#FactCheck: Old Salman Khan Video From 2019 Misleadingly Shared as Eid Post

Executive Summary:

A manipulated image showing someone making an offensive gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi is circulating on social media. However, the original photo does not display any such behavior towards the Prime Minister. The CyberPeace Research Team conducted an analysis and found that the genuine image was published in a Hindustan Times article in May 2019, where no rude gesture was visible. A comparison of the viral and authentic images clearly shows the manipulation. Moreover, The Hitavada also published the same image in 2019. Further investigation revealed that ABPLive also had the image.

Claims:

A picture showing an individual making a derogatory gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being widely shared across social media platforms.

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Fact Check:

Upon receiving the news, we immediately ran a reverse search of the image and found an article by Hindustan Times, where a similar photo was posted but there was no sign of such obscene gestures shown towards PM Modi.

ABP Live and The Hitavada also have the same image published on their website in May 2019. 

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Comparing both the viral photo and the photo found on official news websites, we found that almost everything resembles each other except the derogatory sign claimed in the viral image.

With this, we have found that someone took the original image, published in May 2019, and edited it with a disrespectful hand gesture, and which has recently gone viral across social media and has no connection with reality.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a manipulated picture circulating online showing someone making a rude gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been debunked by the Cyberpeace Research team. The viral image is just an edited version of the original image published in 2019. This demonstrates the need for all social media users to check/ verify the information and facts before sharing, to prevent the spread of fake content. Hence the viral image is fake and Misleading.

• Claim: A picture shows someone making a rude gesture towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Claimed on: X, Instagram
• Fact Check: Fake & Misleading

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In the pulsating heart of the digitized era, our world is rapidly morphing into a tightly knit network of interconnections. Concurrently, the vast expanse of the cyber realm continues to broaden at an unparalleled pace. As we, denizens of the Information Revolution, pioneer this challenging new frontier, a novel notion is steadily gaining traction as an essential instrument for tackling the multifaceted predicaments and hazards emanating from our escalating dependency on digital technology. This novel notion is cyber diplomacy.

Recently, a riveting discourse unraveling the continually evolving topography of cyber diplomacy unfolded on the podcast 'Patching the System.' Two distinguished personalities graced the conversation - Benedikt Wechsler, Switzerland's Ambassador for Digitization, and Kaja Ciglic, Senior Director of Digital Diplomacy at Microsoft. This thought-provoking dialogue provides a mesmerizing peek into the intricate maze of this freshly minted diplomatic domain - a landscape still in the process of carving out its rules against an ever-escalating high stakes backdrop.

Call for Robust International Norms 

During their enlightening exchange, Wechsler and Ciglic shed light on the dire need of robust international norms and regulations in dynamic cyberspace. The drew comparison with well established norms governing maritime and airspace activities, suggesting a similar framework to maneuver the intricacies of the digital realm. The necessity of this mammoth task is accentuated by swift technological development and the unique nature of the internet where participation is diverse. 

Their discourse also underscores the critical argument that cyberspace cannot be commoditized. It has evolved into critical infrastructure that demands collective supervision. Wechsler also advocated for collaboration and the importance of a united front composed of big tech giants and the government working in tandem for creation of a resilient and secured digital landscape. 

Dual Edged Sword

Their conversation courageously plunged into the more sinister depths of the digital world and dissected the rising tide of cyberspace militarisation. Illustrative case point, recent cyber operations in Ukraine starkly underscore how malevolent elements have exploited digital tools to disastrous effect. Ciglic astutely pointed out the inherent dual nature of this scenario - while malignant entities will persistently manipulate technologies like AI, these identical tools can simultaneously serve as critical allies in reinforcing cyber defenses.

In finality, the dialogue unspools a potent call to arms. Both Wechsler and Ciglic fervently endorse the inception of a permanent body under the United Nations' purview specifically designed to tackle cyber-related quandaries. They also amplified the significance of an inclusive engagement process involving diverse stakeholders cutting across sectors - private entities, academia, civil society.

In India, this strategy is very practical. India has been making proactive investments in cybersecurity and digital resilience due to its rapidly developing digital ecosystem and strong IT industry. The government of the country, business executives, and academic institutions understand how strategically important it is to protect vital digital infrastructure and data. For example, India has seen a number of high-profile assaults on its vital infrastructure, like the Mumbai power outage in 2020, which emphasizes the necessity for extensive cybersecurity protections. The security components of the digital ecosystem have been given top priority by the Indian government's "Digital India" project, which aims to promote digital inclusion. This program has improved cybersecurity while simultaneously making great progress toward closing the nation's digital gap, especially in rural areas.

India's growing influence on global affairs and its prowess in the digital realm highlight how important it is to incorporate Indian viewpoints into the larger plan. By doing this, it guarantees a thorough and all-encompassing strategy that negotiates the intricacies of the Indian and global digital ecosystems. This strategy enhances cybersecurity at the national level and establishes India as a key global partner in the endeavor to make the internet a safer and more secure place for everyone. The whole community may benefit greatly from India's experiences and activities in combating cyber dangers and enhancing resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.

Conclusion 

As we meticulously chart our trajectory across the cyber wilderness, the wisdom disseminated by Wechsler and Ciglic emerges as a priceless navigational aid. They inspire us to remember that while the gauntlet we face may be daunting, the opportunities unfurling before us are equally, if not more, monumental in their potential. By embracing a multi-faceted, synergistic approach, we set the stage for a shared journey towards a safer, resilient digital habitat.

The timeless words of Albert Einstein echo these sentiments: 'Technology advances could have made human life carefree and happy if the development of the organizing power of men [and women] had been able to keep pace with its technical advances.' As we grapple with the perplexities and burstiness of the digital age, let these words guide our collective endeavor as we strive to balance our organizing prowess with our rapid technological advancements.

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Pretext

The Army Welfare Education Society has informed the Parents and students that a Scam is targeting the Army schools Students. The Scamster approaches the students by faking the voice of a female and a male. The scamster asks for the personal information and photos of the students by telling them they are taking details for the event, which is being organised by the Army welfare education society for the celebration of independence day. The Army welfare education society intimated that Parents to beware of these calls from scammers.

The students of  Army Schools of Jammu & Kashmir, Noida, are getting calls from the scamster. The students were asked to share sensitive information. Students across the country are getting calls and WhatsApp messages from two numbers, which end with 1715 and 2167.  The Scamster are posing to be teachers and asking for the students’ names on the pretext of adding them to the WhatsApp Groups. The scamster then sends forms links to the WhatsApp groups and asking students to fill out the form to seek more sensitive information.

Do’s

• Do Make sure to verify the caller.
• Do block the caller while finding it suspicious.
• Do be careful while sharing personal Information.
• Do inform the School Authorities while receiving these types of calls and messages posing to be teachers.
• Do Check the legitimacy of any agency and organisation while telling the details
• Do Record Calls asking for personal information.
• Do inform parents about scam calling.
• Do cross-check the caller and ask for crucial information.
• Do make others aware of the scam.

Don’ts

• Don’t answer anonymous calls or unknown calls from anyone.
• Don’t share personal information with anyone.
• Don’t Share OTP with anyone.
• Don’t open suspicious links.
• Don’t fill any forms, asking for personal information
• Don’t confirm your identity until you know the caller.
• Don’t Reply to messages asking for financial information.
• Don’t go to a fake website by following a prompt call.
• Don’t share bank Details and passwords.
• Don’t Make payment over a prompt fake call.