Payment of wages to workers within 15 days in 85% of the cases as compared to long delays in the past.

The first claim is that ‘payment of wages to workers within 15 days in 85% of the cases as compared to long delays in the past’. [...] As per the Government’s MIS system, timely payment of wages has been made in 84.52% cases in 2017-18. However, a research paper by Azim Premji University that analysed a large sample of this data concludes that only 32% of the wage payments have been made on time (payments reaching the wage seeker) contrary to the claims of 85%. [...] Fact: As per the Government’s MIS system, timely payment of wages has been made in 84.52% cases in 2017-18. However, a research paper by Azim Premji University that analysed a large sample of data concludes that only 32% of the wage payments have been made on time (payments reaching the wage seeker) contrary to the claims of 85%. Moreover, the government clarified in 2017 that the delays are calculated only until the Funds Transfer Order (FTO) is generated at the block/panchayat level. It does not take into account the actual receipt of the payment by the worker. Hence the claim is PARTLY TRUE.


Congress party leaders sat before a banner that reads ‘…Chor Group Meeting.’

An image constituting senior leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) is being shared on social media. The picture shows INC leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, and other members chairing an event. The banner in the background reads, "भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस Indian National Congress Chor Group Meeting." (Chor=Thief) [...] A background banner from an Indian National Congress event reads, "Chor Group Meeting." (Chor=Thief) [...] Clearly, the shared image is morphed, and the text "Chor Group Meeting" is added here with the help of editing tools.


An old screenshot taken from a BBC News video story, which shows a map of India excluding Jammu and Kashmir, has been revived amidst calls to ban the broadcaster's two-part documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. [...] Against this backdrop, a screenshot of BBC's website showing a map of India minus Jammu and Kashmir, is circulating on Twitter. [...] The same screenshot was tweeted by Rishi Bagree with the caption, "BBC removes Kashmir from Indian Map." Click here to view the tweet's archive.


Twitter India boss in police case over Kashmir map [...] The map, which has now been removed, did not include Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh as part of India in the "Tweep Life" section of Twitter on Sunday.


Scenes of protesters firing machine guns during recent clashes in Manipur

Manipur Police has procured machine guns, but why? [...] Amid the escalation in attacks by militants on civilian targets, Manipur Police has procured medium machine guns (MMGs), and sought the Indian Army's help in training its personnel for their use. The upgrade of the arsenal by Manipur Police with military-grade sophisticated weapons is raising some questions. [...] "@BJP4India Government approved the use of Medium Machine Guns (MMG) for the communal Police Commandos in the already violence escalation state, Manipur. Let's wait for how it deploys and on whom," posted Haokip on September 6.


As armed clashes ramped up on Thursday, social media footage showed masked gunmen, apparently affiliated with the protesters, firing RPGs and AK-47s from alleyways and from behind garbage dumps and street barriers.


Document mentioning certain bizarre conditions under which Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan was arrested.

Imran Khan: What led to charismatic Pakistan PM's downfall Imran Khan has been ousted as Pakistan's prime minister after a vote of no confidence in parliament. But what led to his downfall? [...] Imran Khan's supporters blame global conditions, but public resentment against him has been rising. "The Sharifs might've filled themselves up, but at least they got work done," has become a common grumble.


India ranked 9th on the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2016 – World Investment Report 2017.

Recipients [edit]The World Investment Report 2020 by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that India was the 9th largest recipient of FDI in 2019, with $51 billion of inflow during the year, an increase from $42 billion of FDI received in 2018, when India ranked 12 among the top 20 host economies in the world. In the " Development Asia" region, India was among top 5 host economies for FDI. The report said that global FDI flows are forecast to decrease by up to 40% in 2020, from their 2019 value of US$1.54 trillon. According to Financial Times, in 2015 India overtook China and United States as the top destination for the FDI. In first half of 2015 India attracted investment of $31 billion compared to $28 billion and $27 billion of China and US respectively. Data for 2019–2020 indicates that services sector attracted the highest FDI equity inflow of US$7.85 billion, followed by computer software and hardware at US$7.67 billion, telecommunications sector at US$4.44 billion, and trading at US$4.57 billion. [...] India was ranking 15th in the world in 2013 in term of FDI inflow, it rose up to 9th position in 2014[17][unreliable source?] while in 2015 India became top destination for foreign direct investment.[18] The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Invest India has developed the India Investment Grid (IIG) which provides a pan-India database of projects from Indian promoters for promoting and facilitating foreign investments.


Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the investment through capital instruments by a person resident outside India - (a) in an unlisted Indian company OR - (b) in 10 per cent or more of the post-issue paid-up equity capital on a fully diluted basis of a listed Indian company. [...] FDI inflows in India increased to $55.56 bn in 2015-16, $60.22 billion in 2016-17, $60.97 bn in 2017-18, and $62.00 bn (provisional figure) in 2018-19. India has attracted around $74 bn investments across sectors during 2019-20. [...] Foreign Direct Investment in India: Top Countries (2000-2019)


Special banking arrangement of Rs. 10,000 crores to clear fertilizer subsidy dues.

Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for payment of outstanding subsidy [...] The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has accorded the ex-post facto approval for implementation of Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for Rs. 10,000 crore for payment of outstanding claims on account of fertilizer subsidy in the year 2016-17. CCEA has also approved that, in future, Department of Fertilizers would avail the SBA with the concurrence of Department of Expenditure. [...] Government is making available fertilizers, namely Urea and 21 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. For making funds available to the fertilizer companies against their subsidy claims, Ministry of Finance had approved SBA for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore with Government interest liability limited to G-Sec rate. Accordingly, an SBA was worked out with SBI for an amount of Rs. 10,000 crore to meet the outstanding subsidy claims of fertilizer companies. The loan together with Government interest thereon has been repaid from BE 2017-18 within the sanctioned budget.


(10) DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER SCHEME IN FERTILIZER SUBSIDY SCHEME AND ITS EEXPECTED BENEFITS TO FARMERS: - · The Pilot project has been implemented in 17 districts out of the projected 19 districts. [...] 11.)Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) of Rs. 10,000 crores has been approved in Budget 2017 to clear fertilizer subsidy dues. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has accorded the ex-post facto approval for implementation of SBA.


Recent picture of US President Joe Biden having ice cream in Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv

10 incredibly important photos of Joe Biden eating ice cream [...] Biden's love of ice cream has gotten the president all giddy, too. They haven't even purchased it yet and they already can't control their excitement. The most famous Biden-with-ice-cream photo.


Recent picture of Deepika Padukone posing in saffron-coloured heels

The post shared Deepika Padukone’s old photo taken at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2019. The photo is old and has nothing to do with the ongoing controversy over Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s starrer film ‘Pathaan’. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.


These guys are obsessed with women’s clothes and their entire weltanschauung seems to revolve around them. First it was jeans and tops in colleges, then salwar-kameez, then the hijab and burqua, and now its the bikini. They just can’t seem to make up their weakened minds about what women should wear. And it’s not just the garment, it’s also its colour. Deepika’s saffron bikini has caused them huge offence (though I personally felt that the sight of her in that thong on the beach resembled a golden Aphrodite rising from the waves, but then I’m aware that not many of these bikini watchers have a flair for Greek mythology). Which too would have been fine and not occasioned a mass migration: my PIO respondents said they could live without saffron underwear, but the question that arose was- which colour underwear could they then wear without raising any, well, hackles (to put it politely)?


A photograph of Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, wearing a blue and white stripped pant suit with saffron-coloured footwear, has gone viral. [...] The claim: People shared the image to claim that she wore a saffron shoe recently to mock the people who have been protesting against the movie. [...] Conclusion: Deepika Padukone didn't pose in saffron shoes to mock the 'Boycott Pathaan' trend. The viral image is from 2019, before the outrage against the movie began.


Modi government reconstructed the Sharda Peeth temple situated in PoK

On March 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the government will move forward to open Sharda Peeth on the lines of the Kartarpur corridor. And on April 1, the government of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir proposed that Kashmiri Pandits and Hindus living in India should be allowed to visit the historic Sharda Peeth temple situated in the PoK, echoing Shah’s plan. Sharda Peeth, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, is located in the Neelum Valley of PoK in close proximity to the village of Teetwal in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, right along the Line of Control (LoC). [...] "The reconstruction of Maa Sharda’s temple in Kupwara is a necessary and important step in the direction of discovery of Sharda-civilisation and promotion of Sharda-script," Amit Shah said while underlining the significance of the corridor. "Once upon a time, Sharda Peeth was considered the centre of knowledge in the Indian subcontinent. Scholars from all over the country used to come here in search of scriptures and spiritual knowledge. Sharda script is the original script of our Kashmir, which has been named after Maa Sharda."


Union government reconstructed the Sharda Devi temple located in Kupwara, on the Indian side of LoC, whereas the Sharda Peeth is in PoK and has been inaccessible for Indian pilgrims since 1947. The post wrongly compares images of Sharda Peeth with that of the newly constructed Sharda Devi temple. There could at least be 40-50 km distance between these two temples. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.


They also took TRS legislator T Harish Rao, BJP MLA G Kishan Reddy and party leader K Laxman ‘‘hostage.’’ They relented only after the Telangana Joint Action Committee leaders announced that all MLAs from the region would have to resign by Wednesday. They let doctors conduct posHYDERABAD: After a brief lull, the Telangana movement picked up steam again on Tuesday with the alleged suicide of an MCA student on the Osmania University campus. [...] The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Telangana leaders from all political parties held an emergency meeting at a hotel here in Vidyanagar soon after news of the student’s death spread and decided to advance its ‘‘deadline’’ for all public representatives in the region to resign, from Jan 28 to Jan 20. The JAC also decided to bring pressure on Speaker N Kiran Kumar Reddy to accept T legislators’ resignations from Thursday. But apparently keen on staying one step ahead of the others, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLAs marched to Kiran Kumar Reddy’s residence demanding that their resignations be accepted. They also staged a demonstration at his residence only to be arrested by the police. They were later let off.


