Islamo-Leftist propagandist Mohammed Zubair, cofounder of Alt News, faced backlash after an old tweet resurfaced and gained traction on X. In response to the controversy, he deleted the post and claimed it was being misinterpreted.

The tweet in question, originally posted in May 2018, featured a cartoon showing BJP leader Amit Shah portrayed as Chanakya, with his traditional Brahmin shikha (choti) being cut by a hand labeled ‘DKS’ holding scissors. Many online perceived the image as derogatory towards the Brahmin community. The post reignited criticism of Zubair, who has frequently targeted what he sees as communal sensitivities in Hindu beliefs while often downplaying similar concerns related to Islamic figures like Prophet Muhammad or historical figures such as Aurangzeb.

The tweet sparked widespread outrage, with several users demanding legal action. Lawyer Ashutosh Dubey called it a deliberate attempt to demean Brahmins and urged the Uttar Pradesh police to take notice by tagging their official handles.

Amid the growing criticism, Zubair took down the post and offered clarification, stating that he had merely shared a political cartoon by an independent artist. He said the cartoon was originally meant to reflect the political climate during the Karnataka elections of that year and is now being misrepresented.

Zubair further argued that the uproar was spreading misinformation and harming communal harmony. However, many countered that the real issue was the offensive depiction of a Brahmin symbol, as the act of cutting the shikha is seen as deeply disrespectful.

Ofcourse, if a visible muslim identity like beard were to be cut off in any cartoon similar to this, your kind will never give the excuse like it was merely “a commentary on the political scenario at the time.” You will instead howl for the blood of the cartoonist. https://t.co/xWQ0CsWIoU pic.twitter.com/6Ww3SlhtAR

— Chandravir Dev (@devoffice) June 21, 2025

HZ you tweeted it which means you have endorsed it! Cowardice why have you deleted it and closed comments off??? You use the same excuse every time when you get caught out!!! Shame on you! https://t.co/Ccq2T8G5dQ pic.twitter.com/y2KUlhmIud

— Hindutva Sherni (@HindutvaDiva) June 20, 2025

To limit further responses, Zubair also turned off replies to his post on X, preventing users from directly challenging his explanation.

pic.twitter.com/GmN8DMs18I

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) June 20, 2025

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The post Alt News Co-Founder And Islamo-Leftist Propagandist Mohammed Zubair Deletes Old Inflammatory Tweet Showing Hindu’s Shikha Being Cut, Cries Foul About Being Taken Out Of Context appeared first on The Commune.

In an effort to address the harms and criminalities being committed through widespread circulation of misinformation and deepfakes powered by AI, the government has once again advised social media platforms on countering unlawful content, including malicious “synthetic media” to curb deepfakes and promptly remove harmful content online.

The IT Ministry has conducted multiple consultations with industry stakeholders/social media platforms to discuss the challenges identified in combating deepfakes and has issued advisories time to time, through which the intermediaries were reminded about compliance with their due-diligence obligations outlined under the IT Rules, 2021. “The policies are aimed at ensuring a safe, trusted and accountable cyberspace for users in the country,” said Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, as a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The IT Act provides for punishment for various offences considered as cybercrimes such as identity theft, cheating by personation, violation of privacy, publishing/transmitting material that is obscene/ containing sexually explicit act, etc., depicting children in sexually explicit act/transmitting/ browsing child sexual abuse material, etc.

The IT Act and the rules made apply to any information that is generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools or any other technology and those which are generated by users themselves for the purpose of defining offences. To protect users in India and the Indian internet at large from the emerging harms emanating from the misuse of technologies including AI and to ensure accountability towards law of the land, MeitY regularly engages with and receives inputs from the industry for promoting ethical use of technologies.

The IT Rules, 2021 casts specific obligations on intermediaries, including social media intermediaries to not host, store or publish any information violative of any law. “They are also obligated to ensure their accountability that includes their expeditious action towards removal of the unlawful information categorised under the IT Rules, 2021 as notified by the appropriate government’s or on the basis of grievances received against any unlawful information,” according to the ministry.

Where any information is categorised as unlawful under the IT Rules, 2021, any user may make a request to the Grievance Officer of the concerned intermediary on whose platform such unlawful information is made available to the public. Upon receipt of such request, the intermediary is required to act expeditiously within the timelines prescribed under IT Rules, 2021.

Also, under the IT Rules, 2021, the Government has established Grievance Appellate Committees to allow users and victims to appeal online on www.gac.gov.in against decisions taken by the Grievance Officers of intermediaries in case they are dissatisfied with the decision of the Grievance Officer, said the minister. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) also issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities, including malicious attacks using Artificial Intelligence and countermeasures to protect computers, networks and data on an ongoing basis.

