In News:

The Supreme Court dismissed the PIL, remarking that EVMs are only questioned after electoral losses, not when elections are won. It emphasized that no evidence of tampering was found.

What Are EVMs and VVPATs?:

• EVMs: Electronic Voting Machines are used for conducting elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies. They consist of two units: theControl Unit (operated by the polling officer) and the Ballot Unit (where voters cast their votes).
• VVPAT: The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail enables voters to verify that their vote is recorded as cast. A slip is printed showing the candidate’s name, symbol, and serial number, visible for 7 seconds before being cut and stored in a sealed box.

Safeguards to Ensure EVM Integrity:

• Technical Safeguards:
  • Microcontroller Security: EVMs use one-time programmable (OTP) microcontrollers, which cannot be altered after manufacturing.
  • Standalone Operation: EVMs do not have wired or wireless connectivity, eliminating risks of remote tampering.
  • Post-2013 Features: Advanced EVMs (M3) include tamper detection and mutual authentication protocols.
• Administrative Protocols:
  • Randomized EVM Allocation: EVMs are randomly allocated to polling stations to avoid predetermined assignments.
  • Mock Polls: Multiple mock polls are conducted to test the functionality of EVMs.
  • Counting Procedures: EVMs are brought to counting tables under CCTV surveillance, and VVPAT slips are randomly cross-verified.
  • Secure Storage: EVMs are stored under strict protocols, including double-lock systems, CCTV surveillance, and GPS-tracked transport.

Advantages of EVMs Over Ballot Papers:

• Elimination of Invalid Votes: EVMs ensure no invalid votes, a common problem with torn or mis-marked ballot papers.
• Prevention of Booth Capturing: EVMs restrict vote casting to 4 votes per minute, preventing fraudulent vote insertion.
• Accurate and Fast Counting: EVMs enable quick, error-free vote counting, reducing delays and human errors.
• Transparency: Voters can verify their votes through the VVPAT, and the vote count is displayed transparently without revealing candidate-wise results prematurely.

Evolution of EVMs in India:

• 1977: Concept of EVMs conceived.
• 1990: The Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended the use of EVMs.
• 2004: EVMs used nationwide in Lok Sabha elections.
• 2013: VVPAT was introduced to improve transparency.
• 2019: First nationwide use of EVMs backed by VVPAT.

In News:

The gig economy market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent to reach a gross volume of $455 billion by 2024, according to a white paper by the Forum for Progressive Gig Workers.

Key Sectors Supported by Gig Workers:

• E-commerce: Gig workers play a crucial role in driving growth in the e-commerce sector.
• Transportation and Delivery Services: These sectors are heavily dependent on gig workers for their operations and services.

Impact on Employment:

• Job Creation: The gig economy has the potential to create a significant number of jobs, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, which are emerging as new growth hubs.
• Alternate Revenue Streams: Gig work provides diverse income opportunities for workers, especially for women, offering them a flexible mode of earning.

Contribution to GDP:

• The gig economy’s contribution is expected to add 1.25% to India’s GDP over time, highlighting its growing economic importance.

Technological Integration and Future Prospects:

• AI and Digital Innovation: Future growth is expected to be driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and digital innovation, fostering sustainable and inclusive job opportunities.

Social and Economic Benefits:

• Women's Workforce Participation: The gig economy provides women with more earning opportunities and helps integrate them into the workforce.
• Welfare Initiatives: Platforms supporting gig workers are increasingly focusing on welfare initiatives, improving the overall working conditions in the sector.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Challenges: The evolving dynamics between large companies and gig workers pose challenges in terms of worker rights and fair compensation.
• Opportunities: The growth of the gig economy presents opportunities for companies to innovate and create inclusive work environments, especially for underserved communities.

Future Developments:

• Formal Report: The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers plans to collaborate with global organizations to release a formal report with deeper insights and actionable recommendations for the future of gig work

In News:

• GMP was launched at COP29, on Energy Day, by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club.
• Aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonisation in heavy-emitting industries of emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).
• The platform addresses the annual funding gap of US$125 billion required to achieve net-zero emissions goals.

Key Highlights:

Support Mechanism:

• GMP operates as a support mechanism for the Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by UNIDO.
• Activities are supported by the interim secretariat of the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Key Objectives:

• Match country-specific decarbonisation needs with global technical and financial resources.
• Facilitate the decarbonisation of energy and emissions-intensive industrial sectors, such as steel, cement, chemicals, and aluminium.
• Offer assistance in policy development, technology transfer, and investment facilitation to promote low-carbon industrial practices.

Global Participation:

• Countries like Germany, Chile, Uruguay, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are actively involved.
• Non-state actors include UNIDO, World Bank, Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and GIZ, supporting the platform’s initiatives.

