Social media is not a menace when it comes to fake news, according to Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Textiles. On the other hand, it is based on technology which can filter out fake news, she said at an interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Wednesday.

People have the power to ‘correct’ fake news on social media, she said. “I think it (social media) is based on technology and people have the course to set things right.”

Diversification in jute

Pitching for diversification of jute products, Irani called for greater use of the fibre, including in building infrastructure.

Such diversification failed to take off because the quality of fibre available in the country was relatively inferior to its Bangladeshi counterpart, she said, adding that the Centre is now taking steps to distribute better quality of seeds.

A result of these initiatives has been Jute ICARE, a government initiative that aims to double farmers’ income. “There has to be a composite development in the entire supply chain,” she said.

Jute has also been shown to be effective in holding soil erosion, she further said. “While we look at jute being used for making ladies’ bags or card holders, we need to emphasise on jute to be used for purposes of building infrastructure, like roads and river embankment,” she said.

Irani is also in favour of standardisation of technical textiles. “Our definition of technical textiles varies from international definition. Hence, I have asked industry associations to come up with the definition, parameters which are applicable and acceptable internationally,” she said.

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