#FactCheck - Video Showing Sadhus in Ice Is Artificially Generated

Executive Summary:

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A viral social media message claims that the Indian government is offering a ₹5,000 gift to citizens in celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. However, this claim is false. The message is part of a deceptive scam that tricks users into transferring money via UPI, rather than receiving any benefit. Fact-checkers have confirmed that this is a fraud using misleading graphics and fake links to lure people into authorizing payments to scammers.

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Claim:

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The post circulating widely on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook states that every Indian citizen is eligible to receive ₹5,000 as a gift from the current Union Government on the Prime Minister’s birthday. The message post includes visuals of PM Modi, BJP party symbols, and UPI app interfaces such as PhonePe or Google Pay, and urges users to click on the BJP Election Symbol [Lotus] or on the provided link  to receive the gift directly into their bank account.

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Fact Check:

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Our research indicates that there is no official announcement or credible article supporting the claim that the government is offering ₹5,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). This claim does not appear on any official government websites or verified scheme listings.

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While the message was crafted to appear legitimate, it was in fact misleading. The intent was to deceive users into initiating a UPI payment rather than receiving one, thereby putting them at financial risk.

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A screen popped up showing a request to pay ₹686 to an unfamiliar UPI ID. When the ‘Pay ₹686’ button was tapped, the app asked for the UPI PIN—clearly indicating that this would have authorised a payment straight from the user’s bank account to the scammer’s.

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We advise the public to verify such claims through official sources before taking any action.

Our research indicated that the claim in the viral post is false and part of a fraudulent UPI money scam. 

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Clicking the link that went with the viral Facebook post, it took us to a website

https://wh1449479[.]ispot[.]cc/with a somewhat odd domain name of 'ispot.cc', which is certainly not a government-related or commonly known domain name. On the website, we observed images that featured a number of unauthorized visuals, including a Prime Minister Narendra Modi image, a Union Minister and BJP President J.P. Nadda image, the national symbol, the BJP symbol, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana logo. It looked like they were using these visuals intentionally to convince users that the website was legitimate. 

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Conclusion:

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The assertion that the Indian government is handing out ₹5,000 to all citizens is totally false and should be reported as a scam. The message uses the trust related to government schemes, tricking users into sending money through UPI to criminals. They recommend that individuals do not click on links or respond to any such message about obtaining a government gift prior to verification. If you or a friend has fallen victim to this fraud, they are urged to report it immediately to your bank, and report it through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) or contact the cyber helpline at 1930. They also recommend always checking messages like this through their official government website first.

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• Claim: The Modi Government is distributing ₹5,000 to citizens through UPI apps
• Claimed On:  Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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Introduction:

CDR is a term that refers to Call detail records, The Telecom Industries holds the call details data of the users. As it amounts to a large amount of data, the telecom companies retain the data for a period of 6 months. CDR plays a significant role in investigations and cases in the courts. It can be used as pivotal evidence in court proceedings to prove or disprove certain facts & circumstances. Power of Interception of Call detail records is allowed for reasonable grounds and only by the authorized authority as per the laws. 

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Admissibility of CDR’s in Courts:

Call Details Records (CDRs) can be used as effective pieces of evidence to assist the court in ascertaining the facts of the particular case and inquiring about the commission of an offence, and according to the judicial pronouncements, it is made clear that CDRs can be used supporting or secondary evidence in the court. However, it cannot be the sole basis of the conviction. Section 92 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973 provides procedure and empowers certain authorities to apply for court or competent authority intervention to seek the CDR. 

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Legal provisions to obtain CDR:

The CDR can be obtained under the statutory provisions of law contained in section 92 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. Or under section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act 1885, read with rule 419(A) Indian Telegraph Amendment rule 2007. The guidelines were also issued in 2016 by Ministry of Ministry of Home Affairs for seeking Call details records (CDRs)

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How long is CDR stored with telecom Companies (Data Retention)

Call Data is retained by telecom companies for a period of 6 months. As the data amounts to high storage, almost several Petabytes per year, telecom companies store the call details data for a period of 6 months and archive the rest of it to tapes. 

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New Delhi 25Cr jewellery heist 

Recently, an incident took place where a 25-crore jewellery theft was carried out in a jewellery shop in Delhi, It was planned and executed by a man from Chhattisgarh. After committing the crime, the criminal went back to Chhattisgarh. It was a case of a 25Cr heist, and the police started their search & investigation. Police used technology and analysed the mobile numbers which were active at the crime scene. Delhi police used advanced software to analyse data. The police were able to trace the mobile number of thieves or suspects active at the crime scene. They discovered suspected contacts who were active within the range of the crime scene, and it helped in the arrest of the main suspects.  From around 5,000 mobile numbers active around the crime scene, police have used advanced software that analyses huge data, and then police found a number registered outside of Delhi.  The surveillance on the number has revealed that the suspected criminal has moved to the MP from Delhi, then moved further to Bhilai Chattisgarh. Police have successfully arrested the suspected criminal. This incident highlights how technology or call data can assist law enforcement agencies in investigating and finding the real culprits.

