Combatting Misinformation with AI

Daily writing prompt
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

Introduction


The TruthTell Hackathon, part of the Create in India Challenge – Season 1, is designed to develop cutting-edge AI-powered tools for real-time fact-checking during live broadcasts. Supported by prominent organizations like the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), and IndiaAI Mission, the hackathon brings together key stakeholders to foster innovation in the media and technology sectors. This initiative is a crucial component of the inaugural WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit).

The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.

The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.

The TruthTell Hackathon is a key component of Pillar One of WAVES, focusing on Broadcasting and Infotainment. To date, 5,650 participants have registered, including 186 international entries.

Registration Process and Timeline

The TruthTell Hackathon invites participants to develop an AI-powered solution to counter misinformation and promote ethical journalism. Participants can join individually or form teams of up to 5, including developers, data scientists and media professionals. Registrations are now closed, with the final date being 21st February 2025.

  • Opening of Registrations: 1st October 2024
  • Deadline for Submissions of Ideas and Prototypes: 21st February 2025
  • Announcement of Top 25: 7th March 2025
  • Mentoring & Tinkering: 8th – 18th March 2025
  • Jury Presentation & Selection of Top 5 Winners: 24th – 28th March 2025
  • WAVES Summit: 1st – 4th May 2025

Tasks Include:

  1. Dataset Preparation:
    • Analyze data using external fact-checking APIs.
    • Pre-process and clean text-based media content (tokenization, entity extraction).
  2. Developing a Real-time NLP Model:
    • Train machine learning/deep learning models on misinformation datasets.
    • Implement NLP techniques (text classification, sentiment analysis, entity recognition) for real-time text analysis.
  3. Fact-checking Integration:
    • Integrate external fact-checking APIs to verify flagged content.
    • Cross-reference live broadcasts with trusted knowledge databases.
  4. Real-time Data Processing:
    • Set up streaming infrastructure for live broadcast feeds.
    • Implement data pipelines to process new information as it arrives.
  5. Knowledge Graph for Fact-checking:
    • Build and deploy a knowledge graph to track entities and their verified status.
    • Use the graph to detect patterns of misinformation.
  6. Real-time Dashboard for Broadcasters:
    • Create an interactive dashboard displaying real-time alerts, confidence scores, and verification info.
  7. Testing and Validation:
    • Test with live or recorded broadcasts.
    • Validate accuracy using ground-truth data from fact-checking organizations.

Project Submission Guidelines

  1. Written Proposal:
    • Project Description: Provide a detailed explanation of your proposed tool and its intended functionality.
    • Problem Statement: Clearly describe the specific problem your tool addresses.
    • Target Audience: Identify the intended users or beneficiaries of your tool.
    • Technical Approach: Outline the methods, algorithms, and technologies you will use, with a focus on APIs and datasets provided by the hackathon.
    • Development Timeline: Provide a realistic timeline with key milestones and deadlines.
  2. Prototype:

Working Prototype: Demonstrate the core functionality of your tool. Ensure it is user-friendly, functional, and showcases the impact of your solution.

    • Key Considerations:
      • Functionality: Ensure it can perform the intended tasks effectively.
      • User Experience: Design an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface.
      • Completeness: Include all essential features of your tool.
      • Documentation: Provide clear instructions on using your prototype.
  1. Additional Tips:
    • Use clear, concise language.
    • Support claims with evidence and examples.
    • Ensure your proposal is visually appealing and well-formatted.

Access to Powerful Tools and Technologies

The TruthTell Hackathon offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative AI-driven solutions to combat misinformation. Participants will have access to powerful tools, mentorship and resources to build their projects. Here are some popular tools and technologies that can be used to develop AI-driven solutions for combating misinformation:

  • Programming Languages:
    • Python (with libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLTK, Scikit-learn)
    • R, Java, javascript
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) Libraries:
    • TensorFlow Text, Hugging Face Transformers, SpaCy, Gensim
  • Machine Learning Frameworks:
    • TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras

Key Considerations for Development

    • Functionality: Ensure your tool performs its intended tasks effectively.
    • User Experience: Design an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
    • Completeness: Include essential features and components of your tool.
    • Documentation: Provide clear instructions for using your prototype.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria for the TruthTell Hackathon are as follows:

  1. Innovation: The originality and creativity of the solution.
  1. Impact: The potential of the solution to make a significant impact on combating misinformation.
  1. Technical merit: The quality of the code, data analysis and AI implementation.
  1. Scalability: The ability of the solution to be applied at a larger scale.
  1. User experience: The ease of use and effectiveness of the user interface.
  1. Adherence to ethical guidelines: The compliance of the solution with ethical principles and standards.
  1. Presentation and communication: The clarity and persuasiveness of the project presentation.
  1. Proof of concept (PoC): The demonstration of the solution’s functionality and effectiveness.

Prizes
The top 5 winners will be recognized and awarded at the WAVES event, with cash prizes for the winners.

