Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies
Featured #factCheck Blogs
Executive Summary
Social media users are claiming that Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth dances with soldiers’ wives and attended a dance competition organised by the Border Security Force Wives Welfare Association (BWWA). CyberPeace Research found no credible sources to substantiate the viral claim. Our research revealed that the viral image is related to his visit to Nepal. According to reports, he travelled to Nepal on his first foreign visit after taking charge of the Indian Army, where he was welcomed by senior Nepal Army officials. During the visit, he was also scheduled to receive the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army. However, his photograph is being linked to a dance video from an event organised by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), accompanied by objectionable claims about him. Our research found no credible evidence confirming that General Dhiraj Seth attended the event or was associated with the activities shown in the video. Therefore, linking his photograph from the Nepal visit to the dance video is misleading.
Claim:
It is being claimed on social media that Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth attended a dance competition organised by the BSF Wives Welfare Association (BWWA), where he was impressed by a woman’s dance performance and asked other participants to follow her lead.
https://x.com/ThokaReturns/status/2110854323760693485
Fact Check
To verify the viral claim, we conducted a reverse image search using keyframes from the video. During this process, we found the video on Instagram. The text “BSF Wives Welfare Association” was visible on the backdrop behind the stage. However, there was no mention of Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth anywhere in the video.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Ddl7oTEgnf7/
After reviewing these videos, our research found no evidence to substantiate the claim that General Dhiraj Seth attended an event organised by the BSF Wives Welfare Association or danced at the event. His photograph is being linked to the dance video, but no credible evidence supporting this claim was found.
During our research, we found the original video of Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth shared by ANI. According to the report, General Dhiraj Seth arrived in Nepal on a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening defence ties between the two countries.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DcGxzLPExR5/
In the final stage of our research, we found a report on an Instagram account named ‘nepalinlast24hours’. According to the report, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth arrived in Kathmandu on his first foreign visit after taking command of the Indian Army on June 30, 2026. He was welcomed by senior Nepal Army officials at Tribhuvan International Airport.
The report stated that during his four-day visit, General Seth was scheduled to meet Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Nepal Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel. Additionally, he was scheduled to be conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army at a special ceremony at Sheetal Niwas on Monday.This tradition between India and Nepal dates back to 1950. Under the arrangement, the army chiefs of both countries are conferred with honorary military ranks in each other’s armies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DcGbgm0jUBH/?dlrf=MXFndzM5dGp4ZTh5OA%3D%3D
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral photograph of Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth is related to his visit to Nepal. According to reports, he travelled to Nepal on his first foreign visit after taking command of the Indian Army, where he was welcomed by senior Nepal Army officials. During the visit, he was also scheduled to be conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army.However, his photograph is being linked on social media to a dance video from an event organised by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), accompanied by objectionable claims about him. Our research found no credible evidence confirming General Dhiraj Seth’s presence at the event or his association with the activities shown in the video. Therefore, linking his photograph from his Nepal visit to the dance video is misleading.
Executive Summary
A video is being shared on social media with the claim that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader is doing sit-ups in front of the public. Some users are sharing the video as a recent incident, claiming that a BJP MLA performed sit-ups in front of the public. CyberPeace Research found the claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the viral video is not recent but dates back to February 2022, when Bhupesh Chaubey, the BJP MLA from the Robertsganj Assembly constituency in Sonbhadra, apologised to disgruntled party workers during a party workers' convention.
Claim:
A user on Facebook shared the viral image on October 11, 2026, with the caption: “This is the bond submitted by coward Abhijeet Dipke in court for his release, and he says he will take to the streets again.” The link to the post, its archive link, and a screenshot are provided below.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1806020163922780
Fact Check
We conducted a reverse image search using keyframes from the viral video. During the search, we found a report published on the Dainik Bhaskar website on February 23, 2022, which featured the same video. According to the report, polling in Sonbhadra was scheduled for March 7 as part of the seventh phase of the Assembly elections. During the election campaign, Bhupesh Chaubey, the BJP MLA and candidate from the Robertsganj Assembly constituency, was seen adopting an unusual approach. He stood on a chair, held his ears and performed sit-ups on the chair, apologising to the public for the mistakes he had made over the previous five years.The link to the report and a screenshot are provided below.
