Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies

A photo featuring Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and actress Aishwarya Rai is being widely shared on social media. In the image, the Kedarnath Temple is clearly visible in the background. Users are claiming that the couple recently visited the Kedarnath shrine for darshan.

Cyber Peace Foundation’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that the image of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai is not real, but AI-generated, and is being misleadingly shared as a genuine photograph.

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Claim

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On January 14, 2026, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared the viral image with a caption suggesting that all rumours had ended and that the couple had restarted their life together. The post further claimed that both actors were seen smiling after a long time, implying that the image was taken during their visit to Kedarnath Temple.

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The post has since been widely circulated on social media platforms

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• https://x.com/TATUPREM5555/status/2011257853261275356 
• https://archive.ph/eNdp5 

Fact Check:

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To verify the claim, we first conducted a keyword search on Google related to Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and a Kedarnath visit. However, we did not find any credible media reports confirming such a visit.

On closely examining the viral image, several visual inconsistencies raised suspicion about it being artificially generated. To confirm this, we scanned the image using the AI detection tool Sightengine. According to the tool’s analysis, the image was found to be 84 percent AI-generated.

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Additionally, we scanned the same image using another AI detection tool, HIVE Moderation. The results showed an even stronger indication, classifying the image as 99 percent AI-generated.

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Conclusion

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Our research confirms that the viral image showing Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai at Kedarnath Temple is not authentic. The picture is AI-generated and is being falsely shared on social media to mislead users.

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A video circulating widely on social media shows a child throwing stones at a moving train, while a few other children can also be seen climbing onto the engine. The video is being shared with a communal narrative, with claims that the incident took place in India.

Cyber Peace Foundation’s research found the viral claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the video is not from India, but from Bangladesh, and is being falsely linked to India on social media.

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Claim:

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On January 15, 2026, a Facebook user shared the viral video claiming it depicted an incident from India. The post carried a provocative caption stating, “We are not afraid of Pakistan outside our borders. We are afraid of the thousands of mini-Pakistans within India.” The post has been widely circulated, amplifying communal sentiments.

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• https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2717701495242496 
• https://archive.ph/g6Dsq 

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Fact Check:

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To verify the authenticity of the video, we conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens by extracting keyframes from the viral clip. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on a Bangladeshi Facebook account named AL Amin Babukhali on December 28, 2025. The caption of the original post mentions Kamalapur, which is a well-known railway station in Bangladesh. This strongly indicates that the incident did not occur in India.

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• https://www.facebook.com/reel/1455086036178843 

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Further analysis of the video shows that the train engine carries the marking “BR”, along with text written in the Bengali language. “BR” stands for Bangladesh Railways, confirming the origin of the train. To corroborate this further, we searched for images related to Bangladesh Railways using Google’s open tools. We found multiple images on Getty Images showing train engines with the same design and markings as seen in the viral video. The visual match clearly establishes that the train belongs to Bangladesh Railways.

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Conclusion

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Our research confirms that the viral video is from Bangladesh, not India. It is being shared on social media with a false and misleading claim to give it a communal angle and link it to India.

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A video is being widely shared on social media showing devotees seated in a boat appearing stunned as a massive, multi-hooded snake—resembling the mythical Sheshnag—suddenly emerges from the middle of a water body.

The video captures visible panic and astonishment among the devotees. Social media users are sharing the clip claiming that it is from Vrindavan, with some portraying the sight as a divine or supernatural event. However, research conducted by the Cyber Peace Foundation found the viral claim to be false. Our research  revealed that the video is not authentic and has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

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Claim

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On January 17, 2026, a user shared the viral video on Instagram with the caption suggesting that God had appeared again in the age of Kalyug. The post claims that a terrifying video from Vrindavan has surfaced in which devotees sitting in a boat were shocked to see a massive multi-hooded snake emerge from the water. The caption further states that devotees are hailing the creature as an incarnation of Sheshnag or Vasuki Nag, raising religious slogans and questioning whether the sight represents a divine sign. (The link to the post, its archive link, and screenshots are available.)

