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- Why in News?
- Despite multiple sessions, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has yet to reach consensus on new regulations for deep sea mining. Negotiations remain inconclusive, with differing views among member states on how to balance mineral extraction with environmental protection. This ongoing stalemate highlights global challenges in governing resource exploitation in international waters.
- About the ISA
- Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, the ISA is an autonomous international body created under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement concerning Part XI of the Convention. The Authority oversees activities related to mineral resources in the international seabed area — referred to as "the Area" — for the collective benefit of humanity. Its key mandate includes regulating seabed mining while ensuring that marine ecosystems are safeguarded from potential harm. The ISA currently has 170 member states, including India, actively participating in its regulatory framework.
- Why in News?
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has affirmed that Article 324 of the Constitution grants it broad and plenary powers to oversee and manage all facets of the electoral process, including the creation and revision of electoral rolls. These powers allow the ECI to ensure free and fair elections across the country.
- About Article 324:-
- Article 324(1) provides the ECI with the authority to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls for elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and for the offices of the President and Vice-President.
- Voter eligibility is governed by Article 326, which grants the right to vote to all Indian citizens aged 18 or above. This principle of adult suffrage ensures inclusivity, although certain individuals may be disqualified under specific constitutional or legal provisions. These constitutional articles together form the foundation of India’s democratic electoral framework, reinforcing the ECI’s role as a neutral and empowered institution.
- Why in News?
- The “Meri Panchayat” mobile application has earned global recognition by winning the prestigious WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award. This accolade highlights its contribution to digital governance and rural empowerment in India.
- About the App:
- “Meri Panchayat” is a mobile-based m-Governance platform designed to empower over 25 lakh elected representatives across 2.65 lakh Gram Panchayats. The app aims to enhance rural governance through digital inclusion, transparency, and efficient service delivery.
- Developed by:
- The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- Key Features:
- The app provides real-time access to Panchayat budgets, Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), and localized weather forecasts. It also includes tools for social audits, tracks fund utilization, and offers grievance redressal mechanisms—all integrated with geo-tagged and geo-fenced features to ensure accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.