The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the US of trying to "unbalance" India's internal political situation to complicate the elections. Moscow referred to the US as a 'neo-colonial' power that lacks an understanding of India's national mentality, historical context, and the development of the Indian state. While Russia's criticism of the US is not new, is its analysis far-fetched? On this episode of Gravitas, we examine how biased reports emerged from the US, in the run-up to the Indian elections.

Gravitas | Russia accuses 'Neo-colonial' US for meddling in India's election, 'Lack of Respect...'

Reiterating the resolution of ‘Every Vote Counts’, the Election Commission, set up a special polling booth for a lone voter in Banej, in the Gir forest on Tuesday (May 07).

Since 2007, Mahant Haridasji Udasin, the only registered voter in Banej, which comes under the Junagadh Lok Sabha seat, has had a special polling station for himself. He serves as a priest at a nearby Shiva temple. A booth has been put up in the forest office, near the temple. A polling team was assigned to set up the booth and make all required arrangements for Mahant Udasin to exercise his right to vote.

The ECI promises to reach every voter, wherever they may be, since India is undergoing the biggest democratic exercise with Lok Sabha elections. Electoral laws stipulate that each voter must be no more than 2 km (1.2 miles) away from a polling place, and about 969 million individuals are eligible to vote this year.

Polling officers in Gujarat had to take a two-day bus trip into the Gir forest, the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, to put up a polling station in Banej on Tuesday to guarantee the priest could vote. Each polling place must have two police officers and at least six poll workers, according to the electoral law. The Election Commission of India shared a post-vote picture of Mahant Haridasji Udasin with an inked finger on X with the caption, "A lone voter casts his vote at the unique polling station set up in the Gir forest, Banej, #Gujarat."

<h2>Gujarat Lok Sabha elections 2024</h2>

Over 55% of voters turned out until 5 pm in Gujarat's 25 parliamentary seats for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 7. There were 265 candidates, including a Minister of State named Devusinh Chauhan and three Cabinet Ministers: Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Parshottam Rupala. The elections were held in 25 of the State's 26 seats since the incumbent BJP won the Surat seat unchallenged after eight out of nine qualified contenders withdrew their papers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Reiterating the resolution of ‘Every Vote Counts’, the Election Commission, set up a special polling booth for a lone voter in Banej, in the Gir forest on Tuesday (May 07).

Reiterating the resolution of ‘Every Vote Counts’, the Election Commission, set up a special polling booth for a lone voter in Banej, in the Gir forest on Tuesday (May 07). Since 2007, Mahant Haridasji Udasin, the only registered voter in Banej, which comes under the Junagadh Lok Sabha seat, has had a special polling station for himself. He serves as a priest at a nearby Shiva temple. A booth has been put up in the forest office, near the temple. A polling team was assigned to set up the booth and make all required arrangements for Mahant Udasin to exercise his right to vote. The ECI promises to reach every voter, wherever they may be, since India is undergoing the biggest democratic exercise with Lok Sabha elections. Electoral laws stipulate that each voter must be no more than 2 km (1.2 miles) away from a polling place, and about 969 million individuals are eligible to vote this year. Polling officers in Gujarat had to take a two-day bus trip into the Gir forest, the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, to put up a polling station in Banej on Tuesday to guarantee the priest could vote. Each polling place must have two police officers and at least six poll workers, according to the electoral law. The Election Commission of India shared a post-vote picture of Mahant Haridasji Udasin with an inked finger on X with the caption, "A lone voter casts his vote at the unique polling station set up in the Gir forest, Banej, #Gujarat." Gujarat Lok Sabha elections 2024 Over 55% of voters turned out until 5 pm in Gujarat's 25 parliamentary seats for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 7. There were 265 candidates, including a Minister of State named Devusinh Chauhan and three Cabinet Ministers: Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Parshottam Rupala. The elections were held in 25 of the State's 26 seats since the incumbent BJP won the Surat seat unchallenged after eight out of nine qualified contenders withdrew their papers. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Every vote counts’: Polling officials set up booth for lone voter in Gir forest

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. But the contribution from India's rural economy has been disappointing since the pandemic. Now, experts suggest the country's general elections may finally drive rural demand and accelerate national growth.