—IANS

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The post Deepfakes: Centre Advises Social Media Platforms To Curb Malicious ‘Synthetic Media’ appeared first on The Commune.

As the 2025 Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore began, a well-timed smear campaign resurfaced against Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation. On 24 February 2025, self-proclaimed journalist Shyam Meera Singh released a sensationalist video making serious allegations, eerily mirroring claims from a fabricated email previously propagated by Nakkeeran Gopal in October 2024. This smear campaign video has been amplified by the likes of Dhruv Rathee, Prashant Bhushan and other usual suspects comprising of Congress, AAP and leftists.

Old Lies, New Packaging

Singh’s video, titled ‘What’s Happening in Sadhguru’s Ashram?’, asserts possession of leaked internal emails that supposedly expose controversial initiation rituals at Isha. However, Singh conveniently refuses to share these emails publicly. The so-called explosive revelations are nothing, but a rehash of debunked allegations first introduced by Gopal in his October 2024 video ‘Half-Nude Deeksha in Jaggi’s Ashram! Video proof!’—a piece widely criticized for its blatant misinformation.

Singh echoes Gopal’s bizarre claims about an alleged email from a fictitious board member, Maa Pradyuta, who supposedly wrote to Sadhguru in 2017, raising concerns over the treatment of minor girls. Yet, glaring inconsistencies expose the email as a fabrication. The text, riddled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, also confuses fundamental details—such as mistakenly claiming that young girls bathe in Suryakund instead of Chandrakund, an error that no actual Isha member would make.

It is noteworthy that Suryakund is for men and Chandrakund is for women, especially for anyone who has visited the yoga center even once.

Let’s compare the emails from Singh’s and Nakkheeran Gopal’s video.

Reviving Debunked Accusations

Singh’s video also revisits multiple allegations that have already been dismissed:

A doctor’s arrest (September 2024):

Singh cites this case as evidence of wrongdoing within Isha, yet fails to mention that Isha itself condemned the alleged crime and fully cooperated with authorities. He mentions the arrest of a doctor associated with Isha’s mobile outreach in September 2024. The foundation had already issued a statement at the time, condemning the actions of the individual and cooperating fully with the police investigation.

Former staff member Yamini Ragini’s claims (October 2024):

Singh revives claims made by Yamini Ragini, a former Isha Home School staff member, about her son being sexually abused by another student at Isha Home School. But he conveniently ignores the fact that the child continued to study there for years after the alleged incident, and that Yamini herself remained employed at Isha before being dismissed for inefficiency.

This incident was promptly addressed by the school, with the accused student expelled and the matter resolved internally.

Anonymous 2008 sexual assault claim: 

Singh also references an alleged sexual assault case from 2008, which was first brought up during Yamini Ragini’s press conference in October 2024. Despite the sensational claims, no evidence or credible testimony has emerged to substantiate these allegations. The fact that the supposed victim’s family has remained anonymous and has not filed a formal police complaint further undermines the credibility of these claims.

2021 rape case:

Singh misleadingly portrays this case as an institutional failure when, in reality, the matter was investigated by police and the complaint was withdrawn by the alleged victim.

A Pattern Of Targeted Attacks

The timing of Singh’s video, released just before Mahashivratri, raises suspicions of a coordinated effort to disrupt the celebrations. This pattern is not new. Over the past few years, attacks on Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation have intensified, particularly around major events. These attacks often originate from individuals and groups with a history of promoting anti-Hindu sentiments and targeting Hindu spiritual leaders.

The tactics are clear—manufacture controversy, amplify it through social media, and attempt to discredit a revered institution. Yet, time and again, these allegations crumble under scrutiny.

Nakkheeran Gopal, whose work Singh appears to be echoing, has a well-documented history of spreading misinformation and defaming Hindu institutions. His October 2024 video was widely criticized for its baseless claims and sensationalism. By recycling Gopal’s debunked allegations, Singh is perpetuating a dangerous and misleading narrative.

The Real Agenda

Despite claiming to uphold journalistic integrity, neither Singh nor Gopal has taken their so-called “proof” to the courts. Instead, they thrive on spreading misinformation through YouTube, profiting from sensationalized narratives. Their consistent targeting of Hindu organizations raises serious questions about their true motives.

When the same video is shared by the usual suspects like Dhruv Rathee, Prashant Bhushan etc, one must understand the nature of the video.

