#FactCheck -Fake Viral Poster Falsely Attributes Political Endorsement of Rahul Gandhi to Sachin Tendulkar
Executive Summary
A post claiming that former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and urged people to elect him as Prime Minister is being widely circulated on social media.The viral poster falsely attributes a political statement to Sachin Tendulkar, suggesting that he has endorsed Rahul Gandhi for the post of Prime Minister. However, CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be fake. Sachin Tendulkar has not made any such appeal or statement supporting Rahul Gandhi for Prime Minister.
Claim
On X (formerly Twitter), a verified user “Queen” shared a viral poster claiming:“Sachin Tendulkar has always supported education and never promoted superstition. Rahul Gandhi always predicts what Narendra Modi will do next. It is time to choose Rahul Gandhi again.”
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first searched for any news reports, interviews, or credible references linking Sachin Tendulkar to such a political statement. However, we found no evidence in any reliable media source or public record suggesting that he made any such remark about Rahul Gandhi or the Prime Ministership. We also reviewed Sachin Tendulkar’s official social media accounts, but found no post, video, or statement endorsing any political leader in this manner.
Finally, the viral poster was analysed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation. The analysis indicated a 96.8% probability that the poster was digitally created or manipulated, suggesting possible AI-generated or edited content.
Conclusion
CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be fake. Sachin Tendulkar has not made any appeal to elect Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister. The viral poster appears to be digitally fabricated and is being shared to spread misinformation.
Related Blogs
A video purportedly showing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat making remarks about the “saffronisation” of the Indian Army has been widely circulated on social media. The clip claims that Bhagwat called for the removal of non-Hindus from the armed forces and linked the issue to future political leadership changes in the country.
Claim
However, a verification by the Cyber Peace Foundation has established that the video is misleading and has been digitally manipulated.
In the video, Bhagwat is allegedly heard saying that unless more than 50 percent of non-Hindus are removed from the Indian Army by 2028, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be replaced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The clip further attributes another statement to him, suggesting that he would resign if the Prime Minister were to demand Nitish Kumar’s resignation.
By the time of publication, the video had been viewed over 7,000 times.( lINK, ARCHIVE Link, Screenshot
Fact Check:
The reverse image search also directed the Desk to a video uploaded on CNN-News18’s official YouTube channel on December 21, 2025. The footage was found to be a longer version of the viral clip and was recorded at the RSS centenary event held in Kolkata on the same date. A comparison of both videos confirmed that the background visuals, stage setup and camera angles were identical.
However, a careful review of the original CNN-News18 video revealed that Mohan Bhagwat did not make any of the statements attributed to him in the viral clip.
In his original address, Bhagwat spoke about unity and referred to concerns over increasing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. He made no reference to the Indian Army, nor did he comment on its composition or alleged saffronisation. Here is the link to the original video, along with a screenshot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnsAUGfBQBk&t=1s
In the next phase of the investigation, the audio track from the viral video was extracted and analysed using the AI audio detection tool Aurigin. The tool’s assessment indicated that the voice heard in the clip was artificially generated, confirming that the audio did not originate from the original speech.
Conclusion
The claim that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for the saffronisation of the Indian Army is false. PTI Fact Check found that the viral video was digitally manipulated, using genuine footage from an RSS centenary event but pairing it with an AI-generated audio track. The altered video was shared online to mislead viewers by falsely attributing statements Bhagwat never made.
Introduction:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, GOI, established the initiative ‘DigiYatra’ to ensure hassle-free and health-risk-free journeys for travellers/passengers. The initiative uses a single token of face biometrics to digitally validate identity, travel, and health along with any other data needed to enable air travel.
Cybersecurity is a top priority for the DigiYatra platform administrators, with measures implemented to mitigate risks of data loss, theft, or leakage. With over 6.5 million users, DigiYatra is an important step forward for India, in the direction of secure digital travel with seamless integration of proactive cybersecurity protocols. This blog focuses on examining the development, challenges and implications that stand in the way of securing digital travel.
