‘One nation, one election will be implemented in the current term of Modi govt.’

• The Census exercise not undertaken since 2011, will also begin soon, say senior government sources

One Nation One Election

• The concept of "One Nation, One Election" envisions a system in which all state and Lok Sabha elections must be held simultaneously.
• This will entail restructuring the Indian election cycle so that elections to the states and the centre coincide.
• This would imply that voters will vote for members of the LS and state assemblies on the same day and at the same time(or in a phased manner as the case may be).

History of Elections in India

• Era of simultaneous elections
• The first general elections of free India held simultaneously to the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of the States in 1951.
• The next three cycles of elections also witnessed concurrent Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections barring a few stray cases like:

1. Kerala where a mid-term election was held in 1960 on the pre-mature dissolution of the Assembly, and
2. In Nagaland and Pondicherry where the Assembly was created only after the 1962 general elections.

• The last occasion when we had near-simultaneous elections was in 1967.
• Beginning of the end of simultaneous elections
• The fourth Lok Sabha constituted in 1967 was dissolved prematurely in 1971. This was the beginning of the end of simultaneous elections.
• Extension of the term of Lok Sabha during the National Emergency declared in 1975 and the dissolution of Assemblies of some States after the 1977 Lok Sabha election further disturbed the cycle of concurrent elections.

 Benefits 

• Reducing Governance Distractions:
• Holding frequent elections diverts the entire country''s attention, from top leaders to local representatives, causing a virtual paralysis of administration at various levels.
• This preoccupation negatively impacts India''s growth prospects and hinders effective governance.
• Model Code of Conduct''s Impact:
• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC)imposed during elections delays key policy decisions both at the national and local levels.
• Even ongoing projects face setbacks as election duties take precedence, leading to a slowdown in routine administration.
• Addressing Political Corruption:
• Frequent elections contribute to political corruption as significant funds need to be raised for each election.
• Simultaneous elections can substantially reduce election expenses for political parties, eliminating the need for repetitive fundraising.
• It also lessens the pressure on the public and business community for multiple election donations.
• Cost Savings and Electoral Infrastructure:
• When the first elections to the Lok Sabha took place in 1951-52, 53 parties contested the elections, around 1874 candidates participated and poll expenses were Rs. 11 crore.
• In the 2019 elections, there were 610 political parties and around 9,000 candidates; poll expenses of around Rs. 60,000 crores, as per Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), are yet to be declared by the political parties.
• While initial infrastructure investments are required, using the same electoral rolls for all elections can save considerable time and money in updating and maintaining voter lists.
• Citizen Convenience:
• Simultaneous elections alleviate concerns for citizens regarding missing names from electoral rolls.
• Using consistent electoral rolls for all elections streamlines the process, providing citizens with a more straightforward and reliable voting experience.

Disadvantages of One Nation One Election

• Synchronization Challenges:Synchronizing elections in a diverse democracy like India can be difficult, particularly if governments lose confidence in their assemblies.
• Constitutional and Federalism Issues:Its implementation may require constitutional changes and could potentially challenge the federal nature of the Indian political system.
• Impact on Voter Behavior:Voters may confuse national and state issues in simultaneous elections, blurring the distinctiveness of state-level politics.
• Impact on Regional Parties:It may favor larger national parties, potentially disadvantaging regional parties.
• Accountability Concerns:Fixed terms without the threat of recall could reduce government accountability and encourage autocratic tendencies.

Way Forward:

• Building Consensus: Building consensus among political parties and states is crucial for the feasibility of simultaneous elections. This necessitates open dialogues, consultations, and deliberations among diverse stakeholders to address concerns and garner support.
• Constitutional Amendments: To enable simultaneous elections, amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are imperative. This legal framework should accommodate the unique requirements of synchronized polls.
• Aligning Assembly Terms with Lok Sabha: A constitutional amendment could involve aligning assembly terms with Lok Sabha elections. As a proposal, any assembly whose term ends within six months before or after Lok Sabha elections could coincide their elections, streamlining the electoral process.
• Investment in Infrastructure: The successful implementation of simultaneous elections requires substantial investment in electoral infrastructure and technology. This includes ensuring an adequate supply of EVMs, VVPAT machines, polling booths, and trained security personnel.
• Awareness and Voter Education: Creating awareness among voters about the advantages and challenges of simultaneous elections is crucial. Voter education programs must ensure that citizens understand the process, enabling them to exercise their franchise without confusion or inconvenience.

Keralites shrug of Wayanad gloom, celebrate Onam with food, fun and frolic

• In Thiruvananthapuram, the historic Kanakakunnu Palace and its sprawling, leafy grounds emerged as the epicentre of flashy and modern Onam celebrations, marked by music concerts, dances, light and sound shows and folk-art performances.

Onam

• Itis the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala.
• It is a harvest festival, celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham).
• The Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonamare the most important of all.

What Does the Word Onam Mean?

The word Onam comes from the Sanskrit word shravanam. It is related to the constellations or Nakshatras. In the culture of South India, Thiru is associated with Lord Vishnu. People believe that Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu is the Thiruvonam. He used his foot to push King Mahabali to the underworld.

Story behind Onam celebration:

• King Mahabali, a wise ruler of Kerala, was renowned for his prosperous and egalitarian rule. Lord Vishnu, concerned about Mahabali’s growing popularity, tested his humilityin the form of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana.
• Despite his immense generosity, Vamana grew to cover the earth and heavens, leading to Mahabali’s selfless offer of his head.
• Impressed by Mahabali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him an annual visit to his kingdom, celebrated as Onam.

