#FactCheck
Executive Summary
A purported video of Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma is being shared on social media, falsely portraying him as saying that “five aviators who participated in Operation Sindoor are missing from our training list. CyberPeace Research Wingresearch found that the viral video is completely fabricated and generated using artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Defence has also dismissed the clip as an AI-generated deepfake. The investigation found that Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, Commander of the Army Training Command, never made any such statement. The viral clip has been manipulated by inserting fake audio into footage from his original speech to spread a misleading narrative.
Claim
A user on social media platform X shared the viral video with the caption:“Fifty-nine officers were listed at the Combat Army Aviation Training School, but five officers are missing. They were involved in Operation Sindoor as pilots of four Rafale jets and one Su-30 aircraft…”
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted several keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse-image search. During the investigation, we found the original video on ANI’s official X account. In the authentic footage, Lt Gen Sharma is seen speaking at a routine event at a training institution. His remarks focused on regular training-related matters, and he made no reference to missing pilots, Operation Sindoor, or any alleged losses.
https://x.com/ANI/status/2061731994971881667
In the next stage of the investigation, we found a post by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, which also identified the viral clip as a deepfake.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1697698548109000
The ministry clarified that the video had been manipulated using AI-generated audio and did not reflect any genuine statement made by Lt Gen Devendra Sharma.
Conclusion
The viral video is a fabricated AI-generated deepfake. Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma never made the statement attributed to him about five missing aviators linked to Operation Sindoor. The original video was altered by inserting fake audio into authentic footage. The manipulated clip is being circulated online to spread misinformation and create confusion regarding the Indian Armed Forces.
Executive Summary
A postcard carrying the logo of Navbharat Times and featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being widely shared on social media. The postcard quotes Modi as allegedly saying, “The gold of this country will be used for the people of this country. Gold is being sold to save the economy. If this is not done, the country's industrialists will be ruined and people will suffer from unemployment.”Based on this postcard, users are claiming that Prime Minister Modi justified the sale of the country's gold reserves by saying it was necessary to protect the economy and prevent industrialists from facing losses. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found that Prime Minister Modi never made such a statement. The viral Navbharat Times postcard has been digitally edited.
Claim
An X user with the handle “Brainwash” shared the postcard and wrote: “Sir, have you kept the PM CARES Fund for your own household? Take back the money distributed to industrialists. People should not fall for these claims. Everything they say is false and mere rhetoric.”
https://x.com/Bhawanipm/status/2062259463084785666
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted keyword searches related to the purported statement. However, we found no credible reports, speeches, interviews, or official records in which Prime Minister Modi made such remarks about selling the country's gold reserves. We then examined the viral postcard and searched the social media handles of Navbharat Times for the original post. During this process, we found a similar postcard published on the Facebook page of Navbharat Times Uttar Pradesh on May 16, 2026. The design, layout, and image matched the viral postcard. However, the original post carried a completely different quote attributed to Prime Minister Modi.
The original postcard quoted Modi as saying: “This decade is becoming a decade of disasters for the world.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1505172121619709&set=a.685493923587537
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not made any statement claiming that the country's gold is being sold to save the economy or to protect industrialists from losses. The viral Navbharat Times postcard has been digitally edited, and the quote attributed to Modi is fabricated.
Executive Summary
A video of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is rapidly going viral on social media, in which he can allegedly be heard making a statement regarding the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. Along with the video, it is being claimed that the US played a crucial role in ending the conflict between the two countries, but India was the first to initiate a ceasefire with Pakistan. Users are sharing this video believing it to be true.
Research by the CyberPeace Research Wing revealed that the video has been digitally manipulated. Rubio did state that the United States played a role in ending the conflict, but he never said that India was the first to request a ceasefire from Pakistan. This alleged statement was not part of the original video and was added later to alter the clip.
