Latest news with #4PMNews
Scroll.in
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Rush Hour: India denies US claims on trade threat, order blocking ‘4PM News' lifted and more
We're building a brand-new studio to bring you bold ground reports, sharp interviews, hard-hitting podcasts, explainers and more. Support Scroll's studio fund today. The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that trade did not come up in talks with the United States on the evolving military situation between India and Pakistan. The previous day, US President Donald Trump claimed that he pressured New Delhi and Islamabad into accepting a ceasefire by threatening to stop trade with both countries. The US president also claimed that his administration stopped a nuclear conflict. On Tuesday, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that there had been conversations between Indian and US leaders on the military situation from the time Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 until the understanding with Pakistan on halting military action. About speculation raised by Trump on nuclear war, the spokesperson said that military action from India's side was 'entirely in the conventional domain'. Read on. The Pakistani military has claimed that 11 of its personnel and 40 civilians were killed during the conflict with India. Seventy-eight personnel of the armed forces and 121 civilians were injured, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations unit of the military. This came two days after the Indian armed forces claimed that the Pakistani Army 'has reported to have lost 35 to 40 personnel at the Line of Control in artillery and small arms firing on the Line of Control' between May 7 and May 10. Read on. A woman who had been injured after a Pakistani drone crashed into her home in Punjab's Ferozepur district on Friday, died on Monday night. Two other members of Sukhwinder Kaur's family were also injured in the crash. Kaur had suffered 80% burn injuries. She was referred to a hospital in Ludhiana on Saturday, where she succumbed to her injuries on Monday. Kaur is the first civilian casualty of drone strikes outside Jammu and Kashmir, where 21 civilians have died in Pakistani firings. Read on. The Union government has withdrawn its order blocking the YouTube channel of 4PM News, the digital news outlet has told the Supreme Court. The order had been issued on the grounds of 'national security' and challenged by 4PM News. On Tuesday, the news outlet urged the Supreme Court to keep its plea pending because it had also challenged the constitutionality of the rules permitting such blocking under the Information Technology Act. The bench agreed to the request. The channel has about 7.3 million subscribers and had uploaded several videos criticising the Narendra Modi-led Union government after the Pahalgam terror attack. Read on.
Scroll.in
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Centre has withdrawn order to block our YouTube channel: ‘4PM News' tells SC
Digital news outlet 4PM News on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Union government has withdrawn an order blocking its YouTube channel, Live Law reported. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and AS Masih was hearing a petition filed by Sanjay Sharma, the editor-in-chief of 4PM News, against the order issued on the grounds of 'national security'. Advocate Kapil Sibal, for 4PM News, told the court that the blocking order had been withdrawn. On April 29, the YouTube channel of 4PM News was blocked by the Union government. YouTube said that the channel was 'unavailable in [India] because of an order from the government related to national security or public order'. The channel has about 7.3 million subscribers. Sharma claimed that the ban was an attempt to ' crush a strong voice of democracy in the name of national security'. The channel had uploaded several videos criticising the Narendra Modi-led Union government after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 dead, Newslaundry reported. On May 5, the court asked the Union government to respond to Sharma's petition. On Tuesday, Sibal urged the bench to keep the plea pending because the petitioner had also challenged the constitutionality of the rules permitting such blocking under the Information Technology Act, Bar and Bench reported. The bench agreed to the request and tagged the petition with another pending matter challenging the rules. In his petition before the court, Sharma said that the channel was blocked following an undisclosed direction issued by the Union government on the grounds of 'national security' and 'public order'. The journalist added that he had not received a formal order on the blocking of the channel. The petition noted that reasoned orders and a reasonable opportunity to be heard should be given before any blocking under Section 69A of the 2000 Information Technology Act. This section allows the state to issue directions for the blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource. 'It settled law that the Constitution does not permit blanket removal of content without an opportunity to be heard,' the petition said. ''National security' and 'public order' are not talismanic invocations to insulate executive action from scrutiny. They are constitutionally recognised grounds under Article 19(2), but are subject to the test of reasonableness and proportionality.' Article 19(2) of the Constitution permits the state to impose reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression. 'A vague reference to these grounds, without even disclosing the offending content, makes it impossible for the petitioner to challenge or remedy the allegation, thereby depriving him of his fundamental right to free speech and fair hearing,' Sharma added. The petition called the action taken by the Union government a 'chilling assault on journalistic independence' and sought the quashing of the order blocking the YouTube channel.
