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Trump Mulls Delaying TikTok Ban Enforcement by 60 to 90 Days | Report

January 16, 2025, 2:34 pm

TikTok is poised to shut down its U.S. operations on Sunday, when a federal ban is set to go into effect, unless there is a last-minute reprieve. The ban, enforced by a law signed in April, will prevent new TikTok downloads from the Apple and Google app stores if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to divest the platform. While users who have already downloaded the app could continue using it, U.S. companies will be barred from providing services to distribute, maintain, or update the app, effectively disrupting its operations.

Trump May Delay Enforcement of Ban

President-elect Donald Trump is considering an executive order to delay the enforcement of the ban for 60 to 90 days, according to sources familiar with the matter. According to The Washington Post, he plans to use these months to negotiate a political way out. The newspaper never mentioned how that will work legally. President Trump’s national security advisor, Mike Waltz, speaking on Fox News said, “TikTok itself is an amazing platform,” and added that while the app will be saved, information about users will be “protected.”

Biden Position on the Ban

According to a White House official, President Joe Biden has no intention of interfering to stop the ban if the Supreme Court fails to act. The official said that Biden cannot intervene unless ByteDance comes up with a believable plan for divesting TikTok. Meanwhile, Senator Ed Markey attempted to extend the deadline for divestiture by 270 days but was blocked by Republican Senator Tom Cotton.

TikTok’s Shutdown Plans

For ban, TikTok’s strategy is set to show an alert message where when the user tried to open an app, directs to a page containing information over the ban and will also permit downloading of all data. During the Supreme Court hearing, lawyer Noel Francisco made it clear on behalf of the company that they “go dark,” meaning would effectively shut their platform. The company is doing this to protect service providers from legal liability and to allow for a faster return to service in case Trump decides to reverse the ban.

Global Impact of U.S. Shutdown

The shutdown could affect the services available in other countries as many of TikTok’s service providers are based in the U.S. In a court filing, the company said the prohibitions would likely make the app unusable as data centers are unlikely to be able to store TikTok’s content and data. According to TikTok, an order was necessary “to avoid interruption of services for tens of millions of TikTok users outside the United States.”

TikTok and ByteDance have asked the court to stay the implementation of the law. They argue that it infringes on First Amendment protections against governmental restrictions on free speech. The company has estimated that a protracted ban will result in a drastic decline in its user base, with one-third of its 170 million American users likely to stop accessing the platform if the ban lasts for a month.

ByteDance is a privately-owned firm, with institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic holding 60% of the company’s shares, while its founders and staff hold 20% each. The company has more than 7,000 employees in the United States. President Biden signed the law requesting ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets before January 19 or face the nationwide ban. While the Supreme Court appears likely to allow the law to stand, Trump and lawmakers are clamoring for an extension of the deadline for divestiture.

This legal fight continues to squeeze TikTok, with the future of its U.S. operations hanging in the balance.

Belgium Leads EU with Disposable E-Cigarette Ban to Protect Youth Health

December 31, 2024, 2:38 pm

Belgium’s landmark decision to become the first European Union country to ban disposable e-cigarettes represents a decisive step toward addressing public health concerns, especially among the youth. The ban, which aims to curb the rising popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, is rooted in the growing recognition of the potential health risks these devices pose. With their widespread appeal to teenagers and young adults, disposable e-cigarettes have been a significant cause for concern due to their easy accessibility, high nicotine content, and attractive packaging.

Understanding the Disposable E-Cigarette Phenomenon

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, have gained significant traction as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. While marketed as a safer option, many health experts have raised concerns over the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes, particularly regarding nicotine addiction. Disposable e-cigarettes, which are single-use devices pre-filled with nicotine-containing liquid, have become particularly popular in recent years. These devices are convenient, portable, and often sold in brightly colored packaging that appeals to younger demographics.

The allure of disposable e-cigarettes for young people is undeniable. They are often marketed with flavors that mimic fruity or candy-like tastes, further appealing to a generation that may not otherwise consider traditional smoking. The ease of use and the perception that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes contribute to their widespread use. However, these devices contain significant amounts of nicotine, which can lead to addiction. Nicotine, especially when introduced at a young age, can have a detrimental effect on brain development, impacting attention, learning, and mood regulation.

