India -Bhutan relations

Why in news?

PM Modi undertook a two-day state visit to Bhutan last week, which coincided with the celebrations for the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan and the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival.

What are the pillars of India – Bhutan relations?

• India and Bhutan share unique and exemplary bilateral relations, which are based on mutual trust, goodwill and understanding.

Diplomatic relations –

• Formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968.
• The basic framework of the relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.
• Regular high-level exchanges – Bhutan’s King visited India multiple times in 2022–2024; PM Modi visited Bhutan in 2019 and 2025.
• India follows a Neighbourhood First Policy, with Bhutan as a key partner in regional peace and development.

Trade & Economic relations

• Indian FDI in Bhutan – India is the largest investor, contributing approximately 50% of Bhutan’s total FDI.
• Bilateral trade volume – Tripled over the past decade, reaching USD 1.6 billion in 2022–23, with further growth projected in 2025.
• Major imports (from Bhutan) – Hydropower, ferrosilicon, cement, and agricultural products.
• Major exports – Fuel, machinery, food items, and construction materials.

Development Partnership

• India contributes Rs. 4,500 crore to Bhutan’s 12^th Five Year Plan, covering 73% of external grants and also, committed Rs. 10,000 crore for 13^th Five Year Plan (FYP).
• Key focus areas of India’s assistance - includes rural water supply, farm roads, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and digital connectivity.

Hydropower Diplomacy

• 4 operational projects – Chukha (336 MW), Kurichhu (60 MW), Mangdechhu (720MW) and Tala (1,020 MW) projects.
• Trade in Electricity – India’s electricity imports from Bhutan (2022) worth Rs. 2,448 crore

Education & Capacity Building

• Scholarships – India provides over 1000 scholarships annually; 4000 Bhutanese students study in India.
• Skill Development & Training – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program provides approximately 300 slots/year for Bhutanese officials and private sector employees.

Digital Cooperation

• BHIM App – Bhutan became the 2^nd country globally to launch BHIM, enhancing cross-border UPI-based transactions.
• India’s support for Digital Drukyul -  provided financial support for optical fibre backbone across all 20 districts to transform Bhutan into a digitally empowered society.

Space Cooperation

• MoU on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space - Signed in November 2020.
• India-Bhutan SAT – Jointly developed by ISRO and Bhutan’s Department of IT & Telecom (DITT), launched on 26 November 2022 via PSLV.

Cultural & People-to-People Ties

• India-Bhutan Foundation - established in 2003 to promote exchanges in education, arts, culture, and environment.
• India supports monastic visits, Buddhist heritage preservation, and temple construction (e.g., Rajgir Lhakhang).

• Bhutanese pilgrims regularly visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim, Udayagiri, and other sacred Buddhist sites in India.

• Diaspora – About 50,000 Indian citizens are working in Bhutan, mainly in the construction sector, education and technical consultants involved in infrastructure projects.

Health & COVID-19 Support

• Vaccine Maitri Initiative – India gifted 5.5 lakh doses of Covishield to Bhutan and marked a milestone in South-South cooperation and vaccine diplomacy.
• Repatriation Support – Facilitated the return of over 2,000 Bhutanese nationals stranded across India.

Defence cooperation - Centered on training the Royal Bhutan Army, joint border management, and strategic coordination, which includes providing equipment, logistical support, and conducting joint exercises

• Counter-insurgency operations - India has supported Bhutan in operations against insurgents, such as "Operation All Clear" in 2003, which cleared militant camps from Bhutanese territory.
• Strategic coordination - Both countries coordinate on strategic matters, particularly in response to incidents like the 2017 Doklam standoff, which highlighted their commitment to each other's security.

This partnership is crucial for regional stability, with India supporting Bhutan's security and territorial integrity, particularly given Bhutan's strategic location as a buffer state between India and China

What are the Key Highlights of India’s State Visit to Bhutan?

• Economic & Developmental Assistance – India reaffirmed its support for Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan and signed 3 New MoUs - Renewable energy, health, and mental health.
• Cultural ties – India has announced land for the construction of a Buddhist temple in Varanasi (in addition to the previous Bhutanese temple in Nalanda).
• Hydropower Diplomacy – Inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Project and resumed work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Project.
• Line of credit – India also extended a 1^st ever Line of Credit of Rs 40 billion for new energy projects in Bhutan.
• Connectivity & Infrastructure – Initiatives like the Darranga Check Post (inaugurated in 2024) and agreed to open an immigration check post at Gelephu, Bhutan and at Hatisar, Assam.
• Bhutan will also enjoy access to Assam’s Jogighopa multi-modal logistics park.
• India will be funding 2 railway links - between Samtse and Banarhat (Assam) and Gelephu and Kokrajhar (Assam).

