Daily Prelims Notes 18 February 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

18 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Finance Ministry likely to increase deposit insurance limit from ₹5 lakh
2. Delhi Experiences Second Strongest Earthquake in Three Decades
3. China’s EAST Reactor: Advancing Magnetic Fusion Technology
4. What is the Aravali safari park project?
5. PKK’s Ocalan working on Turkiye-Kurd peace plan
6. Experts push to restore Syria’s heritage sites after more than a decade of civil war
7. United States – India Joint Leaders Statement
8. Appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner

1. Finance Ministry likely to increase deposit insurance limit from ₹5 lakh

Sub: Eco

Sec: Monetary policy

Why in News?

• The Finance Ministry is actively considering an increase in the deposit insurance limit beyond the current ₹5 lakh.
• The move follows recent liquidity issues at the Mumbai-based New India Cooperative Bank due to an embezzlement of ₹122 crore.

Rationale for Increasing Insurance Limit

• Rising Instances of Bank Failures
• Growing Depositor Base
• Inflation Impact

2. Delhi Experiences Second Strongest Earthquake in Three Decades

Sub: Geo

Sec: Geomorphology

Why in News

• Delhi experienced a 4.0-magnitude earthquake, making it the strongest earthquake in the region since 2007. The shallow depth of the earthquake resulted in significant tremors being felt across the National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.

Seismic Activity in Delhi:

• According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Delhi has recorded 446 earthquakes ranging from 1.1 to 4.6 in magnitude between 1993 and 2025.
• The strongest earthquake in the region prior to this was a 4.6-magnitude quake on November 25, 2007, located about six kilometres northwest of the latest event.
• Explanation of the Earthquake: The earthquake originated at a depth of only 5 km, making it shallow.
• Shallow earthquakes tend to have a stronger impact on the surface due to reduced energy dissipation.
• In contrast, the 4.6-magnitude quake in 2007 had a depth of 10 km, which resulted in a lesser impact.
• According to India’s earthquake hazard map, Delhi is classified under Zone 4, which is the second-highest classification for earthquake-prone regions.
• Areas in this zone can experience shaking of MSK-8 intensity during an earthquake. The MSK (Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik) scale measures the susceptibility of an area to earthquakes, rather than the strength or energy released.
• The earthquake was caused by normal faulting, which occurs when the Earth’s crust extends and fractures.
• According to the NCS report, hydrofracturing played a role in the seismic activity.
• Hydrofracturing refers to the gradual erosion of underlying rock due to the movement of ancient water channels and aquifers beneath Delhi.
• Delhi’s Seismic Vulnerability: Delhi sits on several active fault lines, including:
  • Mahendranagar Fault
  • Sohana Fault

What is the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt?

• Delhi lies within the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, a seismically active geological zone that stretches from Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana. This region is characterized by deformed rock layers due to geological processes from millions of years ago. These stresses sometimes release in the form of earthquakes.
• Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt vs. Himalayan Subduction: Earthquakes in Delhi are primarily the result of stress release in the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, a much slower tectonic process.
• In contrast, earthquakes in the Himalayan region are driven by the subduction of the Indian plate under the Eurasian plate, which builds significant stress, leading to larger and more frequent earthquakes.
• Historical Earthquakes in Delhi: A strong earthquake is recorded around 1720, and another in 1803, which allegedly caused damage to the Qutub Minar.
• However, newer research suggests that the 1803 earthquake was likely centred in the Srinagar-Devprayag region in Uttarakhand, with tremors felt in Delhi.
• Why Large Earthquakes Are Unlikely in Delhi: Delhi has experienced moderate tremors over the years, but large earthquakes, such as those in the Himalayan region, are highly unlikely due to the nature of seismic activity in the area.

About Earthquake:

• An earthquake is shaking or trembling of the earth’s surface, caused by the seismic waves or earthquake waves that are generated due to a sudden movement (sudden release of energy) in the earth’s crust (shallow-focus earthquakes) or upper mantle (some shallow-focus and all intermediate and deep-focus earthquakes).
• The point where the energy is released is called the focus or the hypocentre of an earthquake.
• The point on the surface directly above the focus is called epicentre (first surface point to experience the earthquake waves).
• A line connecting all points on the surface where the intensity is the same is called an isoseismic line.

