#FactCheck- Old Dubai Flood Videos Falsely Shared as Recent Storm Footage
Executive Summary
Amid reports of heavy rainfall and flooding in several cities of the United Arab Emirates, a video is being widely circulated on social media claiming to show recent scenes from Dubai. The clip allegedly depicts severe waterlogging at Dubai Airport and inside shopping malls, with users linking it to a “recent storm.”According to research by CyberPeace, the viral footage is not recent. The video is actually a compilation of three different clips stitched together and dates back to 2024, when Dubai experienced unprecedented flooding following heavy rains.
Claim
The misleading post was shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user named ‘Ruksar Khan’ on March 28, 2026, with a caption suggesting that Dubai had been submerged after just one day of rain. The post attempted to sensationalize the situation by portraying the visuals as current.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, keyframes from the viral video were extracted using the InVid tool and analyzed through reverse image search. One of the clips was traced to a Facebook post by “9 News,” uploaded on April 17, 2024. The video showed waterlogged runways at Dubai International Airport following intense rainfall and flooding.
Further verification led to a report published by Hindustan Times on April 17, 2024, which featured similar visuals and confirmed that the footage was from the floods that hit Dubai in 2024.
Conclusion:
The viral claim suggesting that the video shows recent flooding in Dubai is false. The footage is nearly two years old and originates from the 2024 floods in Dubai. It is now being reshared with misleading claims to create confusion around current weather events.
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Executive Summary
A dispute over water balloons on the day of Holi in the Uttam Nagar area of Delhi reportedly turned violent, resulting in the brutal murder of a young man named Tarun Khatik. Following the incident, a video is being widely shared on social media and linked to the murder case. In the viral video, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, can be seen walking alongside Ravi Kishan, Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur. People standing along the route are seen showering flowers on them. Several users claim that the video shows the chief minister visiting the house of Tarun Khatik to meet his family.
However, research by CyberPeace found the viral claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the video has no connection to the Tarun Khatik murder case. In fact, the video is from a Holika Dahan celebration held in Gorakhpur, which is now being shared on social media with a misleading claim.
Claim Post:
An Instagram user shared the viral video on March 10, 2026, writing: “Tarun bhai ko insaaf dilane ke liye aage aaye maananiya mukhyamantri Shri Yogi Adityanath ji.”
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted several key frames from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the search, we found the same video posted on a Facebook account on March 2, 2026.
According to the caption of the Facebook post, the video shows a grand procession organised by the Shri Shri Holika Dahan Utsav Samiti, Pandeyhata in Gorakhpur. Yogi Adityanath attended the procession and was seen celebrating Holi with people by playing with flowers and coloured powder. During the procession, flower petals were showered on devotees, and the entire area witnessed a festive atmosphere filled with colours, devotion, and enthusiasm. A large number of people participated in the celebration, and the festival was celebrated with traditional drums and music. During further research, we also found images related to the viral video on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Ravi Kishan. These images were shared on March 2, 2026, and the caption confirmed that they were taken during the Holika Dahan celebration in Gorakhpur.
At the end of the research, we also found the same video uploaded on March 3, 2026 on the Instagram page Local News Gorakhpur. According to the information in the post, Yogi Adityanath and several other leaders participated in the grand procession organised by the Shri Shri Holika Dahan Utsav Samiti, Pandeyhata. People celebrated Holi with flowers and coloured powder during the event.
Conclusion:
Our research found that the viral video has no connection with the Tarun Khatik murder case in Uttam Nagar, Delhi. The video actually shows Yogi Adityanath participating in a Holika Dahan celebration in Gorakhpur. Therefore, the video is being shared on social media with a misleading claim.
On March 02, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the National Cybersecurity Plan to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the advantages of a secure digital environment. In this pivotal decade, the United States will reimagine cyberspace as a tool to achieve our goals in a way that is consistent with our values. These values include a commitment to economic security and prosperity, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, faith in our democracy and its institutions, and a commitment to creating a fair and diverse society. This goal cannot be achieved without a dramatic reorganisation of the United States’ cyberspace responsibilities, roles, and resources.
