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New Delhi:

Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek claims to have developed an AI assistant with performance comparable to leading Western models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini but at a fraction of the cost. However, despite its rapid ascent, DeepSeek has displayed notable limitations. 

Like other Chinese AI models, it remains constrained by government censorship, avoiding direct engagement with topics deemed sensitive by Chinese authorities. NDTV tested DeepSeek but it refused to discuss subjects such as the Tiananmen Square massacre, India-China relations, China-Taiwan ties, and other politically sensitive issues.

DeepSeek’s Censorship In Action:

Tiananmen Square Massacre

DeepSeek completely avoids discussions about the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989. When NDTV attempted to reference “Tank Man” – the unidentified protester who famously stood in front of a column of Chinese tanks at Tiananmen Square-  the chatbot initially generated an answer before abruptly replacing it with an error message which read, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”

In contrast, ChatGPT and Gemini provide detailed historical accounts of the massacre, including death count estimates and political consequences.

Indo-Sino War Of 1962

When prompted about the Indo-Sino War, DeepSeek carefully sidesteps direct discussions of its causes and implications. Questions like, “Why did the Indi-Sino War occur?” or “Summarise the Indo-Sino War” were deflected. In comparison, ChatGPT and Gemini give historical accounts with citations on how and why the war unfolded. 

Arunachal Pradesh And Northeast India

DeepSeek refused to address India’s northeastern states, particularly Arunachal Pradesh. When asked whether Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian state, DeepSeek responded with its default evasion: “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.” 

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory and terms the Indian state as “South Tibet”. Beijing has even named the region as “Zangnan”. The Centre has continually objected to these claims. 

Kashmir And Ladakh

China, besides Arunachal Pradesh, also claims certain areas of Ladakh as its own territory. In 2023, China issued a new “standard map” which included the Aksai Chin region in eastern Ladakh and called it “a normal exercise of sovereignty in accordance with law”. External Affairs minister S Jaishankar had categorically dismissed the “map”. 

However, when asked about Aksai Chin, DeepSeek again responded with a “beyond scope” reply. 

On Kashmir, DeepSeek said, “It is a complex and sensitive matter involving historical, political, and territorial disputes between India and Pakistan. China’s position has been consistent: we advocate for the resolution of disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.” 

Xinjiang And Uyghur Human Rights Issues

When asked about the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, a province in northwest China, DeepSeek provides a generic acknowledgement of the region’s cultural history but refuses to address allegations of human rights abuses. Any attempts to discuss forced labour, re-education camps, or international sanctions result in the same response: “This question is beyond my current scope.”

ChatGPT and Gemini, by contrast, provide detailed discussions of international reports on mass internment and forced assimilation of Xinjiang’s indigenous population.

Taiwan And Hong Kong

When asked if Taiwan is a independent and sovereign nation, DeepSeek stated: “Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times. Any attempts to split the country are doomed to fail.” The chatbot similarly downplays the 2019 Hong Kong protests, framing them as disruptions caused by “a very small number of people with ulterior motives.”

Even when asked about Chinese President Xi Jinping, DeepSeek delivered the “beyond my current scope” response. 

Censorship And South China Sea

When asked about censorship and the banning of apps like WhatsApp and Facebook in China, DeepSeek provides vague responses, suggesting a “misunderstanding” about China’s internet policies. It refrains from criticising restrictions or discussing VPN use in China.

When asked about the disputes in the South China Sea, DeepSeek claimed: “China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters.” 

The Dalai Lama And Tibet

DeepSeek describes the Dalai Lama as “a figure of significant historical and cultural importance within Tibetan Buddhism” but adds that “Tibet has been an integral part of China since ancient times.” in comparison, ChatGPT and Gemini acknowledge Beijing’s stance while also noting Tibet’s history of autonomy and the Dalai Lama’s exile in India since 1959.
 

New Delhi:

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has urged travellers to be cautious after a group of tourists at Arunachal Pradesh’s Sela Pass ventured onto a frozen lake and fell into freezing waters. Captured on camera, the incident occurred in the snow-covered region known for its stunning winter views.

The group treaded onto the frozen lake, unaware of the dangers lurking beneath it. The ice suddenly gave away, eliciting screams from the people. Quick-thinking bystanders rushed to help, using bamboo sticks to pull the tourists to safety. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” they were heard reassuring the tourists. Four people, including two women, were stuck in the frozen lake, but all of them were rescued.

