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<ul><li><keyword id="382594" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="internet-access">Internet access</keyword> in <keyword id="17605" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword> continues to be throttled at 2G speeds despite demands of better speeds in order to access education and healthcare services during the coronavirus lockdown. </li><li>Lawyers told Business Insider that the issue of internet access in India’s troubled state is not about the ‘right to freedom’, but about the ‘right to life’. </li><li>The argument that 4G speeds in Jammu and Kashmir would facilitate terrorism implies that access to faster internet can’t be restored until terrorism is completely eradicated. </li></ul>Access to 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir was shot down by the Supreme Court on Monday. Instead, they passed on the responsibility of restoring fast-speed internet access onto a committee that will determine the balance between ‘national security’ and ‘human rights’. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75670549" title="India's Supreme Court won't allow 4G in Jammu and Kashmir⁠— despite petitioners' plea that it's essential for healthcare, education and business during the coronavirus lockdown" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Jammu and Kashmir had the face the longest internet shutdown in India’s history lasting 7 months — between 4 August 2019 to 4 March 2020 — after the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/jammu-and-kashmir-and-ladakh-will-now-be-two-separate-union-territories/articleshow/70531866.cms">Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated</a> by the Indian government. Internet services have since been restored in a phased manner, however only at 2G speeds. “While the Supreme Court’s judgment appears to be based on the principle that no ‘fundamental freedom’ is absolute, this is a case of ‘right to life’,” Padmaja Kaul, a partner at IndusLaw, told Business Insider. <div type="image" title="kashmir3_edited" msid="75708345" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Due to constant blockade of mobile phones and internet, landline or fixed line phones are of great demand. Many temporary landline phone booths have been set up in many parts of the valley especially in Srinagar city&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “It is unlikely that we have seen the last of this legal tussle and with each passing day, it seems more imperative that the Supreme Court will need to step in and play a greater role in safeguarding the fundamental rights of its citizens,” said Kaul. The coronavirus pandemic is only making things worse The petitioners argued that 2G internet services aren’t enough to fulfil the requirements that have now come up due to the coronavirus lockdown. Essential services — like education and medical consultation — now have to be conducted online, and slow internet speeds are subpar to meet those demands. <div type="image" title="kashmir6_edited" msid="75708450" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Around 985 Jammu and Kashmir students studying in various colleges across Karnataka were ferried in BMTC buses from Byappanhalli to Chikbanawara railway station&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “The issue, essentially, boils down to whether the denial of access to the most efficient, convenient and potentially cheap mode of accessing healthcare services or education — that is through the use of 4G internet — is violative of the constitution. This, during a pandemic, must be a resounding yes,” Kaul explained. The counter-argument presented was that there is no report of anyone dying of COVID-19 due to internet restrictions, which according to Kaul, is akin to an ostrich hiding its head under the ground. “The Supreme Court, in innumerable decisions, has held that the right to health is a part of the right to life and that there is a constitutional duty on the State to ensure timely healthcare services,” she said. <div type="image" title="kashmir4_edited" msid="75708371" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;User access social media after authorities lifted ban allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to access it on 2G mobile internet till March 17. This is the first time in seven months that access has been given to social media platforms after central government scraped Article 370 in August last year, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Terrorism can’t be the justification to curtail access to internet The official narrative in court pushed on the fact that access to faster internet speeds could be the means to facilitate terrorism. Petitioners argued that there was “no rational relation” between the two. Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi even pointed out that in most cases of terrorism in the state, they were conducted in areas where there was no internet access, to begin with. “The court has refused to take a view if faster internet can be restored in J&amp;K in view of pandemic and held on to its view that the national security considerations prevail over other fundamental rights in view of the security circumstances of J&amp;K,” said Siddharth Mahajan, a partner at Athena Legal. <div type="image" title="kashmir5_edited" msid="75708402" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Many Kashmiris residing in Bengaluru along with activists and volunteers gathered at Town Hall to protest against the shut down in Kashmir following scrapping of Article 370 and demanded that internet and mobile phne connections to be restored immediately in August 2019&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Data from the <a href="https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/india/Jammu-and-Kashmir-fatalities-1998-2019">South Asia Terrorism Portal</a> shows that the incidence of terrorism was much higher before 2006 when the internet was slower and, even non-existent, in certain areas. “The logical extension of the government’s stand of curtailing 4G while terrorism is prevalent may lead to the absurd result that J&amp;K may never have access to 4G until and unless terrorism is completely eradicated from the valley,” added Kaul. The question of fundamental rights The Freedom on the Net <a href="https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/11042019_Report_FH_FOTN_2019_final_Public_Download.pdf">report</a> highlights that India is the second worst violator of internet user rights calling access to internet only ‘partly free’ in the country. “The nature of the fundamental rights in our Constitution is very interesting. Most rights — including the right to life and the freedom of speech, expression, etc. — are couched in negative terminology. That is, the state cannot deprive persons of such rights unless there are constitutionally permitted exceptions,” said Kaul. The opposition in court argued that there are aren’t any restriction on fixed-line connections, so eduction and healthcare services should not be hampered. However, most people in India access the internet using mobile phone — not laptops — which is cheaper. <div type="image" title="kashmir8_edited" msid="75708496" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A paramilitary personnel stands on guard during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown crisis. Restrictions continued on movement of people to curb the spread of coronavirus in Kashmir valley&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Denying access to the fast-speed internet in Jammu and Kashmir is ironic because the court itself has faced connectivity issues, even though it operates on fixed-line broadband. The internet restrictions in the state have been enacted under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. “The said rules allow the government to regulate the temporary suspension of telecom services due to public emergency or public safety,” Kaul explained. However, the provision is meant to be for “temporary suspension” — not nearly a year. “The issue that needs to be highlighted is the proportionality in restricting access for such a prolonged period,” said Kaul. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-supreme-court-wont-allow-4g-internet-in-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/75670549.cms">India's Supreme Court won't allow 4G in Jammu and Kashmir⁠— despite petitioners' plea that it's essential for healthcare, education and business during the coronavirus lockdown</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/experts-explain-the-legal-and-moral-pitfalls-in-aarogya-setu-app-despite-the-governments-insistence-that-a-protocol-has-been-put-in-place/articleshow/75690239.cms">Experts explain the legal and moral pitfalls in Aarogya Setu app ⁠— despite the government’s insistence that a protocol has been put in place</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-will-see-multiple-waves-of-covid-19-infections-every-few-months-but-thats-not-a-reason-to-panic/articleshow/75707889.cms">India will see multiple waves of COVID-19 infections every few months — but that's not a reason to panic</a>

Internet access in Jammu and Kashmir isn’t about the ‘right to freedom’ — it’s about the ‘right to life’, according to lawyers

<ul><li>On August 2, thousands of <keyword id="44352" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amarnath-Yatra">Amarnath Yatra</keyword> pilgrims were asked to leave <keyword id="6354495" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> immediately. </li><li>Since then, section 144 has been imposed, internet services have been suspended, political leaders like <keyword id="19464" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Omar-Abdullah">Omar Abdullah</keyword> and <keyword id="6375812" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mehbooba-mufti">Mehbooba Mufti</keyword> have been placed under house arrest. </li><li>Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held a meeting to discuss the recent developments in Kashmir.