China denied harassing an Indian woman at Shanghai airport, stating border checks were lawful. The woman’s passport was flagged due to Arunachal Pradesh being listed as her birthplace. India lodged a strong protest, asserting Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an integral part of India.  NEW DLEHI: China on Tuesday denied allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed or detained at Shanghai airport, insisting that its border checks were conducted strictly “in accordance with laws and regulations.” The statement came even as India lodged a strong diplomatic protest.The woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian passport holder, was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 when immigration officials reportedly flagged her passport as “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She later wrote on social media that she was held for around 18 hours, until officials at the Indian Consulate in Shanghai intervened.Responding to PTI’s query on the incident, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the woman was not subjected to any coercive action.“During the entire time, China’s border inspection authorities carried out checks procedures in accordance with laws and regulations… no compulsory measures were taken on her, and there was no so-called ‘detaining’ or ‘harassing’,” Mao said, adding that the airline had provided “resting facilities and meals.”Mao also said Beijing’s position on the state, saying, “Zangnan is China’s territory, and China does not recognise the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.”Citing sources agencies said, a demarche was issued to China in New Delhi and Beijing on the day of the incident, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an “indisputable” part of India and residents are entitled to travel on Indian passports. The Indian Consulate in Shanghai “extended the fullest assistance” to the passenger, officials added.Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said he was “deeply shocked” and called the episode a “violation of international norms and an affront to the dignity of Indian citizens.”The Congress party, reacting sharply to Mao’s remarks, accused Beijing of making an “offensive” statement and urged the government to respond firmly. In a post on X, the party said China’s comments were “extremely objectionable” and “a blatant attack on India’s integrity,” adding that “India will not tolerate such low-level rhetoric.”(With inputs from agencies)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’A Nation That Never Bows to Terror, Operation Sindoor Shows New India’s Resolve, Says PM ModiChina Rejects Charge of Harassing Indian Woman in Shanghai, But Insists Claim Over Arunachal PradeshMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety ConcernsFinland President Warns Global Order Is ‘Unfair’, Urges West To Accept East And India’s Growing Role’Necessary Response At Proper Time’: Taliban Vows Action After 10 Killed In Pak StrikesWhy Delhi Police Added Section 197 To India Gate Protest Case Following Pepper Spray AttackDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara Tree123Photostories8 modern-sounding baby boy names in Sanskrit and their meaningWinter-Friendly Fruits: 8 plants that thrives in cold-weather gardensFrom ‘Dhurandhar’ to ‘Kill Dil’: Moments when Ranveer Singh ruled action on screenLakes, Islands, Gardens: A Visual Journey Through Kolkata’s 480-Acre Eco Tourism Park7 Indian animals that are known for their gentle and calm natureNo more weak legs: 7 exercises for stronger calvesUdaipur Turns Into Celebrity Capital as JLo, Bollywood A-listers Attend Mantena WeddingHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateSecond Steel Bridge Erected in Ahmedabad for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train ProjectFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhood123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsNHL RumorsJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsSmriti Mandhana EducationAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card