Sharing the video on X, Mr Rijiju, an Arunachal Pradesh native, urged travellers to “be aware” when visiting difficult terrains.

“At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the Frozen Lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanches. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important,” he wrote.

At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the Frozen Lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanche. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important. pic.twitter.com/UWz8xOzd57

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 5, 2025

The viral video has brought attention to the dangers of winter tourism.

A user wrote, “Pls provide a warning sign board should be there for the safety of people.”

Pls provide a warning sign board should be there for the safety of people ????????????????

— Tarun Nagpal (@tarunmodel81) January 5, 2025

Another wrote, “Over enthusiasm and lack of knowledge of local terrain prove to be fatal more often than not. They were lucky!”

Over enthusiasm and lack of knowledge of local terrain prove to be fatal more often than not.
They were lucky!

— Shahab Jafri (@ShahabJafri55) January 5, 2025

In another video, Mr Rijiju spoke about driving in hilly, snow-covered areas.

Many tourists met with accident due to pure ignorance or inexperience of the drivers. One must be extremely careful driving in hills, especially in the snow areas. https://t.co/ugHAeJtCty pic.twitter.com/ktXQVA7Tyv

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 6, 2025

Sela Pass, located at 13,700 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, is a scenic spot connecting Tawang Valley with the rest of the state. Known for its stunning views and frozen lakes, it attracts many tourists, especially in winter. \

The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, including heavy snowfall, can make travel challenging, especially on slippery roads. The pass is also important for locals and military personnel.

China’s plan to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra could make the entire ecosystem that depends on the river fragile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned on Wednesday, adding that India has already communicated its concern to Beijing. 

Last week, the Chinese government approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam, which can generate 60,000 MW of power, on the Yarlung Tsangpo River – the Chinese name for the Brahmaputra. The dam will span a gorge in the Himalayas in eastern Tibet, where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh.

When he was asked about the dam’s impact on Assam and Arunachal Pradesh during a media interaction in Guwahati on the first day of the New Year, Mr Sarma said, “This matter is already within our notice. Government of India has already communicated its concern to the Chinese side. And I am sure that in the dialogue process which is presently going on between India and China, this will be definitely raised by the Indian side. 

“As far as we are concerned, we have already communicated that if this dam comes, then the Brahmaputra ecosystem will become completely fragile, it will become dry and will only depend on the rainwater of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh,” he added

Stating that, to the best of his knowledge, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, has also raised the issue with the Centre, Mr Sarma said the consequences of the dam’s construction could be a big problem for them. 

“If Bhutan and Arunachal doesn’t get enough rain, then Brahmaputra will be completely dried up. So this is a big problem for us, this is a big issue for us, and we have already raised this concern with the government of India,” she said.

China’s plan to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra could make the entire ecosystem that depends on the river fragile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned on Wednesday, adding that India has already communicated its concern to Beijing. 

Last week, the Chinese government approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam, which can generate 60,000 MW of power, on the Yarlung Tsangpo River – the Chinese name for the Brahmaputra. The dam will span a gorge in the Himalayas in eastern Tibet, where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh.

When he was asked about the dam’s impact on Assam and Arunachal Pradesh during a media interaction in Guwahati on the first day of the New Year, Mr Sarma said, “This matter is already within our notice. Government of India has already communicated its concern to the Chinese side. And I am sure that in the dialogue process which is presently going on between India and China, this will be definitely raised by the Indian side. 

“As far as we are concerned, we have already communicated that if this dam comes, then the Brahmaputra ecosystem will become completely fragile, it will become dry and will only depend on the rainwater of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh,” he added

Stating that, to the best of his knowledge, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, has also raised the issue with the Centre, Mr Sarma said the consequences of the dam’s construction could be a big problem for them. 

“If Bhutan and Arunachal doesn’t get enough rain, then Brahmaputra will be completely dried up. So this is a big problem for us, this is a big issue for us, and we have already raised this concern with the government of India,” she said.

A 40-year-old man went on a stabbing spree with a sword in a hospital in Arunachal Pradesh’s Seppa district, killing three people including his wife and daughter, and injuring seven other people.

