All posts tagged: ministry of information and broadcasting

Satluj released without certification process being completed, says I&B Ministry: ‘Violated provisions of IT Rules’

Satluj released without certification process being completed, says I&B Ministry: ‘Violated provisions of IT Rules’

Published by Parlour News

A day after the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj was taken down from the streaming platform Zee5, a new report quoted Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officials as saying it happened because the film’s makers released it ‘without the required certification process being completed’. Suvinder Vicky in Satluj, the contentious film by Honey Trehan. Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan, is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and was released on Zee5 on Friday. On Sunday, just two days later, it was removed from the platform in India, the streamer informed in a statement. ‘Satluj makers violated provisions of IT rules’ An ANI report said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) stated that the film was released on an OTT platform without due process being followed. An official from the Ministry told ANI, “Satluj did not have the required certification for a theatrical release. Instead of complying with the certification process, the makers changed the film’s title and released it on an OTT platform on Friday.” The official further alleged that …

ZEE5 removes ‘Satluj’ after govt cites security, IT Rules; SGPC and SAD slam move | Bollywood News

ZEE5 removes ‘Satluj’ after govt cites security, IT Rules; SGPC and SAD slam move | Bollywood News

Published by Parlour News

4 min readNew DelhiJul 7, 2026 04:04 AM IST OTT platform ZEE5 has removed actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film ‘Satluj’ after receiving a notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), citing security issues and obligations under the IT Rules 2021, it is learnt. The film, which was stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification for more than three years, was released uncut on ZEE5 on Friday and removed on Sunday evening. The development gave way to a furious debate with political parties and the SGPC pushing for the release of the film and the actor-singer saying that he “had a feeling that something like this would happen”. The film is based on the life of Punjab-based human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who disappeared in 1995. In 2005, four Punjab Police personnel were convicted for his abduction and murder and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two years later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court enhanced their sentence to life imprisonment. OTT content is not regulated by the CBFC, but covered under the …

Govt proposes single rulebook for TV, radio and DTH services under Telecom Act

Govt proposes single rulebook for TV, radio and DTH services under Telecom Act

Published by Parlour News

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Friday released draft rules to bring television channels, radio stations, DTH operators and other broadcasting services under a single regulatory framework. An MIB official told HT that the objective was to create a simpler and more predictable system for broadcasters. (Image sourced from Forbes) The draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 seek to replace multiple sets of guidelines and permissions with a unified rulebook under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. According to the ministry, the proposed rules consolidate six existing policy frameworks covering television channels, DTH services, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) operators, private FM radio, community radio and IPTV services into a single set of regulations. The draft has been placed in the public domain for consultation, and comments can be submitted till July 27. An MIB official told HT that the objective was to create a simpler and more predictable system for broadcasters. “The focus is on simplification and ease of doing business. Six guidelines are to be replaced by one harmonised set of rules. Grant …

Govt extends TRP freeze on TV news channels by four weeks again

Govt extends TRP freeze on TV news channels by four weeks again

Published by Parlour News

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has once again extended its direction to the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to withhold television rating points (TRPs) for news channels by another four weeks, an official aware of the matter said on Wednesday. The first order was issued on March 6, 2026, when the government initially paused TRP reporting for four weeks. (Representative photo) This is the third such directive. The first order was issued on March 6, 2026, when the government initially paused TRP reporting for four weeks. The ministry, in an order dated March 31, asked BARC to continue suspending the publication of TRPs “for a further period of four (4) weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier.” An official told HT that the ministry has now sent a fresh letter dated May 6 to BARC, extending the freeze for another four weeks. The letter does not specifically cite the ongoing West Asia conflict as the reason, as the previous letters had. However, an I&B ministry official said the extension is due to …

Ex Prasar Bharati chief Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed new CBFC chairperson

Ex Prasar Bharati chief Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed new CBFC chairperson

Published by Parlour News

Former Prasar Bharati chief executive officer Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Vempati will hold office for a period of three years, according to a government press release, and is likely to assume charge on Wednesday itself. The CBFC functions under the MIB and certifies films for public exhibition in India under the Cinematograph Act. (@shashidigital) Vempati will succeed lyricist and advertising professional Prasoon Joshi, who was recently appointed chairman of Prasar Bharati by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Joshi, who was CBFC chairperson since August 2017, took charge of Prasar Bharati earlier this week after the post remained vacant for nearly five months following the resignation of former chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal in December 2025. “Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati brings with him extensive experience in media, broadcasting, and public communication. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the functioning of the CBFC,” said the press release Wednesday. Vempati’s appointment comes shortly after he stepped down from the board of the …

Vir Vikram Yadav appointed new DGCA chief, Chanchal Kumar named I&B ministry secretary in major shuffle| India News

Vir Vikram Yadav appointed new DGCA chief, Chanchal Kumar named I&B ministry secretary in major shuffle| India News

