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Why in the News?
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 has introduced significant changes to the process of appointing India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). This act seeks to improve transparency and accountability in the Election Commission of India by introducing a three-member Selection Committee for the appointment process.
Key Takeaways:
Establishment of the Selection Committee:
The new act establishes a three-member Selection Committee to appoint the CEC and ECs.
The Committee includes:
The Prime Minister
A Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
This structure is aimed at ensuring a bipartisan and balanced selection process.
Role of the Search Committee:
A Search Committee chaired by the Union Minister for Law and Justice assists the Selection Committee.
It includes two Secretary-level government officials.
The Search Committee shortlists candidates for the Selection Committee to choose from.
Inclusion of External Candidates:
The Act allows the consideration of candidates from outside the existing Election Commissioners’ pool, broadening the selection scope.
This provision is expected to bring individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives to the leadership of the Election Commission.
Supreme Court’s Influence:
The changes were influenced by a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing the need for transparency and checks and balances in appointments.
The inclusion of the Leader of the Opposition addresses concerns over exclusive executive control.
Criticism and Concerns:
Former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat expressed concerns that allowing the government to nominate candidates could lead to partisan appointments, potentially affecting the Commission's independence.
The exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the Selection Committee has drawn criticism for reducing judicial oversight in the process.
Implications for Electoral Governance:
The Act's implementation will be closely watched for its impact on the Election Commission’s independence.
The upcoming appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner after Rajiv Kumar’s tenure ends on February 18, 2025, will be a key test for this new system.
Observers will assess whether these changes strengthen the Commission’s role in ensuring free and fair elections or introduce new challenges to its autonomy.
Significance:
This new law marks a pivotal change in the governance of India’s electoral system. While it aims to ensure a balanced and transparent selection process, its actual implementation will determine whether it strengthens the Election Commission’s credibility or raises further concerns about its independence.
Appointment & Tenure Of Commissioners:
The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.

On the occasion of the 77th Army Day (15th January), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” which is a dedicated website for visitors, including information on the 77 sites, their stories, and how to get there.
The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website will be a one-stop destination for visitors to make all necessary arrangements for their travel planning, including how to apply for permits for some of these places, officials add.
The website will feature details on various battlefields and border areas, offering virtual tours, historical narratives, and interactive content. The sites will also be highlighted by the Tourism Ministry as part of the Incredible India campaign.

Overview and Significance
National Startup Day is celebrated annually on January 16 in India to acknowledge and promote the dynamic startup ecosystem.
The observance was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, 2016, during the inaugural Startup India Innovation Week, highlighting the vital economic contributions made by entrepreneurs.
Since 2022, January 16 has been commemorated as National Startup Day to encourage entrepreneurial ventures and celebrate their role in job creation and economic development.
Udyamotsav 2025: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs
To celebrate National Startup Day 2025, the Ministry of Education is organizing Udyamotsav 2025, an initiative aimed at empowering student entrepreneurs.
Key Features of Udyamotsav 2025:
A platform for student entrepreneurs to pitch their startups to the investor community.
Opportunities to seek funding, mentorship, and guidance on business models and scaling strategies.
The event will be hosted across 14 Indian cities, fostering a collaborative environment for young innovators.
Importance of National Startup Day
Encouraging Entrepreneurship:
Aims to create a supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs, enabling innovation and growth.
Economic Development:
Startups play a crucial role in stimulating the economy, generating jobs, and driving innovation across diverse sectors.
Collaborative Platforms:
Initiatives like Udyamotsav ensure active collaboration between students, investors, and mentors, strengthening India's startup ecosystem.
Conclusion
National Startup Day not only recognizes the achievements of startups but also lays the foundation for a future where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive, ensuring India’s continued leadership in the global startup ecosystem. Udyamotsav 2025 is a key step in this journey, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to take their ideas to the world stage.