• https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTngN9FkoX0/?igsh=MTZvdTN1enI2NnFydA%3D%3D 
• https://archive.ph/UuAqB 

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Fact Check:

Upon closely examining the viral video, we suspected that it might be AI-generated. To verify this, the video was scanned using the AI detection tool SIGHTENGINE, which indicated that the visual is 99 per cent AI-generated.

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In the next step of the research , the video was analysed using another AI detection tool, HIVE Moderation. According to the results obtained, the video was found to be 62 per cent AI-generated.

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Conclusion

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Our research  clearly establishes that the viral video claiming to show a multi-hooded snake in Vrindavan is not real. The clip has been created using artificial intelligence and is being falsely shared on social media with religious and sensational claims.

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Assembly elections are due to be held in Assam later this year, with polling likely in April or May. Ahead of the elections, a video claiming to be an Aaj Tak news bulletin is being widely circulated on social media.

In the viral video, Aaj Tak anchor Rajiv Dhoundiyal is allegedly seen stating that a leaked intelligence report has issued a warning for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam. The clip claims that according to this purported report, the BJP may suffer significant losses in the upcoming Assembly elections. Several social media users sharing the video have also claimed that the alleged intelligence report signals the possible removal of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from office.

However, an investigation by the Cyber Peace Foundation found the viral claim to be false. Our probe clearly established that no leaked intelligence report related to the Assam Assembly elections exists.

Further, Aaj Tak has neither published nor broadcast any such report on its official television channel, website, or social media platforms. The investigation also revealed that the viral video itself is not authentic and has been created using deepfake technology.

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Claim

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On social media platform Facebook, a user shared the viral video claiming that the BJP has been pushed on the back foot following organisational changes in the Congress—appointing Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as chairperson of the election screening committee and Gaurav Gogoi as the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president. The post further claims that an Intelligence Bureau report predicts that the current Assam government will not return to power.

(Link to the post, archive link, and screenshots are available.)

• ‍https://www.facebook.com/reel/1608947320289506 

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FactCheck:

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To verify the claim, we first searched for reports related to any alleged leaked intelligence assessment concerning the Assam Assembly elections using relevant keywords. However, no credible or reliable reports supporting the claim were found. We then reviewed Aaj Tak’s official website, social media pages, and YouTube channel. Our examination confirmed that no such news bulletin has been published or broadcast by the network on any of its official platforms.

• https://www.facebook.com/aajtak/?locale=hi_IN 
• https://www.instagram.com/aajtak/ 
• https://x.com/aajtak 
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt4t-jeY85JegMlZ-E5UWtA 

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To further verify the authenticity of the video, its audio was scanned using the deepfake voice detection tool HIVE Moderation. 

The analysis revealed that the voice heard in the video is 99 per cent AI-generated, clearly indicating that the audio is not genuine and has been artificially created using artificial intelligence.

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Additionally, the video was analysed using another AI detection tool, Aurigin AI, which also identified the viral clip as AI-generated.

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Conclusion:

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The investigation clearly establishes that there is no leaked intelligence report predicting BJP’s defeat in the Assam Assembly elections. Aaj Tak has not published or broadcast any such content on its official platforms. The video circulating on social media is not authentic and has been created using deepfake technology to mislead viewers.

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A photograph showing a massive crowd on a road is being widely shared on social media. The image is being circulated with the claim that people in the United States are staging large-scale protests against President Donald Trump.

However, CyberPeace Foundation’s research  has found this claim to be misleading. Our fact-check reveals that the viral photograph is nearly eight years old and has been falsely linked to recent political developments.

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Claim:

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Social media users are sharing a photograph and claiming that it shows people protesting against US President Donald Trump.An X (formerly Twitter) user, Salman Khan Gauri (@khansalman88177), shared the image with the caption:“Today, a massive protest is taking place in America against Donald Trump.” 