India General Elections 2024: Can polls spur India's rural economy?

Kangana Ranaut has commented on Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's controversial statement on the looks of Indians. Pitroda&nbsp;comment that east Indians resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans had raised a storm. 
 
Now, Ranaut, a BJP candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has commented on Pitroda's remarks and called him a 'birdie'. 
 
Kangana's remarks on Pitroda's comments 
 
Kangana took to Instagram Stories to respond to the controversy and wrote: “Congress Uncle Sam said south Indians look like Africans, East/northeast Indians look like Chinese, people from Gujarat belt look like Arabs and people from up north look like white people, I wonder which part of India Uncle Sam belongs to because he looks more like a birdie than human.” 
 
She added that Indians look dark because they look like their ancestors. “Shyam means colour black, Lord Rama was the darkest shade of the black, Arjun was black and Draupadi was the darkest of them all, she was the most gorgeous and the most stunning woman ever. Krishna gave her his name he always called her 'Krishna' lovingly because of her colour. Darker people in this nation are like their above mentioned ancestors not like Africans. When Arjuna married a Manipuri woman, he married a Sanatani princess called Chitrangada not a Chinese looking girl. People from Gujarat and Maharashtra look perfectly Indians so do up north people, just because your Raja babu is Italian doesn't mean everyone's genes are mixed. We are shudh 100% desi Bharatiya,” she wrote.

What did Sam Pitroda say? 
 
In a podcast recently, the Congress leader said, "We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there."

"We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food," Pitroda said in the interview. His comments went viral soon after.&nbsp; 
 
BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to Pitroda's comments. Modi asked, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour.” 
 
"Who gave the permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked. 
 
On Wednesday, owing to the backlash for his comments, Sam Pitroda resigned as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress "of his own accord". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sam-pitroda-resigns-as-chairman-of-indian-overseas-congress-amid-controversy-over-racist-remark-719434">Read full details here</a>

Kangana Ranaut has commented on Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's controversial statement on the looks of Indians. Pitroda comment that east Indians resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans had raised a storm.

Kangana Ranaut has commented on Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's controversial statement on the looks of Indians. Pitroda comment that east Indians resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans had raised a storm. Now, Ranaut, a BJP candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has commented on Pitroda's remarks and called him a 'birdie'. Kangana's remarks on Pitroda's comments Kangana took to Instagram Stories to respond to the controversy and wrote: “Congress Uncle Sam said south Indians look like Africans, East/northeast Indians look like Chinese, people from Gujarat belt look like Arabs and people from up north look like white people, I wonder which part of India Uncle Sam belongs to because he looks more like a birdie than human.” She added that Indians look dark because they look like their ancestors. “Shyam means colour black, Lord Rama was the darkest shade of the black, Arjun was black and Draupadi was the darkest of them all, she was the most gorgeous and the most stunning woman ever. Krishna gave her his name he always called her 'Krishna' lovingly because of her colour. Darker people in this nation are like their above mentioned ancestors not like Africans. When Arjuna married a Manipuri woman, he married a Sanatani princess called Chitrangada not a Chinese looking girl. People from Gujarat and Maharashtra look perfectly Indians so do up north people, just because your Raja babu is Italian doesn't mean everyone's genes are mixed. We are shudh 100% desi Bharatiya,” she wrote. What did Sam Pitroda say? In a podcast recently, the Congress leader said, "We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there." "We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food," Pitroda said in the interview. His comments went viral soon after. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to Pitroda's comments. Modi asked, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour.” "Who gave the permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked. On Wednesday, owing to the backlash for his comments, Sam Pitroda resigned as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress "of his own accord". Read full details here