The Wire
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Opposition Politicians, Journalists' Bodies Condemn Blocking of The Wire's Website, Int'l Media Takes Note
Following the government blocking users' access to the website of The Wire, Communist Party of India general secretary D. Raja has written to Union minister of information and broadcasting, while news bodies Digipub and Chennai Press Club, and opposition politicians have condemned the move. The Wire has learnt that the block on its website is according to the orders of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Various internet service providers are saying multiple things. Stalin and Mufti DMK chief and Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin has noted that the effort to silence the media now harms democracy. On X, he wrote: 'Silencing the media at a critical juncture undermines the spirit of democracy. I hope the Union government reconsiders and lifts the ban on @thewire_in 'Let not press freedom be strangled in the world's largest democracy.' In times of war it is truth that's always the first casualty, wrote Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, who also cited the move against Sanjay Sharma's Uttar Pradesh-based 4 PM News. '[B]oth silenced for speaking the truth. While every nation may engage in some form of war-time propaganda what pliable propaganda driven godi media is doing goes far beyond. It's not just irresponsible but also dangerous. In such critical times independent & credible platforms like 4 PM News and The Wire play a vital role in informing & shaping public opinion with facts instead of fiction . By banning them we're not just censoring voices but also hammering the final nail into the coffin of true journalism.' Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut also extended support to The Wire. In a post on X, Raut wrote 'The Wire-OFF; Liar-ON' hinting at misinformation being peddled by pro-government channels like Republic that are freely accessible by the public while others are being censored. — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) May 9, 2025 Other politicians who spoke up in support of The Wire include Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Sasikanth Senthil. 'This is a great pity. India must allow the free interplay of different voices. That's one of the things that distinguishes us from our enemies! No Indian site should be banned,' Tharoor wrote on X. Senthil posted official statements from The Wire and Maktoob Media , whose X handle has been withheld in India, and wrote,'Using the crisis as cover, those in power are targeting independent voices while giving a free pass to loyalist media that spreads propaganda. Instead of holding biased outlets accountable for misinformation, they are silencing those who speak the truth!' Using the crisis as cover, those in power are targeting independent voices while giving a free pass to loyalist media that spreads propaganda. Instead of holding biased outlets accountable for misinformation, they are silencing those who speak the truth! — Sasikanth Senthil (@s_kanth) May 9, 2025 Raja's letter In his letter to minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, D. Raja has highlighted how misinformation was allowed to run rampant during 'Operation Sindoor'. I, on behalf of the Communist Party of India, register my deep concern over the inflammatory and misleading content being aired by several television news channels following Operation Sindoor. While the nation stands united against terrorism, we are witnessing a dangerous trend where certain channels are communalising the issue, spreading unverified claims, and promoting war hysteria—without any official confirmation from the Government or Armed Forces. Raja said that such coverage creates panic and fear. Here, he mentioned that responsible news portals like The Wire have been blocked, in contrast. Such coverage not only undermines responsible journalism but also poses a direct threat to national cohesion. Warmongering and targeting of communities erode trust, create fear among citizens, and play into the hands of those who seek to destabilize the country. Public anxiety is being inflamed, not addressed. Even public broadcasters have echoed this irresponsible tone, failing the basic duty of informing people with accuracy and dignity. The Armed Forces themselves had to counter claims made by such news channels on many occasions. At the same time, access to responsible news portals like has been blocked. Raja noted that the CPI rejected attempts to turn the tragedy of Pahalgam into a spectacle of hate and division. 'Conflict must not become a tool to distract from facts or delegitimize fellow citizens. The cost of such narratives is paid by ordinary people in the form of insecurity, polarization, and long-term damage to the democratic fabric,' he wrote. He urged for decisive communication from the government. We urge the Ministry to act decisively against channels and platforms that promote communal hatred and spread falsehoods. Access must be restored to platforms which are responsible and act to maintain national unity. We also call for coordinated and periodic, fact-based briefings from your Ministry, in consultation with the ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, and External Affairs, to counter misinformation and provide the public with credible updates. Raja added that it is rightly said that truth is the first casualty of war, but 'today, truth is being sacrificed even before a war exists—buried under noise, prejudice, and sensationalism.' The airwaves must not become battlegrounds of distortion when the nation needs calm and clarity. We hope this urgent and pressing matter concerning national unity in challenging times will find your immediate attention. CPI(M), leader condemn move The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has also condemned what it has called an 'attack on independent journalism.' We condemn the attack on independent journalism.