Category: I&B Ministry

  • MIB invites agencies to FM Radio Phase-III e-auction proposals

    MIB invites agencies to FM Radio Phase-III e-auction proposals

    Mumbai:  On behalf of the President of India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has announced an invitation for proposals to select an agency for conducting the e-auction of private FM channels as part of FM Radio Phase-III.

    The core of this initiative is the selection of a competent agency to manage the e-auction process. As outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP), the MIB seeks an agency capable of handling this complex auction with transparency and efficiency. Eligible entities include companies registered under the Companies Act of 1956/2013, foreign companies with a registered office in India, or consortia of such companies. The selected agency will oversee the allocation of FM radio frequencies according to the MIB’s guidelines.

    Detailed information on the application procedures is available on the official MIB website and the Government’s e-procurement portal. The RFP, including the scope of work and eligibility criteria, can be accessed at [MIB’s website](http://www.mib.gov.in ) and [CPPP Portal](https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app ). Interested bidders should regularly visit these sites for updates and clarifications.

    The deadline for bid submissions is 17 September 2024. Bidders must register on the e-tender portal and submit their proposals online, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of Rs 50,000 through the Bharatkosh Portal. Additionally, a Bank Guarantee for Earnest Money Deposit must be physically submitted to the MIB’s FM Cell.

    Phase III of this expansion aims to rejuvenate the FM radio sector by introducing more private players, enhancing regional representation, and broadening content offerings, from local news and cultural programming to diverse music genres. The auction process is vital for achieving these goals and ensuring that new FM channels enrich the media landscape.

    Eligibility criteria for agencies include a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 2.5 Crore and a combined net worth of at least Rs 10 Crores. The RFP also requires CMMi level 3 (or above) certification and disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest with existing FM broadcasting companies.

    As India advances with this FM radio expansion, the role of the selected agency will be crucial in managing the auction process and ensuring fair access for all participants. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and diverse media environment.

     

  • Prasar Bharati invites proposals for integrating apps with the OTT Platform

    Prasar Bharati invites proposals for integrating apps with the OTT Platform

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati, the largest public broadcaster in India, has issued a notice inviting proposals for integrating various application platforms with its OTT platform. This call for proposals encompasses several categories, including OTT applications, gaming applications, educational applications, and other types of apps.

    The integration proposals can be based on a Revenue Share Model, offering two main options: sharing content from the applicant’s platform with Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform or exchanging content between the applicant’s platform and Prasar Bharati’s OTT service. Prasar Bharati retains the discretion to consider any submitted proposal, reflecting its flexible approach to content acquisition.

    The application platform-owning companies are required to submit their proposals via email to ott-content@prasarbharati.gov.in, accompanied by a link to the application platform and login credentials to preview the app content.

    All submissions will be evaluated according to the guidelines outlined in Chapter 11 of the Content Sourcing Policy – 2024, which was announced on August 9, 2024. Proposals that do not meet the policy’s eligibility conditions or other stipulated requirements will be rejected. Notably, gaming applications involving monetary transactions, betting, or games of chance are excluded from consideration.

    Prasar Bharati has specified that no processing fee will be charged for proposal submissions. The content acquisition process will be ongoing, with proposals assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Prasar Bharati’s content needs and the merits of each proposal. There is no set deadline for submissions, allowing for continuous evaluation and integration of new content.

  • National Film Development Corporation reveals 2024 Screenwriters’ Lab finalists

    National Film Development Corporation reveals 2024 Screenwriters’ Lab finalists

    Mumbai: National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) received more than 150 applications this year from 21 states out of which six projects of various genres have been selected for the 17th edition of NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab, an ongoing initiative to develop, nurture, and promote original voices from all over India. The six screenwriters, who also happen to be filmmakers of ad films, short films, novelist, documentaries, and feature films, have written the selected scripts in multiple languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Konyak, English & Maithili.

