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October 5th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – October 5th

Table of Contents

Form 7 and the Electoral Roll Controversy

Why in News?

There is a controversy in Karnataka over the alleged bulk filing of Form 7 applications during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The applications have sought deletion of names from voter lists, with allegations that some applications were falsely or improperly filed. The Election Commission has directed action against those found submitting false or bulk applications.

What is Form 7?

Form 7 is an application used under the electoral-roll framework to:

  • Object to the inclusion of a person’s name in the electoral roll; or
  • Request deletion of an existing name from the electoral roll.

Deletion may be sought on grounds such as:

  • Death of the elector
  • The person having permanently shifted residence
  • The person being registered at more than one place
  • The person not being eligible for inclusion in the roll.

Important: Merely submitting Form 7 does not automatically delete a voter’s name. The electoral authorities have to examine the claim and follow the prescribed procedure, including safeguards against wrongful deletion.

What is the present controversy?

During Karnataka’s SIR exercise, large numbers of Form 7 applications were reportedly submitted in some constituencies, raising concerns about possible attempts to remove genuine voters from electoral rolls.

For example, in Babaleshwar Assembly constituency in Vijayapura, 1,373 Form 7 applications were reportedly received on one day, with 1,363 applications filed by just 10 persons.

The Election Commission has sought verification and indicated that legal action can be taken against people who knowingly submit false claims or misuse the Form 7 mechanism.

 

What is SIR?

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise for thorough verification and revision of electoral rolls.

Its objectives include:

  • Identifying eligible voters who have been left out.
  • Removing names of deceased or permanently shifted persons.
  • Detecting duplicate or ineligible entries.
  • Improving the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.

However, the process must balance clean electoral rolls with the fundamental democratic principle that eligible citizens should not be arbitrarily excluded from voting.

Constitutional and Legal Significance

Article 324

  • Vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission of India.

Article 326

  • Provides for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage.
  • Every Indian citizen meeting the prescribed conditions and attaining the prescribed age is entitled to be registered as a voter.

Representation of the People Act, 1950

    • Provides the statutory framework relating to electoral rolls.
    • Section 21 deals with revision of electoral rolls.

Why is this important for UPSC?

This issue highlights the difficult balance between:

Electoral Roll Purification
⬇️
Removal of duplicate/dead/ineligible entries
VS
Protection of Voting Rights
⬇️
Preventing wrongful exclusion of genuine voters

The controversy therefore has direct relevance to free and fair elections, universal adult suffrage, ECI’s independence, electoral integrity and democratic participation.

Activists worry coal mine near Ramappa Temple may harm heritage site and lake

Why in News?

Concerns have been raised over a proposed open-cast coal mining project near the Ramappa Temple in Telangana. The Kakatiya Heritage Trust has warned that mining activity could adversely affect the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the nearby Ramappa Lake. The proposed mine is reportedly around 5 km from Ramappa, with excavation planned to a substantial depth.

UNESCO has also recently emphasised the need to protect the wider landscape around the temple and has called for appropriate Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) for development projects that could affect the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.

What is Ramappa Temple?

Ramappa Temple, officially known as Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, is located at Palampet in Mulugu district, Telangana.

  • It was built during the Kakatiya period.
  • Construction began around 1213 CE.
  • It is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • It was constructed under Recharla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.
  • The temple is popularly named after Ramappa, the chief sculptor/architect associated with its construction.
  • It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Important architectural features

  1. Kakatiya architecture

The temple represents the distinctive architectural and artistic achievements of the Kakatiya dynasty (1123–1323 CE).

  1. Sandbox foundation

One of its important engineering features is the sandbox foundation, which helped improve the stability and resilience of the structure.

  1. Floating bricks

The temple’s pyramidal Vimana uses lightweight porous bricks popularly known as “floating bricks.” Their low weight reduced the load on the structure.

  1. Intricate sculptures

The temple contains highly detailed sculptures, particularly bracket figures, depicting dancers, musicians and other aspects of Kakatiyan culture.

  1. Integration with nature

The temple was deliberately constructed as part of a wider landscape containing forests, agricultural fields, irrigation channels and the Ramappa Lake. Thus, its heritage value is not restricted to the temple structure alone.

