A PAN card is a key document required for financial and banking transactions, while Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India. New Delhi: The government has announced changes to the Permanent Account Number (PAN) application process
Who will challenge D Gukesh? Vishy Anand names 3 contenders; Magnus Carlsen backs Caruana, Nakamura for Candidates 2026 Published on: Mar 18, 2026 5:34 PM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen named their top contenders for the Candidates title
Stock Market Live Updates: Indian equity markets ended higher on Tuesday, with broader markets outperforming frontline indices as investors showed renewed interest in midcap and technology stocks. The NSE Nifty jumped 0.83 per cent or 196.65 points to close at 23,777.80
The automobile sector in the country may face near-term production disruptions due to constraints in industrial gas supply arising from ongoing disruptions in the energy market amid the West Asia conflict, according to a report. New Delhi: The automobile sector in the country may face near-term
A father in India has shut down the internet with a smooth Michael Jackson-style moonwalk performed in simple rubber slippers. Watch the viral video that has racked up 15 million views and left Gen Z stunned by "Uncleji's" 80s swag. Move over
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is the predicted winner of the Democratic primary for US Senate, edging out her opponents after a late surge of support in a highly competitive, expensive race. Stratton was leading her main opponent, congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
Israel's Defense Minister Katz has announced a significant development. The Israeli military has killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. This follows yesterday's reported killings of other top Iranian security officials. More surprises are anticipated today across all fronts
Happy Chaitra Navratri 2026 wishes: Celebrate the divine energy of Goddess Durga with heartfelt words and blessings this Chaitra Navratri. Share these beautiful wishes, messages, and quotes to spread positivity, strength, and devotion.Happy Chaitra Navratri 2026 wishes: Celebrate the divine energy
EU, France, Germany slam US visa bans as 'censorship' dispute deepens
The European Union, France, and Germany have strongly condemned U.S. visa bans targeting European citizens. These individuals are involved in combating online hate and disinformation. The U.S. administration accuses them of censoring free speech and unfairly regulating tech giants. European officials state they will respond swiftly and decisively to defend their regulatory autonomy against these unjustified measures.
The European Union, France and Germany condemned U.S. visa bans on European citizens combating online hate and disinformation, with Brussels saying on Wednesday it could "respond swiftly and decisively" against the "unjustified measures".
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration imposed visa bans on Tuesday on five European citizens, including French former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, who it accuses of working to censor freedom of speech or unfairly target U.S. tech giants with overly burdensome regulation.
A European Commission spokesperson said it "strongly condemns the U.S. decision", adding: "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world."
EU FINED ELON MUSK'S X THIS MONTH
The visa bans are likely to exacerbate growing divergences between Washington and some European capitals over issues including free speech, defence, immigration, far-right politics, trade and the Russia-Ukraine war.They come just weeks after a U.S. National Security Strategy document warned Europe faced "civilizational erasure" and must change course if it is to remain a reliable U.S. ally.
Breton was one of the architects of the EU's Digital Services Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at making the internet safer that has irritated U.S. officials.
They were particularly riled by Brussels' sanction earlier this month against Elon Musk's X platform, which was fined 120 million euros for breaching online content rules. Musk and Breton have often sparred online over EU tech regulation, with Musk referring to him as the "tyrant of Europe".
The bans also targeted Imran Ahmed, the British CEO of the U.S.-based Center for Countering Digital Hate; Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of the German non-profit HateAid; and Clare Melford, co-founder of the Global Disinformation Index, according to U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers.
EU LAW AIMS TO MAKE ONLINE WORLD SAFER
The EU's DSA is meant to make the online environment safer, in part by compelling tech giants to do more to tackle illegal content, including hate speech and child sexual abuse material.Washington has said the EU was pursuing "undue" restrictions on freedom of expression in its efforts to combat hateful speech, misinformation and disinformation, and that the DSA unfairly targets U.S. tech giants and U.S. citizens.
The European Commission spokesperson said the EU had the right to regulate economic activity, and had requested more information from Washington about the measures.
"If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures," they said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said: "These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty."
