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The claim that hackers are stealing personal information through good morning messages is untrue - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 28, 2024
A post claiming that sending ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ messages can hack personal information due to hidden phishing codes by hackers, is circulating widely on social media. The message further asserts that the warning has been issued by Shanghai International News attributing it to Olga Nikolaevnas. This article aims to fact-check the claim.
Claim: Hackers have concealed “phishing codes” in good morning images; receiving one could expose your private information – warning by Olga Nikolaevnas.
Fact: There are no news reports or official information from government agencies about hackers stealing private information through messages like “good morning” or “good evening.” Similar messages have been circulating on social media since 2017. Furthermore, there is no evidence of the existence of any media outlet named Shanghai International News. However, there is a risk of personal information theft through any image or message containing phishing codes. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
The message claims to be sourced from Shanghai International News. However, there is no evidence of the existence of such a media outlet. The government has not issued any warning about hackers stealing data through messages like “good morning” or “good evening.” Indeed, if such incidents occurred, several news organizations would have published stories on this matter. However, we didn’t find any news reports regarding this.
Subsequently, we checked the website of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the official website of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology regarding the apparent threat mentioned in the viral message. However, we didn’t find any advisory notices on these websites.
Upon further research, we discovered that the process of concealing secret information within a data source is known as Steganography. In this technique, malware or phishing URLs can be hidden in text files, images, audio, and video, often escaping detection by conventional malware detection tools.
What is a Phishing attack?
Phishing attacks are the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source. It is usually done through email. The goal is to steal sensitive data like credit cards and login information, or to install malware on the victim’s machine. Phishing is a common type of cyber-attack that everyone should learn about to protect themselves.  More information about Phishing can be found here.
How to protect ourselves from cyber-attacks:
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from cyber-attacks.
Moreover, if you accidentally download and trigger malware, it will execute immediately; it won’t wait as the hoax message claims. Deleting “good morning” or “good night” photos or videos will free up storage space on your phone, but it won’t prevent malware from executing. Similar messages have circulated on social media since 2017 (here and here). This indicates that the news is old, and there is no truth to it. A Malaysia-based news portal, The Star, reported on the same hoax message in 2018 and labelled it as fake. All this information makes it clear that this viral claim has been circulating on social media for many years, and there is no truth to the news. Additionally, it’s crucial to note that malware can be embedded in file formats like .jpg and .gif. Deleting harmless images or videos won’t guarantee protection against potential threats. Vigilance against cyber attacks is imperative, disregarding outdated warnings or misconceptions spread on social media.
To sum it up, the claim that hackers are stealing personal information through good morning messages is untrue

created: February 28, 2024


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The claim that Hamdard Unani pharmaceutical company does not employ any Hindu is false - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 24, 2024
A post is being shared on social media saying that not a single Hindu youth would get a job in Hamdard Laboratories, a Unani pharmaceutical company. Let’s verify the authenticity of the claim through this article.
Claim: Unani pharmaceutical company, Hamdard Laboratories, does not employ any Hindu youth.
Fact: The top leadership section on Hamdard company’s website showed both Hindus and Muslims. Moreover, when a Mahapanchayat was convened by local representatives to advocate for a 50% reservation of job positions for Hindus at Hamdard’s Manesar unit in 2022, Shailesh Tiwari, Chief of Operations, said, “I am a Hindu who is heading the unit here and that says all about the recruitment policy. I cannot divulge anymore but can say, these allegations and threats are all baseless publicity stunts.” Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
To verify the claim made in the post, we went to the leadership section on the company’s website and found that both Hindus and Muslims are part of the top leadership at Hamdard.
A keyword search across various social networking platforms led us to social media profiles (here and here) linked to employees of this company that include non-muslims.
Furthermore, we also searched if there are any instances of Hamdard company denying jobs to non-Muslims or advertised jobs only for Muslims as mentioned in the post. However, we couldn’t find any news articles reporting such incidents. Had any such incidents occurred, they would have been definitely reported by the media as Hamdard is a well-known company.
In this process, we came across an article published by ‘The Tribune’ on 8 July 2022, titled “Gurugram: Mahapanchayat for 50 pc reservation in pharma company”. According to this report, on 7 July 2022,  a Mahapanchayat was convened by local representatives to advocate for a 50% reservation of job positions for Hindus at  Hamdard company in Manesar village, Gurugram. The protest also highlighted concerns that even if vacancies existed at Hamdard, local applicants with appropriate qualifications and competencies would not be given fair consideration for employment. However, Shailesh Tiwari, Chief of Operations at Hamdard’s Manesar unit, refuted these allegations and said, “I am a Hindu who is heading the unit here and that says all about the recruitment policy. I cannot divulge anymore but can say, these allegations and threats are all baseless publicity stunts.”
To sum up, the claim that Hamdard Unani pharmaceutical company does not employ any Hindu youth is false.

source: news-factly

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Sai Krishna Muthyanolla


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The claim that John Ford, the richest man in America had converted to Islam is false - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 4, 2022
A post is being widely shared on social media claiming that John Ford, the richest man in America had converted to Islam. Along with the post, a photo of a man in a suit is also being shared. Let us fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Richest Man in America, John Ford, converted to Islam.
Fact: The photo of the person is rumoured to be of a US Army leader who was saying the Shahada (prayer of initiation into the faith) in a video that had gone viral in 2018 in Oman. The name of the person could not be identified. There is no person named ‘John Ford’ in ‘The 10 Richest People in America From 2010-2021’ list given by Forbes. There are no recent news articles which say that the richest man in America, John Ford had converted to Islam. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When reverse image search is done on the photo in the post, an article with a similar image was found. According to the article published on 23 March 2018, the person in the image is rumoured to be a US Army leader who was saying the Shahada (prayer of initiation into the faith) in a video that had gone viral then. A video is also attached with the article where a group of people can be seen sitting next to the person reciting something. There is no mention of any John Ford in the article.
Upon searching on google for the person named ‘John Ford’, he was an eminent Director/ Producer in Hollywood who passed away in 1973. There is also a LinkedIn profile of a person named ‘John Ford’ who worked in the media industry. But none of the pictures of these two people match with the photo of the person mentioned in the post. Further, there was no person named ‘John Ford’ in ‘The 10 Richest People In America From 2010-2021’ list by Forbes.
To sum it up, the claim that John Ford, the richest man in America had converted to Islam is false.

created: January 4, 2022


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The claim that Mandrake plants cry upon uprooting is a myth. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 14, 2024
Social media is currently abuzz with videos claiming that the Mandrake or Mandragora plants make a fatal crying sound when uprooted. One video in particular features a little girl pulling out a plant resembling a Mandrake from a pot, which subsequently emits crying noises. This article aims to fact-check this claim.
Claim: Mandrake plants cry and produce a fatal sound when uprooted.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support that Mandrake plants emit a fatal crying sound when uprooted. The video in question stems from a Harry Potter-themed exhibition in Russia, depicting a fictional scene from the popular series. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
Our research on the topic led us to credible sources such as Oxford Speaks and America’s National Library of Medicine (here and here).
Both sources acknowledge that Mandrake plants have historically been recognized for their medicinal value, and they are often linked with many myths and magical properties. However, neither of these sources validates the claim that Mandrake plants cry when uprooted. The host in the Oxford Speaks video even uproots a baby Mandrake from the ground but it does not make any crying noise as being claimed.
This misconception appears to have originated from the film ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ where Mandrakes are depicted as crying when uprooted. It’s important to note that this is fictional and created for the purpose of the movie.
The video displaying a child uprooting a crying ‘Mandrake’ is sourced from a Harry Potter-themed exhibition in Yekaterinburg, Russia. This exhibition simulates (here and here) the aforementioned scene from the Harry Potter film; the ‘Mandrake’ is not a real plant.
We arrived at this conclusion after investigating the Instagram profile of the user who posted the video, Vladislava Lova, a blogger. She uploaded various photos and videos from her visit to the Harry Potter exhibition at the Greenwich Shopping Centre in Yekaterinburg, Russia, demonstrating that the viral video had been recorded there.
A post shared by Vladislava Lova (@vladislava_a174)
To sum up, the viral claim that Mandrake plants produce a fatal crying sound when uprooted is entirely false. The viral video is a simulation from a Harry Potter-themed exhibition, not a portrayal of reality.

created: February 14, 2024


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The claim that Rowan Atkinson - the person who played the Mr. Bean character – died recently, is not true - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 30, 2021
A post is being widely shared on social media claiming that Mr. Bean died recently. The post even gives condolence messages to Rowan Atkinson – the British actor who played the Mr. Bean character. Let us fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Rowan Atkinson – the person who played the Mr Bean character – died recently.
Fact: There is no evidence to show that Rowan Atkinson – the person who played the Mr. Bean character – died recently. The same claim of Rowan Atkinson’s death has been going around on social media since 2012, and had been debunked by news outlets ever since. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
When we searched on the internet, we could not find anything that confirms Rowan Atkinson – the British actor who played the Mr. Bean character – is dead. If such a thing would have happened, news agencies around the world would have reported the same.
Official accounts of Mr. Bean on Facebook and Twitter do not mention anything about the death of Rowan Atkinson.
The same claim of Rowan Atkinson’s death has been going around on social media since 2012. And had been debunked by news outlets (here and here) ever since.
AFP had written a fact-check article about the same claim when it went viral in May 2021. A spokesperson for PBJ Management – a talent agency that manages Rowan Atkinson – confirmed to AFP that he was alive.
To sum it up, the claim that Rowan Atkinson – the person who played the Mr. Bean character – died recently, is not true.

