What’s in Today’s Article?

• Electoral Reforms Latest News
• The Need for Electoral Reforms
• Legal Provisions Governing Elections in India
• Key Issues in India’s Electoral System
• Proposed Electoral Reforms
• Conclusion
• Electoral Reforms in India FAQs

Electoral Reforms Latest News

• The Election Commission of India has invited political parties to discuss strengthening the election process.

The Need for Electoral Reforms

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated discussions with political parties to address concerns related to electoral transparency and voter integrity. 
• Allegations of electoral roll manipulation, duplicate voter IDs, and EVM transparency have sparked fresh debates about the need for comprehensive electoral reforms.
• Additionally, issues such as unregulated election expenditures, criminalization of politics, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) continue to threaten the integrity of India’s elections. 
• Strengthening electoral laws is essential to maintaining free and fair elections, a fundamental aspect of India's democratic framework.

Legal Provisions Governing Elections in India

• Article 324 of the Constitution: Grants the ECI power over the conduct of elections to Parliament and State legislatures.
• Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951: Governs voter registration and the conduct of elections.
• Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: Regulates the maintenance of electoral rolls.
• Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Establishes guidelines for political parties and candidates during elections.
• Despite these legal safeguards, recent elections have highlighted systemic flaws that necessitate urgent reforms.

Key Issues in India’s Electoral System

• Concerns Over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs
  • Since the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, India has exclusively used Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
  • From 2019 onwards, EVMs have been backed by 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
  • A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in April 2024, demanding a return to paper ballots and 100% VVPAT-EVM matching, both of which were dismissed by the Supreme Court.
  • However, the Supreme Court directed that 5% of EVMs in each constituency should be verified in case of any suspicion of tampering, ensuring transparency.
• Allegations of Electoral Roll Manipulation
  • Recent elections in Maharashtra and Delhi raised concerns over bogus/fake voters being added to electoral rolls.
  • Identical EPIC numbers (Electoral Photo Identity Card) were reportedly assigned to different voters across states, leading to accusations of voter fraud.
  • The ECI clarified that earlier decentralization of EPIC allotment before moving to the ERONET database may have caused duplication, and has pledged corrective measures.
• Rising Election Expenditure and Financial Irregularities
  • The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw election spending exceed ₹1,00,000 crore, according to the Centre for Media Studies.
  • While candidates have an expenditure limit, political parties face no cap on spending, leading to extravagant election campaigns.
  • This excessive spending fuels corruption, as candidates often resort to illicit funding sources.
• Criminalization of Politics
  • As per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Report (2024): 
    • 251 MPs (46%) in the Lok Sabha have criminal cases.
    • 170 MPs (31%) face serious charges like murder, rape, and kidnapping.
  • Despite Supreme Court directives for political parties to disclose criminal records three times before elections, enforcement remains weak.
• Violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
  • Star campaigners from all major parties have been accused of: 
    • Using derogatory language against rivals.
    • Making caste and religious appeals for votes.
    • Spreading misinformation.
    • The ECI lacks strong enforcement powers to take strict action against violators.

Proposed Electoral Reforms

• Strengthening EVM and VVPAT Verification
  • The sample size for VVPAT-EVM matching should be determined scientifically, dividing states into regions.
  • If even one discrepancy is found, full VVPAT verification should be conducted in the affected region.
  • Introducing "Totaliser" machines, as recommended by the ECI in 2016, would aggregate votes from multiple EVMs, making it harder to manipulate results at the booth level.
• Preventing Electoral Roll Manipulation
  • Linking Aadhaar to EPIC numbers could prevent duplicate registrations, but privacy concerns must be addressed through stakeholder consultations.
  • The ECI should conduct regular audits of voter lists and rectify anomalies before elections.
• Regulating Election Expenditure
  • A legal cap on political party spending should be introduced.
  • Political parties should disclose financial assistance to candidates, ensuring expenditure remains within permissible limits.
• Addressing Criminalization of Politics
  • Political parties must strictly comply with Supreme Court orders to publicize candidates’ criminal backgrounds.
  • The ECI should have the power to ban repeat offenders from contesting elections.
• Strengthening the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
  • The ECI should be empowered to revoke the "Star Campaigner" status of leaders who repeatedly violate MCC rules.
  • Under Paragraph 16A of the Symbols Order, the ECI can suspend or withdraw recognition of a political party for severe MCC violations.
  • Strict implementation of social media regulations to prevent the spread of fake news and hate speech during elections.

