Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is presently in India, El-Sisi was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi this morning. The Egyptian President will be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2023.

WION Dispatch: PM Modi welcome Egyptian president El-Sisi at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed India's extending its support for Sri Lanka's debt restructuring that will pave the way for a bailout amid the economic crisis the country is facing. New Delhi extended the support last week when the Indian financing ministry wrote a letter to the IMF on the issue and a formal announcement came with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sara-al-sayed-saudi-arabias-new-deputy-foreign-minister-for-public-diplomacy-555365">Who is Sara Al Sayed, Saudi Arabia's new deputy foreign minister for public diplomacy?</a>

An IMF spokesperson in response to a WION question confirmed that "India has indicated to the IMF management that it is committed to delivering financing/debt relief consistent with restoring the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s public debt under the prospective IMF-supported program", adding, "we welcome the commitment it has provided".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confronts-china-with-evidence-of-state-owned-companies-aiding-russia-in-ukraine-war-555363">US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war</a>

Sri Lanka is in the process of negotiating a bailout package from the IMF, but before that it needs approval from its top 3 creditors--India, China and Japan. India has been the first country to extend support to the country on the debt restructuring, which has been widely welcomed by the Sri Lankan government which hopes to get similar support from other creditors.

The spokesperson pointed that Sri Lanka is "engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances" and as "soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing.”

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-defends-planned-military-drills-with-russia-and-china-555357">South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China</a>

Sri Lanka is in talks with to get a bailout of $2.9 billion from the international financial institution. Last week in Colombo, standing alongside Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe and Foreign minister Ali Sabry, EAM said, 'We felt strongly that Sri Lanka’s creditors must take proactive steps to facilitate its recovery. India decided not to wait on others but to do what we believe is right. We extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the way for Sri Lanka to move forward'.

Amid the economic crisis the country has been facing, India last year extended a financial support of USD 4 billion. Other than that, large consignments of humanitarian supplies, which included rice, milk powder, medicines were also sent to the country by New Delhi as part of its "neighbourhood first" policy.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed India's extending its support for Sri Lanka's debt restructuring that will pave the way for a bailout amid the economic crisis the country is facing.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed India's extending its support for Sri Lanka's debt restructuring that will pave the way for a bailout amid the economic crisis the country is facing. New Delhi extended the support last week when the Indian financing ministry wrote a letter to the IMF on the issue and a formal announcement came with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. Also Read | Who is Sara Al Sayed, Saudi Arabia's new deputy foreign minister for public diplomacy? An IMF spokesperson in response to a WION question confirmed that "India has indicated to the IMF management that it is committed to delivering financing/debt relief consistent with restoring the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s public debt under the prospective IMF-supported program", adding, "we welcome the commitment it has provided". Also Read | US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war Sri Lanka is in the process of negotiating a bailout package from the IMF, but before that it needs approval from its top 3 creditors--India, China and Japan. India has been the first country to extend support to the country on the debt restructuring, which has been widely welcomed by the Sri Lankan government which hopes to get similar support from other creditors. The spokesperson pointed that Sri Lanka is "engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances" and as "soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing.” Watch | South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China Sri Lanka is in talks with to get a bailout of $2.9 billion from the international financial institution. Last week in Colombo, standing alongside Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe and Foreign minister Ali Sabry, EAM said, 'We felt strongly that Sri Lanka’s creditors must take proactive steps to facilitate its recovery. India decided not to wait on others but to do what we believe is right. We extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the way for Sri Lanka to move forward'. Amid the economic crisis the country has been facing, India last year extended a financial support of USD 4 billion. Other than that, large consignments of humanitarian supplies, which included rice, milk powder, medicines were also sent to the country by New Delhi as part of its "neighbourhood first" policy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IMF welcomes India's support for Sri Lanka's debt restructuring

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival will be held from the 27-31 of January, 2023, in Mumbai, through the National Film Development Corporation. The SCO Film Festival is being organised to mark India’s Presidency at SCO. Pakistan has not sent any film entry for event.