China denied harassing an Indian woman at Shanghai airport, stating border checks were lawful. The woman’s passport was flagged due to Arunachal Pradesh being listed as her birthplace. India lodged a strong protest, asserting Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an integral part of India. NEW DLEHI: China on Tuesday denied allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed or detained at Shanghai airport, insisting that its border checks were conducted strictly “in accordance with laws and regulations.” The statement came even as India lodged a strong diplomatic protest.The woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian passport holder, was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 when immigration officials reportedly flagged her passport as “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She later wrote on social media that she was held for around 18 hours, until officials at the Indian Consulate in Shanghai intervened.Responding to PTI’s query on the incident, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the woman was not subjected to any coercive action.“During the entire time, China’s border inspection authorities carried out checks procedures in accordance with laws and regulations… no compulsory measures were taken on her, and there was no so-called ‘detaining’ or ‘harassing’,” Mao said, adding that the airline had provided “resting facilities and meals.”Mao also said Beijing’s position on the state, saying, “Zangnan is China’s territory, and China does not recognise the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.”Citing sources agencies said, a demarche was issued to China in New Delhi and Beijing on the day of the incident, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an “indisputable” part of India and residents are entitled to travel on Indian passports. The Indian Consulate in Shanghai “extended the fullest assistance” to the passenger, officials added.Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said he was “deeply shocked” and called the episode a “violation of international norms and an affront to the dignity of Indian citizens.”The Congress party, reacting sharply to Mao’s remarks, accused Beijing of making an “offensive” statement and urged the government to respond firmly. In a post on X, the party said China’s comments were “extremely objectionable” and “a blatant attack on India’s integrity,” adding that “India will not tolerate such low-level rhetoric.”(With inputs from agencies)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’A Nation That Never Bows to Terror, Operation Sindoor Shows New India’s Resolve, Says PM ModiChina Rejects Charge of Harassing Indian Woman in Shanghai, But Insists Claim Over Arunachal PradeshMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety ConcernsFinland President Warns Global Order Is ‘Unfair’, Urges West To Accept East And India’s Growing Role’Necessary Response At Proper Time’: Taliban Vows Action After 10 Killed In Pak StrikesWhy Delhi Police Added Section 197 To India Gate Protest Case Following Pepper Spray AttackDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara Tree123Photostories8 modern-sounding baby boy names in Sanskrit and their meaningWinter-Friendly Fruits: 8 plants that thrives in cold-weather gardensFrom ‘Dhurandhar’ to ‘Kill Dil’: Moments when Ranveer Singh ruled action on screenLakes, Islands, Gardens: A Visual Journey Through Kolkata’s 480-Acre Eco Tourism Park7 Indian animals that are known for their gentle and calm natureNo more weak legs: 7 exercises for stronger calvesUdaipur Turns Into Celebrity Capital as JLo, Bollywood A-listers Attend Mantena WeddingHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateSecond Steel Bridge Erected in Ahmedabad for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train ProjectFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhood123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsNHL RumorsJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsSmriti Mandhana EducationAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card

NEW DLEHI: China on Tuesday denied allegations that an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was harassed or detained at Shanghai airport, insisting that its border checks were conducted strictly “in accordance with laws and regulations.” The statement came even as India lodged a strong diplomatic protest.The woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian passport holder,…

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When Celina Jaitly revealed mom’s advice on finding Mr Right: ‘The wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces…’

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Actor Celina Jaitly hit the headlines on Tuesday, when she filed a domestic violence case in a local court, alleging emotional, physical, sexual and verbal abuse by her Austrian husband, Peter Haag. Using hashtags including #divorce, #courage, and #battleforrights, Celina said she is determined to fight for her dignity and safety.This revelation comes at a…

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TSMC sues former executive over claims that Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has already denied

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has filed a lawsuit against a former executive, Lo Wen-jen. The world’s biggest contract chipmaker by market share has alleged that Wen-jen leaked trade secrets before joining rival Intel. According to a Bloomberg report, the company claimed there is a high probability that the 75-year-old executive disclosed proprietary knowledge to…

