The Observer Vol 22 Edition 36

Website: theweeklyobserver.in

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recognition tech

Farmers to get pension if JD(S) comes to power, says Gowda

‘Help HDK to become chief minister again’

By Hamsaveni N

Former Prime Minister

H.D. Deve Gowda on Friday promised pension to farmers if the JD(S) is voted into office in Karnataka with a full majority. Implementing the Pancharatna scheme will be the party’s first priority.

Addressing a gathering at Chikkagollarahatti in the Yelahanka assembly constituency, which has 3.8 lakh voters, he made an emotional appeal to voters to vote for JD(S) and help H.D. Kumaraswamy, his son, become chief minister again.

“Even though I am 90 years old, I am here, as you all wished. Don’t be scared of anyone and vote for a tyrannical government. Vote instead for JD(S),

Shortage of court staff results in delayed justice

Manyfamilies in Karnataka await justice as pending cases have been piling up everyday, reports Hamsaveni N. The data shows that there are more than 19 lakh pending cases both in criminal and civil cases.. Experts say that shortage of staff in courts and the less efforts made by judiciary, police, people and other parties who are involved are the major reason behind the cases list. Coming to vacancies, it’s noted that the Karnataka government has more than 8,300 vacancies which include court staff, stenographers in the law department. Families say that they are sick of the dealyed justice and want to withdraw cases. Recently, Karnataka is ranked as the first among all the states in the country in delivering justice by the Indian Justice Report. Full story on page 3

| P4

behaviour” will be peaceful.

Besides beating up the JD(S) worker at Machohalli, Yelahanka, BJP workers burned the rival party’s flags. The Yelahanka police registered a non-cognizable case against them.

JD(S) candidate M. Munegowda said the non-cognizable case was registered after police agreed not to file an FIR. “Our party workers have been subjected to unacceptable behaviour by the BJP recently. We can’t even campaign peacefully in our own constituency. The person who was hit has been discharged from hospital but complains of chest pain and uneasiness. I will see him after this roadshow. The environment here was bad, so we approached Appaji (Deve Gowda). He accepted our request and is here to give us and the party positive energy and strength.”

News Briefs

Actor Sooraj Pancholi acquitted in Jiah case

Actor Sooraj Pancholi was on Friday acquitted of abetment charges in the suicide of actress Jiah Khan. On the order of the Bombay High Court, the CBI took over the probe from the Maharashtra police in July 2014. The CBI court in Mumbai announced the verdict. Jiah Khan, who was 25, was found dead in her suburban Mumbai home on June 3, 2013. TOI

Neeraj Chopra extends support to wrestlers

Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra on Friday extended his support to the protesting wrestlers and called for “quick action” from authorities in order to ensure that justice is done. The wrestlers have now received support from the country’s only two individual Olympic gold medallists, with 2008 Beijing Games shooting champion Abhinav Bindra, too, voicing his support to the grapplers. DH SC seeks report from

UP on Atiq’s killing

which focuses primarily on development. Give us a chance,” he said.

Highlighting a recent incident

in Yelahanka in which a JD(S) supporter was allegedly assaulted by BJP workers, he said his party’s response to this “rowdy

Munegowda promised to focus on building graveyards, repairing roads and solving the water problem in Yelahanka if he wins. Continued on page 3

Sr citizens want financial support

a matter of pride for the nation. However, several senior citizens want financial support from the government.

for them’

By Yukta Mudgal

Senior citizens in Bengalu-

ru have mixed opinion on the upcoming assembly elections. Some want a corruption-free society, while others think national pride is important.

BK Sheshadri, 67, a businessman who once supported the RSS shared: “The party that comes to power must eradicate corruption. Earlier, if the Congress was famous for 10 per cent corruption, now the BJP is famous for 30 per cent corruption.”

He continued: “I did not expect this from BJP because of its RSS background. Bengaluru would have developed even without the BJP coming to power.”

About pension for senior citizens, he said the government should also create a support system for senior citizens.

