From misinformation around the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by sharing unrelated visuals of dilapidated roads and an AI-generated image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, here are some pieces of fake news that we debunked this week.
1. BJP Shares Unrelated Visuals to Target AAP for Bad Condition of Roads in Delhi
Before the elections in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released a campaign video on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, showcasing various deteriorating roads to criticise the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the region.
However, the claim was misleading. The video displayed various scenes from Faridabad, governed by the BJP in Haryana.
Read the fact-check here.
2. Fact-Check: False Claims About COVID-like Lockdowns Due to HMPV Viral
Two social media posts regarding the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) went viral on social media.
The first claim included a video report from the news channel Republic Bharat, which highlighted an alleged six-day lockdown in Delhi because of the virus.
The other post also discussed the possibility of a lockdown being enforced in India and mentioned that the transmission of HMPV was comparable to that of COVID-19.
However, both these claims are false. The Republic video originates from 2021, when a six-day lockdown was initiated in Delhi to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
The second video also inaccurately links the HMPV virus to COVID-19. As of 17 January, no lockdown for HMPV is being enforced in India.
Read the story for more details.
3. Does This Clip Show AAP Leader Avadh Ojha Calling Manish Sisodia a ‘Coward’? No!
A video featuring Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Avadh Ojha is spreading widely, asserting that it depicts him labeling former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia a "coward" for opting not to run for the Patparganj seat in the forthcoming state elections.
This video was shared by Bharatiya Janata Party’s Head of IT Cell, Amit Malviya, on his official X account.
However, the claim is false. The viral video has been altered to suggest that Ojha referred to Sisodia as a "coward." The original interview revealed Ojha expressing his intent to run in the elections.
Read the story here.
4. AI-Generated Image of PM Modi Viral With False Claim That It Shows His Residence
A photo of PM Modi has gone viral on social media showing him in the foreground with a blurry visual of a closet in the background.
Those sharing have claimed that it reveals the lavish PM residence. Users wrote, "Leaked photo of Modi's Raj Mahal room which stores jewellery like chain and bracelet. Even thirty costly watches total worth 72 crores in room for Modi's fashion." (sic.)
However, the claim is false as this image is generated using artificial intelligence.
Read the story here.
5. Edited Image Shared as Banner Targeting Kejriwal Being Put Up Outside Tihar Jail
A picture of a banner featuring former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's image along with the message "Kejriwal will come" is being shared online with the claim that it was displayed outside Tihar Jail in Delhi.
The edited viral image now includes a banner that supports Kejriwal. The initial image did not include anything associated with the AAP leader.
Read the story here.
(Not convinced of a post or information you came across online and want it verified? Send us the details on WhatsApp at 9540511818 , or e-mail it to us at webqoof@thequint.com and we'll fact-check it for you. You can also read all our fact-checked stories here.)