On 1st April, 2025, there was an exam conducted, as per a social media post, for security guards. Because of the date of this examination, people wondered whether this was an April Fools’ joke. With millions of young Indians fighting for each available job, Vishal Mega Mart’s latest hiring efforts surprised many, causing a social media sensation and encouraging discussion about the competition to get a job in India. An initial request for thousands of guards on social media quickly became a web of parodies, supported by people all over the Internet.

Vishal Mega Mart test: Fact and Fiction

Vishal Mega Mart informed the public that it was set to recruit a large number of security guards for 645 stores across the country. Even though the job is seen as straightforward, social media jokes suggested that the job screenings were made extra tough and tougher than the country’s most notoriously hard entrance exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC. 

Vishal mega mart’s Manager (Sehore, MP) when asked by our edinbox team about the job posting he quoted, “I’m not aware of any such job posting; the news of security guard exam was only April Fools’ joke and none of us predicted it to become a meme sensation. However, thanks to the meme culture, now vishal mega mart is known by everyone without spending money for branding and marketing.” 

The stories going around social media platforms Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook and WhatsApp stated:

  1. There will be a written test on April Fools’ Day, focusing on Current Affairs, English and the local language.
  2. Examining your health condition and fitness level.
  3. It is claimed that merely one out of every one hundred examinees passed the exam, so it is more difficult to succeed than most competitive tests.
  4. Although no exam was scheduled for April 1, the memes on the topic revealed concerns many people have about getting jobs.

Top Viral Memes on Vishal Mega Mart

After the Vishal Mega Mart security guard recruitment drive was announced, there was a fan frenzy on social media, especially on Twitter, Instagram and Instagram Reels. Because of the creative and funny comments from netizens, the job listing turned into a popular trend and memes related to it quickly spread online. These are some of the most famous themes and examples of memes that appeared everywhere on the internet:

“Ek Hi Sapna – Vishal Mega Mart Security Guard”

“Ek hi sapna – Vishal Mega Mart security guard” became very popular among everybody on Twitter and Instagram. It humorously displayed the attitude people had toward their work. Thousands of people liked and shared this hashtag online, uploading pictures of their favorite candidates, funny mock posters and caricature dream boards full of Vishal Mega Mart logos.

One post on Twitter featured a young man with a sign that said:

“Bachpan main padhaai ki chaya hai, par mera prayaas ab Vishal Mega Mart ka raasta hai” (I always hoped to learn when I was young, but now I prefer working as a Vishal Mega Mart guard).

Memes featuring celebrities ,and memes produced using AI

Many AI-edited images and videos featuring Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo looking like security staff from Vishal Mega Mart were posted on Instagram and Reels. Fans cracked up at a funny Instagram Reel portraying Virat Kohli as he said he was retiring from cricket due to landing the job he secretly dreamed of: working at Vishal Mega Mart.

Thousands of people commented on these celebrity memes, saying things like:

“Even Virat knows job competition is tough!” and 

“If Kohli can’t get a job, what hope do we have?”

Reflecting the relatable anxiety among youth in India.

Fake coaching centers and funny exam prep shows

Inspired by the tough exams in India, creators of these memes came up with the idea of a fictional test for security positions. Both Instagram carousels and Twitter threads highlighted fake training schools called Vishal Mega Mart Guard Academy, offering demanding schedules, fake mock tests on current affairs and routines that included crawling in mud and pushing up.

Recently, an Instagram post showing a study plan with the courses  like “Retail Security 101” and “How to Handle Angry Customers,” followed by comments like:

“Finally, coaching for the real toughest exam!” and “Move over IIT, here comes Vishal Mega Mart!”

Satire on Salary and Perks

Depending on someone’s experience, wages can vary from Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,000, but memes joked about how popular the job has become. Many people posted fake salary documents imagining extra taxes, while on Instagram, Reels were made featuring skits where new hires acted as if they had won a lottery.

One humorous scene featured someone cheering in the air and included a funny message.

“When you get a Vishal Mega Mart guard job and realize it’s better than your last internship stipend.” Comments reflected the irony many felt about the balance between salary and job security.

Social Status and Power often have a place in humor.

One popular meme theme gave the Vishal Mega Mart’s security guards a heroic or important role, making them appear bigger than doctors, lawyers or politicians when they appear in small towns. Pictures of mall guards were often circulated on Twitter with catchy, witty names.