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Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and 22 cadres with rewards totaling Rs 89 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. Driven by development initiatives and rehabilitation policies, the surrender reflects a shift away from Maoist ideology. This follows over 512 cadres joining the mainstream in Bastar over the last 50 days.  NEW DELHI: Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and 22 cadres carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 89 lakh, surrendered before senior police officers in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Tuesday, officials said. According to inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj Pattilingam, the group cited their decision was driven by the state government’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (your good village) development initiative, the new surrender-and-rehabilitation policy, and the Bastar police’s “Poona Margham (rehabilitation for social reintegration)” programme.Of those who surrendered, four senior operatives – Pandi Dhruv alias Dinesh (33), a divisional committee member, and Dule Mandavi alias Munni (26), Chhattis Poyam (18) and Padni Oyam (30), all from Military Company No. 6 of the Maoists’ East Bastar division – each carried an Rs 8 lakh reward. Six others, including Lakhmu Usendi (20), Sukmati Nureti (25), Sakila Kashyap (35), Shambatti Shori (35), Chaite alias Rajita (30) and Budhra Rava (28), had bounties of Rs 5 lakh each. Police said that Dinesh, Lakhmu and Sukmati surrendered weapons – a Self Loading Rifle (SLR), an INSAS rifle and a .303 rifle. Pattilingam said the trend reflected a shift on the ground. “The rehabilitation of 28 Maoist cadres in Narayanpur indicates that the end of the violent and anti-people Maoist ideology is near. People are reposing faith in the ‘Poona Margham’ initiative and choosing the path of peace and dignity,” he said. He added that over the last 50 days, more than 512 cadres have joined the mainstream across the Bastar range’s seven districts.Narayanpur SP Robinson Guria said Tuesday’s surrender takes the district’s tally to 287 cadres giving up arms this year. He added that senior Maoist leaders – including politburo member Devji, central committee member Ramdar, and Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members Pappa Rao and Barse Deva – now have “no option but to renounce violence and join the mainstream.”Police officials said around 2,200 Naxalites, including top operatives, have surrendered in Chhattisgarh over the last 23 months.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChina Rejects Charge of Harassing Indian Woman in Shanghai, But Insists Claim Over Arunachal PradeshMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety ConcernsFinland President Warns Global Order Is ‘Unfair’, Urges West To Accept East And India’s Growing Role’Necessary Response At Proper Time’: Taliban Vows Action After 10 Killed In Pak StrikesWhy Delhi Police Added Section 197 To India Gate Protest Case Following Pepper Spray AttackDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara TreePM Modi Declares India’s 500-Year Resolve Fulfilled With Dharma Flag Ceremony At Ayodhya Ram Temple123Photostories8 modern-sounding baby boy names in Sanskrit and their meaningWinter-Friendly Fruits: 8 plants that thrives in cold-weather gardensFrom ‘Dhurandhar’ to ‘Kill Dil’: Moments when Ranveer Singh ruled action on screenLakes, Islands, Gardens: A Visual Journey Through Kolkata’s 480-Acre Eco Tourism Park7 Indian animals that are known for their gentle and calm natureNo more weak legs: 7 exercises for stronger calvesUdaipur Turns Into Celebrity Capital as JLo, Bollywood A-listers Attend Mantena WeddingHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateSecond Steel Bridge Erected in Ahmedabad for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train ProjectFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhood123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsNHL RumorsJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsSmriti Mandhana EducationAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card

Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and 22 cadres with rewards totaling Rs 89 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. Driven by development initiatives and rehabilitation policies, the surrender reflects a shift away from Maoist ideology. This follows over 512 cadres joining the mainstream in Bastar over the last 50 days. NEW DELHI: Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and 22 cadres carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 89 lakh, surrendered before senior police officers in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Tuesday, officials said. According to inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj Pattilingam, the group cited their decision was driven by the state government’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (your good village) development initiative, the new surrender-and-rehabilitation policy, and the Bastar police’s “Poona Margham (rehabilitation for social reintegration)” programme.Of those who surrendered, four senior operatives – Pandi Dhruv alias Dinesh (33), a divisional committee member, and Dule Mandavi alias Munni (26), Chhattis Poyam (18) and Padni Oyam (30), all from Military Company No. 6 of the Maoists’ East Bastar division – each carried an Rs 8 lakh reward. Six others, including Lakhmu Usendi (20), Sukmati Nureti (25), Sakila Kashyap (35), Shambatti Shori (35), Chaite alias Rajita (30) and Budhra Rava (28), had bounties of Rs 5 lakh each. Police said that Dinesh, Lakhmu and Sukmati surrendered weapons – a Self Loading Rifle (SLR), an INSAS rifle and a .303 rifle. Pattilingam said the trend reflected a shift on the ground. “The rehabilitation of 28 Maoist cadres in Narayanpur indicates that the end of the violent and anti-people Maoist ideology is near. People are reposing faith in the ‘Poona Margham’ initiative and choosing the path of peace and dignity,” he said. He added that over the last 50 days, more than 512 cadres have joined the mainstream across the Bastar range’s seven districts.Narayanpur SP Robinson Guria said Tuesday’s surrender takes the district’s tally to 287 cadres giving up arms this year. He added that senior Maoist leaders – including politburo member Devji, central committee member Ramdar, and Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members Pappa Rao and Barse Deva – now have “no option but to renounce violence and join the mainstream.”Police officials said around 2,200 Naxalites, including top operatives, have surrendered in Chhattisgarh over the last 23 months.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChina Rejects Charge of Harassing Indian Woman in Shanghai, But Insists Claim Over Arunachal PradeshMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety ConcernsFinland President Warns Global Order Is ‘Unfair’, Urges West To Accept East And India’s Growing Role’Necessary Response At Proper Time’: Taliban Vows Action After 10 Killed In Pak StrikesWhy Delhi Police Added Section 197 To India Gate Protest Case Following Pepper Spray AttackDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara TreePM Modi Declares India’s 500-Year Resolve Fulfilled With Dharma Flag Ceremony At Ayodhya Ram Temple123Photostories8 modern-sounding baby boy names in Sanskrit and their meaningWinter-Friendly Fruits: 8 plants that thrives in cold-weather gardensFrom ‘Dhurandhar’ to ‘Kill Dil’: Moments when Ranveer Singh ruled action on screenLakes, Islands, Gardens: A Visual Journey Through Kolkata’s 480-Acre Eco Tourism Park7 Indian animals that are known for their gentle and calm natureNo more weak legs: 7 exercises for stronger calvesUdaipur Turns Into Celebrity Capital as JLo, Bollywood A-listers Attend Mantena WeddingHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateSecond Steel Bridge Erected in Ahmedabad for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train ProjectFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhood123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsNHL RumorsJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsSmriti Mandhana EducationAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card

NEW DELHI: Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and 22 cadres carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 89 lakh, surrendered before senior police officers in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Tuesday, officials said. According to inspector general of police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj Pattilingam, the group cited their decision was driven by the state government’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (your…

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Dharmendra passes away: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Ananya Panday, and other celebs pay condolence visit to Deol residence

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On a somber note, stars from the Bollywood sphere, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Ananya Panday, united to honor the legacy of the revered Dharmendra at his residence. The 89-year-old screen legend, cherished for his roles in ‘Sholay’ and ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, passed away this Monday after a short bout with illness….

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Pakistan’s military on Tuesday rejected accusations from the Taliban government that it carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, where an overnight raid reportedly killed 10 people near the Durand Line.“Pakistan has not attacked Afghanistan,” army spokesperson lieutenant general Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on state broadcaster PTV, calling the Afghan administration’s allegations “baseless.”“Whenever Pakistan attacks someone, it…