At the end of the newspaper article, it is written that readers are advised to remember this is April Fool’s Day. Also, Harish Rao countered the claim by terming it as ‘fake news’ on his Twitter account. So, the claim made in the post is FALSE.


A post with a newspaper article link is being shared on Facebook by many users claiming that Harish Rao, a TRS MLA, is going to join BJP. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post. [...] Harish Rao reacted to this news by tweeting through his official Twitter account. He termed the article as ‘fake news’ and also, asked the outlet which published this article to issue an apology. Finally, TRS MLA Harish Rao is not joining BJP. It’s just an April Fool prank.


Under the UPA II, the average annual MSP growth rate was 19.3%, under the NDA government; this has fallen to 3.6%

A press release issued in the name of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on 07th May 2018 mentioned about the MSP growth rates during the UPA II and the current NDA government. We fact check the claim.


Data for each indicator was sourced from national and international databases, including the World Bank, the IMF, and national statistical agencies, such as the CMIE. The comparison spans two regimes: UPA's (starting in 2004) and NDA's (starting in 2014). Data was captured using either Financial Year (from April 1 to March 31) or Calendar Year (from January 1 to December 31), depending on the availability of data. The regimes were compared based on these indicators' absolute values and rate of change. While insightful, it's imperative to note that these indicators are influenced by various factors, including global trends and policy changes, and should be interpreted within a broader context.


A woman gets garlanded, and kisses are blown at her while joining the Congress party in Karnataka

A video is being circulated on social media in which a man garlands a woman and then blows kisses at her. A social media post sharing this video describes it as a unique way a woman is honoured for joining Congress in Karnataka. Let’s fact-check this claim through this article. [...] Upon investigation, it was found that the video shows Tara Prasad Bahinipati, an MLA from Odisha, garlanding his wife, Meenakshi Bahinipati, and blowing kisses at her. [...] To sum up, this post wrongly identifies the woman in this video as a Congress minister from Karnataka; she is a Congress leader from Odisha.


A woman can choose whether the name in the passport should be of her mother or the father and not both parents.

"Now women won’t have to give their divorce or marriage certificates while applying for a passport. It will be up to a woman on whether she would like to use her mother’s or father’s name." [...] The second half of the statement made by the Prime Minister was, "It’ll be their discretion to use their father or mother’s name in the passport." "It is entirely up to the woman to choose between her mother’s and her father’s name in the passport. The statement had nothing to do with retaining her maiden name."


The provision for retaining the maiden name in passport always existed. While the PM was referring to the rule about single parents, the media understood it as the maiden name.


India remains the world’s fastest growing large economy.

The BJP government published an infographic on the 48-months portal. This info-graph makes three claims about India’s economic growth. This article is a fact check of the claims.


The macroeconomic assumptions underlying USDA’s long-term projections reflect a dichotomy between relatively weak long-run sustainable growth in developed countries and relatively strong, above-average growth in developing countries. As a result, developing countries are projected to become a larger part of the world economy. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) worldwide is projected to increase at an average annual rate of around 3.3 percent over the next decade. In developing countries, the projected growth rate is 5.6 percent per year. The developing-country share of global real GDP is expected to climb from 33 percent in 2010 to 42 percent by 2022. Robust economic growth is anticipated across most developing countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. China and India are expected to remain among the world’s fastest growing economies, each averaging more than 7 percent a year. [...] Among countries in Asia, Indonesia has the fastest growing wheat imports and is expected to replace Brazil as the world’s second-largest wheat-importing country. Historically, India has been a big wheat importer in some years and a big exporter in others. In the past 2 years, India exported significant amounts of wheat, partially as a result of high price-supports and large government stocks. Exports from India are expected to be larger than usual for several years until stocks are drawn down from high levels.


During UPA government’s tenure, the unemployment rate was 2.2% while under NDA government, the unemployment rate is 7.9%.

Unemployment rate 7.2 7.4 6.8 6.8 7.0 [...] Unemployment rate 3.2 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.5 [...] Unemployment rate 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.9 [1] This category includes people with a high school diploma or equivalent.


Soon after the GDP growth for quarter-1 of 2019-20 was known to be a poor 5%, the Congress party uploaded an infographic with a bunch of claims on GDP growth, Unemployment rate, Exports growth etc. Here is a fact check of these claims.


The number of ITRs filed during FY 2017-18 is 6.84 crore, a jump of 80.5% compared to FY 2013-14

The first claim of the government is that the number of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed during financial year (FY) 2017-18 is 6.84 crore, a jump of 80.5% compared to FY 2013-14. [...] The claim here pertains to the ITRs filed during the financial years of 2017-18 and 2013-14. A press release of the income tax department notes, ‘During FY 2017-18, 6.84 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) were filed with the Income Tax Department as compared to 5.43 crore ITRs filed during FY 2016-17, showing a growth of 26%. There has been a sustained increase in the number of ITRs filed in the last four financial years. As compared to 3.79 crore ITRs filed in FY 2013-14, the number of ITRs filed during F.Y. 2017-18 (6.84 crore) has increased by 80.5%." These numbers can be corroborated from the income tax department website. [...] Fact: The number of ITRs filed have increased substantially over the last 4 financial years from 3.79 crores to 6.84 crores. Hence, the claim is TRUE. But the total direct tax collections have not increased proportionately.


During FY 2017-18, 6.84 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) were filed with the Income Tax Department as compared to 5.43 crore ITRs filed during FY 2016-17, showing a growth of 26%. There has been a sustained increase in the number of ITRs filed in the last four financial years. As compared to 3.79 crore ITRs filed in F.Y. 2013-14, the number of ITRs filed during F.Y. 2017-18 (6.84 crore) has increased by 80.5%. During FY 2017-18, the number of new ITR filers has also increased to 99.49 lakh (as on 30.03.2018) as compared to 85.51 lakh new ITR filers added during FY 2016-17, which translates into a growth of 16.3%. The increase in total returns filed and new returns filed during FY 2017-18 is a result of sustained efforts made by the Income Tax Department in following up with potential non-filers through email, SMS, statutory notices, outreach programmes, etc. as well as through structural changes made in law and the Government’s emphasis on widening of tax net.


Visuals of a boy offering namaz in the middle of the road

Viral Video Of Boy Performing Namaz In Middle Of Road Is Not From Pakistan Contrary To Claims [...] A video showing a young boy doing namaz on the road is being circulated with the claim that it was filmed in Pakistan. Canadian columnist and social media personality Tarek Fatah along with several netizens, shared the video with this claim. The video shows a boy who is performing namaz on the road after laying down a green prayer mat. The boy offers namaz as vehicles stop at the signal and as people look on. A traffic police officer looks on to the child as he performs namaz. After the boy completes his prayers, the vehicles start to move.


Chilli Prices were Rs 12000 per quintal then, now is Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 per quintal

VIJAYAWADA: Fluctuating prices of chilli is forcing farmers to rush to Guntur agriculture market yard with stocks. Official sources said at least 1 lakh bags of dry chilli are arriving in the market yard every day, prompting traders to form a cartel and trim the prices. Chilli, which fetched over 25,000 per quintal last season, is now fetching between 12,000 to 20,000 per quintal. While fine variety chill is fetching around 20,000, the rates for medium grade varieties start from 12,000 per quintal. [...] Farmers also thought they would get at least last year's price of 25,000 per quintal. However, the prices have dipped by nearly 15-20 per cent over the last year purely due to the cartel of traders. "There is huge demand in both domestic and global markets for Guntur chilli. However, the farmers' rush to clear the stocks is helping traders who are making a killing," said an official of the agriculture marketing department.


At the Enumamula agricultural market, you just touch any farmer, he would relate a heart rending tale. "I harvested 22 bags of chilli and paid ₹22,000 for labour. Now, the trader is offering ₹3,000 per bag. What is left for me? What about my investment?" posed Nalmela Shankaraiah, who came from Chelpur village of Mulug Ghanpur mandal in Bhupalpalli district. According to him, the same chilli variety Sagar Wonderhot fetched him ₹12,000 per quintal last year. Hoping that the price will remain the same this year, he opted for chilli crop this time also, but in vain. [...] A police officer who was standing there on security duty remarked "What is this sir? The same chilli commanded ₹12,000 to ₹17,000 per quintal. Now, offering an average of ₹3,000 is too much".


WHO issued an advisory to the Government of India stating that 87% population of the country will suffer from cancer by 2025 because of the consumption of adulterated milk

A screenshot of a news paper clipping is being shared on social media claiming that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an advisory to the Government of India stating that 87% population of India will suffer from cancer by 2025 because of consuming adulterated milk. According to the post, WHO has stated that India produces only 14 crore litres of milk every day but consumes 64 crore litres of adulterated milk every day. The post claims that the Animal Welfare Board members have intimated government that 68.7 per cent of milk or milk products sold in the country are not as per the standards laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Let’s verify the claim made in the post. [...] The Press Information Bureau (PIB) through a tweet clarified that WHO had not issued any such advisory to the Government of India. On 22 November 2019, while answering a parliament member’s question about the rumours of WHO issuing an advisory to the government over 87% population going to suffer from cancer because of consuming adulterated milk, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the then Minister of Family and Health Welfare, stated that no such advisory was issued by WHO to the Government of India on milk adulteration.


A widely shared social media post alleges that Brahmins hold a significant majority in high-level government positions. The post provides a list of officials in different secretariats, ministries, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the President’s Office, categorizing them to support its claim of Brahmin domination in these offices. The post highlights the prevalence of Brahmins in these positions. Through this article let’s fact-check the claim made in the post. [...] Fact: The names and job titles of officers employed in significant government offices like the Prime Minister’s Office, the President’s Office, and various ministries are publicly accessible. However, these disclosures do not provide information regarding their specific categories or classifications. Similar assertions have circulated for years, suggesting that these prominent offices are predominantly controlled by Muslims or Christians, while neglecting Hindus. Nevertheless, these claims lack substantiation and lack a verified source. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.


