UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May (2025)
• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
GS Paper 3:
• 16th Finance Commission
16th Finance Commission
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Repairability Index
Repairability Index
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
• Stratospheric Airship Platform
Stratospheric Airship Platform
• Chenab River
Chenab River
• Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025
Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025
• Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)
• ECINET initiative
ECINET initiative
Mapping:
• Angola
Angola
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Syllabus: Health
Source: TH
Context: Global health bodies — WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi — have issued a warning about the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases due to missed immunisation schedules, misinformation, and funding cuts.
About Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Key Data on Rise of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs):
• 14.5 million children missed all routine vaccines in 2023 (Source: WHO-UNICEF).
• Over 50% of WHO-monitored countries reported moderate to severe disruptions in immunisation services (2024).
• Measles cases in the U.S. (2025): 935 cases as of May, more than triple compared to total cases in 2024
• Polio resurgence in several African countries due to delayed vaccination (GPEI, 2023)
• UNICEF: Global vaccine delays are threatening 15 million children in fragile/conflict-hit regions
What is Vaccination?
• Vaccination is the process of introducing a weakened or inactive pathogen into the body to stimulate the immune system.
• It trains the immune system to recognize and combat harmful diseases without causing illness.
Importance of Vaccination Globally:
• Saves Lives: Vaccines save 4.2 million lives annually, preventing 14 major diseases.
E.g. Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of lives saved globally.
• Boosts Infant Survival: Vaccination has contributed to 40% improvement in child survival rates since 1974.
• High Return on Investment: WHO estimates a $54 return for every $1 spent on vaccines.
• Prevents Disease Outbreaks: Countries with high vaccine coverage face lower mortality rates and healthcare burden.
• Builds Herd Immunity: Protects vulnerable populations unable to be vaccinated, including infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Challenges to Global Vaccination Efforts:
• Pandemic Disruptions: COVID-19 delayed routine immunisations; 14.5 million children missed vaccines in 2023.
• Funding Shortfalls: Reduced global health budgets threaten continuity of programs like Gavi and COVAX.
• Misinformation & Hesitancy: Myths and anti-vaccine campaigns, especially on social media, decrease acceptance.
E.g. Measles cases tripled in the U.S. in 2025.
• Conflict & Fragility: Insecurity in regions like Africa, Middle East, South Asia hinders vaccine outreach.
• Supply Chain Gaps: Weak cold-chain infrastructure in rural and low-income areas delays vaccine delivery.
Vaccination Status in India:
• Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): Largest public health programme, targets 26 million children and 34 million pregnant women annually.
• Progress Achieved:
• India declared polio-free in 2014
• Eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015
• Introduced vaccines like Measles-Rubella, PCV, RVV under UIP
• Coverage Data:
• 1% full immunisation coverage (NFHS-5, 2019–21)
• 1 in 4 children still misses essential vaccines
• Mission Indradhanush (2014): Targets unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children and pregnant women in underserved areas.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Improve delivery systems and cold chains at grassroots level.
• Tackle Misinformation: Use AI tools, community outreach, and education campaigns to combat vaccine myths.
• Ensure Political Commitment: Immunisation needs sustained funding and policy attention at all governance levels.
• Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs, civil society, and tech platforms for outreach.
• Support Global Frameworks: Countries must commit to Immunisation Agenda 2030 and support Gavi’s $9 billion pledge to protect 500 million children.
Conclusion:
Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective health interventions in human history. Despite progress, rising vaccine-preventable diseases call for renewed global efforts. India must strengthen routine immunisation, address hesitancy, and scale outreach to protect every child.
• “Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyse (UPSC 2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May 2025 GS Paper 3 :
16th Finance Commission
Syllabus: Indian Economy – Fiscal Federalism
Source: Indian Express
Context: As states demand greater fiscal autonomy and a larger share of the divisible tax pool, the 16th Finance Commission (FC) faces a complex challenge.
About the 16th Finance Commission
• The 16th Finance Commission (FC)was constituted under Article 280 in December 2023, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, to recommend tax devolution and fiscal federalism reforms for 2026-31.