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AI-created deceptions behind financial, political and personal scams are escalating in India. Experts explain how we need to stay ahead of the curve on detection, and why govt should implement effective laws  When a finance executive at a British engineering firm, Arup, joined a routine Skype meeting in Jan 2024, familiar faces filled the screen. The company leaders he had interacted with countless times spoke with authority, blinked naturally, and smiled reassuringly. Except the people on screen were not real, and the AI-crafted doubles duped the firm, which worked on the Statue of Unity and India’s rail projects, of nearly  million. The deepfakes were so flawless that 15 transfers from the Hong Kong office went through before anyone realised the con.Months later, a deepfake surfaced closer to home. At the India office of a global chipmaker, a man used artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate a real job candidate in an online interview. “He synced facial movements and tone quite well but we detected the use of deepfake tech, and he was out,” says Naveen Sharma, co-founder of Kroop AI, which built Vizmantiz, a detection tool for synthetic videos and audio.Deepfake Shock: Nirmala Sitharaman Reveals Fake Videos Of Herself Online, Warns Of AI’s Dark SideDeception turns domesticIndia’s deepfake saga began in 2020, when deepfake videos of politician Manoj Tiwari “speaking fluent Haryanvi” to appeal to voters went viral ahead of Delhi assembly polls. By mid-2023, the menace had turned personal: in Kerala, a 73-year-old man lost Rs 40,000 following a WhatsApp deepfake call seemingly from his friend, pleading for urgent help from Dubai.India recorded a staggering 280% year-on-year increase in deepfake incidents in Q1 2024, particularly in the leadup to national elections, reported Sumsub, a global identity verification provider. A McAfee survey in Nov 2024 found 75% of Indians had seen deepfake content in the past year, and 45%reported that they knew someone who had been duped by a deepfake fraud.“The term ‘deepfake’ covers both synthetic content created from scratch and manipulated content that alters existing videos,” said Sharma. “Both forms distort truth: one invents it, the other rewrites it.”Tracing AI fingerprintsForensic experts are now learning to read what AI cannot hide. “Deepfake audio is often too clean, lacking normal background noise,” says Dr Surbhi Mathur, head of Centre of Excellence in Multimedia Forensics at National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). “AI faces also lack natural light variations and photo response non-uniformity (PRNU) — the ‘fingerprint’ left by camera sensors. The facial micro-expressions often lacks natural blinking patterns, or the way someone moves their face or their hands near the face.”Sandeep Shukla, director of International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, says, “There are tools that claim over 90% accuracy in deepfake detection. However, as these rely on neural network-based deep learning tech, there’s no guarantee that every form of media manipulation will be detected.” Police and judges must be trained in detection and its limits, he urges. “And, when guilt is proven, the punishment must be high enough to act as a deterrent.”Faces you know, scams you knowThe surge in deepfake content is driven by mass appeal, says Mathur. “Scammers exploit trusted faces for massive financial gain.” Since 2023, the deepfakes analysis unit (DAU), established under the Misinformation Combat Alliance with support from the corporate affairs and IT ministries, has tracked hundreds of AI-created scams. Fabricated “endorsements” for investment schemes and gaming apps have used the faces of Ratan Tata, N R Narayana Murthy, Rahul Gandhi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Virat Kohli, and even doctors Naresh Trehan and Devi Shetty for bogus health cures. A viral Ratan Tata “investment video” was found to be 83.8% AI-generated. Tata later publicly debunked it on Instagram.In Nov 2023, a deepfake of actor Rashmika Mandanna was created by morphing influencer Zara Patel’s face. Experts warn that ‘DeepNude’ or AI-generated explicit content created without consent pose grave risks to women’s privacy.Tangles in law and deterrenceWith no dedicated deepfake law, several Bollywood actors are taking legal recourse. Delhi HC has issued ‘John Doe’ orders that allow legal action against anonymous offenders. It introduced ‘dynamic+ injunctions’, which compel platforms to remove the original deepfake as well as proactively monitor and take down