Claim
A user on a Facebook page shared the viral video and wrote, "Marco Rubio's statement has clearly brought out the truth, weakening India's claim. During 'Maarka-e-Haq', after suffering heavy losses, India was the first party to request a ceasefire from Pakistan. This highlights the gap between India's public claims and the ground reality, where the military..." The post link, archive link, and screenshot can be seen below. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1015648544746728
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1015648544746728
Fact Check
We investigated the viral video using the InVid tool and extracted several of its keyframes. These keyframes were then subjected to a reverse image search via Google Lens. The investigation revealed that the exact same video had been shared on social media previously, showing the same background and setting. The post link and screenshot can be seen below.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1015648544746728
In the next step of our investigation, we found a video published on Reuters' official YouTube channel on June 2, 2026, whose background matches the viral video. However, nowhere in this original video is Marco Rubio heard saying that India was the first to request a ceasefire from Pakistan. The post link and screenshot can be seen below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSpp5IYO6Cs
At the 2-hour 8-minute 55-second mark of the Reuters video, Rubio only states that the US played a role in ending the India-Pakistan conflict. Following this, he discusses the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. This makes it clear that the alleged statement in the viral video was digitally added or edited in, and is not part of the original footage.
Taking the investigation further, we scanned the suspicious audio portion of the viral video using the AI detection tool 'Resemble AI'. According to the analysis results, clear signs of audio manipulation were detected.
Conclusion:
Our investigation revealed that the video has been digitally manipulated. Rubio did state that the United States played a role in ending the conflict, but he never said that India was the first to request a ceasefire from Pakistan. This alleged statement was not part of the original video and was altered by adding it later.
Executive Summary
A video purportedly showing former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan criticizing the government over “Operation Sindoor” is being widely shared on social media. In the viral clip, Chauhan is allegedly heard saying that the Indian military was unable to complete the operation due to political interference and that, unlike Pakistan’s military, India’s armed forces did not receive adequate political support. Users claim that he made these remarks while announcing his resignation.
CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The viral video is a deepfake created by manipulating an original video of General Chauhan’s farewell ceremony at the end of his tenure. In the authentic footage, the former CDS expressed satisfaction with his tenure and thanked the three armed services for their support. The altered clip appears to have been shared with the intention of spreading misinformation. Similar AI-manipulated videos targeting senior Indian military officials have surfaced on social media in the past.
Claim
On June 1, 2026, Facebook user “Meenu Kundu Dhakal” shared the viral video with the caption: “The army is facing political interference. The government has turned the armed forces into a tool for gathering votes.”
https://www.facebook.com/100092961600658/posts/1669160500794363/
https://perma.cc/SE6J-5JC6
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted reverse-image searches. The original video was found on the official Instagram account of ANI, where it was posted on May 30, 2026. In the authentic footage, General Chauhan says:“I thank the three services and Headquarters IDS for it. With the conclusion of the guard of honour, I bid farewell to my colleagues in uniform, comrades in arms forever. I just laid the wreath at the War Memorial for the last time in uniform, as a humble tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. After the wreath-laying, I was welcomed by friends, relatives, and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life. I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure. Thank you. Jai Hind.”
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DY8-5sqgF1B/
The same footage was also found on multiple news platforms covering General Chauhan’s farewell ceremony upon completion of his tenure. None of the reports mentioned any criticism of the government or comments regarding political interference in military affairs.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J-Fi8F32huo
To assess whether the viral clip had been manipulated, we analyzed the audio using AI-detection tools. The tool “Hiya” indicated a 51 percent likelihood that the audio was AI-generated.
Another detection tool, “Undetectable,” found indicators suggesting a 44 percent probability of AI-generated audio content.
Conclusion
The viral video claiming to show former CDS General Anil Chauhan criticizing the government’s handling of “Operation Sindoor” is a deepfake. The original video was recorded during his farewell ceremony at the conclusion of his tenure. In the authentic footage, General Chauhan described his tenure as “very satisfying and excellent” and thanked the armed forces for their support. The viral clip has been digitally manipulated and is being shared to spread misinformation.
