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India Slams BBC for ‘Misleading’ Report on Pahalgam Terror Attack

April 28, 2025, 12:42 pm

The BBC has come under fire in India for its reporting on the recent terror attack at a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians lost their lives. The Indian government has officially sent a letter to Jackie Martin, the head of BBC’s operations in India, expressing the country’s strong displeasure over the coverage.

Government Objects to “Misleading” Reporting

The controversy started after BBC published an article titled “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists.” Many social media users pointed out that the headline was misleading and unfairly implied that India was responsible for the attack. The government has also criticized BBC for using the term “militants” instead of “terrorists” when describing those responsible for the massacre.

Crackdown on Pakistani YouTube Channels

In a broader move to control the narrative after the attack, the Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels. This action was based on recommendations from the Home Ministry, aiming to prevent the spread of provocative and misleading content.

Among the blocked platforms are major Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. Additionally, the channels run by journalists like Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been restricted. Other banned channels include The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama. Users attempting to access these platforms in India now see a message saying: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”

Action Linked to National Security Concerns

Government sources explained that the blocking of these channels was necessary to stop the spread of inflammatory, communal, and false information targeting India and its security forces, especially after the brutal killing of civilians in Pahalgam.

Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

These developments follow India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty after evidence linked the Pahalgam attackers to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistanis living in India were asked to leave the country by Sunday, while those on medical visas must depart by Tuesday.

In retaliation, Pakistan announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic Simla Agreement.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan repeatedly violating the ceasefire and attempting to provoke Indian troops.

Angelina Jolie’s Emotional Journey On ‘Maria’ Supported By Sons Maddox And Pax

December 20, 2024, 12:15 pm

Angelina Jolie’s ongoing legal battle with her ex-husband Brad Pitt has taken a toll on their family, especially their children. Recently, her eldest sons, Maddox, 23, and Pax, 21, have become pillars of support for their mother as she worked on her latest film, Maria. Both served as production assistants on the project, where they witnessed a side of their mother they had never seen before.

According to reports, Jolie broke down on set, overwhelmed by the emotional intensity of the role. Speaking with the BBC, she shared that this was a rare moment where her sons saw her vulnerability up close. “They’ve seen me go through a lot, but not this level of raw emotion,” she admitted. The actress revealed that playing this character forced her to channel personal pain she usually conceals from her children, making the experience profoundly emotional for all of them.

Jolie expressed how much it meant to her to have Maddox and Pax by her side during such a challenging project. She described them as her confidantes, offering her unwavering support and understanding as she navigated her emotions. In an earlier interview, she explained, “Typically, I hide my sadness from my children, but this time was different. To have them witness and support me in that space was deeply moving.”

Despite the intensity of the experience, Maddox and Pax handled their mother’s vulnerability with maturity, helping her process the emotions stirred by the film. Their presence during such a significant moment has strengthened their bond and provided Jolie with a unique sense of solace.

BBC Faces Backlash For Airing Masterchef Amid Gregg Wallace Misconduct Probe

December 3, 2024, 1:10 pm

BBC has rejected calls to suspend Gregg Wallace from its scheduled programming, even as the MasterChef presenter apologised for remarks perceived as dismissive and misogynistic. Wallace, 60, is facing allegations of making inappropriate sexual comments and touching, which are currently under investigation.

Downing Street weighed in on the controversy, labeling Wallace’s comments where he attributed the complaints to “middle-class women of a certain age” as “misogynistic.” Despite mounting pressure, including from the Labour Party and industry professionals, the BBC confirmed that MasterChef episodes, including a Christmas special, will air as planned.

A BBC spokesperson emphasized that the show’s impact transcends any single individual, stating, “MasterChef is life-changing for its participants.” The statement followed Wallace’s apology, in which he admitted he was under significant stress when he made the controversial remarks. He expressed regret, saying, “I felt alone and under siege. I hope you’ll accept this apology.”

Wallace has temporarily stepped back from his MasterChef role as Banijay, the show’s production company, investigates the allegations. The inquiry, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, will examine multiple claims of misconduct. Wallace’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing.

Despite the BBC’s stance, critics argue that broadcasting the show during the investigation sends the wrong message. Elizabeth Gardiner, CEO of the whistleblowing charity Protect, said, “Continuing as usual could undermine trust in the process and discourage future whistleblowers.” Similarly, former MasterChef finalist Juanita Hennessey suggested pausing the show out of respect for the alleged victims.

