Viral Video Alert: Is the “Army Saffronisation” Clip Real?
By Roots News Desk| January 27, 2026
While the nation grapples with today’s banking blackout, a more insidious crisis is brewing on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter). A 20-second video clip, purportedly showing RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat calling for a radical overhaul of the Indian Army, has set the internet on fire. RootsAlert investigates the clip that has already triggered protests in three states.
1. The ‘Deepfake’ That Fooled the Nation
Since late last night, a video has been circulating claiming that the RSS Chief demanded the “saffronisation” of the Indian Army and the removal of “50% of personnel” by 2028.
• The Reality: This video is a High-Level Deepfake.
• The Fact Check: Technical analysis confirms the audio was synthesized using AI. The visuals were lifted from a speech Bhagwat gave in Kolkata in December 2025 (where he actually spoke about unity in Bangladesh).
• Impact: Despite being fake, the clip sparked localized protests in Hyderabad and parts of Kerala this morning. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has issued an emergency takedown order to social media giants.
RootsAlert Verdict: FAKE. Do not forward this video. It is a digitally manipulated attempt to incite discord post-Republic Day.
2. Beyond the Parade: The Deal of the Decade
While the cameras were focused on the marching contingents yesterday, a monumental shift in India’s economy happened behind closed doors.
• The Guests: This year’s Republic Day Chief Guests, EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, didn’t just watch the parade—they closed the deal.
• The Breakthrough: Sources confirm that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stuck in limbo for years, has reached a consensus on the thorny “Sustainability” and “Automobile Tariff” clauses.
• What It Means for You:
• Cheaper Cars: European cars (Volkswagen, Skoda) could see price drops of up to 15% over the next two years.
• Jobs: The deal unlocks zero-duty access for Indian textiles and leather goods into Europe, potentially creating 10 lakh jobs in states like Tamil Nadu and UP.
3. Sports: Sinner Unstoppable
In a quick update from Melbourne: The “Sinner Streak” continues. Defending champion Jannik Sinner has crushed Luciano Darderi to storm into the Quarter-Finals of the Australian Open. He remains the man to beat, extending his winning streak to 18 matches.
