Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies
Featured #factCheck Blogs
Executive Summary
Amid political developments following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, a photo is being widely circulated on social media claiming that former cricketer and Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The viral image shows Pathan wearing a BJP scarf and standing alongside Union Health Minister JP Nadda. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The image in circulation is AI-generated and does not depict any real event.
Claim:
A Facebook user ‘Mohd Anwar Dhadoli Khurd’ shared the viral image on June 16, 2026, claiming that Yusuf Pathan has joined the BJP. The post has since been widely shared across platforms.
Post link: https://www.facebook.com/mohd.anwar.dhadoli.khurd/posts/pfbid02WAo4uXhhM1qEVTMbxTjKpTHkoeAbfEztwkX6tWLWpN8WBzNavgtJgKV8JoBGULSul
Archive link: https://perma.cc/4A3H-YTPL
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of the viral photo did not yield any credible news reports or authentic sources linking the image to any such political development. No related information was found on Yusuf Pathan’s official social media accounts either, raising suspicion about the authenticity of the image. The image was then analysed using AI detection tools. Sightengine reported a 99% probability of the image being AI-generated.
Additionally, analysis using “Undetectable.ai” also indicated a high likelihood of AI manipulation.
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral image claiming Yusuf Pathan’s entry into the BJP is AI-generated and does not reflect any real-world event.
Executive Summary
Following the official launch of E85 petrol in India on June 5, 2026, several videos have surfaced on social media claiming unusual side effects of ethanol-blended fuel. One such viral clip alleges that a swarm of bees gathers on a motorcycle fuel tank due to the use of ethanol mixed petrol. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false and misleading. The viral video has been identified as AI-generated and does not depict any real-world incident related to ethanol-blended fuel.
Claim:
An X user shared an 11-second video on June 13, 2026, claiming that bees are being attracted to vehicles using ethanol-blended petrol. The post sarcastically suggested that E20 fuel is causing such unusual effects and questioned the impact of E85 petrol. https://x.com/khan_tahkeek/status/2065751435451437185?s=20, https://archive.ph/bMsL7
Fact Check:
A Google search using relevant keywords did not return any credible media reports supporting the claim, raising initial doubts about its authenticity. Closer inspection of the viral video revealed multiple visual inconsistencies suggesting digital manipulation. The video was further analysed using AI detection tools. Hive Moderation flagged the content as having a 98% probability of being AI-generated, indicating strong likelihood of synthetic creation.
In addition, analysis using the AI detection tool “WasItAI” also confirmed that the video is AI-generated.
Further verification found an official post by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) dated June 17, 2026, debunking similar misinformation circulating around ethanol-blended petrol https://x.com/BPCLimited/status/2067167037710020929?s=20
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video showing bees swarming on a motorcycle fuel tank is AI-generated. The claim linking it to ethanol-blended petrol (E85/E20) is false and misleading, with no real-world basis.
Executive Summary
Amid political developments following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, a photo is being widely circulated on social media claiming that former cricketer and Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The viral image shows Pathan wearing a BJP scarf and standing alongside Union Health Minister JP Nadda. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The image in circulation is AI-generated and does not depict any real event.
Claim:
A Facebook user ‘Mohd Anwar Dhadoli Khurd’ shared the viral image on June 16, 2026, claiming that Yusuf Pathan has joined the BJP. The post has since been widely shared across platforms.
Post link: https://www.facebook.com/mohd.anwar.dhadoli.khurd/posts/pfbid02WAo4uXhhM1qEVTMbxTjKpTHkoeAbfEztwkX6tWLWpN8WBzNavgtJgKV8JoBGULSul
Archive link: https://perma.cc/4A3H-YTPL
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of the viral photo did not yield any credible news reports or authentic sources linking the image to any such political development. No related information was found on Yusuf Pathan’s official social media accounts either, raising suspicion about the authenticity of the image. The image was then analysed using AI detection tools. Sightengine reported a 99% probability of the image being AI-generated.
Additionally, analysis using “Undetectable.ai” also indicated a high likelihood of AI manipulation.
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral image claiming Yusuf Pathan’s entry into the BJP is AI-generated and does not reflect any real-world event.
Executive Summary
Following the official launch of E85 petrol in India on June 5, 2026, several videos have surfaced on social media claiming unusual side effects of ethanol-blended fuel. One such viral clip alleges that a swarm of bees gathers on a motorcycle fuel tank due to the use of ethanol mixed petrol. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false and misleading. The viral video has been identified as AI-generated and does not depict any real-world incident related to ethanol-blended fuel.
