Censor Board clearance for OTT films? Govt might amend IT Rules 2021 after row over 'Satluj'

The government is considering mandatory Central Board of Film Certification for OTT releases. This move would require amendments to existing IT rules for digital media. A recent controversy over the film Satluj on Zee5 prompted this consideration. Action may also be initiated against Zee5 for its release while under review. State governments are responsible for enforcing laws against private screenings of uncertified films.

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully launched into low Earth orbit on Saturday.This historic mission placed six payloads into their targeted orbit successfully.India now becomes the third nation with private orbital launch capability.The Hyderabad-based startup achieved this significant milestone on its first attempt.This launch signifies a new era for private Indian space industry operations.

Two parliamentary committees have postponed approving their reports on significant legislation. This development occurs as the government seeks opposition support for other political proposals. The anti-graft bill and higher education regulator bills face widespread protest. Both bills may not be presented during the current parliamentary session. Congress criticizes the government's handling of these controversial legislative matters.

Medical colleges now decide faculty appointments and promotions independently. The National Medical Commission has ended routine eligibility clearances for these positions. This change aims to improve institutional accountability and reduce unnecessary referrals. Applicants dissatisfied with decisions can seek a review within thirty days. The regulator will now focus on exceptional cases involving regulatory ambiguity.

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1. This historic flight reached low Earth orbit and deployed six payloads for various applications. The launch signifies a major step for India's private space sector and its global market aspirations. Other Indian space startups are expected to accelerate their orbital rocket programs following this success.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's strong defence preparedness and self-reliance.Advanced systems like Akash Teer and BrahMos were effectively used during Operation Sindoor.Defence industrial corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu are fostering indigenous manufacturing and global integration.Positive indigenisation lists and a new Defence Acquisition Procedure are accelerating domestic production.Seventy-five percent of the defence modernisation budget now supports Indian industries.

India has launched a secure, indigenous time signal network for critical infrastructure. This initiative reduces reliance on foreign timing sources for essential services. The system uses White Rabbit technology for highly accurate time synchronization. It aims to enhance reliability in banking, telecom, and power grid operations. This development supports India's technological self-reliance and digital economy.

India achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first private orbital rocket. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement, emphasizing faith in the nation's youth. This success positions India as the third country with indigenous private orbital launch capabilities. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket carried a special message for the universe. The event signifies a new era for India's growing private space sector.

Authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras due to inclement weather.The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all pilgrims.Pilgrims are advised to remain patient and follow official communication channels for updates.The Shri Amarnathji Yatra will remain suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes.The Yatra will resume once weather conditions are deemed safe for travel.

Delhi Police increased surveillance and vehicle checks for an upcoming Parliament march.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike.The Cockroach Janta Party plans a march to Parliament on July 20.Authorities are unlikely to grant permission for the unauthorized march.Security has been heightened around Parliament and sensitive protest locations.

Eyewitnesses described Sonam Wangchuk's swift removal from Jantar Mantar by police.White bedsheets shielded the operation, preventing public view of the activist's departure.Police stated Wangchuk was taken to hospital following medical advice and court orders.Protesters alleged the police action was timed to minimize visibility and support.Despite the removal, demonstrators vowed to continue their protest for educational reforms.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised after his hunger strike deteriorated. Former CJI KG Balakrishnan expressed concern for his life and well-being. Wangchuk was protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and student deaths. His wife stated a planned march to Parliament would proceed as scheduled. The activist's supporters have criticised the government's actions regarding his removal.

Abhishek Banerjee challenged former Trinamool Congress colleagues to return to Mamata Banerjee. He stated they would not return as they made a deal with the BJP. Banerjee claimed these individuals received protection from central agencies after switching sides. He mentioned facing multiple summons himself but never running away. This challenge comes amid the Trinamool Congress's significant organizational crisis.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after its historic Vikram-1 rocket launch. A Trinamool Congress office linked to Abhishek Banerjee faced demolition in West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi criticized the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site. Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets deep inside Russia, causing casualties. Donald Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke affecting air quality.

Mehbooba Mufti will join the National Conference protest for Jammu and Kashmir statehood.She demands the agenda also include Article 370 restoration and prisoner release.Mufti believes protesting solely for statehood legitimizes the revocation of special status.She urged for an all-party meeting to address disempowering issues affecting people.Restoring statehood requires sustained political effort and engagement from leaders.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized former CM Akhilesh Yadav's tenure. He alleged Yadav lacked public engagement and a development vision for the state. Adityanath highlighted the BJP government's welfare schemes and development projects. He contrasted current progress with the previous administration's perceived failures. The chief minister also accused the opposition of betraying farmers and compromising law and order.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated India's zero tolerance for terrorism is a line of action. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's retaliatory military capabilities and technological advancements. The government trusts India's defence capabilities more than previous administrations did. India's defence production has reached a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore annually. Defence exports have surged significantly, positioning India as a global security partner.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Centre's forceful removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk was on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty-one days regarding NEET examination irregularities. Police shifted the climate activist to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation and treatment. Opposition leaders condemned the Centre's actions, calling it suppression of peaceful dissent. The protest demanded resignation and reforms in the education system.

Kolkata police detained a local broker linked to the BJP regarding a building blast.Investigators suspect crude bomb explosives caused the explosion which damaged a residential building.The prime suspect, Md Shamim alias Salim, remains absconding while police question the detained individual.Remnants of crude bombs and raw materials were recovered from the affected building premises.A National Investigation Agency team may visit the site as the probe continues.

Skyroot Aerospace launched India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1.The vehicle successfully placed four technology demonstration satellites into low-Earth orbit.This launch marks a significant milestone in opening India's space sector to private companies.Vikram-1 utilized advanced carbon-composite structures and a restartable liquid-fuelled module.The mission validates India's capabilities in private orbital launch vehicle development.

Congress MP Manish Tewari addressed speculation regarding his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated his belief in protocol and keeping development above partisan politics. Tewari attended official programs where the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects in his constituency. This interaction follows his recent omission from Punjab Congress appointments. He expressed acceptance of his current political situation with a philosophical outlook.

The discussions took place during the 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO member states, which was chaired by Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the country's Foreign Office. Representatives from Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with officials from the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), attended the meeting.