With the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions generating a storm of misinformation online, citizens are urged to stay alert against fake news. From AI-generated visuals to mislabeled war footage, disinformation campaigns are eroding public trust and inciting fear.
Here are some practical tips to help you detect and avoid falling for fake news:
1. Reverse Image Search Before Believing a Photo
A viral image showing a “destroyed Pakistani radar station” was recently debunked — it was from the 2006 Lebanon War. You can use:
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Google Images
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TinEye
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Yandex Image Search
Upload the image or paste the URL to see if it’s old or used out of context.
2. Scrutinize Video Sources
Fake videos often resurface from past wars or simulations. Look for:
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Video watermarks or language mismatch
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Metadata or upload date inconsistencies
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AI-generated distortions (hands, shadows, lips not syncing)
Tools like InVID and Frame by Frame analyzers help.
3. Check URLs and Source Credibility
If a post comes from “breaking-news247.in” or a suspicious-looking site, it’s likely a clone. Stick to:
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Reputed media outlets
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Official government handles
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Verified fact-checking portals
⚠️ Beware of sites mimicking logos or domains of real news channels.
4. Avoid WhatsApp Forward Frenzy
WhatsApp forwards often spread the fastest misinformation. Don’t believe unless:
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It includes a source link
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You’ve verified it through fact-checking sites
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It comes from a reliable, traceable individual
Never forward unverified videos claiming troop movements, bombings, or “internal government alerts.”
5. Follow Certified Fact-Checkers
These Indian and Pakistani platforms are doing real-time debunking:
You can even tag them on Twitter for help verifying a claim.
6. Watch for Emotional Language and All-Caps Headlines
Sensational posts often use phrases like:
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“SHOCKING Footage”
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“Unseen Scenes of Destruction”
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“You Won’t Believe What Happened!”
If it’s designed to trigger outrage or fear, pause and verify before reacting.
BONUS TIP: When in Doubt, Wait It Out
During war or crisis, initial reports are often wrong — even from major outlets.
If something sounds too dramatic or perfectly aligned with your bias, chances are it’s false.
By staying alert and questioning what you see, you can help stop the spread of misinformation and protect your community from unnecessary panic or polarization.
For real, verified news updates, follow Events247.in and our upcoming Fact-Check Feed for Bengal and national issues.
