Congress leaders have raised concerns about EVM tampering in Haryana, citing results from machines with varying battery strength. However, sources from the Election Commission have rejected these claims, stating that alkaline batteries used in EVMs have the property of regaining voltage when switched off, which explains the discrepancies in battery percentages. The EC further clarified that initial battery strength is determined on the day of commissioning in the presence of candidates, and the control unit remains functional as long as the battery has more than 5.8 volts, similar to a vehicle running on reserve fuel.
Electronic Voting Machines: Concerns and Clarifications
Background
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been used in India since 2000 to facilitate free and fair elections. They are designed to improve efficiency, reduce fraud, and enhance voter confidence. However, the use of EVMs has also sparked controversies regarding their reliability and susceptibility to tampering.
Current Concerns
In recent elections held in Haryana, Congress leaders expressed concerns about possible EVM tampering. They cited reports of discrepancies in battery strength among EVMs, suggesting that some machines may have been tampered with.
Election Commission's Response
The Election Commission (EC) has dismissed these claims, stating that the alkaline batteries used in EVMs have a unique property. When switched off, these batteries regain voltage, which explains the variations in battery percentages observed. The EC further clarified that:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Can EVMs be tampered with?
According to the EC, EVMs are tamper-proof and have multiple layers of security features. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of tampering with the software or firmware of the machines.
2. How are EVMs tested for accuracy?
EVMs undergo rigorous testing and certification processes before being deployed for elections. This includes mock polls, paper ballot trails, and random selection of machines for verification.
3. What are the advantages of EVMs?
EVMs reduce election time, eliminate manual errors, and provide quick counting of votes. They also improve voter convenience and have a deterring effect on booth capturing.
4. What are the concerns with EVMs?
Concerns have been raised about the lack of paper trails, the possibility of software vulnerabilities, and the potential for human error in handling the machines.
5. What measures are taken to ensure the integrity of EVMs?
The EC employs various measures to ensure the integrity of EVMs, including sealing of machines, security protocols, and independent verification of results. The machines are stored under tight security and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Conclusion
The issue of EVM reliability remains a topic of debate. While the EC maintains that EVMs are secure and tamper-proof, concerns about their vulnerability continue to persist. It is crucial for the EC to address these concerns transparently and take all necessary steps to enhance voter confidence in the electoral process.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
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Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
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Delhi has made history as the first Indian state to receive final clearance from the DGCA for conducting cloud seeding trials, a long-awaited solution to the city's severe air pollution problem. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the development, calling it a major step forward in Delhi's fight against air pollution. Cloud seeding involves dispersing particles to encourage rainfall and wash out pollutants from the atmosphere, and has been spoken about for years but never implemented. As Delhi faces a fuel ban on older vehicles, this clearance provides a glimmer of hope for cleaner air in the future.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra has revoked government resolutions that made Hindi mandatory as the third language in primary schools, following widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, including estranged Thackeray cousins Shiv Sena and MNS. However, questions have been raised about the timing and motives behind the government's decision, with the BJP accused of trying to impose Hindi on students. This move has also sparked a heated debate on the status of Hindi in Maharashtra, a state with a large Hindi-speaking population in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
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