Latest news with #PIBFactCheck
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
a day ago
- General
- Business Standard
EPFO hasn't issued any new pension form or deadline, clarifies govt
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed a viral message doing the rounds on social media claiming that the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made it mandatory for pensioners to fill out a new form, failing which their pension would be stopped. PIB Fact Check has labelled this message as completely fake. What was the fake claim? A misleading message is being circulated on WhatsApp and other social platforms stating that EPFO has introduced a new pension form for all pensioners. It falsely warns that if the form is not submitted before June 30, monthly pensions will be suspended. PIB clarification: No new form, no deadline PIB's Fact Check unit has confirmed via its official handle that: · No such form has been issued by EPFO. · No deadline like June 30 exists for submitting any such form. · The pension will not be stopped for failing to fill a non-existent form. 'This claim is fake. EPFO has not issued any such directive,' PIB Fact Check stated on X. What pensioners should keep in mind? For EPFO pensioners, it is important to stay alert and not fall for fake messages that create panic. Here are a few things to note: · Do not trust unofficial WhatsApp forwards or social media posts. · Always cross-check any such announcements on the official EPFO website or PIB Fact Check's verified social media handles. · In case of doubt, reach out to the EPFO helpline or visit the nearest EPFO office for clarity. With misinformation spreading fast, government fact-checking units like PIB's Fact Check play a key role in protecting citizens from scams and fake news. Pensioners and EPF members should rely only on authentic government communication channels for updates.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Are farmers being taxed for water usage? Union government answers
Recent social media posts claimed that the Centre planned to tax water usage for farming. The Union Government has denied these claims. The Ministry of Jal Shakti called the reports inaccurate. PIB Fact Check confirmed the claim is false. The confusion arose from misinterpreting the M-CADWM scheme. The ministry clarified that agriculture and water are state subjects. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads PIB Fact Check confirms claim is false Clarification from the Ministry Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Recently, several social media posts have gone viral, claiming that the Centre intends to impose a tax on water usage for farming activities. These claims have sparked concerns within the farming community and resulted in huge Union Government has officially denied any such plan to impose a tax on water usage for agricultural purposes. The Ministry of Jal Shakti issued a clarification on June 27, 2025, labelling such reports as "inaccurate and misleading".Setting the record straight, the official PIB Fact Check account confirmed that the claim is false. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has also intervened to provide clarity on the matter. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, in a recent press conference, reiterated that no such tax or user fee has been mandated by the central to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the confusion seems to stem from a misinterpretation of the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) scheme, which is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).This pilot scheme aims to improve irrigation efficiency, ensure equitable water distribution, and introduce modern technology, like pressurised pipeline networks, IoT devices, and SCADA systems for better water management. More importantly, there is no provision in this project requiring farmers to pay user charges for water usage, the ministry said in the statement released on June 27, ministry, in the statement, also emphasised a constitutional point: "agriculture" and "water" are both state subjects. This means any decision about levying water usage fees for farming lies entirely with individual state governments, not the Centre. If Water User Associations (WUAs) or other bodies eventually decide to impose charges, it would be at the discretion of the respective state governments, not due to a central ministry also urged the public and media to confirm information before disseminating it, since it can cause needless fear among farmers. Misinformation campaigns only hurt the interests of the farming community, the administration stressed, and transparency is a top concern.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
23-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Fact-check: Did US use Indian airspace to launch strikes on Iran's nuclear sites?
The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, raising concerns over how Tehran's already weakened military could respond. Amid growing speculation, some social media users claimed the US had used Indian airspace for the operation, which has been codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed the claims, stating that Indian airspace was not used and the reports being shared are false read more The world was on edge on Sunday after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stepping directly into the conflict involving Israel. The attack led to serious concerns about what is left of Tehran's nuclear capabilities and how its already weakened military might respond. Read latest updates about Israel-Iran war here. As speculation grew, some social media users claimed that the US military had used Indian airspace to carry out the strikes, known as Operation Midnight Hammer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But the Press Information Bureau (PIB) dismissed these claims, saying Indian airspace was never used and the reports being shared are false. ALSO READ | Decoy flights, 25 minutes, 125 aircraft: Inside US' Operation Midnight Hammer So, what exactly were the claims, and what did the PIB say? And how did India react to the American action against Iran? Here's a look at these answers and more: Did the US use Indian airspace to attack Iran? No, the reports doing the rounds online that claim American fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes on Iran are false. On Sunday, the PIB Fact Check unit took to X to refute the claim, calling it 'FAKE' and clarifying: 'Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation Midnight Hammer.' Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer #PIBFactCheck ❌ This claim is FAKE ❌Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation… — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 22, 2025 The clarification referred to a press briefing by the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, who explained the alternate routes taken by the American aircraft and dismissed the speculation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircraft against Iran during Operation Midnight Hammer. This claim is FAKE. Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation Midnight Hammer. During the Press Briefing, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft,' the Fact Check unit posted on X. How India reacted to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the American strikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran. During the call, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the growing tensions in West Asia and called for the need for de-escalation in hostilities. This satellite picture shows Iran's underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordo after US airstrikes. Planet Labs PBC/AP He reaffirmed India's stand on de-escalation, saying that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. 'We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,' PM Modi posted on X after the call. Notably, the Iranian President had reached out to PM Modi following the US strikes, ANI reported citing sources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the 45-minute conversation, Pezeshkian gave a detailed update on the situation. He described India as a friend and partner in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and thanked PM Modi for India's support and appeal for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. ALSO READ | Why Trump attacked Iran 2 days after giving a 2-week deadline How the US inserted itself into Israel's conflict against Iran The United States carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran - Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a move that was confirmed by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Both Iran and the UN's nuclear watchdog said there was no immediate indication of radioactive leakage at any of the locations. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that as part of the mission, seven B-2 bombers flew for 18 hours from the US to Iran to drop 14 bunker-buster bombs. In total, the US used 75 precision-guided weapons in the operation, including more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles. Over 125 military aircraft were involved in the strikes on the three nuclear sites, Caine added. Iran hit out at the United States for crossing what it described as 'a very big red line' with its decision to target the sites using missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Initially, the Trump administration had indicated interest in reopening diplomatic channels with Tehran. However, Donald Trump , who had earlier warned of more strikes if Iran responded against US forces, later spoke about the potential for 'regime change' in the country. On his Truth Social account, Trump claimed that the strikes caused 'monumental damage' to Iran's nuclear facilities. 'We are very close to achieving our goals' in removing Iran's nuclear and missile threats, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Notably, Iran has not yet provided any details about the extent of damage caused by the strikes. Past attacks by Israel had already destroyed a centrifuge hall above ground and the power infrastructure at one of the sites, most likely disrupting the electricity supply. With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
India debunks social media claims that US used its airspace to launch strikes against Iran
India has dismissed as 'fake' claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against Iran. The US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates. 'Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE,' PIB Fact Check said in a post on X on Sunday. 'Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer,' said the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau that functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft during a press briefing.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India debunks social media claims that US used its airspace to launch strikes against Iran
India has dismissed as "fake" claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates."Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE," PIB Fact Check said in a post on X on Sunday."Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer," said the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau that functions under the Ministry of Information and said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft during a press briefing.
