Abhishek Dey

The film Satluj, based on activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and starring Diljit Dosanjh, was removed from ZEE5 just two days after its release amid indications of government-ordered takedown. The film had faced years of delays due to extensive objections from the Central Board of Film Certification, which sought numerous cuts and a title change. Despite being released uncut on streaming, it was made unavailable in India following unspecified “current developments.” Filmmakers and the platform expressed disappointment, while authorities offered no public explanation. The case highlights ongoing tensions over censorship, historical representation and regulatory oversight of streaming content in India.

India ordered Meta to immediately remove Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material and demanded an explanation within a week after a BBC investigation showed the platform displaying such paid content. The ministry directed Instagram to disable all related ads and content, while Meta reiterated its zero‑tolerance policy and said it combats criminal tactics to evade detection. The investigation found new accounts in India were shown adult pornography ads and later ads linking to Telegram channels selling abusive material. Meta denied intentionally targeting such ads or prioritising profit over safety.

Indian authorities asked WhatsApp to halt the rollout of a username-based messaging feature, warning it could heighten risks of fraud, phishing and impersonation by allowing contact without sharing phone numbers. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology cited legal provisions related to cybercrime and requested further consultation before deployment. WhatsApp stated the feature is not yet live and highlighted safeguards including restricted high-profile usernames, impersonation detection and limits on contacting new users. Digital rights group Internet Freedom Foundation criticised the government’s notice as lacking legal basis. The move follows a series of regulatory steps by India to tighten oversight of major technology platforms.

India experienced its driest June in 12 years, with rainfall far below forecasts, slowing sowing of key summer crops such as rice and oilseeds. Delayed monsoon onset and weak early rains cut planted acreage by nearly a quarter compared with last year, raising concerns over production and increasing dependence on imports. Officials highlighted sufficient government rice stocks and contingency plans for potentially weak monsoon and El Niño conditions, while stressing that the full impact remains uncertain as rains could recover later in the season.

India experienced its driest June in 12 years, raising concerns about delayed crop sowing and reduced agricultural output as monsoon rains arrived late and progressed slowly. Government data shows a significant drop in the area planted with summer crops, especially rice, heightening dependence on rainfall for nearly half the country’s farmland. Officials warn of potential impacts on oilseed production but note that ample government rice stocks provide short-term protection. The India Meteorological Department reports rainfall far below forecasts, while authorities prepare contingency plans for a weak monsoon and possible El Niño conditions. The agriculture minister maintains there is no immediate threat to food security.