Jaideep Bhatnagar

Retd. Principal DG Press Information Bureau, Earlier DG, All India Radio News. Ex-Registrar IIMC. Tweets are not endorsements. All views expressed are my own.

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

Is it true that your SBI YONO app will be blocked if you don’t update your Aadhaar❓

A message circulating on social media in the name of SBI claims that users must download and install an APK file to update their Aadhaar. It further claims that if Aadhaar is not updated, the SBI YONO app will be blocked.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is FAKE.

⚠️ Do not download any APKs or share personal, banking, or Aadhaar details. @TheOfficialSBI does not ask for such information.

🔗 https://t.co/apSSOXKmeB

▶️ Report suspicious messages to [email protected] for necessary action.

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

In a letter purportedly issued by the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center (I4C), several allegations are being leveled at the recipient & a reply is being sought

#PIBFactCheck

✅ This letter is #Fake

✅ No such letter has been issued by any organization under Govt. of India

⚠️ Government agencies NEVER send arrest threats or legal notices through email, WhatsApp or social media.

🚨If you receive any such message:
•Don’t respond!
•Don’t share personal details!
•NEVER transfer money!

📢 Spotted suspicious content related to the Government of India? Send it to @PIBFactCheck, and it will be verified for you:

📲 WhatsApp: [phone]
📩 Email: [email protected]

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

📢Have you also received an email asking you to download e-PAN Card❓

#PIBFactCheck

⚠️This Email is #Fake

✅Do not respond to any emails, links, calls & SMS asking you to share financial & sensitive information

➡️Details on reporting phishing E-mails: https://t.co/nMxyPtwN00

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

An Instagram post by 'bingewealth' claims that the Income-tax Department (ITD) tracks people’s personal digital activity, online spending, or lifestyle.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is #misleading! Here’s the real picture:

✅ The Income-tax Department does NOT track online shopping, digital payments, app-based transactions, or any form of personal spending behaviour. There is no mechanism to monitor an individual’s digital or online activity.

✅ Reporting under Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 does not involve surveillance. The Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT) framework requires specified entities (banks, registrars, etc.) to report limited high-value transactions as part of routine compliance. These provisions have existed for years and do not involve behavioural profiling or online activity monitoring.

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

Claim: From 01.04.2026, ITD can access emails, social media, trading apps, or private accounts.

❌ This claim is #misleading.

✅ Section 247 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 applies only to Search and Survey operations. Unless there is evidence of serious tax evasion and a formal search is initiated, the ITD has no authority to access private digital spaces.

✅ These powers cannot be used for routine data collection, scrutiny assessments, or general monitoring. They are meant solely to tackle black money and large-scale evasion, not law-abiding citizens.

✅ The authority to seize documents during search and survey has existed since the Income Tax Act, 1961.

🔗For more info, read: https://t.co/rau412KwUW

@FinMinIndia @IncomeTaxIndia

[Indian Institute of Mass Communication @IIMC_India]

(3/3)
The certificates were presented to the officers for their successful completion of the course.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. L. Madhu Nag, Registrar & ADG, IIMC, while @Manpah3 Training Associate-CEE, moderated the session.

@IAF_MCC

[Indian Institute of Mass Communication @IIMC_India]

(2/3)
Dr. @pragyapgaur, VC, felicitated the Chief Guest, Mr. @iamJaideepB, Former Principal Director General, PIB & addressed the officers. Mr. Bhatnagar in his Valedictory address said the importance of taking control of a narrative & being proactive about setting the narrative.

[Indian Institute of Mass Communication @IIMC_India]

The valedictory program of two-week Media & Communication training for the Indian Armed Forces, organized by IIMC’s Centre for Executive Education was held on 17 Oct 2025.

Prof. (Dr.) @sunetrasenn1 delivered a report and briefed the officials present about the course.

(1/3)

[Publications Division @DPD_India]

गांधीनगर में 5वें अखिल भारतीय राजभाषा सम्मेलन के अवसर पर श्री @AmitShah, मा. गृह एवं सहकारिता मंत्री ने प्रकाशन विभाग की पुस्तक प्रदर्शनी का उद्घाटन किया। इस अवसर पर प्रकाशन विभाग के प्रधान महानिदेशक, श्री भूपेंद्र कैन्थोला भी उपस्थित रहे। #हिंदी_दिवस @RajbhashaVibhag

[PIB India @PIB_India]

❓Explosion at Jammu Air Force Base? Here's the truth!

An old image is being circulated with false claims of multiple explosions at the Jammu Air Force Base in India.

#PIBFactCheck

✅ This image is from the Kabul Airport blast in August 2021.

