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Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
How AI is rewriting the rules of election campaign in India
This is a representational image generated by Artificial Intelligence (Pic credit: Grok) Elections in states like Bihar, Kerala, West Bengal , and Tamil Nadu are still months away but the new-age digital campaigners already have their tasks cut out. These crucial elections are bound to see much more evolved and innovative use of artificial intelligence, already a dominating force in the past elections. The battle for votes is no longer confined to crowded rallies and roadshows; it's increasingly unfolding on screens, powered by algorithms, data, and AI. Gone are the days when victories were secured through thundering speeches, meticulously planned propaganda, and rallies packed with promises and handshakes. Today, the digital realm has emerged as the new battleground , and the strategists shaping public opinion often operate in lines of code rather than through sheer charisma. Consider the viral AI-generated posters: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reimagined as a Marvel-style superhero, former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal cast as a Harry Potter-like figure . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo This is an AI-generated image shared by BJP on its social media account. AAP shared a video on X during Delhi elections, where it featured former Delhi chief minister as Harry Potter. The faces are familiar, yet the force behind these captivating campaigns is the unseen hand of Artificial Intelligence. AI is no longer a distant frontier—it is the present , deeply embedded in the machinery of the world's largest democracy. And with a young, tech-savvy electorate at the helm, India is rapidly embracing this technological revolution in its political arena. These images were shared by BJP on X. This reflects how AI can be used to boost diplomatic relations between two countries. India's stand on AI Artificial Intelligence has quietly yet powerfully infiltrated the war rooms and strategy sessions of Indian politics . The central government, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, has actively championed the development of a "unique marketplace-based model to ensure broad accessibility" of AI technologies. This national vision underscores the importance placed on AI's potential across various sectors. Recently, in a podcast with American podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi underlined India's growing role in AI and said, "No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India." He added that India's vast talent pool is its greatest strength, saying, "Artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence, and that real intelligence exists abundantly in India's youth." Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India - Power, Democracy, War & Peace | Lex Fridman Podcast #460 Decoding the digital campaign The 2024 general elections served as a watershed moment, showcasing the extensive and innovative ways in which political parties are leveraging AI tools. Political communication strategist Devesh Singh, in a conversation with TOI, spoke about this transformation and said, "Indian political parties are harnessing AI to revolutionise campaign strategies, focusing on personalisation, content creation, and voter engagement" . He also provided a detailed breakdown of the AI strategies employed by various parties: BJP Deployed ' Bhashini ' on the NaMo app for real-time translation of PM Modi's speeches into eight regional languages, including Kannada and Odia, reaching non-Hindi voters. In Varanasi, BJP used AI to generate personalised WhatsApp videos addressing voters by name, linking to specific schemes like PM-KISAN. They also launched an AI chatbot, NaMo AI, to answer voter queries on policies. Congress Released a satirical deepfake video, " Chor ," superimposing Modi's face on a singer, shared with its over 6 million Instagram followers (now over 7 million followers) to allege corruption. In Karnataka, Congress used AI to create localised social media ads targeting youth with messages on unemployment, tailored to district-level job data. DMK Employed deepfake technology to resurrect M Karunanidhi, featuring him in campaign videos endorsing M K Stalin, evoking nostalgia in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK Used AI-generated audio of the late Jayalalithaa in campaign rallies in Chennai, rallying supporters with her iconic voice. TDP Introduced an AI anchor, ' Vaibhavi ', delivering Telugu YouTube updates on party promises, and used AI to analyse voter sentiment in Andhra Pradesh constituencies. AI technology తో చంద్రబాబు న్యూస్ | AI Anchor Vaibhavi, | Artificial Intelligence| tdp official CPI (M) Launched an AI anchor, ' Samata ', for Bengali voters, sharing policy explainers on WhatsApp. In Kerala, they used AI to generate posters highlighting local issues like coastal erosion. AAP In Delhi, AAP deployed AI-driven chatbots on WhatsApp to engage voters on free electricity and water schemes, with tailored responses based on user inputs. YSRCP In Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP used AI to create hyper-local video ads showcasing Jagan Mohan Reddy's welfare schemes, segmented by rural and urban voters. Singh further emphasised the sheer scale of AI's deployment, saying, " Over 50 million AI-generated robocalls mimicking politicians' voices, including Modi and Rahul Gandhi, were made, discussing local issues like irrigation in Maharashtra or healthcare in Bihar. These examples highlight AI's role in scaling personalised, emotionally resonant campaigns, though ethical concerns around misinformation persist ." Expert's view on AI's role in Indian politics Power of personalisation A key aspect of AI's impact lies in its ability to analyse vast datasets and identify specific voter segments for targeted persuasion. According to Singh, " AI is enabling campaigns to segment and persuade voters with