Waves:

• There are several different kinds of seismic waves, and they all move in different ways. The two main types of waves are body waves and surface waves.
• Body waves can travel through the earth’s inner layers, but surface waves can only move along the surface of the planet like ripples on water
• The first kind of body wave is the P wave or primary wave. This is the fastest kind of seismic wave, and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station. The P wave can move through solid rock and fluids, like water or the liquid layers of the earth. It pushes and pulls the rock it moves through just like sound waves push and pull the air.
• The second type of body wave is the S wave or secondary wave, which is the second wave felt in an earthquake. An S wave is slower than a P wave and can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium. It is this property of S waves that led seismologists to conclude that the Earth’s outer core is a liquid.
• S waves move rock particles up and down, or side-to-side–perpendicular to the direction that the wave is traveling in (the direction of wave propagation)

Range:

• Earthquakes typically range from 0 (micro) to 9.0+ (mega).
  • Minor Earthquakes: Magnitude 3.0 – 3.9
  • Light Earthquakes: Magnitude 4.0 – 4.9
  • Moderate Earthquakes: Magnitude 5.0 – 5.9
  • Strong Earthquakes: Magnitude 6.0 – 6.9
  • Major Earthquakes: Magnitude 7.0 – 7.9
  • Great Earthquakes: Magnitude 8.0+

Seismic Zones in India:

• India is divided into four seismic zones:
  • Zone II: Low seismic activity.
  • Zone III: Moderate seismic activity.
  • Zone IV: High seismic activity.
  • Zone V: Very high seismic activity.
  • Zone V: Covers about 11% of India, with 18%in Zone IV and 30% in Zone III. The remaining 41% of the country is in Zone II.
  • Seismic Vulnerability: Approximately 59%of India is prone to earthquakes of varying intensities.

Measurement of Earthquake:

• Richter Scale (Magnitude): Measures the magnitudeof an earthquake, which indicates the total energy released during the event.
  • The Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning that for each whole number increase on the scale, the earthquake’s magnitude increases by a factor of 10 in amplitude and roughly 32 times more energyis released.
  • The Richter scale is less accurate for large earthquakes (magnitude above 7.0) and is less commonly used today for large events.
• Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw): A more accurate and modern way of measuring the magnitudeof large earthquakes (especially those above magnitude 7.0).

• • Like the Richter scale, it is logarithmic but considers more factors, including the fault length, fault slip, and rock properties.
  • Provides a more reliable measure of an earthquake’s energy release, especially for large-scale events.
  • Similar to the Richter scale, but preferred for measuring very large earthquakes.

• Mercalli Intensity Scale (Intensity): Measures the intensityor effects of an earthquake at specific locations, based on human perception, structural damage, and ground shaking.
  • The Mercalli scale is subjectiveand varies by location, as the effects of an earthquake can differ greatly depending on distance from the epicentre, local geology, and building structures.
  • The scale ranges from I (not felt)to XII (total destruction).
  • The Mercalli scale is influenced by subjective reports and human perception, making it less precise than the magnitude scales for comparison across different events.
• Body-Wave Magnitude (Mb): Measures the magnitude of seismic waves that travel through the Earth’s interior(body waves), such as the P-waves (primary waves) and S-waves (secondary waves).
  • Typically used for distant earthquakes, where body waves are the first to arrive and can provide early data on the earthquake’s size.
• Surface-Wave Magnitude (Ms): Measures the magnitude based on surface waves, which are the seismic waves that travel along the Earth’s surface.
  • Used mainly for larger earthquakeswith surface effects, especially those that are felt on the ground.
• The Shindo Scale (Japan): Used primarily in Japanto measure the intensity of an earthquake’s ground shaking, much like the Mercalli scale.
  • Ranges from 1 to 7:
    • 1: Not felt by people, or only a slight shaking.
    • 7: Severe shaking, causing total destruction in affected areas.
• Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) Scale: The MSK Scale measures earthquake intensity, focusing on the effects experienced at the Earth’s surface rather than the energy released or magnitude.
  • It helps assess the degree of shaking felt by people, as well as the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
  • The MSK scale has a range from I (very weak) to X (extreme). The higher the level, the more severe the shaking and damage caused by the earthquake.
  • MSK-8 (Severe damage): Areas with MSK-8 intensity can experience major damage to buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, with widespread effects on the population.
  • MSK-9 (Very Severe damage): Found in Zone 5 of India, the highest seismic risk zones, where extensive destruction is expected.

3. China’s EAST Reactor: Advancing Magnetic Fusion Technology

Sub: Sci

Sec: Nuclear

Why in News

• On January 20, 2025, Chinese scientists successfully maintained plasma at a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reactor. This breakthrough is significant for the progress of ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), a global nuclear fusion megaproject that has faced delays and cost overruns.