Conclusion

• Electoral reforms are vital to strengthening democracy in India. 
• While the ECI has taken steps to enhance voting transparency and voter integrity, challenges such as criminalization of politics, campaign violations, and excessive spending remain unresolved. 
• A comprehensive legal and administrative overhaul is necessary to ensure that elections remain free, fair, and transparent.
• Political parties and the ECI must engage in meaningful discussions to implement these reforms, restoring public trust in India's electoral process.

Electoral Reforms in India FAQs

Q1. Why are electoral reforms necessary in India?

Ans. Electoral reforms ensure free and fair elections by addressing issues like EVM transparency, voter roll integrity, and election expenditure regulation.

Q2. What are the major concerns related to EVMs in India?

Ans. Concerns include tampering allegations, demand for 100% VVPAT verification, and transparency in the counting process.

Q3. How does criminalization of politics impact elections?

Ans. Nearly 46% of MPs in 2024 had criminal cases, undermining public trust in democracy and increasing political corruption.

Q4. What reforms can reduce excessive election spending?

Ans. Introducing spending caps on political parties, strict auditing of campaign finance, and disclosing financial assistance to candidates.

Q5. How can electoral roll manipulation be prevented?

Ans. Regular audits, removing duplicate voter IDs, and Aadhaar-EPIC linking with strong privacy safeguards.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Cancer Daycare Centres in District Hospitals Latest News
• Cancer Burden in India
• Key Government Initiatives for Cancer Control
• Advancing Cancer Research and Treatment
• Government’s Plan for Cancer Daycare Centres
• Cancer Daycare Centres in District Hospitals FAQs

Cancer Daycare Centres in District Hospitals Latest News

• The Union Health Ministry plans to set up cancer daycare centres in all district hospitals. Each centre will offer chemotherapy, counseling services, and medicines, with four to six beds. Every facility will have an oncologist or trained medical officer, two nurses, a pharmacist, a counsellor, and a multi-purpose worker. 
• These details were outlined in a Parliamentary Standing Committee report tabled recently regarding the Ministry’s demand for grants.

Cancer Burden in India

• In India, cancer cases are projected to rise significantly, with over 14 lakh new cases recorded in 2023.
• Approximately 100 out of every 1 lakh people in India are diagnosed with cancer annually.
• The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) under ICMR has been tracking cancer trends since 1982 to enable evidence-based policymaking.

Union Budget 2025-26: Strengthening Cancer Care

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been allocated Rs. 99,858.56 crore, with Rs. 95,957.87 crore for the Department of Health & Family Welfare and Rs. 3,900.69 crore for Health Research.
• Day Care Cancer Centres: 200 centres to be established in district hospitals in 2025-26.
• Customs Duty Exemptions: 36 life-saving drugs, including those for cancer, are fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD); Six additional medicines to attract a concessional 5% duty.
  • Drugs under Patient Assistance Programmes are also fully exempted.

Key Government Initiatives for Cancer Control

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer (NPCDCS)
  • Aims to prevent and control cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes under the National Health Mission (NHM).
• Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme
  • Aims to decentralize cancer treatment and expand access to specialized care.
  • Key Infrastructure Developments: 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs); 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs); National Cancer Institute (NCI), Jhajjar, Haryana; Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) – Second Campus in Kolkata.
• Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY)
  • Launched in 2018 to provide universal health coverage.
  • Covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology for economically vulnerable families.
• Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
  • Provides financial aid up to ₹5 lakh for cancer treatment to patients below the poverty line.
  • Maximum financial assistance under the scheme is ₹15 lakh.
• National Cancer Grid (NCG)
  • Established in 2012 to standardize and improve cancer care across India.
  • Comprises 287 member institutions, including cancer centres, research institutes, and advocacy groups.
  • Treats over 750,000 new cancer patients annually, covering 60% of India’s cancer burden.