Ramappa Temple and UNESCO

UNESCO recognises Ramappa because of its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

It represents a combination of:

Architecture + Sculpture + Engineering + Dance + Natural Landscape

UNESCO has highlighted the temple’s sandbox foundation, floating bricks, stone sculpture and harmonious relationship with its natural surroundings.

Importantly, UNESCO’s 2026 conservation decision welcomed efforts to expand the buffer zone to include the wider ancient irrigation system, including Ramappa Lake and canals. It also emphasised Heritage Impact Assessments for development projects that could affect the property’s Outstanding Universal Value.

What is Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)?

A Heritage Impact Assessment evaluates how a proposed development project may affect the cultural, historical, architectural and environmental values of a heritage property.

For UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such assessment is particularly important before undertaking projects that could affect their Outstanding Universal Value.

The ECI’s Constitutional Mandate

Why in News?

The role and constitutional powers of the Election Commission of India (ECI) have come under renewed discussion amid controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and questions about the Commission’s authority to verify voter eligibility.

The issue is important because it raises a fundamental question: How far can the ECI exercise its constitutional powers to ensure accurate electoral rolls while protecting the voting rights of eligible citizens?

The Supreme Court has recently upheld the legal validity of SIR and recognised the ECI’s power to conduct a limited inquiry into citizenship for electoral purposes, while clarifying that the ECI’s determination cannot become a final determination of citizenship.

What is the Constitutional Mandate of the ECI?

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.

Article 324(1) vests the ECI with:

“Superintendence, direction and control” of elections.

Its jurisdiction covers elections to:

  • Lok Sabha
  • Rajya Sabha
  • State Legislative Assemblies
  • President
  • Vice-President

The ECI is a permanent constitutional body, established on 25 January 1950. It currently consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.

Constitutional Provisions Related to ECI

Article 324 – Core provision

It gives the ECI control over:

  • Preparation and revision of electoral rolls
  • Conduct of elections
  • Supervision of the electoral process
  • Ensuring that elections are conducted according to constitutional and statutory requirements.

Article 325 – One general electoral roll

It provides that there shall be one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency.

A person cannot be excluded from an electoral roll on grounds only of religion, race, caste or sex.

Article 326 – Adult suffrage

Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are based on adult suffrage.

Therefore, the electoral roll should contain eligible citizens who satisfy the constitutional and legal requirements.

Article 327

Parliament can make laws regarding elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.

Article 328

State Legislatures can make provisions regarding elections to their respective legislatures, subject to Parliament’s laws.

Article 329

Courts generally cannot interfere in electoral matters except through the constitutionally prescribed mechanism, particularly election petitions after elections.

ECI and Electoral Roll Revision

One of the most important responsibilities of the ECI is maintaining accurate and reliable electoral rolls.

This includes:

Inclusion of eligible voters
↓
Correction of errors
↓
Removal of duplicate/dead/ineligible entries
↓
Protection against wrongful deletion

This is particularly relevant to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The Supreme Court has held that the ECI can undertake a limited inquiry into citizenship for electoral purposes while carrying out electoral-roll revision. However, the final determination of citizenship remains with the competent authority under the citizenship law framework.

Can ECI Determine Citizenship?

This is an important UPSC distinction.

ECI’s role

The ECI can conduct a limited inquiry to satisfy itself whether a person is eligible to be included in the electoral roll.

But…

The ECI’s determination for electoral purposes does not finally decide a person’s citizenship status.

The Supreme Court specifically clarified this distinction while dealing with SIR.

Therefore:

Citizenship determination ≠ Electoral-roll eligibility

The two are related but legally distinct questions.

Why is Article 324 Important?

Article 324 gives the ECI constitutional status and broad supervisory authority.

However, the ECI does not operate above the law.

Its powers are exercised through:

Constitution
+
Representation of the People Acts, 1950 & 1951
+
Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
+
Other election laws and rules

The Supreme Court has observed that the ECI’s special powers cannot be used contrary to an express statutory prohibition.

ECI: Independence vs Accountability

A major constitutional challenge is maintaining a balance between:

Institutional independence

The ECI must be sufficiently independent to conduct elections impartially.

AND

Institutional accountability

Its decisions affecting citizens’ electoral rights must be transparent, reasoned and subject to appropriate judicial review.