One tweet that went viral that said, “In my village, Vishal Mega Mart security guard is the ultimate status symbol.” This meme is relatable to many who see such jobs as a source of pride and stability in uncertain times.

Social impact on Social Media And Vice Versa

The memes were seen all over social media in India and helped bring together youth from different parts of the country. The jokes made the process of looking for a job easier while bringing attention to how strong and ambitious India’s young people are. People left comments full of laughter, related to the stories and made notes about current events. Here are some of the top comments that got over thousands of likes: 

  • “This is the funniest yet most truthful meme trend I’ve seen in years.”
  • “Memes are the only way we can cope with job stress these days.”
  • “Who knew a security guard job could unite the entire internet like this?”

Why Is This Trend Going Viral?

The reason this security guard test exploded online was because Vishal Mega Mart hired more people than anyone had ever heard of and netizens thought it was a funny way to highlight the harsh reality of Indian jobseekers. The belief that the exam would take place in April just made it funnier, but many still went with it for their own amusement.

The reason meme culture became popular is that it mimicked the pressure millions have in finding jobs. Highlighting this security test as if it was a competitive job for all India uncovered the strong will and ambitions of India’s youth in changing times.

This meme trend clearly shows  that social media is able to unite and strengthen brands. Because of memes, young Indians could easily share their feelings and dreams in a way that united people from all parts of the country. As a result of the trend, people seeking jobs began to feel more connected as a group.

Vishal Mega Mart benefited a lot when the memes came along unexpectedly for marketing. Because of the meme culture, the brand gained much exposure without spending on any traditional ads. It highlighted the increasing use of social media by young people to communicate and interact with brands in India.

India’s Market Related to This Trend

Besides entertaining many, the Vishal Mega Mart meme helps us notice some serious issues too:

  • Intense Competition: Even positions thought to be easy to fill are now extremely competitive, thanks to a lack of available stable jobs.
  • Youth Aspirations: The memes show that young people in India long for jobs that allow them to feel protected and respected.
  • Social Commentary: The jokes mirror the struggles and issues that many face in their careers.
  • Digital Solidarity: By using social media, worries and fears are expressed by the crowd.

The whole Vishal Mega Mart security guard fiasco is not just a funny meme—it uncovers the difficulties Indians have finding work, the hopes of India’s younger generations and the new role social media plays. A simple job posting turned into a nationwide event that bonded people through laughter and common experiences.

The meme trend with the Vishal Mega Mart security guard’s test suggests that social media humor also greatly impacts brand awareness and public discussions in India. We learn that, regardless of how difficult it is to find work, sharing jokes and sticking together can help make youth stories special. 

It is now available to journalists from Bangladeshi, Nepali, Sri Lankan, Afghan, Indian, and Pakistani media. It is intended to support serious reporting on important stories such as public health and humanitarian assistance. Print, web, radio, television, and digital journalists, photographers, and freelancers are invited to apply.

Fellowship involves thematic training, mentorship, and counseling by professional experts. Fellowship of INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 shall be given as a grant for the reporting assignment. Field report costs will also be reimbursed.

The applicants have to present a proposal of their idea and plan, and how they are going to execute their story. The planning has to be reported by 2025. The application and fellowships will be shortlisted by an expert panel based on proposal quality and good reporting assurance.

The scheme will attempt to encourage good journalism on matters most relevant to the area. Guided and aided, the scheme hopes to assist reporters in developing well-thought-through and well-researched coverage that will enlighten and challenge the viewer.

Application date for the fellowship is June 15. South Asian journalists can check the link https://tinyurl.com/2phn8bru to know more about eligibility and application. It is a wonderful platform for the development of South Asian journalists' skills, for good reporting, and for the development of journalism culture in the country.

The fellowship must be with media professionals who will share information, skills, and good practice in covering humanitarian aid and public health. By virtue of its capacity-building and story-support nature, the project will make an enormous impact on the journalistic climate of the area.

Have you often found yourself saying, “I’d love to be a news anchor one day”? Perhaps making Instagram reels, writing short stories or designing posters excites you. The Indian media sector is full of diverse opportunities for all kinds of individuals. No matter if you’re taking the entrance exam for journalism or waiting for your Global Media Common Entrance Test results in 2025, this article will help find the media career that best fits your skills and interests. 

Are You a Natural Storyteller? Journalism and anchoring may just be your perfect fit.

