Fact Check: Nirmala Sitharaman endorses trading platform to earn easy money?
No, viral video is digitally manipulated
Claim: The video shows Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a life-changing trading platform for Indians that promises financial gains without effort or special skills.
Fact: The claim is false. The audio of the viral video has been digitally manipulated. In the original video, Sitharaman addresses the 55th meeting of the GST Council in December 2024.
Hyderabad: A video featuring senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman, serving as the minister of Finance and minister of Corporate Affairs, has been circulating on social media, allegedly promoting a trading platform to earn guaranteed profits.
In the video, Sitharaman, without naming the platform, reportedly announces that Indian citizens no longer need to work hard or worry about their family’s future. She is allegedly heard saying, “This revolutionary, risk-free platform allows Indian citizens to earn Rs 60,000 per day effortlessly using AI-driven trading technology. It is officially licensed, globally verified and insured by the National Bank of India for complete security.
Anyone—teachers, retirees, housewives, or drivers—can join. Simply register, get guided by a project manager and deposit Rs 20,000 to start earning. No skills or effort are needed—the AI does everything for you. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity—act now and secure your financial future!”
We carefully listened to the entire video but found no instance of Sitharaman endorsing any trading platform that promises financial gains without effort or special skills. However, we observed that the minister’s background and her chair in the viral video are identical to those in the original footage. Sitharaman was also seen wearing the same outfit as in the viral clip.
The viral clip appears in the video after the 32:59 mark, going by the identical hand gestures of the minister in both videos. However, in the original video, she was talking about rate rationalisation, not endorsing any trading platform.
We also checked the PIB press release on the ‘Recommendations of the 55th Meeting of the GST Council’, dated December 21, 2024. According to the press release, the council recommended:
- A reduction in the GST rate on fortified rice kernels
- Full exemption of GST on gene therapy
- Exemption of GST on contributions by general insurance companies from third-party motor vehicle premiums for the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund
- No GST on voucher transactions, as they are neither a supply of goods nor services
- Clarification that no GST is payable on penal charges levied by banks and NBFCs for borrower non-compliance with loan terms
- Reduction in the pre-deposit amount required for filing an appeal before the Appellate Authority when the order involves only a penalty
However, We found no mention of Sitharaman endorsing any trading platform.
According to our partner, Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU), the inconsistencies in the video are apparent. Sitharaman's lip movements are mostly out of sync with the audio. In segments where the frames are zoomed in, her teeth appear as brown patches, a common sign of AI-based manipulation.
The DAU analysis also highlights that the accent in the video does not match Sitharaman’s characteristic speech. At times, it sounds decidedly foreign and is completely unrecognizable.
Finally, the transcript itself follows a familiar scam formula—claims that the subject has personally tested the platform, assurances of guaranteed returns, and promises of financial independence—all classic tactics used in deceptive videos.
Hence, it is clear that a video of the finance minister has been digitally altered using an external voice to make it look like Sitharaman was endorsing a trading platform. The claim is false.
(This story was originally published by newsmeter.in, and republished by english.varthabharati.in as part of the Shakti Collective)
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