This becomes particularly important when large-scale electoral-roll revisions can result in deletion of voters.

Appointment and Independence of ECI

Article 324(2) provides for appointment of the CEC and other Election Commissioners by the President, subject to any law made by Parliament.

The issue of independence of appointments was examined by the Supreme Court in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023).

The judgment highlighted the importance of insulating the ECI from excessive executive influence.

Subsequently, Parliament enacted the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, which provides the statutory framework for appointments.

The constitutional debate over the appointment mechanism continues to be important because the ECI itself is responsible for conducting elections in which the incumbent government is a participant.

Key Issue: Clean Electoral Rolls vs Voting Rights

The current debate can be understood through two competing objectives:

Electoral Integrity

  • Remove duplicate entries
  • Remove names of deceased persons
  • Remove permanently shifted voters
  • Prevent ineligible persons from entering electoral rolls
  • Ensure accurate voter lists

Protection of Democratic Rights

  • Prevent arbitrary deletion
  • Provide notice and opportunity to respond
  • Ensure transparency
  • Provide effective grievance redressal
  • Protect universal adult suffrage

Therefore:

An accurate electoral roll is necessary for free and fair elections, but the process of achieving accuracy must itself be fair, transparent and legally accountable.

Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)

Why in News?

The Ministry of Defence is moving towards the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), continuing India’s effort to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment and strengthen domestic defence manufacturing. The latest list is focused largely on requirements of the Indian Navy and Army.

What is a Positive Indigenisation List?

A Positive Indigenisation List is a list of defence items that the Ministry of Defence has identified for indigenous production.

Once an item is placed on the list, its import is restricted after the specified indigenisation timeline, and the requirement is to be met through Indian industry.

The objective is to shift from:

Import-dependent defence procurement
⬇️
Domestic manufacturing & technology development
⬇️
Self-reliant defence sector

The lists include not only major weapons but also sub-systems, assemblies, Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and other defence components.

Sixth Positive Indigenisation List

The latest development concerns the sixth PIL.

According to the current report:

  • The proposed list contains 509 items.
  • 191 items have already been contracted.
  • 114 items have received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN).
  • 204 items are still at various stages of development.
  • The list primarily focuses on Army and Navy requirements.
  • The list is being reviewed before final promulgation.

What is Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)?

AoN is the formal approval to initiate the procurement process for a defence requirement.

In simple terms:

Requirement identified → AoN granted → Procurement process → Contract → Production/Delivery

Therefore, AoN does not mean that the equipment has already been purchased or delivered.

Who prepares the Positive Indigenisation Lists?

This is an important Prelims point.

Positive Indigenisation Lists have been issued through both:

  1. Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
  2. Department of Defence Production (DDP)

Thus, PILs are part of the broader institutional effort within the Ministry of Defence to promote defence indigenisation.

Why is Defence Indigenisation Important?

  1. National Security

Excessive dependence on foreign suppliers can create vulnerabilities during:

  • War
  • Geopolitical tensions
  • Sanctions
  • Supply-chain disruptions

A strong domestic defence industry ensures greater strategic autonomy.

  1. Reduces Import Dependence

India has historically been one of the world’s major defence importers.

Indigenisation reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and improves India’s ability to maintain and upgrade its military systems.

  1. Promotes Indigenous Technology

It encourages:

  • DRDO
  • DPSUs
  • Private companies
  • MSMEs
  • Start-ups

to develop defence technologies domestically.

  1. Employment and Industrial Development

Defence manufacturing creates demand across the supply chain, benefiting MSMEs, component manufacturers, engineering firms and technology companies.

  1. Defence Exports

Building a competitive domestic defence industry can eventually allow India to move from:

Defence importer → Defence manufacturer → Defence exporter

India’s defence exports have increased substantially in recent years, reflecting the expansion of domestic production capabilities.

Positive Indigenisation List vs Negative List

For UPSC, understand the terminology carefully.

The term Positive Indigenisation List is now preferred because it positively identifies items that are to be sourced domestically.

Earlier, such restrictions were commonly referred to as an “import embargo” or negative list because the emphasis was on identifying items that could not be imported.

