I&b Ministry

Govt aims to double concert economy, simplify event permissions in India

The I&B Ministry will launch a single-window platform to ease concert permissions as India attracts major global artists and sees record live event growth

Ashwini Vaishnaw meets editors, urges to report responsibly amid conflict

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday underscored the importance of factual and responsible reporting, particularly when India is engaged in a military standoff with Pakistan. Vaishnaw interacted with senior editors from the print media and urged them to refrain from relying on unverified sources for information related to the conflict. The minister also advised the electronic media to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. He asked the mediapersons to strictly adhere to the advisory issued by the Union information and broadcasting ministry. Vaishnaw made it clear that the action taken by the Indian Armed Forces was against terrorism and not any country or community. India and Pakistan are engaged in a military standoff after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmi

Need new legal framework to regulate 'harmful' content: I&B Ministry

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is examining the existing statutory provisions and the need for a new legal framework to regulate "harmful" content amid complaints of "obscenity and violence" being shown on digital platforms. In its reply to a parliamentary panel, the ministry said there is a growing concern in the society that the constitutional right of "freedom of expression is being misused to showcase obscene and violent content on digital platforms". It told the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey that while certain provisions exist under the current laws, there is a growing demand for a stricter and effective legal framework to regulate such harmful content. It said, "This ministry has taken note of these developments and is in process of examining current statutory provisions and need for a new legal framework." The ministry said that many high courts and the Supreme Court, MPs and statutory bodies like

Light regulations will enable innovative radio content: I-B Secretary Jaju

Government is committed to advancing digital radio technology and its integration into the media ecosystem in the country, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Secretary Sanjay Jaju said on Wednesday. Speaking at a conference organised by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), in collaboration with the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI), Jaju said the government favoured light touch regulation which would enable innovative content creation in the country. "Light touch regulations will enable innovative content creation and deeper listener engagement, empowering India's creators. Radio derives its strength from localised content choice embracing diverse community interests and cultural preferences," he said. Jaju said technology adoption, even in far-flung areas must happen while developing an ecosystem to facilitate deployment of digital radio broadcasting in India. "As part of our efforts, we are set to roll out digital FM radio broadcasting

I&B ministry suspends Jani Master's award amid sexual assault allegations

The National Film Awards Cell of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has suspended the National Film Award to be presented to choreographer Jani Master citing allegations of sexual assault. The authorities also withdrew the invitation to the choreographer to attend the 70th National Film Awards in New Delhi on Tuesday. Jani Master, whose real name is Shaik Jani Basha, would have been felicitated at the ceremony for his work on the song "Megham Karukkatha" from 2022's Tamil movie "Thiruchitrambalam". In the note, dated October 4 (Friday), the National Film Awards Cell said the letter to attend the National Film Awards was extended to the choreographer "before the allegations of crime under POCSO Act came to light". "In view of the seriousness of the allegation and the matter being subjudice, the Competent Authority has decided to suspend the National Film Award of the Best Choreography for the Year 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film Thiruchitrambalam until further .

Minister Vaishnaw raises concerns about creation of addictive content

The government is encouraging the content creators' economy, which has huge potential to generate employment, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday but cautioned against the creation of addictive content. Vaishnaw launched 25 Challenges covering a range of disciplines such as animation, filmmaking, gaming, music, and visual arts as part of the 'Create in India Challenge' ahead of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled to be held in November in Goa. "We also have to ensure that we do not do anything that harms society. We have to guard ourselves against content that is addictive. In this regard, everybody -- government, industry, society -- has equal responsibility," Vaishnaw said. He said the creators' economy had immense potential and emerged as a wonderful tool to showcase India's rich cultural heritage, way of life, yoga, traditional medicine system, and diversity in cuisines. "The government of India is leaving

I&B ministry extends feedback deadline for Broadcasting Bill to October 15

The draft of Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 was circulated for feedback as part of an ongoing consultation process that started in November 2023 with the upload of the initial draft

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra reaches out to 100 million people: Govt