created: November 30, 2021


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The claims made by Dr. Christiane Northrup regarding COVID-19 vaccines in this video are false - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 20, 2020
While the world still reels under the repercussions of COVID-19, researchers & scientists are racing to produce a vaccine against the virus’ spread. However, a viral video on Facebook continues to spread false claims surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, limiting its impact and sowing the seeds of doubts and mistrust among millions of viewers. Let us verify the claims made in the post.
Claim 1: The RNA vaccine will fundamentally change people’s DNA.
Fact: According to experts, mRNA vaccines do not alter human DNA. Such misinformation is regularly aired on social media to sow doubts/mistrust even before the vaccine is available to the public. Thus, the claim made in the post is FALSE
The video is a 4-minute clip of the 37-minute long interview with Dr. Christiane Northrup, an obstetrician- gynaecologist who has earlier featured as a health expert on “The Oprah Show”. She claimed that the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine will alter the human DNA. The vaccine henceforth, is set to control our movements has gone viral on social media.
However, according to experts, “mRNA vaccines work by introducing a messenger RNA molecule into your body, which causes cells to produce a protein that resembles one of the viral proteins that make up SARS-CoV-2. The immune cells then recognize this viral protein and generate an immune response against it, primarily by generating antibodies that recognize the viral protein”. A similar explanation can be found here and here.
The World Health Organization (WHO) clarified the same on its website that the working principle of vaccination is to stimulate the immune system “with an infectious agent, or components of an infectious agent, modified in such a manner that no harm or disease is caused, but ensuring that when the host is confronted with that infectious agent, the immune system can adequately neutralize it before it causes any ill effect.”
Claim 2: The toxic metals used in the vaccine will create antennas in the human body that will be detected by 5G technology
Fact: Multiple conspiracies and speculations have been doing rounds on social media but in fact, 5G technology has nothing to do with COVID-19. Thus, the claim made in the video is FALSE
While the conspiracy theory on 5G technology is no new news, experts have time and again clarified that 5G is a mobile-network technology and there is no scientific evidence that phone signals will either transmit or reduce our defences to COVID-19. BBC News has also confirmed the same from around the world.
Claim 3: The non-human DNA will turn humans into chimers.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that the mRNA vaccine will introduce non-human/animal DNA into human bodies. Thus, the claim made in the video is FALSE
Dr. Northrup continues to argue that non-human DNA will be introduced into our bodies which will, in turn, enable humans to pick up certain animal traits. However, by definition, the origin of chimera is in Greek mythology which refers to a single organism composed of cells with more than one distinct DNA. However, there is no evidence that humans will exhibit animal traits
Claim 4: Vaccine to contain nano particles which in turn act as antennas will collect biometric data that will further be traded for cryptocurrency.
Fact: While there is a patent application that mentions technology allowing to monitor & track people’s activity in exchange for cryptocurrency, there is no mention of nano particles or implanted chips in the body. Thus, the claim made in the video is FALSE.
She further accused Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of using the vaccine as a strategy to collect people’s biometric data for their own profits. Although Microsoft and Bill Gates have filed for patent numbered 060606 for a system which rewards physical activity with cryptocurrency, there is no mention of implanted microchips or nano particles that will collect the biometric data. The patent application has not yet been granted either.
Claim 5: The patented dye Luciferase produced by MIT will help countries to check on who has been vaccinated
Fact: In 2019, Massachusetts Institute of Technology did develop a novel way to record patient’s MMR vaccine history using the luciferase enzyme. However, the same has not been approved for COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, making the claim MISLEADING.
According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology news, they did develop a method to store patient’s data through a dye, invisible to naked eye, that is delivered under the skin through microneedle at the same time as the vaccine. This was developed to devise a method for recording vaccination information in a way that does not require a centralized database or other infrastructure specific to the use of MMR vaccine.
Further research has shown that both Dr. Northrup and the interviewer Polley Tommey, an autism activist are members of the anti-vaccination community. While Polley Tommey is the producer of the 2016 documentary Vaxxed: From Cover-up to Catastrophe, Dr. Northrup is known to have endorsed the ‘Plandemic’ movie with her nearly half a million Facebook followers. The entire interview has been subsequently removed from YouTube for violating its terms of service.
To sum it up, the claims made by Dr. Christiane Northrup regarding COVID-19 vaccines in the video are false. Many of those claims do not have any substantial scientific evidence.

created: November 20, 2020


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The clickbait thumbnail of a huge snake inside a house is morphed - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
December 2, 2022
A post featuring an image of a huge snake inside a house is being shared on social media claiming that a huge snake entered a home while a woman is sitting at the door. Let’s verify the claim made in the post.
Claim: Image of huge snake that entered inside a house.
Fact: This image is originally a thumbnail image for a YouTube video where an alleged snake expert catches a snake when it entered a house. However, in the video, the size of the snake is not as big as shown in the video’s thumbnail. Though we couldn’t independently verify whether the video shows a real or scripted event, it is evident that the viral post shares a morphed image of snake. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
The article shared in the post features the image of a big snake inside the house and talks about a viral video of snake entering the house. Reverse image search of this image led us to a YouTube video posted by ‘Bapi da Snake Expert’ on 20 December 2021 with the title “ Such a scene captured in CCTV camera, seeing this everyone got goosebumps”. The thumbnail of this YouTube video is being re-used as feature image for the article.
While the video does show the visuals of the snake entering the house while the woman is inside the house, the size of the snake is not as big as shown in the video’s thumbnail.
Though we couldn’t independently verify whether the video shows a real or scripted event, the thumbnail evidently carries a morphed image of the snake. Thus, the featured image of the article is morphed and a clickbait.
To sum it up, the article shares a morphed image of the snake inside the house.

created: December 2, 2022


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The collapsed Jamnagar-Junagarh highway bridge wasn’t inaugurated by PM Modi three months ago - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
June 25, 2019
On Facebook, a few users are sharing the picture of a collapsed road bridge and are alleging- “Planned by then CM Modi, inaugurated by PM Modi, Jamnagar-Junagarh highway bridge collapsed within 3 months of inauguration!”.  Let’s try to check the veracity of the claims made in the post.
The collapsed ‘Jamnagar-Junagarh highway bridge’ was inaugurated by PM Modi three months ago.
Fact: The Jamnagar-Junagarh highway bridge has collapsed at Jamkandorna area of Rajkot district. This road bridge was found to exist at Jamkandorna atleast since the year 2009 (i.e. much before Modi has become the Prime Minister). Hence the claim made in the post stands FALSE.
When the image in the post is run through Google Reverse Image technique with a filter “road bridge collapsed”, it was found in an article published by “DeshGujarat” newspaper. According to this article, the bridge on Jamnagar -Junagadh road near Satodak village at around 14 km from Jamkandorna has collapsed in June 2019.
When looked for any additional information regarding the age of the bridge, no relevant information was found in the article. When googled for more information about the collapsed bridge, another article published by “Sandesh” news agency was found. In this article, the age of the bridge was discussed as ‘years old’ but the year of construction was not mentioned.
From the data available in the newspaper articles, Factly was able to trace the location of the bridge on Google Earth. Based on the information available from the historical satellite imagery, the bridge was found to be existing at least since 2009 i.e. much before Modi has become the Prime Minister. So, this ‘Jamnagar-Junagarh highway bridge’ wasn’t inaugurated by PM Modi three months ago. In the below screenshot of the Google Earth, the bridge’s location was marked with an indicator in colour ‘red’.
Speaking with Times of India correspondent, Rajkot collector Rahul gupta said that the bridge collapsed on June 19 was built 45 years ago by the state roads and buildings department, and was later handed over to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Gupta added that the bridge was never inaugurated by PM Modi and was in a dilapidated condition much before it collapsed.
To sum it up, this collapsed Jamnagar-Junagarh highway bridge wasn’t inaugurated by PM Modi three months ago.
Did you watch the first Episode of DECODE series on Parliament?


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The coloured markers on toothpaste do not represent its ingredients - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 5, 2023
A video is viral on social media claiming that the Red, Green, Blue, and Black coloured markers that are printed on toothpaste reflect the kind of ingredients used in them. According to the video, Red represents Natural+Chemical ingredients, Blue represents Natural+Medicinal Ingredients, Black tells that it is completely made using chemicals, and finally, green tells that the paste was made using natural products. Let’s verify this information through this article.
Claim: The colour markers printed on toothpaste represents the type of ingredient used in it.
Fact: The colour markers on the toothpaste are not an indication of the ingredients or the formula of the toothpaste. These colour markers help during the manufacturing of toothpaste. Light beam sensors scan this colour code (markers) and feed the machines instructions where to cut, fold, and seal the toothpaste packet. These colour markers have nothing to do with the raw ingredients of the toothpaste. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
Firstly, to check the veracity of the claim, we searched the internet to see if the colour markings have anything to do with the raw materials in the toothpaste. This led us to an article on Health Line on the same subject. According to them, the various colours present on top of the toothpaste help during the manufacturing process.
Light beam sensors scan this colour code and feed the machines where to cut, fold, and seal the toothpaste packet. These colours are not only limited to blue, green, black, and Red but different types of colours are used in different machines depending on the sensors in them. All colours have the same meaning.
Colgate has explained this matter and made it clear through an article published on their website that the colour code on the toothpaste has nothing to do with the raw materials used. They said that the coloured markers on the toothpaste help during preparation.
The list of ingredients is printed on the top of the toothpaste packet or tube by its manufacturers. For more information about types and raw materials in toothpaste, read the article written by the Indian Dental Association here.
To sum up, the colour code on the toothpaste is not an indicator of its ingredients.