Kangana Ranaut slams Sam Pitroda for his remark: ‘He looks more like a birdie than human’

In Poll Countdown, a Roundup of all the latest updates from ground as phase three polling unfolds: An orange alert for heat wave has been issued in most of the 14 Karnataka districts. In the last couple of days temperatures have hit 42 to 44° C it's expected that today as well the temperatures will hover around 40° C Mark. To ensure smooth sailing and polling here the election commission has undertaken all necessary preparations anticipating a significant water turnout. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024 Phase 3: Heatwave poses challenge to voter turnout in Karnataka

The third phase of polls involves some key seats whose results will impact the future of some political families. A total of 17.24 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in this phase at 185,000 polling stations. Just for a reminder, voting was held in 102 seats in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls and in 88 seats in the second phase. Watch in for more details!

India Elections phase 3: Voting in 93 constituencies across India

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 ended as 93 constituencies across 10 states and a union territory held voting with a total of 1,351 candidates in the fray. Watch in for more details!

India General Elections 2024: Voting ends for 93 seats in third phase of Lok Sabha elections

India General Elections 2024: Several high-profile candidates contest high-stakes seats

India General Elections 2024: India votes in Phase 3, polls across 10 states 1 Union territories

Voting is underway in 93 constituencies across 10 states and a Union Territory in the third phase today of the staggered seven-round Lok Sabha polls. A total of 17.24 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in this phase at 185,000 polling stations. Watch in for more details!

India Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Polls across 10 states and 1 Union Territory; 93 seats up for grabs

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Polling underway in 93 seats; PM Modi, Amit Shah cast vote

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli constituency, barely an hour before nominations closed for the Lok Sabha seat on Friday. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli

The eastern Indian state of Odisha will go to polls between May 13 and June 1. The state sends 21 MPS to the Indian parliament and has been ruled by the Biju Janata Dal for the last 24 years. The state is known for its vast mineral resources and untouched natural beauty. However the state also faces several socio-economic issues. On Pollnomics, we decode Odisha's economy for you.

India Elections 2024 | Odisha: India's best kept secret | Decoding Odisha's Economy

Ending days of suspense, Congress has decided to field candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Watch to know more.

Amethi Lok Sabha: Congress fields Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi | India Elections 2024

Listen in from a young first-time voter on what his expectations are from the upcoming elections. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: First time voter from Nashik speaks on expectations from upcoming polls

The Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's speech attacking BJP and accusing the party of neglecting the interests of the marginalized communities has drawn some positive comments from a former Pakistani Minister.

India Elections 2024: BJP attacks Congress over Fawad Hussain's comments

India stands at the forefront of technological innovation, and this wave of innovation is reshaping its electoral landscape. The intersection of politics and technology is becoming increasingly pronounced, especially in the context of election campaigns. This report puts the spotlight on the transformation in Indian politics in the digital age.

India Elections 2024: How Politicos are using Tech to campaign?

The India growth story is now a global phenomenon that investors around the world are watching. With India expected to induct a new government soon. Voters are also keenly looking at the hits and misses of the current government's economic policies. Take a look at this report to find out how economics could affect India's political system.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Will voters embrace the India growth story?

The Election Commission of India has released the official overall turnout data for the completed phases 1 and 2 on Tuesday and this comes 11 days after the first phase concluded on April 19th and 4 days after the second phase ended on April 26th. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: EC releases phase 1 & 2 voting data, opposition questions EC over data release

In a key initiative, India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to representatives from eighteen political parties spanning ten countries for them to witness firsthand the BJP's election campaign. This is part of the 'KNOW BJP' global outreach programme.

"The representatives will be meeting BJP National President Shri JP&nbsp;Nadda on 1st May 2024 at the BJP HQ. They will also be interacting with Dr S Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs) and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Railways)," stated a BJP release, highlighting the key agenda of the visit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-pm-modi-to-hold-campaign-rally-in-gujarat-716838">Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: PM Modi to hold campaign rally in Gujarat</a>

The delegation includes a diverse range of parties, from the United Russia Party founded by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Likud, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

From Sri Lanka, representatives from Mahinda Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party will be in attendance, reflecting a cross-section of the island nation's political landscape.

