One Nation, One Election    
Nipah Virus (NiV)    
Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs)    
Philadelphi Corridor    
India’s Space Sector    

1. One Nation, One Election
About:
•    One Nation One Election refers to the proposal of holding simultaneous elections for State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha across India, instead of separate elections at different times.
•    Historically, this was the norm in India until 1967 when simultaneous elections were disrupted due to the premature dissolution of certain State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha in 1971.
Arguments in Favor of ‘One Nation One Election’:
•    Reduction of Financial Burden: Continuous election cycles are a financial burden. Simultaneous elections can significantly reduce election expenditure.
•    Efficient Use of Resources:
It will reduce campaign expenses for political

parties, particularly benefiting smaller regional parties.
•    Reduced Policy Paralysis:
The Model Code of Conduct stalls development projects during elections. Simultaneous elections will reduce this disruption.
•    Focus on Governance:
With fewer elections, the government's focus can remain on governance and policy continuity instead of being in "election mode."
•    Improved Administrative Efficiency:
It will allow for better allocation of administrative resources, reducing the strain on security forces during elections.
•    Reduced Black Money:
Fewer elections would mean less circulation of black money in political campaigns.
•    Increased Voter Turnout:
Holding multiple elections at once is expected to increase voter participation, making it easier for citizens to vote.

Arguments Against ‘One Nation One Election’:
•    Reduced Accountability:
Fewer elections may lead to reduced accountability as the government will be less frequently answerable to the public.
•    Undermining of Federal Power:
The prominence of national issues may overshadow state-level issues, undermining the influence of regional parties.
•    Threat to Regional Parties:
Regional parties may lose prominence in simultaneous elections, as national issues may dominate the political narrative.
•    Impact on Voter Choice:
Simultaneous elections could influence voter behavior, with people more likely to vote for the same party at both state and national levels.

Challenges to Implementation:
•    Constitutional and Legal Issues: Amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356 of the Constitution are required, which will need 50% state ratification.

•    Term Synchronization:
The challenge of syncing the terms of various state assemblies with the Lok Sabha, as states have different election timelines.
•    Logistical Hurdles:
Managing 30 lakh electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ensuring nationwide deployment of security forces poses a logistical challenge.

Prelims Question:
Question:
With reference to the "One Nation One Election" proposal, consider the following statements:
1.    It was the norm in India until 1967.
2.    The implementation would require constitutional amendments to at least five articles.
3.    Simultaneous elections are expected to decrease voter turnout.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Mains Question:
Question:
Analyze the feasibility of implementing One Nation One Election in India. Discuss its potential impact on the federal structure and regional political parties.

2. Nipah Virus (NiV)
About:
•    Zoonotic Virus: Transmitted from animals to humans.
•    Causative Agent: Nipah virus is an RNA virus from the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, closely related to the Hendra virus.
•    First Outbreak: Malaysia and Singapore (1998-1999) with initial cases in domestic pigs. It has since been found in various animals, including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.
Transmission:

•    Spread through fruit bats (flying foxes) of the genus Pteropus, which are natural reservoir hosts.
•    The virus is present in bat urine, feces, saliva, and birthing fluids. 
Symptoms:
•    Encephalitic syndrome: Fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, leading to coma or death in severe cases.
Prevention:
•    No vaccines currently available for humans or animals.
•    Treatment is primarily intensive supportive care for infected individuals.

Prelims Question:
Question:
With reference to the Nipah virus, consider the following statements:
1.    It is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans.
2.    The virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes.
3.    There are vaccines available for both humans and animals.


Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only

Mains Question:
Question:
Discuss the challenges in containing the spread of zoonotic diseases like the Nipah virus and suggest measures to enhance preparedness against future outbreaks.

3. Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs)
About Central Information Commission (CIC):
•    Establishment: CIC was established by the Central Government in 2005 under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It is not a constitutional body.
•    Members: Comprises a Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners.
•    Appointment: Appointed by the President based on the recommendations of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister.
•    Jurisdiction: Covers all Central Public Authorities.
•    Tenure: The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners hold office as prescribed by the Central Government or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They are not eligible for reappointment.
•    Power and Functions:
o    Receive and inquire into complaints regarding RTI requests.
o    Has suo moto power to initiate an inquiry.
o    Possesses civil court powers for summoning documents and witnesses.

About State Information Commission (SIC):
•    Establishment: Constituted by the State Government under the RTI Act.
•    Members: Comprises a State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and up to ten State Information Commissioners (SICs).
•    Appointment: Appointed by the Governor based on recommendations from the Appointments Committee headed by the Chief Minister.
Issues with CIC and SICs:
•    Delays and Backlogs: The CIC takes an average of 388 days to dispose of an appeal or complaint. Over 2.2 lakh RTI cases are pending across Central and State ICs.
•    No Penalties: Penalties are imposed in only 2.2% of cases disposed of, even though about 59% of cases involve violations.
•    Vacancies: Persistent vacancies, with three posts unfilled at the CIC despite court directions.
•    Lack of Transparency: Lack of transparency in the selection criteria of Information Commissioners.