re-uploads.Protecting the futureSharma identified the “most dangerous” use of deepfakes in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector. He says that during online know your customer (KYC) processes,“I can clone a voice or face, and the system may verify that person as genuine”.To tackle this, the “first mandate” of the upcoming deepfake policy will require “BFSI to use deepfake detectors for KYC and document verification,” Sharma reveals. Amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, will enforce content labelling over 10% of the screen or audio, and faster takedowns — within 36 hours, or three hours during elections. “A person circulating or a platform hosting deepfake content, even unknowingly, will face legal action,” he says.However, experts say India must move faster. “Technology changes every 15-20 days and scammers evolve just as quickly,” warns Sharma.“We need laws, detection, and awareness that move at the same speed.”Defending against deepfakesKERALA’S CYBERDOME uses a public-private model for deepfake detection and digital forensics TELANGANA WOMEN SAFETY WING CYBER MODULE tackles image-based abuse, deepfake threatsNATIONAL SAHYOG PORTAL allows anonymous reporting of deepfake, cyber abuse incidents to aid state police forcesCreating tools to tackle menace MeitY is funding three strategic deepfake defence projects through India’s IITs:PROJECT SAAKSHYA (IIT JODHPUR/ MADRAS) focuses on real-time deepfake detection for images, video, audioAI VISHLESHAK (IIT Mandi & Himachal Forensics) develops Explainable AI (Xai) for deepfakes, signature forgeryVOICE DEEPFAKE DETECTION SYSTEM (IIT KHARAGPUR) specifically targets AI-generated voice impersonation to prevent fraud Images : AI How you can tell if it’s not realDeepfake detection focuses on subtle, systemic errors that reveal AI manipulationAUDIO/VOICE PROMPTS : ‘Too clean’ audio lacking normal background noise is a red flagLACK OF NATURAL DELIVERY: Sounding scripted, robotic, lacking human cadence or characteristic pausesTONAL SHIFTS: Sudden changes in pitch, tone following awkward cut or pauseAUDIBLE ARTEFACTS: Distinct noise like human breathing, heard during pausesVIDEO/FACIAL CLUES: Lip synchronisation errors or the mouth moving during audio pausesSHADOW/LIGHT ISSUES: Deepfakes often miss the natural shadow effects and light variationsBLENDING/MERGING: Objects near the face (e.g., microphone, hands) merging unnaturally into the chin or jawlineTEETH IRREGULARITIES: Teeth appearing blurred, inconsistent, or lacking definition, are common flawsCOMPRESSION ARTEFACTS: Unique artefacts carried by the application that created the imageKey detection toolsFAKECATCHER (INTEL, US): Uses blood flow analysis to detect deepfakes by checking facial colouration caused by heartbeatsHIYA AI SOLUTIONS (US): Used to check if an audio is AI-generatedDEEPFAKE-O-METER (MEDIA FORENSICS LAB, US): The open platform detects synthetic contentVALIDIA (US): Proprietary software for voice and audio authenticity checkDEEPFAKE DETECTOR (OPENAI, US): Detects AI images, especially from models like DALL·E 3End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety ConcernsFinland President Warns Global Order Is ‘Unfair’, Urges West To Accept East And India’s Growing Role’Necessary Response At Proper Time’: Taliban Vows Action After 10 Killed In Pak StrikesWhy Delhi Police Added Section 197 To India Gate Protest Case Following Pepper Spray AttackDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara TreePM Modi Declares India’s 500-Year Resolve Fulfilled With Dharma Flag Ceremony At Ayodhya Ram TempleDiplomatic Row Explodes After China Rejects Arunachal Woman’s Passport During Shanghai Transit Halt123PhotostoriesWinter-Friendly Fruits: 8 plants that thrives in cold-weather gardensFrom ‘Dhurandhar’ to ‘Kill Dil’: Moments when Ranveer Singh ruled action on screenLakes, Islands, Gardens: A Visual Journey Through Kolkata’s 480-Acre Eco Tourism Park7 Indian animals that are known for their gentle and calm natureNo more weak legs: 7 exercises for stronger calvesUdaipur Turns Into Celebrity Capital as JLo, Bollywood A-listers Attend Mantena WeddingHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateSecond Steel Bridge Erected in Ahmedabad for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train ProjectFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhoodPunjabi aa gaye oye! Diljit Dosanjh sets the Emmys 2025 red carpet on fire123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsNHL RumorsJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsSmriti Mandhana EducationAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card

