Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies
Featured #factCheck Blogs
Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media falsely claims to show West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari making inflammatory and communal remarks. In the viral clip, he is allegedly heard saying that if elected, his party would “work only for Hindus” and “eliminate the 27% Muslim population in West Bengal,” while also claiming that the BJP would remain in power for over 100 years. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the viral video, which allegedly shows West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari making a statement about eliminating the Muslim population in West Bengal to ensure long-term BJP rule, is AI-generated and not real.
Claim
An X user (@Naira_Seth1) shared the clip alleging it reflects “majoritarian extremism disguised as politics,” suggesting that Suvendu Adhikari made communally charged and unconstitutional statements.
Fact Check
A detailed analysis of the video shows clear signs of manipulation. The person appearing in the latter part of the clip does not match Suvendu Adhikari.
Additionally, the video was tested using an AI detection tool (Hive Moderation), which indicated a 98.8% probability of AI-generated content, particularly around the 0:25 timestamp.
Further verification through reverse image search of key frames led to an original press byte of Suvendu Adhikari posted by PTI News on May 6. In that authentic video, he is seen speaking about taking strict legal action against criminals, with no mention of any religious community or communal statements.
https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2052020784152068114?s=20
Conclusion
The viral video allegedly showing Suvendu Adhikari making communal remarks is AI-generated and misleading. The original footage confirms that no such statements were made, and the clip has been digitally manipulated to spread misinformation.
Executive Summary
Following the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, two images began circulating widely on social media. One image showed Trump shaking hands with Xi, while another purportedly showed former US President Joe Biden turning his back on the Chinese leader during a previous meeting. The viral posts claimed that Trump showed respect to Xi Jinping, whereas Biden had allegedly insulted him. However, an research found that the image involving Biden was digitally altered and that no such moment appeared in authentic video footage. At the same time, another image showing Trump bowing before Xi Jinping also went viral across multiple social media platforms. This image, too, was found to be manipulated and misleading. Research by the CyberPeace Research Wing confirmed that both viral visuals had been doctored and were being shared with false claims.
Claim
The viral post juxtaposes two images. The first photograph, dated May 14, shows Donald Trump and Xi Jinping shaking hands at the beginning of a landmark summit in Beijing. The second image allegedly depicts Joe Biden turning away from Xi during their 2023 meeting near San Francisco.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260519173701/https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116585350109647241/embed
- https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116585350109647241/embed
Fact Check
The side-by-side comparison surfaced amid years of criticism by Donald Trump targeting Joe Biden’s age and mental fitness. Trump shared the image after his China visit, which included high-level discussions on trade and the Middle East conflict, along with a temple tour and tea meeting with Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, another manipulated image spread rapidly online, falsely portraying Trump bowing while greeting Xi Jinping. The image circulated widely in several languages, accompanied by captions attacking Trump
However, a review of the The White House livestream on YouTube showed that Joe Biden greeted Xi Jinping immediately after he stepped out of his vehicle and shook hands with him before both leaders walked inside together. At no point in the footage did Biden turn his back or look away from Xi.
Further examination also revealed inconsistencies in the manipulated Trump image. A subtle crease visible near the side pocket of Trump’s suit jacket in authentic footage was missing in the viral version, indicating that the image had been digitally edited.
Conclusion
The research found that both viral images were digitally manipulated and shared with misleading narratives. Neither Joe Biden ignored Xi Jinping during their 2023 meeting, nor did authentic footage show Donald Trump bowing before the Chinese president.
Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media falsely claims to show West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari making inflammatory and communal remarks. In the viral clip, he is allegedly heard saying that if elected, his party would “work only for Hindus” and “eliminate the 27% Muslim population in West Bengal,” while also claiming that the BJP would remain in power for over 100 years. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the viral video, which allegedly shows West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari making a statement about eliminating the Muslim population in West Bengal to ensure long-term BJP rule, is AI-generated and not real.
Claim
An X user (@Naira_Seth1) shared the clip alleging it reflects “majoritarian extremism disguised as politics,” suggesting that Suvendu Adhikari made communally charged and unconstitutional statements.
