The Election Commission of India (EC) has revamped its technological infrastructure ahead of the 2019 General Elections, with the introduction of several new applications. These are aimed at aiding voter registration and information verification, and ensuring adherence to the Model Code of Conduct / Expenditure Violation, among other important aspects. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also recently conducted their eighth National Deworming Day, and Indian Naval forces participated in the multinational CUTLASS Express training exercise. On the defence front, India has test-fired the Helina, a helicopter-launched anti-tank missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
VVIP, cVIGIL, and PWD Apps
The EC has launched the Voter Verification and Information Programme (VVIP), an application designed to allow citizens to verify their names, register as new voters or make changes to their existing details. Furthermore, corrections in Voter ID Cards can now be made using this app, making it highly convenient for the general population.
Alongside this, the EC introduced the cVIGIL App, which caters to the need for a mechanism to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct / Expenditure Violation. Providing time-stamped, evidence-based proof via live photographs or videos accompanied by auto-location data, this app enables any citizen to lodge complaints through their mobile devices. This is followed up by an investigation by Flying Squads and ultimately, a decision on the matter is taken by the Returning Officer. The status of the complaint lodged can be shared with the originating complainant within a specified timeframe.
A third application, the ‘PwD App’, was also introduced, specifically catering to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This app allows PWDs to request for new registration, changes in address or particulars, and even mark themselves as PWDs through the app. In addition, it has provisions for PWDs to request for a wheelchair during polling.
National Deworming Day
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted its eighth round of National Deworming Day from 8th February to the 14th February. Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and parasitic intestinal worms.
| Year | Program Strategy |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Launch of National Deworming Day with aim to reduce Soil-Transmitted Helminths |
| 2019 | Eighth round conducted, with extended focus on improving nutritional uptake among children and adolescents |
Cutlass Express: Multinational Training Exercise
Cutlass Express, a multinational training exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and conducted by Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), was attended by the Indian Navy. The objective of this event is to assess and improve maritime law enforcement capacity and promote national and regional security across Eastern Africa. Personnel from various East African countries were trained under mentors from USA, India, and Netherlands.
Helina: Helicopter-Launched Anti-Tank Missile
India recently test-fired Helina, a helicopter-launched version of the Nag anti-tank guided missile. With a range of 7-8 km, it is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons globally. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Helina missile further strengthens India’s defence capabilities.