Executive Summary
A video showing a modern highway flyover illuminated at night is being widely shared on social media. The bridge features bright white light poles and illuminated barriers. The video is being falsely claimed to be from Patna, Bihar. A CyberPeace Research Wing research has found the claim to be false. Our verification shows that the viral video is not real but AI-generated and is being circulated with misleading claims.
Claim:
A user on YouTube shared the viral video, claiming it shows a flyover in Patna. The post, along with its archive link and screenshots, can be seen below:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j9jU-QVKcrw
Meanwhile, the BJP also shared the same video on its official Facebook page, writing: “Don’t be surprised, this is Patna, the capital of Bihar! Where there is BJP-NDA government, development moves at a fast pace.” The post link, archive link, and screenshots are available below:
https://www.facebook.com/bjp4bihar
Fact Check
A careful review of the viral video raised suspicions that it may be AI-generated. The footage was analysed using the AI detection tool HIVE MODERATION, which indicated that the video is approximately 84% likely to be AI-generated.
We also analysed the video using another AI detection tool, SIGHTENGINE, which produced an even stronger result, indicating a 99% likelihood of AI generation.
Conclusion:
The viral video being circulated as a flyover from Patna is not real. It is AI-generated and is being shared with misleading claims.
Executive Summary
An image of a purported new ₹500 plastic banknote is being widely shared on social media. Users claim that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the new note and replaced Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait with the Ashoka Pillar.The CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The probe revealed that RBI has not issued any new ₹500 plastic banknote. Furthermore, no official announcement or decision has been made regarding the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from Indian currency and its replacement with the Ashoka Pillar.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral image with the claim: “RBI has issued a ₹500 plastic note in which Mahatma Gandhi’s image has been removed and replaced with the Ashoka Pillar.” The claim has been widely circulated on social media, with many users sharing the image as genuine. The post link, archived version, and screenshot can be seen below.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search on Google. However, we found no credible media reports suggesting that RBI had issued a new ₹500 plastic note featuring the Ashoka Pillar in place of Mahatma Gandhi. We then searched the official RBI website for any notification or announcement related to the claim. Our search yielded no official communication supporting the viral claim.
During the research, we also came across a report published by Business Standard. According to the report, the Reserve Bank of India is exploring the possibility of introducing polymer (plastic) currency notes in the future. The report states that RBI is studying and discussing the proposal in view of the growing global adoption of polymer notes and their greater durability. However, the report does not state that RBI has already issued a new ₹500 plastic note. Nor does it mention any decision to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from existing currency notes and replace it with the Ashoka Pillar.
- https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/rbi-set-to-unveil-polymer-rupee-notes-amid-rising-currency-demand-126052801725_1.html
Conclusion
The research found that the viral claim is misleading. RBI has not issued any new ₹500 plastic banknote, and there has been no official announcement or decision to replace Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait on Indian currency with the Ashoka Pillar.
Executive Summary
A purported video of Hindi news channel Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap is being widely shared on social media. In the viral clip, Kashyap appears to be apologising and questioning her own journalistic credibility. The CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The probe revealed that the viral video was created by manipulating an original video of Anjana Om Kashyap. Her voice and statements were altered to falsely portray her as issuing an apology, whereas she made no such remarks in the original footage.
Claim:
A YouTube user shared the viral video claiming that Anjana Om Kashyap was apologising. The post can be seen here:
Fact Check
The keyframes of the viral video were analysed using reverse image search. During the research , the original reel was found on Anjana Om Kashyap’s Instagram account, where it was posted on December 26, 2023. In the original reel, Kashyap is seen praising Bihar. At no point does she apologise or make any statements similar to those heard in the viral clip.
Further research led to the original version of the video on Anjana Om Kashyap’s YouTube channel, uploaded on October 17, 2023. According to the video description, the speech was delivered during the ‘Bihar Meet’ event organised by the Indian People Forum in the UAE. Notably, none of the statements heard in the viral clip appear in the original speech.
The viral video was also analysed using the AI-detection tool Hive Moderation, which indicated a high likelihood of AI-generated or deepfake manipulation.
Conclusion
The research found that the viral video has been digitally altered and falsely shared on social media. The original video of Anjana Om Kashyap was edited, and the audio was manipulated to create the misleading impression that she was apologising. No such statement was made by her in the authentic video.
Executive Summary
Amid heightened tensions in West Asia following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, a video showing a large explosion behind a building is being widely shared on social media.
Users claim that the footage shows an Iranian missile strike on a US military base in Kuwait. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is actually from an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon. While Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones during regional hostilities, the viral footage has no connection to any alleged attack on a US base in Kuwait.
Claim
An Instagram user, “indiscope24hr,” shared the video on May 28, 2026, with text overlaid on the clip stating:“Iran launches a deadly missile attack on a US base in Kuwait.”The caption claimed that Iran targeted a US airbase in retaliation for American military action and that Kuwait’s air defence systems were intercepting incoming missiles and drones.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted key frames from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to a post shared on May 28, 2026, by the Instagram account “iltv_israel,” which identified the footage as an Israeli Air Force strike on a Hezbollah target in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.
Further research found the same footage in a video report uploaded by the New York Post’s YouTube channel on May 28, 2026. According to the report, Israel carried out strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Tyre, southern Lebanon.
We also found the clip in a video report published by NBC News. The report stated that Israel intensified strikes in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire agreement.
The matching visuals across these reports confirm that the viral footage originated from Lebanon and not from Kuwait.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video does not show an Iranian missile strike on a US military base in Kuwait. It actually depicts an Israeli airstrike carried out in the Lebanese city of Tyre on May 28, 2026, and is being shared with a false context on social media.
Executive Summary
A video clip of Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi is being widely shared across social media platforms with the claim that he criticised the Indian government's policy towards Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. In the viral clip, the Army Chief is allegedly heard saying that India is doing nothing except sending money to the Taliban government due to the Centre’s failed policies.
However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The viral video is a deepfake. In the original footage, General Upendra Dwivedi was speaking about Operation Sindoor and the preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces for a possible “Operation Sindoor 2.0.” He made no remarks regarding the Taliban or the government’s Afghanistan policy.
Claim
An X user named “XaQil” shared the viral video on May 31, 2026, with the caption:“Due to failed policies of the Central Government, India is doing nothing except sending Money to Taliban government. How can money alone do everything?” — Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
Fact Check
In the viral video, General Dwivedi is purportedly heard making remarks about India’s Afghanistan policy, the Taliban, Pakistan, Iran, and India’s diplomatic position. To verify the claim, we searched for the original source of the video. A reverse image search of key frames led us to the authentic footage posted by news agency ANI on its official X account on May 30, 2026.
In the original video, General Dwivedi was responding to a question about Operation Sindoor. He stated that the operation was still ongoing, hostilities had only paused temporarily, and that the Indian Armed Forces were fully prepared if “Operation Sindoor 2.0” became necessary.
He also spoke about enhancing coordination among the three services and maintaining operational readiness.”
No part of his statement mentioned the Taliban, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, or criticism of the Central Government.
Further corroboration came from media reports covering the same event. According to a report published by Navbharat Times on May 30, 2026, General Dwivedi made the remarks during the passing-out parade of the 150th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he attended as the chief guest. He reiterated that the armed forces were fully prepared for “Operation Sindoor 2.0” if required.
Since the content of the viral clip did not match the original statement, we examined it using InVID’s MeVer Deepfake Detector. The tool flagged signs of AI manipulation and indicated that the video had likely been altered.
Conclusion
Cyber Peace Foundation found that the viral video purportedly showing Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi criticising the Indian government’s policy towards the Taliban is a deepfake. The Army Chief made no such remarks. The original video was recorded during an NDA event, where he spoke about Operation Sindoor and the preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces for a possible future operation. The viral clip has been manipulated using AI to spread a false narrative.
