Kailash Vijayvargiya calls for probe into Turkish drone-maker Asisguard's links to Madhya Pradesh metro projects
Days after the Union government said Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones in attempted attacks on sites in India earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has called for an investigation into Turkey-based defence company Asisguard's links to metro projects in the state.
Pointing out that Asisguard drones have been accused of being used in 'anti-India activities', Vijayvargiya said, 'A serious concern is that the same company, 'Asis', is currently contracted for digital systems work in the Bhopal and Indore metro projects.'
Songard drones are designed and manufactured by Asisguard. They were first launched in April 2019 and delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces in February 2020. They are Turkey's first indigenous armed drones.
Vijayvargiya said officials have been directed to conduct a 'thorough and impartial investigation of the facts'.
'If it is found that the company is directly or indirectly associated with anti-India elements or that its products have been used against India's security, then the contract with the company will be terminated. We will not compromise on the nation's honour, security, or self-respect,' he said.
Asserting that 'for us, national duty is paramount', the Madhya Pradesh minister said, 'Anyone who stands against India's sovereignty, regardless of who they are, will not be met with any sympathy or support. That is unacceptable.'
This stance aligns with India's recent actions concerning Turkish firms. The government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, another Turkey-based company, citing national security concerns following Turkey's support for Pakistan during the hostilities in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Operation Social Media: Digital dogs of war bark loud, bite little in Pakistan's info ops
'Indian forces wave the white flag!' "Karachi captured!" "Pakistan Army Chief arrested!" by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Tamil Nadu - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo None of it was true. All of it went viral. As India and Pakistan teetered on the edge of open warfare this May following a gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, a parallel battle unfolded, not on land or in air, but in the boundless terrain of cyberspace. Live Events This was not merely a war of missiles and drones; it was an orchestrated campaign of perception warfare, fuelled by a deluge of misinformation and psychological operations designed to distort, distract and destabilise. This is how 'Operation Social Media' unfolded -- an invisible front that exposed how deeply disinformation can influence modern conflict, and how India, despite facing a sophisticated hybrid threat, sought to maintain both operational focus and digital hygiene. Also Read: China, Pakistan 'launch' Operation Disinformation on Rafale after India's terror strikes When bots go off louder than bombs The crisis began with a terror attack at a popular tourist spot in Kashmir. The assault bore the fingerprints of Pakistan-based terror outfits, prompting New Delhi to launch Operation Sindoor , a series of precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7. Almost immediately, unverified claims began saturating social media. According to reports from The Guardian and The Washington Post, X (formerly Twitter) became a hotbed of false triumphs, premature victory laps, and fictionalised skirmishes. Among the most viral, but entirely fabricated, narratives were: Indian jets capturing Lahore and Karachi. Arrest of Pakistan's army chief and an alleged military coup. A Pakistani cyberattack disabling India's power grid. India bombing Afghan territory or surrendering in key battlefronts. Doctored videos, repurposed war clips, and even footage from video games like Arma 3 flooded social media platforms during the India-Pakistan standoff, giving rise to a parallel narrative war. These posts were amplified by a mix of anonymous accounts, official handles, and even journalists acting on unverified inputs. Independent internet observatory NetBlocks reported that 65% of these viral false posts originated from IP addresses linked to Pakistan, while another 20% came from untraceable bot accounts. According to the Washington-based non-profit think tank, the Centre for the Study of Organized Hate, 'X emerged as the primary hub for both misinformation and disinformation.' The think tank analysed 437 such posts and found that 179, or nearly 41%, originated from verified accounts, which are often perceived as credible due to their blue-check status. These included posts by politicians, influencers, media personalities, and retired military officials. 'What was particularly alarming,' the report noted, 'was the credibility lent to these falsehoods by high-profile sources.' Despite the scale of this disinformation, only 73 posts, just 17%, were flagged by X's Community Notes, the platform's crowd-sourced fact-checking feature. This, the think tank argued, pointed to a serious lapse in content moderation at a time of high geopolitical tension. Raqib Hameed Naik, director of the think tank, described the information war as 'a global trend in hybrid warfare'. 'This wasn't ordinary nationalist chest-thumping,' said Joyojeet Pal of the University of Michigan. 