SCO Film Festival to be held in India's Mumbai this year, no movie submission from Pakistan

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI hundred in three years while Shubman Gill continued his domination with another sublime ton as India completed a clean sweep with a 90-run win over New Zealand in the third match here on Tuesday.

Batters from both sides lit up the dead rubber as 680 runs were scored at the Holkar Stadium.

Rohit (101 off 85 balls) got to the three-figure mark for the first time since January 2020 while Gill (112 off 78) scored his fourth ODI hundred to take India to 385 for nine.

Following twin failures, the New Zealand top-order put up a much better show. Devon Conway (138) stitched crucial partnerships but Shardul Thakur (3/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/62) regularly struck to bowl out the Balck Caps for 295 in 41.2 overs.

It was India's second consecutive clean sweep, having beaten Sri Lanka last week. After Hardik Pandya (1/37) got rid of Finn Allen (0), Conway shared 106 runs with Henry Nicholls and 78 runs with Daryl Mitchell (24).

In the absence of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, the Indian bowlers struggled initially, leaking runs as Conway tonked the ball all around the park. 
Shardul, however, managed to turn the game, as he took back-to-back wickets of Mitchell and Tom Latham (0) in the 26th over.

In his next over, Thakur sent Glenn Phillips (5) packing with a cross-seamed delivery. 
Umran Malik (1/52) then got Conway as the centurion pulled awkwardly with Rohit doing the rest at midwicket as the match seemed to slip out of New Zealand's grasp.

The spin duo of Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/43) then cleaned up the tail.

Earlier, Rohit and Gill put up a belligerent 212-run opening stand, sharing 22 fours and 11 sixes between them.

Rahul Dravid joked on the eve of the match that bowlers don't want to bowl as soon as they land in Indore because of the batter-friendly conditions. The batting great had a point, and the New Zealanders rolling over their arms during the first 25 overs would have shared Dravid's sentiment.

At one point every ball that Rohit and Gill's bat touched was either flying to the boundary or over it.

Gill hit four fours and a six to plunder 22 runs off Lockie Ferguson in the eighth over, symbolising the kind of form the 23-year-old has been in lately.

The youngster didn't have to even time the ball for it to run to the boundary. After three fours, he launched the short ball for an upper-cut six.

With the outfield quick and the wicket flat, the rather inexperienced New Zealand bowling unit had no answers to the Indian openers' carnage.

The 26th over saw both Rohit and Gill getting their centuries. Rohit pulled away to deep square to get to his mark and, three balls later, Gill got to the triple-figure mark, his third in four innings.

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham used as many as six bowlers and it was his sixth option -- spinner Michael Bracewell -- who provided the tourists their first breakthrough.

Trying to slog one out of the park, Rohit missed the ball as it kept low and turned to eventually hit the stumps. His wicket was met with a roar by the partisan crowd, welcoming Virat Kohli (36).

A miscued shot in the next over spelt the end of Gill's innings as New Zealand struck twice in quick succession.

Ishan Kishan (17) didn't look too comfortable and took nine balls to open his account. A yes-no with Kohli, who had sprinted halfway, marked the end of the wicketkeeper batter's stay in the middle.

New Zealand were able to bring down the boundaries and sixes and, looking to play a big shot, Kohli couldn't beat Finn Allen at mid-off.

Firmly on course for a 400-plus score, India endured a familiar middle-order batting collapse, before Hardik Pandya (54 off 38 balls) provided the final flourish.

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI hundred in three years while Shubman Gill continued his domination with another sublime ton as India completed a clean sweep with a 90-run win over New Zealand in the third match here on Tuesday.