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The post can be viewed here, and its archived version is available here.

• https://x.com/khansalman88177/status/2010430932688437314 
• https://archive.ph/agaR3 

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FactCheck:

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To verify the claim, we conducted a reverse image search of the viral photograph using Google. This led us to a report published by The Mercury News on April 6, 2018.

The report features the same image and states that the photograph was taken on March 24, 2018, during the ‘March for Our Lives’ rally in Washington, DC. The rally was organized to demand stricter gun control laws in the United States. The image shows a large crowd gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue in support of gun reform.

The report further notes that the Associated Press, on March 30, 2018, debunked false claims circulating online which alleged that liberal billionaire George Soros and his organizations had paid protesters $300 each to participate in the rally.

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• https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/06/trump-is-inspiring-americans-to-take-to-the-streets-in-record-numbers/

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Further research  led us to a report published by The Hindu on March 25, 2018, which also carries the same photograph. According to the report, thousands of Americans across the country participated in ‘March for Our Lives’ rallies following a mass shooting at a school in Florida. The protests were led by survivors and victims, demanding stronger gun laws.

The objective of these demonstrations was to break the legislative deadlock that has long hindered efforts to tighten firearm regulations in a country frequently rocked by mass shootings in schools and colleges.

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• https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/thousands-march-for-gun-control/article23343566.ece

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Conclusion

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The viral photograph is nearly eight years old and is unrelated to any recent protests against President Donald Trump.The image actually depicts a gun control protest held in 2018 and is being falsely shared with a misleading political claim.By circulating this outdated image with an incorrect context, social media users are spreading misinformation.

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Social media users are widely sharing a video claiming to show an aircraft carrier being destroyed after getting trapped in a massive sea storm. In the viral clip, the aircraft carrier can be seen breaking apart amid violent waves, with users describing the visuals as a “wrath of nature.”

However, CyberPeace Foundation’s research has found this claim to be false. Our fact-check confirms that the viral video does not depict a real incident and has instead been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

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Claim:

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An X (formerly Twitter) user shared the viral video with the caption,“Nature’s wrath captured on camera.”The video shows an aircraft carrier appearing to be devastated by a powerful ocean storm. The post can be viewed here, and its archived version is available here.

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https://x.com/Maailah1712/status/2011672435255624090 

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Fact Check:

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At first glance, the visuals shown in the viral video appear highly unrealistic and cinematic, raising suspicion about their authenticity. The exaggerated motion of waves, structural damage to the vessel, and overall animation-like quality suggest that the video may have been digitally generated. To verify this, we analyzed the video using AI detection tools.

The analysis conducted by Hive Moderation, a widely used AI content detection platform, indicates that the video is highly likely to be AI-generated. According to Hive’s assessment, there is nearly a 90 percent probability that the visual content in the video was created using AI.

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Conclusion

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The viral video claiming to show an aircraft carrier being destroyed in a sea storm is not related to any real incident.It is a computer-generated, AI-created video that is being falsely shared online as a real natural disaster. By circulating such fabricated visuals without verification, social media users are contributing to the spread of misinformation.

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Introduction

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There has been a recent surge of misinformation all over social media, claiming that every Indian ought to receive an allowance of ₹2,000 under some "Prime Minister's scheme." The message, which has been circulated far and wide on almost all platforms-WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, etc.-has urged users to click on an unfamiliar link to claim the allowance in their bank accounts.

It would seem like a very attractive offer, especially at a time when common citizens are coping with rising costs of living. But upon further examination, it turns out to be an outright online scam. NewsMobile fact-checked the claim and confirmed that no such scheme exists. Thus, the message circulating is a scam that aims to mislead common citizens.

Such an incident is not isolated. Over the years, fraudulent posts falsely offering benefits in the name of the government or well-known brands have been on the rise. These scams are not just about misinformation-they take advantage of trust, lure people into clicking, and sharing personal info that poses serious risks to financial and personal security.