In the next stage of our research, we found a report published on ABP News’ Hindi website on February 25, 2022, which featured the viral video in a general context. We found the same video in this report as well. The link to the report and a screenshot are provided below.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video is not recent but dates back to February 2022, when Bhupesh Chaubey, the BJP MLA from the Robertsganj Assembly constituency in Sonbhadra, apologised to disgruntled party workers during a party workers' convention.
Executive Summary
A video allegedly showing India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh making remarks about Pakistan’s cyber capabilities is being widely shared on social media. The clip claims that Singh admitted Pakistan had “jammed Indian systems” on May 10 and described Pakistan’s cyber and electronic warfare capabilities as a major challenge for India. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral clip is an AI-generated deepfake being circulated to spread misinformation. Rajesh Kumar Singh never made any such statement.
Claim
An X user shared the viral video claiming that India’s Defence Secretary had acknowledged Pakistan’s technological superiority. The post alleged that Singh admitted Pakistan successfully jammed Indian systems and claimed that India was lagging behind in cyber and electronic warfare technology.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we searched relevant keywords on Google but found no credible media reports carrying such a statement from the Defence Secretary. We then extracted keyframes from the viral clip and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found the original video uploaded on the YouTube channel of ANI on April 30, 2026.
A review of the full video confirmed that Rajesh Kumar Singh never made the remarks heard in the viral clip. The original footage had been manipulated and altered using AI-generated audio techniques.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video is fake and AI-manipulated. The statement attributed to India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is fabricated, and the deepfake clip is being shared with misleading claims to spread disinformation.
Executive Summary
A video showing police personnel dancing on the streets along with civilians is going viral on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that policemen in West Bengal were celebrating the defeat of Mamata Banerjee and the victory of the BJP.
Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is misleading. The viral video is old and unrelated to the West Bengal elections.
Claim
An X user shared the video on April 26, 2026, alleging that police personnel were celebrating BJP’s victory. The post questioned those raising concerns over EVMs, suggesting that even police were openly rejoicing over the election outcome.
- https://x.com/Minakshishriyan/status/2051490074957930510
- https://archive.is/d81OT
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to a Reddit post dated September 13, 2022, where the same video was shared. The post described it as footage from Ganesh Visarjan celebrations in India, and several users in the comments identified the location as Maharashtra.
Further research led us to a YouTube channel “Yash Arate Vlogs,” which uploaded the same video on September 10, 2022. The description stated that the clip was recorded during Ganpati immersion celebrations in Kolhapur.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0_w5t-4rmTY
We also found media reports from September 2022 indicating that during Ganesh Visarjan in Kolhapur, loud music and festive atmosphere led even on-duty police personnel to briefly join the celebrations.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video does not show any post-election celebration in West Bengal. It is an old clip from Maharashtra, recorded during Ganesh Visarjan festivities, and is being falsely shared with a misleading political claim.
Executive Summary
A photo of Donald Trump is going viral on social media, showing him raising his fist. Users claim the image was taken during a press event in Washington, when security personnel were escorting him out amid reports of gunfire. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral image is AI-generated and is being shared with misleading claims.
Claim
On April 26, 2026, an X user shared the image with the caption: “Thank You, Lord our God, for protecting our President.” The post suggests that Trump made the gesture during a chaotic evacuation at a Washington event.
Fact Check
Reports confirm that Trump and senior officials were hurried away from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25 after gunshots were reportedly heard from a floor above the ballroom. However, no authentic visuals show Trump raising his fist during the evacuation.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/arts/design/trump-photo-raised-fist.html
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/11/politics/trump-obama-portrait-white-house
Further analysis of the viral image indicates signs of digital manipulation. Google’s SynthID detection tool flagged the file as containing SynthID—an invisible watermark embedded in content generated using Google’s AI tools.
Additionally, AI detection platform Hive Moderation assessed that the image is likely AI-generated or a deepfake.
