PIB Summary- 8th March, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

ECI – leading the “Democracy Cohort on Election Integrity”

Context
ECI to host the 3rd International Conference on “Inclusive Elections & Elections Integrity”.

Details

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is leading the cohort on democracy which was established as a follow-up to the ‘Summit for Democracy’ held in December 2021. 
• ECI will host the 3rd International Conference on “Inclusive Elections & Elections Integrity” virtually on March 9, 2023. 
• Over 46 participants from 25 countries/Election Management Bodies (EMBs) as well as representatives of international organisations from IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and representatives from civil society organisations are expected to be a part of the conference. 
• The first International Conference of the Cohort on the theme “Role, Framework and Capacity of EMBs” was held on 31st October – 1st November 2022 in New Delhi. Over 50 representatives from the EMBs of 11 countries participated in the conference. 
• The second International Conference was hosted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) at New Delhi on 23-24 January 2023.
  • Over 40 participants from 16 countries participated on the theme “Use of Technology and Elections Integrity”. Also, delegates from International IDEA and IFES participated in the conference.

Summit for Democracy

• Summit for Democracy – an initiative of the US President was hosted in December 2021. Following this Summit, a ‘Year of Action’ was proposed with events and dialogues on themes related to Democracy. Two platforms – ‘Focal Groups’ and ‘Democracy Cohorts’ were formed to facilitate participation in the Year of Action. 
• India through ECI is leading the ‘Democracy Cohort on Election Integrity’ to share its knowledge, experience and technical expertise with other democracies of the world.
• The Second Summit of Democracy will be co-hosted by the U.S., Zambia, Netherlands, Republic of Korea and Costa Rica and is scheduled to be held on 29-30 March 2023.

French Naval Ships in Kochi

Context
French naval ships on a visit to Kochi.

Details

• Two warships of the French navy, amphibious helicopter carrier FS Dixmude and the frigate LA FAYETTE are on a visit to Kochi on the occasion of India and France celebrating the 25th anniversary of their strategic relationship.
• The visit of the French Navy Ships is scheduled between  6 – 10 March 2023 as part of the circumnavigation mission, Jeanne d’Arc mission. It is an annual deployment undertaken by French Navy ships and is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the navies of both countries.
• Indo-French naval cooperation is an important element in strengthening regional maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.