Conclusion

The liberals are spending a great deal of time attacking Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation. It’s also interesting to see how these attacks by the left-liberal ecosystem are carefully coordinated. Within a few hours, all those known for posting propaganda began posting… pic.twitter.com/W7oDwxPNgp

— Anand #IndianfromSouth (@Bharatiyan108) February 26, 2025

It is high time that such serial defamers are held accountable. Freedom of speech does not grant one the right to spread baseless accusations under the guise of journalism. The courts must take suo motu action against such miscreants, ensuring that Hindu institutions are not repeatedly subjected to these politically motivated smear campaigns.

(With inputs from Anand’s X thread)

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The post YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh Parrots The Same Lies As Nakkheeran Gopal Against Isha Foundation, Here’s Why He Could/Should Be Pulled To Court appeared first on The Commune.

With the Budget 2025 just announced, several taxpayers are rejoicing, especially the middle class, after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that there will be no tax for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh under the new regime.

However, propagandists like The Deshbhakt’s Akash Banerjee had to do something about this good news for the public and twist it in order to create a fake narrative.

In his video titled “Bold or Band-Aid? | Will Nirmala Sitaraman’s Budget Help India’s Economy Recover?”, he mocks the PM, FM, and even Goddess Lakshmi.

Coming to the main part of his fake news video, he talks about the zero tax for those earning up to 12 lakhs. He says, “If you are earning Rs. 12 lakhs in a year, you don’t need to pay any tax. You need to be salaried. There is fine print for this as well. There are ifs and buts. But, in simple terms, you pay nil tax on 12 lakhs If you are earning 12 lakhs in a year, then you are paying 0 for the first 4 lakhs. Between 4 lakhs and 8 lakhs, for the next 4 lakhs, you are paying a 5% tax Between 8 lakhs and 12 lakhs, the remaining 4 lakhs you earn, you will have to pay a tax of 10%. Total tax is payable. ₹60,000. But now, a standard deduction has been made of ₹75,000.”

He continues, “So, effectively, the post-tax rebate that you get, your income should be ₹12 lakh or technically ₹12.75 lakh – tax slabs have not changed. The rebate has changed. This means that if your salary is ₹12.76 lakhs, then you will have to pay almost the same tax, which would increase your tax liability for those earning ₹12 lakhs salary. So, whoever is earning up to ₹1 lakh is happy. Whoever earns more than ₹1 lakh is sad.”

As expected, the IQ level of such propagandists is way below the national average. Banerjee does not know the economics or maths of this calculation and also has no idea about what is known as “marginal relief.”

Let’s dive in.

Understanding Marginal Tax Relief For Salaries Just Above ₹12 Lakh

For individuals earning just over ₹12 lakh, marginal tax relief ensures they are not disproportionately taxed. Without this relief, a person with a taxable salary of ₹12,10,000 would owe ₹61,500 in taxes, while someone earning ₹12 lakh or less would pay nothing.

Marginal relief ensures that those earning slightly above the tax-free threshold are not unfairly taxed. Instead of paying the full tax amount, they pay only the difference between their taxable income and ₹12 lakh.

For instance, an individual earning ₹12,10,000 would pay ₹10,000 in taxes rather than the full ₹61,500. This relief is available for incomes up to ₹12.75 lakh per year.

Salaried individuals benefit from a ₹75,000 standard deduction, effectively making annual earnings up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free.

Here are some examples:

Income: ₹12,10,000

• • Tax without marginal relief: ₹61,500
  • Actual tax due: ₹10,000
  • Savings due to marginal relief: ₹51,500

Income: ₹12,50,000

• • Tax without marginal relief: ₹67,500
  • Actual tax due: ₹50,000
  • Savings due to marginal relief: ₹17,500

Income: ₹12,70,000

• • Tax without marginal relief: ₹70,500
  • Actual tax due: ₹70,000
  • Savings due to marginal relief: ₹500

Income: ₹12,75,000

• • Tax due: ₹71,250
  • No marginal relief applicable

Marginal tax relief prevents sudden tax burdens for those earning slightly above ₹12 lakh. It ensures a gradual tax increase, preventing unfair deductions. However, once income exceeds ₹12.75 lakh, the full tax rate applies without relief.

The likes of Akash Banerjee can do themselves some good and gain some general knowledge if they do just a cursory goGoogleearch instead of spreading lies and causing panic and chaos among the public.

(With inputs from The Economic Times)

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The post The Deshbhakt’s Akash Banerjee Peddles Fake News About Income Tax; Here’s Why His Tax Math Doesn’t Add Up appeared first on The Commune.

Political commentator Sumanth Raman took a wild turn in his US election “analysis”, swinging from predictions of a Harris victory to alarm over Trump implementing potential deportation plans. His Twitter commentary, peppered with digs at PM Modi and a liberal narrative, suggests a growing meltdown as he misreads American voter trends and links Trump’s support to racism and control over women’s rights.

