Why in the News?

• The Election Commission has announced a review of ECINET and introduced procedural changes for voters flagged during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About ECINET (Background, SIR of Electoral Rolls, Changes in Hearing Procedure, Form 6, Institutional Processes, e-Governance, etc.)

ECINET: Digital Infrastructure for Electoral Administration

• ECINET is the Election Commission's centralised digital platform used for various electoral processes and administrative functions.
• The platform provides role-based access to field officers according to their statutory responsibilities and is intended to support the flow of electoral information between different levels of election administration.
• The recent review is significant because electoral processes increasingly depend on digital systems for data management, voter enrolment, verification and communication.
• The Election Commission has constituted a committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, with an independent expert from an IIT/IIIT, to examine whether ECINET complies with relevant Acts and Rules.
• The Commission has also stated that further flexibility required by field officers will be incorporated where necessary. Future initiatives involving IT modules and portals are to be discussed by the Committee of Officers (COO) before approval.

Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

• A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a detailed exercise for reviewing and updating electoral rolls.
• During the ongoing exercise, some electors have received notices based on categories described by the Election Commission as “unmapped” or involving “logical discrepancies.”
• Unmapped Electors
  • These are electors whose names did not appear in the rolls of the previous intensive revision and who were unable to provide the names of their parents or grandparents from that earlier revision.
• Logical Discrepancies
  • These refer to discrepancies identified by the Election Commission's centralised software, following which additional documentary evidence may be sought from the elector.

Changes in Hearing Procedure

• The Election Commission has introduced a significant procedural relaxation for electors receiving such notices.
• Under the revised arrangement:
  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit the elector's residence to collect required documents.
  • The documents will be uploaded on ECINET for consideration by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
  • The elector will generally not be required to appear personally before the ERO or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO).
  • A hearing may be conducted in exceptional circumstances, preferably online.
  • An adult family member may be authorised to attend the hearing on behalf of the elector.
• This approach seeks to reduce the administrative burden on electors while retaining a mechanism for verification.

Form 6 and Voter Enrolment

• Form 6 is the statutory form used for new voter enrolment under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
• During the SIR exercise, an additional declaration was incorporated into the online version of Form 6 concerning whether the applicant, parents or grandparents appeared in the rolls of the previous intensive revision.
• The Election Commission has now clarified that Form 6 will revert to its original statutory format after the SIR.
• For the SIR period, the Commission stated that the additional declaration has been upheld by the Supreme Court; outside the SIR exercise, the forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 will apply.

Institutional Processes Within the ECI

• The recent meeting also addressed certain internal administrative procedures. The Commission stated that:
  • Agendas for Commission meetings will be circulated in advance.
  • Minutes of meetings will be issued.
  • Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of officers will be completed within the stipulated period.
  • Foreign travel of officers will require Commission approval.
  • Directions issued by Election Commissioners to officers will be complied with.
• These measures relate to institutional procedure, administrative accountability and coordination within a constitutional body.

Technology and Electoral Governance

• The ECINET review highlights a broader issue in contemporary electoral administration: the need to balance digital efficiency with statutory safeguards.
• Centralised platforms can improve data management, standardise processes and facilitate faster decision-making.
• However, because electoral rolls directly determine eligibility to participate in elections, digital systems must operate within clearly defined legal authority, access controls, verification procedures and accountability mechanisms.
• The inclusion of an independent technical expert in the ECINET review reflects the need for both legal and technological scrutiny of electoral systems.

Why in News?

• Amid an unusual surge in electricity demand in September 2026, the Centre has invoked emergency provisions under Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003.
• It directs around 112 coal-based captive power plants (CPPs) to operate at maximum available capacity from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
• The move aims to maximise electricity generation, ensure adequate power availability and address the possibility of sustained high demand beyond the usual summer peak.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Electricity Demand
• Emergency Directions to CPPs
• Other Measures
• Significance of the Government's Intervention
• Conclusion

Electricity Demand:

• Unprecedented surge:
  • Record peak demand: On September 10, 2026, India's peak electricity demand reached 269 GW, the highest ever recorded for September.
  • Near-summer levels: The demand was close to the year's highest peak of 270 GW, recorded in May 2026.
  • Unusual trend: Electricity demand generally declines after the summer months (April–July). However, demand has remained exceptionally high this September.
• Factors behind the demand surge:
  • According to power sector experts, the unusually high electricity demand is attributable to -
    • Persistent heat: Continued high temperatures have increased electricity consumption for cooling.
    • Deficient rainfall: Inadequate rainfall has contributed to higher demand for electricity.
    • Increased irrigation demand: Greater dependence on electric pumps for irrigation has added to the demand.
    • El Niño: Weather conditions associated with El Niño have potentially intensified heat and rainfall irregularities.
  • September has recorded the year's highest peak demand only twice in recent years—in 2020–21 and 2023–24.