Political figures, including Labour MP Rupa Huq, echoed these sentiments, urging the BBC to consider the potential impact on viewers and victims. “Broadcasting these episodes now could be triggering,” Huq said.

Philippa Childs, head of the media union Bectu, criticized the decision to proceed with the show, calling for systemic change in how the industry handles misconduct allegations. She noted, “This situation underscores the need for broadcasters to take meaningful action to address inappropriate behavior.”

The BBC remains firm in its decision, but the controversy has intensified discussions about accountability and the treatment of misconduct allegations in the media industry.

Katy Perry Stuns In Sheer Skirt and Chic Bodysuit On BBC’s The One Show: See Pic

July 27, 2024, 5:31 pm

Katy Perry turned heads with her daring outfit on BBC’s The One Show in London. The pop star, known for her adventurous style, wore a sheer skirt that stole the spotlight. During her appearance, she talked about her upcoming album, 143, set to release on September 20, 2024, and shared insights about her family life with her daughter and fiancé, Orlando Bloom.

Katy Perry’s Glam Outfit

Katy Perry, always known for her bold fashion choices, wore a standout ensemble that combined comfort with sultry sophistication. Her look featured her signature straight black hair from her Roar era, styled simply. Dressed in greys and blacks, she exuded a cool, ‘It Girl’ vibe. She kept her accessories minimal with just a pair of drop earrings, clean French nails, and a few rings.

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Details of Her Dress

Katy wore a basic grey bodysuit top, which looked simple at first glance. However, it was elevated by pairing it with a striking black, sheer skirt with intricate floral lace designs. The skirt, from the Burc Akyol label, added elegance and created a dramatic silhouette. It bunched around the bodysuit’s waistline, making the outfit both alluring and sophisticated.

Suspect In Crossbow Killings Of BBC Commentator’s Family Apprehended

July 11, 2024, 4:42 pm

British police have apprehended Kyle Clifford, 26, following a manhunt connected to the triple killings of Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25. The victims were found seriously injured at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, where they later succumbed to their wounds, as confirmed by police and the BBC.

Incident Details and Police Response

The tragic incident, believed to be targeted, involved the use of a crossbow, with additional weapons possibly involved, according to authorities. The search for Clifford commenced Tuesday evening upon discovery of the victims at their residence. Clifford, who was potentially armed with a crossbow, was located and apprehended in Enfield, North London, on Wednesday afternoon.

Police Statement and Suspect Background

Hertfordshire Police issued a statement confirming Clifford’s apprehension and his ongoing medical treatment for injuries sustained during the arrest. They indicated that the suspect was known to the victims, marking a crucial development in their investigation.

Clifford, a former member of the British army who served briefly in the Household Cavalry before leaving in 2022, has been identified by sources within the defense ministry. The incident has stirred national shock in a country where mass murders are infrequent but violence against women remains a significant concern, recognized as a national threat by the government.

Community and Official Responses

The BBC described the killings as “utterly devastating,” extending support to John Hunt, a BBC sport commentator, and his family. British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged the public to assist Hertfordshire Police with any pertinent information.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing, with the community in Bushey and beyond expressing shock and sadness over the tragic events. The case has also prompted renewed scrutiny of regulations surrounding the ownership and use of crossbows in the UK.

Authorities have reiterated that while legal to own under certain conditions, carrying a crossbow in public without justification can result in imprisonment. Discussions regarding potential reforms to these regulations were initiated earlier this year, reflecting broader concerns about public safety and firearm control.

The investigation continues as authorities work to establish further details surrounding the tragic killings and ensure justice for the victims and their grieving loved ones.

Stunning Setback: Modi Loses Aura of Invincibility As NDA Claims Victory In Lok Sabha Elections

June 5, 2024, 4:52 pm

In a closely contested election, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured 293 seats in the Lok Sabha, marking their third consecutive term. The Opposition INDIA alliance put up a significant fight, winning 232 seats, but the final mandate was less decisive than anticipated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on June 4, celebrated the NDA’s victory. He noted that this was the first time since 1962 that a government had returned for a third term after completing two terms. Despite the triumph, the results revealed that the BJP fell short of an outright majority, signalling potential reliance on alliance partners.

Global media outlets quickly reacted to the election results:

The Washington Post: Described the outcome as an “unexpected repudiation” of Modi’s leadership, calling it a “stunning setback” that pierced his “aura of invincibility.” For the first time in years, Modi seemed vulnerable.

