New Delhi: A piece of fake news recently made waves on social media, claiming that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would issue Rs 7 coins in honor of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The viral image suggested the coin would recognize Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket. However, this claim was debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in a fact-check.

What PIB Said In The Tweet?Sharing the misleading image, PIB clarified via a tweet: “The claim made in the image is #fake. The Department of Economic Affairs has made NO such announcement.” The tweet also tagged the Ministry of Finance, DD News, All India Radio News, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Central Bureau of Communication to spread awareness.Despite being fake, the claim gained traction, with many social media users sharing the image. Instances like this highlight the dangers of spreading unverified news, which can mislead the public and create confusion. How To Spot Fake News?India-based fact-checking platforms, such as Alt News, regularly debunk such false claims using a variety of methods: Reverse Image SearchThey use internet tools like Google Reverse Image Search to trace the origin of viral photos or videos. Search FiltersThey look for posts using time and date filters to pinpoint when and where the claims first appeared. Local VerificationIn cases involving sensitive content, they contact local authorities or police for validation. Transcript ReviewPublic statements and videos are analyzed to check if they’ve been altered to mislead audiences.

About The RBIThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s central bank, was established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act. It is responsible for maintaining financial stability, regulating the nation’s currency, and supervising the financial sector. Stay Alert Against Fake NewsCitizens are urged to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing unverified news. The spread of fake news can lead to misinformation and unnecessary panic. Always verify the authenticity of such claims before forwarding them. Platforms like PIB and fact-checking websites can help confirm the truth.