Funding Gap:

• Industrial decarbonisation requires an increase in investments from US$15 billion (current) to US$70 billion by 2030, and US$125 billion by 2050, especially for sectors like steel and cement.

Climate Club Work Programme (2025-26):

• The GMP is part of the Climate Club's new work programme for 2025-26, focusing on:
  • Advancing ambitious climate change mitigation policies.
  • Transforming industries through decarbonisation.
  • Boosting international climate cooperation.

Industrial Decarbonisation:

• Decarbonisation refers to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial activities.
• Key sectors for decarbonisation include petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, iron and steel, cement production, and the food and beverage sector.

Support for EMDEs:

• The platform focuses on helping emerging and developing economies overcome challenges such as lack of resources, technology, and capacity to adopt cleaner industrial methods.
• Climate finance is crucial to pilot and scale low-carbon technologies in these regions.

Future Role of GMP:

• The GMP will play a critical role in incorporating industrial decarbonisation into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for COP30.
• The platform aims to accelerate progress by connecting developing countries with finance, technology, and expertise to transition to low-emission industries.

In News:

• The E-Daakhil portal was launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs to promote consumer rights and ensure timely justice.
• The portal was launched nationwide with its final rollout in Ladakh on 22nd November 2024, making it operational across all states and union territories of India.

Background and Purpose:

• Introduced in September 2020, the portal was developed in response to the Consumer Protection Act 2019, which aims to address emerging consumer concerns.
• Aimed at providing a hassle-free, inexpensive, and speedy mechanism for filing consumer complaints, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic.
• E-Daakhil is an online platform that simplifies the grievance redressal process, allowing consumers to file complaints remotely, without the need for physical presence.

Portal Features:

• User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive, allowing consumers to file and track complaints online.
• Registration process: Users can register through OTP on their mobile or an activation link via email.
• Paperless and transparent: The entire process, from filing complaints to tracking the case status, is digital and transparent.
• Consumers can file complaints, pay fees, and monitor the progress of their cases from the comfort of their homes.

Success and Impact:

• By the end of 2023, E-Daakhil was available in 35 states and union territories; with Ladakh being the latest addition in November 2024.
• Over 2.81 lakh users have registered, and 1.98 lakh cases have been filed, of which 38,453 cases have been disposed of.

Future Developments:

• E-Jagriti: A new initiative that will further streamline the case filing, tracking, and management process, reducing delays and paperwork.
• E-Jagriti aims to improve communication between parties, ensuring faster dispute resolution.

In News:

The BioE3 Policy outlines guidelines and principles for enabling mechanisms for ‘Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ in the country across diverse sectors. 

Key Highlights:

Primary Objective:

• Set a framework for the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative research to promote biomanufacturing in India.
• Focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and quality in biomanufacturing.

Alignment with National Goals:

• Supports India’s vision of Green Growth (Union Budget 2023-24) and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), promoting sustainability.
• Aligns with India’s goal of achieving a Net-Zero carbon economy.
• Supports the Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry initiative announced in the Interim Budget 2024-25.

Key Objectives:

• Revolutionize biomanufacturing for better product quality and environmental sustainability.
• Accelerate the development and commercialization of bio-based, high-value products.
• Foster high-performance biomanufacturing across diverse sectors.

Achievements of Indian Bioeconomy (2014-2023):

• Contribution to GDP: Bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to India’s GDP of $3.55 trillion (as of Dec 2023).
• Growth of Bioeconomy: From $10 billion in 2014 to $151 billion in 2023, surpassing 2025 target.
• Increase in Biotech Startups: From 50 startups in 2014 to 8,531 startups in 2023.

Implementation Strategy:

• Establish BioEnablers including Bio-AI Intelligence Hubs, Biofoundries, and Biomanufacturing Hubs across India.
• Bio-AI Intelligence Hubs will support research and innovation using data-driven approaches and AI to develop technologies for bio-based products.
• Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs will provide infrastructure to scale up bio-based technology for commercial applications.

Focus on Human Resource Development:

• Bio-Enablers will offer training and internships to build a skilled workforce with interdisciplinary and technical skills required for biomanufacturing.

Sectoral Focus Areas:

• Based on consultations, six thematic sectors of national importance have been identified for implementation:
  • Bio-based chemicals and enzymes
  • Functional foods and smart proteins
  • Precision biotherapeutics
  • Climate-resilient agriculture
  • Carbon capture and utilization
  • Futuristic marine and space research
• Sectoral Expert Committees are addressing challenges and gaps identified for each of these sectors.

Government Support:

• The DBT-BIRAC (Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) has called for proposals to establish Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs in academia and industry.
• These hubs will support innovation and commercialization of biomanufacturing technologies.