Sumanth Raman Hyper Over Trump Victory

We all thought all-in-all know-it-all political commentator turned doctor Sumanth Raman was “well versed” with Indian politics. With the US Presidential elections on everyone’s lips, Raman set his eyes on that as well. He had to comment on the elections, otherwise, how can one rest in peace?

It all began late evening on 5 November (IST) when he switched on his television to catch a glimpse of the enthusiasm among US voters as they started voting that day. He wrote, “Watching some of the US channels this morning, it is looking more and more like the female vote may be the difference in this election. Watched 3 different channels. Every female voter interviewed said they voted Harris. #USElection2024 #USElections”

Watching some of the US channels this morning, it is looking more and more like the female vote may be the difference in this election. Watched 3 different channels. Every female voter interviewed said they voted Harris. #USElection2024 #USElections

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 5, 2024

It is worth remembering that he thought Harris was winning since every female voter interviewed had voted for Harris.

On the morning of 6 November 2024 (IST), he concluded that Trump was coming back to power. He wrote, “So @realDonaldTrump is winning? 4 years of entertainment for the world looks guaranteed.”

It was still too early to call the victory, nevertheless, Raman seemed to be eagerly awaiting Trump’s victory just for the “entertainment“.

So @realDonaldTrump is winning? 4 years of entertainment for the world looks guaranteed. #USe

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 6, 2024

He seemed to be having a lot of fun with the way US election analyses were done on channels like CNN.

This is the best election analysis ever. My only worry is that our channels will think of replicating this for the next election. https://t.co/Hp3AwSArXv

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 6, 2024

As if he was a US citizen, very “worried” about his future in that country, following Trump’s victory, he wrote, “More evidence today that people across countries don’t really care much about honesty or decency as character traits in their politicians. As long as they perceive a politician as fulfilling their own needs they are fine. And hate and othering do fetch votes, big time.”

More evidence today that people across countries don't really care much about honesty or decency as character traits in their politicians. As long as they perceive a politician as fulfilling their own needs they are fine. And hate and othering do fetch votes, big time.…

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 6, 2024

Was he trying to hint that he should be given a chance to run for President since he was “honest and decent”? Americans, do give it a thought!

The meltdown begins now. Raman’s worries start getting unfounded, he becomes mildly delusional and writes, “Are we going to see the largest deportation program in history that Trump promised?”

Are we going to see the largest deportation program in history that Trump promised? #USAElections2024

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 6, 2024

Looking at his tweets and worries, one would think, he was genuinely an illegal!

The meltdown hits a new high. He reshared a post which had the caption “Trump will begin operations to deport millions of undocumented immigrants when he starts his term, campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday morning. He’ll launch the “largest mass deportation operation” of undocumented immigrants on Day 1.”

While one might think, the deportation of illegal immigrants is a good thing, Raman thought this was the chance to take a potshot at PM Modi (owing to his Gujarati background, probably). In an attempt to take a jibe at alleged migrants from Gujarat, he wrote, “Wonder if they will include all those thousands from Gujarat who allegedly got there illegally in the last two years.”

Wonder if they will include all those thousands from Gujarat who allegedly got there illegally in the last two years. https://t.co/XSDIMvI4rs

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 7, 2024

The ultimate meltdown came in the form of his latest post. Remember, he initially saw news channels quoting women voters voting for Harris? When he saw actual data, the switch flipped in his head (it seems). He somehow saw racism and women who voted for Trump “conceding control over their bodies” to be connected.

The statistic that stuns me is that 51% of white women voted for Trump. They voted to cede control over their own bodies? Unbelievable. Racism is alive and well in America. https://t.co/wf3UKVBmvN

— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) November 7, 2024

It is pretty much common knowledge that things work differently in the USA. States have their own rules regulations and laws. It is noteworthy that several Republican (red) states had already passed ballot measures to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions. Since Democrats (blue) believe in abortion rights, the women would be confident that their legislatures will not impose any such bans.

While racism was probably the last thing on everyone’s minds, it is notable from the data that women across the races in the US voted for Trump – be they Latinos, Indians, Asians, or Blacks.

Dr. Sumanth often fumbles with local politics. Why does he risk talking about American elections?

This election was nothing about racism. There are plenty of things that differentiate this from 2016 and it’s an overwhelming vote for better economy, lower inflation and stringent… https://t.co/O3UJl7ZxnC

— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) November 7, 2024

There were plenty of other issues such as inflation, war, etc that could have also influenced the voters. But Raman had to peddle the liberal leftist narrative to show his allegiance once again.

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The post Know-It-All Political Commentator Sumanth Raman Goes Hyper As Trump Emerges Victorious After US Presidential Elections appeared first on The Commune.