Journalism or anchoring could be the perfect fit for you if you enjoy exploring, interacting with different people and staying up-to-date with breaking news. Journalists and anchors are constantly out in the field gathering news, conducting interviews and sharing it with the public. Digital news platforms and round-the-clock media channels have led to increased demand for qualified journalists in India. Journalists should have strong self-assurance, the ability to analyze a situation rapidly and outstanding communication skills. Becoming a news anchor lets you share news with the public and feel right at home in the limelight.

Passionate About Writing? Consider content writing or scriptwriting

Expressing ideas in written form comes naturally to you? Content writers and scriptwriters work to craft engaging articles, social media posts, blogs and even TV/film scripts. Businesses and media organisations are always looking for skilled writers able to captivate readers with innovative and unique material. People with a passion for literature, gathering information and a creative mind will find confidence in this career. Many renowned journalism institutes in India provide training in creative writing and scriptwriting.

Are You Creative and Visual? Join the Team in Graphic Design or Social Media

Do designing posts, editing images or crafting videos get you motivated? You could excel in graphic design, animation or running a successful social media page. The work in these fields revolves around creating unique designs and visually exciting content that makes an impression online. There are now more diverse prospects available than ever before in these industries and you’ll always be learning new techniques. You will do well in this field if you like spending time designing images and are constantly aware of the latest online trends.

Do you enjoy technology? production and technical roles can be your go-to choice. 

Some people are especially interested in the aspects of a project that happen behind the scenes. You might realize you want to explore careers like broadcast technician, video editor or TV/radio producer if you’re interested in how various media is produced. You’ll be successful in these roles if you pay close attention, thrive in stressful situations and are comfortable working with technology. You will excel in these jobs if you both love expressing yourself creatively and are great at solving technical problems.

Good at managing and planning? Consider working in public relations or media planning

A skill set that includes event coordination, project management and problem solving could lead you to consider career options in either PR or media planning. Public relations promoters help businesses, institutions and celebrities preserve their image and connect with audiences. Media planners decide when and where ads will be displayed so they earn the most visibility. You’ll succeed in these roles if you excel at multitasking, networking and handling pressure with composure.

Are facts and truth exactly what interests you? Investigative journalism is for you

Are you curious by nature and enjoy exploring complex issues to uncover the facts? Investigative reporters and analysts tackle major stories by gathering facts and bringing out secrets that others can’t find. This kind of work requires you to have patience, excellent research abilities and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. Sticking with it and having a passion for in-depth research can lead to some truly satisfying experiences in this field.

Taking the first steps toward building a career in media often requires getting admitted to a reputable media college or university. All  the students who are seeking to pursue a career in media often start by passing an entrance exam. Passing the journalism entrance exam after 12th is an essential step to enroll in some of the best journalism colleges. Getting a high score on the Global Media Common Entrance Test 2025 can help you gain admission to colleges that are approved by members of the Global Media Educational Council.

See, media careers come in all shapes and sizes and keep evolving year after year. No matter if you’re good at telling stories, coming up with ideas, tech savvy or organizing events, you’ll find a suitable role in the media industry. Consider what you find most interesting, talk to professionals or instructors and see if you can do some short-term work experience in the field. Study hard for your entrance exams and you’ll be well on your way to a media career that will fulfill your skills and interests.

The most successful media professionals are often the ones who do what they are truly passionate about. Do what makes you happy, stay curious and prepare to make an impact in the media industry.

Remember the rat trap story? The story was so simple of a device with tempting cheese that the baiter baits, and SNAP goes the trap. When we compare today’s time with this legendary story, we can evidently feel how that rat trap became a metaphor for work life, and now it has evolved enough to be something worse. The bait has changed…the trap hasn’t. 

For millions of students and Gen Z dreamers across the globe, the bait is no longer cheese but content. The trap? Social media feeds, breaking news alerts, and viral video clips. Are you being merely informed or just influenced enough to be manipulated? This is a big question or perhaps a wake-up call for aspiring journalists, content creators and media consumers. 

The Power of Human Voice in News

Notice how the news anchor’s voice can influence how you feel? That’s one thing sound can’t offer, only a real person talking can. It may offer information, lift our spirits, or, if handled badly, influence our judgement in the wrong way.

In India, the way a person delivers their message is often as important as the points they share. Drama can sometimes make a small piece of news important, and heated debates can get in the way of actual news. Here, news becomes overpowering and filled with emotion, helping to form our views and arouse different emotions, even when we are not aware of it.