Public Health Concerns

Belgium’s decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes comes at a time when many countries are grappling with the impact of vaping on public health. There is growing concern that e-cigarettes are not a “safe” alternative to smoking, as some initially believed. While they may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they still present a health risk, particularly due to the nicotine content.

Nicotine addiction is one of the primary concerns associated with e-cigarettes. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights the addictive properties of nicotine, which can cause long-term changes to the brain’s chemistry. For adolescents and young adults, nicotine use can interfere with the development of the brain, leading to lasting cognitive and behavioral problems. Research also suggests that early exposure to nicotine can increase the likelihood of using other addictive substances in the future.

In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes may also contain other harmful substances, such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals that can irritate the lungs and pose other health risks. The safety of inhaling these substances over an extended period is still largely unknown, with many health experts raising alarms about the potential long-term effects of vaping.

Youth and E-Cigarette Use in Belgium

Belgium, like many other countries, has seen a concerning rise in e-cigarette use among its youth. According to a study conducted by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), vaping among teenagers in Europe has been steadily increasing over the years. While some European countries have implemented measures to curb the use of e-cigarettes among minors, Belgium’s decision to implement a full ban on disposable e-cigarettes is seen as a strong and proactive approach to protect young people.

In Belgium, e-cigarettes are widely available in convenience stores, gas stations, and online platforms. The increasing accessibility of these products, combined with their appeal to teenagers, has led to concerns over the rise in nicotine addiction among youth. By banning disposable e-cigarettes, Belgium aims to reduce the number of young people who are introduced to nicotine use and prevent the health problems that may arise from long-term use.

In response to the growing e-cigarette epidemic, Belgium’s public health authorities have focused on raising awareness about the dangers of vaping. Educational campaigns have been launched to inform both parents and young people about the risks associated with e-cigarettes. However, these campaigns have not been enough to stem the rising tide of vaping, particularly among adolescents.

Environmental Impact of Disposable E-Cigarettes

Beyond the health concerns, there is also an environmental issue related to the widespread use of disposable e-cigarettes. These devices are typically made from plastic and contain lithium batteries, which can contribute to significant environmental waste. With millions of disposable e-cigarettes being used every year, the environmental impact of discarded devices has become a growing concern.

E-cigarette waste is not only a problem for the environment but also a challenge for recycling systems. The materials used in disposable e-cigarettes are not easily recyclable, and many of the discarded devices end up in landfills or, worse, in oceans and waterways. This exacerbates the global issue of plastic pollution, which has harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems.

Belgium’s decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes also addresses this environmental concern. By eliminating single-use e-cigarettes, the country hopes to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by these products. This ban is in line with Belgium’s broader environmental goals, which include reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.

Legal and Regulatory Measures

Belgium’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes is part of a broader effort to regulate the use of tobacco and nicotine products. The country has a long history of implementing stringent tobacco control measures, including restrictions on advertising, smoking in public spaces, and the sale of tobacco products to minors. Belgium’s health ministry has stated that the new ban will help protect young people from the dangers of nicotine addiction and reduce the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes.

The legal framework surrounding e-cigarettes in Belgium has evolved over time. In 2016, the European Union introduced the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which established regulations for the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes across member states. This directive aimed to ensure the safety of e-cigarettes and prevent their appeal to minors. However, despite these regulations, the use of e-cigarettes among young people continued to rise, leading to Belgium’s decision to take further action.

The ban on disposable e-cigarettes is not a standalone measure but part of a broader regulatory effort to reduce the public health impact of tobacco and nicotine products. Belgium has been working to strengthen its tobacco control policies, including increasing taxes on tobacco products, promoting smoking cessation programs, and restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products, which are particularly attractive to young people.

Setting a Precedent for Other EU Countries

Belgium’s decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes sets an important precedent for other European Union countries. As the first EU nation to take such action, Belgium is leading the way in addressing the health risks posed by e-cigarettes, particularly among youth. Other countries may follow Belgium’s example and introduce similar measures to protect young people from nicotine addiction and reduce the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes.

