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
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HR manager loses Rs 36 lakh to online cheats with promise of share trade profits
Thane (PTI): An HR manager was cheated of Rs 36.74 lakh in an online investment fraud, a Navi Mumbai police official said on Sunday.
The victim was contacted by a woman claiming she represented a SEBI-registered firm and was added to a Whatsapp group with the promise of high returns in share trading, the Nerul police station official said.
"He downloaded a link given to him by the accused. After an initial profit of Rs 50,000, he made investments totalling Rs 36.74 lakh between August and September 2025. However, when he was unable to withdraw his so-called profits, the HR manager realised he had been duped," Nerul police station inspector Bramhanand Naikwadi said.
A case has been registered against unidentified persons for criminal breach of trust and other offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, he added.