Suresh Prabhu, 60, a coffee seller, said: “I will vote for Modi because I have not seen leader with such a personality.”

Basavaraj Shettar, a businessman, said his father, who is a retired principal, believes the current government has got more international attention than any other government which is

M.B. Ramanujan, a 68-yearold fruit seller, said: “I don’t think about politics as I have other problems to think about, like financial problems. I think the youth have more to do with politics and live… as they are more ambitious and want to change the world.” He wishes for a better education system so that people don’t have to leave their families and country to pursue foreign education.

Laxmamma, 65, a fruit seller said she wants enough money to replace her tent with a shop.

At a press conference, IT minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar said: “BJP believes in Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas. We never neglect any section of society. We will launch our manifesto on the first week of May.”

Continued on page 3

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf at Prayagraj on April 15. The court order came on a petition filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari demanding a judicial probe into their killing and similar killings in UP. The matter will be heard after three weeks. HT Russian missile, drone kill 8 people in Ukraine Russia fired more than 20 cruise missiles and two drones at Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early Friday, killing at least eight people and striking a residential building in central Ukraine, officials said. There were no immediate reports of any missiles hitting targets in Kyiv, but fragments from intercepted missiles or drones damaged power lines and a road. AP

PM inaugurates 91 FM radio transmitters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated 91 FM transmitters spread across 18 states and two Union territories, in a move that will boost FM radio connectivity in the border regions and aspirational districts. With these new transmitters, the coverage will further increase by about 35,000 sqkm. PTI

Leaders from the BJP, AAP and JD(S) join Congress ahead of elections in Karnataka | P2

Voice

is smart, but not many users are aware of its vulnerability to attacks

‘Next govt must create a support system

H D Deve Gowda and JD(S) candidate M Munegowda (centre) address a gathering in Yelahanka | Credit: Hamsaveni N

Shivarajkumar’s wife Geetha, AAP, JD(S) men join Cong

We will win 150+ seats, says Vallabh

By Siddhi Chauhan

Severalleaders from the BJP, AAP and JD(S) joined the Congress on Friday.

Addressing a press conference at KPCC office, Gourav Vallabh, Congress spokesperson announced that Sohail Dilnawasi, former state secretary of AAP, and Shamshul Haq Khan, former JD(S) member, had joined the party today.

The Congress also welcomed Geetha Shivarajkumar, the wife of Sandalwood actor Shivarajkumar to the political party.

This comes after two JD(S) members, Narayana Gowda and Prabhakar Reddy, joined the Congress in the presence of KPCC chief D.K. Shivakumar.

Vallabh stated : “Earlier, it was shown that we would get 140+ seats, but now with a lot of leaders joining the party, it is not going to be anything less than 150 seats. The people want the Congress to come to power.

On behalf of the All India Congress Committee and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, I would say that Shamshul Haq Khan and Sohail Dil-

nawasi, your joining will further strengthen our fight against the divisive and polarizing policies of BJP and together we will take Karnataka to the next level.

‘Want to add my name to the list, else I will lose money’

By Hamsaveni N

Daily-wages women work-

ers, elderly women and school-going girls were present in large numbers at the JD(S) roadshow in the Yelahanka assembly constituency which was attended by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.

Bringing paid crowds to roadshows and meetings has become a common thing for political parties. Money and food is distributed among the people who come.

The Observer overheard a party worker wearing a green shawl conversing with a group of women. He said: “If someone asks you guys about money, don’t say that you are getting paid. Tell them you support JD(S) and you all have come here to see Deve Gowda.”

Another woman, who was with her mother, asked The Observer about a list where the names of people who attended the roadshow were noted.

“Do you know who is noting down the names for payment or who the list is with? I want to add my name and my mother’s name to the list or else I will lose the money.”

The two women are daily-wages workers living in slum in Chikkagollarahatti.

A woman who works in a school in Yelahanka said: “Yes,

Citizen’s Voice

P.T. Usha’s remark deserves condemnation

Because our politics are based on politics of development, politics of performance, politics of growth, politics of employment. So I formally welcome the gentleman joining us today.”

