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.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.