Current Structure of Devolution:
• States’ Share: Fixed at 41% by the 15th FC (reduced from 42% post J&K’s reorganization).
• De Facto Share: States receive only about 32% of Centre’s gross tax revenues due to the rise in cesses and surcharges (not shareable).
Key Issues Before the 16th Finance Commission:
• Shrinking Divisible Pool and Rising Cesses: Cesses and surcharges have reduced the size of the divisible pool from 88.6% (2011–12) to 78.9% (2021–22) of the Centre’s gross tax revenue (RBI data). States argue for restoring fairness by capping these levies and increasing their share to 50%.
• States argue for restoring fairness by capping these levies and increasing their share to 50%.
• Fiscal Constraints of the Union Government: High Demand on Centre’s Budget: It may not be feasible to raise total transfers without fiscal stress. Borrowing for Transfers: Centre is borrowing to fund grants, raising questions on spending priorities.
• High Demand on Centre’s Budget: It may not be feasible to raise total transfers without fiscal stress.
• Borrowing for Transfers: Centre is borrowing to fund grants, raising questions on spending priorities.
• Tied vs. Untied Transfers – Need for Rebalancing: Current Scenario: Excessive reliance on centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS) ties states to Centre-dictated spending. Proposal: Increase untied transfers to allow states more discretion within the existing transfer envelope. Challenge: Requires pruning of CSS, which are politically and developmentally sensitive.
• Current Scenario: Excessive reliance on centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS) ties states to Centre-dictated spending.
• Proposal: Increase untied transfers to allow states more discretion within the existing transfer envelope.
• Challenge: Requires pruning of CSS, which are politically and developmentally sensitive.
Implications of Increasing Untied Transfers:
• Quality of State Spending: Rising Revenue Deficits: Many states, including Karnataka and Punjab, are facing worsening revenue balances. Risk of Misuse: Untied funds may be diverted towards revenue expenditure or non-merit subsidies (e.g., free electricity, water), rather than capital investments.
• Rising Revenue Deficits: Many states, including Karnataka and Punjab, are facing worsening revenue balances.
• Risk of Misuse: Untied funds may be diverted towards revenue expenditure or non-merit subsidies (e.g., free electricity, water), rather than capital investments.
• Rise in Cash Transfer Schemes: Quasi-Universal Transfers: 14 states have launched income support schemes, totalling 0.6% of GDP (Axis Bank report). Concern: More untied funds could be used for electoral populism instead of systemic improvements.
• Quasi-Universal Transfers: 14 states have launched income support schemes, totalling 0.6% of GDP (Axis Bank report).
• Concern: More untied funds could be used for electoral populism instead of systemic improvements.
• Equity in Public Service Delivery: Inter-State Disparities: Low-income states like Bihar spend significantly less per capita on public services. Question: Will more untied funds lead to convergence in service delivery standards across states?
• Inter-State Disparities: Low-income states like Bihar spend significantly less per capita on public services.
• Question: Will more untied funds lead to convergence in service delivery standards across states?
• Devolution to Local Governments: Neglect of the Third Tier: Panchayats and municipalities receive a much smaller share of total public spending compared to countries like China and South Africa. Hope: More untied funds could incentivize states to devolve more resources to local governments.
• Neglect of the Third Tier: Panchayats and municipalities receive a much smaller share of total public spending compared to countries like China and South Africa.
• Hope: More untied funds could incentivize states to devolve more resources to local governments.
Way Forward:
• Reform Transfers Framework: Consider capping cesses, rationalizing CSS, and increasing untied transfers with accountability safeguards.
• Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Build monitoring systems to ensure untied funds are spent on productive and equitable outcomes.
• Incentivize Local Devolution: FC can recommend performance-based grants to states promoting third-tier empowerment.
• Adopt Differentiated Approaches: Tailor devolution mechanisms to reflect state capacity, developmental needs, and fiscal health.
Conclusion:
The 16th Finance Commission must navigate the fine line between enhancing fiscal autonomy for states and safeguarding national fiscal stability. A rebalanced transfer structure—one that ensures equitable, accountable, and convergent public service delivery—will be crucial in deepening India’s cooperative federalism.