</li></ul>On Friday (August 2) evening, the Indian government asked <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-india-pakistan-border-in-kashmir-is-simmering-again-thousands-of-amarnath-pilgrims-have-been-sent-back/articleshow/70500904.cms">thousands of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims</a> to leave Kashmir immediately citing a terror threat. Since then, the state has been in confusion and chaos. Making matters worse is a series of speculation by both <a href="https://twitter.com/SankarshanT/status/1157987037938511872">news outfits as well as on social media </a>that has led to people fearing the worst and hoarding food and necessities. The radio silence from New Delhi, while building up troops in the valley, in the face of rampant speculation has added to the unease, particularly in the Kashmir valley. The speculations range from the abrogation of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/what-is-article-35a-of-the-indian-constitution-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/69684605.cms">Article 35A</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/what-is-article-370-of-the-indian-constitution-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/69684790.cms">Section 370</a> of the Indian Constitution to the splitting up of the state into 3 parts – Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. However, there has been no clear evidence to suggest any of the above. Let us look at all that has happened over the last three days that have intensified tensions in Kashmir leading to warnings from Pakistan too. Security beefed up The state of <keyword id="23412" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-Kashmir">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</keyword> has been under President’s rule since December 2018 and now, section 144, which prohibits an assembly of more than 4 people in an area, has been imposed. "As per the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed. There will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings or rallies during the period of operation of this order. Identity cards of essential services officials will be treated as movement passes wherever required. However, there is no curfew in place as reported in a section of media," an official statement said as reported by IANS. The government had already deployed an additional paramilitary personnel of 10,000 in the state. According to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/security-deployment-at-vital-installations-in-kashmir-increased-political-parties-hold-meeting-top-developments/articleshow/70524096.cms">reports</a>, riot control vehicles too have been deployed in the state. <keyword id="7948376" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="leaders-under-house-arrest">Leaders under house arrest</keyword> The state’s top political leaders were placed under house arrest late Sunday night. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to write about the imminent house arrest. “I believe I’m being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight &amp; the process has already started for other mainstream leaders. No way of knowing if this is true but if it is then I’ll see all of you on the other side of whatever is in store. Allah save us,” he wrote on Twitter. His rival, and a former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, “How ironic that elected representatives like us who fought for peace are under house arrest. The world watches as people &amp; their voices are being muzzled in J&amp;K. The same Kashmir that chose a secular democratic India is facing oppression of unimaginable magnitude. Wake up India.” Life comes to a standstill Internet services have been suspended since Sunday night in the state. Meanwhile, education institutions in the state too have been asked to remain shut from today until further orders. Kashmir university exams which were supposed to take place from August 5 to 10 have been postponed, according to IANS. BSNL will be giving satellite phones to media persons at the steep price of ₹1 lakh a piece to file stories from the Valley, said an IANS report. However, according to ANI, schools and colleges will reopen today in Ladakh as restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have not been imposed in the region. Security meeting in Pakistan In Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan called for a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1498058/nsc-meeting-pakistan-to-respond-to-any-misadventure-aggression-by-indian-forces">meeting</a> of the National Security Committee to discuss the developments along the border and reportedly, react to any steps taken by the Indian military. While Pakistan alleged that the Indian army used cluster bombs along the Line Of Control, the Indian army has said it was to foil an attempt by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT) to cross over to the Indian side of the border. "Pakistan army regularly attempts to push terrorists through infiltration and opens up with multitude of weapons to assist them. India, during numerous Directorate of Military Operations-level talks, has maintained the right to respond. Such responses are only against military targets and infiltrating terrorists who are aided by Pakistan Army. Allegations of firing of cluster bombs by India is yet another Pakistan's lie and deception," <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-pakistan-cluster-bombs-ammunition-loc-kashmir-1576890-2019-08-03">the Indian army said in a statement.</a> Cabinet meeting in India Meanwhile, in Delhi, Union Minister Amit Shah is said to have held a security meeting including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to discuss the situation in Kashmir. Other senior officials at the meeting included, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Intelligence Bureau chief Arvind Kumar, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Samant Kumar Goel. According to an IANS report, Shah is reportedly planning to visit the state. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/all-the-restrictions-imposed-on-the-kashmir-valley-starting-monday/articleshow/70529211.cms">All the restrictions imposed on the Kashmir valley starting Monday</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-are-placed-under-house-arrest/articleshow/70529476.cms">Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti are placed under house arrest</a>

