X to block over 8,000 accounts in India on government order
New Delhi: Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter and owned by billionaire Elon Musk, announced on Thursday that it will block over 8,000 accounts in India following executive orders from the Indian government. The move comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as well as a surge in misinformation online.
While X did not publicly name the accounts, it confirmed that the list includes "international news organisations and prominent X users." The platform said it had received no evidence or justification for a significant number of these accounts, raising concerns about the transparency of the government's directive.
The company emphasized that it will withhold the accounts only within India to comply with local laws and avoid potential penalties, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment of its local employees.
"This decision was not easy," X said in a statement. "We disagree with the Indian government's demands, which we believe amount to censorship of both existing and future content, and violate the fundamental right to free speech."
X has begun notifying affected users about the impending action and urged them to seek legal remedies through the courts. The platform reiterated its commitment to transparency and stressed the importance of public access to government orders, although it stated that legal constraints prevent the publication of the executive directives at this time.
The company also stated it is exploring all available legal avenues in response to the government's action.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
