What do you think?
Rate this book
India Misinformed: The True Story
Few countries in the world are as complex as India; more so, when the country is preparing for its most important election. The propaganda of misinformation and hoaxes disseminated through print, graphics, and social media have altered the social landscape of this nation. Not only has it led to multiple cases of lynching, mob violence, defamation, and riots, but fake news also poses a serious threat to Indian democracy and its electoral policies. This book written by the team of Alt News, a fact-checking website that debunks fake information and edited by Pratik Sinha, Dr Sumaiya Shaikh and Arjun Sidharth identifies the purveyors of fabricated news, exposes the propaganda machinery and familiarizes readers with techniques to detect these menacing sources. Was Jawaharlal Nehru an anti-Hindu? Was Narendra Modi declared one of the most corrupted prime ministers in the world? Is Sonia Gandhi the fourth richest woman in the world? Did Rahul Gandhi register as a non-Hindu at the Somnath Temple? Does genetic mutation occur in women due to gravitational matrix at Sabarimala Temple? With photographs to establish its claims, India The True Story presents the real picture.
- GenresNonfictionIndia
250 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2019
27 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Read
April 17, 2019A bit let-down by the book primarily because there is a mismatch in expectations. Given the proliferation of fake news; the vicious effects of those news nuggets and the often seemingly exhausting task that fact-checking sites do, I had assumed that this book would be more of a discourse - a walk through of the growth in the economy of these sites. The staggering economies of scale and the daily influence these false news snippets bring about. So much so that the leading portal on fact check (which the author is famous for) is "Alt News" - think about that for a moment. How the language has morphed while we create fences to save our sanity.
However, the largest part of the book is a listing of the (in)famous instances of fake news and a bit about the consequences of the same. In most of the instances, one feels helpless that the law did not take corrective action quickly enough. It is a good start point to have a single window into the slush and muck that is fake news, but it falls far short of the discussion that I was expecting.
However, the largest part of the book is a listing of the (in)famous instances of fake news and a bit about the consequences of the same. In most of the instances, one feels helpless that the law did not take corrective action quickly enough. It is a good start point to have a single window into the slush and muck that is fake news, but it falls far short of the discussion that I was expecting.
September 11, 2020
3.5 stars.
Loved how unbiased this book is in terms of exposing lies spread by both left and right wing political parties, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
This was a quick and insightful read, however the content didn’t entirely match my expectation. I was expecting to read a bit more about the social-cultural impact of misinformation through social media. Also wanted to read more on misuse of technology given that India has a younger population demographic and increasingly growing middle class.
Loved how unbiased this book is in terms of exposing lies spread by both left and right wing political parties, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
This was a quick and insightful read, however the content didn’t entirely match my expectation. I was expecting to read a bit more about the social-cultural impact of misinformation through social media. Also wanted to read more on misuse of technology given that India has a younger population demographic and increasingly growing middle class.
April 15, 2020
The intention of me picking the book was to understand the aim behind fake news being published and more in-depth analysis on fake news. The preface and some of the reviews of the book communicated the same.
The book in actual gives 77 fake news that was much popular in India, across different geographies of india, pertaining mostly on politics and communal rifts. Fake news details were good, but where the book was a big let down was all article getting concluded without giving inside information. In most cases alt news finding the answer just by reverse search of image and that being depicted as great achievement just adds to the let down. There is no difference between a fake news post on fb and what is given in this book. One good though is when you are subscribed in any fb group fake news post will be one sided, here you can see different sides.
Fakenews about - communal discord spread, pro-modi, against modi, congress/bjp/other parties targeted with wrong portrayal, portraying certain parties non hindu, fake historic claims, malingning nehru, mainstream media spreading fake news, fake polls, fake data / ranks, individuals targeted with misquotes
can be read. So in a way you can feel pity about all people and any sided individual can pick the book.
If you are a person who does not have much knowledge on fake news happening around India in the name of politics, religion, tradition and beliefs of Indians then this book might be an eye opener. If you know a bit on fake news then there is nothing new that the book offers.
The last 4 essays on science is kind of different, where authors give some base information on some of medicine and medical way of proving things. But even here things being against AYUSH and homeopathy treatment seems too one sided. What the book specifies in other articles as posts being one sided and facts misleading is what the book tries to do in last 4 articles. This makes the credibility of book go a bit down in thoughts.
The book in actual gives 77 fake news that was much popular in India, across different geographies of india, pertaining mostly on politics and communal rifts. Fake news details were good, but where the book was a big let down was all article getting concluded without giving inside information. In most cases alt news finding the answer just by reverse search of image and that being depicted as great achievement just adds to the let down. There is no difference between a fake news post on fb and what is given in this book. One good though is when you are subscribed in any fb group fake news post will be one sided, here you can see different sides.
Fakenews about - communal discord spread, pro-modi, against modi, congress/bjp/other parties targeted with wrong portrayal, portraying certain parties non hindu, fake historic claims, malingning nehru, mainstream media spreading fake news, fake polls, fake data / ranks, individuals targeted with misquotes
can be read. So in a way you can feel pity about all people and any sided individual can pick the book.
