In a response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s call to eliminate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has stated that his views do not apply to India. Mr. Chandrasekhar asserted that Indian EVMs are custom-designed, secure, and isolated from any network, unlike regular compute platforms used in other countries. This comes after the news of voting discrepancies in Puerto Rico’s primary elections, which led to a review of the contract with U.S. electronic voting company Dominion Voting Systems.
Elon Musk Calls for Elimination of Electronic Voting Machines, Draws Mixed Reactions
In a recent tweet, Tesla CEO Elon Musk called for the elimination of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), sparking a debate on the security and reliability of these systems.
Background
Electronic Voting Machines have been used in elections worldwide for decades, with varying degrees of success. Critics argue that EVMs can be susceptible to hacking and manipulation, potentially compromising the integrity of elections. Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that EVMs are reliable and secure, providing an efficient and accurate means of casting and counting votes.
Musk's Call for Elimination
Elon Musk's call to eliminate EVMs stemmed from concerns raised by voting discrepancies in Puerto Rico's primary elections. The discrepancies led to a review of the contract with Dominion Voting Systems, the U.S.-based company that manufactured the EVMs used in Puerto Rico.
Musk's tweet read, "Electronic voting machines have too many potential failure vectors. Get rid of them and go to paper ballots."
Reaction in India
In India, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar responded to Musk's statement, asserting that Indian EVMs are custom-designed and secure, unlike regular compute platforms used in other countries. Indian EVMs are isolated from any network, making them resistant to hacking attempts.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Are Indian EVMs vulnerable to hacking?
Indian EVMs are designed to be resistant to hacking, as they are isolated from any network and do not rely on external data or communication systems.
2. What is the difference between Indian and U.S. EVMs?
Indian EVMs are custom-designed and built for the unique needs of India's electoral system. They are isolated from any network, while U.S. EVMs may be connected to networks or use external data.
3. Why did Puerto Rico experience voting discrepancies?
The voting discrepancies in Puerto Rico's primary elections are still under investigation. However, initial reports suggest that there were issues with the configuration and operation of the EVMs used.
4. What are the advantages of paper ballots over EVMs?
Paper ballots provide a physical record of votes cast, which can be manually counted and audited. This eliminates the risk of electronic manipulation, but also makes the voting and counting process more time-consuming.
5. Why is the debate over EVMs important?
The debate over EVMs is important because it raises questions about the security and reliability of electronic voting systems. Ensuring the integrity of elections is crucial for maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
On National Press Day, Indian Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the nation's extensive media presence, with over 35,000 registered newspapers, multiple news channels, and a rapidly growing digital infrastructure. This recognition highlights the crucial role of media in promoting democracy and disseminating information to the masses.
The city of Imphal was thrown into chaos on Saturday as a mob attempted to storm the private residence of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The incident, which comes after the murder of three individuals in Jiribam district, sparked violent protests in the capital city and demand for justice. In response, the government has imposed a curfew in Imphal and suspended internet services in seven districts. The situation remains tense as the authorities continue their efforts to maintain order.
Mumbai's Members of Parliament (MPs) are already strategizing ways to tackle the city's pressing issues, such as congestion at subway stations and slum rehabilitation projects. This comes after the cabinet's decision to request the transfer of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project on a lease basis. However, Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale has accused the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of trying to create hurdles in the project by making baseless allegations against the Adani Group.
In the aftermath of violent clashes during the Chevayur Service Cooperative Bank election, where Congress party members and CPM-backed rebel factions were involved, the Congress party has called for a hartal in Kozhikode district. The election which was meant to be a peaceful democratic exercise turned chaotic, with police intervention and accusations of irregularities. Congress MP M K Raghavan has accused CPM of supporting the rebel factions and criticized the authorities for turning a blind eye to the situation.
BJP spokesperson Sandeep Varier's defection to the Congress in the final phase of the campaigning for the Palakkad bypoll has come as a major blow to the BJP's State leadership. Varier, who hails from a significant electoral community in the Palakkad constituency, was reportedly one of the top choices for the party's candidate. However, he publicly expressed his displeasure over the candidate selection and garnered ire from the State leadership for his controversial social media posts. The Congress, on the other hand, saw Varier's defection as a political jackpot and welcomed him to their party, sensing a better chance at winning the bypoll.
As campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly elections comes to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not hold back in criticizing the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. He accused the Shiv Sena of giving its remote control to the Congress and challenged them to get the party to praise the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Modi also slammed the Congress for being desperate for power and highlighted the reduced number of terror attacks in India under his government.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned following the release of a report exposing a cover-up of child abuse by John Smyth in the Church of England. Smyth was not brought to justice before his death in 2018, leading to increasing pressure on Welby. The resignation comes after private discussions with King Charles, who is the supreme governor of the Church of England.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his deepest condolences for the loss of innocent children in a devastating fire at a medical college in Uttar Pradesh. The District Magistrate confirmed that the fire, believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have also voiced their grief and directed officials to provide proper treatment to the injured infants.
After securing a historic win in Haryana, the BJP has shifted its focus and strategy for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. With a strong emphasis on reaching out to non-dominant communities and ensuring unity among its allies, the party aims to address anti-incumbency and secure a comeback after a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections. The party's focus on issues of identity and tackling alliances with the opposition, along with appealing to the core Shiv Sena voter base, could prove to be advantageous in their endeavor for a successful campaign.
Vinh Dang, a 54-year-old from Oklahoma City, was arrested by Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police after being caught with 150 pounds of marijuana. He was released on bond the following day but could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. This incident highlights ongoing debates and conflicts surrounding marijuana legalization and enforcement in various states.