Indelible Ink Used in Elections

As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the iconic symbol of Indian polls is highly visible - a left hand with only the index finger extended, marked with purple-black indelible ink.

About Indelible Ink:

1. Indelible ink is composed of silver nitrate, a colorless compound that becomes visible under ultraviolet light, including sunlight.
2. The higher the concentration of silver nitrate, the more durable the ink's quality.
3. The ink can withstand soap, liquids, household cleaning agents, and detergents for up to 72 hours after application.
4. The precise protocol for making this ink, including its chemical composition and the quantity of each ingredient, is not widely known.
5. The indelible ink was initially manufactured by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) at the request of India's Election Commission.
6. Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. has been licensed to produce the ink since 1962 and exports it to more than 25 countries.
7. The Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951, specifically Section 61, mentions the use of indelible ink to mark the thumb or another finger of electors to prevent multiple voting.

Q1: What is Silver Nitrate?

Silver nitrate, denoted by the chemical formula AgNO3, is an inorganic compound. In its solid form, it exhibits a trigonal planar arrangement. Silver nitrate is extensively used as a precursor for other silver-containing compounds.

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