All that's happened in Kashmir over the last 72 hours – from movement of troops to suspension of internet to political leaders under house arrest

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The duration of government-imposed <keyword id="3944051" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Internet-Shutdowns">internet shutdowns</keyword> around the world shot up by 49% in 2020 compared to the previous year, according to a report from Top10VPN.</li><li>While the economic impact of these shutdowns was much less than in 2019, the <keyword id="52767" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Human-rights">human rights</keyword> cost appears to be growing.</li><li>This is because internet blackouts disproportionately affected people in poorer countries.</li><li>One of the report's authors told Business Insider the shutdowns had stopped people accessing healthcare information "and therefore may have contributed to the continued spread of the virus."</li></ul>Government-imposed internet blackouts increased in length by 49% in 2020 compared to 2019, per research by digital security and rights group Top10VPN.According to Top10VPN's <a href="https://www.top10vpn.com/cost-of-internet-shutdowns/">report</a>, 93 major internet shutdowns took place in 21 countries around the world in 2020, including internet throttling - i.e. the only internet available was 2G - as well as social media shutdowns and full internet blackouts.In total, 2020 saw 27,165 hours of internet shutdowns, up a dramatic 49% from 2019. Top10VPN estimated these blackouts affected 268 million people around the world, up 3% on the previous year.One of the report's authors told Business Insider the shutdowns had stopped people accessing healthcare information "and therefore may have contributed to the continued spread of the virus."Although the financial impact of internet shutdowns was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/internet-shutdowns-cost-the-global-economy-8-billion-in-2019-2020-1">only half what they cost the world economy in 2019</a>, the human rights cost was significantly higher, the report said. The report's authors noted that longer shutdowns were concentrated in poorer countries, resulting in a lower global economic impact. "While the overall impact on the global economy declined, authoritarian regimes showed little restraint in the face of a global pandemic and poorer countries were disproportionately affected," they wrote.<keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> accounted for $2.8 billion of the total economic impact, with 75 internet shutdowns over the course of 2020 totalling roughly 8,900 hours - though Top10VPN noted the real figure was likely higher."The majority of these short blackouts were highly-targeted, affecting groups of villages or individual city districts and so were not included in this report, which focuses on larger region-wide shutdowns. The true economic cost is therefore likely to be even higher than the $2.8 billion we have calculated," the report said."The prolonged shutdown in <keyword id="6354495" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> was particularly damaging. It disrupted the distribution of medical services, negatively impacted students' education and hurt local businesses," Samuel Woodhams, one of the report's authors told Business Insider. India <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-kashmir-internet-blackout-anniversary-i-lived-through-it-2020-8">cut off internet access to the region of Kashmir on August 4, 2019</a> - one day before the country's government revoked the region's autonomous status. This blackout was partially lifted in March 2020, but internet speeds remained throttled.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-vcs-slack-movement-venture-capital-investing-tiktok-sway-2021-1?r=ih-sub">Gen Z-ers want to become VCs while they're still young, and they're building a growing movement to make that happen</a>Woodhams added that in the context of the pandemic, internet shutdowns represent an even more troubling violation of human rights than usual. "During the pandemic, internet shutdowns have stifled citizens' ability to access vital health information and therefore may have contributed to the continued spread of the virus," he said.<keyword id="6356970" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="myanmar">Myanmar</keyword> restricted internet access for a similar length of time to India, and in June reports emerged from the country that some citizens had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/myanmar-internet-shutdown-people-unaware-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-6">not even heard of the coronavirus pandemic due to lack of access to the internet</a>.

