As fake news spreads rapidly on social media, several false videos, images, and misleading campaigns went viral in the first week of 2026. Many users shared without checking the facts. Here we take a closer look at some of the major false claims and the truth behind them.
Claim 1: Leopard attacks passengers on moving train in Maharashtra
A video widely shared on social media claims that a leopard attacked a passenger on a moving train in Amravati, Maharashtra. The video showed the leopard running alongside the train and attempting to jump into it. A man was also seen losing his balance and falling onto the tracks.
fact
This video is not real. It was generated by AI. In some frames, parts of the leopard's body disappear. The motion of a person falling looks unnatural. These telltale signs confirm that the video was created using artificial intelligence and is completely fake.
Claim 2: 500 rupee notes will be banned by March 2026
Another viral claim said that Rs 500 notes will be withdrawn and stopped from ATMs by March 2026. Many posts incorrectly linked this to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
RBI plans to take ₹500 notes out of circulation from ATMs by March 2026 ❓ Some social media posts claim that the Reserve Bank of India will take out ₹500 notes from circulation by March 2026. #PIBFactCheck: ❌This claim is #fake!✅ @RBI has made no such announcement. ✅ ₹500 banknotes… twitter/F0Y3t0wHSf
– PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 2, 2026
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That claim is false. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that the RBI has not announced any ban on Rs 500 notes. These banknotes remain legal tender and can be used for all transactions. We recommend that you only trust official RBI or government sources.
Claim 3: Venezuelan protests after Nicolás Maduro’s arrest
A Facebook video claimed that after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was detained by the US government, Venezuelans took to the streets and destroyed statues of the communist leader.
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This video is not from Venezuela. In fact, it is a video of the anti-corruption protests that have been held in the Philippines since December 2025. Footage shows people vandalizing a statue of Philippine President Ferdinand during a protest against alleged corruption in a flood control project.
Readers are advised to verify news through official and reliable sources before sharing it.
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