given election within a specific jurisdiction.
• In India, voter registration & being listed on the electoral roll are legal prerequisites for casting a vote.
• In India, the publishing and updating of the electoral roll are the responsibilities of the ECI, each state’s chief electoral officer, and each state’s election commission.

NEWS:The India-U.K. FTA spells a poor deal for public health

GS-2 international relation

As India and the U.K. near finalization of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), public health experts and civil society have raised concerns about provisions that could restrict India’s ability to produce and export affordable generic medicines.

• The proposed India-U.K. FTA includes IP provisions that may exceed TRIPS requirements, affecting access to medicines.
• India’s pharmaceutical industry supplies 20% of the world’s generics, crucial for HIV, TB, and cancer treatments.
• Civil society groups demand removal of TRIPS-plus provisions, including patent term extensions and data exclusivity.
• Critics warn the FTA may threaten compulsory licensing and drug price regulation mechanisms.
• Past Indian FTAs (e.g., India-UAE CEPA) did not include TRIPS-plus terms, setting a positive precedent.
• U.K. pharmaceutical interests are reportedly pushing for stronger IP protections, which could limit India’s policy space.

• TRIPS-plus Provisions and Public Health:
  • Patent term extensions delay generic entry beyond the standard 20 years.
  • Data exclusivity prevents generic manufacturers from using clinical trial data, delaying cheaper versions of new drugs.
• Compulsory Licensing at Risk:
  • India’s Section 84 of the Patents Act allows issuing compulsory licenses to address public health needs.
  • The FTA may undermine this flexibility, crucial for developing world medicine access.
• Impact on Indian Generic Exports:
  • Indian firms are major suppliers of low-cost ARVs for HIV/AIDS, especially to African countries.
  • Restrictions from the FTA could cause price spikes and shortages in global health programs.
• Precedents and Public Pressure:
  • Public pressure has previously led to removal of IP provisions from India-EU and India-RCEP negotiations.
  • Experts call for maintaining TRIPS-compliant but flexible IP regime to protect public health.

NEWS:India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals

GS-2 international relation

a significant diplomatic signal toward thawing ties strained by the 2020 LAC standoff and Galwan clash.

• India has resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals after a four-year pause.
• This follows multiple high-level meetings, including three rounds of the WMCC and Modi-Xi talks.
• China recently reopened the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and both sides are exploring resumption of direct flights and media visas.
• Discussions include bilateral trade, Indian restrictions on Chinese investments, and Chinese export curbs on critical materials.
• Talks are ongoing regarding the Chinese mega-dam project on the Brahmaputra.
• Preparations are underway for PM Modi’s visit to the SCO Summit in August.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization

It is an intergovernmental political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The first summit was held in Shanghai, China, in 2001.

The SCO aims to promote cooperation and mutual support in areas such as trade, investment, energy, transportation, and security.

The Shanghai Spirit is the core value of the SCO. It is about mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of common development among the SCO members.

The official working language of the SCO Secretariat is Russian and Chinese.

The main objectives of SCO are:

Strengthen relations among member states.

Promote cooperation in political affairs, economics, and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection.

Safeguard regional peace, security, and stability.

Create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order

NEWS:Thai and Cambodian forces clash as escalating border dispute leaves at least 11 dead

GS-2 international relation

On July 24, 2025, a serious military confrontation broke out between Thailand and Cambodia along their disputed border, resulting in multiple civilian deaths and raising regional security concerns

• Armed clashes occurred at multiple locations along the Thai-Cambodian border.
• At least 11 people were killed, with the majority being civilians.
• Both countries used small arms, artillery, and rocket fire.
• Thailand deployed airstrikes, marking a significant escalation.
• No immediate ceasefire or diplomatic engagement has been announced.
• Previous tensions in the region have revolved around historical border disputes and nationalistic sentiment.
• Escalation of long-standing disputes: The border area has been historically contested, especially around the Preah Vihear temple region. Past skirmishes occurred in 2008–2011.
• Civilian toll and humanitarian risk: The high civilian casualties underscore the conflict’s impact on non-combatants and raise concerns of displacement and refugee flows.
• Regional security implications: ASEAN, to which both countries belong, may face pressure to mediate. The violence could strain regional cohesion and challenge the bloc’s non-interference principle.
• Use of airstrikes by Thailand: Marks a shift from typical border skirmishes to formal military engagement, with potential for wider conflict.
• Impact on India: As an ASEAN dialogue partner, India may need to navigate its strategic and economic ties in the region with caution amid rising instability.

MAINS MOCK QUESTION

Conduction election in INDIA is challenging work. examine the various steps taken by election commission to face it.