'This had the potential to push two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink.' Pakistan's playbook The social media campaign didn't begin with Operation Sindoor; it was already underway. On April 25, days before the Indian Air Force strike, India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had announced the banning of 16 YouTube channels and several Instagram accounts for spreading 'provocative and communally sensitive content.' Of these, six were Pakistan-based and ten operated from within India, with a combined viewership of over 680 million. A key inflection point came when Pakistan lifted its year-long ban on X during the peak of the crisis. According to minutes from a Pakistani Senate committee meeting, this move was deliberate and strategic, intended to enable Islamabad to 'participate in the narrative war.' Also Read: Lies, now open sourced: India-Pakistan conflict puts spotlight on open-source intelligence and credibility problem NetBlocks confirmed that access to X in Pakistan was restored precisely as tensions with India escalated, giving Pakistani agencies and allied influencers a wide window to flood the platform with misleading and often provocative posts. In the aftermath of the operation, and as misinformation swirled on social media, India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check division stepped in to debunk dozens of viral claims. These included: Videos from Lebanon's 2020 explosion being shared as missile strikes on Indian cities. Drone footage from Jalandhar fires framed as attacks. Game footage falsely portraying Pakistani military success. Recycled images from other conflict zones passed off as Indian casualties. Together, these examples offer a window into the scale, coordination, and intent behind the disinformation campaign, aimed not just at misleading the public but also at distorting the global perception of India's military and political posture. Inside Pakistan's covert spy ring In a related espionage probe, Indian intelligence uncovered a Pakistan-backed operation recruiting social media influencers as spies. Naushaba Shahzad Masood, known as 'Madam N', runs Jaiyana Travels and Tourism in Lahore. She was building a network of 500 spies inside India, focusing on Hindu and Sikh YouTubers like Jyoti Malhotra and Jasbir Singh. In six months, Naushaba arranged travel for about 3,000 Indians and 1,500 expatriates to Pakistan, fast-tracking visas through direct contacts at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi. She also managed Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage tours with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), charging inflated fees that funded ISI propaganda. Financial trails include Naushaba's phone number found on arrested spies' devices and two Pakistani bank accounts linked to transfers from India. Her network recruits through agents operating in major Indian cities, including Delhi. Open-source intelligence: Boon or bane? The situation also highlighted the double-edged nature of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). Originally conceived to empower citizens through satellite images, open data, and social media monitoring, OSINT's decentralised model became a tool for mass manipulation. 'Anyone with an internet connection could now pose as an OSINT expert,' observed an analysis published by ET. The danger lies in viral misinformation being passed off as expert assessments, especially when retweeted by influencers and news outlets under pressure for real-time content. Newsrooms under fire Some Indian newsrooms too fell for the deluge of fake news. According to The Washington Post, in one case, a journalist reportedly received a WhatsApp message, allegedly from a public broadcaster, claiming that Pakistan's army chief had been arrested. Within minutes, this falsehood became prime-time 'breaking news.' Speaking to The Post, Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao described the atmosphere as one of 'hypernationalism' and 'parallel reality,' cautioning that the lack of authoritative government briefings created a vacuum often filled by speculation. But not everyone was misled. Also Read: India's Press Information Bureau, along with a 24/7 monitoring centre set up by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, worked to counter misinformation in real time. Fact-checks were issued, social media handles were flagged, and broadcasters were warned for violating verification norms. Cyber Frontline: 1.5 million attacks, but only 150 breaches While social media churned with false claims, the real-time cyber threat was no less intense. According to Maharashtra Cyber, over 1.5 million cyber attacks were launched against Indian infrastructure by seven Pakistan-allied Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The barrage of cyberattacks not only came from the neighbouring country but from Bangladesh and the Middle Eastern region. Pro-Pakistan hacker collectives such as APT 36 (also known as Transparent Tribe), Pakistan Cyber Force, and Team Insane PK launched a coordinated series of cyberattacks in the days surrounding the crisis. Their arsenal included malware campaigns, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, GPS spoofing attempts, and website defacements aimed at sowing panic and disrupting public trust in India's digital infrastructure. According to officials familiar with the matter, India faced over 1.5 million intrusion attempts during this period. However, only 150 attacks were successful, a tiny fraction. Importantly, claims that the hackers had penetrated Mumbai's airport systems or Election Commission portals were found to be baseless. Addressing reporters, a senior official of Maharashtra Cyber debunked claims of hackers stealing data