What is DigiYatra? A Quick Overview
DigiYatra is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to enable paperless travel, reducing identity checks for a seamless airport experience. This technology allows the entry of passengers to be automatically processed based on a facial recognition system at all the checkpoints at the airports, including main entry, security check areas, aircraft boarding, and more.
This technology makes the boarding process quick and seamless as each passenger needs less than three seconds to pass through every touchpoint. Passengers’ faces essentially serve as their documents (ID proof and if required, Vaccine Proof) and their boarding passes.
DigiYatra has also enhanced airport security as passenger data is validated by the Airlines Departure Control System. It allows only the designated passengers to enter the terminal. Additionally, the entire DigiYatra Process is non-intrusive and automatic. In improving long-standing security and operational airport protocols, the platform has also significantly improved efficiency and output for all airport professionals, from CISF personnel to airline staff members.
Policy Origins and Framework
Rooted in the Government of India's Digital India campaign and enabled by the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, DigiYatra aims to modernise air travel by integrating Aadhaar-based passenger identification. While Aadhaar is currently the primary ID, efforts are underway to include other identification methods. The platform, supported by stakeholders like the Airports Authority of India (26%) and private airports (14.8% each), must navigate stringent cybersecurity demands. Compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensures the secure use of sensitive facial recognition data, while the Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023, mandate robust interoperability and data protection mechanisms across stakeholders. DigiYatra also aspires to democratise digital travel, extending its reach to underserved airports and non-tech-savvy travellers. As India refines its cybersecurity and privacy frameworks, learning from global best practices is essential to safeguarding data and ensuring seamless, secure air travel operations.
International Practices
Global practices offer crucial lessons to strengthen DigiYatra's cybersecurity and streamline the seamless travel experience. Initiatives such as CLEAR in the USA and Seamless Traveller initiatives in Singapore offer actionable insights into further expanding the system to its full potential. CLEAR is operational in 58 airports and has more than 17 million users. Singapore has made Seamless Traveller active since the beginning of 2024 and aims to have a 95% shift to automated lanes by 2026.
Some additional measures that India can adopt from international initiatives are regular audits and updates to the cybersecurity policies. Further, India can aim for a cross-border policy for international travel. By implementing these recommendations, DigiYatra can not only improve data security and operational efficiency but also establish India as a leader in global aviation security standards, ensuring trust and reliability for millions of travellers
CyberPeace Recommendations
Some recommendations for further improving upon our efforts for seamless and secure digital travel are:
- Strengthen the legislation on biometric data usage and storage.
- Collaborate with global aviation bodies to develop standardised operations.
- Cybersecurity technologies, such as blockchain for immutable data records, should be adopted alongside encryption standards, data minimisation practices, and anonymisation techniques.
- A cybersecurity-first culture across aviation stakeholders.
Conclusion
DigiYatra represents a transformative step in modernising India’s aviation sector by combining seamless travel with robust cybersecurity. Leveraging facial recognition and secure data validation enhances efficiency while complying with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and Aircraft (Security) Rules, 2023.
DigiYatra must address challenges like secure biometric data storage, adopt advanced technologies like blockchain, and foster a cybersecurity-first culture to reach its full potential. Expanding to underserved regions and aligning with global best practices will further solidify its impact. With continuous innovation and vigilance, DigiYatra can position India as a global leader in secure, digital travel.
References
- https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/digi-yatra-operates-on-principle-of-privacy-by-design-brings-convenience-security-ceo-digi-yatra-foundation/114926799
- https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-what-is-digiyatra-how-it-will-work-and-other-questions-answered-11660701094885.html
- https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-09/ASR%20Notification_published%20in%20Gazette.pdf
Introduction
To combat the problem of annoying calls and SMS, telecom regulator TRAI has urged service providers to create a uniform digital platform in two months that will allow them to request, maintain, and withdraw customers’ approval for promotional calls and messages. In the initial stage, only subscribers will be able to initiate the process of registering their consent to receive promotional calls and SMS, and later, business entities will be able to contact customers to seek their consent to receive promotional messages, according to a statement issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Saturday.