For example, two people could share the same story, but because of their styles, you might feel uneasy or more at peace. This kind of influence can shape how you view the world.

This should make all journalists, content creators, and media consumers sit up and take notice. Put your energy into educating, not always into influencing. A journalist should practice clarity and fairness. Remember, your approach to delivering messages can impact your audience. Always remember to raise these questions when concluding something. Ask yourself, “Is what I am consuming news, or just an influence?”

Because, see, at the end of the day how you communicate is as important as what you communicate. Remember, when you write/speak, you also shape the attitudes and values of the community.

News or Narrative? The Blurred Line

There is the tricky part in the world where headlines and alerts pop-up more frequently by the minute: from the perception of information being absorbed to perception of being swayed. By way of bite-sized, visually stimulating, and emotionally engaging content, the social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube welcomed mass sharing of this content by Indian Gen Z. A headline in present times suggests conveying messages in two-minute bite-sized chunks, turning news into a narrative and facts colored with a delivery style.

Ask yourself, when you scroll back and forth on your feed or review a trending news clip, are you just absorbing the information, or are you being subtly nudged toward a reaction?

The Main Difference Between Informing and Influencing in Journalism

Journalists rely on two main approaches called informing and influencing, each for a different reason and effect.

Informing

  • The aim is to give accurate, honest information that allows the audience to decide for themselves.
  • Informative journalism explains who, what, when, where, why, and how by making sure the facts are correct and clear.
  • It involves providing information, meeting people’s need for answers, and keeping things open and honest.
  • Example: A news report that shares reliable facts about a government policy, without forming an opinion on whether it is right or wrong.

Influencing

  • The purpose is to influence how people feel or act by using persuasion, emotional words, or by highlighting only some parts of the information.
  • Many media outlets use journalism to draw attention to some facts, use images and videos, and present stories in a way that promotes a particular belief or action.
  • To motivate others, persuasion depends on trust, conviction, and occasionally on very subtle changes in the way ideas are delivered.
  • Example: A TV show that aims to convince viewers to back a certain political party or community group.

Why Does This Matter for Aspiring Journalists and Social Media Experts? 

If you’re dreaming of a career in journalism or social media, this is your wake-up call. In this regard, distinguishing delivery from content is an art and key to keep the very spirit of journalism alive. Being the digital generation, Gen Z students are, indeed, in the forefront to reshape Indian media. However, with great power arises an even greater responsibility:

  • Journalists: It is not only your job to report, but you must also make sure that the audience gets truly informed, not subtly influenced by your tone or style.
  • Social Media Experts: You are the modern-day storytellers, and your content has the power to become viral. But are you adding value or just adding noise?
  • Students: For you, in these two faces of consumer and creator, awareness of the difference is your armory. See how to discriminate between information and influence.

Remaining Reasonable in a World of Confusing Situations

  • Question the Delivery: Pay attention to the tone and language used by the anchor. Do the authors use an unbiased approach, or is the writing meant to cause a reaction?
  • Check Multiple Sources: Try not to pin all your hopes on one site or blogger. Cross-check news from different outlets.
  • Understand the Platform: Every social media platform is different in its feel. Instagram is all about visuals, Twitter focuses on opinions, and YouTube highlights the individual behind the channel.

It’s important to be mindful of SEO and the algorithms used by search engines. Platfoms often show you what they want you to see, rather than everything. While trending stories and viral posts get a lot of attention, that doesn’t always mean they are the most important.

Being doubtful is a strong quality for Gen Z to have. You want to see realness, fast updates, and material that appeals to you and others. Talk to help you understand, to understand others, and to produce new ideas. If you’re sharing news or a meme, always keep these things in mind. you have the ability to shape or change opinions. Choose wisely.

Remember, Awareness Is Your Superpower

Nowadays, instead of falling in a rat trap, we may fall into something more modern like a social media trap. However, the real part is about being conscious of your actions. Because the difference between news and stories is so easy to mix up these days… Being able to tell, ask questions about, and stay connected to the facts will make you different, whether you plan to work in journalism, use the internet a lot, or simply study well and pay attention.

Next time you encounter a viral story or video, take a second to think. Is the news just providing facts, or is it trying to sway your opinion? Your answer may decide your future path.

Generative AI, and specifically ChatGPT, has become a swiss Army knife of content creation, cutting through the conventional boundaries in media, marketing, and education. 