    “We, at NFDC, strongly feel that a well-written script forms the foundation of a compelling story, engaging characters, and meaningful dialogue, all of which are essential elements of a successful film. We are at the forefront of not only training our writers to better develop their unique stories, but also pitch them successfully to domestic and international producers and investors at Film Bazaar, while keeping industry trends and practices in mind,” said NFDC Film Bazaar team

    The three-part intensive Screenwriters’ Lab is part of NFDC Labs’ ongoing initiative to develop original voices and stories from India. Selected participants work closely with noted mentors in an intensive 5-month program to fine-tune existing screenplays through personalized interactions and group sessions under the guidance of acclaimed script experts from India and around the  world. Aimed at domestic as well as international markets, the projects will be pitched to  producers and investors in a specially designed session during Film Bazaar 2024.

    The six selected projects for NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab 2024 are as follows:

    1.  Hawa Mithai by (CANDY FLOSS) Anuritta K Jha – Maithili & Hindi

    A six year-old village boy Tundu and his best friend Bullu set out on a heart-warming and fantastical journey to eat the Sun inspired by the legend of Lord Hanumanji, in order to win back his mother’s love.

    2.  I’ll Smile in September by Aakash Chhabra – Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi & Punjabi

    After getting separated from the love of his life and losing his front teeth in a brutal altercation which ensues after it, a young brass band player in Old Delhi attempts to move on in life by finding his smile back.

    3.  Kalaa Kaali (The Art Of The Dark) by Anam Danish – English & Hindi

    Two siblings along with their friends, investigate a death in the family only to discover a generational curse that looms over them and set out to end it by using their family’s tradition of black magic.

    4.  Konyak by Uddhav Ghosh – Konyak Naga & Hindi & English

    On the fringe of civilisation, amidst Nagaland’s unforgiving beauty, a deadly feud erupts between legendary headhunting tribes. Young warrior Thungpang Konyak, burdened by prophetic visions and haunted by betrayal, embarks on a relentless chase to protect his community and reclaim honor, confronting his former friend turned mortal enemy Sangba, as brother turns against brother in a brutal struggle for survival.

    5.  Mangal – The Holy Beast by Triparna Maiti – Assamese, Malayalam & Hindi

    Captured as an elephant calf, Mangal encounters both love and loss as he is made to join the world of humans. Transported from one place to another, changing hands, he ultimately becomes a revered deity worshiped as God, yet tied in chains, until he decides to break free.

    6.  Piyush Ki Toh…Nikal Padi (To Pee or Not To Pee) by Piyush Srivastava – Hindi

    Piyush, a charming 32-year old, faces a comedic nightmare on his first visit to his in-laws when a packing mistake leaves him without Adult Diapers, risking exposure of his embarrassing bedwetting problem. He must navigate a hilarious & heart-warming journey to procure new ones with his supportive wife’s help, all while keeping his secret hidden.

    About Mentors

    This year’s mentors include the founder of NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab (features) Marten Rabarts (New Zealand), Claire Dobbin (Australia), Ritesh Shah (India)

    1. Marten Rabarts – With more than 30 years of experience in the film industry, Marten Rabarts held his most recent position as the Festival Director of the New Zealand International Film Festival, following nearly 5 years heading EYE International at the EYE, the national film museum of the Netherlands. Prior to this, Marten served as the Head of Development and Training at NFDC India in Mumbai, where he established NFDC LABS, contributing to the success of films like The Lunchbox and Titli, among many others. Previously, Rabarts was Artistic Director of Binger Filmlab in Amsterdam for 12 years, which saw such successes as Michael Roskam’s Bullhead, cult hit The Babadook by Jennifer Kent, Cannes-winning Salvo by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza, and Adina Pintilie’s 2018 Golden Bear Award winner Touch Me Not. Furthermore, Marten was a founding member of the advisory board of Torino Film Lab, is a voting member of the European Film Academy, served on the board of European Film Promotion, and regularly serves on festival juries, including the Berlinale (Short Film Jury, Generation 14plus, Teddy Awards), Skip City Tokyo, Adelaide Film Festival, and Guanajuato Film Festival, among others.