Overall Brahmins hold a high status in Hindu society, and are considered to be smart and influential. They set the standard of social conduct and morality due to their leadership in society. Hindu priesthood is dominated by Brahmins, but other castes due in fact have "sacred specialists" but their status does not compare to that of a Brahmin. [...] The two primary roles of the Kshatriya Varna were to govern the land and to wage war, which led to professions as rulers and soldiers. The male children in Kshatriya were considered symbols of masculinity whereas the female child needed to be gentle and well behaved. Like Brahmin and the rest of the Varnas, men and women were not allowed to marry outside their specific Varna. Kshatriyas also hold a high status of power, second only to the Brahmin. They make sure everyone stays within their Varna.


The highest of all the castes, and traditionally priests or teachers, Brahmins make up a small part of the Indian population. The British colonial authorities gave Brahmins influential clerical jobs. They now dominate the key positions in science, business and government.


The allocation to secondary education is down to Rs 576 crore in 2017-18 from Rs 9990 crore in 2016-17.

Budget allocation on education sector during the period 2017-18 to 2022-23 presented in Table 1 reveals that the same barring the year 2021-22 has consistently increased from 81,868 crores in 2017-18 to 1,04,278 crores in the latest budget 2022-23 which is 11.86 per cent more than the same in the previous budget. During 2021-22, the allocation to education was declined by 6,088 crores which is 6.13 per cent of the allocation in the previous year. Table 1: Budget Allocation to Education Sector: 2017-18 to 2022-23 [...] The scheme to provide incentives to girls pursuing secondary education was launched in the year 2008-09 the main objective of which was to improve retention and to reduce the drop-outs and also to promote the enrolment of girl children belonging to SC/ST communities in secondary schools. In view of the low participation at this level of education, the incentive can play an important role but no amount has been allocated to this scheme as against only Rs. 1 crore allocated in the previous budget. Maybe the same will now be taken care of by the Samagara Shiksha which covers both elementary as well secondary levels of education.


The UPA government constructed only 25 lakh houses in their last 4 years where as the current BJP government in the last 4 years constructed 1.25 crore houses, a difference of 1 crore houses.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that the previous UPA government constructed only 25 lakh houses during their last 4 years. We find that this claim is FALSE.


Screenshot of the ABP opinion poll predicting 115-117 seats to BJP and 68-80 seats to Congress in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023

Next president of JDS HDD’s son RJD Lalu's son TDP Naidu's son SP MSY's son AY DMK Stalin’s son TMC Mamata’s nephew NCP Pawar's daughter Congress Rahul's Sister BJP will be Decided by cadres AND These are the people who lecture us on DEMOCRACY,ankurparasar,[],2019-05-06,Mon,1125394255906623488,0,0,0.0 _gadkari Next president of JDS HDD’s son RJD Lalu's son TDP Naidu's son SP MSY's son AY DMK Stalin’s son TMC Mamata’s nephew NCP Pawar's daughter Congress Rahul's Sister BJP will be Decided by cadres AND These are the people who lecture us on DEMOCRACY,DeepakS77264694,[],2019-05-06,Mon,1125393984459698176,0,0,0.0 [...] Ideally it should be. But BJP is losing more seats to others like SP BSP RLD Rjd JDS etc. Congress will get around 70 seats from BJPs loss and others are getting around 50.,MailVineet,[],2019-05-10,Fri,1126829039631527936,0,0,0.7 [...] AND ALL POLITICAL PARTIES IN HINDUSTAN ARE GREEDY SO ARE THE PEOPLE HAD CONGRESS/SP/BSP/TMC/RJD BEEN IN PLACE OF BJP IN KARNATAKA… ALL WOULD HAVE TRIED SAME DIRTY TRICKS WHICH YEDDI OF BJP NOW TRYING TO ENACT IN KARNATAKA...,michaelalok,[],2019-05-11,Sat,1127165280658923521,0,0,-0.2


Rural road connectivity increased from 56% in 2014 to 82% villages.

Has rural road connectivity increased and by how much? The third claim is that rural road connectivity increased from 56% in 2014 to 82% villages. The impact assessment report of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) states that ‘PMGSY was launched in December 2000 as a special intervention of the Government of India with the broad objective of ensuring sustainable poverty reduction. The scheme aims to provide good quality all-weather single connectivity road to every eligible habitation. Rural roads are a state subject under the Constitution and as such are the basic responsibility of the states. However, under the PMGSY, the construction of good quality and well-engineered roads are fully funded by the Government of India. Maintenance of these roads is the responsibility of the states. The year 2013 saw the launch of PMGSY-II with the objectives of consolidating the existing rural road network and upgrading existing rural roads that provide connectivity to rural growth centres. PMGSY-II envisages sharing of construction costs between the Centre and the states with maintenance costs continuing to be funded fully by the states.’ [...] Fact: By June 2014, 56% of the target habitations under PMGSY were connected by roads. By July 2018, 88% of the target of PMGSY (II) have been connected by roads. Hence, the claim is TRUE. But, it has to be noted that the percentages correspond to the target under PMGSY and not the total habitations in the country.


Since late 2004, World Bank support has helped build and improve some 16,000 km of rural roads. About six million people living in the remotest parts of India have benefitted. As of February 2014, around 36,000 habitations in participating states now have access to all-weather roads. From the rough, mountainous terrain of Himachal Pradesh to the dry, rugged landscape of Rajasthan, new roads are revitalizing the rural economy, raising incomes, and improving the quality of rural life. Farmers now find it easier to take their produce to market in time, school enrollment is on the rise, and families' access to health care has improved.


A woman with ten kids from ten different men was buried in a Phallus-shaped coffin in Ghana, Africa

A Facebook post claiming that a woman Who Had 10 Kids With 10 Different buried in a coffin-shaped like a man’s genitals has been shared thousands of times. [...] "Woman Who Had 10 Kids With 10 Different Men Buried In P€nis-like Casket- A woman has been laid to rest in a casket designed in a form of a man’s private part." [...] Isaac Tettehfio, who runs an Instagram page showcasing the business’ fancy coffins, said that while he has designed penis-shaped coffins before, he does not recall making one for a sex worker.


A video that seems like the last rites of a person put in a coffin that is shaped like the phallus is being shared on social media. The post which shares this video claims that the deceased person in this video is a woman with ten children from ten different men. Let’s verify the claim in this post. [...] Fact: The person buried inside the Phallus-shaped coffin is not a woman but a man named John Nii Addo Allotey. When he was alive, he used to perform circumcision. John’s family decided to build a Phallus-shaped coffin for him as an honour to his profession. Hence the claim made in the post is Misleading. [...] To sum up, a woman with ten kids from ten different men was not buried in this coffin that looks like the phallus.


A woman has been laid to rest in a casket designed in a form of a man’s private part. Ghanaian media practitioner and lawyer, Gabby Otchere-Darko shared the video and further revealed that he was told the deceased had 10 children with different men hence the male organ-shaped casket. [...] "I am told this was the final funeral rites with the casket of an amazing woman who died leaving behind 10 children from 10 different men here in Ghana. May she rest in p……"


All students studying Business Management at Seton Hall University in the USA are obligated to study Bhagavad Gita

Universities from across the world such as Seton Hall University have made it mandatory for students to study the Bhagavad Gita. It’s ironical that top business management institutes are teaching Bhagavad Gita as part of their curriculum while India’s young generation remains deprived of its benefits. [...] Teaching children at the very step of life about the beauty lied in Bhagavad Gita is to set positivity at the very beginning. In terms of teaching non-Hindu students or foreseers about the noble book, they have their rights to select an optional subject over the study of Bhagavad Gita. One should be free from obligations and must be provided with choice of decision. Academic institutions must provide ease to the non-Hindu followers, giving them a chance to consider the essence of Bhagavad Gita on their own will.


Since last year, all students of business management at Seton Hall University (SHU), New Jersey, have had to compulsorily study the Bhagavad Gita. Not to glean some tactical insights for use in corporate warfare, but to ground themselves in multiple religious cultures. A laudable objective that would resonate with US president Barack Obama’s vision of a pluralist America where Christians and Muslims, Hindus and Jews, and non-believers, live together. It all began as a pilot project last year, to teach the Gita to business students as a ‘signature course’ on a full-time basis. From this year, the Gita has become part of the core curriculum at the SHU, which happens to be a Roman Catholic-run institution. [...] So at one of the core curriculum meetings, Amar proposed that Hinduism should be included. As the world’s oldest religion, he argued, it had put in most thought into the ‘perennial questions.’ His suggestion was accepted, and the SHU committee included the Gita, along with the Koran, the Bible, besides texts from the Buddhist sutras and the Greek philosophers. The course was called The Journey Of Transformation.


Sangeeta Phogat suffered a devastating 0-10 defeat in the Hungary Ranking Series tournament

Despite a 10-0 loss in the first round against US wrestler Jennifer Page Rogers, Sangeeta Phogat made a strong comeback and eventually won the Bronze Medal for India at the Hungary Ranking Series tournament. Hence, the claim made in the post is Misleading.


The first claim is that ‘Shram Suvidha Portal has been launched that allocates Unique labour identification number and enables online registration of establishments.’ As stated in the ‘Annual Report (2017-18)’ of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, ‘Allotment of Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to Units to facilitate online registration was started on the Portal with its launch in October 2014.. The unique Labour Identification Number has been issued to 2275391 units as of November 2017’. [...] Fact: Unique labour identification number has been launched along with the launch of the portal in 2014. Hence, the claim is TRUE.


Shram Suvidha Portal, launched by the Government on 16.10.2014, caters to four major Organisations under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, namely Office of Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Directorate General of Mines Safety, Employees’ Provident Fund Organization and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The main features of the Portal are as follow:- - Allotment of Unique Identity i.e. Labour Identification Number (LIN) for effective, efficient and real-time governance in Labour Administration - To bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws through Online Inspection System and Filing of Online Inspection Report - Common Online Registration and Filing of Self-Certified and Simplified Single Online Annual Return for multiple labour laws to ease the complexity of compliance - Unified ECR under EPFO/ESIC to encourage compliance by reducing transaction costs and promoting ease of business. With these initiatives, the procedures have been simplified; returns and registration forms have been unified to provide an ease of doing business environment through Shram Suvidha Portal. Further, the portal provides a platform for sharing of information among the labour enforcement agencies. In this way, the Portal has not reduced but eased the compliance burden on establishments by simplifying the way of doing business and also facilitated effective enforcement of labour laws enhancing wage, job and social security for workers.