• The public expenditure management is challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it. (UPSC 2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Repairability Index
Context: The Committee on Repairability Index in Mobile and Electronic Sector submitted its final report to the Department of Consumer Affairs, proposing a consumer-friendly framework aligned with global best practices.
About Repairability Index:
What is the Repairability Index (RI)?
The Repairability Index is a standardized, self-declared score provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to indicate how easily a product, like a smartphone or tablet, can be disassembled, repaired, and maintained.
Features of the RI Framework:
• Self-declared by OEMs: No additional compliance burden; based on standardized scoring criteria.
• Covers 11 key components prone to failure (battery, display, camera, charging port, etc.).
• Evaluated on 6 core parameters:
• Rating Scale: Five-point numeric scale.
• Mandatory Display: At physical/e-commerce points of sale and via QR code on packaging.
Significance of the RI:
• Empowers Consumers: Facilitates informed choices and promotes transparency.
• Promotes Sustainability: Encourages mindful utilization over wasteful consumption.
• Supports Right to Repair: Complements India’s Right to Repair Portal launched in 2022.
• Strengthens Circular Economy: Helps extend product life and reduce e-waste.
Relevance to UPSC Exam:
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy Implementation:
• Consumer protection, e-governance initiatives, and stakeholder consultations in policymaking.
• Consumer protection, e-governance initiatives, and stakeholder consultations in policymaking.
• GS Paper 3 – Environment, Economy & Technology:
• Sustainable consumption, circular economy, e-waste management, and digital product lifecycle management.
• Sustainable consumption, circular economy, e-waste management, and digital product lifecycle management.
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics in Governance:
• Accountability of private sector, transparency, and consumer rights ethics.
• Accountability of private sector, transparency, and consumer rights ethics.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
Source: News on Air
Context: India has launched its first genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, developed by ICAR using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
About India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties:
• About DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): It is a new rice variety developed by ICAR-IIRR in Hyderabad. It is based on the popular Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204) variety. Features: This new variety gives 19% more yield and matures about 20 days earlier, taking only 130 days. It has a strong stem that prevents the plant from falling, and it saves a large amount of irrigation water—around 7,500 million cubic meters. It uses genome-editing to change the CKX2 (Gn1a) gene, which helps produce more grains per plant. Because it grows faster, it also releases less methane into the environment.
• It is a new rice variety developed by ICAR-IIRR in Hyderabad.
• It is based on the popular Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204) variety.
• Features:
• This new variety gives 19% more yield and matures about 20 days earlier, taking only 130 days.
• It has a strong stem that prevents the plant from falling, and it saves a large amount of irrigation water—around 7,500 million cubic meters.
• It uses genome-editing to change the CKX2 (Gn1a) gene, which helps produce more grains per plant.
• Because it grows faster, it also releases less methane into the environment.
• About Pusa DST Rice 1: It is another new rice variety developed by ICAR-IARI in New Delhi, using the MTU 1010 variety as its base. This variety has been edited to improve its tolerance to drought and salty soils by targeting the DST gene. It performs better in tough soil conditions and can give up to 30.4% more yield in such areas. It does not contain any foreign DNA and is genome-edited using the SDN1 method, which means it does not fall under strict GMO rules.
• It is another new rice variety developed by ICAR-IARI in New Delhi, using the MTU 1010 variety as its base.
• This variety has been edited to improve its tolerance to drought and salty soils by targeting the DST gene.
• It performs better in tough soil conditions and can give up to 30.4% more yield in such areas.
• It does not contain any foreign DNA and is genome-edited using the SDN1 method, which means it does not fall under strict GMO rules.
Stratospheric Airship Platform
Source: TH
Context: India successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the Stratospheric Airship Platform developed by DRDO, reaching an altitude of 17 km.
About Stratospheric Airship Platform:
• What is the Stratospheric Airship Platform? A lighter-than-air, high-altitude airship designed to operate in the stratosphere (~17 km altitude) for extended surveillance and observation missions.
