Authors
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 Nitish Kumar’s sudden pull out of the NDA alliance in Bihar to the GST council’s new rules to the CWG games , the past week saw a spate of developments in terms of news that gave fodder to a wave of misinformation. Here’s a list of top fake news debunked by Newschecker this past week.
18% GST On House Rent For Tenants? Misleading Claim Goes Viral
The government has imposed a GST of 18% on house rent from all tenants, claimed several Twitter users, triggering outrage among many on social media. One such tweet said, “Modi does not want to leave any chance to loot money from people, gradually everything is coming under the purview of GST, now tenants will have to pay additional 18% GST separately along with the rent of the house.” Another user remarked, “18% GST on rent for a house…Acche din aa hi gaye.” A fact-check by Newschecker found the claims to be misleading as the new law implies renting of residential units are taxable only when used for business purposes.
You can read the full fact check here
‘Nitish Sabke Hai’ Poster Not Put Up After Nitish Kumar Dumped BJP, Viral Image Is From 2020
Soon after the JDU announced a split from the NDA alliance in Bihar, social media users shared posters that read “Nitish Sabke Hai”, claiming that they were put up at JDU HQs in Patna soon after the political shift in the state. However, Newschecker found that the image was from 2020 and was tweeted in context of the Bihar Assembly elections.
You can read the full fact check here
JDU Workers Assaulting BJP Supporters In Bihar? No, Video From Bengal Goes Viral With False Claim
Soon after JDU walked out of the NDA alliance in Bihar, several social media users are sharing a video, claiming to show JDU workers assaulting BJP supporters. Newschecker found the video is actually from West Bengal, and showed clashes between BJP and TMC workers.
You can read the full fact check here
Viral Forward Claiming SC Has Set Up A Committee To Oversee Freebies Given By Governments Is False
A text message claiming that the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a body called ‘All India taxpayers organisation’ to oversee & regulate ‘freebies’ by political parties ahead of polls, is going viral on social media & WhatsApp. Newschecker found this claim to be untrue.
Read more here
Old Video Of Youth Run Over By Security Forces During Muharram Shared As Recent
Several Pakistan based handles, including prominent media house Express Tribune, shared a video claiming to show muslim youth participating in Muharram procession being attacked and run over by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Newschecker investigation revealed that the incident took place last year and was falsely shared claiming to be recent.
Read the full fact check here.
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Authors
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.