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The Congress party has nominated candidates for both assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
April 8, 2024
A social media post claims that the Congress refrained from nominating any candidates in the forthcoming elections in Arunachal Pradesh, purportedly due to concerns about upsetting China (here, here & here). Additionally, it suggests that Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra avoided entering Arunachal Pradesh out of similar apprehensions. In this article, let’s fact-check the assertions made in the post.
Claim: Fearing China, Congress refrained from nominating any candidates in the forthcoming 2024 elections in Arunachal Pradesh.
Fact: Contrary to the viral claims, the Congress party has nominated candidates for both assembly and parliamentary constituencies in the upcoming elections in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, according to the Election Commission of India, the Congress has consistently fielded candidates in every parliamentary election since 2004. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
Arunachal Pradesh is scheduled for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections on 19 April 2024, with 60 assembly and 2 Lok Sabha seats at stake. Despite widespread claims to the contrary, the Congress party has indeed put forward its candidates for both assembly and parliamentary constituencies.
According to the data accessible on the Election Commission website, the Congress has nominated candidates for both parliamentary constituencies, and their candidatures have been approved.
The Congress has nominated candidates in several assembly constituencies. According to reports, the party initially nominated candidates in 34 seats. However, after scrutiny, only 19 candidates remained. The election affidavits of all these contesting candidates are accessible on the Election Commission website. It is worth mentioning that although Arunachal has a 60-member assembly, the BJP candidates in 10 seats won unopposed.
Furthermore, historical data concerning parliamentary elections in Arunachal Pradesh can be accessed on the Election Commission portal. According to this data, starting from 2004, the Congress party has consistently participated in every election. The affidavits of the candidates nominated by the Congress party are available for viewing here.
As for the assertion concerning Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra did enter Arunachal Pradesh earlier this year in January 2024. Visuals related to Rahul’s Arunachal leg of the yatra can be viewed here and here.
To sum up, the Congress party has nominated candidates for both assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh for the 2024 elections.


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The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is taking place at the same Babri Mosque site - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 19, 2024
A claim circulating on social media asserts that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is constructed 3 km away from the previous Babri mosque site. The post includes a Google Maps screenshot depicting two locations—one indicating the temple under construction in Ayodhya and the other stating ‘Babar Masjid (permanently closed)’. In this article, we will verify the accuracy of the claim presented in the post.
Claim: Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is constructed 3 km away from the disputed Babri mosque site.
Fact: Presently, the ongoing construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is taking place on the former site of the Babri mosque, which was previously demolished. This fact is supported by satellite images, and media reports also corroborate this information. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
Recently, some opposition leaders have made allegations regarding the Ram Temple, asserting that it is built three kilometers away from the former site of the Babri mosque. To support their claims, they have circulated screenshots from Google Maps. It is in this context that the viral assertion has garnered attention on various social media platforms.
Contrary to the viral claim, historical satellite images of the contested location indicate that the current construction is indeed taking place at the erstwhile disputed site. The viral image presented depicts the Babri mosque in its original condition, while the second image, sourced from a 2011 satellite photograph of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir site before construction, was obtained through Google Earth Pro. A careful comparison of these two images reveals the presence of architectural structures surrounding the Babri mosque in the first photo, which is also discernible in the 2011 satellite photos. This observation suggests that both images capture the same location, specifically the site where the Babri Masjid was previously demolished.
According to the 2011 satellite images, the coordinates for the location of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir are (26°47’43″N 82°11’39″E).
The image below depicts the ongoing construction site of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, as acquired through Google Earth. According to Google Earth, the coordinates for this Ram Mandir are 26°47’47″N 82°11’35″E. Notably, these coordinates closely match those of the location featured in the previously mentioned 2011 satellite image. Consequently, this suggests that the construction of the Ram Mandir is taking place on the site where the Babri mosque once stood.
Meanwhile, a temple near the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is tagged as the demolished Babri mosque on Google Maps, as shown in the viral screenshot, which led to the argument that the Ram Temple was not built in place of the demolished Babri mosque. However, the location tagged as Babri mosque is a Hindu religious place. Upon closer examination, the location reveals the Birla Temple, which is devoted to the Hindu deities Ram and Sita.
To sum it up, the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is taking place at the site where the Babri mosque once stood.

created: January 19, 2024


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The contents of Apeel coating are deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 20, 2023
A social media post shared a photo of a food item with an Apeel label whose post description reads, ‘ DO NOT EAT ANYTHING WITH THIS LABEL!! This is a Bill Gates-founded company using toxic mono & diglycerides to make you SICK! ‘Let’s fact-check this post’s claim through this article.
Claim: Consuming food items containing the label of Apeel will cause sickness as they have toxic mono and diglycerides.
Fact: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognises mono and diglycerides, the ingredients of Apeel’s Edipeel, as food substances generally recognised as safe. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.
Apeel Sciences manufactures a post-harvest coating named Edipeel. Edipeel’s primary ingredients are the food additives of mono- and diglycerides. According to Apeel Sciences, Edipeel forms a thin, edible physical barrier against moisture loss and oxidation when applied to the surfaces of certain fruits and vegetables, which extends the shelf life of these fruits and vegetables.
Mono- and diglycerides fall under the GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) classification of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Apeel also mentions the same on their website. A WHO report states,’ No harmful effects have been specifically associated with mono- or diglycerides. ‘ The Centre for Science in the Public Interest gave a ‘safe’ rating to Mono- and diglycerides. This evidence contradicts the viral claim that these compounds cause sickness.
Apeel Sciences also sent a notice to the FDA about the use of Mono- and diglycerides, to which they responded by saying that they have no question that these compounds come under GRAS classified.
The viral post also claims that Bill Gates owns Apeel, which is refuted by a spokesperson of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMFG). Apeel received a grant from BMGF in 2012 and 2015. Still, according to Lauren Sweeney, vice president of marketing operations and commercial strategy at Apeel Sciences, BMGF is not an active investor anymore. James Rogers is the Founder and CEO of Apeel Sciences.
To sum up, the contents of Apeel coating are deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.


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Conviction rate of Section 498A cases fall as that of IPC crimes increases
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 20, 2020
The conviction rate of all IPC crimes reached 50% in 2018, the highest in 13 years. At the same time, the conviction rate of cases under Sec 498A has fallen and reached 13% in 2018, the 2nd lowest in 13 years.
Violence againstwomen is a global problem. The United
Nations adopted the ‘Declaration on theElimination of Violence Against Women’ in 1993. Even in India, there are manylegislations aimed at protecting the rights of women.
One such provision is Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that makes domestic violence and harassment women may be subjected to by husbands and their families for dowry-related matters a crime.
As per the 2018report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than one lakh cases underSec 498A were reported in India in 2018. These cases made up for 27.3% of all thecases of crime against
women reported in 2018. This provision hasbeen always been in the news with allegations of false complaints and very lowconviction rate.
What is Section 498A?
In 1983,the government introduced this section through an amendment to the IPC to makeacts of cruelty and harassment towards wife by her husband and in-laws a criminaloffence. These acts can be emotional, physical, psychological, verbal orsexual. The objective of the amendment was to curb the increasing number ofdowry deaths and harassment of wives leading to suicides, by penalising theoffender.
Under this section,in case the husband or his family members is found guilty of harassing hiswife, mentally or physically, they will be imprisoned for a period of up tothree years, in addition to a penalty. The offence is cognizable,non-compoundable and non-bailable.
Over the manyyears, there have been allegations that the law was being misused by women by makingfalse complaints or exaggerated allegations for frivolous cases. The SupremeCourt has in different judgements acknowledged this misuse.
What are the various Supreme Court judgments?
In 2014, the Supreme
Court of India ruled out automatic
arrests under this section. The Court alsoissued some important directions to be followed while dealing with cases underthis section.
After three years, in 2017, the Court further directed that family welfare committees at district level were to be set up by District Legal Services Authority to look into all the cases reported under Section 498A and submit their reports within a month, after which an investigation officer will be assigned to investigate the case. However, this judgement was later altered by the SC in 2018 after re-examination of the judgement. Since family welfare committees were extra-judicial committees, SC directed that these committees could not exercise statutory function. The other directions were retained.
The annual ‘Crimein India’ report of NCRB gives details of number of crimes reported under Section 498A along with thedisposal by courts. While the number of cases registered under the section crossed1.2 Lakhs in 2014, the number of cases registered has fallen since then andstood at 1.03 Lakhs in 2018 with almost 17,000 cases reported in West Bengalalone.
Number of cases pending under Section 498A has increased
by 2.6 times in 13 years
The number ofcases pending under Section 498A has steadily increased since 2006. From 2006to 2017, an annual average increase of 10% was observed in the number ofpending cases. In 2017, there was a drop in the number of cases. However, againin 2018, the number of pending cases under this section has risen by 6%. In thespan of these thirteen years, the number of pending cases under 498A have morethan doubled and increased by 161%.
Number of convictions in 2018 lowest in ten years
The number of convictions under this section between 2006 and 2017 varied between 6000 and 8000 a year except in 2016. The year 2018 has reported the least number of convictions under 498A between 2006 & 2018. Only 4982 convictions were reported in 2018.
Up to 2016, thenumber of acquittals under this section witnessed an increase of 60% comparedto 2006. Since then, the number acquitted dropped to 34,153 in 2017 and to thelowest in the decade which is 31,691 in 2018.
During the sameperiod, the number of cases withdrawn has gradually increased. Between 2006 and2018, the number of cases withdrawn (or compromised) has increased by 70%.
Conviction
rate falls to 13%
A comparison of theconviction rate of all IPC crimes and the cases under 498A reveals that theconviction rate of the cases under 498A has continuously reduced.  Data reveals that in the case of all IPCcrimes, the conviction rate dropped from 42.9% in 2006 to 38.5 in 2012.However, between 2013 and 2018, the rate has increased continuously to reach 50%.In other words, one out of every two cases under IPC, where trial has completedhas resulted in a conviction.
On the other hand, the conviction rate of cases under 498A has drastically reduced from 21.9% in 2006 to 13% in 2018. Conviction rate of 498A cases in 2018 is almost a quarter of conviction rate of all IPC crimes. Only 1 out of 7 cases under Sec 498A resulted in a conviction in 2018.
Conviction rate for cases under 498A is the lowest
among all IPC crimes
NCRB presents datafor different IPC and SLL laws in the annual ‘Crime in India’ report. Up to2013, data was presented under 23 categories of offences under IPC. This wasincreased to 34 categories in 2015. Following the modifications made to the2017 report, data of crimes under IPC have been categorised into 55 categories.
While convictionrate of cases under Section 498A has been ranked among the bottom four in allthe 13 years (2006 to 2018), it has been ranked the lowest in 4 different yearsand lowest but one in 5 different years. In 2018, it has been ranked 54 out of55 categories.
Data insufficient to conclude misuse of Section 498A
Data indicatesthat while the highest number of FIRs are filed under Section 498A,  the conviction rate is one of the lowest. However,to conclude that the section has been misused just because of the low convictionrate would be misleading.
There are manycomplexities around this law. The offence need not be explicit and need nothave witnesses. The persistent social stigma also does not allow women to comeforward and register complaints. Lack of awareness about the law is anotherfactor. An in-depth analysis taking into consideration the causes of violence,social factors, the role of the police investigation is necessary to understandthis dichotomy between high number of cases and the low conviction rate.
In addition to Section 498A, there is separate legislation, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 to protect women from violence inflicted by partners.
With inputs from Prudhvi Potuganti
Featured Image: Section 498A