What lies ahead?

• India-Bhutan relations are set to evolve into a multidimensional strategic partnership, moving beyond traditional hydropower and development.
• It aid towards deeper collaboration in digital infrastructure, space technology, education, and private sector investment - reinforced through consistent engagement and shared values.

References

1. The Hindu | A celebration of India-Bhutan ties
2. Ministry of External Affairs | India-Bhutan relations

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0

Mains: GS - II – Polity & Governance | Elections & Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act 

Why in news?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 across 12 States and Union Territories (UT). While the exercise is significant, caution is essential as it may inadvertently exclude eligible voters.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0?

• SIR – It is a comprehensive, house-to-house verification process of electoral rolls conducted by ECI.
• SIR 2.0 – It will take place in 12 states & UT–
  • Includes Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Aim – To ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
• Verified by – Booth Level Officers.
• SIR 1.0 – Was concluded in Bihar.
• No SIR for Assam – Because of its unique situation with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ongoing citizenship-related scrutiny, it will be notified later.

What are the key features and provisions of SIR 2.0?

• Process of SIR 2.0 –
  • House to house enumeration phase - where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit each household and give out forms.
  • Publication of draft electoral roll
  • Claims and objection period
  • Notice phase (hearing and verification)
  • Publication of final electoral roll.
• Appeal Process for Deletion – If a voter’s name is deleted, they can
  • First appeal to the District Magistrate (DM).
  • Second appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) if not satisfied with DM’s decision.
• Required documents for SIR – 12 documents -
  • Any identity cards, Pension payment order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any central government/State govt/PSU.
  • Any identity cards/ certificate/documents issued by Indian govt./ Banks/local authorities/PCU
  • Birth certificate issued by competent authority
  • Passport
  • Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/Universities
  • Permanent resident certificate issued by State authority
  • Forest Rights Certificate
  • OBC/ST/SC or any caste certificate
  • National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists) 10. Family register prepared by State/Local authorities
  • Any land/house allotment certificate by Govt.
  • Aadhaar (included as per the Supreme Court’s order)

No document is required during the enumeration process.

To Know about Various Electoral Forms & SIR, click here

What are the issues that associated with SIR 2.0?

• Fear of disenfranchisement – It is the documentation-heavy voter re-verification process, has raised fears of large-scale disenfranchisement and fears of stealthily instituting a citizenship screening mechanism.
• Flaws in revised rolls – Including a sharp decline in the adult-elector ratio, disproportionate deletions of women and Muslim voters, and duplicate names and bogus entries.
• Concerns Over Procedural Fairness – The current SIR lacks robust checks and balances, making it vulnerable to external interference.
• Institutional Concerns – The ECI’s role in Bihar’s voter revision has raised doubts about its fairness and credibility.
  • Instead of ensuring accurate and inclusive voter lists, it seems more focused on protecting its authority and avoiding scrutiny.
• Judicial Oversight – Although the SC monitored the process, it did not address the key legal issue — whether the EC has the legal power and rules to carry out such an exercise.
  • This could allow a flawed system that unfairly affects minorities and vulnerable groups to become permanent.
• Issue of internal migrants – Internal migrants, especially in Tamil Nadu, face challenges in securing voting rights due to rigid residency norms.
  • Section 19 of the RPA, 1950 - requires that a person is ‘ordinarily resident’ in a constituency for inclusion in its electoral roll & Section 20 provides the meaning of the term ‘ordinarily resident’.

What need to be done to address the shortcomings of SIR 2.0?

• Need for Social Audit – The current SIR lacks rules, oversight, scrutiny, and audit mechanisms highlighted the urgent need for mandatory social audits in consultation with civil society and political parties.

A social audit is a public review where people examine official records and share testimonies to confirm or question the information -  When done at the panchayat, ward, or booth level, it becomes the most effective way to revise electoral rolls.

• • The Constitution under Article 243A & 243J empowers such monitoring and audit.
  • Precedent for Social Audits – In 2003, under Chief ECI J.M. Lyngdoh - the decentralized social audits were conducted in gram sabhas/ward sabhas.
• Reform for ease of migrants – Broaden the definition of “ordinary residence” to reflect modern mobility and introduce portable voter registration mechanisms and simplified documentation for migrants.
• Define clear legal guidelines – Enact clear rules under theRPA, 1950 to define the scope, powers, and procedures of SIR and ensure parliamentary oversight and public consultation in rule formulation.
• Independent Scrutiny & Appeals – Establish third-party audits and public disclosure of deletion/inclusion decisions and strengthen the appeal process with time-bound redressal and multilingual support.