Furthermore, prominent parties from Nepal, such as the Nepali Congress, Janamat Party, PM Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and KP Sharma Oli's Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), will participate in the delegation. Madhesi Party&nbsp;and Rashtriya Swatantra Party have also been invited.

"The visit is part of the global outreach program ‘KNOW BJP’ launched by Shri Nadda on the 43rd Foundation Day of the Party," added the release, emphasising the significance of this initiative in promoting understanding in Indian electoral politics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pannun-murder-plot-india-slams-washington-posts-report-linking-raw-officer-to-pannun-plot-716552">India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot</a>

Delegates from Mauritius, including representatives from the Militant Socialist Movement, as well as key parties from Africa such as Uganda's National Resistance Movement and Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi, will also be part of the meetings. The Militant Socialist Movement is the party of PM Pravind Jugnauth. Other parties from Mauritius are the Mauritius Labour Party, Mauritian Militant Movement, and Parti Mauricien Social Democrate.

During their visit, the delegates will receive comprehensive briefings on the BJP's election campaign strategies and gain insights into India's electoral processes. Indian general elections are underway and&nbsp;the results will be declared&nbsp;in June. The elections are the largest ever exercise of franchise in a single time anywhere in the world.

It is learnt&nbsp;that no parties from the US&nbsp;or European Union are present since they are busy in their upcoming elections.

In a key initiative, India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to representatives from eighteen political parties spanning ten countries for them to witness firsthand the BJP's election campaign.

In a key initiative, India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to representatives from eighteen political parties spanning ten countries for them to witness firsthand the BJP's election campaign. This is part of the 'KNOW BJP' global outreach programme. "The representatives will be meeting BJP National President Shri JP Nadda on 1st May 2024 at the BJP HQ. They will also be interacting with Dr S Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs) and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Railways)," stated a BJP release, highlighting the key agenda of the visit. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: PM Modi to hold campaign rally in Gujarat The delegation includes a diverse range of parties, from the United Russia Party founded by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Likud, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. From Sri Lanka, representatives from Mahinda Rajapaksa's Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party will be in attendance, reflecting a cross-section of the island nation's political landscape. Furthermore, prominent parties from Nepal, such as the Nepali Congress, Janamat Party, PM Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and KP Sharma Oli's Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), will participate in the delegation. Madhesi Party and Rashtriya Swatantra Party have also been invited. "The visit is part of the global outreach program ‘KNOW BJP’ launched by Shri Nadda on the 43rd Foundation Day of the Party," added the release, emphasising the significance of this initiative in promoting understanding in Indian electoral politics. Also read: India slams Washington Post report linking RAW officer to alleged Pannun murder plot Delegates from Mauritius, including representatives from the Militant Socialist Movement, as well as key parties from Africa such as Uganda's National Resistance Movement and Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi, will also be part of the meetings. The Militant Socialist Movement is the party of PM Pravind Jugnauth. Other parties from Mauritius are the Mauritius Labour Party, Mauritian Militant Movement, and Parti Mauricien Social Democrate. During their visit, the delegates will receive comprehensive briefings on the BJP's election campaign strategies and gain insights into India's electoral processes. Indian general elections are underway and the results will be declared in June. The elections are the largest ever exercise of franchise in a single time anywhere in the world. It is learnt that no parties from the US or European Union are present since they are busy in their upcoming elections.

BJP invites Putin-linked party, Netanyahu's party to witness the election campaign

The Congress party has appointed Devendra Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Congress. Yadav will also continue his role as the all India Congress Committee in charge for Punjab. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Devender Yadav appointed as interim chief of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee

First-time voters reveal what their expectations are from the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Watch to know more.

Indian elections 2024: First-time voter Prithvish speaks to WION

Will Delhi Congress Chief's resignation impact the transfer of votes from Congress to AAP in the national capital? Watch in what voters think about it!