Celebration: 

• Onam is celebrated by making Pookkalam(the flower rangolis).
• Other rituals are also performed which includes-Vallam Kali(the boat races), Pulikali (the tiger dances), Kummattikali (mask dances), Onathallu (martial arts), among others.
• The main attraction is the traditional Onam sadhya(grand feast).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah greets all technocrats on Engineers’ Day

• He also paid homage to visionary engineer Bharat Ratna, Sir M Visvesvaraya, whose enduring legacy will inspire engineers as they forge Bharat’s future.

National Engineers Day

• National Engineers Day, celebrated every year on September 15th in India, honors the remarkable contributions of engineers to society.
• This day is a tribute to the legendary engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary is commemorated through this occasion.
• Engineers are instrumental in driving technological advancements, infrastructure development, and innovation, making this day a reminder of their essential role in the nation''s growth and progress.

Theme: "Innovating for a Sustainable Future"

Significance of National Engineer’s Day

• Acknowledgment of Contributions:It recognizes the vital role engineers play in shaping technology, infrastructure, and progress in society.
• Inspiration for Future Engineers:The day serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers, highlighting the impact of innovation and dedication in the field.
• Promotion of Engineering Excellence:It emphasizes the importance of engineering excellence and the need for continued advancement and innovation.
• Commemoration of Visionary Leadership: By honoring Sir Visvesvaraya, it celebrates visionary leadership and the transformative projects that drive national development.
• Awareness and Education:The day helps in raising awareness about the engineering profession and its contributions to economic and social development.

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya

• Born in Karnataka in 1861,he studied Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Mysore and then studied civil engineering from the College of Science in Pune and went on to become one of the most eminent engineers in the country.
• He was anengineering pioneer of India whose genius reflected in harnessing of water resources and building and consolidation of dams across the country.
• He served as the Chief Engineer of Mysore State in 1909 and as the Diwan of the princely state of Mysore in 1912, a position he held for seven years.
• He was knighted as a Knight Commanderof the British Indian Empire by King George V for his contributions to the public good in 
• He was an Engineer who had planned the Indian Economy in 1934.
• He was awarded an Honorary Membership ofLondon Institution of Civil Engineers for an unbroken 50 years.
• He was conferred India''s highest honour, the Bharat Ratnain 1955.
• Hedied in 1962 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Books Written by him:

• Reconstructing India
• Planned Economy of India

DPIIT to launch BHASKAR: A Revolutionary Platform for India''s Startup Ecosystem

• This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to transform India into a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the startup movement.

BHASKAR:

• Name: Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR)
• Launching Body: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Program Context: Part of the Startup India program, which is designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in India.

Key Features of BHASKAR

• The primary goal of BHASKAR is to build the world’s largest digital registry for stakeholders within the startup ecosystem. To achieve this, the platform will offer several key features:
• Networking and Collaboration: BHASKAR will bridge the gap between startups, investors, mentors, and other stakeholders, allowing for seamless interaction across sectors.
• Providing Centralized Access to Resources: By consolidating resources, the platform will provide startups with immediate access to critical tools and knowledge, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient scaling.
• Creating Personalized Identification: Every stakeholder will be assigned a unique BHASKAR ID, ensuring personalized interactions and tailored experiences across the platform.
• Enhancing Discoverability: Through powerful search features, users can easily locate relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities, ensuring faster decision-making and action.
• Supporting India’s Global Brand: BHASKAR will serve as a vehicle for promoting India’s global reputation as a hub for innovation, making cross-border collaborations more accessible to startups and investors alike. 

Importance:

• Innovation and Economic Growth:
• Startup Ecosystem Growth: Supports the rapid growth and development of India’s startup ecosystem.
• Job Creation: Contributes to job creation and economic expansion through entrepreneurial ventures.
• Global Leadership Ambition:
• Vision Alignment: Aligns with India’s broader vision to be a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Competitive Edge: Reinforces India''s competitive edge in the global market by fostering a dynamic startup environment.

Nipah death confirmed in Malappuram; 150 contacts asked to isolate themselves

• A 24-year-old man from Kerala’s Malappuram district died from Nipah virus, confirmed by the National Institute of Virology, Pune.
• Initially admitted with hepatitis symptoms, he later showed signs of encephalitis. Authorities swiftly initiated Nipah containment protocols.

Nipah Virus

• It is azoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans).
• The organism that causes Nipah Virus encephalitis is an RNA or Ribonucleic acid virusof the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and is closely related to Hendra virus.
• Hendra virus (HeV) infectionis a rare emerging zoonosis that causes severe and often fatal diseases in both infected horses and humans.
• It first broke out in Malaysia and Singaporein 1998 and 1999.
• The disease is named after a village in Malaysia, Sungai Nipah, where it was first detected.
• Itfirst appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.

Nipah Virus Symptoms

• Common signs:The infected person shows fever, head pain, muscle aches, nausea, and a scratchy throat.
• Progression:It shows symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, and neurological signs suggestive of acute encephalitis may appear.
• Severe cases:The seizures can occur in severe cases, leading to a coma within 24 to 48 hours.
• Severity:It can cause mild to severe disease, including swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and potentially death.

Treatment of Nipah Virus

• There is currently no known treatment or vaccineavailable for humans or animals.
• However, Ribavirin,an antiviral, may play a role in lowering mortality in patients with Nipah virus encephalitis.
• The main approach to managing the infection in people is intensive supportive carecombined with symptom treatment.

Nipah Virus Prevention 

• Avoid contact with infected bats or areas contaminated with bat excreta or saliva.
• Use protective equipment when handling infected patients or their bodily fluids.
• Properly cook all meat products before consumption.
• Maintain good hygiene practices.
• Stay informed about outbreaks and follow guidelines from health authorities.
• Quarantine and monitor people who have been in contact with infected individuals.