    2. Claire Dobbin – Claire is a globally active script editor, executive producer, and creative producer, collaborating with development agencies, screenwriters, producers, and directors. She has been serving as a script advisor since 2005 for the prestigious international script workshop éQuinoxe Europe, participating as a jury member in key international film festivals, and also organizing and leading international screenwriting workshops in diverse locations such as Italy, Ukraine, India, Norway, Doha, Dubai, Iran, Germany, and New Zealand. From 1986 to 2000, Claire held the position of Senior Executive (Creative) at Australia’s national screen agency. Between 2003 and 2019, Claire chaired the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), overseeing initiatives that made MIFF a cornerstone of the industry. She secured funds for MIFF’s international film finance market and established the MIFF Premiere Fund, investing in over 50 Australian films that premiered at MIFF. Claire’s achievements include receiving the Order of Australia (AM) for Services to the Australian Film Industry in 2017 and the Jill Robb Award for outstanding leadership in the Victorian Screen Industry in 2019. Currently, Claire serves as the executive producer for several films and is actively involved in script editing international feature films and TV series across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, India, and the United States.

    3. Ritesh Shah – Ritesh Shah did his Bachelors in English Literature from Hindu College (1993-1996) and has done his Masters in Mass Communications from MCRC, Jamia Milia Islamia. He began his career as a playwright with Act One Art Group, New Delhi. His works include the fringe award winner Othello – A play in black and white. Ritesh switched to television in 1999. His television writing credits include Josh, Kashmeer, Krishna Arjun and the award winning series Kagaar. Ritesh Shah began his film career by contributing dialogue to movies like Kahaani and Namastey London and then went on to co-write films like D-day and Airlift. His solo screenplay and dialogue credits include films like B.A. Pass, Citylights, Force, the critically acclaimed Pink and Raid. Ritesh Shah has been nominated for Filmfare award for best story for B.A.Pass and best screenplay for D-day for which he also won a Zee Cine Awards Nomination. He won the Filmfare, Zee Cine and Star Screen awards for best dialogue for Pink.

    Previous, award-winning projects that have originated from the NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab include LUNCHBOX (Ritesh Batra), LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA (Alankrita Shrivastava), DUM LAGA KE HAISHA (Sharat Katariya), TITLI (Kanu Behl), SHAB (Onir), A DEATH IN THE GUNJ (Konkona Sen Sharma), ISLAND CITY (Ruchika Oberoi), BOMBAY ROSE (Gitanjali Rao), and CHUSKIT (Priya Ramasubban), In the Belly of a Tiger (Siddartha Jatla), Fire in the Mountains (Ajitpal Singh) Ullozhukku (Christo Tomy) just to name a few.
     

  • MIB halts release of revised broadcasting services bill

    MIB halts release of revised broadcasting services bill

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has decided not to release a new draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill at this time. According to recent media reports, official sources from the MIB have indicated that there is no immediate need for this legislation and it has been put on hold.

    The Ministry had initially planned to issue a revised draft following varied feedback on the existing proposal, especially concerning the regulation of online content creators through licensing or registration. To address these concerns, MIB extended the feedback deadline to 15 October 2024 and intended to publish a new draft afterward. However, various media reports state that the government is now shifting its focus towards the Digital India Act to address these regulatory issues instead of pursuing further revisions of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.

    Since taking office in June, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has voiced reservations about the bill and has reportedly criticised the drafting process, according to sources. In fact, Vaishnaw had recently told The Hindu: “We are very open minded, very flexible and want to make sure that whatever we do, we do after taking all the diverse views into consideration.” 

    The bill would have required OTT broadcasting service operators and digital news broadcasters to notify the government of their operations, including subscriber and viewer numbers, within one month of the act’s publication. Social media intermediaries would also have needed to ensure compliance with all act requirements. It was intended to replace key provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995.

  • MIB pushes for GST exemption on digital news subscriptions

    MIB pushes for GST exemption on digital news subscriptions

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has urged the Department of Revenue to either exempt digital news subscriptions from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or reduce the tax rate from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, as per media reports. In a letter addressed to Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju emphasised that newspapers are exempt from GST due to the importance of providing “correct and factual information” to Indian citizens.

