#FactCheck-India Passport Ranking Claim Comparing 2014 and 2026 Rankings Is Misleading

Executive Summary

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Even after the conclusion of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, several misleading claims related to the demonstration continue to circulate on social media. During the protests, multiple AI-generated videos, deepfakes and fabricated narratives were circulated with the intention of misleading users. CyberPeace Research Wing’s Fact Check Team investigated several such viral claims and found that many of the videos were digitally manipulated or created using artificial intelligence (AI). The research  revealed that fake audio, misleading captions and altered visuals were used to falsely attribute statements to public figures, including police officials, military officers and Union ministers. The following are four major false claims debunked by the CyberPeace Research Wing:

Claim 1: Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha resigned from IPS in support of student protests

A video of Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha was widely shared on social media with the claim that he resigned from the Indian Police Service (IPS) in support of the student movement at Jantar Mantar. In the viral video, DCP Sumit Jha is allegedly heard saying that he was resigning from his post with immediate effect and could not remain part of a system that forced him to spread false information against students. The video was shared with the claim that Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha resigned from his position to support protesting students.

Claim

An Instagram user shared the viral video on July 28, 2026, claiming that Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha had resigned from his post in support of protesting students.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbUr6CPoB13/ 

https://archive.ph/xFhG7

Fact Check

CyberPeace Research Wing’s research  found the claim to be false. The research revealed that DCP Sumit Jha has not resigned from his position. The viral video was digitally manipulated by adding AI-generated audio to an original video shared by the Delhi Police on its official X account on July 23, 2026.

The video was further analysed using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The tool’s analysis indicated that the audio used in the viral video had a 91.8 per cent probability of being AI-generated, confirming that the audio was artificially created and was not authentic.

Claim 2: CDS Raja Subramani confirmed that more than 30,000 soldiers resigned over Jantar Mantar protests

A video featuring Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Raja Subramani was widely circulated on social media with the false claim that he confirmed the resignation of more than 30,000 Indian Army personnel following the Jantar Mantar protest. The viral video claimed that soldiers had refused to serve the government after police action against protesting students.

Claim

A Facebook user shared the video claiming: "After the protests at Jantar Mantar, India’s Chief of Defence Staff Raja Subramani has issued an emergency alert, saying that more than 30,000 soldiers have resigned in protest because their children were brutally beaten at Jantar Mantar."

https://www.facebook.com/manu.rawat.90/posts/pfbid0uY7bJPCuz37FyunRkiNiYGi4dCpGrxJA3kb46fdsiyvrSxDJD7X2a4vWVLMV8Kdel 

https://archive.is/udfQ1

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Fact Check

CyberPeace Research Wing’s research  found the claim to be false. The research revealed that the video featuring CDS Raja Subramani was digitally manipulated using AI-generated audio. The original video did not contain any statement related to soldiers resigning or the Jantar Mantar protest. Further research led us to the same video posted by the Instagram account myyouthindia, where CDS Raja Subramani can be seen extending his best wishes to teams participating in the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup Football Tournament. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbEGRGBsKv8/

The audio circulating with the viral video was falsely added to create a misleading narrative.

Claim 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned protesters of strict action

A video featuring Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was widely circulated on social media with the claim that he issued a strict warning against student protesters. In the viral clip, Singh was allegedly heard saying that the government would not tolerate “anarchy” and that strict action would be taken against those blocking roads, disturbing public order or damaging government property.

Claim

An X user (@ForumDefence) shared the video on July 22, 2026, claiming that Rajnath Singh had issued a warning regarding the ongoing student protest.

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Fact Check

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CyberPeace Research Wing’s research  found the claim to be false.The original video available on Rajnath Singh’s official YouTube channel was digitally altered by adding AI-generated audio. The statement heard in the viral video was not made by the Defence Minister and was created using artificial intelligence. The viral video was also analysed using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The analysis indicated that the speech used in the video had an 88.1 per cent probability of being AI-generated.

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Claim 4: Piyush Goyal threatened to hang CJP supporters

A video of Union Minister Piyush Goyal was shared on social media with the false claim that he threatened protesters and called for two to three CJP supporters to be hanged to "teach the rest of them a lesson." In the AI-manipulated video, Goyal was allegedly heard saying: "To teach the CJP a lesson, we should hang two to three of its supporters so that they understand the real power of the government."

https://x.com/HinduReformer/status/2080367073117790288?s=20

https://archive.ph/R2VBW 

Fact Check

CyberPeace Research Wing’s research  found that the viral video was digitally manipulated using AI-generated audio. The original video, posted on the Press Trust of India’s official X account, showed Piyush Goyal discussing the government’s response to examination paper leaks and appealing for the issue to be resolved through dialogue. He made no remarks threatening protesters or calling for the execution of CJP supporters.

