Content :

1. From grocery payments to smart classrooms, resilient internet is the foundation of resilient India as we complete 20 years: NIXI
2. ECI marks several firsts in Bye-polls: Mobile Deposit Facility; Upgraded VTR sharing process; 100% Webcasting of Polling Stations

From grocery payments to smart classrooms, resilient internet is the foundation of resilient India as we complete 20 years: NIXI

NIXI at 20: Backbone of Digital India

• National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) was established on 19th June 2003 under MeitY.
• Celebrated 20 years of operations in 2025 — “NIXI Day” commemorates this milestone.
• Operates 77 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the country ensuring local routing of internet traffic.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) ,GS 3(Technology)

Key Roles and Contributions

• Faster, Safer & Localised Internet:
  • Keeps domestic traffic within India → results in lower latency, higher speed, data security, and resilience.
  • Reduces dependence on foreign servers → enhances cyber-sovereignty.

• Silent Enabler of Everyday Digital Life:
  • Facilitates services like UPI payments, e-commerce, telemedicine, smart classrooms, and online governance.
  • Was instrumental during COVID-19 in maintaining healthcare, education, and e-governance continuity.

• Strengthens Rural India:
  • Enables small businesses to access global markets.
  • Assists in e-Governance penetration to remote areas → supports inclusion and transparency.

Digital Infrastructure and Resilience

• Trustworthy Infrastructure:
  • Provides disaster-resilient, stable networks during cyberattacks, cable failures, or natural disasters.
  • Critical to maintaining national digital continuity.

• IPv6 Transition:
  • NIXI’s IRINN division leads the migration to IPv6, crucial for:
    • Smart devices & IoT integration
    • Expanding addressable internet space
    • Future-ready architecture

• Linguistic and Digital Inclusion:
  • Offers domain names in Indian languages (.भारत) → boosts vernacular adoption.
  • Supports small ISPs → expands reach in underserved regions.

Vision for the Future

• Resilient India through Resilient Internet:
  • Internet must be local in routing, global in credibility, and future-ready.
• NIXI’s Roadmap:
  • AI-powered traffic routing
  • Disaster-resilient IXPs in underserved areas
  • Collaboration with global governance bodies
  • Promotion of vernacular domain names to deepen digital grassroots participation

Quote to Remember

“A resilient internet is the foundation of a resilient India.” – Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO, NIXI

ECI marks several firsts in Bye-polls: Mobile Deposit Facility; Upgraded VTR sharing process; 100% Webcasting of Polling Stations

Context

• Bye-elections were conducted on 19th June 2025 in 5 Assembly Constituencies across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal.
• A total of 1354 polling stations were involved.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented several innovative reforms for the first time.

Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Governance)

Key Firsts Introduced by ECI

Mobile Deposit Facility at Polling Stations

• First-time initiative to help electors deposit mobile phones before entering the polling booth.
• Ensures compliance with polling guidelines (no mobile use inside stations).
• Especially beneficial for women, senior citizens, and PwD voters.
• Implemented using pigeonhole boxes or jute bags at the entrance.
• Volunteers assisted voters — reflects a voter-friendly reform.

Upgraded Voter Turnout Reporting (VTR) System

• Earlier system: Manual data relay by Sector Officers, delayed VTR updates (often till 10–11 PM).
• New system:
  • Presiding Officers directly update VTR via the ECINET App every 2 hours.
  • Real-time updates at the constituency level.
  • Final turnout data entered before leaving the polling station.
  • Offline functionality ensures operability in areas with poor network access.
• Result: Faster, more transparent dissemination of voter turnout trends.

100% Webcasting of Polling Process

• All polling stations covered (except one) by live surveillance through webcasting.
• Enabled real-time monitoring at RO, DEO, and CEO levels.
• Ensures integrity of the election process, discourages malpractices.
• Reflects use of technology for free and fair elections.

Individual Mock Poll Training

• All Presiding Officers received individualized mock poll training.
• Enhances professionalism and efficiency in polling duties.

Special Summary Revision (SSR) of Electoral Rolls

• Conducted before bye-polls for the first time in 20 years.
• Ensures updated, accurate voter rolls → improves electoral credibility.

Significance

• These pilot reforms are expected to be scaled for upcoming major elections like the Bihar Assembly Elections.
• Highlights ECI’s focus on:
  • Technological innovation
  • Voter convenience
  • Data transparency
  • Electoral integrity