    A note attached to the letter warned that the current higher tax burden could hinder the growth of the online news sector, potentially pushing it towards an advertising-based model, which could negatively impact the quality and credibility of news content.

    “With the growing internet penetration in India and the nascent stage of the online news industry, it is requested that the disparity between GST on printed newspapers and digital/online news subscriptions be addressed by either exempting the GST on the latter or reducing it from 18% to 5%, aligning it with the rate on e-books,” the letter stated.

    Digital publishers have been advocating for this change even before finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on 23 July. MIB referred to a 29 September 2023, office memorandum that recommended exempting online news subscriptions from GST to create parity with printed newspapers. However, the revenue department’s office memo dated 5 June 2024, noted that the GST Council had discussed this proposal during its meeting on 11 July 2023, but did not endorse it.

    The MIB also cited a similar issue resolved in 2018 when the GST Council reduced the GST rate on e-books from 18 per cent to five per cent through a notification dated 26 July 2018. The 54th GST Council meeting is scheduled for 9 September, following the last meeting held on 22 June.

    In the attached background note, the MIB highlighted that very few internet users in India pay for online news. A higher GST rate on digital news subscriptions could push the online news sector toward an advertising model, potentially affecting the quality and credibility of content through practices such as clickbait, sensational headlines, and fake or misleading news.

    The MIB also pointed out that the 18 per cent GST on online news subscriptions generates approximately Rs 21.6 crore in revenue from a total revenue of Rs 120 crore. The MIB argued that reducing the GST to either nil or 5 per cent “may not lead to substantial revenue forgone by the government exchequer.” Online news subscriptions fall under the category of services for the “supply of images, text, and information and making available of databases.” The MIB stressed that providing “credible and factual information in the nature of news” is distinct from other online content services, as it “empowers citizens to make informed decisions and be aware of their rights and responsibilities.”

    Currently, printed newspapers, journals, and periodicals are exempt from GST. Under the IGST Act, online news subscriptions are taxed at 18 per cent as Online Information Database Access and Retrieval (OIDAR) services, which are internet services lacking a physical interface between the supplier and the recipient.

  • MIB extends draft broadcast bill consultation date to 15 October

    MIB extends draft broadcast bill consultation date to 15 October

    Mumbai: The ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) has announced late last night on X (twitter) that the last date for receiving comments/recommendations/suggestions on the much-talked-about draft broadcasting bill has been extended to 15 October 2024. It also attached the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Bill, 2023 which it had released on 10 November 2023 with the tweet, and not the “2024 draft version” which has been doing the rounds of several publications.

    It had been alleged by several media outlets that the bill in its 2024 draft version would curb the relative freedom that news channels, influencers, online websites, and OTT platforms currently enjoy by asking them to set up content evaluation committees.  

    Earlier yesterday, certain news publications had reported that the ministry had told organisations to return their copies of the “2024 draft version” to it.  The MIB it is reported was holding consultations with select stakeholders on this version.

    Even as the date has been extended, it was not clear at the time of writing whether the 2024 draft version was being scrapped in its entirety or only parts of it would be.

    In its tweet, the MIB cryptically said that a fresh draft would be published after detailed consultations. 

  • MIB mandates IN-SPACe authorisation for use of foreign satellite capacity in broadcasting services

    MIB mandates IN-SPACe authorisation for use of foreign satellite capacity in broadcasting services

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a directive to satellite TV channels and teleport operators to obtain authorization from the government-backed Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for using foreign satellite capacity for broadcasting services.

    In an advisory dated 10 July, the MIB stated that existing arrangements for using capacity in C, Ku, or Ka frequency bands from foreign satellite operators can be extended until 31 March 2025.

    “Starting from April 1, 2025, only IN-SPACe authorized non-Indian Geostationary Orbit (GSO) satellites and/or Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations will be permitted to provide their capacity for space-based communication and broadcast services in India,” the advisory states.

    The ministry mentioned further that applications for authorisation must be submitted through the IN-SPACe website by an Indian entity, which could be an Indian subsidiary, a joint venture/collaboration, or an authorized dealer/representative of the foreign satellite operator in India.

