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Pakistani celebrities’ social media accounts blocked again amid digital content restrictions in India

After a brief return, the social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and cricketers are once again restricted in India following renewed calls for a permanent digital ban.

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In a renewed digital clampdown, the social media accounts of several prominent Pakistani actors and cricketers were once again blocked in India, shortly after they were briefly made accessible. The move follows the Indian government’s advisory from May 2025, urging all digital intermediaries and streaming platforms to remove content originating from Pakistan, citing national security concerns.

Instagram and YouTube access revoked

On Wednesday, Instagram accounts of actors Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor were briefly accessible from India. Similarly, YouTube channels of celebrated cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar were visible to Indian users.

However, this brief window of visibility closed quickly, with the platforms once again displaying the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” Notably, the accounts of Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir remained inaccessible throughout.

Government advisory behind the restrictions

The restrictions stem from a directive issued on May 8, 2025, under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It instructed all OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to immediately discontinue any Pakistani-origin content — including web series, films, songs, and podcasts — whether free or subscription-based.

This action followed heightened tensions after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 24 Indian tourists. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility for the attack.

AICWA demands total digital blackout

Reacting strongly to the temporary visibility of Pakistani social media profiles, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The association called for a complete and permanent digital ban on all Pakistani nationals, influencers, and entertainment platforms in India.

Calling Pakistan a “terrorist nation,” AICWA condemned Pakistani artists for what it termed “shameless” statements against India and labeled the reappearance of these accounts as an insult to India’s martyred soldiers.

The association outlined three specific demands:

  1. A nationwide digital blackout of all Pakistani accounts and media content.
  2. A ban on future collaborations or promotions involving Pakistani citizens in Indian media.
  3. A complete cultural disconnect from Pakistan as a tribute to the armed forces and martyrs’ families.

Streaming channels partially restored

Despite the overarching restrictions, some Pakistani entertainment channels like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo were reported to be streaming in India at the time this story was filed. This inconsistency has added to the controversy, with calls for stricter implementation of the advisory.

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India News

Rabri Devi removes new security detail after Z-plus cover withdrawal, Tejashwi Yadav follows suit

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly removed newly assigned security personnel after the state government revised security cover for several political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

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Rabri Devi

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

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India News

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke joins protest, 6 detained during demonstration

Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party staged a protest in Delhi, during which six individuals were detained by police.

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Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.

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Cricket news

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India call-up hailed as a game changer by BCCI

BCCI has hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in the Indian team as a significant moment for Indian cricket, rewarding the teenager’s outstanding performances in IPL 2026.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.

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