created: January 20, 2020


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The cost of Evian bottled water seen in this video is ₹250, not ₹2900 - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 11, 2023
A video showing Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav’s family gathering is being widely shared on social media. The accompanying description claims that the Evian company water bottle seen on their table costs around ₹2900 per litre. Let’s verify this claim made in the post.
Claim: Cost of the Evian brand’s water bottle seen at the family gathering of Tejashwi Yadav is ₹2900 per liter.
Fact: The cost of the 1-liter Evian bottled water visible in the viral video is not ₹2900 but rather ₹250. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
An internet search for the prices of various variants of Evian bottled water across different e-commerce sites revealed that the average price of a 1-litre Evian water bottle ranges from ₹200 to ₹500, depending on the variant, packaging options, retailer, and other factors. However, the specific variant featured in the viral video has an MRP of ₹250 and is currently being sold for ₹225 on Big Basket.
Additionally, we also found that another bottle visible in the video is the Himalayan brand bottled water, which has an MRP of ₹70.
To sum it up, contrary to the claim, the cost of the 1-litre Evian bottled water visible in the viral video is not ₹2900 but rather ₹250.


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Wife & Husband seen in this video both are from the Muslim community - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 23, 2022
Video of a man thrashing his wife over lighting candles during their son’s birthday celebration is being widely shared on social media claiming that he is a Muslim while his wife is a Hindu and this incident exposes ‘love jihad’. Let’s verify the claim made in the post.
Claim: Video of a Muslim man thrashing his Hindu wife over lighting the candles during their son’s birthday celebration.
Fact: The couple seen in the video are ‘Mohammad Mushtaq’ and ‘Ayesha Banu’ from Bengaluru. Both are Muslims and were married since 2009. This incident took place in 2015 during their son’s birthday. Mushtaq beat Ayesha for lighting birthday candles even before he’s ready. Also, Mushtaq and his family used to harass Ayesha over dowry. Ayesha is now living with her son and waiting to get divorce from Mushtaq. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
We searched the internet with relevant keywords and found a news reports by India Today , Divya Marathi and Times of India from October 2022.
According to these reports, the incident took place in the year 2015. The man seen in the video is ‘Mohammad Mushtaq’. The woman is his wife ‘Ayesha Banu’, and  they got married in 2009. Mushtaq works in an IT company in Bengaluru. They had a son named ‘Shahran’ who is born in 2013. Reportedly, Mushtaq and his family used to harass Ayesha for dowry. In 2015, when the couple were celebrating their son’s birthday in a hotel, Ayesha lit the candles on the cake while Mushtaq was setting up the camera. Due to this, he got furious and beat Ayesha badly. This incident was recorded on camera. Ayesha was living separately for the last few years. She filed a domestic violence case against her husband and alleged that no action was taken against him till now. Mushtaq refused to give divorce to Ayesha but married another woman. Video of Ayesha explaining the situation can be seen here.
When this video went viral in October 2022, Delhi Commission for Women complained to CM of Karnataka to look into this matter seriously and do justice to Ayesha.
My letter to Karnatak CM @BSBommai ji seeking urgent action in the case of a woman survivor of Domestic Violence whose video went viral on Instagram. Her husband must be arrested. Police protection and help should be provided to her urgently. pic.twitter.com/yR0hGBF2B5
In 2021, Karnataka High Court had said that a Muslim wife can take custody of her only minor child when she is living separately from her in-laws due to her husband’s second marriage. The copy of the judgment can be here. It is clearly written in the judgment that both Ayesha and Mushtaq belong to Muslim Community.
To sum it up, the couple seen in the video belong to Muslim community. There is no ‘love jihad’ angle in this incident.

created: November 23, 2022


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The courtship display drawing of a Pufferfish is falsely labelled Sudarshana Chakra - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
August 4, 2023
A video claiming that a Silverfish has drawn the Sudarshana Chakra at the bottom of the sea is doing the rounds on social media. Let’s fact-check this claim through this article.
Claim: A video of a silverfish drawing the Sudarshana Chakra on the sea floor.
Fact: White-spotted male pufferfish draw these circular shapes on the seabed to attract females. The grains of sand in the centre of this shape are very delicate. After the female fish meets the male fish, she lays her eggs in this fine sand and leaves. The male fish guards the eggs until they hatch. Hence, the claim made in the post is misleading.
Firstly, using relevant keywords, we searched the internet to learn more details about this video. Through this search, we found that it is a video clip from a BBC documentary called ‘Life Story’, which came out in 2014. According to the details in this documentary, a male fish, known as the ‘Japanese PufferFish’, draws such shapes with their fins in the sand on the seabed to attract and ‘win a mate’. This is a courtship display.
Nature, the National Library of Medicine, and other research papers concluded in 2013 that white-spotted male puffer fish draw such patterns. Although such shapes were spotted in the sea a as early as 1995, how they formed was not known. Male pufferfishes draw these circular shapes in 7-9 days. The grains of sand in the centre of this shape are very delicate. After the female fish meets the male fish, she lays her eggs in this fine sand and leaves. The male fish guards the eggs until they hatch.
To sum up, the courtship display drawing of a PufferFish is falsely labelled Sudarshana Chakra.

created: August 4, 2023


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The COVID-19 medication in this list should only be taken after Doctor’s advice - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 17, 2022
Photo of a list of tablets is being widely shared on social media through a post, claiming that the tablets needed to be used when one is infected with COVID-19. Let us fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: The list of tablets to be taken when infected with COVID-19.
Fact: The antibiotics mentioned in the list require a doctor’s prescription. Doctor’s advice is needed before taking these antibiotics. Ivermectin is no longer recommended by ICMR; it has been removed from the clinical guidelines revised in September 2021. Recently, over 30 doctors have written an open letter to the central and state governments saying that certain medications and diagnostics are inappropriate for the clinical management of COVID-19. “The prescribing of vitamin combinations, azithromycin, doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir and ivermectin for treating Covid-19 is irrational practice.” Infections like mucormycosis, aspergillosis are attributed to ‘widespread abuse of inappropriate medications.’ Doctor’s advice is recommended before taking any medicines for tackling COVID-19. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
Antibiotics mentioned in the list need doctor’s prescription:
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It can only be taken after a doctor’s advice. Doxy 100mg tablet is also an antibiotic medicine that needs a doctor’s prescription. The list also mentions vitamin and zinc supplements.
Ivermectin no longer recommended:
The Indian Council of Medical Research had excluded Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine from its COVID-19 treatment guidelines in September 2021. Upon revising its ‘Clinical guideline’ for COVID-19, ICMR removed Ivermectin which was previously mentioned in its guidelines.
The latest clinical guidelines for management of adult COVID-19 patients revised on 14 January 2021 do not mention any of the list of tablets mentioned in the list.
Recently, over 30 doctors have written an open letter to the central and state governments saying that certain medications and diagnostics are inappropriate for the clinical management of COVID-19. “The prescribing of vitamin combinations, azithromycin, doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir and ivermectin for treating Covid-19 is irrational practice.” Infections like mucormycosis, aspergillosis are attributed to ‘widespread abuse of inappropriate medications.’
To sum it up, the COVID-19 medication in this list should only be taken after Doctor’s advice.

created: January 17, 2022


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The CPGRAMS portal meant to address public grievances was launched much before Narendra Modi assumed office - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
July 19, 2023
A social media post claims that Prime Minister Modi has reportedly initiated a grievance portal upon assuming office, allowing citizens to directly communicate with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The post also includes a video featuring a woman who shares her positive experience of having her issue resolved after lodging a complaint on this portal. Through this article let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Prime Minister Modi has initiated a grievance portal (CPGRAMS) upon assuming office for the first time.
Fact: A revised version of CPGRAMS portal meant to address public grievances was launched in June 2007. In fact, the concept of directly accepting petitions to handle public grievances was initiated as early as 2002. Since then, a total of 8972 grievance petitions were received by the DOP&T and most of the issues were resolved before 90 days of filing the petition as of 31 January 2014. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The viral post refers to the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), as the grievance redressal mechanism initiated by PM Modi after assuming office in 2014.
However, the Centralized Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is an online web-enabled system developed by NIC, in association with the Directorate of Public Grievances (DPG) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in June 2007.
It is one of the flagship initiatives for the reformation of governance started by the Government of India through addressing the grievances of the public. In fact, the concept of directly accepting petitions to handle public grievances was initiated as early as 2002.
The below-archived image shows the snapshot of the portal taken on 13 December 2007, proving that the portal has existed since then.
Further, we came across multiple reports of different government departments referring to the implementation of CPGRAMS, much before Modi assumed office for the first time in 2014 (here & here). However, in 2015, a mobile application for CPGRAMS was launched by the Modi government (here & here).
According to a Lok Sabha response dated 05 February 2014, regarding the total number of petitions received under the public grievance mechanism, the then Union government stated that till 31 January 2014, DOP&T since the inception of the scheme in 2002, has received a total of 8972 grievance petitions. And according to the government, only 371 grievances are pending for more than 90 days as of 31 January 2014.
This suggests that even during the previous Congress-led UPA government, public grievances were addressed through a grievance redressal mechanism. It is highly probable that many of these petitioners utilized the online portal, which was launched in 2007. This contradicts the viral claim that the system was launched after Modi assumed office in 2014.
To sum it up, the CPGRAMS portal meant to address public grievances was launched much before PM Modi assumed office in 2014.