Rohit Sharma scored his first ODI hundred in three years while Shubman Gill continued his domination with another sublime ton as India completed a clean sweep with a 90-run win over New Zealand in the third match here on Tuesday. Batters from both sides lit up the dead rubber as 680 runs were scored at the Holkar Stadium. Rohit (101 off 85 balls) got to the three-figure mark for the first time since January 2020 while Gill (112 off 78) scored his fourth ODI hundred to take India to 385 for nine. Following twin failures, the New Zealand top-order put up a much better show. Devon Conway (138) stitched crucial partnerships but Shardul Thakur (3/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/62) regularly struck to bowl out the Balck Caps for 295 in 41.2 overs. It was India's second consecutive clean sweep, having beaten Sri Lanka last week. After Hardik Pandya (1/37) got rid of Finn Allen (0), Conway shared 106 runs with Henry Nicholls and 78 runs with Daryl Mitchell (24). In the absence of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, the Indian bowlers struggled initially, leaking runs as Conway tonked the ball all around the park. Shardul, however, managed to turn the game, as he took back-to-back wickets of Mitchell and Tom Latham (0) in the 26th over. In his next over, Thakur sent Glenn Phillips (5) packing with a cross-seamed delivery. Umran Malik (1/52) then got Conway as the centurion pulled awkwardly with Rohit doing the rest at midwicket as the match seemed to slip out of New Zealand's grasp. The spin duo of Kuldeep and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/43) then cleaned up the tail. Earlier, Rohit and Gill put up a belligerent 212-run opening stand, sharing 22 fours and 11 sixes between them. Rahul Dravid joked on the eve of the match that bowlers don't want to bowl as soon as they land in Indore because of the batter-friendly conditions. The batting great had a point, and the New Zealanders rolling over their arms during the first 25 overs would have shared Dravid's sentiment. At one point every ball that Rohit and Gill's bat touched was either flying to the boundary or over it. Gill hit four fours and a six to plunder 22 runs off Lockie Ferguson in the eighth over, symbolising the kind of form the 23-year-old has been in lately. The youngster didn't have to even time the ball for it to run to the boundary. After three fours, he launched the short ball for an upper-cut six. With the outfield quick and the wicket flat, the rather inexperienced New Zealand bowling unit had no answers to the Indian openers' carnage. The 26th over saw both Rohit and Gill getting their centuries. Rohit pulled away to deep square to get to his mark and, three balls later, Gill got to the triple-figure mark, his third in four innings. New Zealand skipper Tom Latham used as many as six bowlers and it was his sixth option -- spinner Michael Bracewell -- who provided the tourists their first breakthrough. Trying to slog one out of the park, Rohit missed the ball as it kept low and turned to eventually hit the stumps. His wicket was met with a roar by the partisan crowd, welcoming Virat Kohli (36). A miscued shot in the next over spelt the end of Gill's innings as New Zealand struck twice in quick succession. Ishan Kishan (17) didn't look too comfortable and took nine balls to open his account. A yes-no with Kohli, who had sprinted halfway, marked the end of the wicketkeeper batter's stay in the middle. New Zealand were able to bring down the boundaries and sixes and, looking to play a big shot, Kohli couldn't beat Finn Allen at mid-off. Firmly on course for a 400-plus score, India endured a familiar middle-order batting collapse, before Hardik Pandya (54 off 38 balls) provided the final flourish.

IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Rohit's ton helps India win by 90 runs to complete a series whitewash

India has formally sent invites to all the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for a foreign ministers' meeting that will take place in Goa from 4-5 May. This includes invites to the new foreign minister of China Qin Gang and Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto. India took over the chairmanship of the 9-member mega grouping in September of last year and will be holding key ministerial meetings and the summit this year.

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So far there is no confirmation from the Pakistani side on whether foreign minister Bilawal will be attending the meeting. Ties between the 2 countries remain frozen over the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan even as Islamabad has been calling for the reinstatement of Article 370 for the erstwhile Indian state of J&amp;K as a prerequisite for any talks. Add to this, FM Bilawal's remarks of last month at the UN on PM Modi seem to have cast a shadow on any recovery in ties.

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Pakistan has not participated in the SCO film festival that will take place in Mumbai later this month. While all countries have sent entries, Pakistan is the only country not to send any films for screening at the 3rd such film festival of the grouping. Neerja Shekar, additional secretary, I&amp;B on Monday in a presser said, "there is only one SCO member country, from which entries have not been received. there has been no response".