Advancing Cancer Research and Treatment

• India’s First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy – NexCAR19
  • Developed in April 2024 by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT.
  • A breakthrough treatment for blood cancers, reducing dependency on expensive imported therapies.
• Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
  • Launched in September 2024 in partnership with the US, Australia, and Japan.
  • Focuses on eliminating cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region through screening, vaccination, and advanced research.
• Expansion of ACTREC (Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer)
  • Began expansion in January 2025 to enhance cancer research, treatment, and patient care.

Government’s Plan for Cancer Daycare Centres

• The Union Health Ministry has proposed setting up cancer daycare centres in all district hospitals to bring treatment closer to patients. 
• Establishing such facilities in district hospitals will make chemotherapy more accessible and efficient.

Objective and Implementation

• The initiative aims to ensure continuity of cancer treatment, especially in the 764 district hospitals that currently lack such facilities. 
• Patients will receive initial treatment plans at tertiary care centres and continue treatment at these daycare centres. 
• As per the Union Budget announcement, 200 centres are planned for the current financial year, with the full rollout expected over three years.

Concerns Over Staffing

• While the Government suggested using existing district hospital staff, the Parliamentary panel recommended separate recruitment due to a shortage of healthcare professionals. 

Expert Recommendations

• Experts support the initiative but stress the need for additional services:
  • Pain Management: Many cancer patients require pain relief, which can be provided at a low cost.
  • Training for Medical Staff: Since not all district hospitals have oncologists, doctors and staff must be trained in managing chemotherapy side effects and complications.
  • Regional Feasibility: States like those in the Northeast and Kerala, where district hospitals already offer cancer care, may find it easier to implement the initiative.

Cancer Daycare Centres in District Hospitals FAQs

Q1. Why is India setting up cancer daycare centres in district hospitals?

Ans. To provide accessible chemotherapy, counseling, and treatment services for cancer patients at the district level.

Q2. How many cancer daycare centres will be established in India?

Ans. The government plans to set up 200 centres in district hospitals in 2025-26.

Q3. What services will be available at these cancer daycare centres?

Ans. Facilities will offer chemotherapy, counseling, medicines, and pain management with trained oncologists and medical staff.

Q4. How does Ayushman Bharat Yojana support cancer patients?

Ans. It covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery for economically vulnerable families under universal health coverage.

Q5. What are the key government initiatives for cancer control in India?

Ans. Programs like NPCDCS, NCG, HMCPF, and ACTREC focus on cancer prevention, treatment, and financial aid.

Source: IE | PIB | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Railway Accident Reduction in India FAQs Latest News
• Key Highlights of the Speech Delivered by the Union Railway Minister
• Railway Accident Reduction in India FAQs

Railway Accident Reduction in India FAQs Latest News

• Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in the Rajya Sabha that train accidents and derailments have decreased by 90% compared to 2005-06. 
• He highlighted that in 2005-06, there were 234 accidents and 698 incidents including derailments—an average of two per day. In contrast, in 2024-25, there have been only 30 accidents and 73 derailments, bringing the total down to around 80—nearly one-tenth of the 2005-06 figures.

Key Highlights of the Speech Delivered by the Union Railway Minister

• Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the Rajya Sabha on the working of the Ministry of Railways, highlighting key achievements and future plans.

Railway Accidents and Safety Measures

• Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that train accidents and derailments have decreased by 90% since 2005-06. 
• Safety improvements include stronger rails, electronic interlocking, fog safety devices, and the rollout of Kavach. 
• Weld failures have reduced by 92%, and rail fractures have decreased from 2,500 in 2013-14 to 250 in 2024, a 91% reduction.

Employment and Recruitment in Railways

• Over the last 10 years, 5 lakh people have been employed by the Railways compared to 4 lakh during the period 2004-2014. 
• Currently, the recruitment process for 1 lakh more employees is ongoing. 
• The Minister highlighted the scale of recruitment, citing 18.4 lakh candidates appearing for the loco pilot exam and 2.32 crore candidates appearing for various railway posts from Level 1 to Level 6.

Prioritization of Non-AC Coaches and Managing Crowds

• Responding to concerns about premium trains being prioritized, the minister stated that the government is committed to serving the poor and middle class, increasing the number of non-AC coaches. 