Khan said: “The party promised to give me a minority-dominated area ticket so that is the reason why I left JD(S) and joined Congress. My father was in Congress, even my grandfather was a part of the party, so it is a privilege to be a part of the legacy and work in the same political party. I am honoured.”

Raghu, KPCC spokesperson, informed The Observer: “Geetha Shivarajkumar, who was earlier in the JD(S), is the daughter of the former Karnataka chief minister S Bangarappa. She will campaign for Madhu Bangarappa, the Congress candidate contesting from Soraba constituency in Shivamogga.”

Geetha Srinivas informed The Observer: “I did so much for the BJP, but they refused to give me a ticket. They gave tickets only to those who had zero knowledge of politics or how politics work. Thus, I decided to join the Congress and be a part of a traditional political party.” siddhi.c@iijnm.org

The comment by Indian Olympic Association chief P.T. Usha that the wrestlers protesting in Delhi are tarnishing India’s image is condemnable. What is the guarantee that the association will help the athletes who suffered misbehavior? It’s a shame that nothing has been done to resolve the issue yet.

Janani S

Political parties must focus on real issues

I am disappointed with the political parties who are interested in doing vote-bank politics than addressing real civic issues. Bengaluru needs better infrastructure, water management, and waste disposal. The parties should focus on these issues instead of making false promises and accusations.

Agni

Dev

It is a contest between secularism, divisiveness May 10 is the day when the people of Karnataka will decide which party to elect to office. This election is very different from all others as it will decide whether the people of Karnataka will reclaim the state’s secular values or accept the divisive politics of the current establishment. We have to wait until the elections are over.

Aashwin S

POLITICIANS WHO SPEWED VITRIOL

The Congress is dreaming of digging Modi’s grave. They are busy digging Modi’s grave, whereas Modi is busy constructing the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway. They are busy digging Modi’s grave. Modi is busy working for the welfare of the poor.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi | Inauguration of Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway | March 12, 2023

Modi is like a poisonous snake. If you say, ‘No, it’s not poisonous’, let’s lick it and find out. Don’t go to lick it. If you lick, you die.

- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge | Rally at Ron, Gadag district | April 27

we were told we would be given money and food after roadshow.

I don’t know how much we will be paid, but we will get money in the end.”

Deve Gowda’s roadshow was in support of his party’s Yelahanka candidate, M. Munegowda.

Recently, when UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath participated in the roadshow in Mandya, The Observer broke the story that most of the crowd in the public meeting were paid.

BJP workers had brought people from nearby villages in buses and tempos promising each to pay Rs.300 to Rs.400 each person. Most of the crowd were women, mainly elderly women, and children. The majority of the paid workers didn’t know who Yogi Adityanath was. Big parties are bringing in high-profile leaders to campaign in Karnataka as the date for the final battle nears. hamsaveni.n@iijnm.org

Now Congress President Kharge calls Prime Minister Modi ‘poisonous snake’. What started with Sonia Gandhi’s ‘maut ka saudagar’, and we know how it ended, the Congress continues to plummet to new depths. The desperation shows Congress is losing ground in Karnataka and knows it.

- BJP IT Cell convener Amit Malviya | Twitter | April 27

If the Congress comes to power, dynastic politics will be at an all-time high and Karnataka will be afflicted with riots.

- Union home minister Amit Shah | Public meeting in Belagavi | April 26

Bringing paid crowds to roadshows and meetings has become a common thing for political parties. Money and food is distributed among the people who come.| Credit: Hamsaveni N

On Friday, D.K. Shivakumar at KPCC office welcomed leaders from JD(S), BJP and AAP | Credit: Siddhi Chauhan

In Karnataka, legal justice is taking too long to be delivered

Pending cases pile up as vacancies of court employees increase

By Hamsaveni N

According to the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), there are more than 19 lakh criminal and civil pending cases in Karnataka.

Experts say a shortage of staff in courts is one of the main reasons for this.