To put it simply, it is like a newsroom in which one could hear no frantic typing and coffee-fuelled late nights because there’s an AI who is composing news updates, summing up long reports, and even writing sensational headlines. This is exactly like you have an intern who never complains about a raise or asks for a lunch break!

Understanding Content Creation 

Content creation involves the creation and sharing of different forms of media-like text, images, audio, and video, for the purpose of engaging, informing, and/or entertaining a specific audience. It is not about writing articles or publishing photos. it is about creating material that resonates with people, responds to their questions, helps them to solve some problems, or just will brighten their day a bit. In the digital world of today, content creation includes everything ranging from blogs, social media updates and newsletters, videos, podcasts, infographics and even memes.

In other words, content creation at its heart is about knowing your audience; what they are interested in, what their issues are, and what kind of story or information interests them. The procedure typically includes researching topics, brainstorming ideas, putting together the content itself, and then posting it on the places where your audience devotes its time to. Content creation is the pillar for businesses and brands, it draws new visitors to the site, engages the current users, and develops trust and loyalty in the long run.

Consider the production of content as a hosting of a dinner party: you create the plan for the menu (content ideas), you cook the dishes (create the content), and then you invite your guests (publish and promote to your audience). If you do it effectively, then people remember you and come again for more. However, if the food is not tasty or the talk is boring, your guests may not come back. That’s why the perfect content of a high quality, relevancy, and value is that makes successful creators different from the others. 

Generative AI is Transforming Industries

For marketing, AI does not only make sure brands can keep up with the never-ending need for new content: it’s like having a genie who just waves a finger and writes their social media posts, product descriptions, and ad copy. The result? Campaigns that are not only easier to come up with but also more relevant to what the people are actually searching for because of AI’s aptitude for SEO and keyword optimisation.

Even the education sector is undergoing its own AI-driven revolution. With the help of AI, now the students can receive immediate feedback on their essays or develop study notes or even interactive quizzes. It is a little like having a private tutor who is always there for you and never gets irritated when you ask the same question ten times. 

It is right here that the irony comes in: although AI can assist students in minutes, produce the well-researched  study material, it can make students avoid the grind to actually learn. Overreliance on AI-generated articles is similar to completely depending on a calculator for every math problem – though you get the answer, you never get to learn how it is done.

Advantages of Generative AI for Content Creation 

But obviously, there are some significant advantages of Generative AI in content creation:

  • It automates recurring work, reducing time and resources spent.
  • Improves SEO by not only setting keywords but also by optimizing content structure to search better.
  • Makes it easy for anyone — even those without advanced writing or design skills — to create content on her/his platform. 
  • Writes content in different tones as per instruction. 

There are, of course, the ethical potholes in this brave new world of AI-generated content. There is a chance of dissemination of misinformation, maybe, by rumours or purpose, because AI sometimes “hallucinates” facts. It’s a bit like seeking advice from a friend who knows it all. Sometimes they are spot on; other times they are confidently wrong. Bias is another concern; if AI is trained based on skewed data, it might end up reinforcing stereotypes or content that is offensive without being intended. And let’s not forget copyright. Training an AI on mass amounts of the internet is a little bit like taking a sample of every song ever recorded and hoping no one will notice when you find a song that people recognize from your remix.

AI-generated Content for Students

For the students, the bigger question is whether or not to go for AI generated content or maintain the old school, human-created approach. The answer to the dilemma for most things is somewhere in the middle. AI may be a great instrument for brainstorming, fixing grammar, or finding the cure for the writer’s block. However, relying completely on AI will leave the students behind as they will miss the opportunity to learn critical thinking and creativity skills where no algorithm can genuinely replicate them. 

For aspirants of the career in content creation, the scene remains more thrilling than ever before. Courses in journalism and mass communication continue to be useful, whereby the basics of storytelling, ethics, and research are imparted. However, today’s creators not only must be digitally educated; they need to know SEO, social media trends, and use of AI in responsible ways. Specialized courses on topics ranging from copywriting to video production are provided on such online platforms as Coursera and Udemy, which makes building the portfolio easy. 

How to Become a Content Creator in India?

To become a content creator in India, you must combine creativity and digital skills with subject knowledge. Begin with learning these writing, video editing, graphic design, and social media management skills. Many content creators start with creating their own content through websites or networks such as YouTube, Instagram, or personal blogs. Continued practice, participation from the audience, and learning about SEO and analytics are imperative to achieving growth.

