#FactCheck: Viral AI image shown as AI -171 caught fire after collision
Executive Summary:
A dramatic image circulating online, showing a Boeing 787 of Air India engulfed in flames after crashing into a building in Ahmedabad, is not a genuine photograph from the incident. Our research has confirmed it was created using artificial intelligence.
Claim:
Social media posts and forwarded messages allege that the image shows the actual crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025.
Fact Check:
In our research to validate the authenticity of the viral image, we conducted a reverse image search and analyzed it using AI-detection tools like Hive Moderation. The image showed clear signs of manipulation, distorted details, and inconsistent lighting. Hive Moderation flagged it as “Likely AI-generated”, confirming it was synthetically created and not a real photograph.
In contrast, verified visuals and information about the Air India Flight AI-171 crash have been published by credible news agencies like The Indian Express and Hindustan Times, confirmed by the aviation authorities. Authentic reports include on-ground video footage and official statements, none of which feature the viral image. This confirms that the circulating photo is unrelated to the actual incident.
Conclusion:
The viral photograph is a fabrication, created by AI, not a real depiction of the Ahmedabad crash. It does not represent factual visuals from the tragedy. It’s essential to rely on verified images from credible news agencies and official investigation reports when discussing such sensitive events.
- Claim: An Air India Boeing aircraft crashed into a building near Ahmedabad airport
- Claimed On: Social Media
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
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Introduction
CyberPeace Chronicles is a one-stop for the latest edition of news, updates, and findings in global cyberspace. As we step into the cyberage, it is pertinent that we need to incorporate cybersecurity practices in our day-to-day activities. From laptops to automated homes and cars, we are all surrounded by technology in some form or another. Thus, with the increased dependency, we need to eradicate the scope of vulnerabilities and threats around us and create robust and sustainable safety mechanisms for us and future generations.
What, When and How?
- WIN-RAR Update: CVE-2023-33831, a serious vulnerability, was identified in WinRAR versions prior to 6.23 in April 2023. When users attempted to access seemingly harmless files inside ZIP archives, this vulnerability allowed attackers to run arbitrary code. Cybercriminals transmitted malware families like DarkMe, GuLoader, and Remcos RAT by taking advantage of this vulnerability. It is essential to update WinRAR to version 6.23 or later in order to protect your computer and your data. Follow the following steps to secure your device -
- Checking Your Current WinRAR Version
- Downloading the Latest WinRAR Version
- Installing the Updated WinRAR
- Completing the Installation
- Verifying the Update
- Cleaning Up
- Indonesian Hacker Groups Target Indian Digital Infrastructure: As India geared up to host the G20 delegation as part of the Leadership Summit, various reports pointed towards different forms and intensity-based cyber attacks on Indian organisations and digital infrastructure. Tech firms in India have been successful in tracing the origination of the attacks to be from Indonesia. It is believed that hacker groups backed by anti-India elements have been trying to target the digital resources of India. Organisations and central agencies like Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre), Delhi Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have constantly been working in keeping the Digital interests of India safe and secure, and with the ongoing G20 summit, it is very pertinent to be mindful of potential threats prevailing to prepare counter tactics for the same.
- CLOP Ransomware: The CL0P ransomware is thought to have initially surfaced in 2019 and was developed by a cybercriminal organisation that spoke Russian. The threat actor FIN11 (also known as TA505 and Snakefly), who is notorious for being financially driven, is frequently connected to the CL0P ransomware, which had its roots at the beginning of 2019. By utilising this technique, CL0P has targeted businesses utilising the "Accellion FTA" file transfer appliance's vulnerable version. Accordingly, it has been asserted that the following vulnerabilities have been used to access victim data and maybe switch to victim networks. Numerous well-publicized attacks carried out by CL0P have had an impact on organisations all across the world. Especially for Managed File Transfer (MFT) programmes, the CL0P performers are well known for their talent in developing zero-day vulnerabilities. The gang went after Accellion File Transfer Appliance (FTA) devices in both 2020 and 2021, then early in 2023, they went after Fortran/Linoma GoAnywhere MFT servers, and then later in June, they went after MOVEit transfer deployments. Up to 500 organisations are thought to have been harmed by this aggressive operation. Some of the ways to mitigate the risk are as follows:
- Regular Software Updates: Updating programmes and systems helps prevent known security flaws that fraudsters frequently exploit.
- Employee Training: Employee training can significantly lower the likelihood of successful penetration by educating staff members about phishing scams and safe internet conduct.
- Network Segmentation: By separating networks and restricting lateral movement, a ransomware attack's potential effects can be reduced.
- Regular Data backups: Data backups can lessen the effects of encryption and deter payment by regularly backing up data and storing it offsite.
- Security solutions: Putting in place effective cybersecurity measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and cutting-edge endpoint protection can greatly improve an organisation's defences.