Fact Check
A detailed analysis of the video shows clear signs of manipulation. The person appearing in the latter part of the clip does not match Suvendu Adhikari.
Additionally, the video was tested using an AI detection tool (Hive Moderation), which indicated a 98.8% probability of AI-generated content, particularly around the 0:25 timestamp.
Further verification through reverse image search of key frames led to an original press byte of Suvendu Adhikari posted by PTI News on May 6. In that authentic video, he is seen speaking about taking strict legal action against criminals, with no mention of any religious community or communal statements.
https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2052020784152068114?s=20
Conclusion
The viral video allegedly showing Suvendu Adhikari making communal remarks is AI-generated and misleading. The original footage confirms that no such statements were made, and the clip has been digitally manipulated to spread misinformation.
Executive Summary
Following the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, two images began circulating widely on social media. One image showed Trump shaking hands with Xi, while another purportedly showed former US President Joe Biden turning his back on the Chinese leader during a previous meeting. The viral posts claimed that Trump showed respect to Xi Jinping, whereas Biden had allegedly insulted him. However, an research found that the image involving Biden was digitally altered and that no such moment appeared in authentic video footage. At the same time, another image showing Trump bowing before Xi Jinping also went viral across multiple social media platforms. This image, too, was found to be manipulated and misleading. Research by the CyberPeace Research Wing confirmed that both viral visuals had been doctored and were being shared with false claims.
Claim
The viral post juxtaposes two images. The first photograph, dated May 14, shows Donald Trump and Xi Jinping shaking hands at the beginning of a landmark summit in Beijing. The second image allegedly depicts Joe Biden turning away from Xi during their 2023 meeting near San Francisco.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260519173701/https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116585350109647241/embed
- https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116585350109647241/embed
Fact Check
The side-by-side comparison surfaced amid years of criticism by Donald Trump targeting Joe Biden’s age and mental fitness. Trump shared the image after his China visit, which included high-level discussions on trade and the Middle East conflict, along with a temple tour and tea meeting with Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, another manipulated image spread rapidly online, falsely portraying Trump bowing while greeting Xi Jinping. The image circulated widely in several languages, accompanied by captions attacking Trump
However, a review of the The White House livestream on YouTube showed that Joe Biden greeted Xi Jinping immediately after he stepped out of his vehicle and shook hands with him before both leaders walked inside together. At no point in the footage did Biden turn his back or look away from Xi.
Further examination also revealed inconsistencies in the manipulated Trump image. A subtle crease visible near the side pocket of Trump’s suit jacket in authentic footage was missing in the viral version, indicating that the image had been digitally edited.
Conclusion
The research found that both viral images were digitally manipulated and shared with misleading narratives. Neither Joe Biden ignored Xi Jinping during their 2023 meeting, nor did authentic footage show Donald Trump bowing before the Chinese president.
Executive Summary
A video showing stone pelting on vehicles is being widely shared on social media and falsely linked to a campaign called the “Cockroach Janata Party.” The claim suggests that people have taken to the streets and are attacking VIP vehicles by throwing stones. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the video is from March and shows stone pelting on a police vehicle in Mathura following the killing of “Farasa Wale Baba.”
Claim
An 18-second viral clip circulating online shows a crowd throwing stones at passing vehicles. The video also contains overlaid text reading,“Cockroach sarkon par utar chuke hain, ab koi VIP nahi, ab sab barabar hain.”Users are sharing it as part of a supposed “Cockroach Janata Party” campaign.
Fact Check
A reverse image search of key frames shows that the clip was originally uploaded on multiple social media accounts on March 22–23, where it was described as an incident from Mathura following the death of a local figure known as “Farasa Wale Baba.” In those posts, the incident was reported as stone pelting on a police vehicle by miscreants.
Further verification found the same visuals in a video posted by NDTV India on March 21, 2026, with a caption stating that it showed stone pelting on police during unrest in Mathura after the death of “Farasa Wale Baba.”
