Kapil Sibal releases ‘to-do list’ to ensure no tampering of EVMs
New Delhi: Independent Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal released a chart for counting agents in order to ensure that there is no tampering of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine) for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Sibal was addressing a press conference on Sunday.
The former Union Minister said that the counting agents must check the time on the machines as to when the machine has been opened which should be on June 4. He urged people to match total votes with counted votes.
Presenting the chart, Sibal explained that, "This chart includes the Control Unit (CU) number, Ballot Unit (BU) number, and VVPAT ID. The third column is crucial; it shows the date June 4, 2024, and the time when the machine will be opened. Any discrepancy in this time indicates that the machine may have been tampered with. Additionally, the serial number of the control unit must be matched."
He advised, "When the total poll votes are counted, examine them carefully. If there are discrepancies in the count, problems may arise. Ensure the result button is not pressed until all figures are verified. Any timing mismatch suggests tampering. I urge all political parties and candidates to rigorously check the first column before proceeding."
Sibal stressed on the importance of following this procedure to prevent any potential EVM tampering. "Many people believe these machines can be tampered with, and we are trying to ensure transparency," he said.
During the media address, Sibal also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's veiled ‘jail’ remark at RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav, stating that it was an indication that investigative agencies are acting under the PM's influence. "The Prime Minister, holding a dignified office, has reduced its dignity by making such remarks. It's an insult to women and opposition leaders. This kind of rhetoric fosters a culture of hate.”
In a recent rally in Karakat, Modi had said, "Today, I am giving one more guarantee to the people of Bihar. Those who looted the poor to get land registered in lieu of jobs should listen carefully, their countdown for going to jail has started. Once he completes his rounds on the helicopter, his road to jail will be finalized."
Sibal argued that the PM's promise to send Tejaswi Yadav to jail after the elections was pointing out that the legal process was being manipulated. "There is a legal process. How does he know the outcome? This confirms that investigative agencies are working under his direction. It reflects poorly on our democratic processes," Sibal outraged.
"Despite this being a violation of the model code of conduct, I don't expect any intervention because of the existing complicity," he added.
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India proposes preferential trade agreement with Mexico to deal with high tariffs
New Delhi (PTI): India has proposed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Mexico to help domestic exporters deal with the steep tariffs announced by the South American country, a top government official said on Monday.
Mexico has decided to impose steep import tariffs - ranging from about 5 per cent to as high as 50 per cent on a wide range of goods (about 1,463 tariff lines) from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that India has engaged with the country on the issue.
"Technical level talks are on...The only fast way forward is to try to get a preferential trade agreement (PTA) because an FTA (free trade agreement) will take a lot of time. So we are trying to see what can be a good way forward," he told reporters here.
While in an FTA two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on maximum number of goods traded between them, in a PTA, duties are cut or removed on a limited number of products.
Trading partners of Mexico cannot file a compliant against the decision on imposing high tariffs as they are WTO (World Trade Organisation) compatible.
The duties are within their bound rates, he said, adding that their primary target was not India.
"We have proposed a PTA because its a WTO-compatible way forward... we can do a PTA and try to get concessions that are required for Indian supply chains and similarly offer them concessions where they have export interests in India," Agrawal said.
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Citing support for local production and correction of trade imbalances, Mexico has approved an increase in MFN (most favoured nation) import tariffs (5-50 per cent) with effect from January 1, 2026 on 1,455 tariff lines (or product categories) within the WTO framework, targeting non-FTA partners.
Preliminary estimates suggest that this affects India's around USD 2 billion exports to Mexico particularly -- automobile, two-wheelers, auto parts, textiles, iron and steel, plastics, leather and footwear.
The measure is also aimed at curbing Chinese imports.
India-Mexico merchandise trade totalled USD 8.74 billion in 2024, with exports USD 5.73 billion, imports USD 3.01 billion, and a trade surplus of USD 2.72 billion.
The government has been continuously and comprehensively assessing Mexico's tariff revisions since the issue emerged, engaging stakeholders, safeguarding the interests of Indian exporters, and pursuing constructive dialogue to ensure a stable trade environment benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.
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Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai has said that Mexico's decision is a matter of concern, particularly for sectors like automobiles and auto components, machinery, electrical and electronics, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and plastics.
"Such steep duties will erode our competitiveness and risk, disrupting supply chains that have taken years to develop," Sahai said, adding that this development also underlines the little urgency for India and Mexico to fast-track a comprehensive trade agreement.
Domestic auto component manufacturers will face enhanced cost pressures with Mexico hiking duties on Indian imports, according to industry body ACMA.