Music “maestro” and Oscar award winner AR Rahman was in the news in October 2024 when he endorsed Kamala Harris with a lineup of song dedications during the campaign for the US Presidency.

In the video, he says, “Kamala Harris’s vision for a more equitable world is an inspiration for us all. Her interest in focusing on what unites us instead of what divides us is a message that is very important not just for the United States but for the world. As a fellow South Asian Tamizh person, I am deeply proud of her commitment to making the world a better place. I look forward to having the first female President.”

In the half-hour “dedication” video, which saw the likes of leftist supporter Chinmayi and a few others, Rahman sang quite a few songs in various languages. He expressed his support for “Indian origin” Kamala Harris for President.

AR Rahman performs #Singapenney in support of @KamalaHarris. @arrahman pic.twitter.com/AnrXKDK9Kf

— Kolly Buzz (@KollyBuzz) October 14, 2024

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Victory Fund announced the performance, describing it as an influential act of solidarity. Shekar Narasimhan, chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, highlighted that Rahman’s contribution was not merely a musical offering but a “call to action,” urging the community to rally for a future centred on progress and representation. The performance was broadcast on 13 October 2024. It featured some of his most beloved songs, interwoven with messages underscoring Harris’s historic candidacy and her commitment to AAPI issues.

AR Rahman for Kamala Harris! https://t.co/p7PBuXwu85

— When we Fight, We Win! (@manju_iyengar) October 29, 2024

However, following the counting and subsequent results of the elections, which Harris lost, AR Rahman has become the butt of people’s jokes. Here are a few examples:

https://twitter.com/sevarkodiii/status/1854135716827283700

பாய் @arrahman அவ்ளோதோன் முடிச்சு விட்டானுங்க போங்க

விடியல் ஆட்சிக்கு சொம்பு தூக்கும் நமக்கு எதுக்கு பாய் international politics
#USA2024 #USAElection2024 pic.twitter.com/3U3wjvJAh8

— Arvinth Easwaran (@arvinth_e) November 6, 2024

https://twitter.com/SaffronTwitz/status/1854122483504288127

Ar rahman magic did not work
pic.twitter.com/syA2XHNkMT

— Iswarya Mohan (@IswaryaMohan7) November 6, 2024

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The post AR Rahman Becomes Butt Of Jokes As Kamala Harris Loses appeared first on The Commune.

Amidst the ongoing threats of rape and violence directed at actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over her comments regarding rapes during the farmers’ protest, YouTuber Akash Banerjee, known for his left-leaning commentary on his YouTube channel ‘DeshBhakt,’ resorted to sharing sexist remarks in his attacks on her.

His only claim to fame is peddling false narratives and disseminating fake news to his followers.

On August 28th, Banerjee, who was recently promoted by the US Embassy in India for their ‘Influence to Impact’ event, posted an old video on X showing Kangana Ranaut dancing at a party. However, instead of making a relevant critique, he revealed his misogynistic views by asking, “What is the name of the dance that #KanganaRanaut is performing?”

In another instance of his sexist outlook, The YouTuber shared a different old video of Kangana Ranaut from an advertising event, making a derogatory comment about the actress, who appeared to be in a playful mood in the clip.

He drew an inappropriate comparison between the BJP reprimanding Kangana for her remarks and getting ‘whipped,’ stating, “From being whipped for fun in parties, To being whipped seriously from her own Party. #KanganaRanaut has had an exciting journey.”

Rather than addressing the serious issue raised by Kangana, Banerjee and his ilk engage in character assassination strategy. It is a common tactic in the left-liberal ecosystem, where personal or irrelevant aspects of an individual’s life are used to discredit them. Sharing old videos of the BJP MP is a blatant attempt to diminish her as an individual and undermine her message.

As previously reported, Kangana has been receiving threats of violence and sexual assault. By mocking her and attacking her character, individuals like Banerjee are indirectly inciting the severe online harassment she is subjected to. Following Banerjee’s post, numerous social media users have shared the same videos accompanied by sexist remarks.

Ironically, the US Embassy in India chose Banerjee, who has demonstrated misogynistic behaviour, as a change-maker to teach Indian youth how to ‘harness the power of social media’ and become active citizens. Figures like Banerjee are more likely to promote misogyny as a tool against women who voice uncomfortable truths than to inspire meaningful change or active citizenship.

It is, however, not surprising that the YouTuber made sexist and derogatory comments targeting Kangana Ranaut, given that he previously trivialized the horrific experiences of rape victim Nirbhaya to make a political point against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

In 2021, in an attempt to use ‘eminent intellectual’ Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s resignation as a means to criticize the Modi Government, Banerjee compared the event to the brutal rape of Nirbhaya, calling it academia’s ‘Nirbhaya moment.’ This comparison effectively downplayed the severity of Nirbhaya’s suffering.

