Admissions 2025-26
Claim
A post is going viral on various social media platforms claiming that RBI is set to issue a new ₹7 coin to commemorate the legendary cricketer, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s incredible contributions to Indian Cricket. (Similar posts can be found here and here
Process of Fact-checking:
Step 1: Verifying through Official Websites
We verified with the official website of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) , as they publish circulars whenever there is a new note of coins released. However, the website shows no announcements related to the issue of a 7 rupee coin in the honor of cricketer M S Dhoni. The press release section of the site also does not include any information on this particular coin. Additionally, the list of coins currently in circulation is also available on the RBI website and it does not feature the 7 rupee coin.
However, commemorative coins are special coins that are issued to celebrate significant events and personalities. They’re not issued for general circulation among the public . But even the list of commemorative coins issued by the Government of India does not feature the 7 rupees coin for the cricketer.
Step 2: A reverse image search
By using Google Lens to do a reverse image search, we find various posts linking the news to originate from an instagram handle @thetathyanews. This news was shared on 3rd Nov 2024 in the page and has been circulating ever since. But the description of the post in the caption reveals that it is not real and completely intended for satirical purposes.
The page @thetathyanews was also known for posting satirical news and warned that it is not real news in the page’s bio.
STEP 3: Google Keyword Search
By utilising google keyword search of ‘7 rupees coin’, Google shows a Gemini AI overview also denying the claim, linked to various fact-checking articles.
Conclusion
An image of the coin was digitally created and shared in a page that posts satirical news. The post was then forwarded and circulated, leading to the misinformation (Update: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check also posted, debunking the claim here ). Hence the claim made is FALSE.
Fact Checking Club
The M.O.P. Fact-checking Club is a student-driven initiative on fact-checking of news stories. The main aim of the club is to build fact checking practice among students. Be a part of our fight against fake news by sending us your queries on WhatsApp at 7358702336.
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