In formal education, you may follow undergraduate or postgraduate courses in journalism or mass communication and digital marketing. Such programs teach storytelling media ethics, research and digital production.

Top Courses

Content Creators’ Salary in India

Salaries for different jobs depend on one’s experience, skills, and type of content produced:

  • Entry-level content writers: ₹2.5 lakh-₹4 lakh per annum ($30,000-$50,000 per annum/year approximately)
  • Average content creator salary: Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum, in the range of Rs.1.2 lakh – 9.8 lakh per annum (based on experience and position).
  • Experienced professionals and freelancers: They can make ₹6 lakh and more each year, with top-billed creators making much more, especially if they partner with brands or have good online following.
  • Technical and senior writers: THey can earn between 30K-80K per month depending on their areas of specialization and the organisation.

If you want to be a content creator in India, using generative AI solely won’t be as fruitful because generative AI is no magic wand or doomsday boat that will keep your career safe forever. It can be a dynamic tool that will magnify the capabilities of human creativity and productivity with wise and reasonable handling. However, like every other tool, it’s as good as the person using it. Whether you are a student, a marketer, or a streaming-service enthusiast dreaming of becoming an aspiring journalist or content creator, the future of content creation in India will be in the hands of the smart content creators that will be able to combine the best of both worlds, human insight and AI innovation, without forgetting what makes content actually effective: authenticity, originality and a little irony. 

So, if you wish to pursue this career path, start by choosing the right degree/course at the leading university. Take GMCET today to secure your seat or contact us at 08035018499 for free consultation.

Smartphones, tablets, access to laptops and online platforms have changed the course of the world. The information, the news, and the updates of anything and everything are just a single touch away. While real-time news continues to update the audience, it also offers a convenient spot for spreading wrong information. Both television news channels and social media networks are just starting to gain a bad reputation for being sources of inaccurate information, where truth and falsehood are mixed.

The Rise of Misinformation in News Reporting

Television stations used to be the primary gatekeepers of trustworthy information but are constantly being sued for airing provocative and skewed reports. This concern has recently been highlighted by political discourse in India, which has led the opposition leaders to urging the government to do more on the enforcement of strict measures against looking at any channels promoting communal hatred or spreading of false information. Though the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is there  to take action against fake news channels, there are also times  when they overlook it, perhaps due to under-the-table factors.

Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have changed the route that information takes completely. This openness of such platforms makes it easy for false information to be massively disseminated in a short duration of time. In instances such as Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Police filed complaints against over 100 social media users posting. The distortions or senseless videos were propagated by many users, who falsely claimed it is related to accidents or disasters to instill panic and increase interaction. Talking about the recent incident where news channels like Zee News, Aaj Tak, etc., told on live streaming that Karachi port is destroyed, the Pakistani general was captivated, and a lot more things that  were completely fake. The situation worsened when 90% of the India Pakistan news on social media platforms turned out to be fake. 

We all know that lies travel fater than truth. This spread of misinformation owes to the fact that it can evoke emotion such as fear or anger or hope. Eye catching headlines and catchy visuals along with the edited images or videos help drive up the chances that the stories will be shared (even though their veracity is unimportant). The mechanism used by social media sites to stay relevant usually amplifies the reach of such posts promoting them to a larger public and fueling their scalability.

Combating misinformation requires comprehensive strategy

  • Fact-Checking Initiatives: The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit is one of the organisations that try to trace and refute misinformation. In order to counter misinformation, the police departments and the event coordinators are now having verified social media platforms to clear up misconceptions and get the trustworthy news to the public.
  • Media Literacy: According to experts, one of the most effective strategies is teaching people how to evaluate news sources and check information before sharing it.
  • Stronger Regulations: Pressure is increasing to impose consequences on platforms and broadcasters that spread falsehood, penalties and removal of questionable content.
  • Technological Solutions: New innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain are being developed to allow the detection and signaling of false information on the air in good time.

Dealing with the issue of misinformation is not a one-sided task; even government agencies need to work together on it. Public awareness should make sure that no one should be negligent and should be careful and, at the back of their minds, ask themselves questions about what they read and not percolate news until it is proven true. This way, we get a chance to re-establish confidence in our news and ensure that news empowers individuals instead of misleading them.

