Rush Hour: Pakistani YouTube channels banned, SC seeks Centre response on ‘obscenity’ plea and more

Apr 28, 2025 - 20:30

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The Union government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading content that was allegedly false and provocative after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The banned channels, including those of Dawn News, Samaa TV, Ary News and Geo News, had a combined following of over 63 million.

Users in India accessing these channels now see a message citing national security or public order concerns. The government also sent a notice to the BBC, questioning its description of the attackers as “militants” instead of “terrorists”. Officials conveyed India’s strong objection to Jackie Martin, head of BBC News.

The government is said to be closely monitoring the British broadcaster’s coverage of the attack that left 26 dead and 17 injured. India has since suspended visas for Pakistani citizens suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, accusing Islamabad of fomenting cross-border terrorism. Read on.

India signed a Rs 64,000-crore deal with France on Monday to buy 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Navy, the defence ministry said. They are expected to be delivered by 2030.

The deal with Dassault Aviation includes the transfer of technology,...