On X, he said the DSA was approved in a democratic process, and existed "to ensure fair competition among platforms, without targeting any third country, and to ensure that what is illegal offline is also illegal online."
Breton, a former French finance minister and the European commissioner for the internal market from 2019 to 2024, was the most high-profile individual targeted.
"Is McCarthy's witch hunt back?" he wrote on X.
"As a reminder: 90% of the European Parliament - our democratically elected body - and all 27 Member States unanimously voted the DSA. To our American friends: Censorship isn't where you think it is."
GERMANY SAYS BANS ON ACTIVISTS 'UNACCEPTABLE'
Germany's justice ministry said the two German activists had the government's "support and solidarity" and the visa bans on them were unacceptable, adding that HateAid supported people affected by unlawful digital hate speech."Anyone who describes this as censorship is misrepresenting our constitutional system," it said in a statement. "The rules by which we want to live in the digital space in Germany and in Europe are not decided in Washington."
A Global Disinformation Index spokesperson called the visa bans "an authoritarian attack on free speech and an egregious act of government censorship."
"The Trump Administration is, once again, using the full weight of the federal government to intimidate, censor, and silence voices they disagree with," they said. "Their actions today are immoral, unlawful, and un-American."
Breton is not the first French person to be sanctioned by the Trump administration.
In August, Washington sanctioned French judge Nicolas Yann Guillou, who sits on the International Criminal Court, for the tribunal's targeting of Israeli leaders and a past decision to investigate U.S. officials.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Germany calls for united response from European nations to US How European Union Trade Bolsters Russia’s War Chest Elon Musk Says European Union Will European Union give ground on 2035 combustion-engine ban European Union opens investigation into Musks AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes European Union unveils new vision for strategic relations with India What Is Germany's Visa Free Transit For Indian Passport Holders Will protest strongly with ICC Netizens Strongly React To Sara Ali Khan Mardaani 3 makers strongly deny ‘missing girls’ reports linked to promotion
Senator Markwayne Mullin, who has been tapped by US President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, will appear on Wednesday in front of a congressional committee. The Republican lawmaker from Oklahoma will testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
1 days ago
Given the current fuel shortage in the country and the increasing pressure on imports, the Petroleum Ministry has significantly tightened the rules for domestic gas use. Now, not only possessing a cylinder, but even having a “double” connection at home will be a crime
1 days ago
Eight members of a family were killed when a fire broke out in a three-storey house after an explosion at an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point outside the building in Indore early on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), officials said. The deceased included two minor children and three women, they said
1 days ago
Life in Kalghatgi town and nearby villages in Dharwad district was thrown into disarray on Tuesday (March 18) evening after a sudden and intense hailstorm lashed the region. The unexpected weather event left residents panicked, forcing many to seek shelter immediately
1 days ago
Hospitals are meant to heal. Yet, for millions of patients globally, they can also become sites of new illness often preventable, often overlooked. Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) represent one of the most persistent paradoxes in modern healthcare. Even as medical technology advances
1 days ago
Dilip Ghosh, a prominent figure in the BJP, asserts that the party has successfully put Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on the defensive within her Bhabanipur stronghold. He pointed out that Suvendu Adhikari's candidacy is a tactical choice aimed at strengthening BJP's foothold
1 days ago
The Allahabad High Court on Monday said that the state must ensure that security is provided to persons facing threats for congregating to hold prayers at private properties in Uttar Pradesh, Bar and Bench reported. A bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan added that Article 25 of
1 days ago
BSEB Class 10th Result 2026: The Bihar School Examination Board will announce the 10th matric exam results on March 20, 2026, in Patna on March 20, 2026. Students are advised to keep themselves updated with their roll number and other necessary details
1 days ago
The fire and fury that is consuming the MAGA (Make America Great Again) fraternity that had rallied behind Donald J. Trump’s anti-war rhetoric for a decade touched the administration on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) when Joe Kent, a long-term acolyte
1 days ago