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Anatomy of the Viral PM Scheme Scam

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The viral message received attention and was written in Hindi. It read:

“सभी नागरिकों को PM योजना के तहत दो हज़ार रुपए का भत्ता प्रदान किया गया है अपने bank खाते में प्राप्त करने के लिए click करें."

(English: “All citizens have been provided an allowance of ₹2000 under the PM scheme. Click to receive it in your bank account.”)

Beneath this was an odd link that, upon clicking through investigation, turned out to be not working and invalid. An examination of government sites, official handle accounts, and other such was done and no announcement for any such allowance was found.

This provides a neat explanation of a phishing attempt by which a scammer induces urgency and temptation in order to lure citizens into clicking a malicious link. While the link may no longer be active, it could very well have once redirected users to websites that harvest personal information such as Aadhaar numbers, bank details, or login credentials.

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The Broader Problem: Fake Government Scheme Scams

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Some scams have been exploiting the hoax gimmick of the ₹2,000 PM scheme into the wider trend. How do the con men work? They leverage the credibility of governmental initiatives to scam citizens. In the past, fake promises were made concerning free gas cylinders, cash allowances, subsidised rations, or even job opportunities. 

During the COVID times, for instance, fake vaccination registration links and so-called relief scheme offers went viral, preying on the fears and vulnerabilities of ill-informed citizens. Likewise, false schemes associated with reputed companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, TATA Group, and Hermès have also gone viral, promising free gifts or allowances. 

The one thing that makes scams associated with the government very dangerous is the exploitation of people's trust in authority. The common citizen is predisposed to believe the PM scheme or the Government Yojana because of the social credibility accorded to these announcements.

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How These Scams Operate

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These are scams where the creators intend deception and in the end, gain from defrauding a person. Fraudsters first create clickbait messages that are duly recorded to resemble official communications and often bear the government logos and bear a mix of Hindi-English text with the phrase "Pradhan Mantri Yojana" to make it sound legitimate. The messages then redirect users to bogus websites that really look very much like the government's portals, asking sick persons to enter personal information. Finally, as soon as they have obtained this data, the scammer uses it for identity theft, bank fraud, or sells it on the dark web. Social engineering does play a large role in these scams: here terms of urgency like limited time, last chance, and whatnot get created with the aim of pushing the targets to act on these without thinking. For maximum reach, victims are also asked to forward the message to their friends and family, causing the scammer to go viral across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram.

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Risks to Citizens

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Risks are serious and manifold to falling prey to these scams. The immediate kind of risk is financial loss: divulging bank account details, an OTP, or credentials may constitute providing attackers the power to drain funds therefrom. Another prevalent kind of identity theft occurs through hijacked Aadhaar, PAN, or personal information that subsequently finds its way into fake loans or SIM activations. Apart from monetary losses, opening malicious links might also make devices infected with spyware or ransomware, thereby invading privacy and security. Victims tend to experience a form of psychological trauma due to feelings of betrayal or humiliation of being deceived, thus discouraging them from reporting, which in turn enables such scams to go undetected.

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Best Practices for Prevention

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It is prudent to exercise good cyber hygiene and be on the lookout for such scams. The citizens should verify each statement against government-authorised websites like https://www.mygov.in or through press statements of the ministries prior to believing it. One should not click on suspicious links offering money, gifts, or subsidies. Red flags like poor grammar, an unofficial domain name, or too-good-to-be-true offers can enable one to identify the scam in time. Two-factor authentication, antivirus software updates, and securing devices can drastically lower the threat from the technical angle. Equally important is the reporting of issues: always report any suspicious activities to cybercrime.gov.in or to the nearest cyber cell so that the authorities may trace some pattern and issue advisories accordingly. Finally, one can do some good by sharing verified fact checks within their circles to build added strength against misinformation and scams.

