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.
Claim
Photograph showing PM Narendra Modi and LK Advani seated while President Droupadi Murmu stands nearby.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
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Fact
A Google lens search on the viral photograph led us to a PTI report published in The Hindu Business Line, dated March 31, 2024. Displaying the viral image, the report stated, “President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday conferred Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, on Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani at his residence here.”
The report also featured an X post by the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan dated March 31, 2024. The post carried a set of four pictures, including the viral image, stating “President Droupadi Murmu presented Bharat Ratna to Shri L. K. Advani at his residence. The formal ceremony was attended by Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and the family members of Shri Advani…”
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Notably, a photograph featured in the post shows President Murmu seated along with PM Modi and LK Advani with the medal around his neck, indicating that the image was take after he had received the award.
A video of the ceremony was also posted on the official YouTube channel of Narendra Modi.
In the video, President Murmu can be seen sitting initially. Then she gets up and confers the Bharat Ratna to Advani.
Notably, Ashok Malik, ex-press secretary to former President Ramnath Kovind, said, “Rashtrapati Bhavan protocol has the President and recipient both standing, while other guests — including the Vice-President and Prime Minister — are seated. If the recipient is elderly or indisposed he/she may stay seated.”
Hence, we could conclude that an image showing President Murmu standing while conferring LK Advani with the Bharat Ratna has been shared out of context.
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Result: Missing Context
Sources
X Post By @rashtrapatibhvn, Dated March 31, 2024
YouTube Video By Narendra Modi, Dated March 31, 2024
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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.