from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, hacking aviation and municipal systems, and targeting the Election Commission website. "The probe discovered that cyber attacks on (government websites in) India decreased after India-Pakistan ceased hostilities, but not fully stopped. These attacks continue from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Morocco, and Middle Eastern countries," he said. The Indian government's 'Road of Sindoor' report, a classified cyber threat assessment, showed these attacks were part of a coordinated hybrid warfare strategy involving both digital and psychological warfare. India's response While the information war raged online, Indian armed forces maintained disciplined silence and strategic clarity. Official statements were sparse, but targeted. Operation Sindoor focused solely on dismantling terrorist infrastructure, confirmed in a press conference by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who clarified that India did not target civilian installations. Behind the scenes, India's cyber defence grid was activated, fact-checking units expanded, and social media protocols for military updates tightened. The government also advised citizens to avoid unverified content and rely only on official sources. AI fact-checkers As the misinformation torrent intensified, social media users increasingly turned to AI chatbots for verification, only to find more confusion and falsehoods. Platforms like xAI's Grok, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Google's Gemini became common go-to tools for instant fact-checking amid the crisis. 'Hey @Grok, is this true?' became a viral plea on Elon Musk's platform X, reflecting the surge in users seeking quick debunks. However, these AI assistants often propagated misinformation themselves. Grok, under renewed criticism for inserting far-right conspiracy theories into unrelated answers, misidentified old video footage from Sudan's Khartoum airport as missile strikes on Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase during the conflict. Similarly, unrelated fire footage from Nepal was wrongly claimed as Pakistani military retaliation. McKenzie Sadeghi of the disinformation watchdog NewsGuard warned, 'The growing reliance on Grok as a fact-checker comes as X and other major tech companies have scaled back investments in human fact-checkers. Our research has repeatedly found that AI chatbots are not reliable sources for news and information, particularly when it comes to breaking news.' The Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University found that AI chatbots were 'generally bad at declining to answer questions they couldn't answer accurately, offering incorrect or speculative answers instead.' For instance, AFP fact-checkers in Uruguay asked Google's Gemini about an AI-generated image of a woman; it confirmed the image's authenticity but fabricated details about her identity and location. Truth is the first casualty, but not the last word The digital front of the India-Pakistan standoff reveals the complex landscape of modern warfare, where victory is measured not just in ground gained but in narrative controlled. Yet despite the storm of falsehoods, India's response, though understated, was layered, methodical, and largely effective. As the lines between social media warfare and statecraft blur, it's clear that the next great conflict won't just be fought with missiles, but with memes, metadata, and misinformation.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
'US with India in fight against terror': Deputy Secretary of State tells Indian delegation
WASHINGTON: The US stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led all-party delegation here to convey India's stance on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The Indian delegation met Landau here on Friday as it wrapped up the crucial US leg of its multi-nation tour, briefing key interlocutors about Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. "The all-party parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State Landau. The Indian delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor," the Indian Embassy said on X. Landau, in a post on X, said it was a "GREAT" meeting with the Indian parliamentary representatives. "I reaffirmed that the US stands strong with India in the fight against terrorism. We discussed the US-India strategic relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster growth and prosperity for both countries," he said. A statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Landau "reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries." The delegation discussed with Landau the importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster economic growth and prosperity in both countries, according to the statement. The embassy, in a statement said, that during the meeting with Landau, the delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. "The deputy secretary reaffirmed the United States' strong support for India in the fight against terrorism. The two sides also had a wide-ranging conversation on the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships through advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest," it said. The delegation also had a "productive meeting" with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms, the embassy said on X. The senator sympathised with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, saying the US stood with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for New Delhi's right to defend itself. Tharoor also