#Fact Old image of Hindu Priest with Donald trump at White house goes viral as recent.

Executive Summary: 

Recently, our team came across a video on social media that appears to show a saint lying in a fire during the Mahakumbh 2025. The video has been widely viewed and comes with captions claiming that it is part of a ritual during the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025. After thorough research, we found that these claims are false. The video is unrelated to Mahakumbh 2025 and comes from a different context and location. This is an example of how the information posted was from the past and not relevant to the alleged context.

Claim: 

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A video has gone viral on social media, claiming to show a saint lying in fire during Mahakumbh 2025, suggesting that this act is part of the traditional rituals associated with the ongoing festival. This misleading claim falsely implies that the act is a standard part of the sacred ceremonies held during the Mahakumbh event.

Fact Check: 

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Upon receiving the post we conducted a reverse image search of the key frames extracted from the video, and traced the video to an old article. Further research revealed that the original post was from 2009, when Ramababu Swamiji, aged 80, laid down on a burning fire for the benefit of society. The video is not recent, as it had already gone viral on social media in November 2009. A closer examination of the scene, crowd, and visuals clearly shows that the video is unrelated to the rituals or context of Mahakumbh 2025. Additionally, our research found that such activities are not part of the Mahakumbh rituals. Reputable sources were also kept into consideration to cross-verify this information, effectively debunking the claim and emphasizing the importance of verifying facts before believing in anything.

For more clarity, the YouTube video attached below further clears the doubt, which reminds us to verify whether such claims are true or not.

Conclusion:

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The viral video claiming to depict a saint lying in fire during Mahakumbh 2025 is entirely misleading. Our thorough fact-checking reveals that the video dates back to 2009 and is unrelated to the current event. Such misinformation highlights the importance of verifying content before sharing or believing it. Always rely on credible sources to ensure the accuracy of claims, especially during significant cultural or religious events like Mahakumbh.

• Claim: A viral video claims to show a saint lying in fire during the Mahakumbh 2025.
• Claimed On: X (Formerly Known As Twitter)
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

Introduction

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ( MeitY) through its Information Security Education & Awareness ( ISEA ) came up with an advisory regarding the growing cases of e-challan fraud. Cybercriminals are exploiting the beliefs of individuals by attracting them into clicking malicious links under the impression of paying traffic fines. Cybercriminals employ sending phishing messages and impersonating official e-challan notifications as a primary method. These messages are crafted in such a way that portrays a sense of urgency, provoking individuals to click on a link for spontaneous payment. For building trust, the messages are deviously created by scammers depicting official communication, which in actuality are fake messages targeting individuals for committing online financial fraud.

Unveiling the E-Challan Scam

Scammers send a text message to your phones that closely resembles e-challan alerts. The text appears from the traffic police, informing the netizens of a traffic violation that requires a fine payment. These messages contain a link and a text message urging the recipient to settle the fine by clicking on the links to make the payment.  Scammers have started trapping innocent individuals through such fake messages. These scammers are creating and sending fake messages that look like traffic challan alert messages. However, it is a completely deceptive and fake message. Such messages contain malicious links to fake website, leading users to visit the fake website and enter their bank account details, or make the payment which ultimately leads to financial loss to victims. Cyber scammers have meticulously copied the format used by the traffic authorities however a close examination can help us spot the trap. The modus operandi of such type of scam is to get the targeted individuals to click on a malicious link for payment of traffic e-challan. Once you click on such malicious payment link to pay for the e-challan the individuals unknowingly will end up paying the cyber criminals instead of the police in a bid to discharge the traffic e-challan.

How to spot a fake E-Challan?

• Verify the Vehicle Number: Make sure that the vehicle number mentioned in the message matches your vehicle’s number. Cross-check this information with your vehicle’s number plate or the smart card ( blue book) issued by the Regional Transport Office ( RTO).
• Verify the E-challan Number: Verify the validity of the e-challan number by logging into the official traffic police website or app. Legitimate e-challans will have a corresponding record that can be cross-checked for authenticity. The challan number can be verified by logging in to the official e-challan website. It is always advisable to Visit the official government website to check if you have actually been fined.
• Inspect the Message Content: Give attention to the language inculcated in the message. Hackers' messages may contain grammatical errors or unusual phrases. For example, cybercriminals might encourage victims to visit the RTO office in person. Trying to build up confidence among the victims. Also, it is important that you do not make such payments in haste. Vehicle owners must check such messages carefully before clicking on any link.

Best Practices to Stay Safe

• Be aware of unbidden messages: Be cautious when you receive unsolicited e- challan notifications. Abstain yourself by clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. 
• Always stick to legitimate or official websites: The scammers use links which look similar to the official link, and a casual glance can miss the difference. Hence it is strictly advisable to visit the official websites only. Also do note that government websites will always have the domain '.gov.in'.  The official website of Traffic Challan is https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/ 
• Get it cross-checked through official channels: Always cross-check the authenticity of an e-challan by directly accessing official channels, such as the official traffic police website or application. 
• Connect with the RTO directly: If in doubt, independently connect with the Regional Transport Office ( RTO) using official contact details to verify the authenticity of the e-challan.  It is best not to solely rely on information received from suspicious messages. 
• Software update: Make sure that your device’s security software is up to date to protect against malware and phishing scams.

Conclusion:

Cybercriminals are exploiting the fear of traffic fines to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links and revealing their personal and financial information. These scams can lead to significant financial losses for the victims. To stay safe, it is important to be cautious of unsolicited messages, verify the authenticity of e-challans through official channels, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Awareness is the first line of defence in the evolving landscape of online threats. 

