#FactCheck -Edited Jaishankar Video Falsely Links Him to ‘Cockroach Party’ Remarks; Fact Check Finds No Such Statement
Executive Summary
A video featuring India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that he urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US President Donald Trump to hand over the “handlers” of the so-called “Cockroach Janata Party” to India. The viral post further alleges that Jaishankar described the organisation as a “Pakistani and Iranian proxy group.” CyberPeace Research Wing research found the viral claim to be fake. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar did not make any statement regarding the “Cockroach Party” or its alleged handlers during the press conference. The viral video has been edited and is being shared with a misleading claim.
Claim
A verified X (formerly Twitter) user shared the viral clip and claimed that during a joint press conference, Jaishankar said:“I request Marco Rubio and Trump to hand over the handlers of the Cockroach Party because they are Pakistani and Iranian proxy groups.”
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we converted the viral clip into key frames and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found the original video uploaded on May 24, 2026, on the official YouTube channel of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The video was captioned:“Press conference of EAM Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.”
A review of the full press conference confirmed that Jaishankar made no mention of any “Cockroach Party,” its alleged handlers, or any Pakistani or Iranian proxy network. Further verification of the official transcripts published by both the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the United States Department of State also found no references to the terms “Cockroach Party,” “handlers,” “Pakistani proxy,” or any statements matching the viral claim.
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-and-indian-external-affairs-minister-dr-subrahmanyam-jaishankar-at-a-joint-press-availability
In the final stage of verification, the viral clip was analysed using an AI detection tool. The analysis suggested that the audio had been manipulated and that the video appeared to be edited. The tool indicated a 63 percent probability that the clip had been altered using AI-based editing techniques.
Conclusion
The research confirms that the viral claim is fake. S. Jaishankar did not make any statement regarding the “Cockroach Party” or its alleged handlers during the press conference. The viral clip has been edited and is being shared with misleading claims.
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Introduction
Raksha Bandhan is a cherished festival which is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan. It is a festival that represents the love, care, and protection that siblings share. This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on 09th August 2025. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread known as Rakhi on their brothers' wrists as a symbol of love and protection, and in return, brothers promise to safeguard them in all walks of life. The origin of this festival traces back to the Mahabharata, when lord Krishna injured his finger. To bandage the wound, Draupadi, also known as Panchali, tore a piece of her saree and tied it on Krishna's finger. Krishna was touched by her selfless gesture and promised to always protect her, a promise he fulfilled during Drapadi’s time of greatest need.
Today, in the evolving world driven by technology in all aspects of life, the nature of threats has evolved. In this digital age, physical safety alone is no longer enough. Alongside the traditional vow, there is now a growing need for another promise, the promise of Cyber Raksha (Cyber Safety). As we celebrate the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, this year also take the pledge of offering and taking care of the Cyber Suraksha of your sibling.
Ek Vaada Cyber Raksha ka
All the brothers and sisters share the bond of mutual care and responsibility. In the evolving threats of cybercrimes, they must understand the vulnerabilities they might face and the cyber safety tips they should be aware of to protect themselves. You must promise to guide, protect each other from online dangers, and help understand the importance of digital safety. Hence, this Raksha Bandhan, let’s also tie a knot of cyber awareness, responsibility, and digital protection, because true raksha in today’s age is not only about protection in the offline world, it is about protection in both the offline and online world.
CyberPeace has curated the following best practices for you to consider in your life and also to share with your sisters and brothers.
Password Security
It is most important to realise that cybercrooks mostly have their eyes on your passwords to target and gain access to your accounts or information. Scammers try multiple ways to get access to your passwords by way of various methods such as OTP frauds, Fake login pages (spoofing), Social engineering, Credential stuffing, Brute-force attacks, phishing, etc.
Quick Tips
- Use strong passwords.
- Regularly update passwords.
- Use separate passwords for different accounts.
- Use secure & trusted password managers.
- Use two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
- Make sure not to save passwords on random devices.
Social Media Security
There are endless cyber scams that take place through social media, such as identity theft, cyberbullying, cyber stalking, online harassment, data leaks, suspicious links leading to phishing and malware, exposure to inappropriate content, etc. It becomes important for netizens to protect their accounts, data, and online presence on social media platforms from the growing cyber threats.
Quick Tips
- Review app permissions and do not give any unnecessary app permissions.
- Keep your account private or customise your privacy settings as per your needs.
- Be cautious while interacting with strangers.
- Do not click on any suspicious or unknown links.
- Make sure to log out in case you have to log in to your social media on an unfamiliar device, and update your password to prevent unauthorised access.
- Always use Two-Factor authentication for your social media accounts.
- Avoid sharing too much of your personal information on the public story or public posts. This can be used by cybercriminals for social engineering.
- Use the report & block function to protect yourself from spam accounts and unwanted interactions.
- If you encounter any issue, report it to the ‘Platform’s reporting mechanism at the ‘Help Centre’.
- One can also reach out to the platform’s grievance officer.
Device Security
In today’s world, the interconnectedness is unavoidable, your devices, be it smartphones, tablets, laptops are not just tools, they are digital extensions of yourself. They contain your discussions, recollections, private information, and frequently your financial and professional information. Safeguarding your devices in the digital world can be equated with safeguarding your physical possessions against undesirable encroachments. Just like a sibling would never let anyone invade your privacy, you too must promise to keep your devices secured against malicious threats like malware, spyware, ransomware, and unauthorized access.