• A lighter-than-air, high-altitude airship designed to operate in the stratosphere (~17 km altitude) for extended surveillance and observation missions.
• Developed By: Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra
• Under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Objectives of the Test:
• Validate envelope pressure control system. Test emergency deflation mechanisms. Collect real-time sensor data for future simulation models. Demonstrate system recovery after mission.
• Validate envelope pressure control system.
• Test emergency deflation mechanisms.
• Collect real-time sensor data for future simulation models.
• Demonstrate system recovery after mission.
• Key Features:
• Operates at ~17 km altitude (stratosphere). Carries instrumental payloads for ISR tasks. 62-minute endurance flight successfully completed. Capable of long-duration airborne operation. Deployable for static surveillance and real-time observation.
• Operates at ~17 km altitude (stratosphere).
• Carries instrumental payloads for ISR tasks.
• 62-minute endurance flight successfully completed.
• Capable of long-duration airborne operation.
• Deployable for static surveillance and real-time observation.
• Applications & Strategic Significance:
• ISR Capability Enhancement: Improves India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations for military and disaster response. Earth Observation: Supports border monitoring, coastal surveillance, and high-resolution atmospheric sensing. Low-Cost Alternative to Satellites: Offers persistent coverage without requiring costly satellite launches. Dual-Use Potential: Can assist in civilian use cases like disaster management, communication relays, and environmental monitoring. Strategic Independence: Places India among a few nations with indigenous high-altitude airship technology, crucial amid rising border threats.
• ISR Capability Enhancement: Improves India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations for military and disaster response.
• Earth Observation: Supports border monitoring, coastal surveillance, and high-resolution atmospheric sensing.
• Low-Cost Alternative to Satellites: Offers persistent coverage without requiring costly satellite launches.
• Dual-Use Potential: Can assist in civilian use cases like disaster management, communication relays, and environmental monitoring.
• Strategic Independence: Places India among a few nations with indigenous high-altitude airship technology, crucial amid rising border threats.
Chenab River
Source: HT
Context: India has halted the flow of water from the Chenab River through the Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attacks.
About Chenab River:
• Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
• Chandra originates near Bara-lacha la Pass (east), Bhaga from Surya Taal lake (west of the pass).
• Known as Chandra-Bhaga in upper reaches, it becomes Chenab downstream.
• Flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, enters Pakistan in Punjab province, and joins Sutlej River to form Panjnad River.
• Major Tributaries: Right Bank: Marusudar (largest tributary), Miyar Nalla, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Ans, and Kalnai Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari Major Hydroelectric Projects on Chenab River (Run-of-the-River Projects): Baglihar Dam, Salal Dam, Dul Hasti, Ratle Project, Pakal Dul Dam, Kiru Project, and Kishtwar Project.
• Right Bank: Marusudar (largest tributary), Miyar Nalla, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Ans, and Kalnai
• Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari
• Major Hydroelectric Projects on Chenab River (Run-of-the-River Projects): Baglihar Dam, Salal Dam, Dul Hasti, Ratle Project, Pakal Dul Dam, Kiru Project, and Kishtwar Project.
• Historical Significance:
• Known since Vedic period, part of Rigvedic Sapta Sindhu. Cited in accounts of Alexander the Great’s Indian campaign (325 BCE). Site of the historic Battle of Chenab between Sikhs and Afghans.
• Known since Vedic period, part of Rigvedic Sapta Sindhu.
• Cited in accounts of Alexander the Great’s Indian campaign (325 BCE).
• Site of the historic Battle of Chenab between Sikhs and Afghans.
About Baglihar Dam:
• Location: Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir, on the Chenab River.
• Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project with limited storage capacity.
• Installed Capacity: Around 900 MW (in two phases).
• Commissioned By: NHPC Limited, supported by Government of India.
• Controversy: Opposed by Pakistan for alleged treaty violations under Indus Waters Treaty (1960). Subject to World Bank arbitration, which ruled in India’s favour for certain technical modifications.
• Opposed by Pakistan for alleged treaty violations under Indus Waters Treaty (1960).