Conclusion
The researchclearly confirms that the viral video has been misrepresented. The footage is from a March incident in Mathura involving unrest following a local death, and it has no connection to any “Cockroach Janata Party” campaign or VIP-targeted violence claims.
Executive Summary
A photograph showing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan standing with a woman is being widely circulated on social media. Users are falsely claiming that the woman in the image is Manisha Mandhare, a teacher allegedly arrested in the NEET-UG paper leak case. CyberPeace Research Wing research confirms that the woman in the viral photograph is Dr. Nivedita Ekbote and not Manisha Mandhare. Social media users are falsely misidentifying her and linking her to the NEET paper leak case without evidence.
Claim
Several social media users, including Facebook and Instagram pages, have shared the image claiming that the woman seen with the Union Minister is Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested in connection with the NEET paper leak case.
- https://www.facebook.com/Sri.Media.Kannada/posts/pfbid0pCuJrhcz3mcf8MzYci4oWXaTKvaJYNjCtGo34Z6R9ztshWqs3QUupyHNu2K4Rodpl?rdid=WtnRhDM22ftHT9oe
- https://archive.is/uwmsj
Fact Check
A reverse image search of the viral photograph reveals that the woman is actually Dr. Nivedita Ekbote, Principal of Modern College and Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Maharashtra. Nivedita Ekbote originally shared this photograph on December 18, 2024, across her official social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. According to the caption, the image was taken during the Pune Book Festival, where she met the Union Education Minister along with her parents.
In a public clarification, she stated that her photograph was being misused online. She added that the image was taken at a public event with several dignitaries and strongly condemned the circulation of false and misleading claims using it.
- https://x.com/EkboteNivedita/status/2056265520765399049?s=20
Further verification from credible news reports confirms that Manisha Mandhare, who is linked to the NEET paper leak case, is a senior botany teacher from Pune. She was reportedly appointed as a subject expert by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for NEET-related processes. Her identity is completely different from the woman seen in the viral image.
Conclusion
The viral claim is completely false and misleading. The woman seen with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is Dr. Nivedita Ekbote, and she has no connection to the NEET-UG paper leak case.
Executive Summary
A post claiming to be a statement by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut regarding the NEET paper leak is going viral on social media. The post allegedly quotes her as saying:“Hindus are in danger here and you are worried about the NEET exam. If Hindus do not exist, who will take the NEET exam?” The CyberPeace Research Wing research found this claim to be fake. Kangana Ranaut herself has also denied the viral post through her official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Claim
A user on X shared the viral graphic and wrote that Hindus are in danger and questioned the relevance of the NEET exam, further linking it to political criticism of the BJP government.
Fact Check
During the research, keyword-based searches revealed no credible reports linking Kangana Ranaut to any such statement regarding NEET paper leaks or Hindus. We also reviewed Kangana Ranaut’s official social media accounts. On May 20, 2026, she tagged Congress leader Surendra Singh Rajput in an X post and clearly termed the viral statement as fake. She also criticized Rajput and the Congress party over the spread of misinformation. Notably, Surendra Rajput later deleted his original post.
On May 21, Rajput reposted Kangana’s clarification, stating that after her denial it was clear that the poster and statement were not hers. He also said he had deleted his post. Under his post, a user shared screenshots of the deleted content.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that Kangana Ranaut has not made any such statement related to the NEET paper leak or Hindus. The viral claim is fake.
Executive Summary
A graphic featuring Union Home Minister Amit Shah is being widely shared on social media, claiming that he has announced a complete ban on alcohol in West Bengal from September 30. The post further suggests that the state will move towards becoming a dry state. Notably, this claim surfaced soon after the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections. CyberPeace Research Wing research has found the viral claim to be false. Our research confirms that Home Minister Amit Shah has not made any such announcement.
Claim:
On Instagram, a user shared a viral graphic on May 8, 2026, alleging that Amit Shah announced a complete ban on alcohol in West Bengal starting September 30. The post link and archived version are provided below:
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYDy13zINV5/
- https://archive.ph/mYpZS
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword-based search on Google. However, we did not find any credible media reports supporting the viral claim. Since the graphic carried the logo of India Today, we also checked the official website, YouTube channel, and social media handles of India Today. However, no matching report or graphic was found.