India will be holding meetings of SCO defence, NSA, interior, and environment ministers in the run-up to the summit. Ministerial meetings will begin in March, the first week onwards. The over-20-year-old organization has Russia, India, China, Pakistan and 4 central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its members. Iran is the latest country to become a member and under Indian Presidency will for the first time attend the grouping's meeting as a full-fledged member.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-defends-planned-military-drills-with-russia-and-china-555357">South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China</a>

The grouping covers more than 60% of the area of the Eurasian landmass, 40% of the world population and 30 % of the global GDP. More and more countries have shown interest in becoming part of the grouping, especially from the Arab world, many of whom have got the status of the dialogue partner.

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India has formally sent invites to all the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for a foreign ministers' meeting that will take place in Goa from 4-5 May.

India has formally sent invites to all the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for a foreign ministers' meeting that will take place in Goa from 4-5 May. This includes invites to the new foreign minister of China Qin Gang and Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto. India took over the chairmanship of the 9-member mega grouping in September of last year and will be holding key ministerial meetings and the summit this year. Also Read | Who is Sara Al Sayed, Saudi Arabia's new deputy foreign minister for public diplomacy? So far there is no confirmation from the Pakistani side on whether foreign minister Bilawal will be attending the meeting. Ties between the 2 countries remain frozen over the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan even as Islamabad has been calling for the reinstatement of Article 370 for the erstwhile Indian state of J&K as a prerequisite for any talks. Add to this, FM Bilawal's remarks of last month at the UN on PM Modi seem to have cast a shadow on any recovery in ties. Also Read | US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war Pakistan has not participated in the SCO film festival that will take place in Mumbai later this month. While all countries have sent entries, Pakistan is the only country not to send any films for screening at the 3rd such film festival of the grouping. Neerja Shekar, additional secretary, I&B on Monday in a presser said, "there is only one SCO member country, from which entries have not been received. there has been no response". India will be holding meetings of SCO defence, NSA, interior, and environment ministers in the run-up to the summit. Ministerial meetings will begin in March, the first week onwards. The over-20-year-old organization has Russia, India, China, Pakistan and 4 central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its members. Iran is the latest country to become a member and under Indian Presidency will for the first time attend the grouping's meeting as a full-fledged member. Watch | South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China The grouping covers more than 60% of the area of the Eurasian landmass, 40% of the world population and 30 % of the global GDP. More and more countries have shown interest in becoming part of the grouping, especially from the Arab world, many of whom have got the status of the dialogue partner. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India invites SCO countries, including Pak, China for Goa foreign ministers' meet

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations to be held on January 26. This is the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt has been invited as the chief guest.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be the chief guest at India's 74th Republic day parade

Fossilised Titanosaurus eggs have been found by a group of paleontologists in Madhya Pradesh's Narmada Valley in India.

Trending on WION | India: Palaeontologists find 256 fossilised Titanosaur eggs and 92 nests in MP

India imported crude oil from Russia 1 million barrels per day for the first time in December. The crude oil export to India peaked when the EU and the US imposed a price cap on Russia's seaborne oil. Watch this to know more.

Russia's crude oil export to India surged to a new record

In a new find, a group of&nbsp;palaeontologists located 256 fossilised Titanosaur eggs and 92 nests of herbivorous Titanosaurs in the Dhar region of Madhya Pradesh's Narmada Valley, as reported by the Economic Times.&nbsp;Titanosaurs are among the biggest known dinosaurs.

The most recent finding suggests that the Narmada Valley was a zone of dinosaur hatching millions of years ago. As other palaeontologists have previously found dinosaur nests and eggs in the MP district of Jabalpur and the Gujarat town of Balasinor, this is not the first time a discovery of this nature has been made. A team of palaeontologists from the Mohanpur-Kolkata, Bhopal, and Delhi's Indian Institute of Science Education and Research did fieldwork in various villages in the Bagh and Kukshi districts of the Dhar district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-the-relationship-between-antidepressants-and-emotional-blunting-555088">Study reveals the relationship between antidepressants and 'emotional blunting'</a>

There is a strong possibility that the Titanosaurs either travelled to this area of the Narmada Valley particularly to deposit the eggs or that the eggs were also hatched there. The eggs they discovered showed signs of both hatching and not having been hatched, according to lead researcher Dhiman. He said that no bones had been discovered and that a micro CT scan was necessary for further investigation.