• Subject to World Bank arbitration, which ruled in India’s favour for certain technical modifications.
Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025
Source: DTE
Context: The National Biodiversity Authority has notified the Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025, introducing new rules to regulate equitable benefit sharing from the use of India’s biological resources, including digital sequence information.
About Biodiversity Benefit Sharing Regulations 2025:
• These are updated rules under the Biological Diversity Act, aimed at ensuring that users—especially industries—share a part of their economic benefits with local communities and biodiversity conservers. This aligns India with global Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
• This aligns India with global Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
Key Provisions
• Turnover-Based Slabs for Benefit Sharing: ₹0–5 crore: No sharing ₹5–50 crore: 0.2% of ex-factory turnover ₹50–250 crore: 0.4% Above ₹250 crore: 0.6%
• ₹0–5 crore: No sharing
• ₹5–50 crore: 0.2% of ex-factory turnover
• ₹50–250 crore: 0.4%
• Above ₹250 crore: 0.6%
• Mandatory Reporting: Firms with turnover over ₹1 crore must disclose annual biodiversity usage.
• Firms with turnover over ₹1 crore must disclose annual biodiversity usage.
• Cultivated Plant Exemption: Medicinal plant cultivators exempted from sharing benefits—aligns with Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act 2023.
• Medicinal plant cultivators exempted from sharing benefits—aligns with Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act 2023.
• High-Value Species Clause: For species like red sanders, sandalwood, agarwood, minimum benefit sharing is 5%, extendable to 20% or more.
• For species like red sanders, sandalwood, agarwood, minimum benefit sharing is 5%, extendable to 20% or more.
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI): Now covered under the benefit-sharing regime—critical update from the 2014 guidelines.
• Now covered under the benefit-sharing regime—critical update from the 2014 guidelines.
• IPR and Research Use: Researchers and IPR applicants must comply with benefit-sharing norms.
• Researchers and IPR applicants must comply with benefit-sharing norms.
• Revenue Utilization: 10–15% retained by National Biodiversity Authority (NBA); remainder to benefit claimant communities.
• 10–15% retained by National Biodiversity Authority (NBA); remainder to benefit claimant communities.
Global Context: COP16 & Multilateral Sharing
• At COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia (2024), member countries adopted a mechanism for sharing DSI-related benefits multilaterally.
• Industries like pharma, cosmetics, agriculture, and biotech were asked to equitably compensate indigenous communities and biodiversity custodians.
About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA):
• The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body constituted in 2003 to implement the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and ensure equitable benefit sharing from the use of India’s biological resources.
• Headquarter: Chennai
Organizational structure:
• Chairperson (nominated by Central Government) Must have knowledge or experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, or equitable benefit sharing
• Must have knowledge or experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, or equitable benefit sharing
• Ex-officio members: Representatives from Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Science & Technology, AYUSH, Tribal Affairs, etc.
• Expert members from fields like ecology, biotechnology, and law
Key Functions and Powers
• Regulatory Role: Grant approvals for access to biological resources and associated traditional knowledge by foreign nationals, companies, and NRIs Regulate transfer of research results on Indian biodiversity to non-Indian entities
• Regulate transfer of research results on Indian biodiversity to non-Indian entities
• Benefit Sharing Mechanism: Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits with local communities and knowledge holders
• Advisory Role: Advise the Central Government on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and policy matters
• Oversight of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs): Coordinate and oversee the functioning of SBBs and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
• Promotion of Conservation: Support documentation, preservation, and promotion of biological heritage and associated traditional knowledge
• Compliance with International Conventions: Ensure national alignment with protocols like the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)
Source: Hindustan Times
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Patna, marking Bihar’s first-ever multi-discipline national sporting event.
About Khelo India Youth Games:
• The Khelo India Youth Games is an annual national-level multi-sport event under the Khelo India scheme, aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting grassroots sporting talent among India’s youth. The previous 6 editions of the Youth Games have been held in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula, Bhopal and Chennai.
• The previous 6 editions of the Youth Games have been held in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula, Bhopal and Chennai.