The Shram Suvidha Portal, a digital marvel launched as part of the Shramev Jayate Yojana, plays a pivotal role in streamlining labor-related processes and ensuring compliance with labor laws. This online platform serves as a one-stop destination for a range of activities, ranging from labor registration to compliance reporting. The portal, inaugurated on October 16, 2014, serves as a paradigm shift in how industries interact with labor-related regulations. By facilitating the allotment of the unique Labor Identification Number (LIN), the Shram Suvidha Portal empowers industries to seamlessly navigate the regulatory landscape. The Shram Suvidha Portal offers an array of advantages that are poised to transform the labor-industry interface: The Shram Suvidha Portal is underpinned by a set of lofty objectives that collectively serve as a guiding light for this digital revolution in the labor domain:


20 Gokul Grams are being established and 41 Bull Mother farms modernized.

The BJP government has made three claims in an infographic published on the 48-months portal. These claims are related to the Rashtriya Gokul Mission & quantum of milk production. This article is a fact check of these claims.


Rs. 190 crores allotted during 2017-18 · 20 Gokul Grams are being established and 41 Bull Mother Farms modernized.


Double taxation avoidance agreement signed with Mauritius, Cyprus, Singapore

India and Singapore Sign a Third Protocol for Amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) India and Singapore have amended the DTAA for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, by signing a Third Protocol today. This is in line with India’s treaty policy to prevent double non-taxation, curb revenue loss and check the menace of black money through automatic exchange of information, as reflected in India’s recently revised treaties with Mauritius and Cyprus and the joint declaration signed with Switzerland. [...] The revised DTAA between India and Cyprus signed on 18th November, 2016, provides for source based taxation of capital gains arising from alienation of shares, instead of residence based taxation provided under the DTAA signed in 1994. However, a grandfathering clause has been provided for investments made prior to 1st April, 2017, in respect of which capital gains would continue to be taxed in the country of which taxpayer is a resident. It also provides for assistance between the two countries for collection of taxes and updates the provisions related to Exchange of Information to accepted international standards.


153 integrated cluster action plans (ICAPs) for 29 states and 1 UT have been developed.

The Government approved the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) with an outlay of Rs. 5142.08 crores on 16th September, 2015 with the objective to transform rural areas into economically, socially and physically sustainable spaces. Under this Mission, 300 clusters in rural areas, across 29 States and 5 UTs, with latent potential for growth are to be identified, following clearly enunciated methodologies in the framework of implementation. [...] 153 Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs), which are the blue prints of investment for each cluster, have been approved for 29 States and one UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The work in the clusters in areas identified are ongoing and nearly Rs 1500 crores of expenditure has been incurred under the Mission till date.


The last claim is that, for the MUDRA scheme, ‘Allocation in budget 2018 raised to 3 lakh crore rupees, a rise of 20% over previous year.’ In Union Budget speech of 2018-19, the finance minister said, ‘It is proposed to set a target of 3 lakh crore for lending under MUDRA for 2018-19 after having successfully exceeded the targets in all previous years.’ It has to be noted that the 3 lakh crore is the lending target and not budget allocation by the government. This lending is to be done by various banks and other financial institutions. The actual budget allocation through equity capital to MUDRA Bank is only Rs. 900 crores. The total budget allocation including other credit guarantee is less than Rs. 2000 crore.The overall credit flow to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) sector has been over Rs. 3 lakh crores in the past as well, as per this answer & this answer in the Lok Sabha. [...] Fact: The Rs. 3 lakh crore is the lending target, not the budget allocation. The budget allocation to MUDRA bank is less than Rs. 2000 crore. Hence, the claim is FALSE.


Union Budget 2018 allocated Rs 3 lakh crore for Micro-Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA), a nearly 20 per cent rise from the last year. The Budget 2017 had allocated Rs 2.44 lakh crore for Mudra. [...] This may provide the NDA government's job-creation target a much-needed boost ahead of the 2019 general elections.


Under union budget of India 2018–2019, INR 3762 crore (USD 581.09 million), was allotted for grid-interactive renewable power schemes and projects. As per the 31.12.2018, the installed capacity of total renewable power (excluding large hydropower) in the country amounted to 74.08166 GW. Around 9.363 GW of solar energy, 1.766 GW of wind, 0.105 GW of small hydropower (SHP), and biomass power of 8.7 GW capacity were added in 2017–2018. Table 11 shows the installed capacity of renewable energy over the last 10 years until the 31.12.2018. Wind energy continues to dominate the countries renewable energy industry, accounting for over 47% of cumulative installed renewable capacity (35,138.15 MW), followed by solar power of 34% (25,212.26 MW), biomass power/cogeneration of 12% (9075.5 MW), and small hydropower of 6% (4517.45 MW). In the renewable energy country attractiveness index (RECAI) of 2018, India ranked in fourth position. The installed renewable energy production capacity has grown at an accelerated pace over the preceding few years, posting a CAGR of 19.78% between 2014 and 2018 [45].


Bio-toilets are introduced in train coaches only after 2014

Indian Railways in collaboration with DRDO, developed the existing bio-toilet system in 2010. And by June 2014, Indian Railways have installed 11,777 bio-toilets in 4356 passenger coaches. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.


417 Mandis and 87.5 lakh farmers and sellers registered.

In an infographic published by the government on the 48-months portal, there are three claims related to the goal of doubling farmer’s incomes. The claims pertain to the soil health cards, e-NAM and farm credit. The following article is a fact check of these claims.


Minimum wage increased by 42%, directly benefiting 55 lakh workers.

Highest Ever Growth Of 42% Recorded in Minimum Wages of Labours during last 5 years During the last 5 years, the minimum wages of labours of all classes have been increased by 42% which is the highest increase so far. While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal said that the high growth and formalistation of the economy has led to the expansion of employment opportunities as shown in EPFO membership, which has increased by nearly 2 crore in 2 years reflecting formalisation of the economy and job creations. Shri Goyal said that the 7th Pay Commission recommendations were implemented and New Pension Scheme (NPS) has been liberalized. The Government’s contribution in NPS had been increased 10% to 14%. The limit of gratuity payment has been increased from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. The limit of eligibility cover of ESIC has been increased from Rs. 15,000 per month to Rs. 21,000 per month. The minimum pension for all labours has been fixed at Rs. 1,000 per month. In case of the death of a labour during the service, the EPFO contribution has been increased from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh. The honorarium of all classes of labours under Anganwadi and Asha scheme has been increased by about 50%.


Notifications for all the Scheduled Employments in the Central Sphere were issued on 1st September, 2016 simultaneously, in fact for the first time. The basic rate of minimum wages for an unskilled worker in the scheduled employment other than agriculture has been proposed at Rs.350 in Area ‘C’ from the current minimum wage (basic wage + variable dearness allowance) of Rs.246 resulting in an increase of about 42%. The basic rate of minimum wages for an unskilled worker in the scheduled employment "agriculture" has been proposed at Rs.300 in Area ‘C’ from the current minimum wage (basic wage + variable dearness allowance) of Rs.211 resulting in an increase of about 42%. [...] Due to this revision, additional 55 lakh workers would be benefited. This would indeed, be a good gesture on the part of the Government towards the labour fraternity.


Pervez Musharraf has said “Biggest strength of Pakistan is Indian Muslims, not the nuclear bombs. They are converting India into an Islamic nation by population explosion. India can repeal article 370 from Kashmir, India can build Ram Temple, India can win war against Pakistan, but India cannot prevent itself from becoming an Islamic nation”.

Pervez Musharraf hasn’t made any such comments. No credible source was found to authenticate the claim. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.


Eating eggs and banana at the same time will kill a man in five minutes.

"URGENT!!! Never eat an egg and a banana at the same time because the mixture gives a poison that kills within 5 minutes," reads a warning shared on Facebook. [...] The player did not respond to a query about how he had survived. Two food toxicologists told us that it was not scientifically possible for eggs and bananas eaten together to produce a poison.


All 34 international airports and all 48 domestic airports have been provided with accessible feature.

The first claim is that all 34 international airports and all 48 domestic airports have been provided with accessible features. The 2017-18 annual report of the DEPwD throws light on this matter. The report mentions that, ‘All 34 International Airports & 48 Domestic Airports, have been provided with accessibility features namely, ramps, accessible toilets, lifts with braille symbols and auditory signals’. These changes were initiated under the accessible India campaign. [...] Fact: All 34 International Airports & 48 Domestic Airports, have been provided with accessibility features. The infographic says all 48 domestic airports, but the number of domestic airports in India is more than 48. Hence, the claim is PARTLY TRUE. Have Railway Stations been provided with accessible features?


The government made certain claims with respect to providing universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Here is a Fact Check.


More than 1.16 crore antenatal check-ups conducted at over 12,900 health facilities.

In the series on the performance of various ministers in the Modi government, today we take a look at the health ministry. [...] The Government has identified 201 high focus districts across 28 states, in the country that have the highest number of partially immunized and unimmunized children. Earlier the increase in full immunization coverage was 1% per year, which has increased to 6.7% per year through the first two phases of Mission Indradhanush. Four phases of Mission Indradhanush have been conducted till August 2017, and more than 2.53 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women have been vaccinated. [...] Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) – PMSMA was launched in November 2016 to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month. PMSMA guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services, to women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities. Under this scheme, more than 1.16 crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted at over 12,900 health facilities across all states and union territories. More than 6 lakh high-risk pregnancies were identified and were provided all possible care.


The first claim is that ‘more than 1.16 crore antenatal check-ups conducted at over 12,900 health facilities’. [...] In a question answered in the Lok Sabha in July 2018, it is stated that ‘since its inception in 2016, free quality antenatal services are provided to all pregnant women visiting 13047 PMSMA sites across the country. Over 1.35 crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted under the progamme till date’. However, this is not the first ever program on antenatal care. The previous governments also had dedicated antenatal care programs. [...] Fact: 1.35 crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted under the progamme. Hence, the claim is TRUE.


