{
  "id": 7957259,
  "title": "MEA Debunks ‘Fake Alert’ Reports Claiming World Leaders Fell Sick After 18th BRICS Summit In Delhi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/mea-debunks-fake-alert-reports-claiming-world-leaders-fell-sick-after",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T05:23:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/mea-debunks-fake-alert-reports-claiming-world-leaders-fell-sick-after-18th-brics-summit-in-delhi"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debunked reports claiming that world leaders fell ill after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The ministry labeled the reports as \"fake\" and advised against sharing unverified information on social media platforms. The claims surfaced following the conclusion of the summit, which brought together leaders and representatives from BRICS member countries. The MEA's fact-checking unit stated that there was no basis for the reports, particularly regarding President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Xi Jinping of China. Both leaders had returned from the summit and were resting on medical advice when the false reports emerged. The MEA emphasized its commitment to combating misinformation during major international events.",
  "summary": "The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The ministry termed the reports fake and advised people not to believe or share unverified information. \"Fake Alert!!! We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms,\" the ministry’s…",
  "key_points": [
    "MEA debunks fake alert reports about world leaders falling ill after 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi",
    "Reports claimed President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping were sick, but no basis",
    "MEA's fact-checking unit advises against sharing unverified information on social media"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Ministry of External Affairs' swift debunking of the fake reports signals a more proactive approach to countering misinformation during high-profile international events.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "MEA debunks reports of BRICS leaders falling ill after India summit; calls claims fake",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/mea-debunks-reports-of-brics-leaders-falling-ill-after-india-summit",
        "published": "2026-09-17T04:25:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}