References

1. The Hindu | Need for a social audit for SIR 2.0
2. The Hindu | SIR 2.0: All about enumeration form, draft roll, etc,

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0

Mains: GS - II – Polity & Governance | Elections & Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act 

Why in news?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 across 12 States and Union Territories (UT). While the exercise is significant, caution is essential as it may inadvertently exclude eligible voters.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0?

• SIR – It is a comprehensive, house-to-house verification process of electoral rolls conducted by ECI.
• SIR 2.0 – It will take place in 12 states & UT–
  • Includes Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Aim – To ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
• Verified by – Booth Level Officers.
• SIR 1.0 – Was concluded in Bihar.
• No SIR for Assam – Because of its unique situation with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ongoing citizenship-related scrutiny, it will be notified later.

What are the key features and provisions of SIR 2.0?

• Process of SIR 2.0 –
  • House to house enumeration phase - where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit each household and give out forms.
  • Publication of draft electoral roll
  • Claims and objection period
  • Notice phase (hearing and verification)
  • Publication of final electoral roll.
• Appeal Process for Deletion – If a voter’s name is deleted, they can
  • First appeal to the District Magistrate (DM).
  • Second appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) if not satisfied with DM’s decision.
• Required documents for SIR – 12 documents -
  • Any identity cards, Pension payment order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any central government/State govt/PSU.
  • Any identity cards/ certificate/documents issued by Indian govt./ Banks/local authorities/PCU
  • Birth certificate issued by competent authority
  • Passport
  • Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/Universities
  • Permanent resident certificate issued by State authority
  • Forest Rights Certificate
  • OBC/ST/SC or any caste certificate
  • National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists) 10. Family register prepared by State/Local authorities
  • Any land/house allotment certificate by Govt.
  • Aadhaar (included as per the Supreme Court’s order)

No document is required during the enumeration process.

To Know about Various Electoral Forms & SIR, click here

What are the issues that associated with SIR 2.0?

• Fear of disenfranchisement – It is the documentation-heavy voter re-verification process, has raised fears of large-scale disenfranchisement and fears of stealthily instituting a citizenship screening mechanism.
• Flaws in revised rolls – Including a sharp decline in the adult-elector ratio, disproportionate deletions of women and Muslim voters, and duplicate names and bogus entries.
• Concerns Over Procedural Fairness – The current SIR lacks robust checks and balances, making it vulnerable to external interference.
• Institutional Concerns – The ECI’s role in Bihar’s voter revision has raised doubts about its fairness and credibility.
  • Instead of ensuring accurate and inclusive voter lists, it seems more focused on protecting its authority and avoiding scrutiny.
• Judicial Oversight – Although the SC monitored the process, it did not address the key legal issue — whether the EC has the legal power and rules to carry out such an exercise.
  • This could allow a flawed system that unfairly affects minorities and vulnerable groups to become permanent.
• Issue of internal migrants – Internal migrants, especially in Tamil Nadu, face challenges in securing voting rights due to rigid residency norms.
  • Section 19 of the RPA, 1950 - requires that a person is ‘ordinarily resident’ in a constituency for inclusion in its electoral roll & Section 20 provides the meaning of the term ‘ordinarily resident’.

What need to be done to address the shortcomings of SIR 2.0?

• Need for Social Audit – The current SIR lacks rules, oversight, scrutiny, and audit mechanisms highlighted the urgent need for mandatory social audits in consultation with civil society and political parties.

A social audit is a public review where people examine official records and share testimonies to confirm or question the information -  When done at the panchayat, ward, or booth level, it becomes the most effective way to revise electoral rolls.

• • The Constitution under Article 243A & 243J empowers such monitoring and audit.
  • Precedent for Social Audits – In 2003, under Chief ECI J.M. Lyngdoh - the decentralized social audits were conducted in gram sabhas/ward sabhas.
• Reform for ease of migrants – Broaden the definition of “ordinary residence” to reflect modern mobility and introduce portable voter registration mechanisms and simplified documentation for migrants.
• Define clear legal guidelines – Enact clear rules under theRPA, 1950 to define the scope, powers, and procedures of SIR and ensure parliamentary oversight and public consultation in rule formulation.
• Independent Scrutiny & Appeals – Establish third-party audits and public disclosure of deletion/inclusion decisions and strengthen the appeal process with time-bound redressal and multilingual support.

References

1. The Hindu | Need for a social audit for SIR 2.0
2. The Hindu | SIR 2.0: All about enumeration form, draft roll, etc,

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0

Mains: GS - II – Polity & Governance | Elections & Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act 

Why in news?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 across 12 States and Union Territories (UT). While the exercise is significant, caution is essential as it may inadvertently exclude eligible voters.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0?