If you are a person who does not have much knowledge on fake news happening around India in the name of politics, religion, tradition and beliefs of Indians then this book might be an eye opener. If you know a bit on fake news then there is nothing new that the book offers.
The last 4 essays on science is kind of different, where authors give some base information on some of medicine and medical way of proving things. But even here things being against AYUSH and homeopathy treatment seems too one sided. What the book specifies in other articles as posts being one sided and facts misleading is what the book tries to do in last 4 articles. This makes the credibility of book go a bit down in thoughts.
December 3, 2022
This doesn't deserve to be a full length book. Maximum a twitter thread that you can scan through. In fact a twitter thread would be more effective than this book, where you can click links, watch videos etc. Not sure, what prompted the publishers to agree for this content to be converted to a book. There are neither any in-depth analysis of fake news, nor any anatomy of a particular mis-information, nor uncovering of who and how these fake news are produced, nor the aftermath they cause.
So overall, a pretty disappointing read.
Still, I don't regret buying this book.
I admire the work of Pratik Sinha and the Alt News team debunking many of these fake viral whatsapp news that have been pre-valent in the last years, especially targeted towards a particular demography, to peddle propaganda to achieve political goals.
So consider my buying this book a support towards that effort.
So overall, a pretty disappointing read.
Still, I don't regret buying this book.
I admire the work of Pratik Sinha and the Alt News team debunking many of these fake viral whatsapp news that have been pre-valent in the last years, especially targeted towards a particular demography, to peddle propaganda to achieve political goals.
So consider my buying this book a support towards that effort.
November 9, 2019
3.5/5 This book describes 82 pieces of false news/misinformation in India along with the true facts. Because I am not on Whatsapp (you read that right), I found it hard to believe that even some absurd rumours can go viral. The problem with the book was that it was a hurried stitching of articles and a deeper discussion of the phenomena was not done.
A good attempt nonetheless !
A good attempt nonetheless !
July 7, 2020
The book is a series of case studies on the extent of misinformation, fake news and unscientific claims and does a great job at highlighting the different ways misinformation is spread and it's implications. What the book is not is a guided tool to identify fake news. Like a lot of people, I expected the book to be later, but it does a great job of being the former really well.
April 25, 2019
We all know that Media “Including social media, print, and broadcast” have the power to transform and bend the news they are presenting. Causing lean over any special topic or agenda, Developing a feeling of favor or abhorrence towards any particular topic.
This book gives insight over several topics which were (are) like Hot Potatoes in media. From viral videos and pictures to political agendas, it covers the news you may or may not have heard!
All the information given in the book is based on articles from various websites like Times of India, NdTV and others so “We can trust the information as much as we trust them”.The writers of this book are writers at ALT NEWS, which reveals all such fake new and tells the truth?
You see that “?” at last this is how things are altered we never see properly or try to see.
But one thing I am very glad about this book is that it is not partial, Though the information might seem to be inclined over any particular agenda or party. Frankly speaking, anyone if loves any particular political party when is told about the abysmal truth, they will be exasperated but when talked in favor they will be pleased. So whoever you are supporting just keep your hand on heart as this book has no lean over any political party. Though the presentation of news seems at the current reading, then after reading the whole book you’ll see that how things were molded.
Now, if you say that “All these things an even this book is a publicity stunt” then sorry my friend I cannot answer this with audacity as no one knows what we are being told and more important “How it is told”. Whether it is truth or not and this particular doubt we can never convince.
I like that whatever the information is provided is based on videos and comparative pictures not only on the basis of the text, you can search it on the web or wherever you want.
Yes, I will say that the presentation style and narration may offend many people. The balance in facts and figures somewhere slipped and there is a little inclination, which I say that you will decide your self when you read it.
I cannot say that it is not something which I will recommend to others but, but, but, please keep in mind that limit this book to information only.
It is very impactful and profound one slight misunderstanding may cause a change in your opinion. Be selective towards what you extract from the book and think twice what you learn and say.
This book unlike novels or other books presents the information as
News
Content
Fact
This is how you’ll read the whole book. If you are curious about the several facts which were FAKE and knowing many facts it may be a useful book for you.
I cannot give it stars on the basis of my love for it, as it is not any common book, My rating is for the efforts and worth of the book to provide great information!
This book gives insight over several topics which were (are) like Hot Potatoes in media. From viral videos and pictures to political agendas, it covers the news you may or may not have heard!
All the information given in the book is based on articles from various websites like Times of India, NdTV and others so “We can trust the information as much as we trust them”.The writers of this book are writers at ALT NEWS, which reveals all such fake new and tells the truth?
You see that “?” at last this is how things are altered we never see properly or try to see.
But one thing I am very glad about this book is that it is not partial, Though the information might seem to be inclined over any particular agenda or party. Frankly speaking, anyone if loves any particular political party when is told about the abysmal truth, they will be exasperated but when talked in favor they will be pleased. So whoever you are supporting just keep your hand on heart as this book has no lean over any political party. Though the presentation of news seems at the current reading, then after reading the whole book you’ll see that how things were molded.