Government's mega outreach programme 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' on Friday crossed a key milestone of connecting with 10 crore people of which 7.5 crore have taken a pledge to build a developed India by 2047, officials said. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra said the yatra, flagged off on November 15 last year, was expected to reach out to more than 14 crore people by the time it concludes on January 25. He said 3,500 outreach vans were on the ground taking information about the government's schemes to the citizens. Chandra said health camps were turning out to be a major attraction during the yatra and more than 2.2 crore people have been screened at such events. "Since its launch on November 15, 2023, over 7.5 crore individuals have pledged their 'Sankalp' a commitment to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047," an official statement said. The number of participants in the yatra is higher than the population of countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, France,

I&B ministry introduces crucial amendments to cable TV network rules

According to the press release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MSOs are now required to apply for registration or the renewal of registration online

Govt unveils 'People's G20' eBook, shedding light on G20 presidency

The launch took place in New Delhi and was attended by Manish Desai, Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau, along with other senior officers

I&B ministry may begin independent review of C-band allocation plans

DoT wants large chunks of key radio frequencies to be allocated to 5G, 6G

I&B Minister warns media against narratives that threaten India's integrity

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday urged the media fraternity in the country to remain cautious and desist from giving its space to narratives that threaten the nation's integrity. Unsubstantiated and illogical opinions, delivered freely from within or abroad, could not destroy the democratic nature of the country, he added. "I urge the media fraternity to remain cautious and desist from giving its space intentionally or unintentionally to such voices and narratives that have the potential to threaten the integrity of India," he said. Thakur was speaking while participating as a special guest at the valedictory ceremony of the centenary celebrations of eminent Malayalam daily "Mathrubhumi". He said there is a proverb that states facts are sacred and opinion is free. "I want to emphasise here that the democratic nature of our great nation will always remain a fact, no matter how many unsubstantiated and illogical opinions are delivered freely from withi

NDTV shares revised share-holding pattern with govt, says I&B minister

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has shared the revised share-holding pattern and the names of proposed new directors of NDTV for security clearance with the Union home ministry, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Adani Group gained control of NDTV last year by acquiring 64.71 per cent stake in the company. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, said M/s New Delhi Television Ltd. (NDTV) has intimated the ministry regarding change of its shareholding pattern in compliance with Clause 29 of the Policy Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022. "This ministry has shared the revised shareholding pattern of the company with the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance," he said, responding to a question from Congress member Manish Tewari. "Further, M/s NDTV has also submitted the details of its proposed new Directors to this Ministry. The list of the proposed new Directors as ...

Consulting stakeholders on ways to check misinformation flows: I&B minister

Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Tuesday said the central government was consulting stakeholders over means that can be adopted to stem misinformation flows into India, especially global media outlets. Interacting with delegates at the Y20 summit here, the information and broadcasting minister said that the government has already issued guidelines for information-disseminating companies, one of which is appointment of a 'grievance officer', as part of its efforts to check the menace. "The I&B Ministry is taking feedback on what else can be done to stop the flow of misinformation. Reporters and many individuals are doing their bit to spread positive news," he stated. Thakur, who is also the Union Youth Affairs & Sports Minister, said with passage of time, "more maturity" will dawn on the media industry and the flow of misinformation will gradually ebb. He noted that publishers, on being pointed out that fake news has been published or misinformation disseminated, takes ...

Govt asks TV channels to provide monthly details of public service content

The govt issued a fresh set of guidelines, asking TV channels to show at least 30 minutes of public service content everyday

No compromise on decency: I&B Ministry issues advisory to TV channels

The advisory has been issued after several instances of lack of discretion by television channels were noticed by the ministry

New TV guidelines: Will take Rs 5-cr hit per event, say sports channels

I&B Ministry has not exempted sports channels from paying Rs 1 lakh processing fee for live telecast of events; broadcasters may petition govt for waiver

CAG to conduct special audit for DTH service providers on I&B min's orders

The audit will be conducted to ensure that the amount to be submitted to the Centre in the form of the licence fee is "correctly assessed"

Top Headlines: TCS on moonlighting, licensing of digital apps, and more

TCS said moonlighting is an "ethical issue" and against its core values but has not taken any action against any staff

Don't carry online betting advertisements, govt reminds digital platforms

In June, the I&B Ministry had first issued its directive on online betting ads, saying that gambling was illegal in most parts of the country