Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Claim
Famous monuments and buildings across the world were lit up in Indian tricolour to celebrate 75 years of the country’s independence from British rule.
Link to the post can be found here.
Fact
Viral Images Traced To 2017 FB Post
A quick reverse image search on image claiming to show Christ The Redeemer lit up in Indian tricolour led us to a Facebook post by FilterCopy, dated January 26, 2017, captioned, “If famous monuments and buildings were lit up in the Indian tri-colours, here’s what they would look like! #BurjKhalifa #RepublicOfIndia,” The post featured a set of nine images showing popular monuments and buildings across the world lit up in the three colours of the Indian National flag.
The viral images of Christ The Redeemer, the Petronas Twin Towers, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Eiffel Tower, 30 St Mary Axe, Burj Al Barb and Big Ben were featured in the same. Notably, the images had a disclaimer stating “this is an edited picture” at the bottom right of each of them.
Furthermore, we did not find any news report stating that the aforementioned monuments and buildings were lit up in tricolour to mark the 75 years of Indian independence.
Result: Altered Photo
Images From 2020 Shared As Recent
The post also claims that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company headquarters (ADNOC HQ) in Abu Dhabi and The Empire State Building in New York were illuminated with the colours of Indian tricolour to mark the completion of 75 years of India’s independence.
A Google reverse image search on the viral image of ADNOC H.Q led us to a tweet by the Indian Embassy in the UAE, dated August 15, 2020. The tweet carried the viral image along with the caption, “Thank you #UAE for resonating the spirit of #India on 74th #IndependenceDay 15 August 2020. Iconic @AdnocGroup tower in #AbuDhabi and majestic #BurjKhalifa in #Dubai lit up with our #Tricolour #AatmaNirbharBharat #JaiHind.”
Another round of Google reverse image search led us to a tweet by news agency ANI, dated August 16, 2020. Featuring the viral image of the Empire State Building, the tweet elaborated, “The Empire State Building in New York illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag. “
Result: Missing Context
If you liked this and want to read more such fact checks then click here.
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback, or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form.
Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