Claim:
An X user shared an 11-second video on June 13, 2026, claiming that bees are being attracted to vehicles using ethanol-blended petrol. The post sarcastically suggested that E20 fuel is causing such unusual effects and questioned the impact of E85 petrol. https://x.com/khan_tahkeek/status/2065751435451437185?s=20, https://archive.ph/bMsL7
Fact Check:
A Google search using relevant keywords did not return any credible media reports supporting the claim, raising initial doubts about its authenticity. Closer inspection of the viral video revealed multiple visual inconsistencies suggesting digital manipulation. The video was further analysed using AI detection tools. Hive Moderation flagged the content as having a 98% probability of being AI-generated, indicating strong likelihood of synthetic creation.
In addition, analysis using the AI detection tool “WasItAI” also confirmed that the video is AI-generated.
Further verification found an official post by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) dated June 17, 2026, debunking similar misinformation circulating around ethanol-blended petrol https://x.com/BPCLimited/status/2067167037710020929?s=20
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video showing bees swarming on a motorcycle fuel tank is AI-generated. The claim linking it to ethanol-blended petrol (E85/E20) is false and misleading, with no real-world basis.
Executive Summary
Amid reports of attacks on ships in the Gulf of Oman that led to the death of three Indian nationals, a video showing a person lying injured on a ship is being widely circulated on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that the United States sent the body of a deceased Indian sailor to India in a “wrapped” condition. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is unrelated to any recent incident involving Indian nationals and is, in fact, from a mock drill conducted on board a ship.
Claim:
An Instagram user ‘fakirchand.sharma’ shared the video on June 15, 2026, claiming that an Indian sailor, identified as Nishant Urthnathan, died due to health complications on a vessel anchored at Duqm port, Oman. The post further alleged that the United States returned the body in a “wrapped” condition, sparking outrage on social media. https://www.instagram.com/fakirchand.sharma/reel/DZlsxj9TIaS , https://perma.cc/C9SF-J8ZR
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to an Instagram account ‘bipul_raja_vlogs’, where the same video was posted on June 10, 2026. The original caption clearly stated that the visuals were from a fire drill conducted on board a ship. https://www.instagram.com/p/DZbnZlGPAlL
Further posts from the same account on June 15 and June 17, 2026, also show similar mock drill visuals and clarify that the content is being misused online. The account features multiple posts related to routine ship operations and training exercises. https://www.instagram.com/p/DZnEXOzCc2X
The profile also contains several other photos and videos of crew members working on the ship. We also checked the YouTube channel linked in this profile, “Sunnybabu,” where a mock drill video was uploaded on January 21, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/bipul_raja_vlogs
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video is unrelated to the death of any Indian sailor in the Gulf of Oman. The clip actually shows a mock drill conducted on a ship and is being falsely shared with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary: A video circulating on social media claims that retired Lieutenant General P.R. Shankar questioned the capability of newly appointed Army Chief Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, suggesting he may not be able to effectively counter Pakistan or China. The clip further alleges that the appointment involved political influence and favoritism. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false and misleading. The original video contains no such remarks regarding the new Army Chief or his appointment.
Claim: An X user shared the viral video on June 16, 2026, alleging that Lt Gen P.R. Shankar raised concerns over the appointment of the new Army Chief and questioned his competence in handling threats from Pakistan and China. https://x.com/indiain24hr/status/2066916021982908502 , https://archive.ph/vAnjo
Fact Check: A Google search using relevant keywords did not yield any credible media reports supporting the claim, raising initial doubts about its authenticity. A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to a YouTube livestream uploaded on June 13, 2026. The original video showed Lt Gen P.R. Shankar discussing modern military concepts such as drone warfare, rocket systems, artillery and missile warfare (DRaM Warfare), with no reference to Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth or his appointment.
https://www.youtube.com/live/60JMMlHRmjA
Further verification revealed that Lt Gen P.R. Shankar himself has labelled the circulating clip as fake on his official X account and has stated that a formal complaint has been filed against such manipulated content.
https://x.com/palepurshankar/status/2066826145707024778
Additionally, AI detection analysis using Hive Moderation indicated that the audio in the viral video has a 99% probability of being AI-generated.
