EC Delists 474 Unrecognised Political Parties for Norm Violations

What’s the News?

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) from its register for failing to contest any elections in the last six years.
• This is the second round in a cleanup drive. An earlier action delisted 334 such parties. Together, 808 RUPPs have been removed in about two months.
• After this round, the number of RUPPs has fallen from 2,520 to 2,046.

Delisting Drive: Key Aspects

• This delisting is part of a "comprehensive and continuous strategy" by the ECI to streamline the political system by removing inactive or non-compliant parties.
• The ECI has also identified 359 additional RUPPs for failing to submit their annual audited accounts for the last three consecutive financial years and not filing election expenditure reports.
• State-wise, Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of delisted parties, with 121, followed by Maharashtra with 44, and Tamil Nadu with 42.

Additional Info

• Legal Provisions:
  • The registration of political parties in India is governed by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  • A registered party receives certain privileges and advantages, including:
    • Entitlement to a reserved election symbol in a constituency.
    • Exemption from Income Tax on their income from sources like party funds.
• Criteria for Delisting:
  • The ECI's guidelines for registration specify that if a party does not contest any election for six continuous years, it will be taken off the list.
• Types of Political Parties in India:
  • National Parties: These parties must fulfill specific criteria, such as securing at least 6% of the vote in four or more states and having at least four Lok Sabha members, or winning 2% of the total Lok Sabha seats from at least three different states. There are currently six recognised national parties.
  • State Parties: These parties must meet specific criteria in a particular state, such as winning at least 6% of the vote and at least two assembly seats, or at least 3% of the total assembly seats or three seats, whichever is greater. There are currently 67 recognised state parties.
  • Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs): These are parties that are registered with the ECI but have not fulfilled the criteria to be recognised as a national or state party. The majority of political parties in India fall into this category.

Sources

• newsonair
• moneycontrol
• thehindu

India Commemorates 60 Years of 1965 War Victory

What’s the News?

• India is commemorating the 60th anniversary of its victory in the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
• The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, paid tribute to war veterans and the families of fallen soldiers at a commemorative event in New Delhi, acknowledging their valor and sacrifice.
• The minister highlighted the strong-willed leadership of then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, which united the nation and provided decisive political guidance during the conflict.

The 1965 War and its Significance

• The war, which lasted for 22 days, was a response to Pakistan's "Operation Gibraltar," a plan to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir and incite an insurgency against Indian rule.
• India's armed forces displayed courage and resilience, with key battles taking place across the Western Front, from Jammu and Kashmir to the plains of Punjab and the deserts of Rajasthan.
• The war demonstrated India's resolve to protect its sovereignty and integrity, and it marked a crucial turning point in the country's defense and strategic policy.

Additional Info

• Key Battles and Heroes:
  • Battle of Asal Uttar: Often hailed as one of the largest tank battles since World War II. It saw Indian troops, despite being outnumbered and outgunned by superior American Patton tanks, decisively halt Pakistan's armored assault.
    • Param Vir Chakra awardee Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid destroyed several enemy tanks with his recoilless rifle before making the supreme sacrifice.
  • Battle of Phillora and Chawinda: Other major tank battles in the Sialkot Sector, where Indian forces inflicted significant losses on Pakistani armor.
• Outcomes of the War:
  • The war ended with a United Nations-mandated ceasefire on September 23, 1965.
  • The conflict concluded with the signing of the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966, brokered by the Soviet Union. This agreement required both sides to withdraw their forces to pre-conflict positions.
  • While the war was militarily a stalemate, Pakistan failed to achieve its primary objective of capturing Kashmir and was forced to divert forces to defend its heartland.
• Impact on Indian Defence Policy:
  • The 1962 Sino-Indian War had exposed India's military vulnerabilities. The 1965 war, fought shortly after, restored public confidence in the Indian Army.
  • The war underscored the importance of self-reliance in defense, highlighting the limitations of relying on external military aid, particularly after the US and UK cut off arms supplies to both sides.
  • It led to a renewed focus on modernizing the Indian armed forces and building a more robust and indigenous defense industrial base.

Sources

• newsonair
• telegraphindia
• indiastrategic

India to Establish 500 Data Labs Under IndiaAI Mission

What’s the News?

• The Indian government, under the IndiaAI Mission, will establish over 500 data labs nationwide with a focus on developing an indigenous AI ecosystem.
• This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost AI capabilities, including the development of sovereign Large Language Models (LLMs) and a national AI framework
• As part of the mission, ₹988.6 crore has been allocated to an IIT Bombay-led consortium, BharatGen, to develop a foundational LLM with 1 trillion parameters.