Emergency Directions to CPPs:

• Section 11 of the Electricity Act empowers the government to require generating companies to operate in extraordinary circumstances to ensure electricity supply.
• The directive covers all coal-based captive power plants with an installed capacity of 50 MW or more.
• Key provisions:
  • Maximum generation: Captive power plants must operate at the maximum level of their available capacity.
  • Surplus power supply: After meeting their own electricity requirements, plants must offer surplus electricity through power exchanges, in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • Adequate coal stocks: Generators must maintain sufficient coal reserves to ensure uninterrupted operations and maximise electricity generation.
  • Weekly reporting: Plants must submit weekly reports to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), detailing electricity generation, captive consumption, surplus power sales, available capacity and coal stocks.
• What are CPPs?
  • These are electricity-generation facilities established and operated by industrial enterprises or groups of industries primarily to meet their own electricity requirements.
  • Unlike conventional power plants, their primary purpose is not to supply electricity to the public grid.
  • However, they can contribute to grid stability by supplying surplus electricity when required.

Other Measures:

• Extension of emergency provisions:
  • The Ministry of Power has separately extended the emergency mechanism for Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL), Tata Power's 4-GW imported coal-based power plant, until December 31, 2026.
  • The plant has been operating under Section 11 directions since March 2026.
  • Before March, it had remained largely idle for nearly six months because of high imported coal prices and the absence of a viable power purchase arrangement.
  • The extension was limited to Tata Power's plant because other imported coal-based power plants were operational and were not facing similar difficulties.
• Tariff determination:
  • Invoking Section 11 for high-cost power plants can create financial challenges because imported coal and gas-based electricity are often more expensive than conventional domestic coal-based power.
  • To address this, a committee chaired by the Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) determines the tariff for electricity procured from such plants.
  • The committee considers relevant input costs, including fuel expenses, while determining the procurement tariff.
  • Tariff-related measures have been used to protect consumers from sudden increases in electricity prices.

Significance of the Government's Intervention:

• Ensuring energy security: Mobilising captive power generation can help bridge the gap between electricity demand and available supply.
• Improving grid reliability: Additional electricity from captive plants can strengthen the availability of power during periods of unusually high demand.
• Efficient utilisation of generating capacity: Requiring plants to operate at maximum available capacity can help utilise existing infrastructure.
• Supporting industrial and agricultural demand: Increased electricity availability can help meet the requirements of industries, households and irrigation.
• Reducing supply disruptions: Mobilising surplus power through exchanges can provide additional electricity to the grid when required.

Conclusion:

• The Centre's decision to invoke Section 11 reflects the challenges posed by increasingly unpredictable electricity demand.
• The unusual September demand surge highlights the importance of maintaining adequate generation capacity, fuel reserves and flexible power procurement mechanisms.
• In the longer term, improving demand forecasting, diversifying energy sources and strengthening grid infrastructure will be essential for ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply.

About Mission Pegase 26:

• It is the seventh edition of France's long-range air projection exercise.
• Distance: More than 40,000 kilometres
• Route:
  • Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Qatar, Réunion, and then Egypt.
  • Pegase 26 is following a route linking the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East.
• Stated aims: Operational readiness, strategic partnerships, freedom of air navigation.
• India is a key stop on the Indo-Pacific leg of Pegase 26.
• In India, the French contingent will participate in Tarang Shakti.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026:

• It is the multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Venue: Air Force Station, Jodhpur, and adjoining air bases.
• It is the second edition of the exercise. The maiden edition of the exercise took place in August-September 2024 in two phases.
• Participating Countries: Seven foreign air forces—from the S., France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the UAE—are participating, while 32 nations will be attending as observers.
• It is aimed at enhancing interoperability among participating air forces, while providing a platform for exchanging operational experience and showcasing India’s air combat capabilities.
• The exercise will see the participation of advanced combat aircraft, including the S. Air Force’s F-35, the French Rafale, the UAE’s F-16, and a Bangladeshi C-130J.
• The IAF will field a range of its frontline platforms, including the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI.