Nuclear Fusion:

• Nuclear fusion occurs when two atomic nuclei fuse, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.
• Unlike nuclear fission, which generates harmful radioactive waste, fusion is considered a clean and sustainable energy source.
• Achieving sustained nuclear fusion could revolutionize global energy production by providing an abundant and environmentally friendly power source.

Challenges in Achieving Nuclear Fusion:

• The Tritium Problem: Deuterium-tritium fusion is the most feasible reaction due to its lower temperature requirement compared to deuterium-deuterium fusion.
• Deuterium is abundant in seawater, but tritium is scarce and must be produced artificially in heavy-water reactors in Canada, India, and South Korea.
• The Temperature Barrier: To achieve fusion, the required temperature exceeds 100 million degrees Celsius, which is significantly higher than the Sun’s core temperature (15 million degrees Celsius).

Tokamak Technology: Achieving Magnetic Confinement

• A tokamak is a doughnut-shaped (toroidal) reactor where a plasma state is achieved by heating deuterium gas to extreme temperatures.
• Inside EAST, magnetic fields created by superconducting electromagnets confine the plasma and keep it from touching the reactor walls.
• EAST is the only tokamak in the world with both toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields, enhancing its ability to maintain plasma stability.
• 2016: Sustained high-confinement plasma at 50 million degrees Celsius for 60 seconds.
• 2017: Extended the plasma duration to 100 seconds.
• 2023: Set a world record by maintaining high-confinement plasma for 403 seconds.
• 2025: Surpassed its previous record by sustaining plasma for 1,066 seconds, demonstrating improved stability and efficiency.
• EAST does not yet produce electricity as it has not achieved ignition, meaning the fusion process is not yet self-sustaining.
• ITER and other fusion projects aim to achieve a net energy gain, where the energy output exceeds the energy input.

Alternative Fusion Technologies:

• Stellarator: A stellarator is a type of nuclear fusion device designed to confine hot plasma using complex, twisted magnetic fields to sustain controlled nuclear fusion reactions.
  • Magnetic Confinement: Utilizes external magnets arranged in a helical configuration to create a twisted magnetic field, effectively confining the plasma without the need for inducing electric currents within the plasma itself.
• Laser-inertial fusion: It is also known as inertial confinement fusion (ICF), is a method where nuclear fusion reactions are initiated by rapidly compressing and heating small fuel pellets using high-energy laser beams.
  • Fuel Pellet Compression: A small spherical pellet containing deuterium and tritium is targeted by multiple high-powered laser beams from all directions.
  • The intense laser energy compresses the pellet to extremely high densities and temperatures, creating conditions necessary for nuclear fusion to occur.
  • The National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the US achieved fusion ignition in 2022, a milestone not yet reached by tokamak reactors.

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER):

• ITER is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world today.
• In southern France, 35 nations are collaborating to build the world’s largest tokamak, a magnetic fusion device that has been designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy based on the same principle that powers our Sun and stars.
• The ITER Members China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States have combined resources to conquer one of the greatest frontiers in science.
• As signatories to the ITER Agreement, concluded in 2006, the seven Members will share of the cost of project construction, operation and decommissioning.
• They also share the experimental results and any intellectual property generated by the fabrication, construction and operation phases.

Hydrogen and Its Isotopes:

• Protium: The most common isotope, consisting of one proton and no neutrons. It is stable and constitutes the majority of hydrogen found naturally.
• Deuterium: Contains one proton and one neutron in its nucleus. Accounts for approximately 0.0156% of natural hydrogen. Used in nuclear fusion research, as a tracer in scientific studies, and in heavy water moderated fission reactors.
• Tritium: Consists of one proton and two neutrons. Radioactive with a half-life of about 12.32 years, decaying into helium-3. Produced in nuclear reactors and utilized in fusion research, as well as in self-luminous devices.

4. What is the Aravali safari park project?

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Areas

Context:

• The Haryana government has proposed a 3,858-hectare Aravali Safari Park, which will be the world’s largest safari park.
• It is spread across Gurugram and Nuh, covering 18 villages in total.
• A group of 37 retired Indian Forest Service officers have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to scrap the project arguing that the project’s aim is to simply increase tourist footfall and not conserve the mountain range.

About the Proposed Safari Park:

• The park will include:
  • Animal cages, guest houses, hotels, restaurants
  • Auditoriums, an animal hospital, children’s parks
  • Botanical gardens, aquariums, cable cars
  • A tunnel walk with exhibits, an open-air theatre, eateries
• The project was initially under the Haryana Tourism Department but has now been transferred to the Forest Department.
• An expert committee has been formed to oversee its implementation.