Aspiring Journalists Can Be The Fix 

In this era, the roles of aspiring reporters become so critical because the speed at which false reports spread through television and social media can be matched only by these young minds who are well-versed with influencer culture. Additionally, solving this problem of starts with acceptance of the basic ethical principles of journalism. This takes an unrelenting struggle for accuracy, tracking hundreds of truthful sources to substantiate facts, and never publishing news without evidence. A real journalist is able to separate news item from personal opinions and this way avoids misleading readers or viewers into believing unobjectively presented opinions are unbiased facts. Independence is equally important; it is very important that journalists protect themselves against any political, commercial, or personal influences that could distort details of their reporting.

Strengthening ethical principles, contemporary journalists should also benefit from technological devices to improve their methods. Today, a variety of digital instruments and platforms can promote fact-checking, both by means of searching the Internet backwards for images and analyzing metadata, or communicating with reliable fact-checking websites. With mastery of these digital resources, journalists can more easily detect images that have been altered, edited videos as well as different types of internet deception. Collaborating with established fact-checking organisations and the exploitation of training courses is another means platform to strengthen the abilities of journalists to spot and reject fallacious information.

Accountability and responsibility is also the cornerstones of modern professional reporting. Journalists have a duty to ground data, surveys or statistics in context of sorts of falls or inaccuracies which might affect the way those reading it perceive it. Reporting without sensationalism is paramount because sensationalism lessens public confidence and may have grave consequences. 

All in all, journalists should focus on reporting that is fair, detailed and showcases marginalised communities’ lives rather than sensationalising issues or misleading just for the sake of TRP that was done for India Pakistan news. Journalists should be able to accept a slip-up and correct it promptly. It is fundamental for journalists to reveal their sources alongside the ways to which they derive their editorial opinions before the audience. By being open, journalists enable credibility and allow the audience the chance to interact in useful conversations and provide admirable feedback.

Ultimately, however, journalists need to understand that their main responsibility is to protect public interest. This involves fighting for transparency in the news houses and enabling the embrace critical thinking in the media by the populace. Instructing the populace with the tactics to identify fake news, and how to individually authenticate reports gives them the power to become better astute news consumers.

At the end of the day, journalists seeking to counter misinformation must combine strong ethics, technical expertise, and a real desire to serve the public. With these efforts journalists can restore the trust the public has in journalism and give the readers reliable, trustworthy, and valuable news.


Are you the change? Are you someone willing to be the highly reliable journalist in India? Your goal is achievable! Take admission in one of the top mass communication and journalism universities in India. Appear for GMCET entrance exam to secure your seat today. Connect with us at 08035018499 for details.

In the contemporary era of electronic connectivity, social media has come to play a central role in our existence — influencing attitudes, disseminating information, and unifying people on the planet. But great power is equal to great responsibility. As the recent past demonstrates to us, indiscriminate or haphazard application of social media, particularly during the moments of great significance like defense operations, could be disastrous to national security.

The government has, time and again, asked all the media channels, online media, and the people as a whole to tread carefully while reporting or posting news or updates on security or military operations. 

“Live reporting or live reporting of the movement of troops, operation details, or the ground environment can jeopardize operations, compromise operational capability, and even put lives of our troops and civilians at risk,” said the Spokesperson of Defence Ministry

He added, “History has hard lessons. The Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, and the Kandahar hijack all point to how early or uncontrolled reporting can ignite crises. In a few instances, enemies have been found to use media reports to track security reactions in real time, reversing the script tactically.”

Realizing these risks, the government has enunciated clear legal protections. Media organizations are not allowed to offer live coverage of anti-terror or defence operations under sub-rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. Official periodic briefings by authorized spokespersons are allowed to ensure information released is accurate, timely, and does not harm national interests.

The onus, though, isn't entirely with the mainstream media. Social media users — influencers, content creators, and regular individuals — bear a responsibility too. Reckless sharing of photos, videos, or source-linked posts can exacerbate dangers and encourage panic or misinformation.

As information citizens, we need to value vigilance, sensitivity, and national responsibility more than speed or sensationalism. Ethical reporting is not good journalism or digital citizenship — it is public service. During crises, restraint is not censorship — it is wisdom.

X handle of Ministry of Defence, Government of India, writes,

“All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. Disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize operational effectiveness and endanger lives. Past incidents like the #KargilWar, 26/11 attacks, and the #Kandahar hijacking underscores the risks of premature reporting. As per clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, only periodic briefings by designated officials are permitted during anti-terror operations. All stakeholders are urged to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.”

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