What is the news?

 

• • As India gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, tech giant Google has stepped forward to play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and secure electoral process.

• • In collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI), Google is employing a comprehensive strategy to empower voters, safeguard its platforms, and combat misinformation.

 

Let’s delve into the details:

 

1. Voter Empowerment through Google Search and YouTube:

 

• • Google is working closely with the ECI to provide critical voting details to citizens. Through Google Search and YouTube, voters can access information on registration procedures, voting guidelines, and other essential aspects of the electoral process.

• • YouTube will feature election information panels, including candidate profiles and registration guidelines, ensuring that users have access to authoritative sources.

 

2. AI-Powered Measures to Combat Misinformation:

 

• • Protecting the integrity of elections is Google’s top priority. To achieve this, the company has strict policies in place to address false claims, hate speech, harassment, and other forms of abuse that could undermine the democratic process.

• • Google is leveraging advanced AI models and machine learning techniques to identify and remove content that violates its policies at scale. A dedicated team of local experts across major Indian languages ensures swift action against emerging threats.

 

3. Stringent Ad Policies and Identity Verification:

 

• • Google is tightening up its ad platform to prevent misuse during elections. Advertisers must undergo an identity verification process and obtain a pre-certificate from the ECI or authorized entities for each election ad they wish to run.
    Election-related ads must display clear disclosures indicating the sponsor’s identity.

 

4. Collaborating with News Organizations and Fact-Checkers:

 

• • Google actively collaborates with news organizations, fact-checkers, and other stakeholders to counter misinformation.
    Initiatives like the Google News Initiative Training Network and the Fact Check Explorer tool support efforts to debunk misinformation, detect deepfakes, and create a shared repository for tackling misinformation challenges at scale.

• • By partnering with the ECI and implementing these measures, Google aims to contribute significantly to a transparent, informed, and secure electoral process in India.

 

About The Election Commission of India:

 

• • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a vital cog in the machinery of Indian democracy. Understanding its composition, roles, and tenure is crucial for excelling in the UPSC Polity section.

• • The Constitution of India allows the President to appoint one or more additional Election Commissioners (ECs) to the Election Commission (ECI).
• • Article 324 to 329 of the Constitution outlines the powers, functions, tenure, eligibility, and other aspects related to the commission and its members.

 

What is the present composition of the Election Commission?

 

• • At present, the Election Commission of India is a three-member body, with one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

 

Appointment Process:

 

• • The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

• • The Selection Committee will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of Opposition/leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
• • Recommendations of the Selection Committee will be valid even when there is a vacancy in this Committee.
• • A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary will propose a panel of names to the Selection Committee.
• • Eligibility for the posts includes holding (or having held) a post equivalent to the Secretary to the central government.
• • The first two additional ECs were appointed on October 16, 1989, but their term ended on January 1, 1990. India has had multi-member election commissions since 1993, with decision-making power by majority vote.

 

Composition:

 

• • Chief Election Commissioner (CEC): A single individual heads the ECI, appointed by the President of India.

• • Election Commissioners (ECs): The Constitution allows the President to appoint additional ECs, but there’s no fixed number. Currently, there’s only the CEC.

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

 

The ECI’s powers and functions are enshrined in Article 324 of the Constitution. They can be broadly categorized into three areas:

 

• • Administrative Functions: Overseeing the entire election process, from voter registration and delimitation of constituencies to conducting polls, counting votes, and declaring results.

• • Advisory Functions: Advising the President and Governors on matters related to disqualification of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures respectively.

• • Quasi-judicial Functions: Adjudicating disputes arising out of electoral processes, like election petitions and corrupt practices.

 

Tenure:

 

• • CEC and ECs: The CEC and any additional ECs hold office for a maximum of six years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever is earlier. There’s no restriction on reappointment.

 

Independence and Autonomy:

 

• • The ECI is an autonomous authority, independent of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

• • It administers both Union and State election processes.
• • Article 324 to 329 of the Constitution outlines the powers, functions, tenure, eligibility, and other aspects related to the commission and its members.

 

Notification of Election Schedules:

 

• • The ECI announces election dates, ensuring timely conduct of polls.

• • It coordinates with state election commissions for local body elections.

 

Scrutiny of Nomination Papers:

• • The ECI examines nomination papers filed by candidates.
  • It ensures compliance with legal requirements and disqualifies ineligible candidates.

 

Conducting Polls and Counting Votes:

• • The ECI supervises polling booths, security arrangements, and the counting process.
  • It ensures transparency and impartiality during elections.

 

Resolving Disputes:

• • The ECI adjudicates election-related disputes, including allegations of malpractices.
  • It acts swiftly to address complaints and maintain electoral fairness.

 

Measures to Address Concerns Associated with ECI:

• • The ECI collaborates with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and media, to enhance electoral processes.
  • It continuously adapts to technological advancements to combat challenges like misinformation and electoral malpractices.
  • In conclusion, the Election Commission of India stands as a beacon of democratic values, ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard through the ballot box. Its tireless efforts contribute significantly to India’s electoral vibrancy and democratic health.

 

Advisory Jurisdiction & Quasi-Judicial Functions:

 

• • Under the Constitution, the Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures. The cases of persons found guilty of corrupt practices at elections which come before the Supreme Court and High Courts are also referred to the Commission for its opinion on the question as to whether such person shall be disqualified from contesting elections and, if so, for what period. The opinion of the Commission in all such matters is binding on the President or, as the case may be, the Governor to whom such opinion is tendered.

• • The Commission has the power to disqualify a candidate who has failed to lodge an account of his election expenses within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. The Commission has also the power for removing or reducing the period of such disqualification as also other disqualification under the law.

 

Judicial Review:

 

• • The elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures can be challenged in the High Court and the Supreme Court of India by an election petition after elections are over. By virtue of Article 329 of the Constitution once the actual process of elections is started, the judiciary cannot intervene by entertaining petitions on the conduct of the polls. Once the polls are completed and result declared, the Commission cannot review any result on its own. This can only be reviewed through the process of an election petition, which can be filed before the High Court, in respect of elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures. In respect of elections for the offices of the President and Vice President, such petitions can only be filed before the Supreme Court.

 

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

• • Google has actively partnered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to empower voters and safeguard the democratic process. Through Google Search and YouTube, it provides critical voting details, including registration procedures, in both English and Hindi.

• • YouTube features election information panels with candidate profiles and registration guidelines, ensuring access to authoritative sources.

• • To combat misinformation, Google employs strict policies against false claims, hate speech, and harassment. It also leverages advanced AI models to identify and remove violative content.

• • Advertisers must undergo identity verification and obtain pre-certificates from the ECI for election-related ads. Clear disclosures of sponsors’ identities are mandatory.

• • Collaborations with news organizations and fact-checkers further strengthen efforts to debunk misinformation and detect deepfakes.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

• • Google prioritizes election integrity by employing AI models and machine learning techniques to identify and remove content violating policies. A dedicated team of local experts ensures swift action.

• • Advertisers must undergo identity verification and obtain pre-certificates from the ECI for election ads. Clear disclosures of sponsors’ identities enhance transparency.

• • Fact-checking initiatives, such as the Google News Initiative Training Network and Fact Check Explorer tool, play a crucial role in countering misinformation and deepfakes.

• • Google’s collaborative efforts with news organizations and fact-checkers create a shared repository for tackling misinformation challenges at scale.

 

Remember, these are just two examples of UPSC Mains questions inspired by the current news. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!