Riteish Deshmukh on his relationship with paparazzi: I have never refused a pap pic till date because…Actor Riteish Deshmukh shares insights on his relationship with paparazzi, highlighting the effort they put into their work. Published on: May 09
WFI issues show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, accuses her of multiple breaches; grappler barred from competingWFI declares Vinesh Phogat ineligible to compete till June 26. A show-cause notice has also been issued. Updated on: May 09, 2026 2:38 PM IST By Vishesh Roy Share via Copy link The
The image of a doctor has traditionally been a professional grounded in anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skill. For decades, this depth of knowledge has defined medical excellence. But healthcare in the 21st century is no longer a closed clinical ecosystem; it is shaped by artificial
Flood hazard assessments for Uttarakhand have routinely underestimated the danger to its towns and villages because they have leaned on long-term average rainfall figures rather than the extreme downpours that actually trigger disasters, according to a study in Current Science
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing () and Corp., on Friday, announced plans to establish a joint venture in Kumamoto, Japan, to develop and produce next-generation image sensors.According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the two companies signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to
Parl panel seeks legal definition of ‘fake news’
New Delhi: A parliamentary committee has pressed the Union government to come up with a clear legal definition of fake news, which it stressed was a threat to public order and democratic process, arguing that the absence of a uniform definition makes the term vague and open to misuse.
In a draft report, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology has noted that while stakeholders such as the Editors Guild of India, News Broadcasters and Digital Association, and leading media houses differed on how the term should be framed, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) should evolve a “subtle but clear” definition that balances the need to curb misinformation with the protection of free speech.
The committee, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Nishikant Dubey, adopted the draft report on Tuesday and submitted it to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
“Yesterday, our parliamentary committee passed a report and submitted it to the Lok Sabha Speaker, proposing struct rules, punishment provisions, and bans for those spreading such malicious propaganda, fake news, and using artificial intelligence to push agendas against women and children on news platforms, Facebook, YouTube, and X,” Dubey said in a post in Hindi on X, pointing out that Parliament is not currently in session.
The draft report, reviewed by HT, also recommended MIB to explore the feasibility of giving statutory powers to the Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to act against misinformation related to government schemes and initiatives. Data presented to the panel showed the FCU received over 163,000 queries between April 2020 and April 2025, of which only around 53,000 were found relevant.
To be sure, the FCU does not have enforcement powers and it functions only to verify and flag contents.
The push for statutory powers follows a legal setback in September last year, when the Bombay high court struck down Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the amended IT Rules, 2021. The provision had required platforms to take down content flagged as “fake” or “misleading” by a government-appointed FCU. The high court ruled it unconstitutional and violative of fundamental rights, including Articles 14 (right to equality), and 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression).
Beyond fact-checking, the panel has called for an independent central monitoring body with representatives from MIB, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), media organisations, and other stakeholders to decide on cross-platform fake news cases and recommend penalties. It has also proposed the formation of an expert group to suggest amendments to existing laws, including the IT Act, 2000 and the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995, to better address misinformation.
To strengthen self-regulation, the committee has asked MIB to make fact-checking mechanisms and internal ombudsmen mandatory across all print, digital, and electronic media outlets. It has also flagged that current penalties for fake news are weak, with broadcasters facing fines capped at ₹25 lakh, suspension, or cancellation of licences only in extreme cases. It has recommended higher fines and clear accountability for editors, publishers, intermediaries, and platforms.
Stressing the importance of fighting misinformation to safeguard democracy, the draft report also cautioned that such efforts must be balanced with constitutional guarantees of free speech and press freedom.
“We will not allow India to become like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, or Thailand. A curb will be placed on elements that mislead by following the agendas of anti-national forces. Any news must be factual,” panel head Dubey said.