VISION- AIM
A more planned, organised, and well-resourced strategy to cyber protection is necessary for today’s rapidly developing world. State and non-state actors alike are launching creative new initiatives to challenge the United States. New avenues for innovation are opening up as next-generation technologies attain maturity and digital interdependencies are expanding. Thus, this Plan lays forth a plan to counter these dangers and protect the digital future. Putting it into effect can safeguard spending on things like infrastructure, clean energy, and the re-shoring of American industry.
The USA will create its digital environment by:
- Defensible if the cyber defence is comparatively easier, more effective, cheaper
- Resilient, where the impacts of cyberattacks and operator mistakes are lasting and little widespread.
- Values-aligned, where our most cherished values shape—and are in turn reinforced by— our digital world.
Already, the National Security Strategy, Executive Order 14028 (Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity), National Security Memorandum 5 (Improving Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Control Systems), M-22-09 (Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero-Trust Cybersecurity Principles), and National Security Memorandum 10 (Improving Cybersecurity for Federal Information Systems) have all been issued to help secure cyberspace and our digital ecosystem (Promoting United States Leadership in Quantum Computing While Mitigating Risks to Vulnerable Cryptographic Systems). The Strategy builds upon previous efforts by acknowledging that the Internet serves not as an end in itself but as a means to a goal—the achievement of our highest ideals.
There are five key points that constitute the National Cybersecurity Strategy:
1. Defend Critical Infrastructure –
Defend critical infrastructure by, among other things: i) enacting cybersecurity regulations to secure essential infrastructure; (ii) boosting public-private sector collaboration; (iii) integrating federal cybersecurity centres; (iv) updating federal incident response plans and processes; and (v) modernising federal systems in accordance with zero trust principles.
2. Disrupt and Dismantle Threat Actors
Disrupt and dismantle threat actors, including by i) integrating military, diplomatic, information, financial, intelligence, and law enforcement competence, (ii) strengthening public-private sector collaborations, (iii) increasing the speed and scale of intelligence sharing and victim information, (iv) preventing the abuse of U.S.-based infrastructure, and (v) increasing disruption campaigns and other endeavours against ransomware operators;
3. Shape Market Forces to Drive Security and Resilience
The federal government can help shape market forces that drive security and resilience by doing the following: i) supporting legislative efforts to limit organisations’ ability to collect, use, transfer, and maintain personal information and providing strong protections for sensitive data (such as geolocation and health data), (ii) boosting IoT device security via federal research, development, sourcing, risk management efforts, and IoT security labelling programs, and (iii) instituting legislation establishing standards for the security of IoT devices. (iv) strengthening cybersecurity contract standards with government suppliers, (v) studying a federal cyber insurance framework, and (vi) using federal grants and other incentives to invest in efforts to secure critical infrastructure.
4. Invest in a Resilient Future
Invest in a resilient future by doing things like i) securing the Internet’s underlying infrastructure, (ii) funding federal cybersecurity R&D in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, telecommunications, and data analytics used in critical infrastructure, (iii) migrating vulnerable public networks and systems to quantum-resistant cryptography-based environments, and (iv) investing hardware and software systems that strengthen the resiliency, safety, and security of these areas, (v) enhancing and expanding the nation’s cyber workforce; and (vi) investing in verifiable, strong digital identity solutions that promote security, interoperability, and accessibility.
5. Forge International Partnerships to Pursue Shared Goals
The United States should work with other countries to advance common interests, such as i) forming international coalitions to counter threats to the digital ecosystem; (ii) increasing the scope of U.S. assistance to allies and partners in strengthening cybersecurity; (iii) forming international coalitions to reinforce global norms of responsible state behaviour; and (v) securing global supply chains for information, communications, and operational technologies.
Conclusion:
The Strategy results from months of work by the Office of the National Cyber Director (“ONCD”), the primary cybersecurity policy and strategy advisor to President Biden and coordinates cybersecurity engagement with business and international partners. The National Security Council will oversee the Strategy’s implementation through ONCD and the Office of Management and Budget.