@thewire_in — CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) May 9, 2025 Its leader M.A. Baby has also written against the move on X: Strongly condemn the censorship of The Wire. When media outlets that are continuously peddling fake news on #OperationSindoor are being allowed to run uninterrupted, credible news portals are being blocked. Such attacks on the freedom of the press are not acceptable. Digipub statement DIGIPUB, a group of digital news websites of which The Wire is a member, said that it strongly condemns the blocking of The Wire's website. It said: DIGIPUB's founding member The Wire has released a statement on Friday, May 9 stating that the access to their website has been blocked by some Internet Service Providers following government orders. One of the ISPs says the block has been done by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the IT Act, 2000. If the Indian government has indeed blocked access to The Wire, then it is a blatant attack on press freedom. Silencing independent media doesn't protect democracy-it weakens it. The statement noted that this 'is a critical time for the nation and such actions impede rational thinking. The urgency and horrors of battle cannot be used as an excuse to silence independent journalism.' It added that a free media is the best antidote to misinformation and fake news and said: 'We demand the immediate reversal of such censorship, the orders for which have not even been made public. The Indian Government must uphold constitutional values of free speech and restore unrestricted access to independent media democracy cannot survive in silence.' Chennai Press Club statement The Chennai Press Club also strongly condemned the recent actions by the Union government to block access to the websites and social media accounts of independent media organisations, including The Wire and Maktoob Media. 'These actions, taken without prior notice or transparent explanation, amount to a grave infringement on the constitutional guarantee of press freedom and a worrying sign of escalating censorship.' It said that at a time when the public urgently needs access to accurate, diverse, and independent information – particularly amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan – such arbitrary blocks set a dangerous precedent and suppress voices committed to public interest journalism. We urge the Government of India and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to immediately revoke these bans and restore access to the affected media platforms, the press club said, adding that democratic discourse cannot thrive in an environment where critical and alternative narratives are silenced. 'At the same time, we also call upon all media organisations—both national and regional—to exercise utmost responsibility, accuracy, and restraint in their coverage of the current India-Pakistan conflict. Sensationalism, misinformation, or unverified reporting at this sensitive time can inflame public sentiment and compromise national security and harmony.' Kafila's statement The academics' and thinkers' collective, Kafila, noted that it stands in solidarity with The Wire and calls upon all democratic forces and voices to speak up against censorship, to stay calm and united for peace, and to reject and resist the bloodthirsty politics that has brought the region to the edge of catastrophe. 'We join our voices with other citizens of Southasia calling on both governments to de-escalate tensions, turn decisively towards diplomacy and ensure peace in the region,' it said. 'Dangerous erosion of constitutional rights': CPI(ML) In a statement expressing its 'deepest concern and strongest condemnation' over the Union government's 'arbitrary' blocking of access to The Wire as well as to the X accounts of Maktoob Media and Anuradha Bhasin among others, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation said the actions reflect 'a dangerous erosion of democratic freedoms and constitutional rights'. 'At a time when fake news and jingoistic propaganda dominate the mainstream airwaves, it is the voices committed to factual reporting that are being silenced, vilified and attacked,' the party said, also noting with alarm the government's reported orders to withhold over 8,000 X accounts in India. 'The freedom of press and expression cannot be sacrificed at the altar of jingoism,' it added. Four press bodies condemn crackdown against media The blocking of The Wire 's website 'would constitute a grave action against the interests of a free press in India' if it was indeed ordered by the Union government, a joint statement from the Press Club of India, the Indian Women's Press Corps, the Press Association and the Delhi Union of Journalists said. They also noted the blocking of access to the X accounts of various journalists and news outlets, including the BBC's Urdu service. 'While there is no doubt that the media as a whole has to conduct itself responsibly, the arbitrary blocks on some social media accounts of media-persons and news organisations, the orders for which have not been made public, must be lifted,' the press bodies said. 'Such crackdowns are against the freedom of the press and directly against the interests of the Indian public,' they said, adding that the government must be transparent in its actions and journalists ought to be allowed to do their job without restrictions. International media notes blocking of access to 'The Wire', others Newspapers and broadcasters from abroad have noted The Wire 's being blocked in India. Among these international media organisations are the BBC, Deutsche Welle, The Independent , the Washington Post and the New York Times . They also noted the blocking of other websites and social media accounts run by media houses. '…With Pakistani media and several other foreign sources banned in India, and now also critical Indian websites like The Wire , it had become a guessing game which of the claims and images on social media were worth repeating,' the New York Times ' Alex Travelli wrote.