The audio and statements attributed to him in the viral video were fabricated using AI technology.

Conclusion

CyberPeace Research Wing’s research  found that all four viral claims related to the CJP protest were false. The videos circulating on social media were either digitally manipulated or created using AI-generated audio to falsely attribute statements to public officials. The research highlights how AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated content are increasingly being used to spread misinformation during sensitive events.

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Introduction 

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The digital landscape of the nation has reached a critical point in its evolution. The rapid adoption of technologies such as cloud computing, mobile payment systems, artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure has led to a high degree of integration between digital systems and governance, commercial activity, and everyday life. As dependence on these systems continues to grow, a wide range of cyber threats has emerged that are complex, multi-layered, and closely interconnected. By 2026, cyber security threats directed at India are expected to include an increasing number of targeted, well-organised, and strategic cyber attacks. These attacks are likely to focus on exploiting the trust placed in technology, institutions, automation, and the fast pace of technological change.

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1. Social Engineering 2.0: Hyper-Personalised AI Phishing & Mobile Banking Malware

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Cybercriminals have moved from generalised methods to hyper-targeted attacks through AI-based psychological manipulation. In addition to social media profiles, data breaches, and digital/tracking footprints, the latest types of cybercrimes expected in 2026 will involve AI-based analysis of this information to create and increase the use of hyper-targeted phishing emails.

Phishing emails are capable of impersonating banks, employers, and even family members, with all the same regionally or culturally relevant tone, language, and context as would be done if these persons were sending the emails in person.

With malicious applications disguised as legitimate service apps, cybercriminals have the ability to intercept and capture One-Time Passwords (OTPs), hijack user sessions, and steal money from user accounts in a matter of minutes.

These types of attempts or attacks are successful not only because of their technical sophistication, but because they take advantage of human trust at scale, giving them an almost limitless reach into the financial systems of people around the world through their computers and mobile devices.

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2. Cloud and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

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As Indian organisations increasingly migrate to cloud infrastructure, cloud misconfigurations are emerging as a major cybersecurity risk. Weak identity controls, exposed storage, and improper access management can allow attackers to bypass traditional network defences. Alongside this, supply chain attacks are expected to intensify in 2026.

In supply chain attacks, cybercriminals compromise a trusted software vendor or service provider to infiltrate multiple downstream organisations. Even entities with strong internal security can be affected through third-party dependencies. For India’s startup ecosystem, government digital platforms, and IT service providers, this presents a systemic risk. Strengthening vendor risk management and visibility across digital supply chains will be essential.

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3. Threats to IoT and Critical Infrastructure

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By implementing smart cities, digital utilities, and connected public services, IoT has opened itself up to increased levels of operational technology (OT) through India’s initiative. However, there is currently a lack of adequate security in the form of strong authentication, encryption, and update methods available on many IoT devices. By the year 2026, attackers are going to be able to exploit these vulnerabilities much more than they already are.

Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and telecom systems have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond data loss; they directly affect the provision of essential services, can damage public safety, and raise concerns over national security. Effectively securing critical infrastructure needs to involve dedicated security solutions to deal with the specific needs of critical infrastructure, in contrast to conventional IT security.

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4. Hidden File Vectors and Stealth Payload Delivery

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SVG File Abuse in Stealth Attacks

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Cybercriminals are continually searching for ways to bypass security filters, and hidden file vectors are emerging as a preferred tactic. One such method involves the abuse of SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files. Although commonly perceived as harmless image files, SVGs can contain embedded scripts capable of executing malicious actions.

By 2026, SVG-based attacks are expected to be used in phishing emails, cloud file sharing, and messaging platforms. Because these files often bypass traditional antivirus and email security systems, they provide an effective stealth delivery mechanism. Indian organisations will need to rethink assumptions about “safe” file formats and strengthen deep content inspection capabilities.

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5. Quantum-Era Cyber Risks and “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Attacks

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Although practical quantum computers are still emerging, quantum-era cyber risks are already a present-day concern. Adversaries are believed to be intercepting and storing encrypted data now with the intention of decrypting it in the future once quantum capabilities mature—a strategy known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This poses serious long-term confidentiality risks.