In the final step, we reviewed the official X account of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Even there, no statement or report confirming the viral claim was found. The relevant link is provided below:
- https://x.com/HMOIndia
Conclusion:
Our research confirms that Home Minister Amit Shah has made no such announcement regarding a complete alcohol ban in West Bengal.
Executive Summary
A video from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway is being widely shared on social media with the false claim that he avoided a question related to alleged Indian aircraft losses during the India–Pakistan conflict and “Operation Sindoor”. However, a fact-check by CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false.The video shows a recent incident from 18 May in Oslo during a joint press appearance between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The clip being circulated online shows journalist Helle Lyng asking PM Modi a question, but there is no reference to any India–Pakistan conflict or aircraft losses in her question.
Claim:
A post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on 19 May 2026 claims: “Fear of questions on historic defeat in Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s great victory in Marka e Haq: Modi flees in Norway without taking journalists’ questions.”
The post, along with archived links and screenshots, has been circulated to support the misleading narrative.
Fact Check
A review of journalist Helle Lyng’s official social media account shows the original video posted by her on 18 May. In the video, she can be heard asking:
“Prime Minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” In her caption, she stated that she did not expect PM Modi to take her question and highlighted press freedom rankings, noting Norway’s position at the top and India’s at 157th. She also emphasized that questioning cooperating governments is part of journalistic responsibility.
Further verification of the full press event published on the official Government of Norway portal shows no question related to alleged downed aircraft or military losses.
Additional reporting by Al Jazeera also confirms that a Norwegian journalist questioned PM Modi in Oslo about why he does not engage in open media briefings.
Conclusion:
The video is being shared with a misleading claim. It is a recent clip from 18 May in Oslo, and the journalist’s question was about press freedom—not about Operation Sindoor or any India–Pakistan conflict-related aircraft losses.
Executive Summary
A video showing security personnel overpowering a man is being widely shared on social media with the claim that it shows the Border Security Force (BSF) arresting an infiltrator attempting to cross the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. However, research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false. The viral video is from Bangladesh and is unrelated to India or the BSF.
Claim
An X user shared the viral video claiming: “He was crossing the Bengal border from beneath the barbed fencing when the BSF caught him on the spot.”
The post was circulated as an incident from the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found the same video posted on 21 March 2026 by an X handle named “Niru Nahar.”
According to the caption of that post, the video showed Bangladesh Border Guards arresting BNP leader Mizan, also known as “Baba Mizan,” near the border.
Further research led us to a Facebook post uploaded on 22 March 2026 by Bangladeshi news platform Jono Pulse. The post identified the detained individual as “Juel,” an alleged drug trafficker from Chapainawabganj, and stated that he had been arrested by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Chapainawabganj is located in Bangladesh, confirming that the video is unrelated to West Bengal or the BSF.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video does not show the BSF arresting an infiltrator at the Bengal border. It is actually from Bangladesh and depicts a separate incident involving Border Guard Bangladesh personnel.
Executive Summary
A deepfake video is being widely circulated on social media with a false claim that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar admitted in a podcast interview that India was surprised by Pakistan’s counter-response during “Operation Sindoor” and suffered some losses. However, a fact-check by CyberPeace Research Wing has found the claim to be fake. The research shows that AI-generated audio has been used to misrepresent the External Affairs Minister’s remarks.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the viral video claiming that in a recent podcast with journalist Smita Prakash, Jaishankar admitted that Pakistan’s aggressive response during Operation Sindoor had caught India off guard.
Fact Check
A review of the original interview on ANI’s YouTube channel shows that the conversation between Smita Prakash and S. Jaishankar was uploaded on May 24, 2024—well before Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor reportedly began on May 7, 2025. In the original video, there is no mention of Operation Sindoor or any Pakistani counter-response, making the viral claim baseless. Further analysis using AI detection tools such as Hive Moderation and Hiya indicated that the audio in the viral clip is likely AI-generated, suggesting manipulation of the original content.