323 of 12,900 antyaja children, which is equal to 7 per cent, of their popula- tion. In addition to the two Boarding Houses for antyajas at Baroda [...] The following tabular statement shows the number of labour cases opnducted by the midwives attached to the various hospitals and dispensaries during the last <"3 years : — [...] An examination of the above figures shows that the work of register- ing births, though unsatisfactory in the begin- ning, has improved during the last decade.


The colour markers printed on toothpaste represents the type of ingredient used in it

Multiple social media users believe that the colour coding on the edge of toothpaste tubes indicate towards the ingredients used in the toothpaste. [...] According to most social media users who post this popular myth, you should be paying close attention to the bottom edge of your toothpaste tubes. The small rectangle or square colour at the bottom, black, blue, red, or green, reveals the ingredients of the toothpaste: [...] No. The colour in the toothpaste tube doesn’t reveal anything about their ingredients. Colgate, one of the largest toothpaste manufacturers, mentions on their website, "Oral care companies don’t mark their toothpaste with coloured squares to try to trick consumers and hide ingredients from them."


5 Hindus were caught raping a half-burnt dead body in the Sikar district of Rajasthan

Police said that the rapists had tried to muzzle her voice and as a result she died of asphyxiation. Those arrested include Naveen, Mohammad Pasha, Shiva and C Chenna Keshavulu. The state government and police officials have appealed to the citizens to call police, especially, the number 100, in case of emergency. [...] They took turns to rape her at a brick kiln. After the incident, police had registered a case and formed a special investigation team. The 12 accused have been arrested. [...] The accused--Karan, 28, had abducted and raped the child, two weeks ago in Sikar. In this case, the police completed probe and presented charge-sheet in record time.


For pre-matric scholarship for OBCs, the rates of scholarship increased substantially.

[orc]The government claimed in an infographic that the scholarship amounts for SCs & OBCs have been increased. Here is a fact check of the claim. [...] Have the rates of Pre-Matric scholarships increased for OBCs? The fourth claim is that for pre-matric scholarship of OBCs, the rates of scholarship increased substantially. According to a press release of the ministry in February 2018, ‘the earlier rates of scholarships of day scholars from Class I to V, Class VI to VIII and Class IX to X of ₹25, ₹40 and ₹50 respectively for 10 months has been revised to ₹100 per month for 10 months from Class I to X. Earlier rates of scholarships of hostellers from Class III to VIII and Class IX to X of ₹200 and ₹250 respectively for ten months has been revised to ₹500 per month for 10 months from Class III to X.’ The scheme has been revised with effect from 2017-18.


Muslim Advocate Adeel Ahmed recently filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on Gadar-2 film

As on date, no such petition seeking a ban on Gadar 2 film was filed in the Supreme Court of India. Supreme Court Advocate Adeel Ahmed released a video clarifying that he did not file any such petition against Gadar 2 film. The producers of the movie have not yet announced the official release date of the film. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.


Several people on social media claimed that a lawyer named Adeel Ahmed had filed a petition in the Supreme Court to stop Gadar 2's release. India Today's AFWA team fact checks the claim. [...] "Gadar 2" is the official sequel of "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" released in 2001. While extending support to the upcoming movie that will supposedly be released on September 8, several people claimed that a lawyer named Adeel Ahmed had filed a petition in the Supreme Court to ban the film’s release citing that it may hurt Muslim sentiments. [...] AFWA's investigation found that Adeel Ahmed did not file any petition in the apex court to ban "Gadar 2". At the same time, the film’s release date has not been announced yet.


- Sunny Deol-starrer ‘Gadar 2’ enters £50 million club - GG2 (September 4, 2023) [...] - ‘Gadar 2’ becomes first film to be screened at new Parliament Building in India - GG2 (August 25, 2023) [...] - ‘Gadar 2’: Everything you need to know about Sunny Deol starrer - GG2 (July 27, 2023)


The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) can only accomodate up to 64 candidates.

What’s the maximum number of candidates an EVM can cater to? Each Balloting unit has a provision for 16 candidates. If the number of candidates exceed 16, a second balloting unit is linked parallel to the first one. The maximum number of candidates an EVM can cater to is 64 (That is 4 Balloting units). If there are constituencies with more than 64 contesting candidates, they must adopt the conventional voting method wiz, ballot box and ballot paper.


Shark Tank India’s Judge Vineeta Singh played the role of Raju’s Mother in ‘3 Idiots’ movie

The character of Raju’s mother, Mrs. Rastogi, was played by actress Amardeep Jha. When a similar post went viral in 2022, Vineeta dismissed the claims sportively by acting in a meme video based on 3 Idiots movie scene. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.


A post is being widely shared on social media claiming that entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Vineeta Singh had played the role of Raju’s Mother in ‘3 Idiots’ movie. Let’s verify the claim made in the post. [...] Fact: The character of Raju’s mother, Mrs. Rastogi, was played by actress Amardeep Jha. When a similar post went viral in 2022, Vineeta dismissed the claims sportively by acting in a meme video based on 3 Idiots movie scene. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE. [...] To sum it up, Raju’s mother character in 3 idiots movie was played by Amardeep Jha, not by entrepreneur and Shark Tank India’s judge Vineeta Singh.


Shark Tank India's Vineeta Singh Hits Back At Trolls As She Turns Raju's Mother From 3 Idiots In A Viral Meme: Fans Call Her ‘Boss Lady’ Vineeta Singh shared a hilarious meme that presented her as Raju Rastogi’s mother from ‘3 Idiots’ 56706 Reads | [...] Taking to her Twitter handle, Vineeta shared a hilarious meme featuring her as Raju Rastogi’s mother (Amardeep Jha) and wrote, "All is not well! Stop with the photoshopping, Team @trySUGAR." Her post came after she found herself featuring in a viral meme that presented her as Raju Rastogi’s mother from 3 Idiots. Vineeta shared a hilarious response via a video that has left netizens in splits. The clip begins with an employee coming across Vineeta’s meme while scrolling on social media. He later goes to her cabin to discuss some budget approval. But he gets shocked seeing Vineeta sitting in a saree. She reminds him and every one of Rastogi’s mother from 3 Idiots as she complaints about the rise in prices of ‘bhindi’ and ‘paneer’.


Vandana Tiwari, Sister of Bageshwar Dham Dhirendra Shastri, is marrying a Muslim man

A photo of a couple in traditional attire is viral on social media, claiming that the woman seen in it is Bageshwar Dham Dhirendra Shastri’s sister ‘Vandana Tiwari’. A post that shares this photo claims that she is marrying a Muslim man without the knowledge of her brother. Let’s verify the truth behind these claims through this fact-checking article. [...] According to BBC, Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Shastri has a sister named Rita Garg, and she is already married. Regarding this issue, Bageshwar Dham’s PRO, Kamal Awasthi, told Aaj Tak that she married a Hindu man called Kamlesh Chauraha in 2015. All of this makes it evident that the viral photo is being misquoted as a picture of Dhirendra Shastri’s sister and her Muslim husband while it actually features Actress Gehana Vasisth and her husband.


Congress Manifesto: “Will withdraw the AFSPA, reduce army presence if voted”.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah feels the Armed Forces Special Powers Act can be withdrawn from some areas in the state with a rider that the army could step in again if the situation so warranted. [...] "I think the time has come where we can start to objectively look at areas from where the AFSPA can be removed with the understanding that if there is a situation requiring the Army to intervene, we can make a temporary sort of return to that," Mr. Omar said. [...] Commenting on opposition to the withdrawal of AFSPA, the Chief Minister said, "No right-thinking person can turn around and tell you that AFSPA should be revoked in one shot. It is not possible at a point where you still have militant encounters and things like that going on.


Patronising private armies in the guise of cow protection or moral policing. Murderously attacking Dalits and Muslims. Private armies’ unrestricted activities leading to incidents of mob lynching. [...] • Repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and replace it with a suitable law which provides a legal framework for the operation of the armed forces without the draconian provisions. [...] • Complete withdrawal of AFSPA.


Union Minister of State for Home Affairs of India Kiren Rijiju has been re-elected as Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh

Earlier this year, the BJP-ruled state of Maharashtra banned the slaughter of cows, as well as the sale and possession of beef. Such laws have been passed before, but never has the basis for them been articulated as an overarching philosophy until now. The union minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, offered this explanation shortly after: "If Maharashtra is Hindu majority, or if Gujarat is Hindu majority, Madhya Pradesh is Hindu majority, if they are to make laws conducive to the Hindu faith, let them be. But in our place, in our state where we are majority, where we feel whatever steps we take, you know, laws which are conducive to our beliefs, it should be." [...] The practical implications of Article 29(1) are yet to be fully worked out in a court of law, as there have been very few direct challenges to the powers of the government that depend solely on it. But there is no mistaking that by intent it is a direct refutation of what the BJP stands for. The faction that dominates the BJP government has adversely affected the freedoms of a large number of Indian citizens. We should not hesitate in stating that the views that Rijiju represents within the BJP, and the even more extreme ones that are basic to the RSS, are simply unconstitutional.


The photo in the post is the one taken in the context of Kiren Rijiju’s filing of nomination papers with the Returning Officer for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. Hence the claim made in the post stands FALSE.


Families of the deceased persons to be given an assistance of 4 lakh rupees, up from 2.5 lakh rupees.

The BJP government has made four claims about standing with farmers in times of need ( referring to the SDRF) in an infographic published on the 48-months portal. This article is a fact check of the claims made in the infographic.


Contribution of 12% to EPF for new employees for 3 years by the government in sectors employing large number of people.

- Contribution of 8.33% of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) for new employees bythe Government for three years. - Contribution of 12% to EPF for new employees for three years by the Government in sectors employing large number of people like textile, leather and footwear. [...] The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 28 FEB 2018 approved the continuation of (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs.5,500 crore.