Simple way to remember:

Negative List → What cannot be imported

Positive Indigenisation List → What must be indigenously produced/procured

Challenges

Despite the policy, several challenges remain:

Technology gap

Some advanced defence technologies are still difficult to develop domestically.

Quality and reliability

Indigenous systems must meet demanding military standards.

Production capacity

Domestic industry must be capable of producing equipment at scale and within required timelines.

R&D limitations

Advanced technologies require sustained investment in research and development.

Import–indigenisation balance

Indigenisation should not compromise operational preparedness. If an indigenous alternative is not yet ready, the armed forces may still require foreign procurement.

This is why the PIL process needs phased and realistic implementation.

Link with Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The PIL is an important component of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat approach in defence.

It aims to create a domestic ecosystem involving:

DRDO + DPSUs + Private Sector + MSMEs + Start-ups + Academia

The government has also increased the share of defence procurement earmarked for domestic industry. For FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence earmarked 75% of the modernisation budget for procurement through domestic industry.

Himalayan Tahr: Tourism and Human Activity Threaten Its High-Altitude Habitat

Why in News?

The Himalayan Tahr has been in the news in the context of increasing tourist activity, waste accumulation and feeding by visitors in the high-altitude bugyals (alpine meadows) of Uttarakhand.

The Kedarnath Wildlife Division is planning measures to regulate human activity and conduct intensive cleanliness drives because these disturbances are reportedly changing the natural foraging behaviour of Himalayan tahrs.

What is the Himalayan Tahr?

The Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is a large, goat-like wild ungulate adapted to the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Himalayas.

It is characterised by:

  • Thick, woolly coat that provides insulation in cold conditions.
  • Strong limbs and hooves adapted to steep rocky slopes.
  • Herbivorous diet.
  • Ability to survive in high-altitude alpine environments.
  • Generally found in herds, particularly in suitable alpine habitats.

Distribution

The Himalayan tahr is native to the Himalayan region, occurring across parts of:

  • India
  • Nepal
  • Bhutan

In India, it is associated with the high-altitude Himalayan landscape, particularly in Uttarakhand.

Why are Bugyals Important?

Bugyals are high-altitude alpine grasslands/meadows found in the Himalayas.

They are ecologically important because they:

  • Provide feeding grounds for herbivores such as Himalayan tahr.
  • Support diverse alpine flora.
  • Act as important seasonal habitats for mountain wildlife.
  • Support traditional pastoral activities.
  • Contribute to water and ecosystem regulation.

Therefore, degradation of bugyals can affect both wildlife and local communities.

How is Tourism Affecting Himalayan Tahr?

Increasing tourism can create several pressures:

  1. Food supplementation

Tourists sometimes feed wild animals.

This can alter their natural feeding behaviour and make them increasingly dependent on human-provided food.

  1. Waste accumulation

Plastic and other waste in alpine areas can:

  • Pollute the habitat.
  • Be ingested by animals.
  • Alter animal movement and behaviour.
  1. Disturbance

Large numbers of visitors can disturb animals in their natural habitats, particularly in sensitive high-altitude ecosystems.

  1. Habitat degradation

Unregulated trekking, tourism infrastructure and increasing human presence can place pressure on fragile alpine ecosystems.

Why is this Important for UPSC?

This issue connects with the broader theme of conservation of lesser-known species and fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Conservation is not limited to charismatic species such as:

Tiger → Elephant → Rhino

Species such as the Himalayan tahr are also important because they form part of the Himalayan food web.

For example:

Alpine vegetation
↓
Himalayan Tahr and other herbivores
↓
Mountain predators
↓
Healthy Himalayan ecosystem

Thus, protecting the tahr also contributes to maintaining ecosystem functioning.

Conservation Approach

The solution should not simply be banning tourism. Instead, it should focus on regulated and sustainable tourism.

Important measures

Regulation of tourist numbers

Limit visitor pressure in ecologically fragile areas.

Waste management

Strictly implement:

  • Carry-in, carry-out policies
  • Plastic reduction
  • Scientific waste disposal

No feeding of wildlife

Wild animals should obtain food naturally from their habitat.

Protection of bugyals

Alpine grasslands should be recognised as important ecosystems rather than treated as vacant land.

Community participation

Local communities should be involved in conservation and sustainable ecotourism.

 

 

 

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