On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly rejected media claims that the Indian government was contemplating a tax, cess, or surcharge on foreign travel. He described the reports as 'totally false' and asserted that there was 'not an iota of truth' in the allegations. The rumors suggested that the government was considering a temporary one-year tax to alleviate fiscal pressures caused by rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions. Modi reiterated the government's dedication to enhancing the 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living' for citizens, emphasizing that there would be no restrictions on foreign travel. The claims circulated on social media, citing unnamed sources and suggesting discussions at high levels of government. However, the finance ministry had not issued any official comments regarding the matter prior to Modi's public dismissal of the reports. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before dissemination, especially in the context of sensitive fiscal policies.