#IndiaFightsPropaganda #OperationSindoor

[Ministry of Defence, Government of India @SpokespersonMoD]

All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. Disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize operational effectiveness and endanger lives. Past incidents like the #KargilWar, 26/11 attacks, and the #Kandahar hijacking underscore the risks of premature reporting. As per clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, only periodic briefings by designated officials are permitted during anti-terror operations. All stakeholders are urged to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation. 🇮🇳

Read more: https://t.co/bHscgUBMEV

#MediaAdvisory #NationalSecurity #MIBIndia #ResponsibleReporting

@rajnathsingh
@DefenceMinIndia
@SethSanjayMP
@HQ_IDS_India
@adgpi
@indiannavy
@IAF_MCC
@PIB_India

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

Are ATMs closed⁉️

A viral #WhatsApp message claims ATMs will be closed for 2–3 days.

🛑 This Message is FAKE

✅ ATMs will continue to operate as usual

❌ Don't share unverified messages.

#IndiaFightsPropaganda

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

⚠️Propaganda Alert!

Beware of old images shared by pro-Pakistan handles in the present context!

An #old image showing a crashed aircraft is being circulated with the claim that Pakistan recently shot down an Indian Rafale jet near Bahawalpur during the ongoing #OperationSindoor

#PIBFactCheck

✔️This image is from an earlier incident involving an IAF MiG-21 fighter jet that crashed in Moga district in Punjab in 2021.

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

An image of an advisory is being shared online, claiming that the Government has urged individuals to take precautionary measures and keep essential items ready at home.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is #FAKE. The government has not issued any such advisory

✅ Beware! Trust only official government sources for credible information.

🔹 Stay cautious and avoid sharing unverified claims.

[Indian Air Force @IAF_MCC]

This day that Year

Remembering 14 Dec 1971: The attack on Governor's house at Dhaka.

Since the start of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the IAF had tightened its dragnet in the Eastern sector, with relentless attacks on a wide range of targets, crippling the enemy's warfighting capability. A decisive moment came on 14 December 1971, when intelligence indicated that a critical meeting was underway at the Governor's house in Dhaka. Recognizing the strategic importance of this gathering, the IAF launched a daring operation that expedited the war's conclusion. At 1255 hours, just an hour into the meeting, a strike force of four MiG-21s delivered a precision attack on the building. They were soon followed by two more MiGs and two Hunters, ensuring complete devastation. The psychological impact was profound—so demoralizing that the head of the East Pakistan government and his cabinet resigned soon thereafter.

Meanwhile, on the western front, a singular act of heroism captured the nation's imagination. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, just 26 years old, displayed unmatched valor as he confronted a formation of six attacking Sabres. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he held his ground with extraordinary skill and courage. Although he eventually succumbed to the overwhelming odds, his sacrifice remains an enduring symbol of bravery and dedication. He was posthumously awarded with highest Gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.

@DefenceMinIndia
@HQ_IDS_India
@SpokespersonMoD
@adgpi
@IndiannavyMedia

[Indian Air Force @IAF_MCC]

This day that Year

Vijay Diwas: The IAF’s Decisive Role in a Historic Victory

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 concluded on 16 December 1971 with the unconditional surrender by Lt Gen AAK Niazi, marking the birth of an independent Bangladesh. This historic moment was achieved through a coordinated military effort, wherein the Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in ensuring quick and decisive results in the 13-day conflict, aptly termed a "Lightning War."

The IAF executed an intense and lethal air campaign, undertaking over 2400 offensive missions in the Western sector, and more than 2000 sorties in the Eastern theatre. These operations ensured control of the air in both sectors, crippling the adversary’s ability to counter-attack effectively. The strategic strikes in the East, combined with close air support for ground forces, accelerated the collapse of Pakistani defenses, facilitating the swift liberation of Bangladesh.

The IAF’s dominance in the skies was so impactful that, when questioned about his surrender despite having a largely intact army, Gen Niazi pointed to the IAF insignia on an officer’s uniform and remarked, “Because of this—you, the Indian Air Force.”

The 1971 War was a landmark in Indian military history, showcasing the IAF's precision, strength, and capability to shape outcomes on the battlefield. Its role in achieving this unparalleled victory remains a testament to the importance of air superiority in modern warfare.

#IAFHistory

@DefenceMinIndia
@SpokespersonMoD
@HQ_IDS_India
@adgpi
@IndiannavyMedia

[International Chess Federation @FIDE_chess]

🇮🇳 Gukesh D is the YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION in history! 🔥 👏

[Narendra Modi @narendramodi]

Historic and exemplary!

Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.

His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence.

My best wishes for his future endeavours. @DGukesh

[PIB Fact Check @PIBFactCheck]

Claim: The Government of India has released a new #WhatsApp guideline to monitor chats and take action against people

#PIBFactCheck

▪️ This message is #FAKE

▪️The Government has released no such guideline