• SIR – It is a comprehensive, house-to-house verification process of electoral rolls conducted by ECI.
• SIR 2.0 – It will take place in 12 states & UT–
  • Includes Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Aim – To ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
• Verified by – Booth Level Officers.
• SIR 1.0 – Was concluded in Bihar.
• No SIR for Assam – Because of its unique situation with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ongoing citizenship-related scrutiny, it will be notified later.

What are the key features and provisions of SIR 2.0?

• Process of SIR 2.0 –
  • House to house enumeration phase - where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit each household and give out forms.
  • Publication of draft electoral roll
  • Claims and objection period
  • Notice phase (hearing and verification)
  • Publication of final electoral roll.
• Appeal Process for Deletion – If a voter’s name is deleted, they can
  • First appeal to the District Magistrate (DM).
  • Second appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) if not satisfied with DM’s decision.
• Required documents for SIR – 12 documents -
  • Any identity cards, Pension payment order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any central government/State govt/PSU.
  • Any identity cards/ certificate/documents issued by Indian govt./ Banks/local authorities/PCU
  • Birth certificate issued by competent authority
  • Passport
  • Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/Universities
  • Permanent resident certificate issued by State authority
  • Forest Rights Certificate
  • OBC/ST/SC or any caste certificate
  • National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists) 10. Family register prepared by State/Local authorities
  • Any land/house allotment certificate by Govt.
  • Aadhaar (included as per the Supreme Court’s order)

No document is required during the enumeration process.

To Know about Various Electoral Forms & SIR, click here

What are the issues that associated with SIR 2.0?

• Fear of disenfranchisement – It is the documentation-heavy voter re-verification process, has raised fears of large-scale disenfranchisement and fears of stealthily instituting a citizenship screening mechanism.
• Flaws in revised rolls – Including a sharp decline in the adult-elector ratio, disproportionate deletions of women and Muslim voters, and duplicate names and bogus entries.
• Concerns Over Procedural Fairness – The current SIR lacks robust checks and balances, making it vulnerable to external interference.
• Institutional Concerns – The ECI’s role in Bihar’s voter revision has raised doubts about its fairness and credibility.
  • Instead of ensuring accurate and inclusive voter lists, it seems more focused on protecting its authority and avoiding scrutiny.
• Judicial Oversight – Although the SC monitored the process, it did not address the key legal issue — whether the EC has the legal power and rules to carry out such an exercise.
  • This could allow a flawed system that unfairly affects minorities and vulnerable groups to become permanent.
• Issue of internal migrants – Internal migrants, especially in Tamil Nadu, face challenges in securing voting rights due to rigid residency norms.
  • Section 19 of the RPA, 1950 - requires that a person is ‘ordinarily resident’ in a constituency for inclusion in its electoral roll & Section 20 provides the meaning of the term ‘ordinarily resident’.

What need to be done to address the shortcomings of SIR 2.0?

• Need for Social Audit – The current SIR lacks rules, oversight, scrutiny, and audit mechanisms highlighted the urgent need for mandatory social audits in consultation with civil society and political parties.

A social audit is a public review where people examine official records and share testimonies to confirm or question the information -  When done at the panchayat, ward, or booth level, it becomes the most effective way to revise electoral rolls.

• • The Constitution under Article 243A & 243J empowers such monitoring and audit.
  • Precedent for Social Audits – In 2003, under Chief ECI J.M. Lyngdoh - the decentralized social audits were conducted in gram sabhas/ward sabhas.
• Reform for ease of migrants – Broaden the definition of “ordinary residence” to reflect modern mobility and introduce portable voter registration mechanisms and simplified documentation for migrants.
• Define clear legal guidelines – Enact clear rules under theRPA, 1950 to define the scope, powers, and procedures of SIR and ensure parliamentary oversight and public consultation in rule formulation.
• Independent Scrutiny & Appeals – Establish third-party audits and public disclosure of deletion/inclusion decisions and strengthen the appeal process with time-bound redressal and multilingual support.

References

1. The Hindu | Need for a social audit for SIR 2.0
2. The Hindu | SIR 2.0: All about enumeration form, draft roll, etc,

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0

Mains: GS - II – Polity & Governance | Elections & Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act 

Why in news?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 across 12 States and Union Territories (UT). While the exercise is significant, caution is essential as it may inadvertently exclude eligible voters.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0?

• SIR – It is a comprehensive, house-to-house verification process of electoral rolls conducted by ECI.
• SIR 2.0 – It will take place in 12 states & UT–
  • Includes Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Aim – To ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
• Verified by – Booth Level Officers.
• SIR 1.0 – Was concluded in Bihar.
• No SIR for Assam – Because of its unique situation with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ongoing citizenship-related scrutiny, it will be notified later.