Conclusion: The research confirms that the viral video is an AI-generated deepfake. The original video does not contain any remarks about Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth or his appointment. The content has been digitally manipulated and is being circulated with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
Amid ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities, a video is being widely circulated on social media platforms claiming that a female football fan became the centre of attraction during a match due to her striking beauty. The clip is being shared with the caption “Beauty in Black,” suggesting that beauty transcends colour and became the highlight of the stadium crowd. CyberPeace Research Wing research, however, found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is AI-generated and does not depict any real incident from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Claim:
Social media user Bal Mukund Joshi shared the video on X on June 14, 2026, claiming that a beautiful woman captured everyone’s attention inside a World Cup stadium. The post has been widely circulated across platforms.
https://x.com/balmukundjoshi/status/2066033100208095452?s=20
Fact Check:
A close visual analysis of the clip revealed inconsistencies, including a mismatch in skin tone between different frames, raising suspicion of digital manipulation or AI generation. The video was further examined using multiple AI detection tools. Google’s SynthID analysis indicated no direct trace of Google AI generation, but Gemini’s assessment highlighted anomalies suggesting possible AI or heavy digital editing, particularly in facial features and skin texture. The video was then analysed using Hive Moderation, which indicated a 100% probability of the content being AI-generated.
Additionally, frame-by-frame analysis using Vera AI Detector showed a high likelihood (92%) of AI-generated visuals. The research also revealed that the video originates from an Instagram-based virtual influencer account that shares AI-created content.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming that a female fan became the centre of attention during a FIFA World Cup 2026 match is not real. The clip is AI-generated and originates from a virtual influencer account on Instagram, shared with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
Amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers, a video showing a vessel engulfed in flames and thick black smoke is being widely circulated on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that it depicts a US attack on a ship carrying Indian nationals in Omani waters. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video predates the incident it is being linked to and is not related to any recent attack.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the video alleging that the United States attacked a ship carrying Indian citizens in the maritime region near Oman. The post has been widely circulated as part of the ongoing West Asia tensions. Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3031094270427837, https://www.facebook.com/reel/3031094270427837
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to several media reports published on 2 March 2026, which carried the same visuals seen in the circulating clip. The reports indicated that the footage showed a vessel targeted amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following restrictions on maritime movement in the region. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-targets-6th-ship-in-hormuz-strait-video-shows-billowing-smoke-11159019
Further research also found the same visuals in a Moneycontrol report published on 2 March 2026. The report clearly established that the footage is from an earlier incident and not linked to any recent developments. https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/indian-crew-member-killed-after-drone-boat-strikes-oil-tanker-off-oman-coast-first-indian-casualty-in-us-iran-tensions-article-13848303.html
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video is not related to any recent US attack on a vessel carrying Indian nationals. The footage has been online since at least March 2026 and shows an earlier incident involving the oil tanker Skylight during tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Hence, the claim being circulated on social media is misleading.
Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media is being shared with the claim that the Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi national who was attempting to infiltrate India through the Tripura border. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is not related to any recent incident on the Tripura border. It actually shows Haris Nazir Dar, a militant who was killed during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district last year.
Claim:
The viral clip, which is around eight seconds long, shows a body lying on the ground. It is being shared on X with captions suggesting that the deceased was a Bangladeshi infiltrator who was killed while attempting to cross the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura.
https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2066210317265457298
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found matching visuals in a report published by Dainik Bhaskar on August 2, 2025. The report was related to an encounter between security forces and militants in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. Visuals in the report matched those seen in the viral video.
We also found a report published by India Today on August 2, 2025, which carried photographs of slain militant Haris Nazir Dar taken from a different angle. The report stated that security forces had killed three militants during the operation in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gunfight-underway-with-3-lashkar-terrorists-in-jks-kulgam-2764971-2025-08-01
Conclusion:
The evidence gathered during our research makes it clear that the viral video does not show a Bangladeshi infiltrator killed at the Tripura border. The footage is actually from a security operation in Jammu and Kashmir and shows Haris Nazir Dar, a militant who was killed in an encounter in Kulgam last year.