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on plea challenging blocking of 4PM News YouTube channel
The Supreme Court Monday sought the Centre's response to a plea challenging the blocking of 4PM News YouTube channel on the grounds of 'national security.' A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan also issued notice on the plea by Sanjay Sharma, who runs the channel. Appearing for Sharma, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal said he was not issued any notice before the blocking, and he came to know about it from an intermediary. Sibal said the action is 'ex facie unconstitutional'. 'I want the blocking order to be removed. The whole channel is blocked, and for no reason,' he said. Though the court initially indicated that it may tag it with another plea challenging the blocking rules, Sibal urged that an interim order would be necessary. 'I don't even have the blocking order. I don't know what is against me,' he said. Justice Gavai, however, said, 'We will have to hear the other side.' The plea contended that 'no blocking order or underlying complaint has been furnished to the petitioner, violating both statutory and constitutional safeguards', and urged the court to direct the government to produce the blocking order with reasons and records. Sharma argued that freedom of speech and expression guaranteed to each citizen under Article 19(1)(a) embraces within its scope the freedom to disseminate information and the exchange of ideas. He added that the reason of national security given to block the channel cannot be used as a blanket excuse to shut out independent journalistic voices and that the restrictions must be justified and proportionate.
Scroll.in
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
‘Deeply concerned': Editors Guild on Centre's order to block ‘4 PM News' YouTube channel
Expressing concern about the Union government ordering the blocking of the digital news outlet 4 PM's YouTube channel, the Editors Guild of India on Thursday demanded a 'transparent and accountable mechanism' for the takedown of journalistic content. The press association said that it was 'deeply concerned' by the government's directive to block access to 4PM News ' YouTube channel on grounds of national security or public order 'without any disclosure of the specific reasons or evidence, and without following principles of natural justice'. 'National security cannot become a pretext to silence critical voices or independent reporting,' it added. On Tuesday, YouTube said that the channel of 4 PM News was 'unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order'. The YouTube channel had about 7.3 million subscribers. It was not clear what led the government to order the blocking of the channel. Sanjay Sharma, the editor-in-chief of 4 PM News, claimed that the ban was an attempt to ' crush a strong voice of democracy in the name of national security'. The channel had uploaded several videos criticising the Narendra Modi-led Union government after the Pahalgam terror attack, Newslaundry reported. 'Increasing curbs on free speech' On Thursday, the Editors Guild described the government order to block the YouTube channel as an 'opaque use of executive power'. The blocking was in line with a 'troubling pattern the guild has flagged earlier – of increasing curbs on free speech through non-transparent processes', said the press body. It flagged the example of the Union government blocking the Tamil news website Vikatan in February. The website was blocked after it published on February 10 a cartoon in the digital magazine Vikatan Plus depicting Modi with his hands and legs chained, sitting across from United States President Donald Trump. This had come against the backdrop of the US deporting several Indians as part of Trump's wider crackdown on undocumented migrants. The Editors Guild said that the Vikatan website was blocked 'without warning or due process'. 'Although the Madras High Court later ordered interim relief, the case reflected the government's growing tendency to suppress journalistic expression through opaque executive orders,' it added.
