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.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
From communally charged claims to alleged unearthing of “big time conspiracies,” misinformation trailed the Odisha train tragedy this week. A false post claiming that Station Master “Sharif” has been on the run since the triple train collision spread like wildfire online, and a 2018 video from Karnataka of a child placing stones on tracks was shared out of context to show a “war against government” ahead of the 2024 polls. From the media spreading false news of Sweden declaring sex as a sport to a false circular attributed to the Indian Nursing Council, here are our top fact checks from the week.
‘False Information To Tarnish Sweden’, Says Country’s Top Sports Body On Reports Of Sweden Declaring Sex As A Sport
Several Indian media outlets, including the Times of India, Hindustan Times, News18, India Today, recently published reports that stated that Sweden has declared sex as a sport and the first-ever sex competition is scheduled to take place this week. Newschecker found the reports to be false. The Swedish Sports Federation had rejected the application to classify sex as a sport. Read more here.
Station Master ‘Sharif’ Absconding Since Odisha Train Accident? No, False Claim Viral Post Train Mishap
In the wake of the Odisha train tragedy, several social media users have claimed “station master Sharif, who was responsible and posted where the Koramondal (Coromandel) Express collided, is missing.” Newschecker found the claim to be false. No staff or station master named Sharif is posted at the Bahanaga Bazar railway station. The South Eastern Railway CPRO has confirmed that no staff is absconding, and everyone is cooperating in the ongoing investigation. Read more here.
BSc Nursing Equivalent To MBBS? Viral Circular Found To Be Fake
A circular allegedly issued by the Indian Nursing Council stating that the nurses are to be henceforth known as nursing officers, and that BSC nursing is equivalent to MBBS, putting them in the same category as junior doctors, has gone viral. Newschecker found the claim to be false. In a tweet, dated June 8, 2023, the Ministry of Health clarified that the alleged “Indian Nursing Council” circular, announcing that nurses will be known as nursing officers and that BSC nursing will be considered equivalent to MBBS, is fake. Read more here.
Conspiracy Ahead Of The 2024 Polls? No, Viral Video Of Boy Placing Stones On Train Track Is Old
A video of Railway workers “interrogating” a boy for placing stones on a railway track is being touted as a “big time conspiracy,” and “war against the govt.” Those sharing the video have warned that “anything can happen before” the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.” Newschecker found that the video dates back to 2018, and shows an incident from Karnataka. Police Sub Inspector of Wadi Railway Station confirmed it to be a childish act, and nothing serious. Read more here.
Kohli, Dhoni donated ₹30cr, ₹60cr To Victims Of Odisha Train Tragedy? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Posts
Several social media users are claiming that Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have donated ₹30 crores and ₹60 crores respectively, towards the victims of the devastating Odisha train crash on June 2, 2023, which claimed 288 lives and injured over 1,200 people. Newschecker did not find any official reports nor statements saying that cricketers Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni donated ₹30 crore and ₹60 crore towards the victims of the Odisha train accident. Read more here.
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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.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