The nests that were found in the Narmada valley were close together. These dinosaurs laid eggs that were between 15 and 17 centimetres in diameter. Each nest, according to Dhiman, had one to twenty eggs.

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In a new find, a group of palaeontologists located 256 fossilised Titanosaur eggs and 92 nests of herbivorous Titanosaurs in the Dhar region of Madhya Pradesh's Narmada Valley, as reported by the Economic Times.

In a new find, a group of palaeontologists located 256 fossilised Titanosaur eggs and 92 nests of herbivorous Titanosaurs in the Dhar region of Madhya Pradesh's Narmada Valley, as reported by the Economic Times. Titanosaurs are among the biggest known dinosaurs. The most recent finding suggests that the Narmada Valley was a zone of dinosaur hatching millions of years ago. As other palaeontologists have previously found dinosaur nests and eggs in the MP district of Jabalpur and the Gujarat town of Balasinor, this is not the first time a discovery of this nature has been made. A team of palaeontologists from the Mohanpur-Kolkata, Bhopal, and Delhi's Indian Institute of Science Education and Research did fieldwork in various villages in the Bagh and Kukshi districts of the Dhar district. Also read | Study reveals the relationship between antidepressants and 'emotional blunting' There is a strong possibility that the Titanosaurs either travelled to this area of the Narmada Valley particularly to deposit the eggs or that the eggs were also hatched there. The eggs they discovered showed signs of both hatching and not having been hatched, according to lead researcher Dhiman. He said that no bones had been discovered and that a micro CT scan was necessary for further investigation. The nests that were found in the Narmada valley were close together. These dinosaurs laid eggs that were between 15 and 17 centimetres in diameter. Each nest, according to Dhiman, had one to twenty eggs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Scientists discover dinosaur nests, 265 fossilised eggs in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmada Valley

Thousands of laid off Indian professionals working in the United States who lost their jobs as a result of recent job cards at big tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon are now battling to find new jobs.

Massive layoffs hurting sacked Indians in the US

The jobless rate in Indian cities swell to 10.1 percent in December despite the country being touted as a bright spot amid growing recession affairs in Europe, the United States and other major economies.

Despite healthy GDP prospects, the jobless rate high in India

In India's Jammu and Kashmir, an avalanche hit a village in Bandipura district. Now according to the officials, no deaths have been reported so far.

WION Climate Tracker: Avalanche warning across 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir

India's exit from the Hockey World Cup has once again put question marks around the team's immediate future. Former India Head Coach and current U.S. Men's team Head Coach Harendra Singh told Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo that no drastic actions are needed, however a 'minor surgery' is required.

What next for Indian Hockey after World Cup exit?

The ministry of external affairs announced on Saturday that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the chief guest at India's 74th Republic Day celebrations. According to the foreign ministry, President El-Sisi will travel to India on January 26 at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to visit India this week

India is having some relief at the time of a volatile macro environment. India's forex reserves are at a five-month high. Gold reserves are also up by $1.106 billion to $42.890 billion.

India's forex reserves are at five-month high; Gold reserves up by $1.106 billion to $42.890 billion

Despite being the world's fastest-growing economy, India is not creating enough jobs as India's urban jobless rate swells. Watch this report for all details.

India's urban jobless rate swells: India is the fastest-growing economy but not creating enough jobs

New Zealand versus India Highlights Hockey World Cup 2023: At the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India was defeated by New Zealand in their crossover game to end the tournament. After the game ended in a 3-3 draw, New Zealand won in sudden death.

FIH Hockey World Cup: New Zealand win crossover

India and France have carried out a five-day Naval exercise in the Pacific region. The drill's aim was to improve interoperability and prepare joint operations. The annual aero-naval event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the two Nations strategic partnership.