    NewSpace India has leased transponder capacity in C, Ku, and extended C bands from both Indian and foreign satellites.

    As of March 2023, the Department of Space reported that 18 communication satellites were operating over India, equipped with communication transponders in C-band, Extended C-band, Ku-band, Ka/Ku band, and S-band.

    About 70 transponders in Ku-band and High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity of 1.6 GHz were leased from international satellite operators, while an additional 40 transponders in C-band were directly leased by broadcasters for TV uplinking.

  • NBDA strengthens regulations with graded penalties for broadcasters and digital publishers

    NBDA strengthens regulations with graded penalties for broadcasters and digital publishers

    Mumbai: The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (“NBDA”) is the collective voice of the news, current affairs and digital broadcasters in India, whose membership includes leading news and current affairs broadcasters and digital news publishers, who run news and current affairs channels and digital news platforms. Members of NBDA are some of the nation’s top-rated news channels and they command more than 80 per cent of news television viewership in India.

    One of the significant achievements of NBDA is its independent self-regulatory body “News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority” (NBDSA), which was established nearly 15 years ago. NBDSA has emerged as a time-tested complaint redressal system and process for the viewers.  Since its inception, NBDSA has been headed by eminent former judges of the Supreme Court of India, and by other renowned Independent Members, who have striven to improve broadcasting standards.

    The NBDA Board felt that it had become necessary to review and amend the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Regulations (regulations) to bring it in sync with the evolving media landscape.

    The NBDA Board is grateful to Justice (Retd) A. K. Sikri, chairperson, NBDSA, Justice (Retd) R. V Raveendran, former chairperson, NBDSA and  Senior Advocate Arvind P. Datar, for their invaluable guidance and inputs in facilitating the process.  

    The salient features of the regulations are:

    With the inclusion of digital news media in its membership, the regulations have been amended to bring digital publishers under the purview of NBDSA. Further, several new definitions have been added in the Regulations, which include:

    “Digital News Media” means digitized news content that can be transmitted over the internet or computer networks and includes content received, stored, transmitted, edited or processed by a digital publisher;

    “Digital News Platforms” refers to platforms which facilitate transmission of digitized news content over the internet or computer networks including social networking sites or social media;

    “OTT Platforms” refers to platforms which facilitate transmission of any program, feature, news-item, news-report or any other matter over the internet or computer networks on demand;

    “Digital Publisher” includes a news portal, news aggregator, news agency and any other entity which is engaged in publishing of news and current affairs content on digital news platforms, OTT platforms, social networking sites and social media.

    Penalties to be imposed for violation of the Code of Conduct have been broadened to include graded penalties, which are as follows:

    7.       Powers of Authority

    “Where, on receipt of a complaint made to it or otherwise, the Authority has reason to believe that a Broadcaster or Digital Publisher has violated the Code of Conduct, the Authority may, after giving the Broadcaster or Digital Publisher concerned, an opportunity of being heard, hold an inquiry in such manner as is provided by these Regulations and, if it is satisfied that it is necessary so to do, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, direct the following penalties to be imposed upon the broadcaster or digital publisher:-

    For the first violation issue/express:

    a. warning, admonish, censure, disapproval, regret, apology and/or

    b. impose a fine of upto Rs. 2 lacs

    For the second violation issue/express:

    a. warning, admonish, censure, disapproval, regret, apology and/or

    b. impose a fine of upto Rs. 5 lacs

    For the third violation issue/express:

    a. warning, admonish, censure, disapproval, regret, apology and/or

    b.  impose a fine upto one per cent of the total annual turnover of the channel.

    Provided such fine shall not exceed Rs.25 lakhs, in any given matter.

    In addition to the above, on the third violation of the code of conduct, the authority may direct a particular programme to be suspended for up to one week and/or direct the broadcaster to suspend the anchor for upto one month and/or issue any other direction as the authority deems appropriate to the broadcaster or digital publisher and/or recommend to the concerned authority for suspension/revocation of license of such broadcaster;

    Provided that the fine imposed by the authority shall be recovered from the concerned broadcaster or digital publisher.