Now, if you say that “All these things an even this book is a publicity stunt” then sorry my friend I cannot answer this with audacity as no one knows what we are being told and more important “How it is told”. Whether it is truth or not and this particular doubt we can never convince.
I like that whatever the information is provided is based on videos and comparative pictures not only on the basis of the text, you can search it on the web or wherever you want.
Yes, I will say that the presentation style and narration may offend many people. The balance in facts and figures somewhere slipped and there is a little inclination, which I say that you will decide your self when you read it.
I cannot say that it is not something which I will recommend to others but, but, but, please keep in mind that limit this book to information only.
It is very impactful and profound one slight misunderstanding may cause a change in your opinion. Be selective towards what you extract from the book and think twice what you learn and say.
This book unlike novels or other books presents the information as
News
Content
Fact
This is how you’ll read the whole book. If you are curious about the several facts which were FAKE and knowing many facts it may be a useful book for you.
I cannot give it stars on the basis of my love for it, as it is not any common book, My rating is for the efforts and worth of the book to provide great information!
June 8, 2025
A decent book. Gives you insights on how fake news is being spread by Political parties to push an agenda. Could have been a wonderful read if it had more stories of people who are working for these Political party IT cells. If they have to be anonymous. The last section of how the Governments Ministry of Health is pushing pseudo science is a must read.
The book is mostly shallow in terms of writing, since they are mostly fact checking on important fake news. But one important thing is that this book will enlighten us to not believe everything that we see on the internet or receive in our Chat Applications.
If they plan a second edition. They should get into the world of IT cells and give more stories on how the whole system of spreading misinformation works.
The book is mostly shallow in terms of writing, since they are mostly fact checking on important fake news. But one important thing is that this book will enlighten us to not believe everything that we see on the internet or receive in our Chat Applications.
If they plan a second edition. They should get into the world of IT cells and give more stories on how the whole system of spreading misinformation works.
August 28, 2020
Asathyameva....
Acceptance has always been the fulcrum of social life...so it is no wonder that today where everyone, because of the unbelievable spread and individualistic control of social media, considers him/herself to be a pivot in the labyrinthine functioning of society, and he/she is so eager to supply inputs considered succinct in nature and not bothered of the veracity of it..so a country whose motto was ‘sathyameva jayate’ is by this shift in paradigm is more like ‘asathyameva jayate’
Acceptance has always been the fulcrum of social life...so it is no wonder that today where everyone, because of the unbelievable spread and individualistic control of social media, considers him/herself to be a pivot in the labyrinthine functioning of society, and he/she is so eager to supply inputs considered succinct in nature and not bothered of the veracity of it..so a country whose motto was ‘sathyameva jayate’ is by this shift in paradigm is more like ‘asathyameva jayate’
September 11, 2019
Does this deserve to be a book? It is a very superficial book. Everything that’s compiled in this book is available freely on the net. Had I flipped through the book in a bookstore, I certainly would have saved myself 399 INR. Bought it on Amazon and regret doing so. Conned by the blurbs and the big name recommendations.
September 7, 2020
Fact finding done in style
Alt news has been leading the charge on debunking and corroborating ‘news’ for a while now. If you want to read a book that reads like an itemized selection of their work and lets you decide what to make of how this false information is spread and used, pick this book!
Alt news has been leading the charge on debunking and corroborating ‘news’ for a while now. If you want to read a book that reads like an itemized selection of their work and lets you decide what to make of how this false information is spread and used, pick this book!
September 11, 2021
Great book, clearly illustrates the whole circus and operating mechanisms of lies, half truths, post truths, and propaganda operating in India in the age of social media.
Essential reading to understand how to filter and seperate information and misinformation on social media, how to seperate the lies and political propaganda from truth.
Essential reading to understand how to filter and seperate information and misinformation on social media, how to seperate the lies and political propaganda from truth.
October 8, 2025
A must-read book that brilliantly explains how fake news spreads across our country. Each example in this book clearly illustrates how fake news is constructed and amplified. You’ll be truly astonished by the real-world impact it creates. It’s eye-opening to realize that one of the most powerful weapons in our country today is fake news itself.
June 19, 2019
I am numb. I think every Indian should read this book to realize that some of the things we presume as facts are all not what they seem. I highly recommend this book, but it was scary to see all the fake news out there doing the rounds. I'm numb, yes - I'm numb !
June 29, 2019
Alt news in itself are biased and favours a particular political philosophy. No genuine conclusion can be drawn from this.
June 14, 2021
Dobry zamysł, jednak po kilku historiach ciężko jest czytać kolejne 70, które pokazują dokładnie to samo
May 7, 2022
Although the intent is good, as a book it is bad. It is just a collection of fake news they have identified, easily available in their website.
November 29, 2020
An eye opener, must read especially in the current time. I believe the author is trying to get this book as part of school syllabus. He also co runs a website named altnews. Please subscribe to it and get daily update of the misinformation that is happening around and don't be surprised to read that the last whatsapp forward you received has been busted by altnews.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews