The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on May 1, 2025, a significant step to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls by integrating electronic death registration data from the Registrar General of India.

This initiative aims to streamline the updation of voter lists, ensuring greater purity and efficiency. By accessing real-time death records, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can promptly identify deceased voters, enabling Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct field verifications without relying on formal requests from family members.

This process leverages the ECI’s authority under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, to access such data, marking a shift toward technology-driven electoral management.

To enhance voter accessibility, the ECI has also revamped the design of Voter Information Slips (VIS).

The updated format prominently displays the voter’s serial and part numbers in a larger font, simplifying the process for voters to locate their polling stations and aiding polling officials in efficiently verifying names on the electoral roll. This redesign reflects the ECI’s commitment to making electoral processes more user-friendly, ensuring clarity and convenience on polling day.

Additionally, the ECI has mandated the issuance of standardized photo identity cards for all BLOs, who serve as the primary link between voters and the commission. These cards will make BLOs easily recognizable during house-to-house visits for voter verification and registration drives, fostering trust and confidence among citizens.

As grassroots representatives of the ECI, BLOs play a critical role in maintaining accurate voter records and facilitating voter engagement, and their identifiable presence strengthens public interaction.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize India’s electoral framework, incorporating digital tools to enhance transparency and efficiency.

By adopting electronic data integration and improving voter interface mechanisms, the ECI aims to uphold the integrity of the democratic process, ensuring that electoral rolls reflect accurate and current voter information. These measures are expected to bolster public trust in the electoral system, facilitating smoother and more inclusive elections across the country.

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On May 1, Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) hosted the grand inauguration of the WAVES Summit 2025, a four-day global event launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the summit aims to cement India’s role as a powerhouse in media, entertainment, and digital innovation, uniting creators, tech pioneers, industry titans, and policymakers from around the world.

The opening ceremony drew a dazzling array of Indian cinema luminaries, including Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Anil Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, and filmmaker SS Rajamouli.

Mohanlal kicked off the event with a captivating audio-visual showcase, while Rajinikanth delivered a poignant address, referencing the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Praising Modi as a “resilient leader,” he affirmed, “Despite calls to delay this event, I knew it would go on. My heartfelt support to the government and media industry.”

Shah Rukh Khan highlighted the summit’s global impact, stating, “Our stories are not just art but assets of immense value. Under PM Modi’s vision, WAVES is a transformative platform for creators and innovators worldwide.” Rajamouli echoed this, emphasizing India’s storytelling heritage: “Our narrative tradition spans millennia, yet we lag behind global peers like the US or Korea. WAVES can bridge that gap, uniting our efforts.” Ranbir Kapoor added, “This summit merges films, music, and cutting-edge tech. I’m honored to serve on its board.”

Kartik Aaryan, visibly moved, introduced Rajinikanth as “the nation’s superstar,” while Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani performed a stirring inaugural anthem with a 30-member orchestra. Anil Kapoor unveiled Sankalp, a performance by Sharad Kelkar celebrating India’s cultural diversity. Nagarjuna announced commemorative stamps honoring cinema legends Guru Dutt, Ritwik Ghatak, Salil Chowdhury, Raj Khosla, and P Bhanumati, building on tributes from the 55th IFFI.

With stars like Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and AR Rahman also attending, WAVES underscores India’s growing influence in global entertainment, driven by its vibrant film industry and digital innovation.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday sharply criticized yoga practitioner and entrepreneur Ramdev, declaring him “uncontrollable” and living “in his own world” after finding him in prima facie contempt of its earlier order.

The court’s ire stemmed from Ramdev’s controversial “sharbat jihad” remarks targeting Hamdard’s Rooh Afza, despite a prior directive on April 22 prohibiting him from making statements or sharing videos about Hamdard’s products.

Justice Amit Bansal, addressing the issue, stated, “His affidavit and the video clearly violate our order. This is prima facie contempt, and I will issue a notice summoning him.” The court was informed that Ramdev had posted a video with objectionable content, flouting its instructions. When Ramdev’s counsel requested a delay due to the unavailability of their lead lawyer, the court postponed the hearing briefly.

The case originates from a plea by Hamdard National Foundation India against Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd., challenging his inflammatory remarks. On the previous hearing, the court had condemned Ramdev’s “sharbat jihad” comment as “indefensible” and conscience-shocking, prompting him to promise the immediate removal of related videos and social media posts.

Hamdard’s counsel alleged that while promoting Patanjali’s “gulab sharbat,” Ramdev claimed profits from Rooh Afza were funneled into constructing madrasas and mosques, a statement deemed derogatory and misleading.

The court’s strong remarks underscore its frustration with Ramdev’s defiance, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle as it seeks to enforce compliance and address the fallout from his provocative statements.