What are the key features and provisions of SIR 2.0?

• Process of SIR 2.0 –
  • House to house enumeration phase - where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit each household and give out forms.
  • Publication of draft electoral roll
  • Claims and objection period
  • Notice phase (hearing and verification)
  • Publication of final electoral roll.
• Appeal Process for Deletion – If a voter’s name is deleted, they can
  • First appeal to the District Magistrate (DM).
  • Second appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) if not satisfied with DM’s decision.
• Required documents for SIR – 12 documents -
  • Any identity cards, Pension payment order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any central government/State govt/PSU.
  • Any identity cards/ certificate/documents issued by Indian govt./ Banks/local authorities/PCU
  • Birth certificate issued by competent authority
  • Passport
  • Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/Universities
  • Permanent resident certificate issued by State authority
  • Forest Rights Certificate
  • OBC/ST/SC or any caste certificate
  • National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists) 10. Family register prepared by State/Local authorities
  • Any land/house allotment certificate by Govt.
  • Aadhaar (included as per the Supreme Court’s order)

No document is required during the enumeration process.

To Know about Various Electoral Forms & SIR, click here

What are the issues that associated with SIR 2.0?

• Fear of disenfranchisement – It is the documentation-heavy voter re-verification process, has raised fears of large-scale disenfranchisement and fears of stealthily instituting a citizenship screening mechanism.
• Flaws in revised rolls – Including a sharp decline in the adult-elector ratio, disproportionate deletions of women and Muslim voters, and duplicate names and bogus entries.
• Concerns Over Procedural Fairness – The current SIR lacks robust checks and balances, making it vulnerable to external interference.
• Institutional Concerns – The ECI’s role in Bihar’s voter revision has raised doubts about its fairness and credibility.
  • Instead of ensuring accurate and inclusive voter lists, it seems more focused on protecting its authority and avoiding scrutiny.
• Judicial Oversight – Although the SC monitored the process, it did not address the key legal issue — whether the EC has the legal power and rules to carry out such an exercise.
  • This could allow a flawed system that unfairly affects minorities and vulnerable groups to become permanent.
• Issue of internal migrants – Internal migrants, especially in Tamil Nadu, face challenges in securing voting rights due to rigid residency norms.
  • Section 19 of the RPA, 1950 - requires that a person is ‘ordinarily resident’ in a constituency for inclusion in its electoral roll & Section 20 provides the meaning of the term ‘ordinarily resident’.

What need to be done to address the shortcomings of SIR 2.0?

• Need for Social Audit – The current SIR lacks rules, oversight, scrutiny, and audit mechanisms highlighted the urgent need for mandatory social audits in consultation with civil society and political parties.

A social audit is a public review where people examine official records and share testimonies to confirm or question the information -  When done at the panchayat, ward, or booth level, it becomes the most effective way to revise electoral rolls.

• • The Constitution under Article 243A & 243J empowers such monitoring and audit.
  • Precedent for Social Audits – In 2003, under Chief ECI J.M. Lyngdoh - the decentralized social audits were conducted in gram sabhas/ward sabhas.
• Reform for ease of migrants – Broaden the definition of “ordinary residence” to reflect modern mobility and introduce portable voter registration mechanisms and simplified documentation for migrants.
• Define clear legal guidelines – Enact clear rules under theRPA, 1950 to define the scope, powers, and procedures of SIR and ensure parliamentary oversight and public consultation in rule formulation.
• Independent Scrutiny & Appeals – Establish third-party audits and public disclosure of deletion/inclusion decisions and strengthen the appeal process with time-bound redressal and multilingual support.

References

1. The Hindu | Need for a social audit for SIR 2.0
2. The Hindu | SIR 2.0: All about enumeration form, draft roll, etc,

India -Bhutan relations

Why in news?

PM Modi undertook a two-day state visit to Bhutan last week, which coincided with the celebrations for the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan and the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival.

What are the pillars of India – Bhutan relations?

• India and Bhutan share unique and exemplary bilateral relations, which are based on mutual trust, goodwill and understanding.

Diplomatic relations –

• Formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968.
• The basic framework of the relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.
• Regular high-level exchanges – Bhutan’s King visited India multiple times in 2022–2024; PM Modi visited Bhutan in 2019 and 2025.
• India follows a Neighbourhood First Policy, with Bhutan as a key partner in regional peace and development.