Data from the Karnataka government show there are more than 8,300 vacancies including court staff, clerical staff, stenographers, first and second division assistants in the law department of the state.

Pratibha, a homemaker from Tumakuru, accompanies to courts her mother, who for about six years has done rounds of courts to get compensation after losing her son in a car accident. “Since my mother is now by herself, I must go with her to court every time. Every time, it costs a lot to travel to Bengaluru. We have no idea why the case has taken this long to resolve.”

Pratibha’s husband, a karate master, said: “With a minimal income, going to courts is a great strain on my family. I only get paid when my school is in session. Justice is taking too long to be served for us.”

Many families like Pratibha’s wait for justice in front of the

city civil courts.

There are 9.2 lakh pending civil cases and 9.7 lakh pending criminal cases in Karnataka, according to NJDG data.

Shailaja K. Nayak, special public prosecutor said: “Efforts from one aspect can’t change nor reduce pending cases. Rather it is all-team efforts from the judiciary, police, people and other parties who are involved. Mainly when it comes to criminal cases, we face issues with victims absconding, medical examination, (parties) being absent during

‘Yelahanka will receive Rs 100 cr if JD(S) wins’

Continued from Page 1

Munegowda of JD(S) said:

“Yelahanka will receive Rs 100 crore after Kumaraswamy becomes chief minister of the state.”

K.P Mahadevaiah, a former president of the Harikere gram panchayat, said: “The presence of Deve Gowda in rallies and roadshows anywhere in the state is a big plus point for the JD(S). He has his own fan base, who admire him irrespective of the party they support in the state of Karnataka.”

However, a disappointed citizen who refused to be named said no candidate is better than the other. “We have no hopes from any politician, regardless of the party. I think voting for NOTA is a far better option.”

The BJP refrained from commenting on the JD(S) promise of pension for farmers.

Thirty-five BSF teams were deployed in Chikkagollarahatti, where Deve Gowda’s roadshow began. A few BJP workers, wearing orange shawls, stood and watched the rally.

Pradeep, a BJP worker who

Wonders of the World

Another family, who refused to be named, shared its experience of shuttling between courts for more than 10 years in a land dispute case. A woman from the family said: “The entire family has to come to the court when there is a hearing. Sometimes we are called for a hearing, but it doesn’t happen because of various reasons. We go back home wasting an entire day in court.” They are so mentally and financially drained that they want to get out of the case and never go back to court again.

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines

belonged to the group, said: “Yes, we burned JD(S) flags because they incited us. As an opponent, we responded and are standing here today in the premises of their rally.Let us see what happens after the elections. Until then we cannot be sure.”

hamsaveni.iijnm.org

hearings, and cross-verification of proof, accused and trails.”

These factors take a lot of time mainly when the number of accused are high. “However, courts can’t compromise on any steps in order to deliver proper justice.”

Nayak highlighted the shortage of staff in her office. “When there is one typist working for three to four public prosecutors, he takes more time than usual to do his work. I will be able to present only six to seven cases of 10 cases scheduled for me for the day. That is too much for me”

Anjaneya, an advocate with more than 23 years experience, said: “When we talk about Bengaluru, increasing population and cyber security issues continue to increase pending cases. It is always team work, including advocates, in giving justice fast. One of the longest cases I handled was for 21 years. The case is still going on because the accused and representing advocate just don’t want justice.”

The Indian Justice Report, in its 2022 report, ranked Karnataka at the top in delivering justice among 18 large states in India. Other states included in top five, including Uttar Pradesh in the bottom. hamsaveni.n@iijnm.org

Senior citizens need support from the govt

Continued from page 1

He further added: “ We are focusing on making the lives of the elderly easier and better to live.”

AAP leader Sanchit Sawhney informed The Observer that unlike other parties, his party implements what it promises. He promised to get back when asked what his party has for senior citizens.

At a press conference that The Observer attended IT Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar said “ BJP believes in Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and we never ignore any section of the society. We will launch our manifesto for this on the first of May. We are focusing on making the lives of the elderly easier.”