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Policy and Community Role

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While individual awareness is important, collective action must be taken against these fake government scheme scams. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter) must tune up fraudsters' message detection mechanisms. In the meantime, Government Bodies must alert citizens periodically on new scams through their official handles/schemes and through community outreach. 

Civil society and fact-checking agencies play an important role in dispelling frequently viral hoaxes. This work must be amplified to reach people's consciousness in regional languages for the very reason that in these terrain zones, forwarded messages are much more trusted.

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Conclusion

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The viral ₹2,000 PM scheme scam is a reminder that everything that is viral online cannot be trusted in toto. The scammers of the day are inventing newer scams to gain trust, spread misinformation, and extort innocent citizens.

The best defence will be awareness and alertness. Citizens must verify any claims through official channels before clicking on a link, sharing their data, or even acting upon it in any way. With proper cyber hygiene and avoiding suspicious messages, we can counterattack by reducing the percentage of impact that these scams may have and collaboratively build a secure digital environment. 

As India pushes itself further into a digital ecosystem, both empowering and being resilient to cyber fraud is not a state of individual security, but a national agenda.

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References

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• https://www.newsmobile.in/nm-fact-checker/fact-check-viral-post-claiming-pm-scheme-offering-rs-2000-allowance-is-a-scam/
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/financial-literacy/investing/beware-of-deepfake-scams-fraudsters-using-ai-videos-to-push-schemes-promising-unrealistic-returns-red-flags-to-watch-out-for/articleshow/124085155.cms
• https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/invest-rs-21-000-to-earn-rs-20-lakh-monthly-viral-videos-of-fm-are-fake-125082000517_1.html
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2124728

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Executive Summary:

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A viral video claims to show a massive cumulonimbus cloud over Gurugram, Haryana, and Delhi NCR on 3rd September 2025. However, our research reveals the claim is misleading. A reverse image search traced the visuals to Lviv, Ukraine, dating back to August 2021. The footage matches earlier reports and was even covered by the Ukrainian news outlet 24 Kanal, which published the story under the headline “Lviv Covered by Unique Thundercloud: Amazing Video”. Thus, the viral claim linking the phenomenon to a recent event in India is false.

Claim:

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A viral video circulating on social media claims to show a massive cloud formation over Gurugram, Haryana, and the Delhi NCR region on 3rd September 2025. The cloud appears to be a cumulonimbus formation, which is typically associated with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and severe weather conditions.

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Fact Check:

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After conducting a reverse image search on key frames of the viral video, we found matching visuals from videos that attribute the phenomenon to Lviv, a city in Ukraine. These videos date back to August 2021, thereby debunking the claim that the footage depicts a recent weather event over Gurugram, Haryana, or the Delhi NCR region.

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Further research revealed that a Ukrainian news channel named  24 Kanal, had reported on the Lviv thundercloud phenomenon in August 2021. The report was published under the headline “Lviv Covered by Unique Thundercloud: Amazing Video” ( original in Russian, translated into English). 

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Conclusion:

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The viral video does not depict a recent weather event in Gurugram or Delhi NCR, but rather an old incident from Lviv, Ukraine, recorded in August 2021. Verified sources, including Ukrainian media coverage, confirm this. Hence, the circulating claim is misleading and false. 

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• Claim: Old Thundercloud Video from Lviv city in Ukraine Ukraine (2021) Falsely Linked to Delhi NCR, Gurugram and Haryana.
• Claimed On: Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading.

Executive Summary:

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A viral social media claim alleges that India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, praised Pakistan’s Army as superior during “Operation Sindoor.” Fact-checking confirms the claim is false. The original video, available on The Hindu’s official channel, shows General Chauhan inaugurating Ran-Samwad 2025 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. At the 1:22:12 mark, the genuine segment appears, proving the viral clip was altered. Additionally, analysis using Hiya AI Audio identified voice manipulation, flagging the segment as a deepfake with an authenticity score of 1/100. The fabricated statement was: “never mess with Pakistan because their army appears to be far more superior.” Thus, the viral video is doctored and misleading.

