IAF crash video is old footage misused in propaganda

The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit addressed misinformation circulating on social media platforms that falsely linked a video to the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. The video purportedly showed a recent crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft; however, it was clarified that this footage is not from recent events and does not correlate with the current regional developments. In actuality, the video depicted a Jaguar aircraft crash that occurred in Ambala during a routine training exercise. This incident took place before the recent tensions, emphasizing the need for vigilance against false narratives exacerbating public anxiety during delicate geopolitical situations. The PIB stressed the importance of verifying content through official sources and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified videos, especially in times of conflict when misinformation can magnify fear and confusion. Such actions are part of a larger campaign that intentionally seeks to mislead the public, undermining trust in authorities and causing unnecessary panic about the situation. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reiterated the PIB's warnings, highlighting the coordinated effort to spread misinformation meant to disrupt public confidence. They encouraged citizens to report fake content and to depend exclusively on verified government platforms for updates, thus ensuring they remain well-informed and not swayed by misleading social media posts.