Published by Parlour News

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday appointed Vir Vikram Yadav as director general of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), moved Abhishek Singh out of the India AI Mission to head the National Testing Agency (NTA), and named Chanchal Kumar secretary in the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B), among a series of senior bureaucratic changes approved by the appointments committee of the cabinet (ACC). Vir Vikram Yadav (L) and Chanchal Kumar (R) (File Photo/HT) Yadav, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, takes over India’s aviation safety regulator from Faiz Ahmed Kidwai — a 1996-batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre who has been appointed additional secretary in the department of personnel and training. Yadav was serving as additional secretary in the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change. The DGCA has faced heightened scrutiny in recent months over operational disruptions and safety concerns, most recently IndiGo’s disruptions in December 2025 and scrutiny of charter plane operators and small airport. ACC issued two orders – one for additional secretary level positions …

Centre blocks five OTT platforms for streaming ‘obscene’ content| India News

Centre blocks five OTT platforms for streaming ‘obscene’ content| India News

Published by Parlour News

The ministry of information and broadcasting on Tuesday blocked five OTT platforms for streaming ‘obscene’ content. The platforms, which were blocked in accordance with due procedure, include MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu. In July last year, the Centre banned multiple apps and websites for allegedly streaming what it described as obscene, vulgar, and ‘pornographic’ content. (Pixabay/Representative image) Under the procedure to block such platforms, the government directs internet service providers to block access to OTT platforms under the Information Technology Rules 2021 and the laws against obscenity. The rules are meant to protect and maintain public decency, safeguard national interests, and enforce ethical journalistic platforms across digital platforms. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, grants the Centre power to block online content for several reasons. ALSO READ | Full list of 25 OTT platforms banned by Indian govt over ‘pornographic’ content In July last year, the Centre banned multiple apps and websites for allegedly streaming what it described as obscene, vulgar, and ‘pornographic’ content. Among the 25 apps and websites …

Centre Bans MoodXVIP, Jugnu And 3 Other OTT Platforms For Streaming Obscene Content | India News

Centre Bans MoodXVIP, Jugnu And 3 Other OTT Platforms For Streaming Obscene Content | India News

Published by Webster

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 23:36 IST The govt directed internet service providers (ISPs) to block public access to these platforms under the Information Technology Rules, 2021. At least 25 OTT platforms had been blocked so far in 2025, the govt had said. (Representational image) The Centre on Tuesday blocked five OTT platforms for allegedly streaming obscene content, officials said. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has banned MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu after following due procedure under existing laws. According to officials, the government directed internet service providers (ISPs) to block public access to these platforms under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, along with provisions dealing with obscenity. The action has been taken under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which empowers the government to block online content in the interest of public order and decency. The rules are aimed at maintaining public decency, safeguarding national interests and ensuring that digital platforms follow ethical standards. This move comes amid a wider crackdown on objectionable content on digital platforms. On …

Don’t host obscene, vulgar content on online platforms: Centre to tech companies | Business News

Don’t host obscene, vulgar content on online platforms: Centre to tech companies | Business News

Published by Parlour News

The Ministry of Electronics and IT has sent an advisory to online platforms, including social media companies, asking them not to host obscene, or vulgar content, calling for “greater rigour” in adhering to provisions of the law. The ministry has also directed platforms to carry out an immediate review of their internal compliance frameworks. “…certain categories of content circulating on social media and other intermediary platforms may not be in compliance with applicable laws relating to decency and obscenity given rise to concerns among different sections of society regarding the responsible use of digital platforms and the need for continued adherence to the constitutional framework governing freedom of speech and expression,” MeitY said in the advisory. It said there is a need for greater consistency and rigour in the observance of due diligence obligations by intermediaries, particularly in relation to the identification, reporting and expeditious removal of content that is obscene, indecent, vulgar, pornographic, paedophilic, harmful to children or otherwise unlawful. “…intermediaries shall not permit the hosting, displaying, uploading, publication, transmission, storage, sharing of any …

Govt announces 26% increase in print ad rates

Govt announces 26% increase in print ad rates

Published by Parlour News

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) announced on Monday that it has approved a 26% increase in the rates paid by the government for advertisements in print media. The new increase follows recommendations from the 8th Rate Structure Committee (RSC), set up in November 2021. (Representative file photo) The revised rates are meant to strengthen the revenue base of newspapers, especially as they face rising costs and growing competition from digital platforms, the government said. The rates are effective from December 1, 2025, an I&B official told HT. “Higher rates for government advertisements will provide essential revenue support to print media, especially in an era of competition from various other media platforms and in view of the escalation in cost in the last few years. This can help sustain operations, maintain quality journalism, and support local news initiatives,” said the government in a press release. Under the new structure, the rate for black-and-white ads in daily newspapers with a circulation of one lakh, has gone up from ₹47.40 to ₹59.68 per sq cm. The …