The Guardian: Highlighted that the anticipated landslide victory for the BJP did not materialize, characterizing the results as an “unexpected blow” to Modi. The paper pointed to a nervous BJP campaign that leaned on polarizing religious rhetoric and noted the INDIA bloc’s resilience.

BBC: Emphasized Modi’s reduced majority, framing the election as a referendum on his decade in office. The mood in BJP offices was described as “sombre,” acknowledging the fierce and sometimes vitriolic campaign waged by both sides.

The New York Times: Declared that Modi’s “aura of invincibility” had been shattered. The results were seen as “unexpectedly sobering,” marking a sharp reversal in Modi’s transformational tenure. The NYT speculated on whether Modi’s personal influence was crucial in the BJP’s ability to scrape by or if his brand had peaked.

Deutsche Welle: Quoted political scientist Gilles Verniers, who labeled the election a “personal setback” for Modi. The future path for the BJP, whether towards political conciliation or further autocracy, remains to be seen.

The Telegraph: Referred to the results as a “surprise loss of majority” for Modi, noting the muted atmosphere at the BJP victory party compared to the jubilant celebrations of 2019.

As international leaders continue to send their congratulations, the global media consensus suggests that while Modi and the NDA secured another term, the election results have significantly altered the political landscape in India.

BBC must file revised IT returns for underreporting Rs 40 crore income, says CBDT official

June 6, 2023, 12:48 pm

The Income-Tax Department’s action against the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) for tax evasion was based on definite material evidence, which the broadcaster acknowledges informally, but it has yet to follow the formal procedure for the same, according to two officials familiar with the development who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In an email to the department, BBC appears to have admitted to underreporting the detected income, which is equivalent to “tax evasion” and subject to recovery as well as penalty. According to one of the officials cited above, BBC must take the formal route to comply by filing revised returns and paying all dues, penalties, and interests, which total several crores.

According to a senior official, the UK government-funded broadcaster admitted in an email to the CBDT that it had underreported its income by 40 crore in its tax returns. “There is no legal sanctity to the email.” To be taken seriously, the BBC must file a revised return, according to a senior CBDT official.

The other official stated that the law is the same for everyone in the country and that there is no special treatment for either a media company or a foreign entity. “BBC must follow the stated procedure or face legal consequences.” “The Department will continue to take action against it until the matter is resolved,” the official said.

After airing a controversial documentary on the Gujarat riots, the BBC attempted to create the impression that the Income-Tax Department’s action was a vendetta by the government. “They now formally admit they were involved in deliberate tax evasion, and the action was taken in response to their unscrupulous behavior,” he said.

Teams from the Income-Tax department were at the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai in mid-February conducting a “survey” for alleged tax evasion. On February 14, HT reported on it. While the tax authorities were investigating the case of tax evasion, the BBC stated that it was “fully cooperating” with them and hoped to have the situation resolved as soon as possible.

Delhi HC set aside debarment of NSUI’s national secy for involvement in BBC documentary screening

April 27, 2023, 5:17 pm

The Delhi High Court on Thursday set aside the order of debarment issued by Delhi University against the NSUI National Secretary Lokesh Chugh for his alleged involvement in the screening of a BBC documentary on Gujarat riots “India: the Modi Question” in the campus.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav set aside the debarment order and restored the admission. “The order is set aside. Admission is restored,” Justice Kaurav said.
The High Court said that the perusal of the record would indicate that the petitioner was not given a proper opportunity and his submission was not considered by the Committee.

The High Court noted that it was a violation of the principle of natural justice by the University.It also noted that the order was without giving any reasoning for the decision.The High Court after hearing the submission of Attorney General R Venkatramni granted the liberty to the University to take action by following the proper process.The bench noted the submission made by the Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for the Petitioner Lokesh Chugh.He submitted that neither the petitioner was at the protest, nor he was detained by the police and was not named in the FIR.

The bench noted that he submitted the pursuant to the show cause notice issued to the petitioner and he also appeared before the committee of the university and explain his conduct.On the other hand, Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani submitted that the Petitioner was in the protest and participated in the screening of the BBC documentary which the Government banned.

He also submitted that the presence of the petitioner in the protest is proved by the video footage. The fact that the documentary was banned was very much in the knowledge of the petitioner.