Conclusion
The viral video is fake. AI-generated audio has been used to alter an old interview and falsely attribute statements to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Executive Summary
A photo allegedly showing injuries to Seema Haider has been widely circulated on social media. Users are claiming that her husband Sachin Meena assaulted her. However, a fact-check by CyberPeace Research Wing has found the claim to be false. The research reveals that the viral image is AI-generated and is being shared with a misleading narrative.
Claim
On X (formerly Twitter), a user shared the image on May 14, 2026, claiming that Sachin Meena assaulted Seema Haider.
Fact Check
A keyword-based search on Google did not return any credible media reports supporting the viral claim.
A closer visual examination of the image raised suspicions of AI generation. The image was first analysed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which indicated a 99% probability that the image is AI-generated.
Further analysis using another AI detection tool, Sightengine, also produced similar results, confirming a 99% likelihood that the image was generated using AI tools.
Conclusion
The viral image is AI-generated and misleading. The claim that Sachin Meena assaulted Seema Haider is false and has no factual basis.
Executive Summary
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, a video has been circulating on social media claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged women not to visit beauty parlours as part of an appeal related to fuel conservation. Users are widely sharing the clip as genuine. However, a fact-check by CyberPeace Research Wing has found the claim to be false. The research revealed that the original video, which discussed saving petrol, diesel and cooking gas, has been digitally edited using AI tools and shared with a misleading narrative.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video on May 15, 2026, claiming that the Prime Minister advised women against visiting beauty parlours.
Fact Check
A keyword-based search on Google did not return any credible media reports supporting the viral claim. To verify the video, keyframes were extracted and run through reverse image search. The original footage was traced to the official YouTube channel of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, uploaded on May 10, 2026.
The video shows a rally held in Hyderabad, where the Prime Minister appealed to the public to save fuel by adopting work-from-home practices, promoting swadeshi goods, and refraining from purchasing gold for one year. However, nowhere in the full video is there any mention of advising women not to visit beauty parlours.
Further analysis also raised suspicion that the viral clip had been digitally altered using AI tools. The video was scanned using the HIVE Moderation AI detection tool, which indicated that it is approximately 88% likely to be AI-generated or manipulated.
Conclusion
The viral video is misleading. The original speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about conserving petrol, diesel and cooking gas has been edited using AI tools and circulated with a false claim targeting women visiting beauty parlours.
Executive Summary
Amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and reports of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting cargo ship movement and global crude oil prices, several posts on social media have made a viral claim. The posts allege that Indian cargo vessels are being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after payments to Iran were made in Chinese currency, the yuan. The claim has been widely circulated from certain social media accounts, suggesting a shift in India’s trade and payment arrangements. However, a fact-check by CyberPeace Research Wing has found the claim to be false.
Claim
A social media user “MEHF voice 2.0” shared a viral post (archived link), claiming that an Indian oil tanker secured passage through the Strait of Hormuz by making payments in Chinese yuan. The post further suggested that India had formed a new alignment with China, bypassing the US dollar system.
Fact Check
Due to US sanctions, Iran is excluded from the international banking network SWIFT, which prevents direct trade settlements in US dollars or euros. As a result, India and Iran conduct trade through a specially designed rupee–rial payment mechanism. According to a Ministry of Commerce and Industry release (based on a written reply in Parliament), India and Iran established this arrangement to facilitate bilateral trade using local currencies instead of the US dollar.
Further, information from the Indian Embassy in Tehran notes that rupee-based payments are processed through UCO Bank and Iranian banks with vostro accounts, enabling trade settlement outside sanctioned banking channels. IDBI Bank has also been part of efforts to expand rupee-based transactions with Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs’ official fact-check handle has also debunked this claim, confirming that it is false.
Conclusion
The viral claim that Indian oil tankers are paying in Chinese yuan to pass through the Strait of Hormuz is false. India and Iran conduct trade settlements through a rupee–rial payment mechanism, not through the Chinese currency.
