The world鈥檚 largest democratic election is about science too. The battle against corruption and inflation is centre stage as Indians vote over the next two weeks. But the major parties are also touting policies on nuclear power, the internet, climate change and genetically engineered crops. Our guide explores the science and technology that feature in this Indian election.
Internet and transport
The ruling (INC) boasts of already having increased broadband availability 100-fold, and promises further expansions to enable 鈥渄emocratisation of information鈥�. It expects its 鈥淣ational Policy for Electronics鈥� to create 28 million jobs by 2020, and vows to plough $1 trillion into high-speed rail links.
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The INC鈥檚 main opposition, the , meanwhile vows to spread broadband coverage across the country 鈥渢o every village鈥�, and to make all schools and institutions 鈥渆-enabled鈥�.
91色情片care and traditional medicine
The fledgling , whose principal stated goal is also to fight corruption, promises to provide universal access to healthcare. It also advocates research to validate the traditional , which are part of Indian healthcare. The other parties also promise wider access to healthcare, and a look at the value of AYUSH.
Nuclear power and arms
The two major parties vow to pursue nuclear power strategies, both for energy and defence. The BJP says: 鈥淲e will follow a two-pronged independent nuclear program, unencumbered by foreign pressure and influence, for civilian and military purposes.鈥� It backs continued development of nuclear reactors based on the radioactive element thorium, which may be safer than reactors based on uranium.
Climate and environment
All three parties promise to clean up the environment and expand renewable sources of power. The BJP, however, has also vowed to exploit India鈥檚 fossil fuel resources to the full, to boost economic growth.
As part of its drive to tackle elitism, the Aam Aadmi Party promises to bring the country鈥檚 major mineral, water and forest resources under state ownership, allowing local communities to exploit more minor minerals, forest produce and rainwater.
With a nod to worries about Himalayan glaciers melting through global warming, the BJP promises to set up a university 鈥渄edicated to Himalayan technology鈥�. It also promises programmes to tackle the melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Farming and genetic modification
All three parties back the expansion of organic farming and other practices that avoid the industrialisation of agriculture. All three also say that genetically engineered crops will be approved only if proven safe for people and the environment.