Devendra Rao, a Congress worker, said the party will release its manifesto for senior citizens on April 29.

IT minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar on Friday accused AAP leaders of leading a lavish lifestyle at the cost of the taxpayer. He referred to the Rs 45-crore renovation of the official residence of Delhi chief min-

ister Arvind Kejriwal and mentioned about it.

AAP state general secretary Sanchit Sawhney said that it is not Arvind Kejriwal’s house but the Delhi chief minister’s house. What the CM is doing is not renovation but restructuring. Recently, Delhi’s lieutenant governor had spent Rs 15 crore to Rs 18 crore on renovating his house. yukta.m@iijnm.org

This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river’s distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full ‘mountain-tosea’ ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. The river’s cavern exhibits dramatic speleothems and several large chambers as much as 120 m wide and 60m high. Its accessibility and navigability up to 4.5 km inland allows it to be experienced by the general public, who can view the magnificent rock formations on a river cruise unequalled by any other similar experience elsewhere in the world. The property contains outstanding biodiversity with the Palawan Moist Forest recognized by the WWF’s Global Report as containing the richest tree flora, with high levels of regional and local endemism and as being the largest and most valuable limestone forest in Asia. Sources say that it is a paradise of the Earth and everyone should visit.

Source: UNESCO

Quote of the day

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.”

—

Erma Bombeck

Around the city

Pragyaa summer camp - Till April 28 at Pragyaa Preschool and Daycare, 19, 1st A cross road, Anjaneya Nagar, Banashankari 3rd stage, Bangalore. Karnataka, India

Commercial music nightsApril 28 and 29 at 21st Amendment Gastrobar, 100 feet road, HAL 2nd stage, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar, Bengaluru

World Jazz Festival - Bengaluru, April 29, 2023, Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Kodandarampura, Malleswaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Indian Justice Report, in its 2022 report, ranked Karnataka at the top in delivering justice among 18 large states in India..Uttar Pradesh is at the bottom | Credit : Sneha T S

Munegowda of JD(S)| Credit: Anuja Parashar

Voice recognition technology smart; but has vulnerabilities

India is second, only to US in rapid adoption

By Yashaswini Sri

Did You Know?

because it’s easier and more convenient than fingerprint and face recognition. For years, I have used voice assistants so you get used to voice recognition as a password.”

Voice

recognition technology has been adopted as an alternative to fingerprint and iris scanning, despite privacy concerns of the users and vulnerability to attacks.

According to a Statista report, the voice recognition market is forecast to grow from $10.7 billion in 2020 to $27.16 billion by 2026 beacuse of the demand.

Trinity Audio reports that India is the second fastest countryto adopt voice-activated technology, just behind the US. More than three-quarters (76per cent) of Google users are familiar with speech and voice recognition technology and have been using it their daily activities.

Pintu Kumar, a professor who teaches Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the GITAM University, Bengaluru, said: “Biometrics is part of our daily lives. Our identity is intertwined with our biometrics. Out of all biometrics, voice recognition is the most vulnerable because we have many AIs that can be used to impersonate any person. In a country like India, identity theft is way easier than most of the people think.”

He further said: “Yes, we have many kinds of biometrics and are free to choose any of them. As technology tightenssecurity, the same kind of technology is used to break security as well.”

Syncsense, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to help businesses dub videos, responded to The Observeron email: “AI has both advantages and disadvantages. Artificial intelligence is a great help when it comes to creating content, especially

audio. We can play around, add emotion and duplicate the voice in many different ways. That makes the usage of AI both helpful and harmful as well. Hackers and fraudsters can prey on people and steal data. Voice recognition as a biometrics is still vulnerable to use.”

Samminga Raja, a student who uses voice recognition technology for biometrics, said: “Personally I am comfortable with voice recognition as a biometric

While voice and speech recognition is popular in India, many users are unaware it can be used as biometrics. Sharudh D, who completed his computer science engineering course, said: “I never knew voice recognition has the potential to be used as a biometric. I am only aware of, and have used,fingerprint.”