References:

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/ahmedabad-residents-duped-out-of-lakhs-in-e-challan-scam-cops-arrest-jharkhand-man/articleshow/103528317.cms
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/new-traffic-e-challan-fraud-heres-how-to-identify-scam-messages-and-avoid-getting-duped/articleshow/104960817.cms
• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/explained-the-new-e-challan-scam-how-we-can-escape-it-4342129

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Introduction

In a groundbreaking move, India's Reserve Bank has embarked on a transformative journey with its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project. As the world grapples with the evolving landscape of digital finance, the implications of India's CBDC initiative extend beyond its borders, potentially reshaping global payment systems. The Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, revealed that on October 7, 2022, the Reserve Bank of India released a proposal note on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Two pilot projects using blockchain-based technology are described in the concept note: Digital Rupee-Wholesale (e₹-W) and Digital Rupee-Retail (e₹-R). Launched on November 1, 2022, the bulk trading pilot aims to increase intermediary competitiveness, particularly in the resolution of trades in the secondary market involving sovereign debt. In parallel, on December 1, 2022, the retail banking pilot, known as e₹-R, got underway in a limited user group with eight banks taking part in stages.

The digital asset known as e₳-R is issued across financial institutions for Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions. It is intended to serve as a virtual currency that represents legal money and exhibits characteristics similar to actual cash. Based on input gathered during the continuing trial phases, the RBI intends to progressively broaden the pilot project's scope.

Central Bank Digital Currency Pilot Projects

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), which the Central Bank of India is promoting, may easily perform an essential part in payments made across borders, according to Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das. The CBDC is going to be expanded to the international financial markets after being implemented as a trial in both the retail and wholesale industries.

CBDC in International Payments

He emphasized that although physical currency will still exist, the CBDC will eventually replace all forms of money worldwide.  

"CBDC is going to be the future currency of the world and it is necessary that every central bank, every country works on CBDC," he stated. He also stated that as worldwide commerce moves more and more around science and technology, CBDCs will play a significant role since they can effectively and affordably speed up payment processing across different countries. Regarding India's foreign exchange reserves, the governor stated that the selection to increase the resources as a safety net and protection versus contagion possibilities was made consciously.

CBDCs' Place in the Transnational Economic Revolution

In certain economies worldwide, having a CBDC internationally accessible could lead to more replacements for foreign currencies rather than the home currencies, which could cause financial aggregates to become volatile and change the mix of instruments of exchange.

CBDC may have benefits related to first-mover savings of scale, and other consequences even in everyday circumstances. If nations with global currencies have established CBDCs, they could strengthen current advantages and disadvantages, including consequences, particularly in terms of revenue. In a similar vein, CBDC might alter the structure of international liquidity while safeguarding asset supply. Additionally, and particularly if imposed abruptly, CBDC may, in certain circumstances, result in significant capital movements and associated repercussions on the foreign exchange rate as well as additional asset prices. Furthermore, nations may encounter difficulties in getting ready for virtual currencies issued by central banks.

The worldwide and international scope of CBDCs accessible to immigrants may become particularly apparent in situations where there is a widespread flight safety concern. In these circumstances, converting a CBDC into a foreign currency would make it possible for capital markets to deleverage more quickly. The elimination of debt challenges could show up as tight finance constraints and abrupt swings in foreign exchange markets if CBDCS expedited its flight from uncertainty.

Deposits of Foreign Exchange and Self-Dependency

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das stated "We must rely on ourselves. We must maintain our robust reserves. In order to achieve that goal, we have been amassing quite substantial reserves, and the outside world has come to feel quite confident that India would be able to fulfil its contractual responsibilities to the international community no matter what the obstacles," 

Involvement of RBI in the Currency Market

Given that the trading community was confident that the Reserve Bank of India would be capable of and able to fulfil its contractual responsibilities, the value of the Indian rupee did not decline as dramatically. The RBI governor stated that the RBI does participate in the economy, but that "our engagement operates in two ways," he would not hesitate to acknowledge this.

The Value of Macroeconomic and Budgetary Cooperation

According to RBI Governor Das, the RBI makes purchases and sales of dollars based on the direction in which the financial sector is trending. However, the RBI does not intend to set a certain level for the rupee because it does not consider any specific threshold for the Indian rupee's conversion rate against the US dollar. He also emphasized how crucial it is for both the financial and monetary authorities to work together.

Conclusion

India's CBDC project signals a transformative shift in the global digital finance landscape. Governor Shaktikanta Das envisions CBDCs as the future global currency, emphasizing their role in international payments. The potential impact on financial systems, cross-border transactions, and the need for self-reliance underscore the significance of India's CBDC initiative in shaping the evolving dynamics of the digital economy. As the project progresses, close cooperation between financial and monetary authorities becomes imperative for navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with this groundbreaking venture.

References

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/central-bank-digital-currency-can-play-important-role-in-cross-border-payment-rbi-guv/articleshow/104706717.cms
• https://www.bis.org/cpmi/publ/d174.pdf
• https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/fintech/explained-how-rbi-is-leveraging-upi-to-push-the-use-of-retail-cbdc/103591989
• https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2022/02/09/sp020922-the-future-of-money-gearing-up-for-central-bank-digital-currency
• https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/cbdc-pilot-projects-show-promising-results-rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das-123102601171_1.html