Conclusion
The research confirms that the viral image of Donald Trump raising his fist during a Washington incident is not real. It was created using AI and is being circulated with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely circulated on social media by Pakistani propaganda-linked users, showing a group of people protesting on a road. It is being claimed that protesters in Jammu & Kashmir stopped Indian Army personnel from entering Nagrota, indicating growing public opposition against the forces. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is misleading. The viral video is unrelated to any protest against the Indian Army.
Claim
A user posted the video on X, claiming: “The days of Indian military occupation are numbered; people of Jammu & Kashmir have risen against India. Protesters stopped the Indian Army from entering Nagrota.”
- https://x.com/Stealthfalconer/status/2050301106623045758?s=20
Fact Check
During the research, the CyberPeace Research Wing team found no evidence of any such incident where civilians blocked or opposed the Indian Army in Nagrota. Further probe led to a post by an X user “Defence News Of INDIA,” which contained the full version of the viral video. The accompanying information clarified that the protest took place in Dansal’s Badsu Panchayat area of Nagrota and was led by BJP MLA Devayani Rana.
The protest was organized against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department over severe water shortage issues in the region. Locals, along with the MLA, staged a sit-in to highlight the lack of water supply.
We also found multiple media reports, including from KBC News – Kashmir and Jammu Links News, confirming that Devayani Rana led a road blockade protest in her constituency over water scarcity and accused the Jal Shakti Department of negligence and administrative failure. Additionally, videos of the same protest were available on social media platforms, including live streams shared from Devayani Rana’s official pages.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral claim is false and misleading. The video does not show any protest against the Indian Army. It is actually from a demonstration led by Devayani Rana and local residents over water shortage issues in Nagrota.
Executive Summary
Our research confirms that the viral image showing Iranian soldiers standing near a crashed helicopter is AI-generated and has no connection to any real-world event. It is being misleadingly shared online amid geopolitical tensions. Amid rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, a dramatic image is being widely shared on social media. The picture shows soldiers standing near the wreckage of a crashed helicopter in a desert, holding an Iranian flag. Users claim that Iranian forces shot down the aircraft. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral image is fake and was created using AI tools.
Claim
A Facebook page named “Official Salman 09” shared the image on May 1, 2026, portraying it as a powerful symbol of victory in an ongoing conflict. The post suggested that the image reflected Iran’s military success and carried a broader political message amid regional tensions.
- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=909905332099201&set=a.522993370790401
- https://perma.cc/KCL8-7UDN
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. The image did not appear on any credible news platforms, although it was widely circulating across social media—raising suspicion about its authenticity. We then analyzed the image using Google’s SynthID detector, which confirmed with high confidence that the image was generated using Google’s AI tools. SynthID is a technology designed to watermark and identify AI-generated content.
Further verification using AI detection tool Hive Moderation indicated a very high likelihood (up to 99.9%) that the image was AI-generated, with strong probability that it was created using Google’s Gemini.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral image showing Iranian soldiers standing near a crashed helicopter is AI-generated and has no connection to any real-world event. It is being misleadingly shared online amid geopolitical tensions.
Executive Summary
A video is going viral on social media showing ‘injured’ security personnel being carried into ambulances. The clip is being shared with claims that a terrorist attack recently took place in Kishtwar. The video surfaced nearly a year after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, adding to confusion among users online. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false. The viral video is actually from a mock drill conducted in Kishtwar, not a real terror incident.
Claim
An Instagram user ‘thenewjbharat’ shared the video on April 30, 2026, claiming that a terrorist attack had taken place again in Kishtwar.
https://www.instagram.com/thenewjbharat/
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to the same clip uploaded on April 24, 2026 by an Instagram user ‘kishtwar_breaking_news’. According to the post, the video shows a mock drill conducted by local authorities to assess emergency preparedness. Officials and rescue teams participated in the exercise.
We also found a related news video uploaded on April 23, 2026, by the YouTube channel of Daily Excelsior, which featured visuals matching the viral clip. The report confirmed that the drill was carried out to evaluate readiness for emergency situations.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video does not show a real terrorist attack. It is footage from a mock drill conducted in Kishtwar and is being falsely shared with misleading claims.
