I&B ministry cancels fake news guidelines after PM Narendra Modi order

The I&B ministry's decision drew sharp criticism from Opposition parties as well as from press bodies

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Tuesday ordered the information & broadcasting (I&B) ministry to cancel its contentious guidelines on fake news after widespread criticism and outcry by journalists and Opposition, who dubbed these norms an attempt to “muzzle” free press.
 
Soon after, the I&B ministry issued a statement saying the press release regarding fake news put out by it on Wednesday night “stands withdrawn.” In the press release, the ministry had announced punitive measures like cancellation of accreditation to contain fake news, a decision which was dubbed by journalists and Opposition parties as an attempt to curb press