“He was given adequate opportunity as he was issued a show cause notice and he appeared before the committee,” AG submitted.The petitioner was debarred for one year for allegedly participating in the screening of the banned BBC documentary on the University Campus.The Delhi University in its response had said that the screening of a banned BBC documentary on the campus amounts to gross Indiscipline.

Gujarat Assembly passes resolution against BBC documentary

March 11, 2023, 2:15 pm

On Friday, Gujarat Assembly passed a resolution requesting the Centre to take strict action against the media outlet BBC for tarnishing the image of PM Modi with its documentary on the 2002 Godhra riots.

In a statement, minister Harsh Sanghavi said, “The documentary was not just against PM Modi but against 135 crore citizens of the country.”

“PM Modi dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation, weaponized the instrument of development and gave a befitting reply to anti-national elements. He worked hard to put India on the global stage,” he added.

Notably, BBC in January, 2023 released a documentary film titled, “India: The Modi Question.” It featured the riots that happened in Gujarat in 2002. The release of the documentary give rise to the controversy for alluding to the leadership of the then CM of the state, Modi. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs had termed it a “propaganda piece”, saying it reflected a “colonial mindset”.

In another news, while visiting India, British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, informed that the issue of searches on BBC offices in India was raised with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a bilateral meeting. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Cleverly revealed that BBC is an independent organization and is separate from the UK Government.

Income Tax surveys at BBC offices enters day 3

February 16, 2023, 4:03 pm

At least 10 senior employees of the BBC have not gone home since the IT department launched a ‘survey’ at their offices in Delhi and Mumbai, sources said as the operation entered its third day on Thursday, 16 February 2023

Meanwhile the IT officials gathered financial data from staff and made various copies of documents of the media outlet in an action that comes weeks after the British broadcaster aired their two-part documentary on PM Narendra Modi and 2002 Gujarat riots.

In a statement the staff of the outlet said that they were broadcasting their news like usual and many employees were working from their home.

The survey that started at the BBC offices around 11:30 has reached over 45 hours now, officials said. The authorities revealed on Wednesday that their exercise will likely to continue for some more time saying the “exact time frame to call the operation closed rests entirely on the teams on the ground”.

The survey is being carried out to investigate issues related to transfer pricing rules and international taxation. Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking the imposition of a complete ban on the BBC in the wake of controversial documentary. Another set of petitions challenging government’s notice to block the links of controversial documentary on social media platforms will be heard in April 2023.

“We are aware of search of BBC offices… by Indian tax authorities”: US

February 15, 2023, 4:27 pm

In a statement the United States revealed that they are aware of the searches being conducted at the offices in Delhi and Mumbai by Indian Tax authorities.

“We are aware of the search of BBC offices in Delhi by Indian tax authorities,” said a spokesperson of the US State department, Ned Price, as he responded to a question asked by a reporter on IT survey at BBC offices in India.

Though Price revealed that they are aware, yet he stress on the importance of the free press around the world and also asked reporters to refer to Indian authorities for the further details of the search.

“Beyond this discrete action, what I’ll say more broadly is the general point that I’ve consistently made in this context, but in the universal context text as well. We support the importance of a free press around the world.

“We continue to highlight the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as human rights that contribute to strengthening democracies around the world. It has strengthened this democracy here in this country. It has strengthened India’s democracy. These universal rights are the bedrock of democracies around the world,” said the spokesperson, Price.

A team of IT officials reached the BBC studios office in Kalina Santacruz, Mumbai at around 11:30 a.m. and the survey is going on since then, ANI reported. In addition it is learned that the tax authorities are conducting the survey for verification of a certain account documents in the finance department of BBC offices.

Income Tax surveys continued at BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai

February 15, 2023, 3:50 pm

The Income Tax (IT) department continued its surveys on Wednesday at the offices of BBC in Delhi and Mumbai for the second day. On Tuesday, the IT department conducted a survey at the offices of British broadcasting media in the nation’s capital, Delhi and Mumbai with a view of outlet’s “deliberate non-compliance” with the Transfer pricing rules and its vast diversion of profits.

On Tuesday, February 14, the official’s arrived at the offices of BBC located at the KG Marg and Mumbai’s Kalina Santacruz for the survey. In the case of BBC, sources revealed that has been persistent non-compliance with the transfer pricing rules for years which makes them the repeat offender.

As a result, several notices have been issued to the media outlet, however, the outlet has been continuously defiant and non-complaint, and has significantly diverted its profits, the sources added. The sources also revealed that the above mentioned exercise conducted by the Tax Authorities is called “Survey,” not the search or raid, as per the provisions of IT Act.