The third claim is that ‘contribution of 12% to EPF for new employees for 3 years by the government in sectors employing large number of people’. [...] The scheme document of the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana states that ‘in the Budget Speech 2016-17, it was stated that in order to incentivize creation of new jobs in the formal sector, Government of India will pay the Employee Pension Scheme contribution of 8.33% for all new employees enrolling in EPFO for the first three years of their employment. This will incentivize the employers to recruit unemployed persons and also to bring into the books the informal employees. In order to channelize this intervention towards the target group of semi-skilled and unskilled workers, the scheme will be applicable to those with salary up to Rs 15,000 per month. I have made a budget provision of Rs 1,000 crore for this scheme’. [...] Fact: Government of India will pay the full employer’s contribution (both EPF & EPS) of 12%. Hence, the claim is TRUE.


The BJP government published an infographic on the 48-months portal that makes 3 claims about labour welfare under the present government. This article is a fact check of the claims.


S.M.S English Medium School in Karnataka designed a Social Studies question paper for 7th standard students, which exclusively asked questions related to Muslim and other communities, indicating bias against Hinduism

S M S English Medium School is a Co-Educational school affiliated to CBSE syllabus. S M S English Medium School is located in Udupi,Karnataka. The school was established in the year 1960 and is managed by Osc Education Society. Location of S M S English Medium School [...] S M S English Medium School has Library facility constituting , Periodicals, Dailies, Reference Books, Magazine, and with about 8900 books.


An image of a Social Studies question paper from S.M.S English Medium School in Brahmavar, Karnataka, designed for 7th standard students for the month of June 2023, is currently circulating widely on social media. The claim being made in the post suggests that the questions asked in the paper are exclusively related to Muslims and other communities, indicating bias against Hinduism by the school management. Let’s verify the authenticity of the claim made in the post. [...] Fact: The allegation of prejudice in the Social Studies question paper at S.M.S English Medium School has been refuted by the school management. The first-month lessons covered topics on Christianity, Islam, crusades, the Mongols, and renaissance as per the prescribed syllabus. These topics were then included in the unit test for 7th standard students. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING. [...] To summarize, the first-month lessons for 7th-standard students at S.M.S English Medium School covered topics on Christianity, Islam, the Crusades, the Mongols, and Renaissance, following the prescribed syllabus. These topics were subsequently included in the unit test.


S M S English Medium School is a Senior Secondary, affiliated to CBSE. Affiliation ID is 830083. Address of the school is: Varambally Village, Brahmavar Post Udupi Taluk & District Brahmavar, Udupi, Karntaka. PIN Code: 576213. Email address of the school is smsems93@gmail.com. More Schools - Vidyavardhaka English Medium School – Udupi, Karnataka - S R Public School – Udupi, Karnataka - Vishwa Vinayaka National English Medium School – Udupi, Karnataka - Dr. N. Shankara Adyanthaya Memorial English Medium High School Nitte – Udupi, Karnataka - G M Vidyanikethan Public School – Udupi, Karnataka - Madhavakripa English Nursery And Higher Primary School – Udupi, Karnataka - Christ School – Udupi, Karnataka - Gurukul Public School – Udupi, Karnataka - Little Rock Indian School – Udupi, Karnataka - Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya – Udupi, Karnataka


No organisation associated with Islam participated in the relief work during the Odisha train accident

Claim: During the Odisha train accident, no Islamic organization helped with relief efforts. Fact: Following the accident in Odisha, Islamic organizations like Dawat-e-Islami India and Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind have actively participated in the relief efforts. They have helped the victims get to nearby hospitals and given them essential supplies like food and water. Consequently, the post’s claim is MISLEADING. [...] It was discovered through a keyword-based internet search that Islamic organizations like Dawat-e-Islami India and Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind, in addition to the RSS, have participated in the relief efforts for the Odisha train accident victims. They have offered assistance by, among other things, arranging transportation for victims to nearby hospitals and providing affected individuals with food and water. You can see images of relief work here, here, here, and here.


In the context of the recent Odisha train accident tragedy, a post circulating on social media claims that only the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) participated in the rescue operations, while no Muslim organization helped despite the presence of several mosques at the accident site. Let’s verify the claim made in the post. [...] Fact: Islamic organizations, such as Dawat-e-Islami India and Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind, have actively participated in the relief work following the Odisha accident. They have provided essential supplies like food and water to the victims and facilitated transportation to nearby hospitals. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING. Through an internet search using relevant keywords, it was discovered that, in addition to the RSS, Islamic organizations such as Dawat-e-Islami India and Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind have participated in the relief operations for the victims of the Odisha train accident. They have provided assistance by supplying food and water to the affected individuals, as well as arranging transportation for victims to nearby hospitals, among other efforts. Visuals of relief work can be seen here, here, here, and here.


In the wake of the tragic train accident in Odisha, our hearts ache for the immense loss and shattered families left behind. Now, more than ever, we must unite and extend our compassionate support to these victims in their darkest hour. Join us in supporting the victims of the devastating Odisha train accident. Your generosity can make a significant impact in their lives. [...] Together, we can rebuild lives, provide education, support the wounded, and offer immediate relief to those affected by the Odisha train accident. Please share this appeal widely and help us make a meaningful difference.


atayu, a mythical bird from Ramayana, is found alive for first time in Kaliyug in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

As per the media reports, Himalayan Griffon Vulture was rescued in Kanpur and locals handed it over to the forest department on 09 January 2023. Previously, there were several instances where these vultures were spotted and rescued by the public. Moreover, in 2016, the vulture-breeding centre at Pinjore, Haryana released a pair of these vultures to the wild for the first time after fostering them for 10 years. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.


Visuals of a Hindu girl lying in a pool of blood after being murdered by her Muslim lover in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

On November 8, a man killed his 22-year-old girlfriend in a room at Mekhla resort, which is under the jurisdiction of Tilwara police station in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. After the murder, the man posted a video on social media confessing to the crime. The murder came to light after the main suspect in the case posted a video on social media displaying the girl laying in a pool of blood on a bed in a hotel room, with the man saying "Bewafai Nahi Karne Ka (do not be unfaithful)". It implied that he killed her because she was cheating on him. (Potentially sensitive content, viewers’ discretion advised) [...] The victim has been identified as Shilpa Jhariya, a Jabalpur resident from Barela. Later, the suspect posted another video in which he said he killed the girl because his business partner urged him to do so.


isuals of the people of Pakistan vandalising a mosque in Karachi for its iron and bricks

A video circulating on social media and verified by the BBC shows that half of a wall caved in. The mosque was covered in bricks and debris as people clambered over the rubble to escape.


Important message from RBI: “Press ‘cancel’ button twice before inserting the card. If anyone has setup the key pad to steal your PIN code, this will cancel that setup.”

No such instruction has been given by RBI. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.


Captured Pilot Abhinandan Dancing with Pakistan Army

RAWALPINDI: Wing Commander of Indian Air Force, Abhinandan, captured by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has thanked the Pakistan Army and armed forces personnel for their hospitality and treating him with respect, ARY News reported Wednesday. In a video footage, Abhinandan can be seen sharing his views and thanking the Pakistan armed forces for saving his life from the mob at crash site. The PAF had shot down two Indian jets after they intruded into Pakistan’s airspace – Abhinandan, the Wing Commander of Indian Air Force, was detained while another was moved to hospital for treatment. [...] "Pakistan is a responsible state and behaving in polite way with the arrested Indian pilots," he said.


There were 83,000 common service centers pre 2014. This number has increased to 2.92 lakh post 2014.

Acceptance of Common Service Centers versus Self-service e-Government Portal: An Uncertainty Reduction Perspective [...] Dwivedi, Y.K., Sahu, G.P., Rana, N.P., Singh, M., Chandwani, R.K.: Common Services Centres (CSCs) as an approach to bridge the digital divide: reflecting on challenges and obstacles. Transforming Gov.: People, Process Policy, 10(4), 511–525 (2016) [...] Sharma, S.K., Singh, J.B. (2022). Acceptance of Common Service Centers versus Self-service e-Government Portal: An Uncertainty Reduction Perspective.


How many common service centres are there? The third claim is that there were 83,000 Common Service Centers (CSCs) pre-2014 and that this number has increased to 2.92 lakh post-2014. As per the government’s official website, ‘Common Service Centres (CSC) scheme is one of the mission mode projects under the Digital India Programme. CSCs are the access points for delivery of essential public utility services, social welfare schemes, healthcare, financial, education and agriculture services, apart from a host of B2C services to citizens in rural and remote areas of the country. It is a pan-India network catering to a regional, geographic, linguistic and cultural diversity of the country. Common Services Centres (CSCs) are being managed by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (known as Common Services Centre Special Purpose Vehicle- CSC –SPV)’


While Manmohan Singh spent Rs 12 crore per trip i.e. Rs 493 crore on 38 trips, Modi spent only Rs 10 crore per trip i.e. Rs 443 crore on 44 trips.

In comparison to PM Modi's term (5 months short of 5 years), Manmohan Singh's 50 odd trips during UPA II's five year term cost almost Rs 1,350 crore. [...] On the face of it, one can say that Modi has travelled more and made the nation spend much more than Manmohan Singh. But a back-of-the-envelope calculation reveals an interesting fact. If PM Modi travelled to 92 nations which cost Rs 2,021 crore, his per nation cost comes to almost Rs 22 crore. However, Manmohan Singh's trips cost Rs 1,350 crore on 50 nations which translates to Rs 27 crore per nation visit.


A post is being shared on Facebook by many users claiming that PM Modi has spent lesser than Manmohan Singh on foreign trips. Let’s try to analyze the claim made in the post. [...] Fact: The numbers given in the post do not include the bills to be received and IAF BBJ Flights used by the Modi government. Also, if total travel expenses (Aircraft Maintenance, Flights and Hotline) instead of just expenditure on chartered flights are included, then it is found that Modi spent around Rs. 2000 crore on foreign travel while Manmohan spent around Rs 1350 crore. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING. [...] In the post, only expenses on chartered flights are compared but the foreign trips also involve other costs listed above. The total foreign travel costs of Manmohan Singh was around Rs 1350 crores whereas for Modi it is around 2000 crore (this is excluding the bills, which are yet to be received).


