PIB Fact Check Debunks Multiple Misinformation Claims Circulating On Social Media

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has been actively combating various false claims circulating on social media, setting the record straight on multiple issues.

Indian Female Air Force Pilot Not Captured

One of the most widely circulated claims was that Pakistan had captured Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, an Indian Air Force pilot.

However, PIB Fact Check swiftly refuted this claim, labelling it as fake.

The official statement declared, “Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan. PIB Fact Check has confirmed this claim is fake.”

The claim has been thoroughly dismissed by PIB, urging the public to rely on authentic sources of information.

Old Video Misinterpreted As Soldiers Abandoning Posts

Another piece of misinformation involved a video circulating online, which allegedly showed Indian soldiers crying and abandoning their posts amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.

PIB Fact Check clarified that the video, originally posted on Instagram, was from April 27 and depicted students celebrating their recruitment into the Indian Army, not soldiers abandoning their posts.

The video had no connection to the ongoing military conflict and misled viewers with incorrect information.

Explosions Around Srinagar Airport Debunked

PIB also addressed a report claiming that there were 10 explosions around Srinagar airport in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to PIB, this claim was completely false.

The press release read, “AJEnglish has claimed that there have been about 10 explosions around Srinagar airport. PIB Fact Check has found this claim to be fake. Rely only on official sources for authentic information.”

The authorities thoroughly disproved the misinformation, which aimed to cause confusion.

Jaipur Airport Safety Confirmed

False claims about explosions at Jaipur Airport also surfaced on social media.

PIB Fact Check assured the public that the claims were fake, citing clarification from the District Collector & Magistrate, Jaipur, stating that there was no threat to the airport’s safety.

Social Media Post On Indian Post Destruction Refuted

In a separate incident, a video falsely claimed that Indian forces had destroyed a post during Operation Sindoor.

PIB clarified that the video was from November 2020 and had no connection to the current military activities between India and Pakistan.

Delhi-Mumbai Airline Route False Claim

A claim about the temporary closure of services on the Delhi-Mumbai airline route also went viral.

PIB Fact Check dismissed this as fake, explaining that the Airports Authority of India had temporarily closed 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes for operational reasons, not due to an attack or any other disruption.

Drone Attack On Nankana Sahib Gurdwara

Another fake claim circulating on social media alleged that India had carried out a drone attack on the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara.

PIB urged the public to exercise caution, stating that the content spreads communal hatred and should not be forwarded.

Cyber Attack On India’s Electricity Grid Denied

Lastly, PIB debunked a claim that a cyber attack by Pakistan had caused 70% of India’s electricity grid to become dysfunctional.

PIB Fact Check confirmed that this was a false claim with no basis in fact.

PIB’s fact-checking efforts have effectively dismantled multiple fake news stories.

In an era of rapid information sharing, PIB urges the public to only rely on official sources to avoid falling victim to such misleading content.

These efforts align with the government’s aim to maintain transparency and combat the spread of false information that seeks to create confusion and panic.

Also Read: Pakistani Social Media Spreads Fake News On Sukhoi Crash: PIB Fact Check