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.
From Prime Minister Modi to Delhi CM Kejriwal -high profile politicians became the target of online misinformation this week. While the Prime Minister’s Tamil Nadu visit was marred by a series of unrelated and manipulated images to show his ‘unwelcome’ reception by the people of the southern state, several social media users falsely claimed that the AAP chief got into IIT under “corporate quota.” From false claims on the RSS to misinformation around the recent firing at Bathinda Military Station, here are our top 5 debunks from the week:
Manipulated, Unrelated Images Go Viral Amid PM Narendra Modi’s Recent Visit To Tamil Nadu
On April 8, 2023, as the Prime Minister arrived in Chennai to inaugurate numerous infrastructure projects, the hashtag #GoBackModi started trending on Twitter. Several social media users shared images, videos, and graphics that purportedly depicted the PM’s ‘unwelcome’ reception by the people of Chennai. Newschecker found that at least four of these visuals were inaccurate. Read more here.
As Row Over PM’s Degree Resurfaces, Old Hoax Of Delhi CM’s ‘Corporate Quota’ Entrance Into IIT Kharagpur Revived
Several posts being shared on social media and messenger platforms such as WhatsApp allege that the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal did not attend the entrance examination mandatory to gain admission into the IIT. It further claims that Kejriwal’s admission in IIT Kharagpur was based on a donation by Jindal group, under the ‘corporate quota’. Newschecker’s investigation revealed that the viral post is false. Read more here.
Did RSS Issue Letter Instructing Hindu Men To Coax Muslim Women Into ‘Ghar Wapsi’?
A set of two images showing a document purportedly issued by the RSS encouraging Hindu men to lure Muslim women for religious conversion has created a stir on social media platforms. The letter lists a 12-point-plan on how to “entrap” a Muslim woman in line with the alleged decision by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to “bring 10 lakh Muslim girls back every year.” Newschecker found the viral letter to be fabricated. Read more here.
Bathinda Military Station Firing: Deceased Soldiers Were Not From 18 Horse Regiment
While the Indian army and Punjab police continue to probe the recent firing incident at Bathinda military station that killed four jawans, many twitter handles, including verified ones, “revealed” that the victims of the incident belonged to the 18 Horse Regiment and that “a Sikh soldier allegedly killed four Hindu soldiers” Newschecker found that the deceased belonged to the Indian Army’s 80 Medium Regiment. Read more here.
How True Are The Claims Of A Global Borderless Hindu Country With Currency Called ‘Raam’?
A video detailing a “borderless Hindu country” called the “Global Country of World Peace” is going viral on social media platforms. The video claims that the “GCWP” is located in Iowa, US, and is currently led by Tony Nader.” The viral footage further alleges that the “country” has its own currency, “Raam,” which is accepted in the US and Europe. Newschecker found the viral video to be misleading. 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.
