Arnab Goswami’s Republic Bharat faces criticism for spreading misinformation, hate
New Delhi: Republic Bharat, Arnab Goswami’s news channel, has come under fire for broadcasting alleged misinformation and engaging in communal propaganda. Several recent incidents have raised questions about the channel’s credibility and accountability.
One of the recent controversies involves Republic Bharat airing a fabricated story claiming that former US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pleading for help to control wildfires in California. The channel claimed that Modi sent helicopters to assist the US. The story was widely criticised for its lack of evidence, with even the Ministry of External Affairs remaining silent on the matter. Critics questioned the plausibility of helicopters being dispatched from India to the US, labelling the report as absurd.
In another instance, the channel broadcasted visuals using AI-generated images of Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Elon Musk, and Hollywood celebrities like Will Smith and John Cena purportedly taking a dip in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela. The video also claimed that Muslim countries were alarmed by these developments, further stoking communal tensions. Viewers and media experts have slammed such content as "sensationalist and baseless."
Once a dominant player in the Indian news market, Republic Bharat has witnessed a significant decline in TRP ratings, now ranking fifth behind channels like News18, Aaj Tak, and India TV. To revive its viewership, the channel appears to have resorted to old tactics such as inviting Pakistani panellists on debates to provoke controversies. In one such debate, a Pakistani panellist insulted and mocked the late Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. Arnab Goswami did not intervene during the remarks, which sparked outrage online but failed to elicit a substantial response from authorities or the public.
Republic Bharat has also been accused of perpetuating anti-Muslim propaganda through its coverage. Analysts argue that the channel consistently airs narratives designed to spread hatred against Muslims, often relying on unverified or fabricated claims. Many believe this contributes to a divisive atmosphere in the country.
These controversies have further tarnished the reputation of Republic Bharat. Media observers have criticised the channel for stooping to sensationalism and misinformation, with some calling it a "low point in Indian journalism." Critics argue that such practices undermine the trust and integrity of the press.
Despite the widespread backlash, Republic Bharat continues its operations without any regulatory intervention giving birth to concerns about the lack of accountability for spreading misinformation. Many viewers are now calling for stricter action against channels that prioritise sensationalism over truthful reporting.
For past year there were hardly anyone watching Arnab's News Channel @republic or @Republic_Bharat
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) January 17, 2025
To revive his channel's viewership, he has adopted old tricks.
1. Arnab invites Pakistanis for debates so that they can abuse Indians, In this particular debate, The pakistani… pic.twitter.com/zIl8wq78xW
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