Prelims Question:
Question:
With reference to the Central Information Commission (CIC), consider the following statements:
1.    CIC is a constitutional body established under the RTI Act, 2005.
2.    The Chief Information Commissioner is appointed by the President of India.
3.    The CIC can inquire into complaints and has the powers of a civil court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Question:
Critically examine the functioning of the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) in ensuring transparency and accountability under the RTI Act, 2005. Highlight the

key challenges and suggest measures to enhance their effectiveness.

4.    Philadelphi Corridor
Background:
•    Philadelphi Corridor is a 14 km long strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, playing a strategic role in controlling access between Gaza and Egypt.
•    Rafah crossing is the most significant
checkpoint in the corridor, crucial for Gaza’s access to the outside world.
•    Established post-1979 Camp David peace treaty, which allowed limited Egyptian military presence without heavy armour.
•    After Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, the corridor became a demilitarized zone, managed by Egypt and the Palestinian Authority.

Recent Developments:
•    Israel aims to take control of the Rafah crossing following the Israel-Hamas war, raising concerns in Egypt and Hamas over potential Israeli military presence.
•    This proposal could obstruct peace negotiations, as the Philadelphi Corridor has become a flashpoint in the conflict due to its strategic importance for smuggling activities and border control.

Prelims Question:
With reference to the Philadelphi Corridor, consider the following statements:
1.    It serves as a border between Gaza and Israel.
2.    It is demilitarized under the Camp David peace treaty.
3.    The Rafah crossing is located within the Philadelphi Corridor.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the geopolitical significance of the Philadelphi Corridor in the Israel-Palestine conflict. How does its control influence regional stability and peace negotiations?

5. India’s Space Sector
Major Developments in India's Space Sector:
•    Advancements in Space Science Missions:
o    Chandrayaan-3 Success has propelled ISRO's scientific exploration efforts.
o    Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory launched in September 2023 and contributed to solar storm studies.
o    XPoSat (launched January 2024) expands India's space-based astronomy capabilities.

•    Gaganyaan Mission:
o    First abort test conducted in 2023.
o    Four astronaut candidates undergoing training.
o    Uncrewed mission expected in late 2024, crewed mission in 2025.
•    Commercialization and Privatization Push:
o    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) now commercializes Indian Remote Sensing satellite data.

o    Agnikul Cosmos launched SoRTeD-01, marking a key milestone for private ventures.
•    Expanding International Collaborations:
o    NSIL signed an agreement with
SpaceX to launch GSAT-20/GSAT-N2.
o    Collaboration with NASA on the
NISAR mission set for 2025.
o    Indian astronaut candidates to receive training in the U.S. for potential

o    Offer competitive salaries and grants through a Space Talent Retention Scheme.
o    Implement an Aerospace Innovators Program for young talent.
•    Enhance Space Infrastructure:
o    Develop more spaceports on the eastern coast.
o    Establish a Deep Space Network for interplanetary missions.

participation in the International         

Space Station.

Major Issues in the Indian Space Sector:
•    Limited Private Sector Participation:
o    Private companies account for a minor share in the USD 78 billion space economy.
•    Insufficient Funding and Resource Allocation:
o    ISRO’s budget (~USD 1.7 billion) is much lower compared to NASA's USD
25.3 billion.
•    Brain Drain and Talent Retention:
o    Many aerospace graduates seek opportunities abroad due to lack of competitive salaries and research opportunities.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements regarding India’s space sector is correct?
1.    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) manages the commercialization of Indian Remote Sensing satellite data.
2.    The Gaganyaan mission is expected to be India’s first manned mission to Mars.
3.    The Aditya-L1 mission is focused on studying the Earth’s atmosphere.
Options:
A)    1 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only

•    Limited International Collaboration and         

Market Access:
o    India's share in the global space economy is less than 2%.
•    Inadequate Space Infrastructure:
o    India has only one major launch site at Sriharikota, limiting launch capacity.
•    Underdeveloped Domestic Supply Chain:
o    Dependence on imports for critical components like high-grade alloys and electronics.

Mains Question:
Discuss the recent achievements of India's space sector and analyze the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from state-led exploration to a robust, commercialized space industry. (250 Words)
 

Solutions:
•    Accelerate Private Sector Integration:
o    Implement a Space Sector Transformation Program to facilitate private participation.
o    Establish Space Enterprise Zones with tax incentives.
•    Talent Retention and Development Initiative: