Election Commission of India(ECI)
9-Mar-2023: ECI hosts the 3rd International Conference on ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity’ as the lead for the Cohort on ‘Election Integrity’
The Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted the 3rd International Conference on the theme ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity’ in virtual format on 09 March 2023. ECI is leading the Cohort on Elections Integrity which was established as a follow up to the ‘Summit for Democracy’ held virtually in December, 2021.
The first international conference of the Cohort was organized on 31 Oct – 01 Nov, 2022 at New Delhi on the topic ‘Role, Framework and Capacity of Election Management Bodies’ where nearly 50 representatives from the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of 11 countries participated. The 2nd Conference on the theme ‘Use of Technology and Elections Integrity’ was hosted by ECI at New Delhi on 23-24 January 2023 wherein over 40 participants from 16 countries including Heads/Dy Heads of nine EMBs or Election Authorities and delegates from International IDEA and IFES participated besides diplomats from 8 foreign missions located at New Delhi.
Speaking on the pressing challenges before the Election Management Bodies, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar pointed out the harm done by some of the surveys and ranking agencies. The CEC said that the pioneering work of EMBs does not find mention in these surveys and rankings done by some organizations and countries with low inclusivity are ranked high. The flawed report causes more damage to the credibility of EMBs, he added. The CEC urged the participating EMBs to come up with essential parameters and standards which should guide such surveys.
Talking about the inclusivity, the CEC pointed out that India has 460 million women voters, which is almost equal to the number of men voters. In the last General Election to Parliament in 2019, more women than men voted. This is the level of inclusion, that India has been able to achieve, he said.
In his address, Shri Anup Chandra Pandey, Election Commissioner stated that the Election Commission of India has been working for Inclusive elections under premise of ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’. The Election Commissioner said that Our flagship voter education programme SVEEP connects with over 950 million voters spread over more than one million polling stations across the country. Shri Pandey informed that all the polling stations in India have been made accessible, special facilities are provided to PwDs and senior citizens. All women polling stations, polling stations managed by PwDs and young people are some of the initiatives.
Railway Protection Force
23-Feb-2023: “Jaipur Declaration” adopted at the 18th World Security Congress jointly organized by Railway Protection Force and UIC
The 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by Railway Protection Force(RPF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), concluded today with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration by the attendees. The conference brought together experts, stakeholders, and delegates from around the world to discuss the latest developments and best practices in railway security, focusing on the theme of "Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future."
The “Jaipur declaration” outlined an actionable agenda for UIC to explore innovative approaches that can help global Railway organizations achieve their long-term goal of safety and security. The declaration highlighted the commitment of UIC to work towards providing a more safe and secure rail network across the globe, by also fully activating the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.
Fact: Operation Nanhe Farishte- for rescue of children and Operation AAHT for rescuing women and children from the clutches of traffickers.
Law Commission of India (LCI)
Cabinet approves extension of Twenty-second Law Commission of India's term
The Indian Cabinet has approved the extension of the Twenty-second Law Commission of India's term until August 31, 2024. The Law Commission of India, a non-statutory body constituted by the government, has made significant contributions to the development and codification of the country's laws since its establishment in 1955.
The present Twenty-second Law Commission's tenure ends on February 20, 2023. The Commission has submitted 277 reports to date.
The Law Commission's composition will remain unchanged, with a full-time chairperson, four full-time members (including the member-secretary), two ex-officio members, and up to five part-time members.
The Law Commission's extended term will see it continue to identify obsolete laws and recommend their repeal, suggest new legislation to implement the Directive Principles and the Constitution's objectives, offer views on law and judicial administration referred to it by the Government, prepare reports, and perform other tasks assigned by the Central Government.