Republic TV airs live show using fake, AI generated image calling it ‘blast near Pentagon’
New Delhi: American officials have dismissed rumors of a massive explosion near the Pentagon on Monday morning, clarifying that a viral video circulating on social media depicting the incident is fake.
Despite some news channels broadcasting the footage as breaking news, it has been confirmed that the clip, which shows thick smoke emanating from the blast site near the Washington DC building, was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Prominent fact-checker Mohammed Zubair took to Twitter to expose the video's artificial nature, stating that it was created using AI technology. Zubair specifically highlighted an Indian news channel, Republic TV, which aired the video and even invited strategic expert Prof. Madhav Nalapat to provide analysis on the purported explosion. Zubair noted that the image was, in fact, AI-generated.
The incident has sparked discussions among users emphasizing the importance of verifying news sources and content before sharing or believing in its authenticity.
So @republic aired a 'Live & Breaking' news of Pentagon explosion image. They even invited Prof. Madhav Nalapat "strategic expert" to discuss about the explosion.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 22, 2023
BWT, It was an AI generated image. pic.twitter.com/8j1nfSJR6x
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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