India Elections 2024: Will Delhi Congress Chief's resignation impact votes?

India has the largest number of eligible voters in the world, yet more than 100 million people do not bother to cast their votes. Why is this such a big issue in India? And how does this affect governance? Our next report looks to find out

India Elections 2024 | Voter apathy highest in urban India: Why millions of Indians don't vote

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during rallies in North Karnataka. He boasted about the construction of the Ram Temple by the BJP govt in Uttara Kannada. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: PM Modi holds rallies in North Karnataka

More than 75 per cent of Indians have encountered deepfake content in the past year or so, and a significant number of people were unable to spot real and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, according to a recent report by the American global computer security software company, McAfee.&nbsp;

<h2>One in four Indians believed&nbsp;political deepfakes were real</h2>

The study by MSI-ACI involved 7,000 consumers from across several countries like&nbsp;India, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Germany, to examine the impact of AI and technology.&nbsp;

Notably, with 75 per cent of people saying that they have encountered deepfake content in the past year or so, only 30 per cent of respondents feel confident in their ability to distinguish between real and fake content.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Deepfake of Marcos urges combat with China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deepfake-of-marcos-urges-combat-with-china-715277/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a more concerning finding of the study, which was conducted in January and February, McAfee&nbsp;found that nearly one in four (22 per cent) Indians surveyed said that they had encountered a political deepfake including video, image, or recording of a candidate which they thought was initially true.&nbsp;

This comes as India is in the midst of holding the world’s largest elections with nearly one billion voters headed to the polls and the impact of this deepfake content on their decisions would be difficult to know.&nbsp;

However, it is also believed that the number of Indians exposed to this digitally altered content is much higher as many people were unable to distinguish between real and fake content.&nbsp;

According to the study, nearly eight of 10 (80 per cent) people are more concerned about deepfakes than they were last year.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-criminalise-creation-of-sexually-explicit-deepfake-images-712010">UK to criminalise creation of sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images</a>

At least 31 per cent of respondents also said they believe that the influence of deepfakes on the country’s general elections is one of the most concerning issues related to AI-powered technology, as per&nbsp;the report.&nbsp;

According to the McAfee study, 64 per cent of respondents believe that AI has made it harder to spot online scams as the technology becomes more sophisticated and highlighted the challenges posed by deepfake technology in detecting fraudulent activities.

The potential uses of deepfakes&nbsp;include cyberbullying (55 per cent), fake pornography (52 per cent), scams (49 per cent), impersonation of public figures (44 per cent), erosion of media trust (37 per cent), electoral influence (31 per cent), and historical distortion (27 per cent).

<h2>Victims of scams</h2>

At least 38 per cent of people have reportedly encountered deepfake scams. Out of which 18 per cent of them&nbsp;said that they have been directly impacted by such scams with monetary losses and personal data compromise being common outcomes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-ranveer-singh-files-fir-against-the-viral-ai-generated-deep-fake-video-featuring-him-713824">Ranveer Singh files FIR against the viral AI-generated deepfake video featuring him</a>

Around 57 per cent mistook deepfake celebrity content for reality and at least 31 per cent faced financial losses as a result, according to the report.&nbsp;

This comes as misinformation and disinformation have become a major concern after recent notable incidents involving public figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Aamir Khan, and Ranveer Singh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

More than 75 per cent of Indians have encountered deepfake content in the past year or so, and a significant number of people were unable to spot real and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, according to a recent report by the American global computer security software company, McAfee.

