Current Affairs 2nd April 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

VVPAT

Context: The Supreme Court has sent a notice to the Election Commission (EC) regarding a writ petition demanding mandatory cross-verification of EVM counts with VVPAT slips.

About Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail  (VVPAT)

• Introduction of VVPAT:
  • The Indian government notified the amended Conduct of Elections Rules in August 2013, enabling the Election Commission to use VVPAT alongside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
  • The first practical implementation of VVPAT occurred during the byelection for Noksen Assembly Constituency in Nagaland on September 4, 2013.
  • However, it gained widespread attention and adoption during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when it was used across various constituencies.

• How VVPAT Works:
  • When a voter casts their vote using an EVM, the VVPAT prints a paper slip.
  • This slip contains the name of the candidate and their election symbol.
  • The voter can visually verify the printed slip through a transparent window for a brief period.
  • After verification, the slip is automatically cut and drops into a sealed drop box within the VVPAT machine.
  • The VVPAT serves as an independent verification system, allowing voters to ensure that their vote was recorded correctly.
  • In case of any dispute or recount, the paper audit trail can be used as a legal ballot.
• Significance:
  • VVPAT adds an extra layer of confidence to the electoral process by providing a physical record that voters can verify.
  • It acts as a safeguard against potential fraud, malfunction, or tampering with electronic results.
  • While electronic memory can be altered without detection, a paper VVPAT ensures transparency and accountability.

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India’s Defence Exports

Context: India’s defence exports reached an all-time high level of ₹21,083 crore in financial year 2023-24 with a  32.5% growth in FY24 compared to the previous financial year.

More In News

• The defence exports had grown by 31 times in the past 10 years.
• The rise in exports was led by an increase in global interest in Indian defence products like LCA-Tejas, light combat helicopters, aircraft carriers, and more.
• This was an impressive growth of 32.5% over the previous fiscal year.
• India is exporting its locally manufactured defence products to over 85 countries, showcasing the prowess of its defence industry.
• Multiple sophisticated defence systems including 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns, Brahmos Missiles, etc, have been exported to other countries.

Examples, Data & Case Studies for Value Addition

• Conservation of Water (GS 3): India generates over 31 billion litres of greywater every day.
  • JalSevak founded by Abhijit Sathe is a system which recycles Greywater originating from residential and commercial facilities.
• Ethics (GS 4): Two brothers from Mumbai launched ‘Abeer’ with the aim to save the Bhil tribe’s dying art of making natural Holi colours using flowers.

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