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The culprit’s name has not been changed into a Hindu name in the ‘Chhapaak’ movie - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 9, 2020
Actress Deepika Padukone’s new movie ‘Chhapaak’ is based on the true story of an acid attack victim, Lakshmi Agarwal. It is being widely shared on social media that the real-life culprit’s name (‘Nadeem Khan’) has been changed into a Hindu name (‘Rajesh/Rakesh’) in the movie. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
The culprit’s name has been changed into a Hindu name (‘Rajesh/Rakesh’) in ‘Chhapaak’ movie.
Fact: In ‘Chhapaak’ movie, the culprit’s name has not been changed into a Hindu name. The name of the culprit is ‘Basheer’, not ‘Rajesh/Rakesh’, in the movie. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
In the judgement of the Delhi High Court, it can be seen that two people were convicted of attacking Lakshmi with the acid. While one is ‘Naeem Khan’ alias ‘Guddu’, the other is a woman named ‘Rakhi’. It is being claimed that the name of ‘Naeem Khan’ has been changed into a Hindu name in the movie. Let’s try to find whether the name was actually changed.
As the posts and tweets claiming the name change went viral,  people from various media agencies who watched the movie screening of ‘Chhapaak’ have clarified that the name of the culprit has not been changed into a Hindu name. It can be found that various news agencies have published articles that the name of the culprit in the movie is ‘Basheer’, whereas the name of Malti’s (Lakshmi’s name in the movie) boyfriend is ‘Rajesh’. The articles can be read here, here and here. Also, in the reviews of ‘Chhapaak’ movie, it can be read that the name of the culprit has not been changed into a Hindu name.
The news agency, ‘Swarajya’, which has written an article (archived) claiming that the name has been changed into a Hindu name, has also now changed its title.
To sum it up, the culprit’s name has not been changed into a Hindu name in the ‘Chhapaak’ movie.
Did you watch our video on the 10 Most Ridiculous Fake News of the Year 2019?

created: January 9, 2020


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The Curious case of data on Manual Scavengers
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 3, 2022
Manual Scavenging is an inhuman practice that continues even to this day though the government denies the same. In fact, multiple government & independent agencies such as the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis & the NHRC have expressed serious reservations about the government data based on a 2018 survey. Even the NCRB has stopped publishing the number of cases registered under the 2013 act meant to prohibit employment as manual scavengers.
Despite a legislation banning the act of manual scavenging, the practice continues to exist in India. While there is some general agreement that this practice continues to exist, there are a lot of discrepancies around the data on manual scavengers in the country. The numbers provided by independent organizations like the Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA) point towards the underestimation of the figures by the government. Even the government data, provided in response to multiple questions in Parliament at different points of time is contradictory.
Manual scavenging exists despite legislation
According to the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 that was brought in to prohibit employment of manual scavengers, ‘Manual Scavenger’ is a person engaged in or employed for manually carrying human excreta.
After close to two decades, the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 was passed to override the provisions of the 1993 act. This act laid down a detailed definition of ‘manual scavenger’ as an individual engaged or employed for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of, or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta in premises such as railway tracks, open drains, septic tanks, and insanitary latrines. Those persons who clean excreta using devices and protective gears are not deemed as manual scavengers, as per the Act.
Government’s legislation and schemes to prohibit manual scavenging
Various laws and schemes have been implemented over the years to put an end to the practice and uplift the individuals and families involved in manual scavenging. Two important legislations, as mentioned earlier are,
In addition to the government’s interventions, there are organizations like the Safai Karmachari Andolan which are also on a mission to eliminate manual scavenging from the country.
More than 97% of those engaged in manual scavenging are from the SC community
Manual scavenging invites not only caste-based discrimination & social inequality but also is hazardous with severe health implications for those involved. Most of the people engaged in this activity are those belonging to Scheduled Castes. According to a parliament response from December 2021, a total of 58,098 manual scavengers have been identified as per the criteria laid down in the 2013 act. Of these, caste-related data is available for 43,797 manual scavengers, 97.25% of who belonged to Scheduled Castes.
Multiple other Government agencies contradict the official Government line
Despite a legislation with stringent provisions, and concerted efforts to eliminate the practice, manual scavenging is prevalent even today. Though the Government recently stated in Parliament that there is no report of people currently engaged in manual scavenging in the country, the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)’s latest annual report (2019-20) noted that the practice which started long back and became prominent due to urbanization and industrialization is still continuing in both rural and urban areas. Even the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in a statement in January 2021, held that the claims made by many States that they have zero manual scavengers and zero insanitary latrines are far from the truth.
SECC 2011 revealed that 1.82 lakh persons in rural households were involved in manual scavenging
Based on the Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC-2011), data of manual scavengers was released by the Ministry of Rural Development in July 2015. As per SECC-2011, there were 1,82,505 manual scavengers in only the rural areas of the country. It should be noted that the SECC-2011 data is based on respondent input as revealed by the households to the enumerator. Census 2011 also revealed that there were over 26 lakh insanitary latrines in the country which requires human excreta to be cleaned or handled manually. The government claims to have converted the majority into sanitary ones under the Swachh Bharath Mission.
Only a few avail benefits under relevant schemes due to data gaps
To identify the number of manual scavengers in the country, two surveys have been conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment during the years 2013 and 2018 in which 14,812 and 48,251 manual scavengers were identified respectively giving a total of more than 63,000 manual scavengers in the country. However, the 2018 survey was conducted only in a total of 18 states & 170 districts. Organizations like the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) have held that the real picture may emerge only after a nationwide survey on similar lines.
Rehabilitation schemes such as one-time cash assistance, skill development training, and subsidies are provided to a smaller number of persons out of the identified manual scavengers. The poor implementation of the schemes has also been highlighted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee report.
In states for which data is available, the difference between the SECC-2011 data and the national survey’s data is huge. As per SECC-2011, Maharashtra alone has recorded more than 65,000 rural households (35% of the total) who were engaged in manual scavenging whereas the 2018 survey has identified only over 7,300 (11.7% of the total) manual scavengers in the state.
Zero deaths were reported from manual scavenging while 321 deaths while cleaning sewers
In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha in December 2021, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment stated that zero deaths have been reported from manual scavenging in the last five years. However, a total of 321 persons lost their lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks between 2017 and 2021. Data available with the NCSK indicates that 954 sewer deaths took place between 1993 and July 2021. The NCSK clearly mentions the data is based only on the information received from States/UTs, Print and electronic media reports, complaints received by the Commission, etc. In other words, even this data may not reflect the true picture.
There are 7.7 lakh manual scavengers in the country according to SKA
According to the Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA), a non-profit working to eliminate this inhuman practice, the actual number of manual scavengers in the country could be much higher than what is being officially reported. SKA website reports that there are an estimated 7.7 lakh sewer cleaners and 1760 deaths of sewer cleaners have been reported since the year 2000.  It has also been reported that there are 36,176 railway sewer cleaners.
NCRB stopped publishing data of cases under the 2013 act from 2017
With respect to the cases filed under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) data reveals that there have been no cases registered till 2014. In 2015, two cases were registered under the law in Karnataka. In 2016, NCRB stopped showing the number of cases registered under the Act separately in its main report. However, data of cases registered under the 2013 act for the year 2016 was provided in the additional tables. In 2016, two cases were registered under the law in Tamil Nadu. From 2017, even this data is not available as a separate head and the number of cases registered under this act has been merged with cases under the existing ‘Other Special and Local Laws (SLLs)’.  In other words, there is no way of knowing how many cases are being booked under the 2013 act from the NCRB reports.
Proper data is the need of the hour
All the available information makes it amply clear that there is a huge issue with data related to various aspects of manual scavengers. Such discrepancies in data points result in inefficient enforcement of legislations and schemes formulated for relief & rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
Identification & Estimation: The first big issue is the identification & estimation. A nationwide survey covering all the states & districts is a must to identify and come up with a foolproof database of manual scavengers & related households. Such data should be regularly updated to ensure they reflect ground realities. Secondly, there must be proper registration & enumeration system for sewer workers.
NCRB Data: The NCRB on its part should start including the number of cases under this head in its main report irrespective of the quantum of cases registered under this act. Fewer cases should not be an excuse to not release this data.
Only when proper data & available, can manual scavengers be identified to provide them with adequate infrastructure, and provision of alternate livelihood. The NHRC also recommends that the Rehabilitation process of manual scavengers may be linked to other schemes like MGNREGS, a hike in compensation under one-time cash assistance, removal of middlemen, and monitoring by NCRB among others. There is an urgent need to address the data issues without which the laws & schemes brought in for this purpose will remain only on paper.