Many European countries are currently grappling with the challenge of balancing the regulation of e-cigarettes with the desire to reduce smoking rates. While e-cigarettes are often seen as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the rise in youth vaping has raised concerns about their potential to create a new generation of nicotine addicts. Belgium’s ban sends a clear message that the health and well-being of young people should be prioritized, even if it means restricting the availability of e-cigarettes.

Belgium’s bold decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes represents a significant step forward in protecting public health, particularly among young people. By addressing both the health risks and the environmental impact of these devices, Belgium is setting an important example for other EU nations. While the long-term effects of e-cigarette use are still being studied, the country’s decision reflects a commitment to safeguarding future generations from the dangers of nicotine addiction. As more countries look to Belgium’s example, it is likely that similar measures will be implemented across Europe, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Ram Mandir’s Decision To ‘Completely Ban Prasad’: What Prompted This Step?

September 27, 2024, 1:34 pm

Amid growing concerns among devotees about the purity of the famous Tirupati ‘laddu prasadam’, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has taken a decisive step by banning offerings prepared by external agencies. This decision follows allegations that adulterated ghee was used in making the laddus at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, prompting temple authorities to perform a purification ritual.

Ram Mandir’s Chief Priest Raises Concerns Over Ghee Purity

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ram Mandir, has voiced serious concerns about the quality of ghee sold across India. He emphasized that prasad offered to the deities should be prepared exclusively under the supervision of temple priests. He also called for a “complete ban” on prasad prepared by external vendors in all major temples and monasteries.

“Prasad should be prepared in the temple premises under the guidance of priests, and only such offerings should be presented to the deities,” Das stated. He pointed to the escalating controversy over alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati Balaji’s prasad, which has led to widespread anger among both devotees and seers across the country. An investigation has been demanded by many to verify the claims.

Allegations of an International Conspiracy

Das further suggested that the situation might be part of an international conspiracy aimed at desecrating India’s religious institutions by mixing meat and fat into temple offerings. He urged the government to carry out stringent inspections of oils and ghee available in the market to ensure their purity.

Lucknow’s Mankameshwar Temple Takes Similar Action

In a related move, the Mankameshwar Temple in Lucknow has also banned market-bought offerings. The temple administration has requested devotees to bring only homemade prasad for offerings in the ‘Garbh Grih’ (sanctum sanctorum).

“We initiated this decision in light of the ongoing Tirupati Prasadam controversy. With growing concerns about adulteration in food products, we have banned all outside offerings and encourage devotees to prepare prasad at home,” said Mahant Divya Giri, head of the temple.

Food Safety Inspections in Mathura and Vrindavan

Following these concerns, Uttar Pradesh authorities launched an inspection campaign near religious sites in Mathura and Vrindavan. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) department collected 43 samples of food items from 15 vendors around the holy sites. One sample of ‘peda’ was sent for testing at a Lucknow facility after initial findings suggested potential irregularities, though 42 other samples were found to meet standard quality checks.

Tirupati Laddu Controversy Deepens

The Tirupati Laddu, known as the ‘Srivari Laddu’, has been the primary prasad offering at the Tirupati temple for over 300 years. Recently, political tensions have arisen, with the newly-elected TDP government accusing the previous YSRCP administration of allowing adulteration in prasad preparation. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was being used instead of pure ghee.

In response, current Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy refuted these allegations, asserting in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that no such violations occurred under his leadership. Reddy also called for a state-wide special puja on September 28 to restore the sanctity of the Tirumala Tirupati Temple and “atone the sin” surrounding the controversy.

Meanwhile, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) performed a purification ritual, known as ‘Shanti Homam’, in the temple kitchens where the laddus are prepared, hoping to calm concerns and restore faith among devotees.

As the debate over the purity of prasad continues, religious institutions like the Ram Mandir and others are taking proactive steps to ensure that offerings meet the highest standards. The controversy surrounding Tirupati laddus has ignited a larger conversation about the sanctity of temple offerings, pushing both authorities and religious leaders to enforce stricter oversight on the preparation of sacred food.

Elon Musk vs. Brazil: Supreme Court Orders Social Media Platform X Shutdown; Imposes Fine for VPN Users

August 31, 2024, 4:40 am

The Brazilian Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) in Brazil after it failed to appoint a legal representative in the country. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been in a dispute with X’s owner Elon Musk since April, mandated the “immediate, complete and total suspension of X’s operations” until the company complies with court orders, pays fines, and appoints a new legal representative in Brazil.

Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency was given 24 hours to enforce the decision, requiring more than 20,000 broadband internet providers in the country to block X. The agency’s president, Carlos Manuel Baigorri, mentioned that the order had already been passed on to these providers and expected full implementation over the weekend.

In addition to suspending X, Justice Moraes summoned Apple and Google to block the use of the X app on iOS and Android systems and to prevent the use of virtual private network (VPN) applications. A daily fine of R$50,000 (£6,800) has been imposed on individuals and companies attempting to use X via VPNs.

Elon Musk responded to the suspension by criticizing Brazil’s actions, calling the country’s government an “oppressive regime” that fears people learning the truth. The dispute initially began in April when Moraes ordered X to suspend several accounts for spreading disinformation, which Musk refused, labelling the order as censorship.

Despite Musk’s company Starlink, another business owned by Musk, having its local bank accounts frozen due to fines related to X, the service remains operational. Starlink has filed a request to the Supreme Court to lift the freeze on its bank accounts or limit it to the total fines against X. There has been no decision yet on this request.

FSSAI’s A1-A2 Milk Ban Revoked: Authorities Seek More Stakeholder Input

August 27, 2024, 5:20 am

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has retracted its recent order that sought to prohibit food businesses from marketing and selling milk and milk products under the A1 and A2 classification. This decision was made on August 26, 2024, following concerns and feedback from stakeholders.

Initially, the FSSAI’s directive aimed to curb what it considered misleading claims related to the A1 and A2 milk types. These distinctions are based on the type of beta-casein protein present in milk. The FSSAI’s earlier order emphasized that current milk standards, as outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011, did not recognize the differentiation between A1 and A2 types.

However, the directive has been withdrawn to allow for further consultation with industry stakeholders. The FSSAI’s revised stance comes amid concerns from milk producers and industry operators that the initial decision might have been premature and could negatively impact the market for indigenous milk producers.

The updated FSSAI order stated: “Clarification regarding selling or marketing of milk and milk products such as ghee, butter, curd etc. in the name of A1 & A2 types… This is to inform that the advisory dated 21.08.2024 issued with respect to the subject cited, stands withdrawn for further consultation and engagement with the stakeholders.”

The withdrawal of the advisory reflects the regulator’s intention to engage more thoroughly with stakeholders to address their concerns before implementing any new restrictions.

Government bans 23 breeds of “Aggressive Dogs”

March 14, 2024, 5:55 pm

The national government has instructed states to prohibit the sale and breeding of 23 aggressive dog breeds, such as Pitbull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs, due to an increase in pet dog attacks. The directive, sent to states and Union Territories, prohibits individuals from keeping these 23 breeds as pets.

Additionally, the government recommends sterilizing these breeds already kept as pets to prevent further breeding. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying received requests from citizens and animal welfare organizations to ban certain breeds due to safety concerns. An expert panel identified 23 breeds, including mixed and crossbreeds, as aggressive and hazardous to human safety.

The banned breeds listed include Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, among others. The government’s letter cites the expert panel’s recommendations, prohibiting these breeds from import, breeding, sale as pets, and other purposes.

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting takes action against ‘obscene’ content on OTT platforms

March 14, 2024, 12:43 pm

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action, in coordination with various intermediaries, to block 18 OTT platforms publishing “obscene,” “vulgar,” and, in some instances, “pornographic content”.

19 websites, 10 apps (7 on the Google Play Store and 3 on the Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India, an official statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on Thursday.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur has repeatedly emphasized the responsibility of the platforms to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’. On March 12, Thakur announced that 18 OTT platforms publishing obscene and vulgar content had been taken down, the release said.

The statement further added that the recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, in consultation with other ministries of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.

“A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner. It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc. The content included sexual innuendos and, in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance,” the statement added.

The content was determined to be prima facie in violation of Sections 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, the release said.

