India Today news anchor reads fake statement by PM Modi on LIVE TV, video goes viral
Mumbai: In a shameful turn of events, a TV news anchor at India Today mistakenly read out a tweet from a parody account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on live television. This mishap occurred as global leaders, including PM Modi, extended their congratulations to Republican candidate Donald Trump for his historic win in the US Presidential Elections.
In the excitement to report PM Modi’s message to Trump, the anchor read a tweet from a parody X (formerly Twitter) account, thinking it was an official statement. The post claimed that Modi planned a call with Trump to discuss various issues, including violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Khalistani terrorism allegedly enabled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the war in Ukraine.
And the guys at India Today took the post by Narendra Modi parody handle seriously.... 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/txRXEuuIRE
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) November 6, 2024
The video clip quickly went viral online, leaving netizens amused. The parody account had a similar profile picture to PM Modi’s verified account but included the word "Parody" in brackets. While reading the post, the anchor mistakenly described it as a strong statement by Modi, referencing recent attacks against Hindus and temples by Khalistani extremists.
Realising the error, the anchor immediately corrected himself, saying, "I'm sorry, I've got it wrong," and went on to read the genuine congratulatory message from Modi's official account, which has over 103 million followers.
Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together,… pic.twitter.com/u5hKPeJ3SY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2024
The incident sparked mixed reactions online. Some users sympathised with the anchor, noting that the parody account could easily deceive anyone at first glance. However, others emphasised the need for proper verification before broadcasting to a large audience.
Probably kept their brains in the freezer again
— Indranil Santra (@Devil_red7) November 6, 2024
It clearly shows the intense pressure to stay ahead in the news race.
— Jatin Sangani (@Jatin_Sangani) November 6, 2024
Haha,even i took it seriously for just second ...but i saw again that it was a Parody account
— SharmaGaur (@Sh____aash) November 6, 2024
Can't blame them. Even I took it seriously
— Cook King (@sidcooks24_) November 6, 2024
Fastest news banne ka chakkar mein palat gaya
— vanamala (@dheeruvanamala) November 6, 2024
The situation also drew comments from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, who criticised the news channel, referring to a recent tweet from one of its journalists about alleged biases in American election coverage. "Parody account tweet makes it to headlines of newstainment channel report. Just a few hours ago, was reading tweets giving lessons to American news channels about bias, fake narrative, and election coverage," she tweeted.
Parody account tweet makes it to headlines of newstainment channel report 😂
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) November 6, 2024
Just a few hours ago was reading tweets giving lessons to American news channels about bias, fake narrative and election coverage 😂 pic.twitter.com/OgJoJUWUMJ
In a humorous twist, a parody account of Donald Trump also responded to the Modi parody account, keeping the spirit of satire alive on the platform.
Thank you, my friend PM @NarendraModi. I look forward to our conversation. Together, we will address the pressing issues, stand with Hindus facing violence in Bangladesh, and work to curb extremism, including Khalistani terrorism. America stands with India. 🇺🇸🤝🇮🇳 https://t.co/cToOdumf1c
— Donald J. Trump Parody (@thedonaldtrumph) November 6, 2024
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
