#FactCheck-Old Video of Army Officer Leaving Press Conference Falsely Linked to Funding Row With Pakistan and China
Executive Summary
A video of an Indian Army officer leaving a meeting alongside a police official is being widely circulated on social media. Some users are sharing the clip with the claim that the officer walked out of a meeting after the government refused to provide funding for security preparations related to Pakistan and China. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that the video is not related to any dispute over defence funding. It actually shows a press conference held in Patiala in March 2025 regarding an attack on an Indian Army Colonel. During the press conference, the Army officer demanded a transparent, time-bound, fair and impartial research, while the police official provided details about the action taken in the case.
Claim
Facebook user ‘Salman Pathan’ shared the video on July 15, 2026, with the claim: “After the government refused funding for security arrangements/preparations related to Pakistan and China, an Indian Army officer left the meeting.” The post further questioned the government over alleged priorities in spending public money.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/3995874277215044
https://perma.cc/JL7A-2A6B?type=standard
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we found that the same video was uploaded on March 25, 2025, by X user ‘Man Aman Singh Chhina’. The post stated:
“Chief of Staff of Western Command Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa left along with senior officers after reading a statement on the Patiala Colonel case without answering any questions. The DGP also read his statement and left, but at least he answered media questions.”
https://x.com/manaman_chhina/status/1904492655720988850?s=20
Further research revealed that the Government of Punjab’s official YouTube channel had uploaded the video of the same press conference on March 25, 2025. At the end of the press conference, when the Army and police officials leave the venue, the same question from journalists that appears in the viral clip can be heard.
https://www.youtube.com/live/7i3Nxc6vTpU
According to a report published by Amar Ujala on July 16, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, dissatisfied with the research conducted by the Chandigarh Police SIT, transferred the case to the Central Bureau of research (CBI).
Conclusion
Our research found that an old and unrelated video from March 2025 is being falsely circulated with the claim that an Army officer left a meeting after the government refused funding for security preparations related to Pakistan and China. The viral video actually relates to a press conference regarding the attack on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Patiala and has no connection with any defence funding issue. The viral claim is therefore false and misleading.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
A viral video that has gone viral is purportedly of mass cheating during the UPSC Civil Services Exam conducted in Uttar Pradesh. This video claims to show students being filmed cheating by copying answers. But, when we did a thorough research, it was noted that the incident happened during an LLB exam, not the UPSC Civil Services Exam. This is a representation of misleading content being shared to promote misinformation.
Claim:
Mass cheating took place during the UPSC Civil Services Exam in Uttar Pradesh, as shown in a viral video.
Fact Check:
Upon careful verification, it has been established that the viral video being circulated does not depict the UPSC Civil Services Examination, but rather an incident of mass cheating during an LLB examination. Reputable media outlets, including Zee News and India Today, have confirmed that the footage is from a law exam and is unrelated to the UPSC.
The video in question was reportedly live-streamed by one of the LLB students, held in February 2024 at City Law College in Lakshbar Bajha, located in the Safdarganj area of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh.
The misleading attempt to associate this footage with the highly esteemed Civil Services Examination is not only factually incorrect but also unfairly casts doubt on a process that is known for its rigorous supervision and strict security protocols. It is crucial to verify the authenticity and context of such content before disseminating it, in order to uphold the integrity of our institutions and prevent unnecessary public concern.
Conclusion:
The viral video purportedly showing mass cheating during the UPSC Civil Services Examination in Uttar Pradesh is misleading and not genuine. Upon verification, the footage has been found to be from an LLB examination, not related to the UPSC in any manner. Spreading such misinformation not only undermines the credibility of a trusted examination system but also creates unwarranted panic among aspirants and the public. It is imperative to verify the authenticity of such claims before sharing them on social media platforms. Responsible dissemination of information is crucial to maintaining trust and integrity in public institutions.
- Claim: A viral video shows UPSC candidates copying answers.