Despite the backlash on social media for his remarks against Kangana, Banerjee unapologetically defended his posts, sarcastically claiming that he would seek coaching from the BJP IT Cell, Kangana, and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Singh on how not to be misogynistic and how to ensure women’s workplace safety. Cleverly, Banerjee diverted the issue into a debate between the BJP IT Cell and his supporters, ignoring the fact that it centers on the character assassination of a woman by her ideological opponents.

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On 31 August 2024, Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC), criticized the Sweden-based independent research institute Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem). Sanyal’s critique was triggered by a statement from Ebba Busch, Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister, who claimed that Islam must align with Swedish values and that Sharia law has no place in the country.

Through a witty post on his official X account, Sanyal tagged V-Dem and questioned, “Would be interested to know if @vdeminstitute’s supercomputer adds or deducts points for these statements from the Deputy PM of its home country.”

Would be interested to know if @vdeminstitute ‘s supercomputer adds or deducts points for these statements from the Deputy PM of its home country. https://t.co/vnWZhIyzoZ

— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) August 30, 2024

Instead of addressing the issue or leaving it alone, the institute—rather than engage with Sanjeev Sanyal’s critique—chose to block him. Yet, this institute continues to influence how sovereign governments are perceived through its biased research and indices, such as The Regimes of the World (RoW). This framework categorizes political systems into four types: closed autocracies, electoral autocracies, electoral democracies, and liberal democracies, based on V-Dem’s Democracy Core indices.

In a subsequent post, Sanjeev Sanyal revealed that the V-Dem Institute had blocked him, and he included a screenshot to confirm the action. Sanjeev mocked, “So, @vdeminstitute has now blocked me!! So much for freedom and dialogue. This after I asked them a very common sense question about their home country.”

So, @vdeminstitute has now blocked me!!

So much for freedom and dialogue. This after I asked them a very common sense question about their home country. pic.twitter.com/mLaJq9StUk

— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) August 31, 2024

Earlier this year, the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute released a report labeling India as one of the “worst autocratisers” globally in recent times. According to the institute, India remained classified as an “electoral autocracy” in 2023. V-Dem assesses nations through a four-phase process, ranging from democratization to autocratization. Their report highlighted that 42 countries, including India, are experiencing a trend toward autocratization. The institute noted that India, home to 18% of the world’s population, represents about half of the people living in autocratizing countries. The report also claimed that the government under Narendra Modi has used laws on sedition, defamation, and counterterrorism to suppress dissent.

When the institution faces similar scrutiny and criticism, it avoids the issue and blocks critics from its social media platforms.

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The post Democracy Hypocrisy: Sanjeev Sanyal Questions V-Dem Institute Over Sweden Deputy PM’s Remarks On Islam, Gets Blocked By Them On Social Media appeared first on The Commune.

The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has introduced the Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy, 2024, a new initiative aimed at regulating social media content and engaging influencers to promote state government programs. Drafted by the state’s information department and recently approved by the state cabinet, this policy mirrors similar efforts in Punjab, focusing on leveraging the reach of social media influencers to enhance public awareness of government schemes and achievements.

Under this policy, influencers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X will be encouraged to create and share content that aligns with the government’s objectives. The state has appointed a digital agency, V-Form, to manage advertising and distribute videos, tweets, posts, and reels promoting the government’s welfare schemes.

The policy categorizes influencers into four groups based on their follower counts and sets out a structured payment model. Influencers will be compensated based on the platform and type of content they produce:

• X, Facebook, Instagram: Influencers can earn up to ₹5 lakh, ₹4 lakh, and ₹3 lakh per month, respectively.
• YouTube: Payments vary depending on content type, with a cap of ₹8 lakh per month for video creators. Short film creators can earn up to ₹7 lakh, while podcast creators and other content producers can receive up to ₹6 lakh and ₹4 lakhs, respectively.

In addition to promoting government initiatives, the policy also imposes strict regulations on content deemed anti-national or defamatory. Posting such content can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from three years to life.

Dhruv Rathee Finds UP Govt Over Initiative Problematic

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, a well-known left-leaning commentator, criticized the new social media policy. He labelled it a “legalized bribe” that misuses taxpayer money. He claimed that paying influencers to promote government initiatives is unethical and amounts to bribery.

Uttar Pradesh Govt is saying it will pay up to ₹8 Lakh to Influencers to promote the govt.

This is Legalized Bribery.
From Tax Payer's Money.

Any influencer who does this should be publicly shamed.

— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) August 28, 2024

Rathee also called for public shaming of any influencer participating in this program, suggesting that accepting money from the government to promote its achievements compromises their integrity. Netizens questioned whether Rathee’s logic should also apply to traditional media outlets like newspapers and TV channels, which regularly run paid advertisements for government campaigns.

Should all Newspapers and TV Channels, be also shamed, who show paid ads to promote any govt in power ? https://t.co/SeeuAEB7KU

— Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) August 28, 2024

You my friend, should be publicly shamed for conveniently talking about the stuff that suits you! also, not to forget THE MISINFORMATION FACTORY you had setup in name of news and facts! Have some shame, for the love the god! #DhruvRathee #UttarPradesh #Yogi #influencers https://t.co/cdhxaXtVlJ pic.twitter.com/wmFNMrpbFt

— Aditi R. Minglani (@aditiminglani) August 29, 2024

No newspaper left which are not promoting. Are they doing it for free? #AAP #Congress #RojgarVirodhiCongress #PresidentRule #UttarPradesh #YogiAdityanath https://t.co/B898BH3Z2L pic.twitter.com/5b5WUoFzRD

— Pakhi Shukla (@pakhishukla21) August 28, 2024

Hiring lawyers at govt expense to fight personal cases of corruption is OK.
Giving ads worth crores of rupees in newspapers and News channels about govt's achievements is acceptable.

But hiring SM influencers to spread information about the Govt's schemes is bribery !
https://t.co/hbkGSaEBSm

— Eternal Optimist (@optimistsurgeon) August 28, 2024

Interestingly, Rathee has not made similar criticisms of the Punjab government’s initiative in 2023, which also involved paying influencers to promote the state’s culture, heritage, and governance. The Punjab Influencer Empowerment Policy, 2023, was designed to leverage social media influencers to narrate positive stories about Punjab and included a structured compensation model similar to Uttar Pradesh’s. The AAP-led Punjab government, in October 2023, launched an initiative to leverage social media influencers’ power to share the state’s ‘rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and progressive governance initiatives’. The initiative was titled ‘Punjab Influencer Empowerment Policy, 2023’.

The ‘Punjab Influencer Empowerment Policy, 2023‘ aimed to ‘harness the storytelling prowess of social media influencers’ to narrate compelling stories about Punjab’s cultural diversity, historical heritage, and the progressive steps taken by the government. The policy categorized influencers based on their subscriber base across various social media platforms. The five distinct categories, as outlined in the policy, determined the compensation structure for influencers participating in this initiative. Surprisingly, it is very similar to the one proposed by the UP government.

• Category A: Influencers with more than one million subscribers are eligible for a maximum compensation of ₹8 lakh per campaign.
• Category B: Influencers with a subscriber base between five lakhs to one million can earn up to ₹5 lakhs per campaign.
• Category C: For those with one lakh to five lakh subscribers, the compensation is capped at ₹3 lakh per campaign.
• Category D: Influencers with a following between 50,000 to one lakh are also eligible for up to ₹3 lakh per campaign.
• Category E: Those with 10,000 to 50,000 subscribers can similarly earn up to ₹3 lakh per campaign.

Similar campaigns were put forth by the Rajasthan Congress government in 2023 and more recently the Karnataka Congress government as well in 2024. 

Rathee’s silence on Punjab’s initiative has once again raised questions about his integrity and his double standards in his selective outrage. While Rathee has been vocal against the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government’s use of influencers, his lack of commentary on the AAP-led Punjab government or the then Congress-led Rajasthan government, or the Congress-led Karnataka government’s similar approaches shows his blatant bias.

ಉತ್ತರ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಿಂದ ಇವನಿಗೆ ಕಾಸು ಸಿಗೋದಿಲ್ಲ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಉರಿ ಸಂಕಟ https://t.co/V72p41bBqj pic.twitter.com/F98SxIMfR8

— rraavviiind (@rraavviiind) August 30, 2024

Once more, Rathee’s bias against the ruling BJP comes to the fore. He seems to have his lips sealed when someone from parties other than the BJP would have done similar things. If hypocrisy had a face, it would look like Dhruv Rathee.

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The post YouTuber Dhruv Rathee Calls UP Govt’s Initiative To Engage SM Influencers “Legalized Bribery”; Silent On Similar Initiatives By Cong/AAP Govts appeared first on The Commune.

The Prachyam team launched their ambitious project, Punyakoti, the world’s first animated Sanskrit film, to spotlight Bharat’s rich cultural heritage for the next generation. In an era where children’s entertainment has shifted from value-driven classics like “Ramayana” to content steeped in woke themes, “Punyakoti” aims to offer a refreshing return to timeless stories of integrity and Bharatiya morality.