Executive Summary
A video of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is going viral on social media. In the clip, he appears to claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed scientists to wash the Agni-6 missile with cow urine, and later use a mixture of cow dung and urine to prevent rusting. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the video is a deepfake, created by manipulating original footage using AI tools. It was also shared by an account previously known for posting anti-India misinformation and is reportedly banned in India.
Claim
An X user named “Lovely” shared the video on May 1, 2026, alleging that Indian scientists were using cow urine and dung in missile development under government direction. The post used derogatory language and criticized India’s scientific community.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we searched relevant keywords on Google but found no credible media reports supporting such statements by the DRDO chief. We then extracted keyframes from the viral clip and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to the original video posted by ANI on April 30, 2026. The footage is from the National Security Summit 2.0, where Dr. Kamat spoke about India’s missile development programs.
In the authentic video, Dr. Kamat discusses short-range ballistic missiles like ‘Pralay’, and advancements in hypersonic glide and cruise missile technologies, including scramjet propulsion. There is no mention of cow urine, cow dung, or any such practices.
Further analysis using AI detection tool Aurigin indicated an 88% probability that the viral video was AI-generated or manipulated.
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video is fake and AI-manipulated. Dr. Samir V. Kamat never made any statement about washing missiles with cow urine. The clip is a deepfake created to spread misinformation and mislead viewers.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing two men seated on chairs when police personnel arrive and begin assaulting them. A flag of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), can also be seen in the footage. The video is being circulated with the claim that during the first phase of polling held on April 23, 2026, two TMC workers were issuing voter slips near a polling booth when security forces reached the spot and beat them. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The footage is not recent and has no connection to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Claim:
Social media users alleged that police assaulted TMC workers during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. An X user, Abhimanyu Singh, shared the clip claiming that two “peaceful” TMC workers were sitting near polling stations issuing voter slips when a policeman slapped and beat them with a baton, forcing them to flee.
- https://x.com/Abhimanyu1305/status/2047317736825790549
- https://archive.ph/0ceXH
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, keyframes from the viral video were subjected to a reverse image search. This led to the same video being found on a Facebook page named Canning News, where it had been uploaded in 2023. The caption stated: “Take a look at the situation in Basanti, Canning, on election day.”
Further searches found the clip published by News18 Bangla on July 6, 2023. The report described unrest during the 2023 Panchayat elections, stating that allegations of bomb throwing had surfaced in Basanti the previous night. On the morning of polling, a bomb was reportedly recovered from the roadside, creating panic in the area.
According to the report, police intervened to control the situation and took action wherever crowds had gathered. The footage showed police dispersing people with batons and, at times, physically confronting individuals.
Conclusion:
The viral claim is misleading. The video is from the 2023 Panchayat elections in West Bengal and is being falsely linked to the recent 2026 Assembly elections.
Executive Summary
A video showing a monkey dramatically rescuing a child hanging from a balcony is being widely shared on social media. In the clip, a small child appears to be on the verge of falling when a monkey suddenly arrives, grabs the child, and saves them from falling. Many users praised the monkey’s bravery, while some even described it as a miracle. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the viral video is not real and was created using AI technology before being shared with misleading claims.
Claim
An X user shared the video claiming that a monkey saved a child from falling off a balcony just in time, astonishing onlookers with its intelligence and quick action. The post described the monkey’s act as heroic and compassionate.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on April 16, 2026 by an Instagram account named Instagram user mojilo_vandro. The caption described the scene as a “miracle of God.”
A closer review of the account revealed several similar monkey-themed videos. More importantly, the account bio clearly states that it creates AI-based fictional content. We also analyzed the clip using AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which assessed the video as having a 97.6% probability of being AI-generated
Conclusion
Our research confirms that the viral video of a monkey saving a child hanging from a balcony does not depict a real incident. It was digitally created using AI and shared online with misleading claims.