The numbers given in the post do not include the bills to be received and IAF BBJ Flights used by the Modi government. Also, if total travel expenses (Aircraft Maintenance, Flights and Hotline) instead of just expenditure on chartered flights are included, then it is found that Modi spent around Rs. 2000 crore on foreign travel while Manmohan spent around Rs 1350 crore. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.


Prices of cardiac stents and knee implants reduced by 50 to 70%”

Pricing: In July 2017, the Indian government introduced price controls on cardiac stents, and the selling price dropped by up to 70% as a result of this populist move. That order was followed by a similar cap on knee implants later in the year. The devices were price capped after inclusion in the National List of Essential Medicines. Currently, 37 medical devices are classified as drugs and regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Of these, cardiac stents, drug-eluting stents, knee implants, condoms, and intra-uterine devices are included in the National List of Essential Medicines and are subject to price caps. In February 2020, the Indian government levied a five percent ad-valorem health tax on imports of a variety of medical, dental, surgical, and veterinary devices. Several medical device segments (such as orthopedic knee implants) that were previously exempt from customs duties were withdrawn from the duty exemption.


A government price cap on stents and artificial knee implants comes at a time of rising demand for cardiac disease and knee-replacement surgery. But the price caps could deter companies from selling the latest, mostly imported technology, prices of stents may not fall as steeply as the government claims, and hospitals could increase "incidental expenses"–from operation theatre charges to surgeon fees –to compensate, according to a FactChecker analysis. [...] Chemicals minister Anant Kumar tweeted that knee-implant prices have been reduced 65%, from a range of Rs 54,720 to Rs 113,950–implants come in many varieties–to a range of Rs 158,324 to Rs 900,000. While the knee-implant price cap was "a great move", Nilen Shah, consultant orthopedic surgeon at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospitals, said it was misleading to claim prices would drop 40% or 60% because implants are never sold at maximum retail price but always at a discount.


A young Dalit man named Lakhan’s head was shaved, and he was assaulted by a mob in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut

Dalit man thrashed, head shaved for ‘stealing’ toilet seat in Uttar Pradesh Lucknow: A 30-year-old Dalit man was allegedly thrashed, his face blackened and his head shaved after he was suspected of stealing a toilet seat from a house. The incident took occurred at Barkatan village in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. [...] The 30-year-old Dalit man said, as quoted by The Indian Express, "On October 18 at around 2 pm, some people from the neighbouring village thrashed me, hurled casteist slurs, shaved my head, and put black ink on my face at the village intersection in full public view. They suspected me of stealing and did this to me. They also threatened to kill me."


A circular in the name of AICTE talks about scrapping the 75% attendance rule for the engineering course.

Circular scrapping 75 per cent attendance rule was fake, confirms AICTE "First of all, we would not issue such a circular. Secondly, whoever is behind this should be caught as they have misused and forged AICTE logo as well as the national emblem," said AICTE chairman. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has recently issued a public notice confirming that the circular regarding scrapping of 75 per cent attendance rule was fake and mischievous. [...] As per media reports, the 'fake circular' in question which was addressed to "all Directors/Principals of AICTE approved institutions" was named 'Scrapping of 75 per cent Attendance Rule and introducing Vocational Projects."


A circular in the name of AICTE has been widely shared on social media in the last few days. The circular talks about scrapping the 75% attendance rule for the engineering course. AICTE has clarified that it’s a fake circular.


The song “Mere Angane Mein” was originally from a 19th-century movie called ‘Miss Sheela’ (1883)

Saaton Janam Tujhko Paate - This song was inspired by "Mere Angane Mein" ("Laawaris", 1981), sung by Amitabh Bachchan and composed by Kalyanji - Anandji. The interludes have the same tune as "Mere Angane Mein" and the lyrics have a similar theme. Each stanza in the song featured the names of an actor-couple - Hema Malini - Dharmendra, Dimple Kapadia - Kaka (Rajesh Khanna), and Jaya Bhaduri - Lambu (Amitabh Bachchan).[3]


There is no evidence of a movie by the name “Miss Sheela” released in 1883. Considering that the first Indian talkie film, “Alam Ara,” was released in 1931, and the patent for the gramophone was only granted in 1887, with the first-ever Indian recording taking place in 1902, it is highly implausible that a film called ‘Miss Sheela’ was released in 1883 with songs recorded on gramophone records. Furthermore, the song “Mere Angane Mein,” which has been featured in several Bollywood films, is actually a traditional folk song from Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, the claim made in the post is FALSE.


Mere Angne Mein: Jacqueline Fernandez and Asim Riaz give Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic song a time travel twist Jacqueline Fernandez and Asim Riaz feature together in the music video of Mere Angne Mein, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. After teasing fans with sneak peeks for days, the music video featuring Jacqueline Fernandez and Bigg Boss 13 runner-up Asim Riaz is finally here. The song is a recreation of Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic track Mere Angne Mein from his 1981 blockbuster Laawaris, and has been sung by Neha Kakkar and Raja Hasan.


Acid attack victims have been included in the list of people considered as disabled.

Get-hooked July 19, 2018 21 disabilities under RPWD 2016 – Acid Attack Survivors [...] For the first time, acid attack survivors or acid attack victims have been recognized in the disabled category.An acid attack victim refers to a person who has suffered a violent assault as a result of acid or a similar corrosive substance being thrown at them. [...] In India, laws exist to prevent the sale and easy availability of harmful chemicals, yet acid attacks are common. The life of a survivor is greatly affected greatly after such attacks. By including acid attack victims in RPWD 2016, the government has recognized them as deserving of help and aid.


The new list of recognized disabilities added as an annexure to the Act includes three blood disorders, people of Short Stature, Acid Attack Survivors, Parkinson disease, Chronic neurological conditions, Multiple Sclerosis etc. [...] - Locomotor Disability - Dwarfism - Intellectual Disability - Mental Illness - Autism Spectrum Disorder - Cerebral Palsy - Muscular Dystrophy - Chronic Neurological conditions - Specific Learning Disabilities - Multiple Sclerosis - Speech and Language disability - Thalassemia - Hemophilia - Sickle Cell disease - Multiple Disabilities including deaf-blindness - Acid Attack victim - Parkinson’s disease [...] (e) "acid attack victims" means a person disfigured due to violent assaults by throwing of acid or similar corrosive substance.


Acid attack victims should have same rights as disabled people, Indian Supreme Court rules [...] India’s Supreme Court has ordered the country’s central and state governments to include victims of acid attacks in disability benefits so that they can access various welfare schemes, including access to government jobs.


Concept design of car safety belt in 1960s that goes around the neck

A photograph which claims to show a concept design of car safety belts in the 1960s is being widely shared. In this design, the belt goes around the neck of the passengers. Let’s fact-check the claim made in the post. [...] Fact: Considering the chronology of evolution of the seat belts, there is no mention of any safety belt that goes around the neck. Volvo developed a modern three-point seat belt, which is in use now. After this successful intervention, it is highly unlikely that inventors tested a safety belt that goes around the neck. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE. [...] After this, most of the car manufacturing companies used the three-point seat belts, as it proved to be most effective design. In other words, contrary to the claim, it is very unlikely that inventors tested a safety belt that goes around the neck after the successful intervention (3-point seatbelt).


");} Claim:A photograph shows a concept design from the 1960s of a seat belt that goes around one's neck. [...] Although we were unable to find the source of this photograph, which is captioned "A concept design for car safety belts from the 1960s," the concept appears to have been inspired by a scene in the 2008 film "The Onion Movie": According to the consumer advocacy group Center for Auto Safety, seat belts started their evolution as lap belts. In 1958, a Swedish engineer for Volvo invented the three-point restraint, namely a seat belt that included a lap belt and diagonal shoulder restraint. We found no evidence of any such design as the one shown above for neck belts — and for obvious reasons it would be an extraordinarily bad idea.


Considering the chronology of evolution of the seat belts, there is no mention of any safety belt that goes around the neck. Volvo developed a modern three-point seat belt, which is in use now. After this successful intervention, it is highly unlikely that inventors tested a safety belt that goes around the neck. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.


Financial security of senior citizens with PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, gives 8% interest for 10 years. Investment limit doubled to 15 lakh rupees and scheme extended till 2020.

The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is a government pension scheme specifically designed to provide financial security and a fixed income stream for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. Administered by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on behalf of the government, this scheme offers a guaranteed interest rate of 7.40% per annum for a period of 10 years. [...] The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) provides an attractive investment option for senior citizens with its maximum investment limit and competitive interest rate. Under this scheme, individuals can invest a maximum amount of INR 15 lakh, allowing them to secure their financial future. [...] With the maximum investment limit of INR 15 lakh and an interest rate of 7.40% per annum, the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana offers a compelling opportunity for senior citizens to secure their financial future and enjoy a comfortable retirement.


The BJP government published an infographic on the 48-months portal that makes four claims about the Jan Suraksha Yojana. This article is a fact check of those claims.


To celebrate the 150 Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation from 2nd October 2019, the Budget set aside Rs.150 crore for the activities leading to the commemoration programme. [...] Relief to Senior Citizens has also been proposed. The proposals are :- - Exemption of interest income on deposits with banks and post offices are proposed to be increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000. TDS shall not be required to be deducted under section 194A. Benefit will also be available for interest from all fixed deposit schemes and recurring deposit schemes. [...] - Increease in deduction limit for medical expenditure for certain critical illness from Rs. 60,000 (in case of senior citizens) and from Rs. 80,000 (in case of very senior citizens) to Rs. 1 lakh for all senior citizens, under section 80DDB. Concessions will give extra tax benefit of Rs. 4,000 crore to senior citizen. It is also proposed to extend the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana up to March, 2020. The current investment limit is also proposed to be increased to Rs. 15 lakh from the existing limit of Rs. 7.5 lakh per senior citizen.