Trade & Economic relations

• Indian FDI in Bhutan – India is the largest investor, contributing approximately 50% of Bhutan’s total FDI.
• Bilateral trade volume – Tripled over the past decade, reaching USD 1.6 billion in 2022–23, with further growth projected in 2025.
• Major imports (from Bhutan) – Hydropower, ferrosilicon, cement, and agricultural products.
• Major exports – Fuel, machinery, food items, and construction materials.

Development Partnership

• India contributes Rs. 4,500 crore to Bhutan’s 12^th Five Year Plan, covering 73% of external grants and also, committed Rs. 10,000 crore for 13^th Five Year Plan (FYP).
• Key focus areas of India’s assistance - includes rural water supply, farm roads, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and digital connectivity.

Hydropower Diplomacy

• 4 operational projects – Chukha (336 MW), Kurichhu (60 MW), Mangdechhu (720MW) and Tala (1,020 MW) projects.
• Trade in Electricity – India’s electricity imports from Bhutan (2022) worth Rs. 2,448 crore

Education & Capacity Building

• Scholarships – India provides over 1000 scholarships annually; 4000 Bhutanese students study in India.
• Skill Development & Training – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program provides approximately 300 slots/year for Bhutanese officials and private sector employees.

Digital Cooperation

• BHIM App – Bhutan became the 2^nd country globally to launch BHIM, enhancing cross-border UPI-based transactions.
• India’s support for Digital Drukyul -  provided financial support for optical fibre backbone across all 20 districts to transform Bhutan into a digitally empowered society.

Space Cooperation

• MoU on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space - Signed in November 2020.
• India-Bhutan SAT – Jointly developed by ISRO and Bhutan’s Department of IT & Telecom (DITT), launched on 26 November 2022 via PSLV.

Cultural & People-to-People Ties

• India-Bhutan Foundation - established in 2003 to promote exchanges in education, arts, culture, and environment.
• India supports monastic visits, Buddhist heritage preservation, and temple construction (e.g., Rajgir Lhakhang).

• Bhutanese pilgrims regularly visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim, Udayagiri, and other sacred Buddhist sites in India.

• Diaspora – About 50,000 Indian citizens are working in Bhutan, mainly in the construction sector, education and technical consultants involved in infrastructure projects.

Health & COVID-19 Support

• Vaccine Maitri Initiative – India gifted 5.5 lakh doses of Covishield to Bhutan and marked a milestone in South-South cooperation and vaccine diplomacy.
• Repatriation Support – Facilitated the return of over 2,000 Bhutanese nationals stranded across India.

Defence cooperation - Centered on training the Royal Bhutan Army, joint border management, and strategic coordination, which includes providing equipment, logistical support, and conducting joint exercises

• Counter-insurgency operations - India has supported Bhutan in operations against insurgents, such as "Operation All Clear" in 2003, which cleared militant camps from Bhutanese territory.
• Strategic coordination - Both countries coordinate on strategic matters, particularly in response to incidents like the 2017 Doklam standoff, which highlighted their commitment to each other's security.

This partnership is crucial for regional stability, with India supporting Bhutan's security and territorial integrity, particularly given Bhutan's strategic location as a buffer state between India and China

What are the Key Highlights of India’s State Visit to Bhutan?

• Economic & Developmental Assistance – India reaffirmed its support for Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan and signed 3 New MoUs - Renewable energy, health, and mental health.
• Cultural ties – India has announced land for the construction of a Buddhist temple in Varanasi (in addition to the previous Bhutanese temple in Nalanda).
• Hydropower Diplomacy – Inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Project and resumed work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Project.
• Line of credit – India also extended a 1^st ever Line of Credit of Rs 40 billion for new energy projects in Bhutan.
• Connectivity & Infrastructure – Initiatives like the Darranga Check Post (inaugurated in 2024) and agreed to open an immigration check post at Gelephu, Bhutan and at Hatisar, Assam.
• Bhutan will also enjoy access to Assam’s Jogighopa multi-modal logistics park.
• India will be funding 2 railway links - between Samtse and Banarhat (Assam) and Gelephu and Kokrajhar (Assam).

What lies ahead?

• India-Bhutan relations are set to evolve into a multidimensional strategic partnership, moving beyond traditional hydropower and development.
• It aid towards deeper collaboration in digital infrastructure, space technology, education, and private sector investment - reinforced through consistent engagement and shared values.

References

1. The Hindu | A celebration of India-Bhutan ties
2. Ministry of External Affairs | India-Bhutan relations

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0

Mains: GS - II – Polity & Governance | Elections & Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act 

Why in news?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 across 12 States and Union Territories (UT). While the exercise is significant, caution is essential as it may inadvertently exclude eligible voters.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0?