About Global Cities Index (GCI):

• It is an annual report published by Oxford Economics, a leading global economic advisory firm.
• The index ranks 1000 cities across the world based on five major factors: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance.
• The rankings are designed to look at both a city's present performance and its future potential.
• GCI 2026 Highlights:
  • New York has taken the top spot in the index.
  • London has been ranked second, followed by Paris at third, Seattle at fourth, and San Francisco at fifth.
  • India Specific Findings:
    • Around 100 Indian cities feature among the 1,000 major cities evaluated worldwide.
    • Delhi has the highest overall ranking at 268, followed by Bengaluru at 311, Mumbai at 330, Chennai at 381, Hyderabad at 421, and Pune at 427.
    • 55 Indian cities have secured spots among the world's top 100 fastest-growing city economies.
    • Delhi is currently the world’s 63rd-largest city economy. Oxford Economics projects that it could become the 14th-largest by 2050, with economic output exceeding USD 2 trillion.
    • Delhi’s strongest performance came in the Human Capital category, where it ranked 13th globally, ahead of Toronto, Seoul, and Beijing.
    • Mumbai is India's leading city for corporate headquarters, ranking 23rd globally on that measure.
    • Mumbai's city economy, currently the world's 99th-largest, could rise to 36th-largest by 2050.
    • Bengaluru climbed 20 places to 311th globally and was named a ‘City to Watch’, recording the biggest improvement among India’s six largest metropolitan cities.
    • Bengaluru is also among the 10 fastest-growing cities globally by forecast GDP growth.
    • Chennai and Hyderabad ranked 16th and 15th worldwide, respectively, for forecast GDP growth.
    • The primary reason behind Indian cities ranking below the 250th position in the overall index is the lack of adequate infrastructure and quality of life.
    • Indian cities rank very low in terms of income equality.
    • Delhi ranks second globally for having the worst air quality.

About ICGS Shaunak:

• It is an Indian Coast Guard ship, specifically an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Samarth-class.
• It has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
• ICGS Shaunak was commissioned in 2017.
• It is based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
• It is deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties to safeguard the maritime interests of India.
• Features:
  • It has a maximum speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 6500 NM at economical speed.
  • Its features include a 30 mm CRN 91 Naval Gun, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS), and High Power External Fire Fighting System.
  • The ship is designed to carry one twin-engine Light Helicopter and five high-speed boats, including two Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrol.
  • The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.

QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission:

• It brings together personnel from the four QUAD countries (India, United States, Japan, and Australia) for shipboard activities and professional exchanges.
• It is aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving coordination, and strengthening mutual trust among the maritime forces.
• Six officers, described as Sea Riders, have embarked on ICGS Shaunak for the mission to sail from Chennai for Perth, Australia.
• The contingent comprises two officers each from India and Japan and one officer each from Australia and the United States.
• The mission also reflects India’s broader maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

About Krasheninnikov Volcano:

• It is an active stratovolcano located in the Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.
  • The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
• The volcanic complex consists of two adjacent main stratovolcano cones.
• The sides of both cones are covered with ejecta.

Key Facts about NISAR Mission:

• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint Earth observation satellite mission between NASA and ISRO.
• It is a satellite equipped with advanced radar instruments for Earth observation.
• It was successfully launched on July 30, 2025, by ISRO's GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
• It marks the first-ever collaboration of its kind between India and the United States in radar-based Earth monitoring from space.
• NISAR maps the entire Earth’s surface every 12 days, enabling high-frequency, precise, and repeat observations.
• It is the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes in our planet's surface less than a centimeter across.
• NISAR will monitor earthquakes, volcanic activity, land deformation, and environmental changes, providing critical data for hazard assessment, disaster response, and resource management.

About Bagmati River:

• It is a river that flows through south-central Nepal and northern Bihar, India.
• Course:
  • It originates from Bagdwar, located in the Shivapuri Hills north of Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • From there, it flows south through the Kathmandu Valley, passing through cities like Kathmandu and Patan.
  • It is fed by springs and monsoon rainfall and a number of tributaries as it flows down from the Kathmandu valley floor and passes through the valley at Chovar.
  • It flows southward through the Shivalik Range, the southernmost range of the Himalayas.
  • It continues across the plains of Tarai into Bihar and then flows southeastward to enter the Burhi (“Old”) Gandak River.
• It lies between the Gandak basin to the west and the Kosi basin to the east, forming a distinct river system across both countries.
• The basin transacts three distinct latitudinal physiographic zones (Mountain, Siwalik, and Terai) of the Nepal Himalayas.
• It is considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists. The banks of this holy river shelter various temples.
  • Pashupatinath Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): A famous Shiva temple nestled on an outcrop above the river north of Kathmandu.
  • Gokarneswor Temple: Located in the north of the Kathmandu Valley.