Quick Tips
- Update your apps, browsers, and operating systems frequently; these updates frequently contain security vulnerabilities.
- Install reliable anti-virus and anti-malware software, then perform routine device scans.
- Do not download files or apps from unidentified sources.
- Avoid using open or unprotected public Wi-Fi for private activities like email or banking.
- Employ screen locks (passwords, biometrics, or PINs) to stop unwanted physical access.
- Enable remote wipe or ‘find my Device’ functions in case your device is lost or stolen.
Digital Payments Security
Rakshabandhan is all about giving, but let’s not make it easy for cyber fraudsters to take! Convenience can come at a great cost. It often comes with a danger of fraud, phishing, and money-stealing schemes, as evidenced by the rise in digital payments and UPI transactions. But by being cautious, one can avoid being defrauded. Whether you’re gifting a sibling online or shopping for festive deals, promise yourself and your loved ones that you’ll transact wisely and safely.
Quick Tips
- Never give out your bank credentials, CVV, OTP, or UPI PIN to anyone, even if they seem trustworthy before extensively verifying their credentials.
- Before completing a transaction, confirm the account information or UPI ID.
- Refund or payment links sent by WhatsApp accounts or unknown numbers should not be clicked.
- Use only trusted apps (like BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay, etc.) downloaded from official app stores.
Email Security
Your email serves as a key to your digital kingdom and serves as more than just a tool for communication. Your email frequently connects everything, from banking to social networking. Scammers use phishing assaults, malware attachments, and impersonation frauds to target it first. Just like a sibling watches your back, watch your inbox. Make a vow not to fall for the digital bait.
Quick tips
- Never open attachments or links in emails that seem strange or suspicious.
- Subject lines that evoke fear, such as “Account Suspended,” “Urgent Action Required” should be avoided.
- Verify the sender’s email address at all times because scammers frequently use little misspellings to deceive you.
- Set up two-factor authentication and create a secure, one of a kind password for your email accounts.
- Avoid using unprotected Wi-Fi networks or public computers to check your email.
- Avoid responding to spam emails or unsubscribing through dubious links as this could give the attacker your address.
Common scams to watch out for
Festive deals scams
As the festive season sales surge in India, so does the risk of cyber scams. Cyber crooks exploit the victims and urge them to share OTPs under the guise of preventing fraudulent activity, sharing malicious links to get sensitive information.
Mis-disinformation
The spread of mis-disinformation has surged on social media platforms. It spreads like wildfire across the digital landscape, and the need for effective strategies to counteract these challenges has grown exponentially in a very short period. ‘Prebunking’ and ‘Debunking’ are two approaches for countering the growing spread of misinformation online.
Deepfake and Voice cloning scams
By using the Deepfake technology, cybercriminals manipulate audio and video content which looks very realistic but, in actuality, is fake. Voice cloning is also a part of deepfake. To create a voice clone of anyone's, audio can be deepfaked too, which closely resembles a real one but, in actuality, is a fake voice created through deepfake technology.
Juice Jacking
Cybercriminals can hack your phone using or exploiting some public charging stations, such as at airports, Malls, hotel rooms, etc. When you plug your cell phone into a USB power charger, you may be plugging into a hacker. Juice jacking poses a security threat commonly at places that provide free charging stations for mobile devices.
Suspicious links & downloads
Suspicious links & downloads can lead you to a phishing site or install malware into your system, which can even lead to compromise your device, expose sensitive data, and cause financial losses.
Conclusion
This Rakhi, ensure your and your sibling’s online safety and security by being cybersafe and smart. You can seek assistance from the CyberPeace Helpline at helpline@cyberpeace.net
Executive Summary
A viral graphic post on social media claims that India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) was “fake for 10 years.” The post also states that the real economic growth was around 4%, while official figures reported it at 6%. It further cites a former Chief Economic Adviser (Ex-CEA) and presents the claim as a “revelation.”
Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found this claim to be misleading. No official government document, nor India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), or any recognised international institution has stated that India’s GDP was “fake.”
Claim
On the social media platform Instagram, a user shared a post claiming that the Chief Economic Adviser said India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) was “fake for 10 years.” The link to the post and its archive link are given below, along with a screenshot.
The viral post refers to a 2019 research paper linked to former Chief Economic Adviser (Ex-CEA) Arvind Subramanian. In this study, he raised questions about India’s GDP growth estimation and suggested that during 2011–12 to 2016–17, the actual growth could have been around 4.5%, while the official estimate was close to 7%.
However, the study does not conclude anywhere that India’s GDP was “fake” or entirely incorrect. It only presents an alternative estimation based on different assumptions and methods, which has also been challenged by other economists and government agencies.
- https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cid/publications/faculty-working-papers/india-gdp-overestimate?utm_source
- https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cid/publications/faculty-working-papers/india-gdp-overestimate?utm_source
Conclusion:
The claim circulating on social media is misleading. The former Chief Economic Adviser provided an academic view on GDP estimation, but there is no evidence or official confirmation that India’s GDP was “fake for 10 years.” The data released by the Government of India was not validated by the figures circulated on social media.
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.