More than 75 per cent of Indians have encountered deepfake content in the past year or so, and a significant number of people were unable to spot real and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, according to a recent report by the American global computer security software company, McAfee. One in four Indians believed political deepfakes were real The study by MSI-ACI involved 7,000 consumers from across several countries like India, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Germany, to examine the impact of AI and technology. Notably, with 75 per cent of people saying that they have encountered deepfake content in the past year or so, only 30 per cent of respondents feel confident in their ability to distinguish between real and fake content. WATCH | Deepfake of Marcos urges combat with China In a more concerning finding of the study, which was conducted in January and February, McAfee found that nearly one in four (22 per cent) Indians surveyed said that they had encountered a political deepfake including video, image, or recording of a candidate which they thought was initially true. This comes as India is in the midst of holding the world’s largest elections with nearly one billion voters headed to the polls and the impact of this deepfake content on their decisions would be difficult to know. However, it is also believed that the number of Indians exposed to this digitally altered content is much higher as many people were unable to distinguish between real and fake content. According to the study, nearly eight of 10 (80 per cent) people are more concerned about deepfakes than they were last year. Also Read | UK to criminalise creation of sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images At least 31 per cent of respondents also said they believe that the influence of deepfakes on the country’s general elections is one of the most concerning issues related to AI-powered technology, as per the report. According to the McAfee study, 64 per cent of respondents believe that AI has made it harder to spot online scams as the technology becomes more sophisticated and highlighted the challenges posed by deepfake technology in detecting fraudulent activities. The potential uses of deepfakes include cyberbullying (55 per cent), fake pornography (52 per cent), scams (49 per cent), impersonation of public figures (44 per cent), erosion of media trust (37 per cent), electoral influence (31 per cent), and historical distortion (27 per cent). Victims of scams At least 38 per cent of people have reportedly encountered deepfake scams. Out of which 18 per cent of them said that they have been directly impacted by such scams with monetary losses and personal data compromise being common outcomes. Also Read | Ranveer Singh files FIR against the viral AI-generated deepfake video featuring him Around 57 per cent mistook deepfake celebrity content for reality and at least 31 per cent faced financial losses as a result, according to the report. This comes as misinformation and disinformation have become a major concern after recent notable incidents involving public figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Aamir Khan, and Ranveer Singh. (With inputs from agencies)

Around 75% Indians have encountered deep fake content in last one year: Report

India men’s cricket team coach Rahul Dravid was seen on a different field on Friday (April 26) as he was standing in a queue to cast his vote in the ongoing general elections in the nation.&nbsp;Dravid, a resident of India’s&nbsp;Bengaluru&nbsp;took the opportunity to send a message to all the&nbsp;citizens of the&nbsp;nation&nbsp;by casting his vote&nbsp;in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;Alongside Dravid, Anil Kumble was also seen casting his vote in the state capital.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Like a responsible citizen of India Rahul Dravid is real 💎 
See his Simplicity.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VotingDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VotingDay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Election2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Election2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2ndPhase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2ndPhase</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NehaSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NehaSharma</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a><a href="https://t.co/IHe0gLufQ0">pic.twitter.com/IHe0gLufQ0</a>
— Mahi Yadav (@mahiniraj2025) <a href="https://twitter.com/mahiniraj2025/status/1783771037282586659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Dravid votes in Bengaluru</h2>

Dravid was caught on the cameras on Friday morning, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, and was not accompanied by anyone from the family.&nbsp;He followed other&nbsp;seniors&nbsp;in the queue to set an example off the field. His simple attire caught the eye of the internet&nbsp;with&nbsp; many applauding his simple look. Some on their X handle&nbsp;applauded Dravid’s simplicity as he did not use any VIP service to avoid long queues and instead cast vote as any other citizen of the nation.&nbsp;

Dravid&nbsp;was joined&nbsp;by former captain and teammate Anil Kumble in casting vote&nbsp;in the Karnataka capital. He&nbsp;too&nbsp;was&nbsp;seen taking a&nbsp;normal&nbsp;service than any VIP service to spread awareness of the importance of voting.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-red-bulls-legendary-engineer-adrian-newey-on-cusp-of-joining-ferrari-reports-715272">Formula One: Red Bull's legendary engineer Adrian Newey on cusp of joining Ferrari - Reports</a>