• SIR – It is a comprehensive, house-to-house verification process of electoral rolls conducted by ECI.
• SIR 2.0 – It will take place in 12 states & UT–
  • Includes Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Aim – To ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
• Verified by – Booth Level Officers.
• SIR 1.0 – Was concluded in Bihar.
• No SIR for Assam – Because of its unique situation with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and ongoing citizenship-related scrutiny, it will be notified later.

What are the key features and provisions of SIR 2.0?

• Process of SIR 2.0 –
  • House to house enumeration phase - where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit each household and give out forms.
  • Publication of draft electoral roll
  • Claims and objection period
  • Notice phase (hearing and verification)
  • Publication of final electoral roll.
• Appeal Process for Deletion – If a voter’s name is deleted, they can
  • First appeal to the District Magistrate (DM).
  • Second appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) if not satisfied with DM’s decision.
• Required documents for SIR – 12 documents -
  • Any identity cards, Pension payment order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any central government/State govt/PSU.
  • Any identity cards/ certificate/documents issued by Indian govt./ Banks/local authorities/PCU
  • Birth certificate issued by competent authority
  • Passport
  • Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/Universities
  • Permanent resident certificate issued by State authority
  • Forest Rights Certificate
  • OBC/ST/SC or any caste certificate
  • National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists) 10. Family register prepared by State/Local authorities
  • Any land/house allotment certificate by Govt.
  • Aadhaar (included as per the Supreme Court’s order)

No document is required during the enumeration process.

To Know about Various Electoral Forms & SIR, click here

What are the issues that associated with SIR 2.0?

• Fear of disenfranchisement – It is the documentation-heavy voter re-verification process, has raised fears of large-scale disenfranchisement and fears of stealthily instituting a citizenship screening mechanism.
• Flaws in revised rolls – Including a sharp decline in the adult-elector ratio, disproportionate deletions of women and Muslim voters, and duplicate names and bogus entries.
• Concerns Over Procedural Fairness – The current SIR lacks robust checks and balances, making it vulnerable to external interference.
• Institutional Concerns – The ECI’s role in Bihar’s voter revision has raised doubts about its fairness and credibility.
  • Instead of ensuring accurate and inclusive voter lists, it seems more focused on protecting its authority and avoiding scrutiny.
• Judicial Oversight – Although the SC monitored the process, it did not address the key legal issue — whether the EC has the legal power and rules to carry out such an exercise.
  • This could allow a flawed system that unfairly affects minorities and vulnerable groups to become permanent.
• Issue of internal migrants – Internal migrants, especially in Tamil Nadu, face challenges in securing voting rights due to rigid residency norms.
  • Section 19 of the RPA, 1950 - requires that a person is ‘ordinarily resident’ in a constituency for inclusion in its electoral roll & Section 20 provides the meaning of the term ‘ordinarily resident’.

What need to be done to address the shortcomings of SIR 2.0?

• Need for Social Audit – The current SIR lacks rules, oversight, scrutiny, and audit mechanisms highlighted the urgent need for mandatory social audits in consultation with civil society and political parties.

A social audit is a public review where people examine official records and share testimonies to confirm or question the information -  When done at the panchayat, ward, or booth level, it becomes the most effective way to revise electoral rolls.

• • The Constitution under Article 243A & 243J empowers such monitoring and audit.
  • Precedent for Social Audits – In 2003, under Chief ECI J.M. Lyngdoh - the decentralized social audits were conducted in gram sabhas/ward sabhas.
• Reform for ease of migrants – Broaden the definition of “ordinary residence” to reflect modern mobility and introduce portable voter registration mechanisms and simplified documentation for migrants.
• Define clear legal guidelines – Enact clear rules under theRPA, 1950 to define the scope, powers, and procedures of SIR and ensure parliamentary oversight and public consultation in rule formulation.
• Independent Scrutiny & Appeals – Establish third-party audits and public disclosure of deletion/inclusion decisions and strengthen the appeal process with time-bound redressal and multilingual support.

References

1. The Hindu | Need for a social audit for SIR 2.0
2. The Hindu | SIR 2.0: All about enumeration form, draft roll, etc,

India -Bhutan relations

Why in news?

PM Modi undertook a two-day state visit to Bhutan last week, which coincided with the celebrations for the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan and the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival.

What are the pillars of India – Bhutan relations?

• India and Bhutan share unique and exemplary bilateral relations, which are based on mutual trust, goodwill and understanding.

Diplomatic relations –

• Formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968.
• The basic framework of the relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.
• Regular high-level exchanges – Bhutan’s King visited India multiple times in 2022–2024; PM Modi visited Bhutan in 2019 and 2025.
• India follows a Neighbourhood First Policy, with Bhutan as a key partner in regional peace and development.