A University of Alabama research paper said voice biometrics is based on the assumption that each person has a unique voice that depends not only on the physiological features of his/ her vocal cords but also on his/ her body shape, and on the way sound is formed and articulated.

Nitesh Saxena, PhD, director of the Security and Privacy In Emerging Computing and Networking Systems, said, “Once the attacker defeats voice biometrics using fake voices, he could gain unfettered access to the system, which may be a device or a service, employing the authentication functionality. Because people rely on the use of their voices all the time, it becomes a comfortable practice What they may not realize is that level of comfort lends itself to making the voice a vulnerable commodity. or leave voice samples online which is not good.” yashaswini.s@iijnm.org

Blockchain tech is secure, can put to rest apprehensions of people wary of voting

By Vindhya Pabolu

Withthe use of blockchain technology, e-voting can be done anonymously and securely, say its advocates.

Most people who don’t vote say they do not trust the voting process as they think it could be manipulated by political parties and candidates. They say they hope voting will become safe and secure in the coming years.

Chanti (name changed), who has voted thrice, informed The Observer: “I voted (using) both ballot and electronic voting machine systems, but both I feel ren’t trustworthy. The votes we cast can be manipulated easily, even though the government says the voting system is transparent. If I am casting my vote…, I hope it won’t be manipulated for someone.”

Nikhil (name changed), who has voted once, shared: “I don’t trust voting even though the process has changed from ballots to EVMs. That’s the reason why I cast my vote only once.”

According to a research paper published in the International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research, voting in any country is conducted through ballot papers or EVMs. “These processes have many drawbacks such as lack

of transparency, low voter turnout, tampering of votes, distrust in the election body, forging of unique ID (voter ID card), delay in giving out results, and most importantly security issues. The security of digital voting is always the biggest concern when

Encephalitis Lethargica, or “Sleeping Sickness”, caused a pandemic which came into existence in 1916 and lasted till 1940. As per the records, this epidemic affected over half a million people in Europe. The strange part is that the cause and other relevant information about this epidemic are still unknown to mankind. As per the documentation prepared on this pandemic, this disease was predicted to spread worldwide, thereby affecting many people. However there is no information that states the cause of this sleeping sickness amongst people, making it one of the most bizarre mysteries. Researchers are putting their effort into gathering more information about this pandemic to date.

Historic Mysteries

Tweetcasm

Dear sleep, thanks for trying but you can’t beat mindlessly scrolling through reels @srishtayyyy

Quiz Answers

Maximum Temperature: 28°C

Minimum Temperature: 22°C

Dew Point: 66 F

Humidity: 58%

Air quality: Moderate

Pressure: 29.95 in

Precipitation: 10%

Wind: 5 km/h

Quote of the Week

considering implementing a digital voting system. One way the security issues can be potentially solved is through the use of blockchain technology.

Vikram P, director of the software department at Mastercard, shared: “Blockchain doesn’t allow you to make corrections. Even if someone tries to change, the software will show that it changed and will even display who made the changes. If the system is used in the voting process, manipulations aren’t possible and the security of the vote can be ensured. But the process has a lot of complications.

As blockchain technology is handled by several parties across the country, if something goes wrong, the government won’t know where to go and whom to ask. So, for this, the government has to appoint a group of developers… to look after the process. In this way, the voting system can maintain its accuracy and transparency.”

Read the complete story on www.theweeklyobserver.in

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.”

—Erma Bombeck

Produced by the Print students of the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media at Nityananda Nagar, Kumbalgodu, Kengeri hobli, Bengaluru 560074.

Editor: Yashaswini Sri

Reporters: Hamsaveni N, Yukta Mudgal, Siddhi Chahuan, Shruti Banerjee, Priya Pathak

Copy editors: Vindhya Pabolu

,Arsha B S, Ahona Roy, Sneha

TS

Photo editor: Janani Srinivas

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While voice and speech recognition is popular in India, many users are unaware it can be used for biometrics. | Credit: Ahona Roy