These surveys are conducted routinely and not to be confused to be in the nature of search or raid, sources added. The main focus of these surveys is to look into the manipulation of prices for unauthorised benefits, including tax advantages.

The development comes weeks after BBC released a documentary on the P.M. Modi, titled “India: The Modi Quiestion,” that stirred up a controversy. Meanwhile, the centre had issued the directions for blocking multiple YouTube videos and Twitter posts of the outlet linking it with the controversial documentary of the platform.

IT surveys in BBC office to probe “non-compliance with transfer pricing rules, diversion of profits”

February 14, 2023, 7:52 pm

The Income Tax department on Tuesday, February 14, conducted a survey at the BBC offices in Delhi as well as Mumbai in view of the British public broadcaster’s “deliberate non-compliance,” with the transfer of pricing rules and its vast profits.
Earlier on Tuesday’ morning, the officials of the Income Tax department arrived at the premises of BBC at the KG Marg in the national capital and Mumbai’s Kalina Santacruz for the survey.
According to a report by ANI, the sources revealed that the exercise conducted at the office’ of British broadcaster’s by the Tax officials is called ‘survey,” not raid or search as per the provision of the Income Tax Act.
The source furthermore added that these surveys are conducted routinely and are not to be confused in the nature of a search/raid.
To referring the case of BBC, the source revealed that there has been a persistent non-compliance with the above mentioned rules for years and in connection with it several notices have been issued to the BBC. However, the media outlet has been continuously defiant and non-compliant and has significantly diverted it’s profits.
The key focus of the survey was to look into the manipulation of prices for unauthorized benefits including tax advantages and as the company remained non-compliant persistently, making it a repeat offender.
Meanwhile, the sources from the UK government added that, “We are closely monitoring the reports of tax surveys conducted at the offices of BBC in India.” In another report, the media outlet has said that they are completely cooperating with the IT department which is conducting survey at their offices.

BJP dubs BBC ‘Bhrasht Bakwaas Corporation’ following IT raid

February 14, 2023, 4:36 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the BBC’s propaganda is almost identical to the agenda of the Congress, as the Income Tax Department team reached the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday, and the officials described it as ‘survey.”

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said that “the Income Tax Department has the right to do its work; if the BBC has not done anything wrong, then why are you scared?”

He went on to say that the BBC should not “spew venom” while operating in India.”The BBC has been doing anti-India propaganda.”

The computers kept in the accounts and finance departments, respectively, were scanned. As per the sources, the officials said that the devices will be scanned, and after taking backups, all the devices will be returned to their owners.

Bhatia also lashed out at the Congress for criticising the survey. He reminded them that the Congress party had banned the BBC while Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India.

Media organisations that are operating from India will need to follow the rules and regulations set by the country. This was stated by BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia regarding the ongoing survey of the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai by the IT department.

Unfortunately, it is not wrong to call the BBC the most ‘Bhrasht Bakwaas Corporation’ across the world. Currently, India is on the path of progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

One of the slain terrorists, LeT commander Burhaan Wani, was described as a revolutionary by the BBC. Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher once dubbed the BBC the ‘Bolshevik Broadcasting Corporation.”

IT officials conduct ‘surveys’ at BBC office in Delhi

February 14, 2023, 1:15 pm

The teams of Income Tax officials are conducting ‘surveys’ at the BBC premises in Delhi and Mumbai. A spokesperson for the department stated that the surveys were being carried at various locations, the Indian express reported. As per a report by PTI, the officials revealed that these surveys were part of a “tax evasion investigation,” and that they were looking for the documents related to the business operations of the company.

These surveys came week after the media house released a 2-part documentary on the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

BBC Documentary Screening: Section 144 imposed at Delhi University

January 27, 2023, 5:54 pm

Over the screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Police on Friday imposed Section 144 (banning large gatherings) at the Faculty of the Arts at Delhi University as NSUI-KSU calls for the screening.

Meanwhile, outside the Faculty of Arts, security personnel have also been deployed in large numbers.

The BBC documentary has created a fresh row in the country as the government has denounced it and described it as a “propaganda piece”.

Moreover, for various social media platforms including Twitter and Youtube government has removed the BBC documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’.

Earlier on 25 January a ruckus was created outside Jamia Millia Islamia University and detained protesters who were sloganeering on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police detained 13 students from a left-wing student in the day for creating a ruckus outside the campus of Jamia.

