#FactCheck - MS Dhoni Sculpture Falsely Portrayed as Chanakya 3D Recreation
Executive Summary:
A widely used news on social media is that a 3D model of Chanakya, supposedly made by Magadha DS University matches with MS Dhoni. However, fact-checking reveals that it is a 3D model of MS Dhoni not Chanakya. This MS Dhoni-3D model was created by artist Ankur Khatri and Magadha DS University does not appear to exist in the World. Khatri uploaded the model on ArtStation, calling it an MS Dhoni similarity study.
Claims:
The image being shared is claimed to be a 3D rendering of the ancient philosopher Chanakya created by Magadha DS University. However, people are noticing a striking similarity to the Indian cricketer MS Dhoni in the image.
Fact Check:
After receiving the post, we ran a reverse image search on the image. We landed on a Portfolio of a freelance character model named Ankur Khatri. We found the viral image over there and he gave a headline to the work as “MS Dhoni likeness study”. We also found some other character models in his portfolio.
Subsequently, we searched for the mentioned University which was named as Magadha DS University. But found no University with the same name, instead the name is Magadh University and it is located in Bodhgaya, Bihar. We searched the internet for any model, made by Magadh University but found nothing. The next step was to conduct an analysis on the Freelance Character artist profile, where we found that he has a dedicated Instagram channel where he posted a detailed video of his creative process that resulted in the MS Dhoni character model.
We concluded that the viral image is not a reconstruction of Indian philosopher Chanakya but a reconstruction of Cricketer MS Dhoni created by an artist named Ankur Khatri, not any University named Magadha DS.
Conclusion:
The viral claim that the 3D model is a recreation of the ancient philosopher Chanakya by a university called Magadha DS University is False and Misleading. In reality, the model is a digital artwork of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, created by artist Ankur Khatri. There is no evidence of a Magadha DS University existence. There is a university named Magadh University in Bodh Gaya, Bihar despite its similar name, we found no evidence in the model's creation. Therefore, the claim is debunked, and the image is confirmed to be a depiction of MS Dhoni, not Chanakya.
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Executive Summary:
A viral online video claims Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promotes an investment project. However, the CyberPeace Research Team has confirmed that the video is a deepfake, created using AI technology to manipulate Trudeau's facial expressions and voice. The original footage has no connection to any investment project. The claim that Justin Trudeau endorses this project is false and misleading.
Claims:
A viral video falsely claims that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is endorsing an investment project.
Fact Check:
Upon receiving the viral posts, we conducted a Google Lens search on the keyframes of the video. The search led us to various legitimate sources featuring Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, none of which included promotion of any investment projects. The viral video exhibited signs of digital manipulation, prompting a deeper investigation.
We used AI detection tools, such as TrueMedia, to analyze the video. The analysis confirmed with 99.8% confidence that the video was a deepfake. The tools identified "substantial evidence of manipulation," particularly in the facial movements and voice, which were found to be artificially generated.
Additionally, an extensive review of official statements and interviews with Prime Minister Trudeau revealed no mention of any such investment project. No credible reports were found linking Trudeau to this promotion, further confirming the video’s inauthenticity.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming that Justin Trudeau promotes an investment project is a deepfake. The research using various tools such as Google Lens, AI detection tool confirms that the video is manipulated using AI technology. Additionally, there is no information in any official sources. Thus, the CyberPeace Research Team confirms that the video was manipulated using AI technology, making the claim false and misleading.
- Claim: Justin Trudeau promotes an investment project viral on social media.
- Claimed on: Facebook
- Fact Check: False & Misleading
Executive Summary:
A photo that has gone viral on social media alleges that the Indian company Patanjali founded by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev is selling a product called “Recipe Mix for Beef Biryani”. The image incorporates Ramdev’s name in its promotional package. However, upon looking into the matter, CyberPeace Research Team revealed that the viral image is not genuine. The original image was altered and it has been wrongly claimed which does not even exist. Patanjali is an Indian brand designed for vegetarians and an intervention of Ayurveda. For that reason, the image in context is fake and misleading.
Claims:
An image circulating on social media shows Patanjali selling "Recipe Mix for Beef Biryani”.
Fact Check:
Upon receiving the viral image, the CyberPeace Research Team immediately conducted an in-depth investigation. A reverse image search revealed that the viral image was taken from an unrelated context and digitally altered to be associated with the fabricated packaging of "National Recipe Mix for Biryani".
The analysis of the image confirmed signs of manipulation. Patanjali, a well-established Indian brand known for its vegetarian products, has no record of producing or promoting a product called “Recipe mix for Beef Biryani”. We also found a similar image with the product specified as “National Biryani” in another online store.
Comparing both photos, we found that there are several differences.
Further examination of Patanjali's product catalog and public information verified that this viral image is part of a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation, likely to damage the reputation of the brand and its founder. The entire claim is based on a falsified image aimed at provoking controversy, and therefore, is categorically false.
Conclusions:
The viral image associating Patanjali and Baba Ramdev with "Recipe mix for Beef Biryani" is entirely fake. This image was deliberately manipulated to spread false information and damage the brand’s reputation. Social media users are encouraged to fact-check before sharing any such claims, as the spread of misinformation can have significant consequences. The CyberPeace Research Team emphasizes the importance of verifying information before circulating it to avoid spreading false narratives.
- Claim: Patanjali and Baba Ramdev endorse "Recipe mix for Beef Biryani"
- Claimed on: X
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
Executive Summary:
A video circulating on social media falsely claims that India’s Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, has endorsed an investment platform promising unusually high returns. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the video is a deepfake—digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence. The Finance Minister has made no such endorsement through any official platform. This incident highlights a concerning trend of scammers using AI-generated videos to create misleading and seemingly legitimate advertisements to deceive the public.
Claim:
A viral video falsely claims that the Finance Minister of India Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is endorsing an investment platform, promoting it as a secure and highly profitable scheme for Indian citizens. The video alleges that individuals can start with an investment of ₹22,000 and earn up to ₹25 lakh per month as guaranteed daily income.
Fact check:
By doing a reverse image search from the key frames of the viral fake video we found an original YouTube clip of the Finance Minister of India delivering a speech on the webinar regarding 'Regulatory, Investment and EODB reforms'. Upon further research we have not found anything related to the viral investment scheme in the whole video.
The manipulated video has had an AI-generated voice/audio and scripted text injected into it to make it appear as if she has approved an investment platform.
The key to deepfakes is that they seem relatively realistic in their facial movement; however, if you look closely, you can see that there are mismatched lip-syncing and visual transitions that are out of the ordinary, and the results prove our point.
Also, there doesn't appear to be any acknowledgment of any such endorsement from a legitimate government website or a credible news outlet. This video is a fabricated piece of misinformation to attempt to scam the viewers by leveraging the image of a trusted public figure.
Conclusion:
The viral video showing the Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman promoting an investment platform is fake and AI-generated. This is a clear case of deepfake misuse aimed at misleading the public and luring individuals into fraudulent schemes. Citizens are advised to exercise caution, verify any such claims through official government channels, and refrain from clicking on unknown investment links circulating on social media.
- Claim: Nirmala Sitharaman promoted an investment app in a viral video.
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