• Launched: in 2018
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Primary Objective: Promote mass participation in sports Foster excellence and prepare athletes for international competitions
• Promote mass participation in sports
• Foster excellence and prepare athletes for international competitions
Key Features
• Target Group: Youth athletes under 17 and 21 years of age.
• Medal Sports: 27 disciplines, with Sepaktakraw included for the first time.
• Demonstration Event: Esports introduced to promote digital-era sports.
• Winners receive scholarshipsunder the Khelo India Scheme.
ECINET initiative
Source: Indian Express
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the development of ECINET, a unified digital platform, to simplify and streamline election-related service.
About ECINET
• ECINET is a comprehensive digital interface being created by the ECI to unify more than 40 existing mobile and web applications into a single, user-friendly platform. It is designed to provide easy access to election-related services for voters, election officials, political parties, and civil society organisations.
• It is designed to provide easy access to election-related services for voters, election officials, political parties, and civil society organisations.
Objectives of ECINET
• Simplify Access to electoral services through a single window.
• Eliminate Redundancy of using multiple applications with different logins.
• Ensure Real-Time Access to verified election data for all stakeholders.
• Strengthen Electoral Infrastructure through digital innovation and integration
• Enhance Cybersecurity of electoral platforms through robust trials and protocols.
Key Features
• Unified Platform: Merges over 40 ECI apps including Voter Helpline, cVIGIL, Suvidha 2.0, ESMS, Saksham, KYC App, etc.
• Single Sign-On: One login for all services, reducing user confusion and friction.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: Accessible on both desktops and smartphones.
• Modern User Interface: Clean, aesthetic design for an intuitive user experience.
• Data Integrity Assurance: Only authorised EC officials can input data. In case of discrepancies, statutory forms prevail.
• Enhanced Cybersecurity: Undergoes rigorous testing for safety, performance, and ease of use.
• Nationwide Reach: Aimed to serve nearly 100 crore voters and the entire electoral administration
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 May 2025 Mapping:
Angola
Source: TOI
Context: Prime Minister of India held bilateral talks with Angolan President João Lourenço in New Delhi, offering a $200 million defence credit line and expanding ties in infrastructure, defence, and space technology.
• The visit also marks the 40th anniversary of India-Angola diplomatic relations.
About Angola:
• Angola is located in southwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west.
• Capital: Luanda, a coastal port city.
• Neighbouring Countries: Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and Atlantic Ocean.
Note: It also includes an exclave, Cabinda, north of the main territory.
• Geographical Features:
• Major Plateaus: Bié Plateau (~2,600 m), Huíla Plateau (~2,300 m), and Malanje Highlands. Highest Point: Mount Moco (8,596 ft / 2,620 m) near Huambo. Major Rivers: Cuanza (Kwanza): Largest River within Angola. Cunene River: Border river with Namibia. Cuango River: Tributary of the Congo River. Other rivers drain into Zambezi and Okavango systems. Desert Region: Southwest Angola is part of the Namib Desert.
• Major Plateaus: Bié Plateau (~2,600 m), Huíla Plateau (~2,300 m), and Malanje Highlands.
• Highest Point: Mount Moco (8,596 ft / 2,620 m) near Huambo.
• Major Rivers: Cuanza (Kwanza): Largest River within Angola. Cunene River: Border river with Namibia. Cuango River: Tributary of the Congo River. Other rivers drain into Zambezi and Okavango systems.
• Cuanza (Kwanza): Largest River within Angola.
• Cunene River: Border river with Namibia.
• Cuango River: Tributary of the Congo River.
• Other rivers drain into Zambezi and Okavango systems.
• Desert Region: Southwest Angola is part of the Namib Desert.
• Climate: Tropical climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons. Influenced by the Benguela Current (cold oceanic current).
• Ethnic: Angola is ethnically diverse with Bantu-speaking groups like Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, and Bakongo.
• Economic Significance:
• One of Africa’s top oil producers; rich in diamonds, iron ore, copper, and gold.
• The northeast is known for diamond deposits in river gravels.
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