Executive Summary
A post claiming that former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and urged people to elect him as Prime Minister is being widely circulated on social media.The viral poster falsely attributes a political statement to Sachin Tendulkar, suggesting that he has endorsed Rahul Gandhi for the post of Prime Minister. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be fake. Sachin Tendulkar has not made any such appeal or statement supporting Rahul Gandhi for Prime Minister.
Claim
On X (formerly Twitter), a verified user “Queen” shared a viral poster claiming:“Sachin Tendulkar has always supported education and never promoted superstition. Rahul Gandhi always predicts what Narendra Modi will do next. It is time to choose Rahul Gandhi again.”
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first searched for any news reports, interviews, or credible references linking Sachin Tendulkar to such a political statement. However, we found no evidence in any reliable media source or public record suggesting that he made any such remark about Rahul Gandhi or the Prime Ministership. We also reviewed Sachin Tendulkar’s official social media accounts, but found no post, video, or statement endorsing any political leader in this manner.
Finally, the viral poster was analysed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The analysis indicated a 96.8% probability that the poster was digitally created or manipulated, suggesting possible AI-generated or edited content.
Conclusion
CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be fake. Sachin Tendulkar has not made any appeal to elect Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister. The viral poster appears to be digitally fabricated and is being shared to spread misinformation.
Executive Summary
A video of an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), handling the Americas & Canada Division, is being widely circulated on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that he said:“Even if the Quad ends, India will partner only with Israel, and since Israel controls the US, India also controls the US.”The viral post attempts to link this alleged statement to India’s foreign policy. Many users are sharing it as authentic. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The video has been digitally altered, and no such statement was made by the official in the original briefing.
Claim
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the viral video is being shared with the claim that the MEA Additional Secretary said Israel controls the United States, and therefore India also controls the US.
- https://www.facebook.com/61562281661615/videos/1518036689691723/
- https://archive.ph/xGJHa#selection-967.0-978.0
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted key frames from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found the original video, which was streamed live on May 26, 2026, on the verified YouTube channel of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), titled: “Special Briefing by MEA on Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting”
During the briefing, Naidu highlighted India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, mentioning new initiatives in maritime surveillance, critical minerals, and 6G development. He also noted the continued momentum of the Quad, stating that frequent ministerial meetings reflect strong and ongoing cooperation among member countries despite challenges in holding formal leaders’ summits.
The official transcript of the briefing is also available on the MEA website:
Since the viral statement was never made during the event, we further analysed the video using Deepfake Voice Detector and Hive Moderation’s AI-generated content detection tool. Hive moderation analysis indicated a 99.2% probability that the audio in the viral video is AI-generated.
Conclusion
CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the viral video is digitally altered. The Additional Secretary did not make any such statement during the official briefing. The audio in the clip has been manipulated and is being circulated with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
A picture allegedly showing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran emotionally hugging young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi has gone viral on social media. The image is being shared as a genuine photograph from a cricket-related event, with users claiming that Kavya Maran was seen embracing Vaibhav Suryavanshi. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. No credible news reports, official statements, or authentic photographs support the incident depicted in the viral image.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the viral image with the caption: “Kavya Maran Hug Vaibhav Suryavanshi 🥰🔥 #cricketnews #RRvsSRH” The link to the post and its screenshot are provided below.
Fact Check
During the research, we found no credible news reports, official statements, or authentic images confirming that Kavya Maran hugged Vaibhav Suryavanshi as shown in the viral picture. To further verify the image, it was analysed using AI detection tools, including Sightengine and Hive Moderation. Both tools indicated a high probability that the image was generated using Artificial Intelligence. The findings suggest that the viral photograph is not a genuine image captured at a real event but a digitally created visual.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral image showing Kavya Maran emotionally hugging Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not authentic. The picture was generated using AI and does not depict a real incident.
