#FactCheck: Fake video falsely claims FM Sitharaman endorsed investment scheme

Introduction

After the tragic bomb blast at RedFort on November 10, 2025, there is a trail of misinformation and false narratives spread rapidly across social media platforms, messaging and news channels. It can not only unfold into a public misunderstanding but can also incite panic, communal tensions and endanger lives. To prevent all of these from happening, we, as responsible citizens, can play a critical role by verifying information before sharing it with friends, family, or colleagues. This article provides guidance on practical, evidence-based strategies to navigate the information landscape and protect yourself and your community from the harm caused by misinformation and disinformation.

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Digital Scams in the Aftermath of the Blast

Cybercriminals increased their activity in the hours after the Red Fort explosion, using the country’s sorrow as a chance to take advantage of fear.

Numerous allegations surfaced of residents receiving threatening calls that falsely claimed they were “digitally arrested” or that their phones, bank accounts, or Aadhaar were being “seized for investigation”, accusing them of being involved in the explosion. These fictitious intimidation calls sent innocent people into worry, anxiety, and doubt spirals.

The pattern is common after major national crises:

• Fear rises.
• People seek urgent answers.
• Cybercriminals exploit the confusion.

Knowing this makes it easier for us to remain watchful. No law enforcement organisation uses phone conversations, WhatsApp communications, or threats of “digital detention” to make arrests or conduct investigations. 

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Verify breaking news from trusted official channels

Whenever a crisis like bomb blasts occurs, people look for information on social media, news channels, and YouTube channels to stay fully informed about the situation. This is a very chaotic moment, and due to the lack of government verification of the initial information, false news spread rapidly.

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Where to seek verified information:

a. Press Information Bureau (PIB): The official government news agency that, from time to time, clarifies viral news.

b. Delhi Police Official Channels: Check social media handles of Delhi Police.

c.  Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): MHA is responsible for internal security, and gives information about this information through official press releases and notifications.

d. Major Credible news outlets: Some news channels can be trusted with news, as they typically verify information before publishing, like The Hindu, Indian Express.

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What to do:

Cross-check every unverified social media post and news that you come across from credible news channels and official government press releases.

Verify Images and videos using reverse search tools

Recently, many social media handles have been sharing old photos of different bomb blasts from Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine in the name of the Red Fort blasts. While it can create a false narrative, the same should be verified before sharing.

Reliable fact-checking resources and how to use them.

Every country has dedicated fact-checking organisations that systematically verify viral claims.

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Fact-checking organisations based in India:

a. PIB Fact Check (https://factcheck.pib.gov.in/ )

·   It is the official fact-checking unit of the PIB, which focuses on demystifying government-related misinformation.

·   WhatsApp +918799711259 

·   email: socialmedia@pib.gov.in

·   Telegram: http://t.me/PIB_FactCheck

·   Follow it on: Twitter (@PIBFactCheck), Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp.

How to use these resources:

· Whenever you come across any viral post, use exact keywords or quotes to find those on these resources.

· Look for the verdict (true, false, misleading), then share the verified fact-checks with your network to debunk false narratives.

Practice Digital Hygiene and Be Cautious When Sharing

Digital hygiene refers to the practices and habits individuals adopt to maintain a healthy and secure digital lifestyle. Simple digital practices can restrict the spread of misinformation. A vigilant individual can reduce the spread of misinformation. It can be done by below steps

i.                 Check URLs and Links: We can verify the URLs and links of any news and websites using different tools to check the credibility of any news

ii.               How to Evaluate the Trustworthiness of Sources:

·   Verify if the account sharing the information has a blue checkmark on most platforms.

·   Examine the account's background, whether it is a recognised media source, an official government profile, or a newly created anonymous account?

·   Approach posts featuring intense emotional language ("URGENT!", "SHOCKING!", "MUST SHARE!") with scepticism.

·   Refrain from posting screenshots of tweets or posts while providing a link to the source, allowing others to confirm its validity.

iii.             Before You Distribute:

·   Question yourself: "Am I certain this is accurate based on a reliable source?"

·   Avoid the temptation to share breaking news immediately; hold off until it has been confirmed by government sources.

·   If you're uncertain, include a comment such as "I haven't confirmed this yet; please consult reliable sources" instead of sharing unverified information.

·   Reflect on the consequences, as it might lead to panic, provoke communal violence, or damage an individual's reputation

6. How to report misinformation to platforms and authorities?

While it is important to verify news before sharing it to prevent fake news, it is also important to report it to reduce misinformation and the violence caused due to it. On social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, and Telegram, anyone can report the same on the platform.

