Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction
As digital misinformation continues to spread during heightened geopolitical tensions, a viral fake claim has emerged on social media alleging that 70% of India’s electricity grid was rendered dysfunctional by a Pakistani cyber attack. The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit (PIB Fact Check) has officially debunked this alarming claim.
The Viral Claim: “70% of India’s Electricity Grid Down Due to Cyber Attack”
The posts being circulated say:
“Massive cyber attack from Pakistan disables 70% of India’s power grid. Major blackout reported in multiple states.”
These claims, often paired with generic images of power outages or maps, aim to create panic and distrust among the public.
🚨 Attention: False Claim Circulating Online! 🚨
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025
Social media posts are asserting that a cyber attack by #Pakistan has caused 70% of India's electricity grid to become dysfunctional.#PIBFactCheck
❌This claim is #FAKE#IndiaFightsPropaganda pic.twitter.com/8Gcmcm4vYq
PIB Fact Check: The Truth Behind the Claim
PIB Fact Check promptly responded with a public clarification:
🚨 Attention: False Claim Circulating Online!
Social media posts are asserting that a cyber attack by #Pakistan has caused 70% of India’s electricity grid to become dysfunctional.
#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is #FAKE
#IndiaFightsPropaganda
The Reality: India’s Power Grid is Fully Functional
- The Ministry of Power and central grid monitoring agencies have not reported any such disruption.
- There is no evidence of cyber intrusion or system-wide failure.
- India’s grid infrastructure is secured with multi-layered cyber and operational safeguards.
Why This Misinformation Matters
🔴 National Panic:
Fake reports about the power grid can create fear, confusion, and even public unrest.
🔴 Undermines Trust in Infrastructure:
Misinformation chips away at public confidence in national systems.
🔴 Strategic Exploitation:
Adversarial narratives can use such fake claims to undermine morale and sow discord.
Cybersecurity and India’s Grid: An Overview
India’s electricity grid is one of the most complex and secure systems in the world, with redundancy, segmentation, and active real-time monitoring. The National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) constantly ensures stability and resilience.
What Should You Do?
✅ Rely on Verified Sources:
- PIB Fact Check on X
- https://pib.gov.in
- Ministry of Power: powermin.gov.in
✅ Report Fake Claims:
- Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
- WhatsApp: +91-8799711259
✅ Educate Others:
Urge friends and family to verify before forwarding any sensational posts.
Explore more fake news:
- PIB Fact Check: Claim About Indian Pilot Ejecting Over PoK is Completely Fake
- PIB Fact Check: Claim About Bathinda Airfield Being Destroyed Is FAKE
- PIB Fact Check: No, Nagrota Air Base Was Not Attacked – Viral Video is Fake and Digitally Altered
- PIB Fact Check: Viral Video Claiming Missile Attack on Delhi Airport is FAKE
Conclusion
The viral claim that a cyber attack from Pakistan disabled 70% of India’s power grid is completely false. PIB Fact Check and government agencies have confirmed that no such incident has occurred. As responsible digital citizens, we must stay alert, fight misinformation, and protect India’s social harmony and infrastructure trust.