Officials in MIB and MeitY were yet to respond to HT's request for a comment.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Government mulling two-year tenure for parliamentary committees Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chair Bihar BJP Core Committee meeting Delhi government constitutes expert committee to combat capital's hazardous air Parliamentary Panel Urges Law Mandating SC Jairam Ramesh demands parliamentary debate on India-US deal Sasmit Patra resigns as leader of BJD parliamentary party in Rajya Sabha 2 decades of progress reversed by bypassing all parliamentary conventions Opinion | Why Disruption Cannot Be The Opposition’s Parliamentary Strategy Parliamentary panel flags risks from India’s oil import dependence Iraqis vote in parliamentary election marked by tight security and major political boycott
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal. He became the first BJP leader to hold the post. Adhikari was sworn-in five days after the BJP defeated the Trinamool Congress in the Assembly elections
1 days ago
Delivering for your nation at a World Cup brings heightened pressure, and doing so at a home tournament takes the expectation up to a whole new level. Red Roses prop Maud Muir did just that last September, winning a home Rugby World Cup with England in front of a record women's rugby crowd of 81
1 days ago
India and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) discussed expanding and diversifying regular migration pathways. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met with IOM Director General Amy Pope on Friday (May 8, 2026) on the sidelines of the second International
1 days ago
The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday conducted searches at five locations in Delhi, Gurugram and Chandigarh linked to Punjab Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora and his company on suspicion of alleged money laundering, The Hindu reported. The searches were conducted at the office premises of Hampton
1 days ago
IIT Kharagpur students make mango pickle using storm-fallen raw mangoes, internet says ‘sarv gun sampann’An IIT Kharagpur student showed how fallen raw mangoes were turned into pickle inside a hostel. Published on: May 09, 2026 4:19 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A student
1 days ago
A now-viral post on Reddit has triggered a debate on why more men seemingly want marriage and children, while more women are increasingly choosing to remain childfree. The post, originally shared on the Reddit community r/childfree, quickly spread across social media platforms and drew thousands of
1 days ago
University of Surrey GREAT Scholarships India Offered by the University of Surrey, the U.K., in partnership with the British Council under the GREAT Britain Campaign. Eligibility: Indian citizens with a valid passport who have an unconditional offer to pursue a full-time postgraduate course from
1 days ago
Who is Suzy Lamb? Joni Lamb's daughter-in-law opens up about anger, loss after her death: 'I really hate...'Joni Lamb's passing brings attention to her family, particularly son Jonathan and wife Suzy, who have a complex relationship with Daystar TV. Updated on: May 09
1 days ago
The sky’s blue is due to Rayleigh scattering — when molecules in the air scatter light of shorter wavelength (bluer) much more efficiently than that of longer ones. On hotter days, however, there can be other things in the air and which can affect how light is scattered
1 days ago
A cyber attack hit several universities and schools in the US, Canada and Australia, causing chaos, confusion and major disruptions amid the high stakes end-of-year season. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the attack
1 days ago
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nisith Pramanik on Saturday took oath as a cabinet minister in the new West Bengal government to be helmed by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, days after the saffron party stormed to power in the state. Pramanik
1 days ago
Hantavirus infections have come under renewed global scrutiny following a recent outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which was travelling across the southern Atlantic with multiple port stops. As of Friday, Health authorities have reported confirmed and suspected cases among
1 days ago
Vladimir Putin has used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow's Red Square to justify his war in Ukraine and denounce Nato. Speaking in front of hundreds of military personnel and flanked by a few world leaders, the Russian president said he was fighting a "just" war and called Ukraine an
1 days ago
The U.S. announced Project Freedom on May 4 to end the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It was suspended the next day even as merchant ships and U.S. Navy craft came under attack. Though U.S. President Donald Trump cited progress in negotiations with Iran as the reason for calling off the
1 days ago
The United States said on Friday (May 9, 2026) it was organising an evacuation flight for Americans on a hantavirus-struck cruise ship that has sailed to the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain. “The Department of State is arranging a repatriation flight to support the safe return of American
1 days ago
Samsung launches fifth edition of Solve for Tomorrow, raises winning grants to ₹2 croreLaunching Solve for Tomorrow 2026, Samsung increases grants to ₹2 crore for youth innovation in tech solutions. Updated on: May 09, 2026 12:59 PM IST By Aditi Anand Share via Copy link Samsung has launched
1 days ago
Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has approached the Sports Ministry seeking intervention over alleged non-payment of prize money from the organisers of the Odisha Open 2026. Gupta says he was assured the winnings would be released within a month of his victory in January this year
1 days ago
Indian cricketers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shafali Verma have received notices from the National Anti-Doping Agency. This follows their failure to be available for scheduled dope tests last year. Both players are part of NADA's Registered Testing Pool
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.These stunning kurta pant sets are now up to 80% off: Picksfrom top brands for womenAmazon Great Summer Sale 2026 brings up to 80% off on stylish kurta pant sets
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using a single-door fridge? These side-by-side refrigerators may fix summer storage problemsRunning out of fridge space this summer? These side-by-side refrigerators offer
1 days ago
Thalapathy Vijay’s bodyguard, Aroon Suresh, recently took to the stories section of his Instagram handle and penned down a positive cryptic note. Though Suresh did not mention TVK Chief’s name, he shared a message that read, “Beautiful outcomes come after hard battles
1 days ago
Frontier Airlines flight hits pedestrian on runway, leads to engine fire: What we knowThe Frontier Airlines flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. Updated on: May 09, 2026 4:59 PM IST Written by Majid Alam Share via Copy link A flight
1 days ago
For the longest time, global gourmet culture carried a certain predictability. Luxury was associated with imported cheeses, European techniques, exotic berries flown across continents, and ingredients that sounded sophisticated simply because they were foreign. Meanwhile, some of the most layered
1 days ago
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Friday said that the panel will recommend to the Union government a complete ban on parole for those convicted in cases of rape, aggravated sexual assault and other serious offences against women and children, PTI reported
1 days ago
Newly sworn-in West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a crucial meeting with top officials. He reviewed the state's law and order situation. Discussions also covered the smooth continuation of schemes from the previous government. Progress on Writers' Buildings renovation was also a key
1 days ago
After almost eight months away from competition, Neeraj Chopra is finally inching closer to a return — but not before completely rebuilding his body first. The 28-year-old from Panipat hasn’t competed since finishing eighth at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last September
1 days ago
NPF farmers' wing to undertake statewide inquiry tour across NagalandNPF farmers' wing to undertake statewide inquiry tour across Nagaland Published on: May 09, 2026 5:30 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kohima, The ruling Naga People's Front's farmers' wing on Saturday announced a statewide tour to
1 days ago