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Reporting to the Government Authorities:

a. PIB Fact Check WhatsApp (+91 8799711259):

Send Screenshots or texts of suspected government-related misinformation for verification, and then an automated acknowledgement is generated.

b. Delhi Police Cyber Crime Unit

Cyber Crimes such as Email Frauds, Social Media Crimes, Mobile App-related crimes, Business Email Compromise, Data Theft, Ransomware, Net Banking/ ATM Frauds and fake calls frauds, insurance frauds, lottery scam, bitcoin, cheating scams, online transactions frauds can be reported to the Delhi Police Cyber Crime Unit.

7. Quick checklist: What to do When You See Breaking News

·   Wait before sharing any breaking news.

·   Go through official channels like PIB and other official channels like MHA.

·   If not available there, then cross-reference it from 2-3 credible news sources for the same information.

·   Check timestamps and metadata, and compare metadata dates with claims about when events occurred.

·   In case you find any information, news or any social media posts as misleading, then report the same.

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CyberPeace Resolves: Pause. Reflect. Then Respond

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Misinformation becomes the infection that spreads the fastest when people are confused and afraid. Every citizen is urged by CyberPeace to remain composed, stand tall, and not panic, particularly in times of national emergency.

Prior to experiencing an emotional response to any concerning call, message, or widely shared news:

Pause. Reflect. Acknowledge.

•  Pause before sharing or responding.
• Reflect on whether the information is from a credible source.
• Acknowledge what you know—and what is just rumour.

CyberPeace is still dedicated to helping people and communities deal with online dangers, safeguard mental health, and dispel false information with clarity and truth.

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Introduction

In the era of digitalisation, social media has become an essential part of our lives, with people spending a lot of time updating every moment of their lives on these platforms. Social media networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube have emerged as significant sources of Information. However, the proliferation of misinformation is alarming since misinformation can have grave consequences for individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. Misinformation can spread rapidly via social media, leaving a higher impact on larger audiences. Bad actors can exploit algorithms for their benefit or some other agenda, using tactics such as clickbait headlines, emotionally charged language, and manipulated algorithms to increase false information.

Impact 

The impact of misinformation on our lives is devastating, affecting individuals, communities, and society as a whole. False or misleading health information can have serious consequences, such as believing in unproven remedies or misinformation about some vaccines can cause serious illness, disability, or even death. Any misinformation related to any financial scheme or investment can lead to false or poor financial decisions that could lead to bankruptcy and loss of long-term savings.

In a democratic nation, misinformation plays a vital role in forming a political opinion, and the misinformation spread on social media during elections can affect voter behaviour, damage trust, and may cause political instability.

Mitigating strategies

The best way to minimise or stop the spreading of misinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. These strategies include promoting media literacy with critical thinking, verifying information before sharing, holding social media platforms accountable, regulating misinformation, supporting critical research, and fostering healthy means of communication to build a resilient society.

To put an end to the cycle of misinformation and move towards a better future, we must create plans to combat the spread of false information. This will require coordinated actions from individuals, communities, tech companies, and institutions to promote a culture of information accuracy and responsible behaviour.

The widespread spread of false information on social media platforms presents serious problems for people, groups, and society as a whole. It becomes clear that battling false information necessitates a thorough and multifaceted strategy as we go deeper into comprehending the nuances of this problem.

Encouraging consumers to develop media literacy and critical thinking abilities is essential to preventing the spread of false information. Being educated is essential for equipping people to distinguish between reliable sources and false information. Giving individuals the skills to assess information critically will enable them to choose the content they share and consume with knowledge. Public awareness campaigns should be used to promote and include initiatives that aim to improve media literacy in school curriculum.

Ways to Stop Misinformation

As we have seen, misinformation can cause serious implications; the best way to minimise or stop the spreading of misinformation requires a multifaceted approach; here are some strategies to combat misinformation.

• Promote Media Literacy with Critical Thinking: Educate individuals about how to critically evaluate information, fact check, and recognise common tactics used to spread misinformation, the users must use their critical thinking before forming any opinion or perspective and sharing the content.
• Verify Information: we must encourage people to verify the information before sharing, especially if it seems sensational or controversial, and encourage the consumption of news or any information from a reputable source of news that follows ethical journalistic standards.
• Accountability: Advocate for social media networks' openness and responsibility in the fight against misinformation. Encourage platforms to put in place procedures to detect and delete fraudulent content while boosting credible sources.
• Regulate Misinformation: Looking at the current situation, it is important to advocate for policies and regulations that address the spread of misinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression. Transparency in online communication by identifying the source of information and disclosing any conflict of interest.
• Support Critical Research: Invest in research and study on the sources, impacts, and remedies to misinformation. Support collaborative initiatives by social scientists, psychologists, journalists, and technology to create evidence-based techniques for countering misinformation. 

Conclusion

To prevent the cycle of misinformation and move towards responsible use of the Internet, we must create strategies to combat the spread of false information. This will require coordinated actions from individuals, communities, tech companies, and institutions to promote a culture of information accuracy and responsible behaviour.