In conclusion, we can say that the National Cybersecurity Plan of the Biden administration lays out an ambitious goal for American cybersecurity that is to be accomplished by the end of the decade. The administration aims to shift tasks and responsibilities to those organisations in the best position to safeguard systems and software and to encourage incentives for long-term investment in cybersecurity to build a more cyber-secure future.
It is impossible to assess the cyber strategy in a vacuum. It’s critical to consider the previous efforts and acknowledge the ones that still need to be made. The implementation specifics for several aspects of the approach are left up to a yet-to-be-written plan.
Given these difficulties, it would be simple to voice some pessimism at this stage regarding the next effort that will be required. Yet, the Biden administration has established a vision for cybersecurity oriented towards the future, with novel projects that could fundamentally alter how the United States handles and maintains cybersecurity. The Biden administration raised the bar for cybersecurity by outlining this robust plan, which will be challenging for succeeding administrations to let go. Also, it has alerted Congress to areas where it will need to act.
References:
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/02/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-national-cybersecurity-strategy/
- https://www.huntonprivacyblog.com/2023/03/02/white-house-releases-national-cybersecurity-strategy/
- https://www.lawfareblog.com/biden-harris-administration-releases-new-national-cybersecurity-strategy
Introduction
India officially became part of the US-led Pax Silica project on February 20, 2026, at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. This was a significant milestone in India’s involvement in global technology and supply chain cooperation. India joined a coalition of advanced economies by signing the Pax Silica Declaration in a move aimed at strengthening coordination over technology supply chains on which artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing rely. The entry of India into the global technology landscape is indicative of India’s growing role in the global technology order and reflects broader shifts in how countries are responding to the geopolitics of silicon and AI infrastructure.
What Is Pax Silica and Why It Matters
The United States Department of State introduced Pax Silica as a strategic program launched in December 2025. It seeks to establish safe, resilient and innovation-driven supply chains for emerging technologies that are the foundations of the AI era. This encompasses activities ranging from mining and refining of rare earths, gallium and germanium to semiconductor manufacturing, the creation of advanced computing hardware and energy infrastructure. The project describes cooperation as a method of reducing what are termed as coercive dependencies on any one supplier or economy, thereby supporting sustained access to building blocks of state-of-the-art technology.
Pax Silica derives its name from the Latin terms for 'peace' and the substrate material of 'silicon', meaning that the coalition aims at achieving stability and prosperity by working together in supply chains of technology. Early signatories were the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, the Netherlands, Greece, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. India was the twelfth member to sign the declaration.
India’s Strategic Interests in Pax Silica
The move to join Pax Silica is both a diplomatic and economic decision. The incorporation of India into a network led ostensibly by the Western bloc and containing developed economy players in the technological supply chain creates the messaging that it wants to be more deeply integrated into the global high-tech ecosystems.
India currently relies on importing a large proportion of the chips for its electronics production sector, while its domestic manufacturing capacity remains limited. Pax Silica membership could provide Indian firms with advanced manufacturing equipment, process expertise and joint ventures with their partners, who have already developed the fabrication capabilities.
The signing of the declaration was done by the current Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) , the Union Minister, who noted that India is expanding its technological capabilities and future ambitions. He observed that the Indian engineers already play a role in designing advanced semiconductor chips and that the increase in semiconductor capacity will demand a professional workforce. He also emphasised that the availability of international tools and alliances would help accelerate India’s growth in this sector.
Another strategic area is the critical minerals. India is estimated to have significant rare earth reserves, but the resources remain largely underdeveloped. The diversification strategy of Pax Silica in terms of supply and processing routes provides India with an opportunity to have joint ventures and infrastructure projects that could help unlock domestic mineral potential within the country.
Supply Chains, AI, and Geopolitical Context
Pax Silica has emerged within a broader geopolitical and supply chain context rather than as a purely economic initiative. The last few years have placed a strain on global technology supply chains with disruptions caused by pandemics, trade tensions, export controls, and the concentrated control of some components of the value chain. China currently dominates in the refinement of rare earths as well as in a variety of legacy semiconductor manufacturing. The concentration has raised concerns about resilience and strategic autonomy among the technology-producing democracies.