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Conclusion: 

CDR refers to call detail records retained by telecom companies for a period of 6 months, it can be obtained through lawful procedure and by competent authorities only. CDR can be helpful in cases before the court or law enforcement agencies, to assist the court and law enforcement agencies in ascertaining the facts of the case or to prove or disprove certain things. It is important to reiterated that unauthorized seeking of CDR is not allowed; the intervention of the court or competent authority is required to seek the CDR from the telecom companies. CDRs cannot be unauthorizedly obtained, and there has to be a directive from the court or competent authority to do so.

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References:

• https://indianlegalsystem.org/cdr-the-wonder-word/#:~:text=CDR%20is%20admissible%20as%20secondary,the%20Indian%20Evidence%20Act%2C%201872.
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/needle-in-a-haystack-how-cops-scanned-5k-mobile-numbers-to-crack-rs-25cr-heist/articleshow/104055687.cms?from=mdr
• https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/just-one-man-planned-executed-rs-25-crore-delhi-heist-another-thief-did-him-in-4436494

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Introduction

26th November 2024 marked a historical milestone for India as a Hyderabad-based space technology firm TakeMe2Space, announced the forthcoming launch of MOI-TD “(My Orbital Infrastructure - Technology Demonstrator)”, India's first AI lab in space. The mission will demonstrate real-time data processing in orbit, making space research more affordable and accessible according to the Company. The launch is scheduled for mid-December 2024 aboard the ISRO's PSLV C60 launch vehicle. It represents a transformative phase for innovation and exploration in India's AI and space technology integration space. 

The Vision Behind the Initiative

The AI Laboratory in orbit is designed to enable autonomous decision-making, revolutionising satellite exploration and advancing cutting-edge space research. It signifies a major step toward establishing space-based data centres, paving the way for computing capabilities that will support a variety of applications. 

While space-based data centres currently cost 10–15 times more than terrestrial alternatives, this initiative leverages high-intensity solar power in orbit to significantly reduce energy consumption. Training AI models in space could lower energy costs by up to 95% and cut carbon emissions by at least tenfold, even when factoring in launch emissions. It positions MOI-TD as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution.

Technological Innovations and Future Impact of AI in Space

This AI Laboratory, MOI-TD includes control software and hardware components, including reaction wheels, magnetometers, an advanced onboard computer, and an AI accelerator. The satellite also features flexible solar cells that could power future satellites. It will enable the processing of real-time space data, pattern recognition, and autonomous decision-making and address the latency issues, ensuring faster and more efficient data analysis, while the robust hardware designs tackle the challenges posed by radiation and extreme space environments. Advanced sensor integration will further enhance data collection, facilitating AI model training and validation.

These innovations drive key applications with transformative potential. It will allow users to access the satellite platform through OrbitLaw, a web-based console that will allow users to upload AI models to aid climate monitoring, disaster prediction, urban growth analysis and custom Earth observation use cases. TakeMe2Space has already partnered with a leading Malaysian university and an Indian school (grades 9 and 10) to showcase the satellite’s potential for democratizing space research. 

Future Prospects and India’s Global Leadership in AI and Space Research 

As per Stanford’s HAI Global AI Vibrancy rankings, India secured 4th place due to its R&D leadership, vibrant AI ecosystem, and public engagement for AI. This AI laboratory is a step further in advancing India’s role in the development of regulatory frameworks for ethical AI use, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and promoting international cooperation to establish global standards for AI applications. 

Cost-effectiveness and technological exercise are some of India’s unique strengths and could position the country as a key player in the global AI and space research arena and draw favourable comparisons with initiatives by NASA, ESA, and private entities like SpaceX. By prioritising ethical and sustainable practices and fostering collaboration, India can lead in shaping the future of AI-driven space exploration.

Conclusion

India’s first AI laboratory in space, MOI-TD, represents a transformative milestone in integrating AI with space technology. This ambitious project promises to advance autonomous decision-making, enhance satellite exploration, and democratise space research. Additionally, factors such as data security, fostering international collaboration and ensuring sustainability should be taken into account while fostering such innovations. With this, India can establish itself as a leader in space research and AI innovation, setting new global standards while inspiring a future where technology expands humanity’s frontiers and enriches life on Earth.

References

• https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/start-up-to-launch-ai-lab-in-space-in-december/2017534 
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/spacetech-startup-takeme2space-to-launch-ai-lab-in-space-in-december/articleshow/115701888.cms?from=mdr 
• https://www.ibm.com/think/news/data-centers-space ‍
• https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/next-gen-technologies/spacetech-startup-takeme2space-to-launch-ai-lab-in-space-in-december/115718230