Reasons for Opposition

Ecological and Environmental Concerns:

• The Aravali hills are the oldest fold mountain range in the world and hold great ecological significance.
• They combat desertification by preventing the spread of the Thar Desert towards eastern Rajasthan.
• The region has diverse wildlife and plant species, making it an important ecological habitat.
• The hills act as an aquifer, with fractured rocks allowing groundwater recharge.
• Increased footfall, vehicular traffic, and construction will disturb aquifers, which are critical for water recharge in Gurugram and Nuh. The groundwater levels in these districts are already over-exploited, as per the Central Ground Water Board.

Legal and Conservation Issues:

• The location of proposed safari park falls under ‘forest’ category and is protected under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
• Haryana has a low forest cover (3.6%), and experts suggest rewilding natural forests instead of a safari project.

Laws Protecting the Aravalis:

• Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900: Sections 4 and 5 of this Act restrict deforestation in the Aravali hills for non-agricultural purposes.
• Around 24,000 hectares of Aravali land has been notified as Protected Forest under the Indian Forest Act.
• The T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad judgment (1996) provides legal protection to forests based on their dictionary meaning, covering areas not officially notified as forests.
• National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Plan-2021: Designates the Aravalis as a ‘Natural Conservation Zone’ and restricts the maximum construction limit in the region to 5%.

About the Aravali range:

• The Aravalli Range (also spelled Aravali) is a mountain range in Northwestern India.
• It runs approximately 670 km in a south-west direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat.
• The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 metres (5,650 ft). Guru Shikhar is a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan. It is 15 km from Mount Abu.
• Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch.

5. PKK’s Ocalan working on Turkiye-Kurd peace plan

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is reportedly working on a democratic solution to the decades-long conflict between Turkiye and Kurdish militants.
• A delegation from the main pro-Kurdish DEM party visited Mr. Ocalan twice over the past weeks and held talks with Turkiye’s main parliamentary factions recently.

Background:

• The origins of the Kurdish issue trace back to the early 20th century, during the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
• The Kurdish issue in Turkiye centres on the rights and recognition of the Kurdish population, which makes up about 18-20% of the population.
• Historically, Kurds have faced cultural and political suppression, particularly after the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, which denied recognition of Kurdish identity and autonomy.
• The conflict intensified with the formation of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the 1980s, leading to a violent insurgency against the Turkish state.

Background on PKK:

• The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK is a Kurdish militant political organization, originally founded in 1978 by the Marxist revolutionary Abdullah Ocalan.
• It emerged from a leftist ideology and aimed to establish an independent Kurdish statein southeastern Turkey.
• The PKK has been engaged in an armed struggle forautonomy in southeastern Turkiye since 1984, leading to significant violence and loss of life, with tens of thousands affected.
• The group is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkiye and its Western allies.

6. Experts push to restore Syria’s heritage sites after more than a decade of civil war

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Experts are working to restore Syria’s war-ravaged heritage sites, hoping to revive tourism and boost the economy after nearly 14 years of conflict.
• Key sites like Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers, once thriving landmarks, remain damaged but are seeing a return of local tourists.

About Palmyra:

• One of Syria’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Palmyra was once a key hub to the ancient Silk Road network linking the Roman and Parthian empires to Asia.
• Located in the Syrian desert, it is renowned for its 2,000-year-old Roman-era ruins. It is now marked by shattered columns and damaged temples.
• Before the war, Palmyra attracted around 1,50,000 tourists monthly and was a major tourist destination in Syria. It was known as the “Bride of the Desert” and played a crucial role in revitalizing the steppe region.
• In the 3rd century, Palmyra was the capital of an Arab client state of the Roman Empire, led by Queen Zenobia, who briefly established an independent kingdom.
• In recent times, the area was infamous for Tadmur Prison, where opponents of the Assad regime were reportedly tortured. The prison was later destroyed by the Islamic State (IS) group.
• IS militants later destroyed Palmyra’s historic temples of Bel and Baalshamin and the Arch of Triumph, viewing them as monuments to idolatry.

The Crac des Chevaliers:

• The Crac des Chevaliers, a medieval castle located near the town of Al-Husn, is another key cultural heritage site in Syria.
• Originally built by the Romans and later expanded in the medieval period, the castle has suffered significant damage due to the conflict. Airstrikes in 2014 destroyed much of the central courtyard and its ornate columns.