Earlier the Students Federation of India (SFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) announced that they will organize a screening of Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled ‘India: The Modi Question.’ documentary.

However, the Jawaharlal Nehru University administration also warned the students for screening the BBC documentary on campus. The students also marched toward Vasant Kunj police station claiming stone pelting by members of ABVP.

Kerala: Police books BJP workers protesting against BBC documentary screening

January 25, 2023, 4:35 pm

The Kerala Police registered a case against the protestors of the Bharatiya Janata Party for unlawful assembly and traffic disruption in Thiruvananthpuram.

When the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Youth Congress presented the contentious BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP workers demonstrated at Poojapura and Manaveeyam Veedhi. The BBC documentary has been prohibited by the Center because it is a “propaganda piece” meant to forward a discredited thesis.

A group of students at Hyderabad Central University organised the screening of the documentary inside the campus on 23 January. The screening was organised by the Student Islamic Organisation and the Muslim Student Federation and was attended by over 50 students.

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) student leader Mahesh said, “We have escalated the matter to the University authorities and have demanded action on the organisers. The group is organising screening without permission inside the campus premises.”

Later, the Hyderabad Police said that they have received the information about the movie screening but no written complaint was lodged.

India criticised the BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Modi last week.

“This, in our opinion, is propaganda meant to forward a specific, debunked thesis. It is obviously obvious that there is bias, lack of objectivity, and a persistent colonial attitude “Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, stated on 19 January during a weekly media conference.

More than 300 distinguished Indians, including retired judges, government officials, and veterans of the armed forces, signed a declaration criticising the British national broadcaster for its “unrelenting hostility” toward India and its leader in response to the BBC documentary.

DYFI and SFI to screen BBC Documentary on PM Modi in Kerala

January 24, 2023, 1:56 pm

Students outfits Democratic Youth Federation of India (DFYI) and the Student Federation of India (SFI) on 24^th January said that it will screen the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kerela. The youth wing of the CPI (M) said that the documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ will be screened at venues across the state on 24^th January and 25^th January 2023.

A show would be held at Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram. The SFI said it will screen at various campuses. On 23^rd January night, a group of the Student Islamic Organization (SIO) and the Muslim Student Federation known as the Fraternity group and over 50 students from these groups attended the screening. The ABVP student leader, Mahesh said, “ We have received the information that some students organized screening inside the campus but haven’t received any written complaint. If we receive a complaint, investigation will be taken up.”

The administration of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi warned against screening the BBC documentary on the campus after a group of students released a pamphlet inviting students to screening of the fil at student Union’s office at 9pm on 24^th January.

According to an advisory issued by the JNU administration, the student Union have not sought permission for the screening from the administration. They said that such unauthorized activity may disturb peace and harmony of the University campus.

The Centre last week denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister describing it as a ‘propaganda piece.’

Some people in India consider BBC above SC: Kiren Rijiju

January 22, 2023, 2:13 pm

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took on the ‘malicious campaign’ inside and outside India in connection to the BBC’s documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that some people “consider the BBC above the Supreme Court in India.”

Rijiju alleged that they ‘lower’ the country’s dignity and image to any extent to ‘please their moral masters’. He further tweeted that the minorities in the country are moving ahead positively.

“Minorities, or for that matter every community in India is moving ahead positively. India’s image cannot be disgraced by malicious campaigns launched inside or outside India. PM @narendramodi Ji’s voice is the voice of 1.4 billion Indians,” Rijiju tweeted.
“Some people in India still haven’t gotten over the colonial intoxication. They consider BBC above the Supreme Court of India and lower the country’s dignity and image to any extent to please their moral masters,” the Minister added (roughly translated from Hindi).
He said that there is no hope from these people whose “only aim is to weaken India”.
“Anyway, there is no better hope from these tukde tukde gang members whose only aim is to weaken the might of India,” Rijiju tweeted.

Earlier, BBC has been slammed by former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Sanjeev Tripathi for its documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it “prejudiced, biased and full of factual errors”.

He added that the documentary needs to be condemned by everyone.

Tripathi questioned the BBC’s motivation for producing the PM Modi documentary, saying it appeared to be “motivated.” He added that the Supreme Court recently handed PM Modi a clean bill of health in the case and that the documentary includes both the episode that preceded the 2002 Gujarat riots and the Godhra train fire.