New Delhi Railway Station Stampede Inquiry

• Vaishnaw called the New Delhi station stampede a tragic incident and assured that all data, including CCTV footage, is secure. 
• A high-level committee is investigating the incident.

Railways' Financial Growth

• The Indian Railways has recovered from the Covid-19 crisis, generating a revenue of ₹2.78 lakh crore against expenses of ₹2.75 lakh crore, meeting all major expenditures independently.

Global Recognition and Infrastructure Expansion

• India is now among the top three countries in the world in cargo-carrying capacity, reaching 1.6 billion tonnes in 2024, alongside China and the US. 
• Track construction has exceeded 34,000 km, surpassing the total rail network of Germany.

Modernization of Rail Coaches and Locomotive Production

• The government plans to replace all ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches with LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches. 
• India is producing 1,040 locomotives this year, exceeding the combined output of the US and Europe.

India’s Railway Exports

• India has begun exporting metro coaches to Australia, bogies to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia, and propulsion parts to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy. 
• Additionally, India exports passenger coaches to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and locomotives to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Affordable and Subsidized Travel

• Railway fares in India are lower than in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka and 10-20 times lower than in Western countries.
• The government provides a 47% subsidy on passenger fares.
  • Travel costs ₹1.38 per km, but passengers pay only 73 paise.
• Subsidy increased from ₹57,000 crore (2022-23) to ₹60,000 crore (2023-24).

Electrification and Sustainability Goals

• Indian Railways aims for Scope 1 Net Zero by 2025 and Scope 2 Net Zero by 2030.
• Despite rising passenger and freight numbers, energy costs have remained stable.

Production Milestones 

• 1,400 locomotives produced, surpassing the combined output of America and Europe.
• 2 lakh new wagons added to the fleet.

Infrastructure Boost and Namo Bharat Trains

• Budget allocation increased from ₹25,000 crore to ₹2.5 lakh crore under PM Modi's leadership.
• 50 Namo Bharat trains under production, offering both AC and non-AC options for short-distance travel.

Commitment to a Modern and Green Railway

• Indian Railways aims to become more modern, safe, and environmentally friendly, with continuous improvement in services and infrastructure.

Railway Accident Reduction in India FAQs

Q1. How much have railway accidents reduced in India since 2005?

Ans. Railway accidents have decreased by 90%, from 698 incidents in 2005-06 to 73 in 2024-25.

Q2. What safety measures have improved railway security in India?

Ans. Measures include stronger rails, Kavach system, fog safety devices, and electronic interlocking.

Q3. What is Indian Railways' financial performance in 2024?

Ans. Revenue reached ₹2.78 lakh crore, covering ₹2.75 lakh crore expenses, making it financially self-sufficient.

Q4. What are Indian Railways' electrification goals?

Ans. It aims for Scope 1 Net Zero by 2025 and Scope 2 Net Zero by 2030 to ensure sustainability.

Q5. Which railway products is India exporting globally?

Ans. India exports locomotives, passenger coaches, bogies, and propulsion parts to countries like the UK, Australia, Bangladesh, and France.

Source: IE | PIB | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India-New Zealand Relations Latest News
• Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation
• Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation
• Indo-Pacific and Global Diplomacy
• A Brief About India-New Zealand Relations
• Conclusion
• India-New Zealand Relations FAQs

India-New Zealand Relations Latest News

• India signed a defence cooperation pact with New Zealand - a partner of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance - and agreed to step up dialogue to enhance maritime safety.
• This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon.
• The article highlights the pacts signed by both countries to strengthen and institutionalise their ties in different sectors.

Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation

• Joint statement:
  • Recognition of historical military cooperation between India and New Zealand.
  • PM Modi and PM Luxon emphasized a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
  • New Zealand welcomed India joining the Combined Maritime Forces.
  • Reference to Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini’s port call at Lyttelton, Christchurch, in December 2024.
• Decision to institutionalize defence and security collaboration:
  • Signing of India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation.
  • Development of a roadmap for bilateral defence industry collaboration.
  • Joint military activities: Exercises, training, and port visits.
• Concerns:
  • China’s expansionism is indirectly addressed as India advocates development over expansionism.
  • Concerns over Khalistani separatists in Five Eyes intelligence-sharing nations. India raised concerns about anti-India activities in New Zealand, seeking full cooperation.