Executive Summary
A video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being widely shared on social media, in which he appears to say that every woman would receive 1 gram of gold free against one Aadhaar card. The clip is being circulated with misleading claims suggesting a government scheme. Research by CyberPeace Research Wing found that the audio of Prime Minister Modi’s 2019 video was manipulated using AI technology and shared with a misleading claim.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video claiming that PM Modi announced free gold for women.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search on Google but found no credible media reports or official announcements supporting such a scheme. We then extracted keyframes from the viral clip and performed a reverse image search. This led us to the original video uploaded by DD News on February 24, 2019. In the authentic footage, PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Gorakhpur. At no point did he mention distributing gold to women.
Further examination of the viral clip raised suspicions of audio manipulation. We analyzed the speech using AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which indicated a 99% probability that the speech was AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral claim is false. The video uses footage from PM Modi’s 2019 speech, while the original audio appears to have been replaced using AI-generated voice technology to spread a misleading claim about free gold distribution.
Executive Summary
A video of a soldier is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that an Indian Army Air Defence officer named Anurag Thakur resigned, alleging that soldiers martyred during “Operation Sindoor” were ignored by the government. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral video has been manipulated with AI-generated audio and is being shared with a misleading narrative.
Claim:
Instagram users shared the clip claiming: “Indian Army Air Defence officer Anurag Thakur has resigned. He said the Government of India did not even acknowledge the deaths of soldiers.”
Fact Check:
The research began with keyword searches related to the alleged resignation of an “Indian Army Air Defence JCO Anurag Thakur.” No credible or reputed media report was found supporting such a claim. A reverse image search of a frame from the viral video led to the original footage posted by news agency ANI on its official X account on March 22, 2026. The original video runs for 1 minute and 42 seconds A comparison of both videos showed that in the viral clip, the soldier appears to be speaking in English, whereas in ANI’s authentic video, the same soldier is speaking in Hindi while addressing the media.
In the original video, shared by ANI from Bhuj, Gujarat, the JCO explained that on the morning of May 7, 2025, they learned that Indian armed forces had destroyed enemy terror launch pads, marking the beginning of “Operation Sindoor.” He said he motivated his unit and they were prepared to respond. He further stated that on May 8, an enemy drone heading toward a vital location was detected and shot down using minimal ammunition. Two more drones were sent the following day and were also neutralised. He added that “Operation Sindoor” demonstrated the capability of the Indian Army and Air Defence units.
ANI had also summarised the same remarks in English in its post, which further confirmed that the viral version had been tampered with. For additional verification, the audio from the viral clip was examined using AI-based detection tools. Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector flagged it as likely fake, while Resemble AI also identified the audio as manipulated.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming that an Indian Army Air Defence JCO resigned over ignored martyrs of “Operation Sindoor” is false. The original footage has been altered and artificial AI-generated audio was added to create a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
A social media post about the shooting incident during a dinner event for journalists covering the White House is going viral with the claim that the attacker was a Muslim man who was shot dead by security personnel. The accompanying video shows panic inside a hall and alert security officials responding to the situation. wHowever, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false and misleading. The video is being shared with incorrect information about the identity and fate of the suspect.
Claim:
An Instagram user shared the video on April 26, 2026, claiming that the attacker who targeted Donald Trump was a “jihadi” named Mohammad Ibrahim and that he was killed after being shot multiple times.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, relevant keyword searches were conducted online.
A report published by BBC on April 28, 2026, stated that the suspect accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the Washington dinner event was identified as Cole Thomas Allen. The report said Allen lived with his parents in Los Angeles and was produced in court on April 28.
According to court documents cited in the report, Allen rushed past a security checkpoint carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives. Authorities said one Secret Service agent was injured during the incident before Allen was subdued and taken into custody. A separate report published by NBC News on April 26, 2026, also identified the accused as Cole Thomas Allen and included visuals from the incident, showing the suspect after his arrest.
Conclusion:
The claim that the White House dinner party attacker was a Muslim man named Mohammad Ibrahim is false. The accused has been identified as Cole Thomas Allen, and he was arrested after the incident. Claims that he was killed are also incorrect.