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
Executive Summary
An image circulating on social media claims to show Suryakumar Yadav, captain of the Indian cricket team, extending his hand to greet Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha, who allegedly refused the gesture during the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match held on February 15. Users shared the image as evidence of a real incident from the high-profile clash. However, a research by CyberPeace found that the image is AI-generated and was falsely circulated to mislead viewers.
Claim
On February 15, an X account named “@iffiViews,” reportedly operated from Pakistan, shared the image claiming it was taken during the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The viral image appeared to show Yadav attempting to shake hands with Agha, who seemed to decline the gesture. The post quickly gained significant traction online, attracting around one million views at the time of reporting. Here is the link and archive link to the post, along with a screenshot.
- https://x.com/iffiViews/status/2023024665770484206?s=20
- https://archive.ph/xvtBs
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the image, researchers closely examined the visual and identified a watermark associated with an AI image-generation tool. This raised strong indications that the image was digitally created and did not depict an actual event.
The image was further analysed using an AI detection tool, which indicated a 99.9 percent probability that the content was artificially generated or manipulated.
Researchers also conducted keyword searches to check whether the two captains had exchanged a handshake during the match. The search revealed media reports confirming that the traditional handshake between players has been discontinued since the Asia Cup 2025 in both men’s and women’s cricket. A report published by The Times of India on February 15 confirmed that no such customary exchange took place during the match between the two teams in Colombo.
Conclusion
The viral image claiming to show Suryakumar Yadav attempting to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha is not authentic. The visual is AI-generated and has been shared online with misleading claims.
Introduction
The G7 nations, a group of the most powerful economies, have recently turned their attention to the critical issue of cybercrimes and (AI) Artificial Intelligence. G7 summit has provided an essential platform for discussing the threats and crimes occurring from AI and lack of cybersecurity. These nations have united to share their expertise, resources, diplomatic efforts and strategies to fight against cybercrimes. In this blog, we shall investigate the recent development and initiatives undertaken by G7 nations, exploring their joint efforts to combat cybercrime and navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. We shall also explore the new and emerging trends in cybersecurity, providing insights into ongoing challenges and innovative approaches adopted by the G7 nations and the wider international community.
G7 Nations and AI
Each of these nations have launched cooperative efforts and measures to combat cybercrime successfully. They intend to increase their collective capacities in detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber assaults by exchanging intelligence, best practices, and experience. G7 nations are attempting to develop a strong cybersecurity architecture capable of countering increasingly complex cyber-attacks through information-sharing platforms, collaborative training programs, and joint exercises.
The G7 Summit provided an important forum for in-depth debates on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. Recognising AI’s transformational potential, the G7 nations have participated in extensive discussions to investigate its advantages and address the related concerns, guaranteeing responsible research and use. The nation also recognises the ethical, legal, and security considerations of deploying AI cybersecurity.
Worldwide Rise of Ransomware
High-profile ransomware attacks have drawn global attention, emphasising the need to combat this expanding threat. These attacks have harmed organisations of all sizes and industries, leading to data breaches, operational outages, and, in some circumstances, the loss of sensitive information. The implications of such assaults go beyond financial loss, frequently resulting in reputational harm, legal penalties, and service delays that affect consumers, clients, and the public. The increase in high-profile ransomware incidents has garnered attention worldwide, Cybercriminals have adopted a multi-faceted approach to ransomware attacks, combining techniques such as phishing, exploit kits, and supply chain Using spear-phishing, exploit kits, and supply chain hacks to obtain unauthorised access to networks and spread the ransomware. This degree of expertise and flexibility presents a substantial challenge to organisations attempting to protect against such attacks.