Counter Terrorism and Global Security

• Joint condemnation of terrorism, referencing Christchurch (2019) and Mumbai (2008) attacks.
• Commitment to bilateral and multilateral cooperation against terrorism. Urged all nations to take concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations.
• Agreement to combat terrorist, separatist, and extremist elements.
• Emphasis on disrupting terrorism financing networks and dismantling terror infrastructure, including online.

Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation

• Bilateral trade statistics (2023-24): Total trade value of US$ 1.75 billion.
• New Zealand emphasized the significant role of Indian-Kiwis as the third-largest ethnic group and a major contributor to skilled migration and education.
• Commitment to enhance bilateral trade and investment through Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Announced the resumption of FTA negotiations (stalled in 2015) for a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement.
  • The initial negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) began in 2010 but stopped due to differences in sensitive areas like dairy and agriculture.
• Focus sectors: Dairy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and critical minerals.
• Agreement to facilitate skilled worker mobility and address illegal migration issues.

Indo-Pacific and Global Diplomacy

• New Zealand joined India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
• Defence cooperation: Military exercises, staff exchanges, and naval port calls (e.g., HMNZS Te Kaha’s visit to Mumbai).
• Affirmation of freedom of navigation and overflight as per UNCLOS (1982).
• Commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes in maritime regions.
• Support for India’s permanent UNSC seat reiterated by New Zealand.
• Shared stance on Ukraine war, advocating respect for international law.
• Support for a two-state solution in Gaza for lasting peace.

A Brief About India-New Zealand Relations

• Historical ties:
  • India and New Zealand share a longstanding and growing friendship dating back to the 1800s. For example, early Indian settlers in Christchurch (1850s) and larger immigration waves from Punjab and Gujarat (1890s).
  • Indian troops fought alongside ANZACs in Gallipoli (1915) during World War I.
• Political ties:
  • Both countries share a Commonwealth heritage, parliamentary democracy, and the English language.
  • Diplomatic ties established in 1950 with the opening of a Trade Commission, later upgraded to a High Commission.
• Trade and economic ties:
  • New Zealand is India's 11th largest two-way trading partner.
  • Key trade sectors: Education, tourism, dairy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and critical minerals.
  • Indian exports to NZ: Pharmaceuticals, precious metals & gems, textiles, motor vehicles, and non-knitted apparel.
  • Indian imports from NZ: Logs, forestry products, wool, edible fruit & nuts.
  • Business alliances: India NZ Business Council (INZBC) and India NZ Trade Alliance (INZTA) promote trade and investment ties.
• Cultural and people-to-people relations:
  • Approximately 250,000 persons of Indian origin & NRIs contribute significantly to New Zealand’s society.
  • New Zealand Post issued Diwali stamps (2021), recognizing the cultural significance of the Indian diaspora.

Conclusion

The meeting between PM Modi and PM Luxon reinforced India-New Zealand ties in defence, counterterrorism, trade, and global diplomacy, reflecting a shared vision for a rules-based international order and regional stability.

India-New Zealand Relations FAQs

Q1. What are the key historical linkages between India and New Zealand?

Ans. India and New Zealand share historical ties dating back to the 1800s, with early Indian settlers in Christchurch and Indian troops fighting alongside ANZAC forces in Gallipoli (1915).

Q2. How have India and New Zealand strengthened their defence cooperation recently?

Ans. Both nations signed a MoU on Defence Cooperation, enhancing bilateral military engagements, port visits, joint exercises, and maritime security collaboration.

Q3. What are the major trade sectors between India and New Zealand?

Ans. Key trade sectors include dairy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and critical minerals.

Q4. How does India view New Zealand’s role in the Indo-Pacific region?

Ans. India sees New Zealand as a partner in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, with both countries advocating for maritime security, territorial integrity, and adherence to UNCLOS (1982).

Q5. What role does the Indian diaspora play in New Zealand’s socio-economic framework?

Ans. The Indian diaspora (~250,000 people) significantly contributes to New Zealand’s economy, skilled workforce, and cultural diversity.

Source: TH | IE | TOI