AI-created deceptions behind financial, political and personal scams are escalating in India. Experts explain how we need to stay ahead of the curve on detection, and why govt should implement effective laws When a finance executive at a British engineering firm, Arup, joined a routine Skype meeting in Jan 2024, familiar faces filled the screen. The company leaders he had interacted with countless times spoke with authority, blinked naturally, and smiled reassuringly. Except the people on screen were not real, and the AI-crafted doubles duped the firm, which worked on the Statue of Unity and India’s rail projects, of nearly $25 million. The deepfakes were so flawless that 15 transfers from the Hong Kong office went through before anyone realised the con.Months later, a deepfake surfaced closer to home. At the India office of a global chipmaker, a man used artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate a real job candidate in an online interview. “He synced facial movements and tone quite well but we detected the use of deepfake tech, and he was out,” says Naveen Sharma, co-founder of Kroop AI, which built Vizmantiz, a detection tool for synthetic videos and audio.Deepfake Shock: Nirmala Sitharaman Reveals Fake Videos Of Herself Online, Warns Of AI’s Dark SideDeception turns domesticIndia’s deepfake saga began in 2020, when deepfake videos of politician Manoj Tiwari “speaking fluent Haryanvi” to appeal to voters went viral ahead of Delhi assembly polls. By mid-2023, the menace had turned personal: in Kerala, a 73-year-old man lost Rs 40,000 following a WhatsApp deepfake call seemingly from his friend, pleading for urgent help from Dubai.India recorded a staggering 280% year-on-year increase in deepfake incidents in Q1 2024, particularly in the leadup to national elections, reported Sumsub, a global identity verification provider. A McAfee survey in Nov 2024 found 75% of Indians had seen deepfake content in the past year, and 45%reported that they knew someone who had been duped by a deepfake fraud.“The term ‘deepfake’ covers both synthetic content created from scratch and manipulated content that alters existing videos,” said Sharma. “Both forms distort truth: one invents it, the other rewrites it.”Tracing AI fingerprintsForensic experts are now learning to read what AI cannot hide. “Deepfake audio is often too clean, lacking normal background noise,” says Dr Surbhi Mathur, head of Centre of Excellence in Multimedia Forensics at National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). “AI faces also lack natural light variations and photo response non-uniformity (PRNU) — the ‘fingerprint’ left by camera sensors. The facial micro-expressions often lacks natural blinking patterns, or the way someone moves their face or their hands near the face.”Sandeep Shukla, director of International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, says, “There are tools that claim over 90% accuracy in deepfake detection. However, as these rely on neural network-based deep learning tech, there’s no guarantee that every form of media manipulation will be detected.” Police and judges must be trained in detection and its limits, he urges. “And, when guilt is proven, the punishment must be high enough to act as a deterrent.”Faces you know, scams you knowThe surge in deepfake content is driven by mass appeal, says Mathur. “Scammers exploit trusted faces for massive financial gain.” Since 2023, the deepfakes analysis unit (DAU), established under the Misinformation Combat Alliance with support from the corporate affairs and IT ministries, has tracked hundreds of AI-created scams. Fabricated “endorsements” for investment schemes and gaming apps have used the faces of Ratan Tata, N R Narayana Murthy, Rahul Gandhi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Virat Kohli, and even doctors Naresh Trehan and Devi Shetty for bogus health cures. A viral Ratan Tata “investment video” was found to be 83.8% AI-generated. Tata later publicly debunked it on Instagram.In Nov 2023, a deepfake of actor Rashmika Mandanna was created by morphing influencer Zara Patel’s face. Experts warn that ‘DeepNude’ or AI-generated explicit content created without consent pose grave risks to women’s privacy.Tangles in law and deterrenceWith no dedicated deepfake law, several Bollywood actors are taking legal recourse. Delhi HC has issued ‘John Doe’ orders that allow legal action against anonymous offenders. It introduced ‘dynamic+ injunctions’, which compel platforms to remove the original deepfake as well as proactively monitor and take down re-uploads.Protecting the futureSharma identified the “most dangerous” use of deepfakes