One of the OTT apps amassed more than 1 crore downloads, while two others had over 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. Additionally, these OTT platforms extensively utilize social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links aimed at attracting audiences to their websites and apps. The social media accounts of the concerned OTT platforms had a cumulative followership of over 32 lakh users, it said.
The Ministry of I&B consistently conducts sensitization efforts with OTT platforms and their self-regulatory bodies established under the IT Rules, 2021 through meetings, webinars, workshops, etc, the statement said.

The Government of India remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the OTT industry. Several measures have been undertaken in this regard, including the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India, collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector, and the establishment of a light touch regulatory framework with an emphasis on self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021, the release said.

Sri Lanka’s ban on China’s vessels in EEZ is a welcome step

January 2, 2024, 4:17 am

Sri Lanka has reportedly decided not to allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year. Colombo has reportedly shared the information about this decision with New Delhi recently. So, the Sri Lankan government’s decision banning Chinese research ships from entering its ports for a year should be seen as a welcome move.

The decision is also being interpreted as a diplomatic victory for India, as the move has come close on heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging President Ranil Wickremesinghe to “respect India’s strategic and security concerns” during a meeting on 21 July 2023. After Modi’s talks with the Sri Lankan President in July last year, Indian officials worked hard carrying out follow-up actions. They were holding meetings and talks with the diplomats in Colombo consistently mounting pressure on the island nation to address the security concerns of New Delhi amidst China’s efforts to send its “research” ships to Sri Lankan ports.

Evidence was shared with the Sri Lankan authorities from time to time on how China is sending its ships for strategic purposes and spy job. India has been raising concerns about the Chinese vessels with Sri Lanka for some time now, amid reports that they are used to track Indian military tests and survey strategically important waters. The US has also been raising similar security concerns with Sri Lanka about the Chinese research vessels docking in the Indian Ocean.

According to reports, around 25 Chinese ships, including warships and submarines, operated in the Indian Ocean in 2023, raising security concerns in India and the US. In other words, Colombo’s move to impose the moratorium has come in response to the security concerns raised jointly by India and the US. The moratorium is for one year. Now, both India and the US need to exert more pressure on Sri Lanka for extending the ban on entry of Chinese vessels into its EEZ beyond the period of one-year. Now all eyes should be on the immediate future effect of this decision of Sri Lanka. It will be interesting to see whether the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 is granted clearance or not to conduct deep water exploration in the south Indian Ocean from January 5 to late May.

It will also be interesting to see whether Sri Lanka’s decision to ban Chinese vessels from entering its EEZ will help India’s larger efforts to stall Beijing’s maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean. What also remains to be seen is whether China will arm-twist Sri Lanka to comply with its demand for continuing its maritime exploration operation in the Indian Ocean near the island nation by its ships.

Experts are of the view that the Chinese government must be exploring some options so as to be able to put pressure on the Sri Lankan regime for relaxation in rules and orders. An important fact that needs to be taken note of is that China holds the position of being Sri Lanka’s largest lender. Two months ago, after more than a year since Sri Lanka found itself in an economic crisis an agreement was reached with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China to cover approximately $4.2 billion of Sri Lanka’s outstanding debt. Sri Lanka’s finance ministry had confirmed it on October 11. This gives China enough strength and strong ground when it comes to exerting pressure on Sri Lanka seeking relaxation.

China’s history of surveillance has not been without ambiguities. It has been involved in dual purposes associated with Chinese instruments and research initiatives. The government in Sri Lanka notified the one-year moratorium last week after India and the US objected to Colombo entertaining Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka provided ships with logistical support as well. India had raised objections to Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November.

Despite objections by India and the US, Colombo had allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport. China has always pursued aggressive strategies to expand political, diplomatic, economic and strategic influence in the countries and islands in the Indian Ocean and the other regional seas. Sending ships to Sri Lanka has been part of China‘s strategy to give further push to its strategy and aggressive agenda in the backyard of India. It is in this background, India needs to be more cautious about China’s future negotiations with Sri Lanka. New Delhi should also consistently be in touch with Colombo to ensure that the moratorium on ships is strictly followed. There should not be any relaxation under pressure from China.

Bali to ban activities in mountains to curb tourist misconduct in sacred peaks

June 18, 2023, 1:44 pm

To preserve the mountains’ holiness, Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, has put an emergency ban on tourism activity there. This choice was made in response to an increase in visitor misbehaviour, which has led to worries about Bali’s cherished natural areas being harmed. Governor Koster emphasised the significance of maintaining the sacredness of these mountains and stated that to do so would be to diminish Bali’s holiness.