created: January 3, 2022


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The Curious case of NOTA vote in Reserved Constituencies
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
December 19, 2018
In state after state & year after year, NOTA has polled a greater percentage of votes in reserved constituencies (SC/ST) compared to general constituencies. It points to an alarming trend.
In an earlier story, Factly had written about how NOTA is losing sheen over the years. Further analysis of the data also reveals a trend where NOTA has polled a greater percentage of votes in reserved constituencies (SC/ST) compared to general constituencies.
For the purpose of this analysis, we looked at the data from 38 different elections & 5342 constituencies (both Lok Sabha & Assembly) that went to polls after the introduction of NOTA in the year 2013. Out of these, 3795 are General (GEN) constituencies, 796 are SC reserved (SC) and the remaining 751 are ST reserved (ST). It has to be noted that certain states like Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram & Delhi had two assembly elections after the introduction of NOTA.
NOTA share in ST seats more than double the share in General seats
If all the elections conducted so far are considered (after the introduction of NOTA), the NOTA vote share was lowest in the GEN seats (1.05%) followed by SC reserved seats (1.24%). The ST reserved seats had the highest NOTA vote share with 2.31%, which is more than double the vote share in general seats.
The trend continues year after year
The trend of reserved constituencies polling a greater vote share for NOTA is not limited to any specific year. Year after year, the trend continued. In the year 2013 when NOTA was first introduced, NOTA vote share in GEN seats was 1.54% compared to 1.94% in SC reserved and 3.42% in ST reserved seats. This continued even in the assembly elections in 2014 and even in the Lok Sabha election of 2014. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, NOTA polled 0.95% in GEN seats compared to 1.1% in SC reserved and 2.18% in ST reserved seats.This trend was broken only once in 2015 when Bihar went to polls. In 2015, NOTA polled 1.99% in GEN seats while polling 2.11% in ST reserved and 2.48% in SC reserved. This is the only year when NOTA vote share was highest in SC reserved seats. In all other years, the NOTA share was highest in the ST reserved seats. The trend continued in 2016, 2017 & even in the recently concluded assembly elections in 2018. In both 2017 & 2018, the NOTA vote share in ST reserved seats is more than double the vote share of NOTA in GEN seats.
Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are the only exceptions
This trend of NOTA vote share being more in reserved constituencies was observed in almost every state except in Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and the small UT of Puducherry. In every other state, NOTA vote share was more in reserved constituencies compared to the general constituencies. The NOTA vote share in ST seats in some states was more than twice or even three times the vote share in general seats in some cases.
What could be the reasons for this?
Multiple news stories have highlighted this in the past like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Mint, The EPW etc. Almost all of these stories pointed towards some kind of mobilization around caste, especially in reserved constituencies. In some tribal pockets, the non-tribals do not want to vote for the tribal candidates. In some other places, caste based groups have given an open call asking their community to vote for NOTA as a symbol of protest against caste based reservation. While all these are anecdotal evidence, they point to a trend of mobilization for NOTA in reserved constituencies. It will need a much more detailed analysis to get a sense of the underlying reasons for this phenomenon. But the current trend is alarming.

created: December 19, 2018


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The curious case of Sambhaji Lakshman Patil - How the law is helping him hold two positions (that of a MLA & a Councilor)
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 13, 2016
It might be difficult to believe, but Mr. Sambhaji Lakshman Patil from Karnataka is currently both a MLA in the Karnataka Assembly and a councilor in the Belagavi City Corporation. The existing law does not prohibit holding two such positions simultaneously.
The issue of public representatives simultaneously holding two official positions is once again in the lime light, thanks to Mr. Sambhaji Lakshman Patil. He is currently a serving MLA in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly representing the Belgaum South constituency. Not just that, he is also a serving Councilor representing the 15 ward in the Belagavi City Corporation. How is he holding two positions simultaneously? The loopholes in the relevant laws are aiding people like Mr. Patil.
The Parliament/Assembly Elections Vs Local Elections
The Election Commission of India is in charge of conducting the Parliament/Assembly/Council elections, while elections to the local bodies like Municipalities, Corporations & Zilla Parishads are conducted by the State Election Commissions. Effectively, laws related to the Parliament & Assembly elections are made by the Parliament and the laws related to the local body elections are made by the respective State Governments.
The central law does not allow a person to be a MP & a MLA simultaneously
Sections 68,69 & 70 of the Representation of People’s act (1950) do talk about people getting elected simultaneously from multiple houses or multiple constituencies. Rule 91 of the Conduct of Election Rules (1961) specify the timeline within which a member is supposed to resign in case he is elected to multiple houses.
Article 101(2) of the Constitution of India also disallows any person from simultaneously holding the positions of a MP and a MLA.
Then how is Mr. Patil able to hold both positions?
The Central law does not talk about a person holding positions of a MP/MLA and a position in the local body simultaneously. The central law only talks about MP/MLA while the relevant state law talks only about a person being simultaneously elected from multiple divisions.
Section 31 of The Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act (1976) does prohibit simultaneous membership, but only with respect to persons elected from more than one division in the relevant municipal corporation. So technically, a person can simultaneously be a MP/MLA and be a member of the local body like the municipal corporation.
In fact, most state laws have the same glaring loophole. They do not restrict serving MLAs/MPs to contest local body elections and simultaneously hold both the positions. This is absurd for multiple reasons.
Article 243-R of the constitution of India defines the composition of a municipality as including the MPs/MLAs representing constituencies wholly or partially within the municipal area.  In other words, all the MPs/MLAs representing constituencies within a municipal region automatically become ex-officio members of the municipality. They however do not enjoy voting rights.
When they hold simultaneous positions like in the case of Mr. Patil, they play dual role in the corporation meetings, as a MLA and also as a Councilor.
The Curious Case of Sambhaji Lakshman Patil
Mr. Sambhaji Lakshman Patil was elected as a Councilor from 15 ward of the Belagavi City Corporation in March 2013. He was later elected to the Karnataka State Assembly from the Belgaum South constituency in May 2013. Since the law does not debar holding these two positions simultaneously, he continues to hold these two positions till date.
In fact, his name is mentioned twice in the city council meeting minutes as he is a member of the city council both as a MLA and as an elected councilor of the 15 ward. It is like the same person playing a dual role.
What is the issue with holding two positions?
When Factly spoke to the Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner, he confirmed Mr. Patil is drawing his salary as a councilor of the city corporation.  He also added that there is no violation of the relevant state act because of his holding two positions. Factly also spoke to Mr. Patil who maintained that he is not violating any rule book. Mr. Patil is also drawing salary/allowances as a MLA of the state assembly.
Many countries across the world prohibit such dual mandate since the person cannot do justice to both the roles at the same time. Also, the person continues to draw salary and allowances as allowed for both the positions. It is time the Central & State governments took note of this and correct this glaring loophole in law.
Featured Image:
Representation of Shambhaji Lakshman Patil’s public domain photos and Vidhana Soudha image By Muhammad Mahdi Karim www.micro2macro.net and Mydreamsparrow (Own work) [GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

created: January 13, 2016


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Pending dues for 'Oil Bonds' issued during the UPA are only a fraction of the Taxes collected on Petrol & Diesel - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
April 8, 2022
In light of the recent increase in petrol prices, a social media post stating that the current Modi government is paying off the debts incurred by oil bonds issued by the previous Congress government is being widely circulated. Through this post, the user tries to make a point that the increase in petrol prices is because of the debts incurred by the previous UPA  government led by Congress. This is evident from the comments section, as the comments to the viral post are in line with this argument. Through this article let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Increase in petrol prices is because of debts incurred by the previous UPA government led by Congress in the form of oil bonds.
Fact: By the time BJP led NDA first came into power in 2014, the pending dues for oil bonds accounted for Rs. 1,34,423 crores. And over the period of seven years i.e. from 2014-15 to 2020-21, the union government has paid a total of Rs. 73,695.72 crores for these oil bonds in the form of interest & principal. Whereas the during the same time period, the central government has collected a total of Rs. 25 lakh crores in revenue through collection of taxes on petroleum products. In other words, pending dues for the for ‘Oil Bonds’ issued during the UPA are only a fraction of the taxes collected on Petrol & Diesel, and hence, the current increase in oil prices cannot be justified by the pending dues for oil bonds. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
Status of Oil  bonds issued by the Congress-led UPA government :
Earlier during the Congress-led UPA rule, instead of passing on the burden of rising crude oil prices on to the consumers, the then government passed on this burden to the oil marketing companies. Oil marketing companies would sell petroleum products to consumers for subsidised rates. Whereas the losses (under-recoveries) incurred by the companies were borne by the government, upstream oil companies and oil marketing companies together.
The previous Congress government cleared a major chunk of the under-recoveries by means of budget allocations (here & here). In some instances, despite paying in cash, the government has issued oil bonds with a fixed interest rate and maturity period. In fact, the Congress government also cleared amounts for the oil bonds, and by the time the Modi led BJP (NDA) government first came to power in 2014, oil bonds pending dues were Rs. 1,34,423 crores only.
It must also be noted that it is not only the Congress-led UPA government that issued oil bonds but also the NDA government under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Oil bonds cleared by Modi government
Responding to a query in the recent Parliament session, Union Government has stated that during the last seven fiscal years i.e. from 2014-15 to 2020-21, they had cleared oil bonds worth Rs. 73,695.72 crores (principal & interest).
And the government is due to clear bonds worth Rs. 92,200.17 in the next four years i.e. from 2023 to 2026.
However, over the period of seven years i.e. from 2014-15 to 2020-21, the central government collected more than Rs. 25 lakh crores revenue through the collection of taxes on petroleum products.
The huge gap between the revenue generated through taxes and the expenditure incurred in clearing the oil bond debts implies that pending dues for ‘Oil Bonds’ issued during the UPA are only a fraction of the Taxes collected on Petrol & Diesel in the last seven years. And, the current increase in petrol prices cannot be justified by the pending dues for oil bonds.
To sum it up, the current increase in petrol prices cannot be justified by the pending dues for oil bonds since pending dues for ‘Oil Bonds’ issued during the UPA are only a fraction of the Taxes collected on Petrol & Diesel in the last seven years.