Trade & Economic relations

• Indian FDI in Bhutan – India is the largest investor, contributing approximately 50% of Bhutan’s total FDI.
• Bilateral trade volume – Tripled over the past decade, reaching USD 1.6 billion in 2022–23, with further growth projected in 2025.
• Major imports (from Bhutan) – Hydropower, ferrosilicon, cement, and agricultural products.
• Major exports – Fuel, machinery, food items, and construction materials.

Development Partnership

• India contributes Rs. 4,500 crore to Bhutan’s 12^th Five Year Plan, covering 73% of external grants and also, committed Rs. 10,000 crore for 13^th Five Year Plan (FYP).
• Key focus areas of India’s assistance - includes rural water supply, farm roads, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and digital connectivity.

Hydropower Diplomacy

• 4 operational projects – Chukha (336 MW), Kurichhu (60 MW), Mangdechhu (720MW) and Tala (1,020 MW) projects.
• Trade in Electricity – India’s electricity imports from Bhutan (2022) worth Rs. 2,448 crore

Education & Capacity Building

• Scholarships – India provides over 1000 scholarships annually; 4000 Bhutanese students study in India.
• Skill Development & Training – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program provides approximately 300 slots/year for Bhutanese officials and private sector employees.

Digital Cooperation

• BHIM App – Bhutan became the 2^nd country globally to launch BHIM, enhancing cross-border UPI-based transactions.
• India’s support for Digital Drukyul -  provided financial support for optical fibre backbone across all 20 districts to transform Bhutan into a digitally empowered society.

Space Cooperation

• MoU on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space - Signed in November 2020.
• India-Bhutan SAT – Jointly developed by ISRO and Bhutan’s Department of IT & Telecom (DITT), launched on 26 November 2022 via PSLV.

Cultural & People-to-People Ties

• India-Bhutan Foundation - established in 2003 to promote exchanges in education, arts, culture, and environment.
• India supports monastic visits, Buddhist heritage preservation, and temple construction (e.g., Rajgir Lhakhang).

• Bhutanese pilgrims regularly visit Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim, Udayagiri, and other sacred Buddhist sites in India.

• Diaspora – About 50,000 Indian citizens are working in Bhutan, mainly in the construction sector, education and technical consultants involved in infrastructure projects.

Health & COVID-19 Support

• Vaccine Maitri Initiative – India gifted 5.5 lakh doses of Covishield to Bhutan and marked a milestone in South-South cooperation and vaccine diplomacy.
• Repatriation Support – Facilitated the return of over 2,000 Bhutanese nationals stranded across India.

Defence cooperation - Centered on training the Royal Bhutan Army, joint border management, and strategic coordination, which includes providing equipment, logistical support, and conducting joint exercises

• Counter-insurgency operations - India has supported Bhutan in operations against insurgents, such as "Operation All Clear" in 2003, which cleared militant camps from Bhutanese territory.
• Strategic coordination - Both countries coordinate on strategic matters, particularly in response to incidents like the 2017 Doklam standoff, which highlighted their commitment to each other's security.

This partnership is crucial for regional stability, with India supporting Bhutan's security and territorial integrity, particularly given Bhutan's strategic location as a buffer state between India and China

What are the Key Highlights of India’s State Visit to Bhutan?

• Economic & Developmental Assistance – India reaffirmed its support for Bhutan’s 13^th Five Year Plan and signed 3 New MoUs - Renewable energy, health, and mental health.
• Cultural ties – India has announced land for the construction of a Buddhist temple in Varanasi (in addition to the previous Bhutanese temple in Nalanda).
• Hydropower Diplomacy – Inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Project and resumed work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Project.
• Line of credit – India also extended a 1^st ever Line of Credit of Rs 40 billion for new energy projects in Bhutan.
• Connectivity & Infrastructure – Initiatives like the Darranga Check Post (inaugurated in 2024) and agreed to open an immigration check post at Gelephu, Bhutan and at Hatisar, Assam.
• Bhutan will also enjoy access to Assam’s Jogighopa multi-modal logistics park.
• India will be funding 2 railway links - between Samtse and Banarhat (Assam) and Gelephu and Kokrajhar (Assam).

What lies ahead?

• India-Bhutan relations are set to evolve into a multidimensional strategic partnership, moving beyond traditional hydropower and development.
• It aid towards deeper collaboration in digital infrastructure, space technology, education, and private sector investment - reinforced through consistent engagement and shared values.

References

1. The Hindu | A celebration of India-Bhutan ties
2. Ministry of External Affairs | India-Bhutan relations