Bali’s tourism chief, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, supported the ban and assured that local mountain guides would be offered opportunities as contract workers to ensure their livelihoods. The ban encompasses popular activities such as mountain climbing and hiking, affecting foreign and domestic tourists, as well as local residents. Governor Koster emphasized that the ban is permanent, except for religious ceremonies and handling natural disasters.

Although specific penalties for violating the new rules were not disclosed, authorities have already taken action against groups of foreigners, deporting them and imposing six-month bans on their re-entry into Indonesia. Bali, known as the “island of the Gods,” has faced challenges with misbehaving tourists, prompting Governor Koster to crack down on illegal activities and safety concerns.

The ban extends to all 22 mountains in Bali and remains in effect indefinitely, effectively restricting climbers’ access. Recent incidents, such as the filming of a pornographic video on Mount Batur and a semi-nude photo taken by a tourist on Mount Agung, have fueled the need for stricter regulations. Despite participation in a religious ceremony and issuing a public apology, the offending tourist was deported and banned from entering Indonesia for at least six months.

Internet ban extended till 15 June in Manipur, amid crisis

June 11, 2023, 1:12 pm

Manipur Government has extended the ban on internet services in the crisis-hit state for another five days till 15 June.

OFFICIAL ORDER RELEASED BY MANIPUR GOVERMENT:
“The internet ban has been further extended for another five days to curb the spread of false news, rumours and misinformation through social media platforms which have the potential to disturb law and order situations in the state”, stated an official release. According to the statement, the internet ban has been extended till 3 pm on 15 June.

Manipur Government works towards restoring peace and harmony:
DR Sapam Ranjan, the minister of information and public relations for Manipur, stated on Saturday that no unfavourable incidents have been recorded from any area of the state in the previous 24 hours, indicating that normalcy has returned to the state.Speaking to the media, the minister announced that 349 relief centres are currently running throughout Manipur.Manipur has experienced interethnic conflict, with the Chief Minister N Biren Singh estimating earlier this month that 60 people have died as a result of the fighting. During the unrest, houses have also been set afire, and fresh incidences have been recorded from several regions of the state.The state administration has recovered 990 weapons out of the total 4,537 that were stolen, the minister added.

Central Government forms PEACE Committee :
For the fourth day in a row, security forces conducted joint combing operations in sensitive Manipur districts, recovering 22 weapons amid the fallout from violence and ethnic clashes. A Peace Committee led by the Governor has also been established by the central government to support peace-building efforts among the state’s many ethnic groupings.

Cough syrups made in India for export will be checked in government labs

May 23, 2023, 4:10 pm

The Indian government has introduced new testing requirements for the export of cough syrups. Effective from June 1, exporters will need to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from specified laboratories in order to export cough syrups. The designated laboratories include Indian Pharmacopoeia Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Commission, CDL Kolkata in West Bengal, CDTL Chennai in Tamil Nadu, CDTL Mumbai in Maharashtra, CDTL Hyderabad in Telangana, RDTL Chandigarh, and RDTL Guwahati in Assam. Additionally, any NABL-accredited state drugs testing laboratory can issue the CoA.

This decision comes in response to reports linking the deaths of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan to syrups manufactured in India. Following these allegations, the Health Ministry initiated an investigation and temporarily suspended the production licenses of the concerned pharmaceutical firms. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) also submitted a proposal to the Union Health Ministry in relation to these allegations.

According to statistics from the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the domestic pharmaceutical market in India was valued at USD 42 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 65 billion by 2024 and is expected to expand further, reaching USD 120-130 billion by 2030. With this exponential growth, India aims to become a reliable provider of high-quality medicines to the global market. The Indian pharmaceutical market encompasses various therapeutic segments, including anti-infectives, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, anti-diabetic, respiratory, dermatological, musculo-skeletal, nervous system, and others. It can also be categorized based on drug types, such as prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.

Travancore Devaswom Board bans RSS ‘Shakhas’, mass drills in temple premises

May 23, 2023, 3:09 pm

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) issued a circular to all temples under them to not allow mass drills and other activities organised by the RSS on temple premises.