IndiaAI Mission: Aims and Components

• The IndiaAI Mission is a comprehensive initiative with an initial outlay of ₹10,300 crore, designed to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
• The mission's core objective is to achieve technological sovereignty by building a robust AI infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign AI models and hardware.
• The key components of the mission include:
  • IndiaAI Compute Capacity: Building a scalable AI computing infrastructure with over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) via public-private partnerships.
  • IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Focusing on the development of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models for critical sectors.
  • IndiaAI Datasets Platform: Creating a unified platform to provide access to high-quality, non-personal datasets for AI innovation.
  • IndiaAI FutureSkills: Launching AI education and training programs, including setting up data and AI labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to cultivate talent.
  • IndiaAI Startup Financing: Providing streamlined funding to deep-tech AI startups to accelerate innovation.
  • Safe & Trusted AI: Developing indigenous tools and frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical AI development.

Sources

• newsonair
• moneycontrol
• thehindu

UK-India Pact to Map Quantum Value-Chain

What’s the News?

• India Global Forum (IGF) and the Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) have signed an MoU to develop a UK-India quantum value-chain map.
• The partnership is catalysed by the UK-India Future Forum (UKIFF).
• An initial UK-India Quantum Value-Chain Overview is expected by next year.

Quantum Value Chain Mapping

• Objective: The primary goal is to create a detailed roadmap that outlines the entire quantum ecosystem in both India and the UK. This includes:
  • Identifying key stakeholders such as startups, academic institutions, government research labs, and large corporations.
  • Pinpointing strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for synergy in areas like quantum computing, communications, sensing, and materials.
• Significance:
  • The map will facilitate targeted collaborations, foster joint R&D projects, and attract cross-border investments.
  • It supports the goal of building a resilient and self-reliant supply chain for critical quantum components and technologies.
  • It aligns with the broader India-UK 2030 Roadmap, which emphasizes cooperation in science and technology.

Additional Info

• Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI):
  • It is a not-for-profit, industry-led body committed to accelerating the quantum ecosystem in India.
  • QETCI works with government, industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem to promote R&D, commercialization, and skills development in quantum technology.
• National Quantum Mission (NQM):
  • Launched by the Government of India to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in Quantum Technology.
  • Implementing Agency: Department of Science & Technology (DST).
  • Outlay: The mission has a total outlay of ₹6003.65 crore for a period of eight years.
  • Key Goals:
    • To develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years.
    • To support the design and synthesis of quantum materials.
    • To establish four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and national R&D institutes to focus on different aspects of Quantum Technology.
• Quantum Technology:
  • A field of science and engineering based on the principles of quantum mechanics.
  • It exploits the properties of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels.
  • Key Applications:
    • Quantum Computing: Solving complex computational problems intractable for classical computers.
    • Quantum Communication: Developing ultra-secure communication channels.
    • Quantum Sensing: Creating highly sensitive sensors for applications in healthcare, navigation, and environmental monitoring.

Sources

• ptinews
• devdiscourse
• economictimes

EPFO Launches 'Passbook Lite' to Streamline Services

What’s the News?

• The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a new feature called 'Passbook Lite' to enhance user experience and expedite service delivery.

• This feature integrates the EPF passbook directly into the main EPFO member e-Sewa portal, eliminating the need for members to log in to a separate website to view their account details.

• Members can now access their contributions, withdrawals, and balance information seamlessly within the main portal.

Key Features of 'Passbook Lite'

• Integrated Access: The passbook is now embedded within the member e-Sewa portal, accessible under the 'View' tab. This single-point access simplifies navigation for members.
• Faster Claim Settlement: By integrating data access, the system is expected to reduce the processing time for online claims, as data retrieval for verification will be quicker.
• Enhanced Convenience: The new system removes the hassle of managing and logging into two different portals, providing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
• Consolidated View: It offers a real-time, consolidated statement of the member's PF account, ensuring all transaction details are readily available in one place.

Additional Info

• Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):
  • It is a statutory body established by the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
  • It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
  • EPFO is one of the world's largest social security organisations, managing provident fund, pension, and insurance schemes for the organized sector workforce in India.
  • The schemes are administered by a tripartite Central Board of Trustees (CBT), which includes representatives of the government, employers, and employees.
• Key Schemes Managed by EPFO:
  • Employees' Provident Fund Scheme (EPF), 1952: A mandatory retirement savings scheme.
  • Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995: Provides for a pension upon retirement, superannuation, or disablement.
  • Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI), 1976: Offers life insurance benefits to the nominee in case of the member's death.
• Universal Account Number (UAN):
  • A 12-digit unique number allotted by EPFO to each member.
  • It acts as an umbrella for the multiple Member IDs (PF accounts) assigned to an individual by different employers.
  • The UAN is portable and remains the same throughout an employee's career, simplifying the process of PF account transfers and withdrawals.

Sources

• indiatoday
• businesstoday
• economictimes

ISRO to Send “Vyommitra” Half-Humanoid on Uncrewed Gaganyaan Test Flight

What’s the News?

• ISRO will launch its first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1) in December, with Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot, on board instead of a human.
• Mission G1 is a precursor to the crewed flight planned for Q1 2027.