This initiative is based on the premise that a diversified and trusted supply chain will make the economic security of countries participating in Pax Silica more secure in case of a trade embargo or as a tool of political leverage. The voluntary and non-binding framework by the coalition only provides a guide to cooperation instead of a binding commitment, though it highlights an acknowledgement of risk and opportunity in global technology markets.
Such concerns as strategic autonomy and the extent of India’s involvement in the initiative have been expressed by those who criticise it, particularly because the coalition is perceived to be partially designed to respond to Chinese dominance in the most important technological sectors. Some analysts have also suggested that India will have to balance its participation in Pax Silica by taking special care of its own interests and alliances outside this coalition.
Economic and Industrial Implications for India
Joining Pax Silica offers India potential benefits on multiple fronts.
Strengthening Innovation and Manufacturing Ecosystems
India's membership will allow cooperation in semiconductor production, development of advanced computing infrastructure and implementation of AI. The government and industry players could attract investments through partnerships, technology transfer and joint R&D. India’s emerging design and fabrication projects could use a greater international integration in this venture.
Talent and Skills Development
A recurring theme among Indian policymakers is the issue of a skilled workforce. As the world semiconductor and AI sector is expected to need millions of specialists in the next 10 years, India’s large talent pool presents an opportunity to produce local talent that is capable of catering to local demands as well as international supply needs. Initiatives linked to Pax Silica have the potential to establish training pathways and institutional bridges that facilitate workforce preparedness.
Diversification of Supply Partnerships
In the case of India, the diversification of suppliers and partners goes beyond the availability of materials and technologies. It also implies reducing exposure to supply shocks and enhancing resilience in important industries such as consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, defence systems and digital infrastructure, all of which rely on semiconductors and advanced computing hardware.
Broader Industrial Readiness and Domestic Challenges
India’s participation in Pax Silica highlights the domestic conditions required to support advanced technology manufacturing. A conducive environment will depend on reliable infrastructure, regulatory stability, specialised industrial clusters and sustained policy coordination across government and industry. Semiconductor and AI hardware production are resource-intensive, requiring significant energy, water and chemical management, making environmental safeguards and sustainable industrial planning essential to prevent long-term ecological strain.
At the same time, India faces gaps in its human resource development ecosystem. While engineering talent is abundant, specialised training in semiconductor fabrication, materials science and advanced manufacturing remains limited. Additionally, the relative lack of applied research and development initiatives aimed at reducing technological and financial risks may constrain large-scale industrial expansion, underscoring the need for stronger industry–academia collaboration and targeted innovation support.
Conclusion: A Strategic Step into the AI Era
India’s formal entry into the Pax Silica initiative at the 2026 India AI Impact Summit reflects a thoughtful recalibration of its global technology engagement. By aligning with a coalition aimed at securing the supply chains that make modern digital economies possible, India has signalled its intent to be more than just a consumer of technology. It seeks to help shape the infrastructure, partnerships and norms that will define the next generation of AI, semiconductors and critical technologies.
While questions around strategic autonomy and long-term dependencies remain important considerations, Pax Silica offers India access to networks, capabilities and collaborative frameworks that can accelerate its semiconductor ambitions and broaden its role in the global tech order. The move underscores how technology cooperation today increasingly interacts with geopolitics, economic strategy and national aspirations for growth and innovation.
Sources
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/what-is-pax-silica-and-why-does-india-joining-the-ai-supply-chain-alliance-matter/articleshow/128594775.cms
- https://paxsilica.org/f/pax-silica-securing-the-foundations-of-the-ai-era
- https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/ai-impact-summit-2026-india-set-to-join-us-led-pax-silica-today-517167-2026-02-20
- https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pax-silica-india-joins-us-supply-chain-initiative-ai-impact-summit-2026-126022000339_1.html