Claim:

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A viral claim is being shared on social media (archived link) falsely claiming that India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan described Pakistan’s Army as superior and more advanced during Operation Sindoor. 

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Fact Check:

After performing a reverse image search we found a full clip on the official channel of The Hindu in which  Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan inaugurated ‘Ran-Samwad’ 2025 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. 

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In the clip on the time stamp of 1:22:12 we can see the actual part of the video segment which was manipulated in the viral video. 

Also, by using Hiya AI Audio tool we got to know that the voice was manipulated in the specific segment of the video. The result shows Deepfake with an authenticity score 1/100, the result also shows the statement which is deepfake which was “ was to never mess with Pakistan because their army appears to be far more superior”. 

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Conclusion:

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The viral video attributing remarks to CDS General Anil Chauhan about Pakistan’s Army being “superior” is fabricated. The original footage from The Hindu confirms no such statement was made, while forensic analysis using Hiya AI Audio detected clear voice manipulation, identifying the clip as a deepfake with minimal authenticity. Hence, the claim is baseless, misleading, and an attempt to spread disinformation.

• Claim: AI Generated audio of CDS admitting that the Pakistan Army is superior to the Indian Army. 
• Claimed On: Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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Executive Summary:

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A viral social media video falsely claims that Meta AI reads all WhatsApp group and individual chats by default, and that enabling “Advanced Chat Privacy” can stop this. On performing  reverse image search we found a blog post of WhatsApp which was posted in the month of April 2025 which claims that all personal and group chats remain protected with end to end (E2E) encryption, accessible only to the sender and recipient. Meta AI can interact only with messages explicitly sent to it or tagged with @MetaAI. The “Advanced Chat Privacy” feature is designed to prevent external sharing of chats, not to restrict Meta AI access. Therefore, the viral claim is misleading and factually incorrect, aimed at creating unnecessary fear among users.

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Claim:

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A viral social media video [archived link] alleges that Meta AI is actively accessing private conversations on WhatsApp, including both group and individual chats, due to the current default settings. The video further claims that users can safeguard their privacy by enabling the “Advanced Chat Privacy” feature, which purportedly prevents such access.

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Fact Check:

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Upon doing reverse image search from the keyframe of the viral video, we found a WhatsApp blog post from April 2025 that explains new privacy features to help users control their chats and data. It states that Meta AI can only see messages directly sent to it or tagged with @Meta AI. All personal and group chats are secured with end-to-end encryption, so only the sender and receiver can read them. The "Advanced Chat Privacy" setting helps stop chats from being shared outside WhatsApp, like blocking exports or auto-downloads, but it doesn’t affect Meta AI since it’s already blocked from reading chats. This shows the viral claim is false and meant to confuse people.

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Conclusion: 

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The claim that Meta AI is reading WhatsApp Group Chats and that enabling the "Advance Chat Privacy" setting can prevent this is false and misleading. WhatsApp has officially confirmed that Meta AI only accesses messages explicitly shared with it, and all chats remain protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy. The "Advanced Chat Privacy" setting does not relate to Meta AI access, as it is already restricted by default.

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• Claim: Viral social media video claims that WhatsApp Group Chats are being read by Meta AI due to current settings, and enabling the "Advance Chat Privacy" setting can prevent this.
• Claimed On: Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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Executive Summary:

A viral social media claim suggested that India Post would discontinue all red post boxes across the country from 1 September 2025, attributing the move to the government’s Digital India initiative. However, fact-checking revealed this claim to be false. India Post’s official X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram handles clarified on 7 August 2025 that red letterboxes remain operational, calling them timeless symbols of connection and memories. No official notice or notification regarding their discontinuation exists on the Department of Posts’ website. This indicates the viral posts were misleading and aimed at creating confusion among the public.

