Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A public audit in two Delhi constituencies revealed that over 100 voters were wrongly marked as absent, shifted, or dead during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This has led to concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the revision process, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
Key points
- Over 100 voters wrongly classified as Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate (ASDD) in Delhi's Okhla constituency.
- A public audit covering 258 households identified these inaccuracies.
- Civil society organizations like Jan Sarokar and MKSS organized a public hearing (Jan Sunwai) for affected voters.
- Okhla constituency saw a high rate of deletions, with over 67,000 names on the notice list and nearly 1.6 lakh on the ASDD list.
- Concerns raised about disproportionate flagging of Muslim voters.
Background & context
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken by election commissions to update electoral rolls, ensuring accuracy and removing ineligible voters. It involves enumeration, checking residential status, and public display of draft rolls for objections.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The public audit in Delhi's Okhla constituency involved over 258 households and highlighted issues in electoral roll revision.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society - Inclusion and exclusion, issues related to the electoral process. GS Paper 2: Governance - Electoral reforms, transparency and accountability in governance.
Why in news?
The Congress party has announced a nationwide campaign 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and vote manipulation. Left student outfits in Kerala are also planning a march demanding the CEC's removal, citing similar concerns.
Key points
- Congress to hold a rally at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, as part of its 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' campaign.
- Campaign targets alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and vote theft.
- Left student organizations in Kerala are marching to Lok Bhavan demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- Protesters accuse the CEC of subverting the electoral process.
- Concerns about electoral process manipulation and vote tampering are central to these protests.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Allegations of bias or irregularities in the electoral process can undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Congress party's campaign slogan is 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance - Election Commission of India, electoral reforms, fairness and transparency in elections.
Why in news?
Student groups and activist organizations are protesting at Azad Maidan, demanding the arrest of two IIT Bombay professors accused of harassing Sahil Wakode, a student who died on September 18. The family is demanding justice and a transparent investigation into alleged caste discrimination.
Key points
- Protests held at Azad Maidan demanding arrest of IIT Bombay professors.
- Accusations of harassment against students leading to death, with allegations of caste discrimination.
- Family demands action against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and Director Shireesh B. Kedare.
- An FIR has been registered under sections related to abetment of suicide and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- The protest highlights issues of student safety, institutional accountability, and caste discrimination in educational institutions.
Background & context
IIT Bombay is a premier engineering institute in India. Issues of student well-being, mental health, and prevention of discrimination are critical within higher education institutions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The FIR in the Sahil Wakode case includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for abetment of suicide.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society - Issues related to caste discrimination, social justice. GS Paper 2: Governance - Accountability of institutions, student welfare policies. GS Paper 4: Ethics - Institutional ethics, professional misconduct.