TRAI Directs Telecom Providers to Set Up Digital Platform
TRAI has now directed all access providers to develop and deploy the Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) facility for creating a unified platform and process to digitally register customers’ consent across all service providers and principal entities. Consent is received and maintained under the current system by several key entities such as banks, other financial institutions, insurance firms, trading companies, business entities, real estate businesses, and so on.
The purpose, scope of consent, and the principal entity or brand name shall be clearly mentioned in the consent-seeking message sent over the short code,” according to the statement.
It stated that only approved online or app links, call-back numbers, and so on will be permitted to be used in consent-seeking communications.
TRAI issued guidelines to guarantee that all voice-based Telemarketers are brought under a single Distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform for more efficient monitoring of nuisance calls and unwanted communications. It also instructs operators to actively deploy AI/ML-based anti-phishing systems as well as to integrate tech solutions on the DLT platform to deal with malicious calls and texts.
TRAI has issued two separate Directions to Access Service Providers under TCCCPR-2018 (Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations) to ensure that all promotional messages are sent through Registered Telemarketers (RTMs) using approved Headers and Message Templates on Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) platform, and to stop misuse of Headers and Message Templates,” the regulator said in a statement.
Users can already block telemarketing calls and texts by texting 1909 from their registered mobile number. By dialing 1909, customers can opt out of getting advertising calls by activating the do not disturb (DND) feature.
Telecom providers operate DLT platforms, and businesses involved in sending bulk promotional or transactional SMS must register by providing their company information, including sender IDs and SMS templates.
According to the instructions, telecom companies will send consent-seeking messages using the common short code 127. The goal, extent of consent, and primary entity/brand name must be clearly stated in the consent-seeking message delivered via the shortcode.
TRAI stated that only whitelisted URLs/APKs (Android package kits file format)/OTT links/call back numbers, etc., shall be used in consent-seeking messages.
Telcos must “ensure that promotional messages are not transmitted by unregistered telemarketers or telemarketers using telephone numbers (10 digits numbers).” Telecom providers have been urged to act against all erring telemarketers in accordance with the applicable regulations and legal requirements.
Users can, however, refuse to receive any consent-seeking messages launched by any significant Telcos have been urged to create an SMS/IVR (interactive voice response)/online service for this purpose.
According to TRAI’s timeline, the consent-taking process by primary companies will begin on September 1.According to a nationwide survey conducted by a local circle, 66% of mobile users continue to receive three or more bothersome calls per day, the majority of which originate from personal cell numbers.
There are scams surfacing on the internet with new types of scams, like WhatsApp international call scams. The latest scam is targeting Delhi police, the scammers pretend to be police officials of Delhi and ask for the personal details of the users and the calling them from a 9-digit number.
A recent scam
A Twitter user reported receiving an automated call from +91 96681 9555, stating, “This call is from Delhi Police.” It went on to ask her to stay in the queue since some of her documents needed to be picked up. Then he said he is a sub-inspector at New Delhi’s Kirti Nagar police station. He then questioned if she had lately misplaced her Aadhaar card, PAN card, or ATM card, to which she replied ‘no’. The fraudster then claims to be a cop and asks her to validate the final four digits of her card because they have discovered a card with her name on it. And so many other people tweeted about this.
The scams are constantly increasing as earlier these scammers asked for account details and claimed to be Delhi police and used 9-digit numbers for scamming people.
TRAI’s new guidelines regarding the consent to receive any promotional calls and messages to telecommunication providers will be able to curb the scams.
The e- KYC is an essential requirement as e-KYC offers a more secure identity verification process in an increasingly digital age that uses biometric technologies to provide quick results.
Conclusion
The aim is to prevent unwanted calls and communications sent to customers via digital methods without their permission. Once this platform is implemented, an organization can only send promotional calls or messages with the customer’s explicit approval. Companies use a variety of methods to notify clients about their products, including phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. Customers, however, are constantly assaulted with the same calls and messages as a result of this practice. With the constant increase in scams, the new guideline of TRAI will also curb the calling of Scams. digital KYC prevents SIM fraud and offers a more secure identity verification method.