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Introduction

In the labyrinthine corridors of the digital age, where information zips across the globe with the ferocity of a tempest, the truth often finds itself ensnared in a web of deception. It is within this intricate tapestry of reality and falsehood that we find ourselves examining two distinct yet equally compelling cases of misinformation, each a testament to the pervasive challenges that beset our interconnected world.

Case 1: The Deceptive Video: Originating in Malaysia, Misattributed to Indian Railway Development

A misleading video claiming to showcase Indian railway construction has been debunked as footage from Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). Fact-checking efforts by India TV traced the video's origin to Malaysia, revealing deceptive captions in Tamil and Hindi. The video was initially posted on Twitter on January 9, 2024, announcing the commencement of track-laying for Malaysia's East Coast Railway. Further investigation reveals the ECRL as a joint venture between Malaysia and China, involving the laying of tracks along the east coast, challenging assertions of Indian railway development. The ECRL's track-laying initiative, initiated in December 2023, is part of China's Belt and Road initiative, covering 665 kilometers across states like Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, with a completion target set for 2025.

The video in question, a digital chameleon, had its origins not in the bustling landscapes of India but within the verdant bounds of Malaysia. Specifically, it was a scene captured from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, a monumental joint venture between Malaysia and China, unfurling across 665 kilometers of Malaysian terrain. This ambitious endeavor, part of the grand Belt and Road initiative, is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our era, with tracks stretching from Kelantan to Selangor, and a completion horizon set for the year 2025.

The unveiling of this grand project was graced by none other than Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, in Pahang, underscoring the strategic alliance with China and the infrastructural significance of the ECRL. Yet, despite the clarity of its origins, the video found itself cloaked in a narrative of Indian development, a falsehood that spread like wildfire across the digital savannah.

Through the meticulous application of keyframe analysis and reverse image searches, the truth was laid bare. Reports from reputable sources such as the Associated Press and the Global Times, featuring the very same machinery, corroborated the video's true lineage. This revelation not only highlighted the ECRL's geopolitical import but also served as a clarion call for the critical role of fact-checking in an era where misinformation proliferates with reckless abandon.

Case 2: Kerala's Incident: Investigating Fake Narratives

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has registered 53 cases related to spreading fake narratives on social media to incite communal sentiments following the blasts at a Christian religious gathering in October 2023. Vijayan said cases have been registered against online news portals, editors, and Malayalam television channels. The state police chief has issued directions to monitor social media to stop fake news spread and take appropriate actions.

In a different corner of the world, the serene backdrop of Kerala was shattered by an event that would ripple through the fabric of its society. The Kalamassery blast, a tragic occurrence at a Christian religious gathering, claimed the lives of eight individuals and left over fifty wounded. In the wake of this calamity, a man named Dominic Martin surrendered, claiming responsibility for the heinous act.

Yet, as the investigation unfolded, a different kind of violence emerged—one that was waged not with explosives but with words. A barrage of fake narratives began to circulate through social media, igniting communal tensions and distorting the narrative of the incident. The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, informed the Assembly that 53 cases had been registered across the state, targeting individuals and entities that had fanned the flames of discord through their digital utterances.

The Kerala police, vigilant guardians of truth, embarked on a digital crusade to quell the spread of these communally instigative messages. With a particular concentration of cases in Malappuram district, the authorities worked tirelessly to dismantle the network of fake profiles that propagated religious hatred. Social media platforms were directed to assist in this endeavor, revealing the IP addresses of the culprits and enabling the cyber cell divisions to take decisive action.

In the aftermath of the blasts, the Chief Minister and the state police chief ordered special instructions to monitor social media platforms for content that could spark communal uproar. Cyber patrolling became the order of the day, as a 20-member probe team was constituted to  deeply investigate the incident. 

Conclusion

These two cases, disparate in their nature and geography, converge on a singular point: the fragility of truth in the digital age. They highlight the imperative for vigilance and the pursuit of accuracy in a world where misinformation can spread like wildfire. As we navigate this intricate cyberscape, it is imperative to be mindful of the power of fact-checking and the importance of media literacy, for they are the light that guides us through the fog of falsehoods to the shores of veracity. 

These narratives are not merely stories of deception thwarted; they are a call to action, a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our shared reality. Let us, therefore, remain steadfast in our quest for the truth, for it is only through such diligence that we can hope to preserve the sanctity of our discourse and the cohesion of our societies.

References:

1. https://www.indiatvnews.com/fact-check/fact-check-misleading-video-claims-malaysian-rail-project-indian-truth-ecrl-india-railway-development-pm-modi-2024-01-29-914282
2. https://sahilonline.org/kalamasserry-blast-53-cases-registered-across-kerala-for-spreading-fake-news

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