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.
This past week was a politically charged one that saw the opposition attacking the centre over the inauguration of the new Parliament, the ‘Sengol,’ and withdrawal of Rs 2000 notes. Prime Minister’s G7 summit participation, and the subsequent Australian visit also grabbed several eyeballs, and as a result, misinformation followed. While a clipped video was shared to misleadingly claim that PM Modi was ignored by the leaders at the G7 summit, an old photograph of the Sydney Opera House lit up was shared as recent. From false communal claims about a vandalism incident at a Tamil Nadu temple to misinformation over revocation of Hijab ban under Congress in Karnataka, here are our top fact checks from the week:
PM Narendra Modi ‘Ignored’ By G7 Summit Leaders? No, Clipped Video Shared Out Of Context
A video of PM Modi standing alone while French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden engage in a conversation, is going viral on social media platforms. Those sharing the video claim it to be evidence of how PM Modi was ignored by the world leaders at the recent G7 summit in Japan. Newschecker found that the viral clip has been edited out of a longer video from the G7 family photo event and that in the longer version PM Modi can be seen interacting with other leaders. Read more here.
‘Anti-Hindu’ Elements Vandalise Idols At Tiruppur Temple? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Posts
Several social media users are circulating a set of four images, claiming that they show the Avinashi Lingeshwarar temple in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, where “Anti-Hindu elements vandalised & damaged 63 idols”. Newschecker’s investigation revealed that the idols at Avinashi Lingeswarar temple in Tamil Nadu were not vandalised by a “Hindu hater” as falsely claimed by several social media users, but by a “mentally unstable” person. Read more here
Old Photo Of Sydney Opera House Lit Up With Indian Tricolour Goes Viral
A photo is going viral to show that the Sydney Opera House was lit up with the Indian tricolour to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia. Newschecker found that the photograph is old, and is being shared out of context. The image actually shows the Sydney Opera House lit up with the colours of the Indian flag to celebrate India’s 75 years of Independence on August 15, 2022. Read more here.
Karnataka: Did Congress Govt Revoke Hijab Ban? No, Old Video Viral With False Claim
A 26 second long video showing girls in burqas and hijabs entering a premises guided by police personnel, even as a huge crowd of onlookers flank either side of the entrance, is being widely shared on social media platforms. Those sharing the video claimed that hijab has been allowed again in Karnataka colleges and thanked the Congress leaders for rolling back the ban imposed by the previous government. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. Read more here.
Saudi Arabia Gifted Gold Bike To Cristiano Ronaldo? Here The Truth Behind The Viral Video
A video purportedly showing a “gold bike” is being widely shared on social media platforms. Those who shared the footage claimed it shows a bike that has been gifted to Cristiano Ronaldo by the Saudi Arabia government. Newschecker found that the viral video shows a custom bike known as “The Storm” at an exhibition. No credible reports confirm that Ronaldo was given any such bike by the Saudi government. 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.