Executive Summary
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, a video showing a fighter jet launching a missile at a massive dam, followed by its collapse and widespread flooding, is being widely shared on social media. Users are claiming that the video depicts a recent Israeli airstrike on a petrochemical plant located along Iran’s Karun River. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the viral claim is false. The video is not related to any real-world incident and has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Claim:
An Instagram user shared the viral video with a caption claiming that Israel carried out an airstrike on a petrochemical complex along Iran’s Karun River. The post further suggested that the facility is a key industrial site and that the attack caused widespread panic in the region. Post link:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZhNuiRx_v1/
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZhNuiRx_v1/
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the video led to its appearance on a Facebook page named Warfare NextGen. The page clearly described the footage as “dramatic content,” indicating that it is not a real incident.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1027249019882257
A closer analysis of the visuals also revealed several inconsistencies that raise doubts about its authenticity. To further verify the video, it was analyzed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which indicated a 99.4% probability that the content is AI-generated.
Additionally, a separate analysis using SIGHTENGINE also classified the video as approximately 99% AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video is not a real incident. It has been created using artificial intelligence and is being falsely shared as a depiction of an Israeli strike on a petrochemical plant along Iran’s Karun River.
Executive Summary
A video showing a massive fire with thick black smoke is being widely shared on social media with the claim that it depicts a recent Israeli attack on Iran. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the claim is false. The viral video is not related to Iran or any Israel-Iran conflict. It actually shows a gas pipeline fire in Kizilyurt city of Russia’s Dagestan region.
Claim:
A video circulating on X shows a large fire breaking out at a location with thick black smoke rising. The clip is being shared with a caption claiming, “Israel has carried out more than 500 surgical strikes on Iran in the last 24 hours.” Post link: https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2064700017361985702, https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2064700017361985702
Fact Check:
A reverse image search using keyframes from the viral video led to visuals published in a report on a Dagestan-based media outlet dated June 9. The report stated that the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry’s Dagestan department received reports of three explosions at a methane gas station.
https://riadagestan.ru/news/incidents/v_dagestane_vzorvalas_azs
Further research found that several Russian media outlets also published the same visuals on June 9, describing them as a pipeline explosion and fire in Kizilyurt, Dagestan
We also found a report published by DW on June 9, 2026, which stated that three explosions occurred on the Mozdok–Kazimagomed gas pipeline in Kizilyurt, Dagestan, resulting in a massive fire with flames rising up to 15 meters. According to local authorities, no casualties or injuries were reported..
https://www.dw.com/ru/na-gazoprovode-v-dagestane-progremeli-tri-vzryva-voznik-pozar/a-77481599
Conclusion:
The research clearly shows that the viral video is unrelated to the Israel-Iran conflict. It actually depicts a gas pipeline fire in Russia’s Dagestan region, which has been falsely shared as a recent Israeli strike on Iran.
Executive Summary
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and concerns over the safety of commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members, a purported ABP News video clip has been circulating on social media. The clip, along with an accompanying image, claims that in response to alleged US attacks on ships carrying Indian citizens, the Indian government removed security arrangements outside the US Embassy in New Delhi and withdrew identity cards issued to American diplomats. The viral post also includes an image showing a JCB machine near the US Embassy, which users are sharing as alleged evidence of recent government action against the United States CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The probe revealed that both the video clip and the image are not recent and are in fact related to events from 2013, during the diplomatic tensions following the arrest of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade.
Claim:
On X (formerly Twitter), a user shared the viral clip alleging that India strongly condemned the US over reported attacks on a vessel carrying Indian citizens and, in response, removed security from the US Embassy in New Delhi and revoked identity cards issued to American diplomats.
https://x.com/aadil_husssain2/status/2065184188157043053
https://ghostarchive.org/archive/A5Py5
Fact Check
A keyword search related to the alleged removal of security outside the US Embassy did not yield any recent credible reports supporting the claim. We also observed that the ABP News logo visible in the viral clip is an older version that is no longer in use, raising further doubts about its authenticity and timeline. To verify the footage, we checked ABP News’ official YouTube channel and found a report dated December 17, 2013. The report stated that Delhi Police had removed security barricades outside the US Embassy in New Delhi following diplomatic tensions between India and the United States over the arrest and treatment of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York. The visuals in the 2013 report closely match multiple segments seen in the viral clip. The footage originally aired as part of ABP News’ “Fatafat” bulletin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrm_UcL1zOk&t=139s
Further search also led to a PTI-reported article published by Times of India on December 17, 2013. According to the report, barricades outside the US Embassy were removed as part of India’s response to the Khobragade incident. The report also mentioned that India had sought the return of identity cards issued to American consular officials and rolled back certain diplomatic privileges.