268 million people had their internet shut off by government-imposed blackouts in 2020, up 49% from 2019

<ul><li>Day 1 of 5G spectrum auctions has already surpassed analyst estimates even as telcos and <keyword id="76451" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="adani" source="Orion">Adani</keyword> remained less aggressive.</li><li>Despite the good demand, analysts say the competition was low and bids were at reserve prices.</li><li>Here’s the 5G spectrum auctions picture after the first day of bidding.</li></ul>The much anticipated <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/why-the-govt-should-not-expect-a-bumper-harvest-from-5g-spectrum-auctions/articleshow/92679454.cms">5G spectrum auctions</a> in India have commenced, with <keyword id="2003276" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="jio" source="Orion">Jio</keyword>, <keyword id="15491" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="airtel" source="Orion">Airtel</keyword> and Vodafone Idea, along with India’s richest man <keyword id="111343" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gautam-adani" source="Orion">Gautam Adani</keyword> – having submitted bids worth ₹1.45 lakh crore already, more than twice of what analysts expected. However, analysts suggest that the bids were less aggressive despite the good demand, and quotes were made at reserve prices – <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/why-the-govt-should-not-expect-a-bumper-harvest-from-5g-spectrum-auctions/articleshow/92679454.cms">along expected lines</a>. According to reports, the three telcos and Gautam Adani have placed bids for spectrum in bands which support different specs like large coverage, high-speed and low-latency. <div type="image" title="5G spectrum auction Day 1 bids." msid="93157453" hostid="261" sizebytes="14796" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;5G spectrum auction Day 1 bids&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “After round 4 yesterday, bids have been placed for 40% of the spectrum available which is in line with the expectations. Apart from the mid band (3300 Mhz) and the mm wave (26Ghz) required for 5G roll-out, the 700 Mhz has been sought after to catapult the rural broadband penetration in the country,” said Peeyush Vaish, Partner and Telecom Sector Leader, Deloitte India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Here’s what Jio, Airtel, Vi and Adani are bidding for" comment="subhead" text="Here’s what Jio, Airtel, Vi and Adani are bidding for">Here’s what Jio, Airtel, Vi and Adani are bidding for</cmsannotation> While <keyword id="3820" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mukesh-ambani" source="Orion">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>’s Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Airtel have bid for spectrum spread across a wide range of bands, Vodafone Idea’s bids were limited to specific bands like 3300MHz and 26GHz, apart from a few other bands. Adani Data Networks, on the other hand, seems to have focused its bids primarily in the 26GHz band and in select circles where its ports and other businesses are present. Unsurprisingly, Adani bid the most in the Gujarat circle where its Mundra port is located. This suggests that for now, Adani is focusing on spectrum for its business needs. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="92382529" title="5G in India – does the aam aadmi even need it?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> According to Morgan Stanley, there was no demand yet in the 600MHz and 800MHz bands. The 900MHz band (where Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have a footprint) showed demand in two out of 21 circles (Assam and Jammu &amp; Kashmir), with 12% of total available spectrum being won. The investment bank said that unlike the previous two auctions (2016, 2021), where no interest was seen in the 700MHz band, this round of spectrum auctions saw demand across 22 circles with 40% of the total available spectrum being won. In the earlier round, telcos did not bid for spectrum in the 700MHz as the reserve price was very high – but Jio’s strategy this time around is to solve its network quality concerns, which explains why it has bid for the 700MHz band. According to Nomura, this will help Jio in offering better quality services, especially indoor network coverage. This could go against its rivals Airtel and Vodafone Idea, who have instead opted for the less expensive 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands. Earlier, a report by IIFL Securities had estimated the total spectrum bids to amount to ₹71,000 crore, but with ₹1,45,000 crore already in its bag and the Day 2 of auctions underway, the government’s 5G spectrum bounty will only get bigger. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/rbi-governors-recipe-for-banks-of-the-future-oodles-of-social-media-new-tech-a-dash-of-human-touch/articleshow/93138812.cms">RBI governor’s recipe for banks of the future: Oodles of social media, new tech &amp; a dash of human touch</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-posts-a-moderate-5-increase-in-profits-in-q1-fy23-adds-10-million-new-subscribers/articleshow/93058640.cms">Reliance Jio posts a moderate 5% increase in profits in Q1 FY23, adds 10 million new subscribers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/after-energy-media-and-consumer-goods-its-adani-vs-ambani-in-telecom/articleshow/92772403.cms">After energy, media and consumer goods, it's Adani vs Ambani in telecom</a>