in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector. He says that during online know your customer (KYC) processes,“I can clone a voice or face, and the system may verify that person as genuine”.To tackle this, the “first mandate” of the upcoming deepfake policy will require “BFSI to use deepfake detectors for KYC and document verification,” Sharma reveals. Amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, will enforce content labelling over 10% of the screen or audio, and faster takedowns — within 36 hours, or three hours during elections. “A person circulating or a platform hosting deepfake content, even unknowingly, will face legal action,” he says.However, experts say India must move faster. “Technology changes every 15-20 days and scammers evolve just as quickly,” warns Sharma.“We need laws, detection, and awareness that move at the same speed.”Defending against deepfakesKERALA’S CYBERDOME uses a public-private model for deepfake detection and digital forensics TELANGANA WOMEN SAFETY WING CYBER MODULE tackles image-based abuse, deepfake threatsNATIONAL SAHYOG PORTAL allows anonymous reporting of deepfake, cyber abuse incidents to aid state police forcesCreating tools to tackle menace MeitY is funding three strategic deepfake defence projects through India’s IITs:PROJECT SAAKSHYA (IIT JODHPUR/ MADRAS) focuses on real-time deepfake detection for images, video, audioAI VISHLESHAK (IIT Mandi & Himachal Forensics) develops Explainable AI (Xai) for deepfakes, signature forgeryVOICE DEEPFAKE DETECTION SYSTEM (IIT KHARAGPUR) specifically targets AI-generated voice impersonation to prevent fraud Images : AI How you can tell if it’s not realDeepfake detection focuses on subtle, systemic errors that reveal AI manipulationAUDIO/VOICE PROMPTS : ‘Too clean’ audio lacking normal background noise is a red flagLACK OF NATURAL DELIVERY: Sounding scripted, robotic, lacking human cadence or characteristic pausesTONAL SHIFTS: Sudden changes in pitch, tone following awkward cut or pauseAUDIBLE ARTEFACTS: Distinct noise like human breathing, heard during pausesVIDEO/FACIAL CLUES: Lip synchronisation errors or the mouth moving during audio pausesSHADOW/LIGHT ISSUES: Deepfakes often miss the natural shadow effects and light variationsBLENDING/MERGING: Objects near the face (e.g., microphone, hands) merging unnaturally into the chin or jawlineTEETH IRREGULARITIES: Teeth appearing blurred, inconsistent, or lacking definition, are common flawsCOMPRESSION ARTEFACTS: Unique artefacts carried by the application that created the imageKey detection toolsFAKECATCHER (INTEL, US): Uses blood flow analysis to detect deepfakes by checking facial colouration caused by heartbeatsHIYA AI SOLUTIONS (US): Used to check if an audio is AI-generatedDEEPFAKE-O-METER (MEDIA FORENSICS LAB, US): The open platform detects synthetic contentVALIDIA (US): Proprietary software for voice and audio authenticity checkDEEPFAKE DETECTOR (OPENAI, US): Detects AI images, especially from models like DALL·E 3End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety ConcernsFinland President Warns Global Order Is ‘Unfair’, Urges West To Accept East And India’s Growing Role’Necessary Response At Proper Time’: Taliban Vows Action After 10 Killed In Pak StrikesWhy Delhi Police Added Section 197 To India Gate Protest Case Following Pepper Spray AttackDecoding Ayodhya’s Dharma Dhwaj And The Deep Meaning Behind Om, Sun And The Sacred Kovidara TreePM Modi Declares India’s 500-Year Resolve Fulfilled With Dharma Flag Ceremony At Ayodhya Ram TempleDiplomatic Row Explodes After China Rejects Arunachal Woman’s Passport During Shanghai Transit Halt123PhotostoriesWinter-Friendly Fruits: 8 plants that thrives in cold-weather gardensFrom ‘Dhurandhar’ to ‘Kill Dil’: Moments when Ranveer Singh ruled action on screenLakes, Islands, Gardens: A Visual Journey Through Kolkata’s 480-Acre Eco Tourism Park7 Indian animals that are known for their gentle and calm natureNo more weak legs: 7 exercises for stronger calvesUdaipur Turns Into Celebrity Capital as JLo, Bollywood A-listers Attend Mantena WeddingHow You Show Your Anger According To Your Birth DateSecond Steel Bridge Erected in Ahmedabad for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train ProjectFrom being independent to living life on her own terms: Neena Gupta’s 5 bold statements on motherhoodPunjabi aa gaye oye! Diljit Dosanjh sets the Emmys 2025 red carpet on fire123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingEthiopian Volcanic EruptionVaishno Devi College AdmissionsNHL RumorsJoe Thornton Net WorthStem OPT ExtensionMLB Trade RumorsSmriti Mandhana EducationAsha Jadeja MotwaniTyson FuryTrump Gold Card

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