Conclusion

the TruthTell Hackathon offers a valuable platform for innovation, enabling participants to create AI-driven solutions that combat misinformation and promote ethical journalism. With access to powerful tools, expert mentorship, and a chance to showcase impactful solutions at the WAVES Summit, this event presents an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the media landscape.

References

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
Have questions? Find answers here
Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now (Coming soon!).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with students during the 1st episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

Daily writing prompt
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 has redefined student engagement, transforming into a dynamic, interactive experience that is resonating deeply with students, teachers, and parents across the country. Moving beyond the traditional Town Hall format, this edition fosters meaningful, two-way conversations, equipping young minds with practical strategies, life skills, and a fresh perspective on learning.

The eighth edition began on 10 February 2025 in the serene surroundings of Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, where Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi connected with 36 students from across India. In a free-flowing, insightful discussion, he explored themes like Nutrition & Wellness, Mastering Pressure, Leadership, and 360º Growth, offering real-world wisdom on tackling academic challenges with confidence. His words inspired students to think beyond exams, embrace curiosity, and develop a mindset geared for lifelong learning.

In today’s engaging fourth episode, leading nutrition experts Shonali Sabherwal, Rujuta Diwekar, and Revant Himatsingka—popularly known as the Food Pharmer—interacted with students on the vital role of nutrition in staying healthy and stress-free during exams.

They emphasized the power of superfoods like millets such as jowar, bajra, and ragi, which are packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients. These grains, they explained, help sustain energy levels and sharpen focus, making them a must-have in every student’s diet.

Shonali Sabherwal highlighted the link between a balanced diet, quality sleep, and concentration. She urged students to opt for light, nutritious meals to maintain focus and avoid sluggishness. Her golden rule? Ghar ka khana (home-cooked food) is always the best! She also suggested smart swaps for unhealthy snacks, like beetroot juice instead of soda and sweet potato chips instead of packaged snacks.

Rujuta Diwekar explained the benefits of rice and served students with delicious, exam-friendly recipes. From vegetable biryani and curd rice to homemade chakli and chaas/lassi, she explained why these wholesome foods are ideal for maintaining energy and mental clarity.

Revant Himatsingka talked about another crucial aspect of exam preparation—setting realistic goals. He warned against the stress and disappointment of unrealistic expectations, urging students to take a practical, step-by-step approach instead. He echoed the wisdom of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who encourages young minds to focus on setting attainable targets.

The session also saw participation from students beyond India, who had their queries answered by the experts. Many students later shared their experiences, calling the session eye-opening, enjoyable, and incredibly helpful in understanding the role of good nutrition in exam success.

On 12th February 2025 renowned actor Deepika Padukone interacted with around 60 in the second episode of the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha. Deepika shared how addressing mental health challenges can be empowering and spoke about the valuable lessons she learned from her own struggles.

On 13th February 2025, tech and finance took center stage as Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji) and Radhika Gupta (MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund) introduced students to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. They explored practical applications of AI tools, including ChatGPT and AI-powered image generation, while also discussing financial literacy – a crucial skill for future success.

Hindu College’s 126th Founder’s Day

Daily writing prompt
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, attended an event celebrating Hindu College’s 126th Founder’s Day in New Delhi today. Academicians, staff members and students also were present at the event. He engaged with the students and faculty of the college during his visit to the exhibition on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship activities. While exploring ideas, prototypes, and business models, he expressed confidence that they will serve as flag-bearers of innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation in the times ahead.

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While addressing the event, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the esteemed legacy of Hindu College, describing it as a temple of learning and a cradle of educational excellence, innovation, diversity, plurality, democratic ethos, nationalistic spirit, and nation-building.

He reflected on the college’s founding by Shri Krishan Dass Ji Gurwale, who sought to counter Macaulay’s efforts to dismantle India’s education system and culture. He emphasized how Hindu College has since carved an unparalleled legacy in shaping India’s intellectual, cultural, and national identity. The path of progress and prosperity on which India stands today, he asserted, has been paved by Hindu College.

Shri Pradhan also remarked that while creating a legacy is easier, sustaining it requires relentless dedication. Congratulating the students, faculty, and staff for their unwavering ‘Sadhna’ in upholding the college’s tradition of excellence, he urged them to continue this commitment, striving to transform the institution into a global hub of solutions.

He also underscored that Viksit Bharat 2047 is a collective goal for all Indians. The next 22-25 years, he noted, mark the Amrit Kaal, a crucial period for the Hindu College community. He emphasized that as India celebrates the centenary of its independence, Hindu College will also mark its 150th Founder’s Day. During this pivotal phase, the college must aspire to establish itself as an epicentre of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and solutions to 21st-century challenges, he added.

Expressing confidence in Hindu College’s role in shaping India’s future, he envisioned it emerging as a ‘Captain’ of India’s transformation in the coming decades. He expressed hope that its students will evolve into wealth-creators, job-creators, deep-tech innovators, policymakers, and global citizens of tomorrow.

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