Fact Check: Viral WhatsApp message "tender vote", "challenge vote" misleading; details here
New Delhi: A message circulating on WhatsApp is spreading false claims about the voting process in India, particularly regarding the concepts of "challenge vote" and "tender vote." The message advises voters to show their Aadhar card or voter ID and request a "challenge vote" if their name is not on the voter list, which is not true. Any person whose name is not on the electoral rolls cannot vote.
The message also incorrectly describes the concept of "challenged vote," which is when polling agents challenge the identity of a voter, and the presiding officer holds an inquiry into the challenge.
The concept of "challenge vote" does not exist under section 49A of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961, as described in the message. The section, in reality, pertains to the design of electronic voting machines.
Regarding the claim that if someone finds that their vote has already been cast, they can request a "tender vote," this claim is true. Under section 42 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, a person representing themselves as a particular elector can apply for a "tendered ballot paper" if another person has already voted as such an elector. They will be entitled to mark a ballot paper in the same manner as any other elector.
However, the claim that any polling booth recording more than 14% tender votes will trigger a repoll is false. Tendered votes are only considered when they are likely to affect the outcome of the election, such as when the margin of victory is less than the number of tendered votes. The Election Commission handbook also does not mention any specific percentage for triggering a repoll, so the figure of 14% is unfounded.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) spokesperson, Sheyphali Sharan, had earlier confirmed that a person whose name is missing from the voter list cannot vote. Therefore, the claim that voters can ask for a "challenge vote" using their Aadhar card or voter ID is misleading and false. The ECI advises voters to check their names on the electoral rolls before Election Day and update them if necessary.
Misinformation and false claims about the voting process can impact voter confidence and discourage people from exercising their right to vote. Therefore, it is essential to fact-check and verify information before sharing it with others. Voters can contact their local election officials or the Election Commission of India to clarify any doubts or queries about the voting process.
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Designed to develop motor skills in students: Physical edu makes debut in NCERT class VIII textbooks
New Delhi: In a move to prioritise fitness and overall well-being, the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new subject—Physical Education and Well Being—for Class VIII students this academic year. This addition comes as part of the NCERT's ongoing syllabus upgrades in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Dinesh Prasad Saklani, NCERT Director, states in the foreword to ‘Khel Yatra’ that it is “meticulously designed to develop motor skills in students and engage children in the team sports of Athletics, Table Tennis and Volleyball,” as reported by The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
The subject is divided into six chapters. Each chapter specifies the warm-up to be done, the activity and the cool-down steps.
The first chapter introduces physical games such as the Horse Vault Race, where students partner up and vault over each other, the Mass Drill which involves synchronised movements, and the Conduction Relay, a creative relay race designed to teach the concept of heat transfer. These activities aim to cultivate both physical strength and teamwork.
In addition to promoting fun, the curriculum also raises awareness on important social issues. For example, the lesson Baraf Pani educates students about the harmful effects of bullying and encourages both victims and bystanders to take action in reducing its impact.
As the curriculum progresses, it delves deeper into more structured sports activities. The Athletics chapter focuses on the technique of sprinting, teaching students the importance of posture, drive, and acceleration. Chapter 4 provides a detailed exploration of Table Tennis, covering aspects like grip, footwork, and forehand and backhand pushes. In Chapter 5, students learn about the essential skills in Volleyball, including passing, serving, spiking, blocking, and digging, with colorful and detailed illustrations for better understanding, the report added.
“Yoga can support us, particularly as we navigate changes and learn to manage our emotions,” states Chapter 6. Students will learn various postures, such as Sukshma Vyayama, Surya Namaskara, asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Pratyahara (sensory control), and Dhyana (meditation).