Recognising this threat, the United States took early action during the Biden administration through National Security Memorandum 10, which directed federal agencies to prepare for the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography. For India, similar foresight is essential, as sensitive government communications, financial data, health records, and intellectual property could otherwise be exposed retrospectively. Preparing for quantum-safe cryptography will therefore become a strategic priority in the coming years.

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6. AI Trust Manipulation and Model Exploitation

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Poisoning the Well – Direct Attacks on AI Models

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As artificial intelligence systems are increasingly used for decision-making—ranging from fraud detection and credit scoring to surveillance and cybersecurity—attackers are shifting focus from systems to models themselves. “Poisoning the well” refers to attacks that manipulate training data, feedback mechanisms, or input environments to distort AI outputs.

In the context of India's rapidly growing digital ecosystem, compromised AI models can result in biased decisions, false security alerts or denying legitimate services. The big problem with these types of attacks is they may occur without triggering conventional security measures. Transparency, integrity and continuous monitoring of AI systems will be key to creating and maintaining stakeholder confidence in the decision-making process of the automated systems.

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Recommendations

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Despite the increasing sophistication of malicious cyber actors, India is entering this phase with a growing level of preparedness and institutional capacity. The country has strengthened its cyber security posture through dedicated mechanisms and relevant agencies such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, which play a central role in coordination, threat response, and capacity building. At the same time, sustained collaboration among government bodies, non-governmental organisations, technology companies, and academic institutions has expanded cyber security awareness, skill development, and research. These collective efforts have improved detection capabilities, response readiness, and public resilience, placing India in a stronger position to manage emerging cyber threats and adapt to the evolving digital environment.

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Conclusion 

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By 2026, complexity, intelligence, and strategic intent will increasingly define cyber threats to the digital ecosystem. Cyber criminals are expected to use advanced methods of attack, including artificial intelligence assisted social engineering and the exploitation of cloud supply chain risks. As these threats evolve, adversaries may also experiment with quantum computing techniques and the manipulation of AI models to create new ways of influencing and disrupting digital systems. In response, the focus of cybersecurity is shifting from merely preventing breaches to actively protecting and restoring digital trust. While technical controls remain essential, they must be complemented by strong cybersecurity governance, adherence to regulatory standards, and sustained user education. As India continues its digital transformation, this period presents a valuable opportunity to invest proactively in cybersecurity resilience, enabling the country to safeguard citizens, institutions, and national interests with confidence in an increasingly complex and dynamic digital future.

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References

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1. https://www.seqrite.com/india-cyber-threat-report-2026/ 
2. https://www.uscsinstitute.org/cybersecurity-insights/blog/ai-powered-phishing-detection-and-prevention-strategies-for-2026
3. https://www.expresscomputer.in/guest-blogs/cloud-security-risks-that-should-guide-leadership-in-2026/130849/ 
4. https://www.hakunamatatatech.com/our-resources/blog/top-iot-challenges 
5. https://csrc.nist.gov/csrc/media/Presentations/2024/u-s-government-s-transition-to-pqc/images-media/presman-govt-transition-pqc2024.pdf
6. https://www.cyber.nj.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1721/214 

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Executive Summary:

A video of Pakistani Olympic gold medalist and Javelin player Arshad Nadeem wishing Independence Day to the People of Pakistan, with claims of snoring audio in the background is getting viral. CyberPeace Research Team found that the viral video is digitally edited by adding the snoring sound in the background. The original video published on Arshad's Instagram account has no snoring sound where we are certain that the viral claim is false and misleading.

Claims:

A video of Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem wishing Independence Day with snoring audio in the background.

Fact Check:

Upon receiving the posts, we thoroughly checked the video, we then analyzed the video in TrueMedia, an AI Video detection tool, and found little evidence of manipulation in the voice and also in face.

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We then checked the social media accounts of Arshad Nadeem, we found the video uploaded on his Instagram Account on 14th August 2024. In that video, we couldn’t hear any snoring sound. 

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Hence, we are certain that the claims in the viral video are fake and misleading.

Conclusion:

The viral video of Arshad Nadeem with a snoring sound in the background is false. CyberPeace Research Team confirms the sound was digitally added, as the original video on his Instagram account has no snoring sound, making the viral claim misleading.

• Claim: A snoring sound can be heard in the background of Arshad Nadeem's video wishing Independence Day to the people of Pakistan.
• Claimed on: X, 
• Fact Check: Fake & Misleading

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