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Claim:

A claim is circulating on social media stating that India Post will discontinue all red post boxes across the country effective 1 September 2025. According to the viral posts,[archived link] the move is being linked to the government’s push towards Digital India, suggesting that traditional post boxes have lost their relevance in the digital era.

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‍Fact Check:  

After conducting a reverse image analysis, we found that the official X handle of India Post, in a post dated 7 August 2025, clarified that the viral claim was incorrect and misleading. The post was shared with the caption:

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I’m still right here and always will be!"

India Post is evolving with the times, but some things will remain the same- always. We have carried love, news, and stories for generations... And guess what? Our red letterboxes are here to stay.

They are symbols of connection, memories, and moments that mattered. Then. Now. Always. 

Keep sending handwritten letters- we are here for you.

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This directly refutes the viral claim about the discontinuation of the red post box from 1 September 2025. A similar clarification was also posted on the official Instagram handle @indiapost_dop on the same date.

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Furthermore, after thoroughly reviewing the official website of the Department of Posts, Government of India, we found absolutely no trace, notice, or even the slightest mention of any plan to discontinue the iconic red post boxes. This complete absence of official communication strongly reinforces the fact that the viral claim is nothing more than a baseless and misleading rumour.

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Conclusion: 

The claim about the discontinuation of red post boxes from 1 September 2025 is false and misleading. India Post has officially confirmed that the iconic red letterboxes will continue to function as before and remain an integral part of India’s postal services.

• Claim: A viral claim suggests that India Post will remove all red letter boxes across the country beginning 1 September 2025.‍
• Claimed On: Social Media‍
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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Executive Summary:

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A viral video (archived link) circulating on social media claims that Vice Admiral AN Pramod stated India would seek assistance from the United States and President Trump if Pakistan launched an attack, portraying India as dependent rather than self-reliant. Research traced the extended footage to the Press Information Bureau’s official YouTube channel, published on 11 May 2025. In the authentic video, the Vice Admiral makes no such remark and instead concludes his statement with, “That’s all.” Further analysis using the AI Detection tool confirmed that the viral clip was digitally manipulated with AI-generated audio, misrepresenting his actual words.

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Claim:

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In the viral video an X user posted with the caption

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‍”India sells itself as a regional superpower, but its Navy Chief’s own words betray that image. If Pakistan attacks, their plan is to involve Trump, not fight back. This isn’t strategic partnership; it’s dependency in uniform”. 

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In the video the Vice Admiral was heard saying  

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“We have worked out among three services, this time if Pakistan dares take any action, and Pakistan knows it, what we are going to do. We will complain against Pakistan to the United States of America and President Trump, like we did earlier in Operation Sindoor.”  

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Fact Check:

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Upon conducting a reverse image search on key frames from the video, we located the full version of the video on the official YouTube channel of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), published on 11 May 2025. In this video, at the 59:57-minute mark, the Vice Admiral can be heard saying:

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“This time if Pakistan dares take any action, and Pakistan knows it, what we are going to do. That’s all.”

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Further analysis was conducted using the Hive Moderation tool to examine the authenticity of the circulating clip. The results indicated that the video had been artificially generated, with clear signs of AI manipulation. This suggests that the content was not genuine but rather created with the intent to mislead viewers and spread misinformation.

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Conclusion:

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The viral video attributing remarks to Vice Admiral AN Pramod about India seeking U.S. and President Trump’s intervention against Pakistan is misleading. The extended speech, available on the Press Information Bureau’s official YouTube channel, contained no such statement. Instead of the alleged claim, the Vice Admiral concluded his comments by saying, “That’s all.” AI analysis using Hive Moderation further indicated that the viral clip had been artificially manipulated, with fabricated audio inserted to misrepresent his words. These findings confirm that the video is altered and does not reflect the Vice Admiral’s actual remarks.

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Claim: Fake Viral Video Claiming Vice Admiral AN Pramod saying that next time if Pakistan Attack we will complain to US and Prez Trump.

Claimed On: Social Media

Fact Check: False and Misleading

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