- Increased scrutiny for SIM card vendors: As phishing and smishing scams are on the rise in India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has repeatedly issued notifications and consultation papers to address this growing concern. Earlier this year, TRAI notified that promotional calling will not be continued from 10-digit personal numbers. Instead, companies will now have to take authorised 9-digit numbers for promotional calls and SMSs. Similarly, to increase the efficiency of the same, TRAI has laid down that all the SIM card vendors will now have to be verified again, and any discrepancy found against any of the vendors will lead to blacklisting and penal actions against the vendor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the digital landscape in 2023 is rife with both opportunities and challenges. The recent discovery of a critical vulnerability in WinRAR underscores the importance of regularly updating software to protect against malicious attacks. It is imperative for users to follow the provided steps to secure their devices and safeguard their data. Furthermore, the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, with Indonesian hacker groups targeting Indian digital infrastructure, particularly during significant events like the G20 summit. Indian organisations and cybersecurity agencies are working diligently to defend against these threats and ensure the security of digital assets. The emergence of ransomware attacks, exemplified by the CL0P ransomware, serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Regular software updates, employee training, network segmentation, data backups, and advanced security solutions are crucial components of a comprehensive defence strategy against ransomware and other cyber threats. Additionally, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's efforts to enhance security in the telecommunications sector, such as stricter verification of SIM card vendors, demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the rising threat of phishing and smishing scams. In this dynamic digital landscape, staying informed and implementing proactive cybersecurity measures is essential for individuals, organisations, and nations to protect their digital assets and maintain a secure online environment. Vigilance, collaboration, and ongoing adaptation are key to meeting the challenges posed by cyber threats in 2023 and beyond.
Executive Summary
An image is being widely shared on social media with the claim that Iranian missile forces targeted an LPG tanker heading towards India, causing a massive fire onboard. CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found the claim to be misleading. The research revealed that the viral image is not related to any recent Iran-India development or any missile attack. The image actually shows a fire incident involving the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon near the coast of Aden, Yemen, in October 2025, and is being circulated with a false context.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the viral image on July 8, 2026, claiming: “Iranian missile force has struck an LPG tanker going to India.” The post link, archive link, and screenshot are provided below.
Fact Check
To verify the viral claim, we conducted a keyword-based search on Google. However, we did not find any credible media report confirming that an India-bound LPG tanker was targeted by Iranian missile forces. During the research, we extracted keyframes from the viral image and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. The search led us to a report published by NDTV on October 20, 2025, which contained the same visuals as the viral image. The report link and screenshot are provided below.
According to the NDTV report, a fire broke out onboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon following an explosion near the coast of Aden, Yemen. The incident involved 23 Indian crew members, who were rescued safely. The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, at around 07:00 UTC, when the vessel was sailing approximately 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden while heading towards Djibouti. Following the explosion, the vessel went adrift and around 15% of the ship was engulfed in flames. Further verification through keyword searches led us to an India Today report published on October 20, 2025, which also confirmed that the MV Falcon caught fire after an explosion off the coast of Aden, Yemen. The report stated that all 23 Indian crew members onboard were rescued. The report also mentioned that authorities had initiated an research into the incident and ruled out speculation that the explosion was caused by a Houthi attack. The report link and screenshot are provided below.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral claim is misleading. The image being shared as proof of an Iranian missile strike on an India-bound LPG tanker is actually from an unrelated incident that occurred in October 2025. The image shows the fire that broke out onboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon near Aden, Yemen, following an explosion. The old image is being circulated with a false narrative linking it to Iran and India.
Executive Summary:
On August 13, 2026, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a Rashtriya Congress program, alleged that in several places in Arunachal Pradesh, China has stopped our army from patrolling. Following this, a video went viral on social media showing weeping women standing behind uniformed personnel in a vehicle. Some users shared this video targeting the central government with claims of Chinese army infiltration in Arunachal Pradesh. The research by the CyberPeace's research wing revealed that the viral video is actually from Manipur. The video was captured when the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was vacating its 'Nongshum Camp' in the Nongshum area of Manipur.
Claim:
On August 15, 2026, Facebook user ‘Adv Raman Yadav’ posted a video (archive link) writing, "Arunachal_Pradesh.. in China's grip, citizens will hoist the Tiranga at home themselves, but who will hoist it on the country's border? Neither the lion's courage is working, nor is the strategy of the so-called Chanakya working... The creator of the dialogue 'if Pakistan raises an eye, the world will see the consequences' and 'strongly condemn' is unable to say anything! And those famous for absurd statements... Giriraj Singh, Nishikant Dubey, Manoj Tiwari, someone named Negi, or any other BJP leader's conscience is not awakening. Today Arunachal Pradesh is slipping into China's grip, the people there are constantly pleading to save them from becoming slaves, but Narendra Damodardas Modi is busy making reels and giving instructions to his MPs..."
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2081742402422160
Fact Check:
To investigate the viral claim, we first extracted keyframes from the video and searched them using Google Lens. The Facebook user 'Manipur Assam' had posted this video on June 30, 2026.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2565715717192123
According to a report published on the 'Manipur Update' website on June 30, 2026, "People from villages near the Nongshum area willingly bid a tearful farewell to UNLF's 'Nongshum Camp'. This step was taken after lengthy negotiations and the assurance that personnel from the 10th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) would immediately assume security responsibilities for the camp. Following their departure, 10th IRB personnel reached the Nongshum camp and replaced them."
https://manipur-update.com/people-in-nongshum-unwillingly-bid-tearful-adieus-to-unlfs-nongshum-camp/
According to information provided on the 'India Today NE' website on June 27, 2026, "The Pambei-led faction of the UNLF signed a tripartite peace agreement with the Central Government and the Manipur Government in November 2023. Recently, on June 19, talks took place in New Delhi between representatives of the Government of India and UNLF leaders. During this, the proposal to relocate the camp under a designated administrative and security framework was also discussed."
Conclusion:
Our research revealed that a video from Nongshum village in Manipur is being shared with false claims of Chinese military infiltration in Arunachal Pradesh