    Provided that if the authority holds that the Broadcaster or digital publisher has violated the code of conduct, it will direct the broadcaster/digital publisher to immediately remove or suitably edit the broadcast/publication from all digital news platforms, social media and social networking sites;”

    Suo-Motu proceedings

    “The Authority has the power to initiate suo motu proceedings and issue notice or, as the case may be, take action in respect of any matter which falls within the mischief contemplated in these regulations or relating to any matter falling within or arising from the Code of Conduct, and in such cases the Authority would be free to adopt its own procedure and such procedure need not be the same procedure as when the complaint is filed.

    The authority may exercise suo motu power in cases where public interest requires immediate remedial action to be taken, or in other cases where the Authority deems it fit to do so.

    Where suo motu proceedings have been taken ex-parte, the authority will issue notice to the concerned broadcasters/digital publishers within three days giving an opportunity to explain why further action under the regulations should not be taken.

    The Authority may exercise its powers suo motu even on a subject matter brought to its attention by a Complainant whose complaint has been dismissed due to delay in filing the Complaint.”

    New provision added in the regulations

    Emergency powers

    “In the event there is an emergency situation involving egregious and/or continuous and/or repetitive violation(s) of the code of conduct in the telecast/publication by the member broadcasters/digital publishers on a particular subject, the authority shall also have suo motu emergency powers to issue interim directions to broadcasters/digital publishers without following the procedures as mentioned in the regulations.

    In such emergency situations, an urgent meeting of the Authority will be convened within 24 (twenty-four) hours of such violation of code of conduct being brought to the notice of the Authority.

    After the urgent meeting, the Authority can take action against any broadcasters/digital publishers including a particular channel/digital platform/OTT platform which would include a direction to remove the content immediately.

    After the passing of any such interim directions, the aggrieved broadcaster/digital publisher may approach the authority for redressal of its grievance immediately. If a suitable explanation is given by the broadcasters/digital publishers, the authority can set aside the Interim Directions and direct the programme/content to be restored.”

    The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Regulations dated 20.6.2024 is attached.

  • L. Murugan joins I&B as minister of state

    L. Murugan joins I&B as minister of state

    MUMBI: Even as all attention has been  focused on MeITy and railways minister Ashwini Vasihnaw getting additional oversight of the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB),  what has been under-reported is the   handing over  of the minister of state  position to L. Murugan in the same ministry. Murugan was earlier appointed as minister of state in 2021, prior to which he was the state president of the BJP IN Tamil Nadu.

    The 47 year old is a law graduate and a doctorate holder from the University of Madras who has been practising law for more than 15 years. He has been associated with the RSS since 1997, having served as the standing counsel to the Indian government at the Madras high court

    Murugan’s appointment should work well in favour of both the industry and Vaishnaw as a whole lot of regulations and decisions are pending with the ministry. 

  • PIB fact check unit exposes fake news in 134 videos on 12 YouTube channels

    PIB fact check unit exposes fake news in 134 videos on 12 YouTube channels

    Mumbai: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has announced it had uncovered fake news spread through 134 videos across 12 YouTube channels, which collectively have several lakh subscribers.

    PIB’s fact checking unit revealed that these YouTube channels disseminated videos with misleading claims, including payouts of Rs 51,000 for wedding expenses, benefits totaling Rs 2.5 lakh for ration card holders, and false information about Covid vaccines.

    The videos were hosted by channels such as NitiGyan4U, KLOnlineStudy, Sarkari Khabar 21, Media Tak, NewsWave_429, and onlinejobRK, among others.

    One video thumbnail from the YouTube channel “onlinejobRk” falsely claimed that prime minister Narendra Modi announced Jan Dhan account owners would receive Rs 10,000 after his win in the 2024 General Elections. The PIB Fact Check Unit debunked this claim on X, warning people to beware of fake news.

    Another YouTube channel, AM News YT, falsely claimed that the Chief Justice of India had taken away the elections from Modi.

    Similarly, a thumbnail from “NewsWave_429” falsely asserted that the Supreme Court had declared Prime Minister Modi’s defeat. The PIB fact check confirmed on X that no such statement had been made by the Supreme Court of India.