spoke over the phone with Senator Cory Booker, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and described the conversation as "warm and productive." He briefed Booker on the "monstrous" terror attack in Pahalgam and outlined the repeated provocations of terrorism emanating from across the border, laid out the details of Operation Sindoor, and emphasised India's firm resolve in countering any future acts of terrorism. "Senator Booker unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed sympathies with the victims. The conversation also touched upon broader themes in the India-US strategic partnership, which enjoys robust support," Tharoor said, adding that he hopes to meet Booker "Next time in person." Apart from Tharoor, the delegation comprises MPs Sarfaraz Ahmad, Ganti Harish Madhur Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu. Several prominent American lawmakers and congressmen, as well as policy experts, attended a special reception hosted by the Indian Embassy on Thursday night and interacted with the delegation.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Protests Erupt In Los Angeles After 44 Arrested In Immigration Raids, Smoke Bombs Hurled
Last Updated: Protests erupted after US immigration authorities arrested at least 44 people across Los Angeles. Law enforcement hurled smoke bombs and tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protests erupted across Los Angeles, California, after federal immigration authorities arrested at least 44 people in the city, prompting law enforcement to hurl smoke bombs and flash bangs to disperse the crowd that voiced their opposition on the streets against the detentions. According to Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and agents executed search warrants at three locations. 'Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested, and one arrest for obstruction. The investigation remains ongoing, updates will follow as appropriate," O'Keefe said. However, immigrant advocacy groups claimed there were arrests in seven locations, including two Home Depots, a warehouse in the fashion district and a doughnut shop. US Attorney's Office spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy confirmed that agents served a search warrant at a business suspected of using fictitious documents to employ workers illegally. This operation is part of the Trump administration's nationwide push to arrest undocumented workers and enforce immigration laws. Dozens of protesters gathered outside a federal detention centre in Los Angeles, where they believed those arrested had been taken, chanting, 'Set them free, let them stay!" Other protesters held signs that said 'ICE out of LA!" while others led chants and shouted from megaphones. Smoke Bombs, Tear Gas Canisters Hurled The crowd continued to move throughout the night, prompting LAPD officers to issue a dispersal order as unlawful assembly was declared, according to CBS News. Police said demonstrators threw 'large pieces of concrete" at officers There were reports that protesters and other activists protesting against the detentions had attempted to enter the detention centre and even attacked FBI agents. In response, officers used tear gas canisters and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. Officers wearing helmets and holding batons then forced the protesters away from the building by forming a line and walking slowly down the street. Aerial footage showed officers throwing smoke bombs or flash bangs on the street to disperse the people so they could drive away in SUVs, vans and military-style vehicles. Soon enough, hundreds of protesters faced off against ICE agents to protest the detentions. Traffic in the area was also impacted as both police and demonstrators crowded the streets. Anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles are seen throwing objects at Federal agents and trying to block their vehicles from leaving after ICE conducted several isn't everyone getting arrested? — Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) June 6, 2025 Los Angeles Mayor Criticises Arrests Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticised the immigration raids and arrests. 'As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city," she said in a statement on Friday. Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California also condemned the operations in a statement, saying that 'the ICE raids across Los Angeles today are a continuation of a disturbing pattern of extreme and cruel immigration enforcement operations across the country." The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, or CHIRLA, a nonprofit immigrant rights advocacy group, estimated that at least 45 people had been taken into custody. 'Our community is under attack and is being terrorised. These are workers, these are fathers, these are mothers, and this has to stop. Immigration enforcement that is terrorising our families throughout this country and picking up our people that we love must stop now," said Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA. Trump's aggressive campaign to arrest undocumented immigrants and carry out mass deportations has stirred significant controversy, with critics accusing ICE agents of using overly forceful tactics. Protests had erupted recently following immigration enforcement actions at a restaurant in San Diego and in Minneapolis. (with AP inputs) Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Immigration and Customs Enforcement los angeles raids us protests Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: June 07, 2025, 10:19 IST