‘The Kerala Story’ actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee married a Muslim man after the release of her film

Devoleena Bhattacharjee took the internet by storm earlier in the day by sharing photos in wedding attire. It left her fans speculating whether she actually got married. Now, the actress put everyone’s curiosity to rest by confirming she has tied the knot and sharing photos with her husband. On Wednesday evening, the Saath Nibhana Saathiyaa actress took to social media to drop a couple of photos with her husband. According to reports, her husband is her gym trainer Shahnawaz Sheikh. [...] Devoleena’s Saath Nibhana Saathiyaa co-star Vishal Singh was among the many people attending the wedding. He was seen holding her hand while they posed for a picture. Last year, Devoleena revealed she was dating someone but did not reveal his identity. "Currently, I am happy in my relationship, but you never know when things change. I want to take time to understand life and various situations. Even though my partner is very understanding and supportive, one never knows what can happen in the future. I am not someone who hides things. Once I decide to get married, I will let everyone know about it," she said in January 2021.


World’s biggest Anaconda snake which is 134 feet long and 2067 Kgs weight.

As per the Guinness World Records, the longest snake ever in captivity is ‘Medusa’ and it is of length 25 feet 2 inches and weight 158.8 kgs. And, as per the National Geographic Channel, the ‘Green Anaconda’ is the largest snake in the world with length up to 30 feet and weighs up to 250 kgs. Also, the photo in the post is photoshopped. So, the claim is FALSE.


Disinvestment crossed target of 72,500 crore rupees.

Relief to salaried taxpayers: standard deduction of Rs 40,000 allowed in lieu of present exemptions 2.5 Crores salaried employees and pensioners to benefit Differently-Abled will continue to get transport allowance at enhanced rate [...] Further, the Finance Minister proposed raising the limit of deduction for medical expenditure in respect of certain critical illness from Rs. 60,000/- in case of senior citizens and from Rs. 80,000/- in case of very senior citizens, to Rs. 1 lakh in respect of all senior citizens, under section 80DDB. [...] Disinvestment crossed target of Rs 72,500 crore to reach Rs 1,00,000 crore


- Loans to Women Self Help Groups will increase to Rs.75,000 crore in 2019 from 42,500 crore last year. [...] - Centres of excellence to be set up on robotics, AI, Internet of things etc - Disinvestment crossed target of Rs 72,500 crore to reach Rs 1,00,000 crore - Comprehensive Gold Policy on the anvil to develop yellow metal as an asset class - 100 percent deduction proposed to companies registered as Farmer Producer Companies with an annual turnover upto Rs. 100 crore on profit derived from such activities, for five years from 2018-19. [...] - Relief to Senior Citizens proposed:- - Exemption of interest income on deposits with banks and post offices to be increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000.


The BJP government published an infographic on the 48-months portal. In this infographic, the government makes four claims about the reforms and setting up of institutions in the economy. This article is a fact check of these claims.


In an open letter written by Dr. Devi Shetty, he called on people to gather at the Governor’s residence of each state with a petition to oppose the recently proposed health care service tax which he labels as a ‘Misery tax’

This letter was indeed written by Dr. Devi Shetty, but in 2011 when the then Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee proposed to levy a service tax of 5% on the healthcare services provided by hospitals with 25 or more beds with central air conditioning facilities. This letter and the opposition to this bill from various healthcare professionals led the government to withdraw the proposed provision. The 2023-24 union budget also does not contain any provision for service tax on healthcare. Hence the claim made in the post is Misleading


On February 25, Trinamool Congress’s Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar shared an open letter by Dr Devi Shetty of Narayana Hridayalaya where he had called service tax on healthcare ‘misery tax’. Sircar wrote in the post, "Agree fully with Dr Devi Shetty that Modi-Nirmala’s service tax on health services will devastate the middle class and poor. Withdraw this tax!" In the letter published as an advertisement in the newspapers, Dr Devi Shetty opposed a proposed service tax of 5 per cent on healthcare in the budget. Calling it a ‘misery tax’, Dr Shetty had called people to assemble at the Governor’s house of each state at 11 AM on March 12 with a petition to roll back the tax. [...] To summarise, a service tax on Healthcare was proposed by FM Mukherjee in the 2011 budget. After backlash, it was withdrawn by the government. The post that Sircar shared has the clipping of an open letter Dr Shetty wrote in 2011. Thus, Sircar’s post is misleading.


More than 6 lakh high risk pregnancies identified.

- More than 1.16 crore antenatal check-ups conducted. - Conducted at over 12900 health facilities across all State/UTs - Over 4900 volunteers registered on PMSMA portal across all State/UTs - More than 6 lakh high risk pregnancies have been identified


- More than 2.1 crore children and around 56 lakh pregnant women have been immunized under Mission Indradhanush which was launched to reach the unreached. [...] - More than 40 lakh antenatal checkups have been conducted at PMSMA sites for comprehensive services under the programme. [...] - More than 2.70 lakh high risk pregnancies have been identified under PMSMA.


The fourth claim is that ‘more than 6 lakh high risk pregnancies identified’. One of the critical components of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is identification and follow-up of high risk pregnancies. Since its inception in 2016, Over 7 lakh women with high risk conditions have been identified. [...] Fact: Since its inception in 2016, Over 7 lakh women with high risk conditions have been identified. Hence, the claim is TRUE.


1000 scholarships per annum are available

An infographic published by the government on the 48-month portal makes claims regarding scholarship to persons with disability. Here is a fact check of these claims.


Harrow School, another prestigious old English public school, has a range of scholarships on offer, though most are only worth 5% of the cost of school fees – which equates to around £1,000 per annum. However, they also have a bursary scheme that could cover up to 100% of your school fees, and these are usually awarded to boys who also have a scholarship. Scholarships are available for those with a talent in art or music, as well as general academic promise. There’s also the "Outstanding Talent Scholarship", which seeks to reward boys who are able to demonstrate exceptional talent in a maximum of three activities that would "make a significant contribution at Harrow, such as ball games, athletics, swimming, drama or design technology." If you think Harrow might be the right school for you, you’ll also have to be prepared for a lot of singing – the school is famous for it!


Whitworth offers generous scholarships ranging from $18,000-$30,000 per year, based on students' academic achievement, personal background and other factors. These scholarships are offered after a holistic review of your admissions application and are renewable up to four years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. [...] Talent and Participation Scholarships: $1,000+


Ladli Foundation supports poor families who cannot bear the burden of marriage expenses. The foundation will take care of the total cost of the wedding and will provide the bride with the basic things worth Rs. 1 lakh, to start a new family.

The message in the post is fake. Ladli Foundation only conducts mass marriage ceremonies for couples from poor families and provides basic things to start a new life. It does not support single marriage ceremonies as written in the message and does not give Rs. 1 lakh worth goods. Hence the claim made in the post is FALSE.


In 2004, under the Manmohan government, there was no tax on income upto Rs. 50,000. In 2019, under the Modi government, there is no tax on income upto Rs. 5,00,000.

There was no tax on income upto Rs. 50,000 in 2004 but that limit can be extended to Rs. 1,00,000 by taking tax rebate. When the tax is rebated there is no effective tax on the income, so there was no tax on the income upto Rs 1,00,000 in 2004. In 2019, Rs. 5,00,000 tax exemption limit is after considering the tax rebate. Without the tax rebate, the actual income limit for no income tax is just Rs. 2,50,000 (in 2019). So the claim is MISLEADING.


Agro based and thematic clusters for skilled manpower and economic opportunities are being identified

When we compare our skill clusters to the thematic categories in the Lightcast Open Skills taxonomy, we find partial agreement, suggesting our method may offer a different way to group skills based on observed usage rather than prescribed expert categories based on competencies and sectors.


The second claim is that Agro based and thematic clusters for skilled manpower and economic opportunities are being identified. According to an answer provided in the Lok Sabha, ‘Rs. 19,961.81 crores of investment have been estimated in the first 197 Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs). Of the total investment proposed, nearly 78% is targeted towards saturation of Economic and Basic Amenities. Various Thematic Areas have been identified for saturation of Economic Amenities, such as Agri Services and Processing, followed by Skill development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Tourism.’ The details of the specific clusters based on various economic themes is available on the SPMRM website. [...] Fact: As per the government’s response in the Lok Sabha, thematic Areas have been identified for saturation of Economic Amenities, such as Agri Services and Processing, followed by Skill development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Tourism. The SPMRM website also has details of these thematic clusters. Hence, the claim is TRUE. [...] The last claim is that 300 Rurban clusters are ODF and are about green growth. The annual report of the Ministry of Rural Development (2016-17) states that, ‘the mission outcome as per the current design will see Rs. 30,000 crores of investment in 300 clusters benefitting more than 3000 gram panchayats, across the country, saturating them with all basic, social and digital amenities. At the end if the mission period, the country will have 300 Rurban clusters which will be ODF, green, agro based and thematic clusters with skilled manpower and access to economic opportunities.’


Nepal bans all Indian TV channels except DD News

The claim that all private Indian news channels are banned in Nepal except DD News is misleading. While such a ban was imposed for a limited time in 2020, it was subsequently lifted. The circulating post is sharing old news with a misleading claim, leading to confusion among social media users. [...] The viral post was shared by a user named ‘Bhashan Ya Rashan,’ (Archive) with the caption, "Nepal bans DD News. Banned all Indian channels except… Nepal was troubled by the injury of Dankapati’s sting." Many other users on different social media platforms have shared the same image with identical or similar claims. [...] - Claim Review : All private Indian news channels are banned in Nepal except DD News.


Silver foil making process still involves animal products

The product is created by pounding silver into very thin foil sheets that are backed by paper. It must be handled delicately as even a light touch can cause it to break and crumble. Although it is supposed to be made with at least 99.9 percent silver, which is even more pure than sterling silver, a number of kinds of varak have been found to be far less pure, mixed with other types of metals such as aluminum or even cadmium. Many vegetarians believe that varak is not suitable for their diets because there is speculation that the process of making the silver foil includes the use of animal products.