The circular, issued on 18 May says that this should be strictly followed otherwise action will be taken against those who do not follow it. TDB manages about 1,200 temples in southern India.

TDB has not taken this decision for the first time to stop arms training within the temple premises. A similar kind of decision was taken in 2016 when the board banned all kinds of arms training inside the temple complex given by the RSS.

However, the Travancore Devaswom Board once again issued an order on 30 March 2021 and mentioned that the temple complex can’t be used for other purposes except temple rituals and festivals.

The latest circular by the TDB warned that strict action would be taken against those who failed to follow the ban order.

Latest self-reliance push: India imposes phased import ban on 928 defence items

May 14, 2023, 7:40 pm

In its latest push for self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector, India has announced a new list of 928 military items, including line replacement units, sub-systems, and spares, that will be subject to a phased import ban between December 2023 and December 2029, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

It includes items used in fighter planes, trainer planes, warships, and various types of ammunition. This is the fourth ‘positive indigenization list’ of “strategically important” components used by defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs) that have been subjected to an import ban in the last two years.The defense ministry previously published lists in December 2021, March 2022, and August 2022.

The items on the new list have an import substitution value of 715 crore, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

“To promote ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence and minimise imports by the DPSUs, the defence ministry has approved the 4th positive indigenisation lists of 928 strategically important LRUs/sub-systems/spares and components, including high-end materials and spares, with an import substitution value worth ₹715 crore,” the statement said.

These items will only be obtained from Indian industry after the deadlines have passed, according to officials. The most recent list aims to promote local production of Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar fighter jet parts, Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) planes, magazine fire-fighting systems on board warships, and gas turbine generators.

Producer of ‘The Kerala Story’ should be hanged”: NCP leader Jitendra Awhad

May 9, 2023, 3:55 pm

Amid the ongoing controversy over the movie ‘The Kerala Story’, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Jitendra Awhad on Tuesday said that the producer of the movie should be hanged in public.

“Under the name of ‘The Kerala Story’, a state and its women were defamed. The official figure of three was projected as 32,000. The person who produced this fictional movie should be hanged in public,” NCP leader Awhad said. The movie has been produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

Earlier in the day, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit condemned the ban of ‘The Kerala Story’ movie by the West Bengal government and called it a “big attack” on the freedom of expression.

This comes a day after the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal banned the film ‘The Kerala Story’ citing “maintenance of peace” and to avoid incidents of “hatred and violence” in the state.Reacting sharply to the ban of the film, Pandit who is also the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association told , “I condemn the banning of the film ‘The Kerala Story’ by the West Bengal government. It’s a big attack on the freedom of expression of a filmmaker. It is sending the wrong signal to the entire country.

West Bengal became the first state to ban the film, which narrates the ordeal of three women who are trafficked to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has banned mining in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and nearby border areas

August 30, 2022, 9:49 am

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has blanket banned mining in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and nearby border areas. The court reasoned that any kind of mining in these places is a threat to national security. The Pb and Hry High Court says that the Punjab government has to tell that Punjab is also a part of the country and illegal mining is a threat to the country.

Regarding the Punjab government’s reply, the High Court says that there is not a single word in it that can tell what is being done to stop illegal mining. The High Court has asked the Punjab government to answer at the next hearing about what it is doing to stop mining.

The High Court says that the BSF has said in its reply that mining in the border area is a threat to the security of the country. The BSF has argued that any mining in the border area poses a threat to the country as infiltration through such areas can be done quickly and the supply of weapons remains a threat. BSF has also said that we cannot stop illegal mining and Punjab government should take concrete steps.

The High Court has told the lawyer of the Punjab government that due to illegal mining in the River Ravi, there has been a flood in the Ravi river on the Pakistan side. Illegal mining is also causing damage in Pakistan. The railway bridge in Pathankot collapsed due to illegal mining which used to connect Himachal and Punjab and was a must for the police army.

The High Court has reprimanded the Punjab government and said what the officials of the Punjab government are doing regarding illegal mining. The court has said that at the next hearing, the Punjab government should tell what concrete steps it is taking to stop illegal mining.