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డబ్బు తిరిగి ఇవ్వమని అడిగినందుకు దళిత మహిళపై దాడి చేసిన ఘటనను శివాలయంలోకి ప్రవేశించినందుకు ఆమెను కొట్టినట్టుగా ప్రచారం చేస్తున్నారు - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 19, 2023
మహారాష్ట్రలో దళిత మహిళ శివాలయంలోనికి ప్రవేశించిందని ఆమెను హిందుత్వ సంస్థల కార్యకర్తలు దారుణంగా కొట్టి చంపేసిన దృశ్యాలంటూ సోషల్ మీడియాలో ఒక వీడియో బాగా షేర్ అవుతోంది. ఆ పోస్టులో ఎంతవరకు నిజముందో చూద్దాం.
క్లెయిమ్: మహారాష్ట్రలో శివాలయం లోపలికి ప్రవేశించినందుకు ఒక హిందూ దళిత మహిళను హిందుత్వ సంస్థలు కొట్టి చంపేసిన దృశ్యాలు.
ఫాక్ట్ (నిజం): పశువుల మేత కోసం తాను ఇచ్చిన రూ. 2000లను తిరిగి ఇవ్వాలని డిమాండ్ చేసినందుకు దళిత వితంతువు మహిళను నలుగురు వ్యక్తులు దారుణంగా కొట్టిన ఘటనను ఈ వీడియో చూపిస్తుంది. ఈ ఘటన మహారాష్ట్రలోని సతారా జిల్లాలోని పన్వాన్ అనే గ్రామంలో 26 ఆగస్టు 2023 నాడు చోటుచేసుకుంది. ఆలయంలోకి ప్రవేశించినందుకు ఈ దళిత మహిళను కొట్టారని చేస్తున్న ప్రచారంలో ఎటువంటి నిజం లేదు. కావున, పోస్టులో చేస్తున్న క్లెయిమ్ తప్పుదోవ పట్టించే విధంగా ఉంది.
పోస్టులో షేర్ చేసిన వీడియో యొక్క స్క్రీన్ షాట్లని రివర్స్ ఇమేజ్ సర్చ్ చేసి వెతికితే, ఇవే దృశ్యాలు కలిగిన వీడియోని ‘Mumbai Tak’ వార్తా సంస్థ 28 ఆగస్టు 2023 నాడు పబ్లిష్ చేసినట్టు తెలిసింది. ఇచ్చిన డబ్బులు తిరిగి ఇవ్వమని అడిగినందుకు ఒక దళిత మహిళను నలుగురు వ్యక్తులు దారుణంగా కొట్టిన దృశ్యాలంటూ ఈ వార్తా సంస్థ రిపోర్ట్ చేసింది.
మహారాష్ట్రలోని సతారా జిల్లాలో పశువుల మేత కోసం ఇచ్చిన డబ్బుని తిరిగి తనకు ఇవ్వాలని డిమాండ్ చేసినందుకు దళిత మహిళను దారుణంగా కొట్టారంటూ ప్రకాష్ అంబేద్కర్ ఈ వీడియోని 31 ఆగస్టు 2023 నాడు ట్వీట్ పెట్టారు. వంచిత్ బహుజన్ అఖాడి (VBA) ఈ కేసుకి సంబంధించి ఫిర్యాదు కూడా ఇచ్చినట్టు తెలిసింది.
ఈ ఘటనకు సంబంధించిన పూర్తి వివరాలను తెలుపుతు పబ్లిష్ చేసిన వార్తా కథానాలని ఇక్కడ, ఇక్కడ మరియు ఇక్కడ చూడవచ్చు. ఈ ఘటన మహారాష్ట్రలోని సతారా జిల్లాలోని పన్వాన్ అనే గ్రామంలో 26 ఆగస్టు 2023 నాడు చోటుచేసుకుందని ఈ వార్తా సంస్థలు రిపోర్ట్ చేశాయి. పశువుల మేత కోసం తాను ఇచ్చిన రూ. 2000లను తిరిగి ఇవ్వాలని దేవదాస్ నారాలే అనే వ్యక్తిని ఈ దళిత వితంతువు మహిళ అడిగినప్పుడు, అగ్ర కులానికి చెందిన దేవదాస్ నారాలే, మరో ముగ్గురితో కలిసి ఆమెను దారుణంగా గ్రామ ప్రజలందరి ముందు కొట్టినట్టు ఈ వార్తా సంస్థలు రిపోర్ట్ చేశాయి.
ఈ ఘటనకు సంబంధించి సతారా జిల్లాలోని మ్హస్వాద్ పోలీస్ స్టేషన్లో ఎఫ్ఐఆర్ నమోదు చేసినట్టు తెలిసింది. ఈ ఘటనలో పాల్గొన్న నలుగురు నిందితులను పోలీసులు అరెస్ట్ చేసినట్టు పలు వార్తా సంస్థలు రిపొర్ట్ చేశాయి. ప్రస్తుతం ఈ ఎఫ్ఐఆర్ కాపీని మహారాష్ట్ర పోలీస్ వెబ్సైట్లో అప్లోడ్ చేయలేదు. ఎఫ్ఐఆర్ కాపీని మహారాష్ట్ర పోలీస్ వెబ్సైట్లో అందుబాటులోకి ఉంచిన వెంటనే ఈ వెబ్సైటుని అప్డేట్ చేస్తాము.
చివరగా, డబ్బు తిరిగి ఇవ్వమని అడిగినందుకు దళిత మహిళపై దాడి చేసిన ఘటనను శివాలయంలోకి ప్రవేశించినందుకు ఆమెను కొట్టినట్టుగా ప్రచారం చేస్తున్నారు.

created: September 19, 2023


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The dancer in the video is not Sambalpur's ex-collector Ananya Das - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 29, 2024
A video featuring a woman dancing to the song ‘Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain‘ has been circulating widely on social media claiming that the woman in the video is Ananya Das, the district collector of Sambalpur, Odisha. Let’s verify the claim made in the post.
Claim: Sambalpur district collector Ananya Das dancing to ‘Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain‘ song.
Fact: The woman featured in the video is Mradula Mahajan, a content creator, not Ananya Das, the ex-district collector of Sambalpur. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
Initially, we compared the images of Ananya Das, ex-collector (& DM) of Sambalpur, with the woman in the viral video. The comparison revealed that the woman in the viral video is not Ananya Das.
Furthermore, a reverse image search of the viral video led us to its original source. The video, showcasing herself, was shared by content creator Mradula Mahajan on social media platforms (here and here) in January 2024.
Moreover, when the video went viral, Ananya Das herself clarified that she was not the dancer in the video. Additionally, Ananya Das has recently been appointed as the Joint Secretary to the Government, in the Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Department. Akshay Sunil Agrawal, the collector of Mayurbhanj, will succeed her as the collector of Sambalpur.
Truly a good performance- sadly not mine 😄 https://t.co/8zLmZ17aGv
To sum it up, the woman dancing in the video is not Sambalpur district collector Ananya Das.

created: January 29, 2024


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The Dargah in the middle of Hyderabad-Bhongir Road is removed due to road safety concerns - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
October 19, 2021
A post accompanying an image that shows a construction in the middle of a highway-like road is being shared with a claim that a Mosque is being built on Hyderabad – Warangal highway, near Bhongir (Telangana). Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Image of a Mosque is being built on Hyderabad – Warangal highway, near Bhongir in Telangana.
Fact: This is a 2019 image that shows construction of the wall of a dargah situated in the middle of the Hyderabad -Warangal highway near Bhongir. However, following NHAI orders based on the complaint by Legal Rights Protection Forum, the concerned authorities removed the dargah. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
Reverse image search of the photo led us to a tweet dated 09 September 2019 by Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) which shared the same image. As per the tweet, the image is of unauthorized construction of a religious structure in the middle of the road on NH163 near Bhongir, Telangana. The tweet further informs that they have lodged a complaint with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) against the construction.
Lodged complaint with National Highways Authority of India against unauthorized construction of Religious Structure in the middle of the road on NH163 i.e., on the Hyderabad – Bhongir route (near Bhongir), Telangana.
Sought immediate action to prevent road accidents on High Way. pic.twitter.com/xSgB71IGxT
An online news portal also reported this complaint by the Legal Rights Protection Forum against the construction. As reported in the article, one of the members of the Legal Rights Protection Forum confirmed to the news agency regarding the complaint. Further, the article reported that in their correspondence with the nodal officer for public grievances, NHAI assured them that the matter will be pursued.
In this regard, NHAI wrote a letter to the Telangana State Wakf board in November 2019 seeking the removal of the Islamic structure in the middle of the road. LRPF share the copy of the NHAI letter though a tweet in December 2020. In this letter, the NHAI says that this Dargah was existing during the four-laning of the highway during 2010-12. The NHAI asks the administration to remove & shift the structure because of road safety concerns.
Followed by our formal complaint in the view of public safety the National Highways Authority of India wrote to Telangana State Wakf Board seeking removal of Islamic Structure in the middle of the National Highway 163 (Hyderabad-Bhongir Road). https://t.co/TLRRQkw5vW pic.twitter.com/lUo2szfhTi
As per this letter, the concerned project director identified the structure as a dargah, which was hit by a vehicle in April-May 2018 damaging the walls of the dargah. Following this incident, the concerned road authorities convened a meeting with the Dargah community and requested to shift the dargah as it is an accident-prone area. However, in September 2019, the dargah community started reconstruction of the damaged wall. The viral image was most likely captured during this time. Taking road safety into consideration, NHAI requested the dargah committee to shift the dargah.
Following the NHAI orders, the concerned authorities removed the dargah which is in the middle of the road. LRPF tweeted images of the removed dargah in April 2021. An online news portal has also reported all these series of events regarding the removal of the dargah which can be read here. Hence, this proves that the viral image is of a dargah in the middle of the Hyderabad – Warangal highway which is currently removed.
Latest Update:
Unauthorized Religious Structure in the middle of the road on NH163 (Hyderabad – Bhongir) route near Bhongir, Telangana is removed. https://t.co/oswCNikXJq pic.twitter.com/JVOSvPuZPN
To sum it up, the dargah in the middle of  Hyderabad – Warangal highway is removed due to road safety concerns.