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) season ongoing, Dravid has&nbsp;got couple&nbsp;of months to spend time with his family and work out a plan for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.&nbsp;He will only resume his&nbsp;duties with the national side when India play&nbsp;in the T20 World Cup next month.&nbsp;Before that, he will have a massive round of meetings with the national team selectors&nbsp;to select the squad for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

Dravid will have a massive say along with captain Rohit Sharma to select the squad as&nbsp;the likes of&nbsp;Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant await to learn their future. It&nbsp;is expected&nbsp;that Kohli will travel to the USA and the West Indies while Pant’s availability remains in limbo.&nbsp;

India men’s cricket team coach Rahul Dravid was seen on a different field on Friday (April 26) as he was standing in a queue to cast his vote in the ongoing general elections in the nation.

India men’s cricket team coach Rahul Dravid was seen on a different field on Friday (April 26) as he was standing in a queue to cast his vote in the ongoing general elections in the nation. Dravid, a resident of India’s Bengaluru took the opportunity to send a message to all the citizens of the nation by casting his vote in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. Alongside Dravid, Anil Kumble was also seen casting his vote in the state capital. Like a responsible citizen of India Rahul Dravid is real 💎 See his Simplicity.#VotingDay#Election2024#2ndPhase #NehaSharma#RahulDravidpic.twitter.com/IHe0gLufQ0 — Mahi Yadav (@mahiniraj2025) April 26, 2024 × Dravid votes in Bengaluru Dravid was caught on the cameras on Friday morning, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, and was not accompanied by anyone from the family. He followed other seniors in the queue to set an example off the field. His simple attire caught the eye of the internet with many applauding his simple look. Some on their X handle applauded Dravid’s simplicity as he did not use any VIP service to avoid long queues and instead cast vote as any other citizen of the nation. Dravid was joined by former captain and teammate Anil Kumble in casting vote in the Karnataka capital. He too was seen taking a normal service than any VIP service to spread awareness of the importance of voting. ALSO READ | Formula One: Red Bull's legendary engineer Adrian Newey on cusp of joining Ferrari - Reports With the Indian Premier League (IPL) season ongoing, Dravid has got couple of months to spend time with his family and work out a plan for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. He will only resume his duties with the national side when India play in the T20 World Cup next month. Before that, he will have a massive round of meetings with the national team selectors to select the squad for the T20 World Cup. Dravid will have a massive say along with captain Rohit Sharma to select the squad as the likes of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant await to learn their future. It is expected that Kohli will travel to the USA and the West Indies while Pant’s availability remains in limbo.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid waits in queue to cast vote - WATCH

Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher.

Medical examinations said her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per cent&nbsp;or higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia.&nbsp;

Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment for&nbsp;Kalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care.

As Kalavathi's health gradually improved and she transitioned to the recovery room, she expressed her desire to vote.

She was overjoyed when the medical team supported her decision to participate in the democratic process.

Assisted by the nursing staff, she was then transported to the Jayanagar constituency to cast her vote on a stretcher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-sudha-murty-gets-narayana-murthy-discharged-from-hospital-to-vote-715211">Also read |&nbsp;WATCH: Sudha Murty gets Narayana Murthy discharged from hospital to vote</a>

Voting is currently underway across 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka. Polling commenced at 7 am, with an estimated voter turnout of 22.34 per cent recorded in the southern state by 11 am.

Among the 14 areas voting, Dakshina Kannada saw the highest turnout at 30.98 per cent, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur at 29.03 per cent. The lowest turnout was in Bangalore Central at 19.21%.

In Bangalore, the turnout was 19.81 per cent&nbsp;in the South and 19.78 per cent in the North.

<h2>Defying odds: 102-year-old man votes in Jammu</h2>

A 102-year-old man made his way to a polling booth in Jammu to exercise his right to vote on Friday.

Accompanied by a family member, Haji Karam Din, carrying a walking stick, entered the polling station in the Reasi district of the Jammu constituency and received assistance through the pre-voting procedures.