Cartoons For Indian 90’s kids and Gen Z

Amid rapid technological advancements and shifting cultural landscapes, two generations—Indian 90s kids and Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012—have experienced a profound transformation in how they engage with the world. These generations have witnessed a remarkable technological evolution that has impacted their daily lives. This journey began with the introduction of television into Indian households. It brought a captivating array of cartoon shows that captivated young minds. Children found themselves engrossed in a new realm of entertainment, often preferring the animated worlds on screen to the outdoors.

The early days of television delivered an unforgettable era of cartoons that defined childhood for many. Shows like “Oswald,” with its soothing melodies and gentle characters, provided a serene escape. At the same time, classics like “Tom and Jerry,” “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” and “Looney Tunes” offered a mix of humour and light-hearted antics. Despite their sometimes chaotic antics, these shows avoided promoting real-world mischief or violence, with only a few exceptions, such as the occasionally overzealous fans of “Dragon Ball Z” and “Ben 10.”

Woke Messages in Cartoons

As society evolved, so did the content on screens, reflecting the broader cultural shifts. While early animated shows occasionally touched on emerging cultural themes such as the anxious antics of “Scooby-Doo & Shaggy” or Johnny Bravo’s over-the-top flirtations, the contemporary landscape is now steeped in complex ideas like “binary” and “queer,” even many adults struggle to comprehend. There’s an expectation to teach children these complex ideas, although sex education itself is still considered taboo. While offering options is not inherently wrong, the concern is that such concepts should not fundamentally shape children’s characters.

While these concepts are pivotal in contemporary adult discussions, they can overwhelm young, impressionable children. These young viewers are easily swayed by peer influence and trends. Given their still-developing grasp of the world, such complexities may make even straightforward ideas difficult for them to understand.

To counter this struggle, traditional Indian creative practices offer a more accessible approach to shaping young minds. These time-tested storytelling practices protect them from negative influences and allow them to enjoy their childhood. We have a rich history of folklore, songs, puppetry, and skits, engaging children with moral lessons and cultural values. They imparted non-provocative stories, teaching children to be morally upright, respect other human beings, and grow as a society with strong values.

Drama shows and puppetry were also significant parts of popular entertainment. Watching “Ramayana” with full devotion and eagerly anticipating Hanuman’s flight across the seas to deliver Ram’s message to Sita was a cherished experience. Hanuman was revered and considered a protector, and chanting his name was believed to keep harm at bay.

However, the shift towards modernity missed the “Ramayana,” “Little Krishna,” and tales of Hanuman offered children moral lessons wrapped in cultural narratives. These programs, rich in spiritual and ethical teachings, provided a foundation of values and cultural heritage. However, the emphasis on cultural stories and moral education began to wane.

Today, parenting has become increasingly challenging with foreign influences impacting children’s behavious. For instance, a new episode of a Netflix Jr. cartoon for preschoolers faced backlash for introducing concepts like “nonbinary” and “they/them” pronouns. Meanwhile, Indian cartoons often revolve around monotonous 3D characters with repetitive/No plots. There is no difference between “Oogy and the Cockroaches” or “Rat-a-Tat” and Japanese manga like “Shinchan” teaches children how not to behave? And all other non sense.

Punyakoti – First Animated Sansrit Film

Amid these changes, the “Prachyam” team has embarked on a mission to revitalize Indian cultural narratives for today’s children. Their groundbreaking project, “Punyakoti,” marks the world’s first animated Sanskrit film, reminiscent of Disney’s storytelling approach. It is the tale of Punyakoti, a truthful cow whose commitment to her word transforms her fate and the heart of a tiger. Through lush animation and a stirring soundtrack, “Punyakoti” revives timeless values of integrity and morality.

Disney styled World's First Animated Sanskrit Film- Punyakoti is now live on https://t.co/xl9jBa4NEz!

Have you seen it? pic.twitter.com/mjuzamVFDH

— Prachyam (@prachyam7) August 21, 2024

But this is not all; the platform has also introduced other captivating storytelling videos. For instance, it narrates the enduring saga of Bhakt Prahlad and his divine triumph over the evil demon king Hiranyakashyap. The narrative unfolds with Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. This tale exemplifies the enduring power of faith, righteousness, and divine intervention. It offers a profound message of courage and dedication within Hindu mythology.

“Eye of the Parrot: Arjuna’s Singular Focus on the Parrot’s Eye” recounts the legendary tale of Arjuna’s extraordinary archery skills. These efforts to reignite ancient glory and instil confidence in children about their cultural roots are truly commendable.

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The post Reviving Indian Heritage Amidst “Woke-ism” In Children’s Programme, Prachyam Introduces Sanskrit Animated Movie “Punyakoti” Connecting Them to Indian Roots appeared first on The Commune.