Vyommitra & Mission G1: Key Details

• Vyommitra is an AI-enabled half-humanoid: it has upper body functions; does not have legs. It will monitor life-support systems, environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, humidity, CO₂), issue alerts, simulate human presence.
• G1 Mission Objectives:
  • Validate crew module and service module performance in orbit without humans.
  • Test escape systems including parachute-based deceleration for crew safety.
• Supporting Infrastructure & Tests:
  • Over 7,700 ground tests have been completed; about 2,300 more needed before March 2026.
  • Facilities like the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Crew Module & Service Module development, environmental control systems, launch pad modifications etc. are ready or under advanced development.

Additional Info

• Gaganyaan Mission:
  • Objective: To demonstrate India's capability for human spaceflight by launching a crew of three members into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 400 km for a mission lasting up to three days and bringing them back safely.
  • Key Components:
    • Launch Vehicle: The mission will use the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), ISRO's heavy-lift rocket.
    • Orbital Module: This consists of the Crew Module (CM), where the astronauts will be housed, and the Service Module (SM), which contains the main propulsion systems.
  • Astronaut Training: Astronauts selected for the mission are being trained at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
  • Formation: ISRO was formed in 1969, superseding the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR).
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • Parent Body: It operates under the Department of Space (DOS), which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India.
  • Notable Achievement: ISRO made India the fourth country in the world to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon with its Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Sources

• ndtv
• theweek
• news18

Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Defence Pact

What’s the News?

• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) pledging that any aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both.
• The pact describes the arrangement as defensive. Neither country has named a specific adversary or conflict requiring immediate military response.
• Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the agreement could be extended to include other Arab nations.

Key Aspects of the Agreement

• Formalising Cooperation: The pact institutionalizes the historically close but often informal defence relationship between the two countries.
• Scope of Collaboration: Key areas of focus include:
  • Joint military exercises and training programs.
  • Enhanced intelligence sharing mechanisms.
  • Cooperation in the field of defence-industrial production.
• Mutual Defence Clause: The agreement includes a provision for joint action in the event of aggression against either state, elevating their security commitments.
• Strategic Significance: The move is seen as a response to the shifting geopolitical landscape in West Asia, reinforcing the alliance between the Sunni-majority nations.

Additional Info

• Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations:
  • The relationship is historically rooted in shared religious identity and mutual strategic interests.
  • Saudi Arabia has been a major source of financial assistance and oil supplies for Pakistan.
  • Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state, has historically provided military training, advisors, and manpower to the Saudi armed forces.
  • The two nations are influential members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
• Regional Geopolitical Context:
  • Rivalry with Iran: The pact is significant in the context of Saudi Arabia's long-standing regional rivalry with Iran. Pakistan shares a border with Iran and has traditionally tried to maintain a diplomatic balance between Riyadh and Tehran.
  • Shifting Alliances: The agreement comes at a time of broader realignments in West Asia, including the Abraham Accords and China's increasing diplomatic role in the region.
  • Implications for India: India will closely monitor the pact's implications for regional security, particularly the nature of defence and intelligence cooperation between two of its key strategic partners.

Sources

• ptinews
• thediplomat
• economictimes

SEBI Launches ‘SWAGAT-FI’ to Fast-Track Foreign Investment

What’s the News?

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new fast-track registration mechanism named SWAGAT-FI to attract long-term foreign investment.
• The acronym stands for Special Window for Accelerated Global Access to Trading - Foreign Investors.
• This initiative aims to provide a single-window, time-bound clearance for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from well-regulated and trusted jurisdictions, thereby simplifying their entry into Indian capital markets.

The SWAGAT-FI Mechanism

• Objective: To attract stable, high-quality, and long-term foreign capital by reducing procedural delays and complexities.
• Key Features:
  • Single-Window System: A unified digital platform for all registration and compliance requirements, streamlining the approval process.
  • Expedited Processing: Aims to significantly reduce the registration timeline for eligible FPIs, potentially to as few as 10 days.
  • Simplified KYC: Eased Know Your Customer (KYC) and documentation norms for investors from jurisdictions with robust regulatory frameworks.
  • Dedicated Support: Provision for a relationship manager to assist investors through the entire process.
• Significance: The move is designed to enhance the ease of doing business in India and differentiate between short-term speculative capital ("hot money") and long-term strategic investments, thereby fostering greater market stability.

Additional Info

• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
  • It is the statutory regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India.
  • Established on April 12, 1992, under the SEBI Act, 1992.
  • Its primary functions are to protect the interests of investors, promote the development of the securities market, and regulate its activities.
• Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) vs. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
  • FPI: Refers to foreign investment in financial assets such as stocks and bonds. It does not involve gaining significant management control and is generally considered more liquid and short-term.
  • FDI: Involves an investor establishing a lasting interest or acquiring substantial influence in the management of an enterprise in another country. It is considered a more stable, long-term form of investment.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF):
  • An intergovernmental organization founded to develop policies to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
  • Jurisdictions that are compliant with FATF standards are considered to have strong anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) controls, making them "trusted" sources for investment.

Sources

• economictimes
• livemint