created: October 19, 2021


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A calculation is tweaked to show a pattern in the dates of two World Wars and the Russia-Ukraine war - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 3, 2022
Update (08 March 2022): In the earlier version of the article, we took the date of the First World War as 28 June 1914 (the day of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which led to WW-I). It has been corrected to 28 July 1914 (the day on which Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia) and associated changes are made in the article.
A post is being shared on social media with a claim that there is a similar pattern in the dates on which the two World Wars and the Russia-Ukraine war began. Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: The calculations show a similar pattern in the dates on which the two World Wars and the Russia-Ukraine war began.
Fact: The last calculation in the post is tweaked. The day is taken as ‘DD’ instead of their earlier pattern of ‘D + D’ in the last calculation. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The dates of the First World War, Second World War, and the Russia-Ukraine war given in the post are correct. The First World War began 28 July 1914 (the day on which Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia) whereas the Second World War began on 01 September 1939. Even though there were tensions between Russia and Ukraine for a long time, it was on 24 February 2022 when Putin announced a ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine.
Now let us look at the calculation. Two methods of addition are used in the posted calculations. In the first method, day (DD), month (MM), year (YYYY) (of a date) are added in the following manner – DD + MM + YY + YY. All the given dates give the result as 68 for the above type of addition. But, in the second method, where dates are added in the following way – D + D + M + M + Y + Y + Y +Y, all the dates do not give the result as 32. The given two World War dates when added in the above way, give the result as 32. But the Russia-Ukraine war date gives the result as 14 (2 + 4 + 0 + 2 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 2 = 14). To make it 32 and show that there is a pattern in the dates, instead of taking the date as 2 + 4 (‘D + D’), it is taken as 24 (‘DD’) in the calculation (which is contrary to their above logic).
To sum it up, one of the calculations in the post is tweaked to show a pattern.


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The official death toll of 2013 Uttarakhand floods stands around 5000, not 25000 - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
November 30, 2021
A lengthy social media post which makes multiple claims about the 2013 flash floods which struck Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is being shared widely across platforms. The post claims that the death toll because of the devastating floods stood at 25,000; the then Congress government started relief work only after four days; Government paid Rs. 760 crores for removal of the corpses etc.  Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Death toll of 2013 Uttarakhand floods stood at 25,000; The then Congress government started relief work only after four days ; Government paid 760 crores for removal of the corpses.
Fact: According to a report released in 2014 by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), a total of 169 people died and 4,021 had gone missing, who were later presumed to be dead. This makes the total deaths around 5,000. IAF launched ‘Operation Rahat’ and took part in rescue and relief immediately. Further, the then PM conducted an aerial survey and announced Rs. 1,000 crores relief fund and ex gratia to the aggrieved families as well. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The same news has been doing rounds on social media since 2020. Earlier in May 2021,  General V.K. Singh, now Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation through a tweet made the same claims regarding the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. In all likelihood, these claims had gained traction after this tweet of General V.K. Singh. Let us look at each claim made in the post below.
What did happen though was that a company called Blue Breeze Trading Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the contract to extract the dead bodies. The company has only the famous Vadra family on the Board of Directors. The amount paid off to the company from government coffers? pic.twitter.com/RQg3ISA5Iw
Death toll :
In June 2013, Uttarakhand has witnessed one of the deadly floods in the history of the state, leaving behind a large death toll. Further, the devastating flash floods had caused colossal damage to roads and public infrastructure, worst hit was the Kedarnath shrine because of the melting of the Chorabari glacier.
As far as the casualties are concerned, according to a report released in 2014 by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), a total of 169 people died and 4,021 had gone missing, who were later presumed to be dead. Over the years, news agencies have reported the same numbers as the official figures of casualty.
Even in the case of considering the missing persons as dead, the total death toll would be around 5,000, much less than 25,000 as claimed in the post.
The then Government reacted lately?
It all started on 16 June 2013 with torrential rainfall leading to floods wreaking havoc in the state. As per the press releases from the Ministry of Defense dated 18 June 2013, IAF assistance has been provided in the relief work upon receiving requests from the flood-hit states. IAF has commenced operation Rahat in order to provide assistance to rescue and relief works.
A press release from PMO dated 18 June 2013 states that PM Manmohan Singh has spoken to the then Uttarakhand Chief Minister and assured him of all assistance regarding the rescue and relief operations. ITBP forces swung into action even before the army & air force and aided in conjunction with the district administration.
On 19 June 2013, PM along with then UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi conducted an aerial survey in the flood-hit areas and took stock of the situation. PM has announced 1000 crores relief fund for Uttarakhand and also announced ex gratia for the aggrieved families. ‘Ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their lives and Rs. 50,000 each to those who have been injured will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Further, we will also provide from the PMNRF ex-gratia assistance of Rs.1 lakh each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and Rs. 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged’ reads the press note.
From the press release mentioned above, we can infer that the government responded with immediate relief measures contrary to the viral claim that the government has responded four days later after the situation grabbed the attention of the international media.
760 crore tender for removal of dead bodies :
While it is true that the devastating floods have left hundreds of dead bodies under the debris, we could not find any news reports or official documents regarding the then government spending such a whopping amount for the removal of dead bodies. If that has been the case, media would have definitely reported it.
Moreover, as mentioned above, when the official death toll is around 5000, the total tender wouldn’t amount to such a huge sum as mentioned in the viral post.
To sum it up, the death toll of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods stands around 5000, not 25000.


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The Demonetization Numbers - Number of Fake New Notes Detected
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 4, 2017
Even the new Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes could not escape the scourge of fake notes. In 2016-17, 638 fake notes of Rs 2000 and 199 fake notes of the new Rs 500 note were detected.

created: September 4, 2017


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The Demonetization Numbers - Volume of Demonetized Currency
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
September 4, 2017
Currency worth Rs 15.44 lakh crore was demonetized on November 8th, 2016. As per RBI’s annual report, currency worth Rs 15.28 lakh crore has been deposited in the banks as of June 30th, 2017. In other words 98.96% of the demonetized currency is back into the banks.


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The device in the photo is a digital sundial that displays time only during the day - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 18, 2022
A photo through a post is being widely shared on social media claiming the object to be a clock. The post even claims that the clock shows the time in a shadow, depending on the position of the sun. Let us fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Photo of a clock that shows time in shadow.
Fact: The photo is of a digital sundial that displays time digitally. These sundials work during daylight hours, mostly from 10:00 to 16:00 hours. And they need to be adjusted based on its latitude on the planet. There is a difference between time from a sundial vis-à-vis standard clock time. Sundials tell time from the Sun. The apparent movement of the Sun is not quite regular as it will advance or slip in a year because of the earth’s annual oval orbit, and its tilted axis. Presently, the hours in the clocks are made regular as they run at the Sun’s average rate for the year.
When reverse image search is done on the photo, a similar photo was found on a website. The website says that the object displaying time through its shadow is a 3D Printed Digital Sundial.
When we searched on the internet with relevant keywords, it was found that such sundials were available for purchase online. These sundials come in various sizes and colours. It must be noted that these sundials work during daylight hours, mostly from 10:00 to 16:00 hours. And they need to be adjusted based on their latitude on the planet. Some of these sundials count in 20-minute intervals only. There are videos available online (here and here) that show the working of such digital sundials.
Sundials and Digital Sundials:
Sundials are one of the earliest timekeeping devices. Sundial is an instrument for reading time during daylight hours from the position of the Sun. They usually cast a line or triangle to indicate the hour. However, digital sundials display current time using digits, which have been developed quite recently. These devices operate without electricity and have no moving parts. The sunlight is cast through a precisely designed object in the shape of numbers that show an almost accurate time of the day. “The shape of the sundial has been mathematically designed to only let through the right sunrays at the right time/angle”.
Difference between sundials and standard clocks:
There is a difference between time from a sundial vis-à-vis standard clock time. Sundials tell time from the Sun. The apparent movement of the Sun is not quite regular as it will advance or slip in a year because of the earth’s annual oval orbit, and its tilted axis. Today, the hours in the clocks are made regular as they run at the Sun’s average rate for the year.
To sum it up, the device in the photo is a digital sundial that displays time only during daylight hours.

created: February 18, 2022


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The difference between the vote share of BJP alliance and AAP is 13.5% in the 2020 Delhi Elections - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 12, 2020
A post is being shared widely on social media with a claim that AAP got 47.8 percent vote share and BJP got 46.7 percent vote share in the 2020 Delhi Assembly Elections. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post.
In Delhi Elections, the vote shares of AAP and BJP are 47.8% and 46.7% respectively.
Fact: In Delhi Elections, BJP got only 38.5 per cent votes. The coalition of BJP, JD(U) and LJP got around 40 per cent votes. AAP got 53.57 per cent votes. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The vote shares of the political parties can be found on the Election Commission of India’s website. Based on the information on the website, it was found that BJP got only 38.5 percent votes. In the Delhi Elections, BJP had a coalition with JD(U) and LJD. While BJP contested in 67 seats, in the remaining three seats, JD(U) contested in two seats and LJP contested in one seat. The coalition of BJP, JD(U) and LJP got around 40 percent votes. But, AAP alone has got 53.57 percent votes. Congress got 4.26 votes and the Left parties got less than 1 percent votes.
Also, on Facebook, it can be found that some users have posted, on the election day, a photo (archived) of a poll conducted on social media. The poll has got similar vote shares as claimed in the post. So, the vote shares claimed in the post might have been taken from this social media poll.
To sum it up, there is no truth in the claim that AAP got 47.8 percent votes and BJP got 46.7 percent votes in the 2020 Delhi Elections.
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created: February 12, 2020