Kylian Mbappe vs Balance: Real Madrid’s rhythm without Frenchman turns heads as Vinicius back to his best Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 5:58 PM IST By Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Real Madrid find rhythm without Kylian Mbappe. (Reuters) Beating Manchester City so convincingly is never easy
1 days ago
In television comedy shows such as The Kapil Sharma Show and Comedy Nights with Kapil, Kiku Sharda has portrayed many popular female characters, including Palak, Bumper, and Santosh. Mumbai: Actor-comedian Kiku Sharda is widely loved for slipping into multiple female avatars on-screen
1 days ago
A woman stands on a rooftop listening to the sounds of the city below. There is only the dull hum of traffic tonight. But she knows how easily that can change. It is usually the dogs who notice the sound first and begin to bark furiously. The noise of aircraft
1 days ago
In fiscal year 2026, Dell Technologies reduced its workforce by approximately 11,000 employees, representing about 10% of its staff, as detailed in its 10-K filing. The employee count decreased from 108,000 in January 2025 to nearly 97,000 by January 2026.In fiscal year 2026
1 days ago
New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) is set to establish a uranium mining and processing plant with a capacity of 2,500 tonnes per day (TPD) at Rohil in Rajasthan’s Sikar district and Jajwal, Chhattisgarh, said Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday.New Delhi
1 days ago
India on Tuesday denied holding negotiations with Iran about releasing three vessels New Delhi had seized in February in return for the safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The denial by the Ministry of External Affairs came during an inter-ministerial press briefing on the
1 days ago
If you are an EPFO member or are associated with it, this news is for you. This is because everything—from pensions to claims and account transfers—is now becoming faster and easier than ever before. In the Lok Sabha, Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment
1 days ago
According to the NXT Foundation’s India Progress Report 2025-26, India has surpassed Japan with a nominal GDP of $4.8 trillion. It maintains the fastest growth rate of 8.2% in the world. New Delhi: India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy
1 days ago
Ugadi Pachadi, the traditional festive offering prepared during Ugadi, is more than just a dish; it is a symbolic representation of life itself. Known as a blend of Shadruchulu (six tastes), this special preparation holds deep cultural, spiritual, and health significance.Ugadi Pachadi
1 days ago
Nora Fatehi has addressed the controversy around her and Sanjay Dutt’s viral song Sarke Chunar, saying she was unaware of the Hindi lyrics and never approved the final version. The actor’s reaction comes after the track drew backlash for allegedly inappropriate lyrics.Explaining her side
1 days ago
Watch: Dad's moonwalk in chappals gets 17 million views, internet says 'MJ is clapping happily in his grave'A father's surprise moonwalk in chappals during his daughter's dance video has gone viral, crossing 17 million views in a day. Published on: Mar 18
1 days ago
Mumbai woman paying ₹1.2 lakh rent for Andheri West flat says she's a 'stay at home daughter', internet reactsA self-described “stay-at-home daughter” says she pays ₹1.2 lakh rent. Her viral video has sparked a discussion online. Published on: Mar 18
1 days ago
Fitness coach recommends walking after heavy meals, shares key benefits for digestion and overall healthEnsure you walk after every meal, that way your blood sugar stays stable, along with improved weight management. Published on: Mar 18, 2026 5:58 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link After
1 days ago
In the video, the father can be seen holding his old phone, its screen damaged, with a rubber band around it, and worn out from years of use. Despite its condition, he appears to have continued using it. The son surprises him with a new smartphone
1 days ago
Uttarakhand resident Deepak Kumar has moved the High Court challenging the case against him and requesting a departmental inquiry against police officers who allegedly failed to act against hate crimes, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday. Kumar and another person booked in the matter
1 days ago
Waaree Energies Limited is the new Title Sponsor for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming Indian Premier League. Their branding will be on the team's kits. This partnership aims to promote clean energy across India. Limited has joined as the Title Sponsor for the upcoming (IPL)
1 days ago
Senegal say the "fight is far from over" after the Confederation of African Football stripped them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January's final but Caf overturned the result because Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest
1 days ago
Two-time MLA Rampada Jamatia takes over as Tripura assembly speakerJamatia is the second indigenous leader to hold the Tripura assembly speaker’s post after Left Front veteran Sudhanya Debbarma in 1978 Published on: Mar 18, 2026 5:52 PM IST By Priyanka Deb Barman
1 days ago