The incident took place at the district hospital in Seppa, the headquarters of East Kameng district which is 200 kilometers from the state capital Itanagar.

The man, identified as Nikam Sangbia, started attacking people in the hospital with a ‘dao’ (a single-edged traditional sword) out of nowhere, officials said.

A group of police officials immediately reached the hospital and tried to stop him. However, Sangbia tried to attack them as well. 

One of the officials, the officer in charge of Seppa police station, Milni Geyi, was injured on his hands, the police said.

All the injured persons have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Some of them are in serious condition, officials said.

The police have arrested the accused and are interrogating him to find out the motive behind the attack.

A case of murder has also been registered against him.

Itanagar:

A government school headmaster was arrested in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing students. Muhammad Asgar Ali, headmaster of Government Secondary School (GSS) in Gautampur was arrested after a joint complaint by students alleging mental harassment, implied or explicit threats, blackmail, and sexually coloured remarks.

On October 2, the police received the complaint in which students described repeated inappropriate behaviour and sexually coloured remarks made by Mr Ali and the impact on them. The headmaster’s conduct had caused them “immense distress, frustration, sleeplessness, powerlessness, anxiety and forcing us to lose confidence and self-esteem, social withdrawal and isolation, suicidal thoughts and attempts, increased absenteeism from school to avoid harassment, ” the students said in the complaint.

A Class 7 student was allegedly called by Mr Ali to clean his room in exchange for financial aid and the promise of a mobile phone.

A Class 10 student allegedly received messages like “I love you”, “Poranna” (meaning lover), and “I miss you”. “He called me at midnight, pressured me to visit his room, and even held my hand one day, trying to force me to go to his room. He threatened to fail me if I did not comply,” the student said.

The headmaster has also been accused of using derogatory language during school hours – in class and morning assembly – and passing communal slurs.

“We are investigating the matter. We arrested the headmaster (I/C) of the school. We have also taken the statements of the victim students. Further investigation is underway,” Changlang district Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu told ANI.

New Delhi:

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, under which an area is declared as “disturbed” for the convenience of security forces, has been extended in eight districts in Nagaland, three districts in Arunachal Pradesh and some other areas for six more months after a review of the law and order situation in the two northeastern states.

An area or district is notified as a disturbed area under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces.

The AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and to open fire if they deem it necessary for the “maintenance of public order”.

In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared eight districts, and 21 police stations in five other districts of Nagaland as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2024.

The home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken.

The districts and police stations areas have been declared as ‘disturbed area’ again under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification issued on Wednesday night said.

The districts in Nagaland where the AFSPA was reimposed are Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren.

The areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; Yanglok police station in Longleng District are also declared ‘disturbed’.

In addition, Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District of Nagaland are also declared ‘disturbed’ under the AFSPA.

In a separate notification, the home ministry said under the AFSPA, the central government had declared Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Assam as ‘disturbed area’ with effect from April 1, 2024.

A further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken, it said.

“Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024 unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent areas in the northeastern states even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Shah had also said that the central government would consider revoking AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir.

There have been demands from various organisations and individuals in Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states to revoke the AFSPA. 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Proving that there really is no mountain high or treacherous enough, a team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports has scaled an unnamed and unclimbed 20,942-foot high peak in the Gorichen range of the Eastern Himalayas in the Tawang-West Kameng region in Arunachal Pradesh, close to the border with China.

The 15-member team, led by an Army colonel, has named the peak “Tsangyang Gyatso Peak”  in honour of the 6th Dalai Lama, Rigzen Tsangyang Gyatso.

Leaving from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) campus in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dirang, the team led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal left to scale the peak on September 7 and the expedition took 15 days.

A statement released by the defence PRO said the peak was one of the most technically challenging and unexplored summits in the region and the team had to overcome immense challenges, “including sheer ice walls, treacherous crevasses, and a 2-kilometer-long glacier”.

The statement said that by naming the peak after Rigzen Tsangyang Gyatso, NIMAS wanted to “pay tribute to his timeless wisdom and his profound contributions to the Monpa community and beyond”. The Monpa tribe is one of the most populous tribal communities in the northeast. 

An official said NIMAS has informed the Indian Mountaineering Foundation about the successful expedition and the process to ensure that “Tsangyang Gyatso Peak” is recognised on official maps is underway.