precision. AI algorithms analyse vast datasets — demographics, voting history, social media activity, and consumer patterns — to create granular voter profiles based on age, caste, religion, income, or regional concerns. " This detailed understanding allows for the crafting of highly personalised messages delivered through various digital channels like WhatsApp, robocalls, and social media. For example: BJP in Uttar Pradesh sent WhatsApp messages to farmers, referencing specific PM-KISAN payments they received, with calls to vote for Modi. Congress in Rajasthan used AI to target women voters with ads on the Mahila Samman Yojana, customised by district-level literacy rates. AAP in Punjab analysed social media sentiment to send personalised messages to urban youth about education reforms. This level of personalisation extends to addressing voters by name and referencing local issues or personal benefits, with AI chatbots like BJP's NaMo AI providing tailored policy details in response to individual inquiries. AI has been levelling the playing field Avesh Singh, head of digital communication at I-PAC, told TOI, " So far, AI has been levelling the playing field. Previously, only larger parties were able to produce a higher volume of content or react quickly, but now, with the help of AI, smaller parties can scale their content generation capabilities more easily. " " However, in the future, as AI platforms begin to focus more on the business side, this shift may benefit those with greater funding ," he added. Do AI-generated images and memes impact political narratives? AI-generated images and memes are potent tools for shaping narratives and influencing voter perception, leveraging emotional appeal and virality. In 2024: Congress's "Chor" deepfake video, portraying PM Modi as corrupt, reinforced negative narratives among its base, gaining traction on Instagram. DMK's Karunanidhi deepfake videos in Tamil Nadu evoked nostalgia, strengthening voter loyalty. BJP shared AI-generated memes in Gujarat, depicting Rahul Gandhi as disconnected, amplifying perceptions of weak leadership. AAP used AI-crafted posters in Delhi, showcasing Kejriwal's welfare schemes with vibrant visuals, resonating with urban voters. " These visuals drive engagement through humour or sentiment but can spread misinformation — for example, a fake Rahul Gandhi resignation video in 2024, though limited to 9,000 views, fueled false narratives. In rural areas, with 76.32 per cent adult literacy, voters are particularly vulnerable to unverified content, eroding trust in media. Campaigns must weigh the persuasive power of AI content against risks of backlash and declining credibility ," Devesh Singh said. Expert's views on how AI-generated images and memes are potent tools for shaping narratives. The integration of Artificial Intelligence into election campaigns marks a significant turning point. From multilingual outreach and hyper-personalised messaging to the creation of visually arresting digital content, algorithms are undeniably reshaping the strategies employed by political parties. While the human element of leadership and grassroots connection remains vital, the efficiency and scalability offered by AI in data analysis, targeted communication, and content generation are proving to be powerful new forces in the battle for votes. The digital battlefield has arrived, and algorithms are increasingly calling the shots.
New York Times
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Hell of a Summer' Review: Shallow Cuts
Setting a slasher at a summer camp is sort of like wearing sandals with socks: There's no law against it, but you'd better know what you're doing. A wry throwback horror movie like 'Hell of a Summer,' blatantly indebted to cabin-strewn '80s classics like 'Sleepaway Camp' and 'Friday the 13th,' screams for the confident guidance of a filmmaker enamored with the genre — someone like Eli Roth, say, whose grindhouse tribute 'Thanksgiving' exuded affection for old-school slashers in its every gout of blood. Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, the writers, directors and stars of 'Hell of a Summer,' take a more conservative, and therefore more boring, approach to their horror homage. A largely forgettable cast of teens and 20-somethings hang around Camp Pineway cracking irreverent, Marvel-style quips as they wait to be butchered by a knife-wielding maniac, whose kills lack both the cruelty and inventiveness of even the most run-of-the-mill slashers of the genre's heyday. There's a coming-of-age angle involving Jason (Fred Hechinger), a 24-year-old counselor struggling to grow up, but it's vague and noncommittal, straining for something to say. Wolfhard and Bryk don't relish violence or gore: 'Hell of a Summer' is surprisingly tame, with most of its kills kept tastefully offscreen. In the second act, an annoying teen with a peanut allergy comes face to face with the killer, who brandishes a jar of peanut butter menacingly — a perfect opportunity for a bit of gnarly comeuppance, except that the filmmakers cut away. It shows a fatal lack of conviction at a moment that requires slasher-loving brass. Where's the fun in that?
Bloomberg
31-01-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Who Should Have the Final Say Over Central Banks?
By The 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath vaulted central bankers from obscure technocrats to leading actors in the global economy. Institutions that had been known for a behind-the-scenes role mostly tweaking interest rates took on the mantle of Marvel-style first responders. Policymakers such as Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi became household names, popping up on primetime television slots or taking center stage at major conferences. Mark Carney, former head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England has launched a bid to replace Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberal Party of Canada. The current Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, has even taken to TikTok to explain policy.
