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.
Festive season is no stop for those spreading misinformation. From national politics to the Ukraine war, social media saw false information on several topics this week. Here are our top 5 fact checks from the past week:
Bharat Jodo Yatra: Old Image From Nigeria Shared As Congress’ Mega Rally In Ballari
Congress organised a mega rally in Karnataka’s Ballari to mark the completion of 1,000 km of Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra on Saturday. The photos and videos from the event have been flooding the social media platforms over the past couple of days. One such image shows an aerial view of a massive gathering of people. Users who shared the image claimed that it showed the Congress’ Ballari rally. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. Read more here.
Gujarat Polls: ‘India TV’ Graphic Predicting AAP Win Is Fake
A viral infographic, purportedly of a survey conducted by India TV, predicts a convincing win for AAP in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. According to this graphic, AAP will bag 98 out of the 182 seats, BJP will win 67 and Congress 13.Newschecker’s investigation revealed that the viral infographic on “India TV’s opinion poll”, projecting AAP’s win in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections is fabricated, the channel has not done any recent survey on the polls. Read more here.
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: No, This Image Does Not Show Uttarakhand Chopper Mishap
A helicopter, carrying pilgrims, crashed right after the takeoff from the Kedarnath shrine near Garud Chatti in Rudraprayag on Thursday. Seven, including the pilot, reportedly lost their lives in the accident. Soon after, several social media users shared an image of an airborne helicopter up in flames linked to the recent chopper crash in Kedarnath. However, Newschecker found that the image is actually a stock/representative photo and is being shared without context. Read more here.
Viral Video Of ‘Indian Soldier’ Catching Snake Is Actually Of Indonesian Military Training
A short video, purportedly showing an “Indian” soldier in camouflage catching a snake with his bare hands and crawling with it through a jungle, has gone viral on social media, especially on Youtube and Facebook. Some media outlets, too, have reported on it. Newschecker’s investigation revealed that the viral short video of a soldier catching a snake is not of the Indian Army, but of a training related to the Indonesian military. Read more here.
Ukraine Attacking Russian Tanks With American Javelin Missiles? No, Gaming Footage Shared With False Claim
Amid Russia’s unabated invasion of Ukraine, a video showing night-time visuals of a convoy of tanks being hit by missiles is going viral on social media platforms. Those who shared the footage claim it shows Ukrainian forces targeting and destroying the Russian tanks with American Javelin missiles. Newschecker found that though the US has supplied javelin missiles to Ukraine to defend itself from Russia, the viral video is actually gaming footage. 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.