India-France complete five-day annual aero-naval exercise

The government in India has issued new endorsement rules which state&nbsp;that sponsored content must be clearly labelled by social media influencers as such or they will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh (USD&nbsp;12,349)&nbsp;for the first time and a repeat offender will have to pay fine of up to Rs 50 lakh (USD&nbsp;61,746)&nbsp;or face a ban of up to six months.&nbsp;

India's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &amp; Public Distribution issued the regulations which aim to ensure that the audiences are not deceived by influencers when they are promoting services or products and must comply with the Consumer Protection Act and the guidelines and rules related to them.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/is-more-trouble-brewing-big-tech-firms-back-google-in-a-key-lawsuit-554378">Is more trouble brewing? Big tech firms back Google in a key lawsuit</a>

As per the guidelines, the influencers must disclose the sponsorship clearly and prominently in any endorsement, which makes it difficult for the audience to miss it.&nbsp;

The guidelines apply to any influencer, virtual or celebrity who is reaching the audience and holds the power to influence the audience's decisions related to purchasing a product or opinions about a service, product, experience or brand.&nbsp;

Any material connection of the influencers with the advertiser, which includes incentives, benefits, trips or hotel stays, monetary or other compensation, coverage, free products without or with a condition, media barters, awards, gifts, discounts, employment, personal or family relationships must be disclosed.&nbsp;

WATCH | India: News flagged as fake by government to be banned on social media

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The influencers must make endorsements in clear and simple language, using terms like “paid promotion”, “advertisement” and “sponsored”. No service or product not experienced or used personally should&nbsp;be endorsed by the influencers.&nbsp;

The ministry released the guidelines in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, under which guidelines were established for consumers' protection from misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government in India has issued new endorsement rules which state that sponsored content must be clearly labelled by social media influencers as such or they will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh (USD 12,349) for the first time and a repeat offender will have to pay fine of up to Rs 50 lakh (USD 61,746) or face a ban of up to six months.

The government in India has issued new endorsement rules which state that sponsored content must be clearly labelled by social media influencers as such or they will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh (USD 12,349) for the first time and a repeat offender will have to pay fine of up to Rs 50 lakh (USD 61,746) or face a ban of up to six months. India's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution issued the regulations which aim to ensure that the audiences are not deceived by influencers when they are promoting services or products and must comply with the Consumer Protection Act and the guidelines and rules related to them. ALSO READ | Is more trouble brewing? Big tech firms back Google in a key lawsuit As per the guidelines, the influencers must disclose the sponsorship clearly and prominently in any endorsement, which makes it difficult for the audience to miss it. The guidelines apply to any influencer, virtual or celebrity who is reaching the audience and holds the power to influence the audience's decisions related to purchasing a product or opinions about a service, product, experience or brand. Any material connection of the influencers with the advertiser, which includes incentives, benefits, trips or hotel stays, monetary or other compensation, coverage, free products without or with a condition, media barters, awards, gifts, discounts, employment, personal or family relationships must be disclosed. WATCH | India: News flagged as fake by government to be banned on social media The influencers must make endorsements in clear and simple language, using terms like “paid promotion”, “advertisement” and “sponsored”. No service or product not experienced or used personally should be endorsed by the influencers. The ministry released the guidelines in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, under which guidelines were established for consumers' protection from misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Under new rules, influencers face fine, six-month ban for unlabelled paid promotion

UK International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch who is in-charge of the negotiation of UK-India free trade deal, has reportedly said that the United Kingdom is not planning to offer more student visas to India under the age of 35.

No more student visas for Indians under FTA; 'No Australia-like FTA with India,' says Kemi Badenoch

Let's shift our focus to India. People in the country are becoming more internet and smartphone friendly. For many Indians, the smartphone is the gateway to the internet. But there is now a new observation. India's rocketing internet-user growth has stalled. We tell you more about it in this video.

Internet growth stalls in India as smartphones get costlier | Tech It Out

Along the Line of Control, according to new satellite images released by a researcher, China is reportedly building a dam on a tributary on the river Ganga which is close to its border with India and Nepal.

China is building dam along India's border since 2021, says report

Are India & China heading towards a 'water war'? Satellite images show China is building a dam near Arunachal border. In response, India has also expedited hydro-power projects in the state.

Gravitas: Are India & China heading towards a water war?

Google has lost its antitrust battle in India. The tech giant can no longer force device makers to pre-install Google apps.

Gravitas: Google loses anti-trust battle in India

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