7. United States – India Joint Leaders Statement

Sub: IR

Sec: India and World

Context:

• On February 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official working visit in Washington, DC.
• The visit marked the strengthening of the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, built on shared values like democracy, rule of law, human rights, and pluralism.

Major Developments:

Launch of the U.S.-India COMPACT:

• The visit saw the launch of the “U.S.-India COMPACT” (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century.
• This initiative aims to drive transformative change across key areas of cooperation between the two nations.
• The partnership is designed to be results-driven, with an emphasis on achieving tangible outcomes within the year.

Defence and Military Cooperation

• Major Defence Partnership: A new 10-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership is planned to be signed this year. This will deepen strategic defence ties.
• Defence Sales and Co-Production: India’s defence inventory will expand with new U.S. procurements such as “Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles. A deal for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also enhance India’s maritime security.
• Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA): A new initiative focused on co-developing advanced autonomous technologies, such as AI-enabled systems for maritime and defence applications.
• Military Exercises: The leaders pledged to elevate military cooperation through expanded training, exercises, and operations across all domains including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. The upcoming “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise will be expanded in scale and complexity.

Trade and Investment:

• Mission 500: A new goal to more than double bilateral trade between the U.S. and India to $500 billion by 2030.
• Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA): Negotiations for a multi-sector trade agreement will begin by fall 2025, focusing on market access, reducing tariffs, and strengthening supply chains.
• Indian Investments in the U.S.: Ongoing investments, such as $7.35 billion from Indian companies, are expected to create over 3,000 jobs in sectors like steel manufacturing, battery materials, and pharmaceuticals.

Energy Security:

• Energy Cooperation: Both countries emphasized energy security as crucial for economic growth and innovation. They agreed to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
• Nuclear Collaboration: Plans to move forward with U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India, including large-scale localization and technology transfer under the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement.

Technology and Innovation

• TRUST Initiative: Launched to foster collaboration in critical technologies like AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, and biotechnology. A roadmap for AI infrastructure development in India will be presented by year-end.
• INDUS Innovation Bridge: A new innovation platform to support U.S.-India partnerships in space, energy, and emerging technologies, aiming to maintain leadership in global innovation.
• Critical Minerals Cooperation: Both nations will collaborate in the exploration, processing, and recycling of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earths.

Multilateral Cooperation:

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: The U.S.-India partnership is central to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to Quad initiatives, which promote regional security and economic growth.
• Indian Ocean Strategic Venture: A new bilateral forum aimed at enhancing economic connectivity and commercial investments in the Indian Ocean region, supported by initiatives like Meta’s undersea cable project.
• Counter-Terrorism: Both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, including a commitment to bring terrorists to justice, such as the extradition of Tahawwur Rana.

People-to-People Ties:

• Educational Collaboration: Both leaders emphasized the importance of academic exchange, supporting joint degree programs, Centres of Excellence, and offshore campuses in India. More than 300,000 Indian students contribute $8 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
• Mobility and Security: Both countries committed to improving legal mobility, streamlining student and professional visas, and addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking through stronger law enforcement.

8. Appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner

Sub: Polity

Sec: National Body

Context: –

• Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after a meeting of a three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17, 2025.
• He will assume office on February 19, 2025, the same day the Supreme Court is set to hear the challenge to the new CEC and EC appointment law.

Criticism of the New Law

• The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 has been criticized for altering the selection process.
• Previously, the CEC and ECs were appointed by the President based on government recommendations.
• Supreme Court’s March 2, 2023 judgment (Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India) mandated a selection panel with:
  • Prime Minister
  • Leader of the Opposition
  • Chief Justice of India (CJI)
• The government later replaced the CJI with a Union Minister, thereby ensuring a dominant role for the executive in appointments.
  • The new panel according to according to law will consist of :-
  • Prime Minister
  • Union Minister
  • Leader of the Opposition

Congress Stand on the Issue

• Congress called the new law “partisan” and “non-neutral”, demanding an early hearing and disposal of the case in the Supreme Court.
• Congress leaders highlighted that the current selection committee violates the Supreme Court ruling of March 2023.

Former CEC’s Views on Electoral Reforms

• Outgoing CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for:
  • Empowering NRIs to vote from their location.
  • Consensus on remote voting mechanisms for migrant voters.
  • Biometric authentication at polling booths to prevent impersonation.

 Supreme Court Hearing on February 19, 2025

• The Supreme Court will hear the challenge to the new CEC and EC appointment law on February 19, 2025.
• The case will decide the validity of the government’s selection process and its compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment.