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.

A new Chinese heliport being constructed 20 kilometres east of the Line of Actual Control near the sensitive ‘Fishtails’ region of Arunachal Pradesh, may give Chinese armed forces the ability to speedily move in military resources into an under-developed, remote area along the Indo-Chinese frontier.

The heliport, images of which appear in this report, lies along the banks of the Gongrigabu Qu river in the Nyingchi Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. This is within Chinese territory that India does not dispute.

Open-source satellite imagery available on EOS Data Analytics shows that till December 1, 2023, there was no construction at the site where the heliport is being constructed. A subsequent satellite image dated December 31, shows land being cleared for construction. The latest Maxar-sourced high-resolution images, shot on September 16, indicate that the facility is in an advanced state of construction.

Geospatial intelligence experts such as Damien Symon who first highlighted the existence of the heliport point out that “this new heliport will allow the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to intensify intelligence-gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities.” This closes logistical challenges in the densely forested region which features rugged mountains that make military movement cumbersome. The construction of the heliport “enables rapid troop deployment to distant areas, strengthening patrol efficiency and augmenting China’s overall military footprint in these strategically important, remote locations.”

Military sources who are monitoring the construction of the heliport add that while “this is definitely military infrastructure being constructed,” the new facility may also have a dual-use function to enable the movement of civilians into the remote area. The heliport, they add, enhances Chinese “defensive and offensive operations [and] their reaction capabilities increase.” This enables a speedy build-up of troops during a contingency.

The Fishtails area of Arunachal Pradesh, named after the distinctive shape of the boundary-line in this area, is comprised of Fishtail 1 and Fishtail 2. While Fishtail 1 lies in the Dibang Valley, Fishtail 2 is partly in the Anjaw district of the state. Both areas are considered ‘sensitive’, in other words, zones where China and India have differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control.

“This heliport will be a threat to key areas which are considered ‘sensitive’ here,” says Lt General Pravin Bakshi (retired), who headed the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. “I would take serious note and look to orchestrate a suitable response, if ever required, in concern with the Indian Air Force so as to prevent any ‘grey-zone’ warfare being efficiently prosecuted by the Chinese here.” Grey-Zone warfare refers to a form of conflict which falls below the threshold of conventional war while still threatening boundary lines through coercive means that threaten stability.

The heliport under construction features a 600-metre runway which can be used for rolling take-offs of helicopters, a technique used in high-altitude areas where there is less power available for helicopters to use. Despite this runway, the new heliport is situated in an area where the altitude is substantially lower than large tracts of the Tibetan plateau. This benefits helicopter operations. “While the rest of the plateau has a disadvantage because of altitude, the general altitude in this area is in the 1500 metre (approximately 5000 feet) range which allows greater payload to be carried by choppers and aircraft.”

The heliport also features at least three hangars, a sizeable apron area for helicopters to be positioned, an air traffic control facility and associated buildings and structures.

China’s construction of the new heliport comes at a time when Beijing is in the process of constructing hundreds of ‘Xiaokang’ or dual-use villages along the frontier with India. These villages are a tool for China to assert its claims in disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control. By constructing these villages and changing facts of the ground, China has been involved in what India’s late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat referred to as “salami slicing” of territory. This has been particularly evident in the Kingdom of Bhutan, where undefended parts of its border regions, including ancestral lands of its royal family, have been physically taken over by the Chinese, who have built townships connected by an extensive road-network.

“This illustrates how China is quietly creating new facts on the ground,” says Brahma Chellaney, a leading strategic affairs expert who focusses closely on China. “The current efforts to defuse the military standoff raise the question as to what a possible deal can accomplish, given the new military realities China has created along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020.”

India, which has engaged China in protracted talks after the violent skirmishes of 2020 in Ladakh, has begun countering China’s border strategy by launching the ‘Vibrant Villages’ development project that covers 3,000 villages in four Northeastern border states, including Arunachal Pradesh. Rs 4,800 crore has been allotted for the first phase of the project. Separately, a 2,400-kilometre trans-Arunachal highway is being completed that drastically reduces travel time, particularly in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The highway, along with separate road projects in the state, enable connectivity to frontline Army posts as well.

Shifting pressure to the east of Arunachal Pradesh through the construction of the new heliport, however, “opens up a new vista,” says Lt General Bakshi. Despite the rapid build-up of infrastructure along the frontier, “This area remains the least developed in our area of responsibility.”

With inputs from Divyam Sharma

Itanagar:

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday took steps to strengthen the existing Inner Line Permit (ILP) system that makes it mandatory for a non-Arunachalee person to obtain a permit to enter the state.

In a joint meeting with top government officials and leaders of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) in Itanagar, Mr Khandu emphasised the need to strengthen the ILP system to prevent illegal entry and prolonged stay of non-local migrants in the state.

“Our main objective is to protect our indigenous tribes from outside influx and we are committed to it,” he said.

While informing that the state government is internally preparing to strengthen the ILP system, Mr  Khandu said that it was necessary to take inputs from the state’s premier students’ organization.

AAPPSU, headed by its President Dozi Tana Tara, through a PowerPoint presentation explained in detail a survey conducted by the Union and ways and means to strengthen the present system.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)