The image being shared alongside the claim, showing a JCB machine near the US Embassy, is also old. Getty Images carries photographs dated December 17, 2013 showing barricades being removed outside the US Embassy in New Delhi during the same diplomatic episode.
Conclusion:
The research clearly establishes that both the viral video clip and the accompanying image are not recent. These visuals are from 2013 and are linked to diplomatic developments following the Devyani Khobragade case. The claim linking them to recent events involving US Embassy security arrangements is misleading.
Executive Summary
Following a recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, members of the self-styled “Cockroach Janata Party” also staged a demonstration in Pune, Maharashtra, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Amid this backdrop, a photograph has gone viral on social media purportedly showing the party’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, posing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the image is not genuine. The photograph has been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and does not depict a real meeting between the two individuals.
Claim
An X user, “subhash Kumar sharma,” shared the viral image on June 8, 2026, with the caption: “This is the real face of the Cockroach... the rest you all understand. They were begging for Pradhan’s resignation at Jantar Mantar… did they get it or not?” The archived and original links to the post can be seen below:
https://x.com/sharmass27/status/2063691212662686102?s=20
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a reverse image search using Google. However, we did not find any credible news reports related to the viral photograph. We also searched using relevant keywords, but no reliable information supporting the claim was found. We then examined the official X account of Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the “Cockroach Janata Party.” No post, photograph, or information related to any meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was found on his account.
https://x.com/abhijeet_dipke?lang=en
The absence of any credible evidence led us to suspect that the image may have been generated using AI. To further verify its authenticity, we analyzed the image using AI-detection tools. The first tool, Hive Moderation, indicated a nearly 99 percent probability that the image was AI-generated. The analysis also suggested signs consistent with content produced by generative AI models.
We then examined the image using another AI-detection platform, Sightengine. Its analysis likewise indicated a 99 percent likelihood that the image was AI-generated and showed characteristics commonly associated with AI-created visuals.
Conclusion
Our research found that the claim accompanying the viral image is false. The photograph purportedly showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke is not real. The image has been generated using Artificial Intelligence and does not represent an actual meeting or event.
Executive Summary
A picture of grenade-style pens is being circulated on social media with the claim that they are actually small bombs responsible for explosions in Gujarat. Users are being warned not to pick up any object resembling the pen, with posts alleging that similar devices are causing blasts in different parts of the state. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be completely false. The viral image shows a novelty military-style pen, not an explosive device. The same product is listed on the American e-commerce platform Etsy, where it is described as a military tank or grenade-style ink pen that uses refillable ink cartridges.
Claim
The viral image shows five grenade-shaped pens. It is being shared with a caption claiming: “Do not pick up anything that looks like this pen. If you find one lying somewhere, do not touch it. It is a small bomb, and incidents like this are happening wherever such pens are found in Gujarat.”The post also includes photographs of injured individuals to reinforce the claim.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/273456550609813/posts/1721798935775560/
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first searched for relevant news reports using English and Gujarati keywords. However, we found no credible media reports linking grenade-shaped pens to any explosions in Gujarat. During the search, we came across reports mentioning that certain Khalistani groups had allegedly sent emails threatening blasts in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. However, none of those reports mentioned grenade-style pens or any similar explosive devices.
We also checked whether Gujarat Police had issued any warning, advisory, or public notice regarding such objects. However, no such advisory was found on any official Gujarat Police social media handle or public platform.
Next, we conducted a reverse image search of the viral photograph. The search led us to a listing on the American e-commerce website Etsy, where the product is described as a “Military Novelty Tank or Grenade Ink Pen.”
https://www.etsy.com/listing/889188479/military-novelty-tank-or-grenade-ink
The product description indicates that it is a novelty writing instrument that uses refillable ink cartridges and is intended purely as a decorative or novelty item. We also reviewed Etsy’s prohibited items policy. According to the platform, weapons, explosives, and other dangerous items are not permitted to be sold on the website.
https://www.etsy.com/legal/prohibited/
Additionally, we attempted to contact Michael Dobbs, associated with the product listing, for clarification. This report will be updated if a response is received.
Conclusion
The evidence gathered during our research clearly shows that the claim is false. The viral image does not depict a bomb but a novelty grenade-style ink pen sold online. There is no evidence that such pens are causing explosions in Gujarat, and the claim being circulated on social media is entirely misleading.