“This documentary of BBC, which claims to examine the so-called tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India, and in that context, talks about again the so-called controversial policies of Prime Minister Modi, is not only prejudiced but is also biased and full of factual errors,” he said.

In a strong response to the BBC documentary, more than 300 eminent Indians, including retired judges, bureaucrats, and armed forces veterans signed a statement slamming the British national broadcaster for showing “unrelenting prejudice” towards India and its leader.

Eminent Indians slam BBC documentary on PM Modi.

January 21, 2023, 5:55 pm

In a strong rebuttal to the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 300 eminent Indians including retired judges, retired bureaucrats, and retired armed forces veterans signed a statement slamming the BBC for showing “unrelenting prejudice” towards India and its leader. BBC aired a two-part series attacking PM Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Miniter during the Gujarat riots of 2002. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms.

This production, the BBC claims, has been rigorously researched according to the highest editorial standards, and examines the tensions between India’s Hindu majority and Muslim minority and explores the politics of India’s PM Narendra Modi in relation to those tensions” and a series of controversial policies” implemented by him,” the letter read.

Questioning a key source of the BBC documentary, the signatories said, “there is nothing in the so-called British Foreign Office document – said to be based on a report from their High Commission in New Delhi, which was, in turn, said to be based on a report by their diplomat who visited Gujarat in 2002 that had not been earlier alleged by any number of media reports and commentaries in India in the years following 2002, apart from the allegations made by Sreekumar, Bhatt and Pandya.”

India calls the BBC Documentary on PM Modi as a ‘Propaganda Piece.’

January 19, 2023, 5:41 pm

India denounced the controversial BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described it as ‘propaganda piece’ that is designed to push a discredited narrative. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that this documentary shows the colonial mindset. UK’s National broadcaster BBC aired two-part series about PM Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister during the Gujarat riots of 2022. The documentary sparked outrage and was removed from select platforms. The MEA spokesperson said the documentary is a reflection of the BBC and individuals that are peddling this narrative again.

China: BBC journalist beaten, held while covering the protests in Shanghai

November 28, 2022, 11:22 am

While covering the ongoing mass anti-Covid restrictions protest across China a British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) journalist was arrested and handcuffed while covering a protest in Shanghai.

Meanwhile, BBC expressed its concern over the incident that happened with its journalists Ed Lawrence. Lawrence was beaten by the Chinese police and also kicked while he was being arrested.

“The BBC is extremely concerned about the treatment of our journalist Ed Lawrence, who was arrested and handcuffed while covering the protests in Shanghai. He was held for several hours before being released. During his arrest, he was beaten and kicked by the police. This happened while he was working as an accredited journalist,” BBC said.

While carrying out its official duties an accredited journalist was attacked in this way, BBC said.

“We have had no official explanation or apology from the Chinese authorities, beyond a claim by the officials who later released him that they had arrested him for his own good in case he caught Covid from the crowd. We do not consider this a credible explanation,” the statement added.

According to the media reports, a vast protest has been carried out across China and protesters are chanting “Step down, Xi Jinping! Step down, Communist Party,” against zero-Covid policy.

Earlier, in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang province a fire sparked in an apartment block in which 10 people died after which the protest sparked.

Moreover, during the protest, dozens of university campuses, and students joined after which the protest spread across Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Wuhan.

Against zero-Covid students of Tsinghua University, in the capital city of Beijing students gathered on a square.

However, over social media images and videos are circulating in which students are holding up sheets of white paper and shouting: “Democracy and the rule of law! Freedom of expression!”

Dramatic scene captured in the midst of strikes in Kiev as journalist heads to shelter

October 10, 2022, 2:10 pm

As explosions rocked Ukraine’s capital city on Monday, a BBC correspondent in Kyiv was seen on live television leaving for a shelter with his camera crew.

After months of relatively quiet, several explosions suddenly hit the city as Hugo Bachega was delivering a news report.

A BBC reporter live on air, forced to take cover as incoming strikes hit the city. pic.twitter.com/nAbXo1kwxO
— Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) October 10, 2022

“Just over an hour later, after heading to shelter with his camera crew, the BBC re-established contact with Hugo,” the news organisation said.

Hugo Bachega, a BBC correspondent, is seen in the widely circulated video reporting while hearing explosions. The reporting was then stopped after this.

Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and nearby cities were shaken by many explosions. Smoke was spotted rising from a number of locations throughout Kiev.

The cities of Lviv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytsky, Dnipro, and Ternopil have also reported explosions.