After casting his vote, the centenarian proudly showed his inked finger and posed for photographs outside the polling booth.

Also watch |&nbsp;India General Elections 2024: Fate of 1202 candidates to be sealed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-2024-fate-of-1202-candidates-to-be-sealed-715222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I am very happy to vote at this polling station at this age. I have voted every time. This journey is continuing even today at the age of 102," he told news agency PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher.

Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher. Medical examinations said her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per cent or higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia. Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment for Kalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care. As Kalavathi's health gradually improved and she transitioned to the recovery room, she expressed her desire to vote. She was overjoyed when the medical team supported her decision to participate in the democratic process. Assisted by the nursing staff, she was then transported to the Jayanagar constituency to cast her vote on a stretcher. Also read | WATCH: Sudha Murty gets Narayana Murthy discharged from hospital to vote Voting is currently underway across 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka. Polling commenced at 7 am, with an estimated voter turnout of 22.34 per cent recorded in the southern state by 11 am. Among the 14 areas voting, Dakshina Kannada saw the highest turnout at 30.98 per cent, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur at 29.03 per cent. The lowest turnout was in Bangalore Central at 19.21%. In Bangalore, the turnout was 19.81 per cent in the South and 19.78 per cent in the North. Defying odds: 102-year-old man votes in Jammu A 102-year-old man made his way to a polling booth in Jammu to exercise his right to vote on Friday. Accompanied by a family member, Haji Karam Din, carrying a walking stick, entered the polling station in the Reasi district of the Jammu constituency and received assistance through the pre-voting procedures. After casting his vote, the centenarian proudly showed his inked finger and posed for photographs outside the polling booth. Also watch | India General Elections 2024: Fate of 1202 candidates to be sealed "I am very happy to vote at this polling station at this age. I have voted every time. This journey is continuing even today at the age of 102," he told news agency PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

78-year-old woman hospitalised for low oxygen levels votes while on stretcher

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April 19 marked the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha elections with the initiation of the first phase of voting across 21 states and Union territories. A significant turnout of nearly 64% was observed in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.

April 19 marked the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha elections with the initiation of the first phase of voting across 21 states and Union territories. A significant turnout of nearly 64% was observed in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. States that voted highest and lowest in Phase 1 of Lok Sabha elections While Bihar witnessed a relatively lower turnout of 46.32%, West Bengal had the highest turnout of 77.57%. Voter turnout States No. of Seats Phase 1 Voter Turnout (Provisional) ALL INDIA 102 63.7 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1/1 64.0 Arunachal Pradesh 2/2 67.7 Assam 5/14 72.3 Bihar 4/40 48.5 Chhattisgarh 1/11 65.3 Jammu & Kashmir 1/5 65.2 Lakshadweep 1/1 59.0 Madhya Pradesh 6/29 66.7 Maharashtra 5/48 57.8 Manipur 2/2 69.2 Meghalaya 2/2 74.5 Mizoram 1/1 56.6 Nagaland 1/1 56.9 Puducherry 1/1 73.8 Rajasthan 12/25 57.3 Sikkim 1/1 75.1 Tamil Nadu 39/39 67.2 Tripura 1/2 80.6 Uttar Pradesh 8/80 59.5 Uttarakhand 5/5 54.6 West Bengal 3/42 77.6 Seats in a multitude of states and Union territories were up for grabs in this phase, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The electoral battlefield saw the involvement of several prominent figures, including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Bhupendra Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Sarbananda Sonowal. Additionally, Congress's Gaurav Gogoi, DMK's Kanimozhi, and BJP's Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai were among those vying for victory in this phase.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 1: Nearly 64% voter turnout recorded; West Bengal leads, Bihar records lowest

A viral image falsely claims cricketer and former captain of the men's Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni endorses Congress. In reality, the 2020 image shows him celebrating CSK's 6 million followers on Twitter, where he held up six fingers.

India Elections 2024: Old image of MS Dhoni shared with false claim