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 Nobel Committee Member’s remarks on Modi to worm rains in China, here are the top five fake news that took over social media trends this week.
PM Modi ‘Biggest Contender’ For Nobel Peace Prize? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Claim Attributed To Asle Toje
Mainstream and social media ecosystems in India were taken by storm since late Wednesday, with the “news” that Deputy Leader of the Nobel Prize Committee Asle Toje declared PM Modi as the “biggest contender” for the Nobel Peace Prize. Major news outlets, including the Times of India, Economic Times, CNBC-TV18, and OpIndia, were among the many to report Toje’s alleged statement on the Indian PM. However, the news was found out to be false. Read the full fact check here.
Is It Raining Worms In China? Know The Truth Behind Viral Video Here
A video showing multiple roofs and bonnets of parked vehicles covered by what appears to be thick, thread-like organisms, has gone viral on social media. Some claimed that the incident happened in Beijing, while another asserted that the footage showing ‘worm rain’ is from the Liaoning province. Users said that following “this astonishing incident,” Chinese officials have recommended locals find shelter. However, Newschecker has found the assertion to be incorrect. Read the full fact check here.
Doctor in Spain Assaulted For Asking Patient To Remove Hijab? No, Viral Video Is Of 2021 Incident In Russia
A video, purportedly showing a man thrashing a doctor in a clinic in Spain, has gone viral. Several social media users are claiming that a “local doctor was attacked by an immigrant for asking his wife to remove her hijab for medical examination.” However, we found that the video is from Russia, dating back to 2021, and shows a man assaulting a doctor for speaking inappropriately to his wife. Read the full article here.
The Simpsons Predicted Silicon Valley Bank Collapse? No, Viral Clip From American Sitcom Digitally Edited
Last week, the Silicon Valley Bank in the US went under due to an abrupt back run. The collapse of the company with its headquarters in California, the biggest failure of a US bank since the 2008 crisis, has captured the interest of both social and traditional media globally. Other users noted that The Simpsons, an American animated series that has developed a reputation for accurately predicting future events, had foretold the Silicon Valley Bank collapse as the bank failure continued to generate interest on social media platforms. Newschecker found the claim to be false. Read the full fact check here.
Girls In Tamil Nadu School Did Not Throw Away Their Dupattas In Protest Of ‘Patriarchal & North Indian Uniform’, Video Shared With Misleading Claim
A video, likely shot in a school, showing students lined up in the corridors and flinging their dupattas (scarf), is going viral on social media platforms. Those who shared the video claimed that the girl students in Tamil Nadu are throwing away their dupattas to protest against their school uniform, which “they say is North Indian & patriarchal (sic).” Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. Read the full article 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.