Focusing On AI and Upcoming Threats
During the G7 summit, one of the key topics for discussion on the role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in shaping the future, Leaders and policymakers discuss the benefits and dangers of AI adoption in cybersecurity. Recognising AI’s revolutionary capacity, they investigate its potential to improve defence capabilities, predict future threats, and secure vital infrastructure. Furthermore, the G7 countries emphasise the necessity of international collaboration in reaping the advantages of AI while reducing the hazards. They recognise that cyber dangers transcend national borders and must be combated together. Collaboration in areas such as exchanging threat intelligence, developing shared standards, and promoting best practices is emphasised to boost global cybersecurity defences. The G7 conference hopes to set a global agenda that encourages responsible AI research and deployment by emphasising the role of AI in cybersecurity. The summit’s sessions present a path for maximising AI’s promise while tackling the problems and dangers connected with its implementation.
As the G7 countries traverse the complicated convergence of AI and cybersecurity, their emphasis on collaboration, responsible practices, and innovation lays the groundwork for international collaboration in confronting growing cyber threats. The G7 countries aspire to establish robust and secure digital environments that defend essential infrastructure, protect individuals’ privacy, and encourage trust in the digital sphere by collaboratively leveraging the potential of AI.
Promoting Responsible Al development and usage
The G7 conference will focus on developing frameworks that encourage ethical AI development. This includes fostering openness, accountability, and justice in AI systems. The emphasis is on eliminating biases in data and algorithms and ensuring that AI technologies are inclusive and do not perpetuate or magnify existing societal imbalances.
Furthermore, the G7 nations recognise the necessity of privacy protection in the context of AI. Because AI systems frequently rely on massive volumes of personal data, summit speakers emphasise the importance of stringent data privacy legislation and protections. Discussions centre around finding the correct balance between using data for AI innovation, respecting individuals’ privacy rights, and protecting data security. In addition to responsible development, the G7 meeting emphasises the importance of responsible AI use. Leaders emphasise the importance of transparent and responsible AI governance frameworks, which may include regulatory measures and standards to ensure AI technology’s ethical and legal application. The goal is to defend individuals’ rights, limit the potential exploitation of AI, and retain public trust in AI-driven solutions.
The G7 nations support collaboration among governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to foster responsible AI development and use. They stress the significance of sharing best practices, exchanging information, and developing international standards to promote ethical AI concepts and responsible practices across boundaries. The G7 nations hope to build the global AI environment in a way that prioritises human values, protects individual rights, and develops trust in AI technology by fostering responsible AI development and usage. They work together to guarantee that AI is a force for a good while reducing risks and resolving social issues related to its implementation.
Challenges on the way
During the summit, the nations, while the G7 countries are committed to combating cybercrime and developing responsible AI development, they confront several hurdles in their efforts. Some of them are:
A Rapidly Changing Cyber Threat Environment: Cybercriminals’ strategies and methods are always developing, as is the nature of cyber threats. The G7 countries must keep up with new threats and ensure their cybersecurity safeguards remain effective and adaptable.
Cross-Border Coordination: Cybercrime knows no borders, and successful cybersecurity necessitates international collaboration. On the other hand, coordinating activities among nations with various legal structures, regulatory environments, and agendas can be difficult. Harmonising rules, exchanging information, and developing confidence across states are crucial for effective collaboration.
Talent Shortage and Skills Gap: The field of cybersecurity and AI knowledge necessitates highly qualified personnel. However, skilled individuals in these fields need more supply. The G7 nations must attract and nurture people, provide training programs, and support research and innovation to narrow the skills gap.
Keeping Up with Technological Advancements: Technology changes at a rapid rate, and cyber-attacks become more complex. The G7 nations must ensure that their laws, legislation, and cybersecurity plans stay relevant and adaptive to keep up with future technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and IoT, which may both empower and challenge cybersecurity efforts.
Conclusion
To combat cyber threats effectively, support responsible AI development, and establish a robust cybersecurity ecosystem, the G7 nations must constantly analyse and adjust their strategy. By aggressively tackling these concerns, the G7 nations can improve their collective cybersecurity capabilities and defend their citizens’ and global stakeholders’ digital infrastructure and interests.