5G spectrum auctions: Big money is in but no bidding war yet

<ul><li><keyword id="6355521" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amit-shah">Amit Shah</keyword>’s deputies in MHA, G Kishan Reddy and <keyword id="6383456" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="nityanand-rai">Nityanand Rai</keyword>, assigned all 21 divisions.</li></ul><ul><li>In a first time ever, <keyword id="17605" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword> and northeast divisions will be headed by one minister of state.</li></ul><ul><li>Intelligence Bureau to report directly to Amit Shah.</li></ul><ul><li>Shah will also cater to decisioning about Cabinet matters and President’s house.</li></ul>New Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, 17 June, 2019, assigned all the 21 divisions of his ministry, to two of his deputies - ministers of state G Kishan Reddy and Nityanand Rai. The reporting of Intelligence Bureau is to remain with Shah, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amit-shah-empowers-his-ministers-of-state/articleshow/69867231.cms">according to reports</a>. The Jammu and Kashmir division was headed by Hansraj Ahir and northeast division was headed by <keyword id="638723" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kiren-Rijiju">Kiren Rijiju</keyword>, Shah’s predecessor <keyword id="6355121" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword>. The key divisions of Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast, Union Territory, cyber security and counter-radicalisation, are assigned to G Kishan Reddy, while centre-state division, Police-I (that looks after transfer postings of IPS officers), foreigners divisions among others are assigned to Nityanand Rai. Shah will look after all decisions involving Cabinet matters and President’s house, besides IB. AS officials told <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amit-shah-empowers-his-ministers-of-state/articleshow/69867231.cms">Economic Times</a>. Reportedly, Shah has also tasked the two deputies with taking presentation from every division at the home ministry for better sync in their functioning. The home minister also reviewed details regarding the functioning of the MHA on the first day of taking charge at the North Block. In a first time ever, both the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir divisions have been allocated to the same minister of state. G Kishan Reddy is a three-time MLA and is a first-term MP from Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency in Telangana. Nityanand Rai, who won from the Ujiarpur constituency in Bihar, has also been assigned incharge of women safety division, that was created last year following the Kathua rape case. Rai will also head the Left-wing extremism (LWE) division, that looks at anti-Maoist operations, besides disaster management and police modernisation division, as reported by officials. There are 24 ministers of state in the present council of ministers and six other ministers of state with independent charge.

India's new home minister entrusts just 2 people with several divisions

<ul><li>The retail credit book grew by 18.7 % and wholesale credit book grew by 20.2 %.</li><li>The bank's total deposits aggregated to ₹189,146 crore, a growth of 10 % since last year.</li><li>The <keyword id="6422019" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="casa" source="Orion">CASA</keyword> ratio reached 36.41 % (Q2 FY23) from 36.16 % (Q2 FY2 2).</li></ul> Private sector <keyword id="6356495" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="federal-bank" source="Orion">Federal Bank</keyword>'s gross advances stood at ₹163,956 crore as of September 2022 logging 19.4 % year-on-year (YoY) growth. In a regulatory filing Federal Bank said that its gross advances grew by 19.4 % to ₹163,956 crore from ₹137,313 crore as of September 30,2021. The retail credit book grew by 18.7 % and wholesale credit book grew by 20.2 %. Retail to wholesale ratio at 54:46. The bank's total deposits aggregated to ₹189,146 crore, a growth of 10 % over ₹171,995 crore as of September 30, 2021. The Bank's CASA (Current Account,Savings Account) deposits aggregated to ₹ 68,873 crore, a growth of 10.7 % over ₹ 62,191 crore as of September 30, 2021. The CASA ratio reached 36.41 % (Q2 FY23) from 36.16 % (Q2 FY2 2). SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ril-sanmina-completes-jv-to-build-manufacturing-hub-in-india/articleshow/94637228.cms">RIL, Sanmina completes JV to build manufacturing hub in India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/authorities-suspended-mobile-internet-in-parts-of-jammu-rajouri-districts/articleshow/94636542.cms">Authorities suspended mobile internet in parts of Jammu, Rajouri districts</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/national-green-tribunal-slaps-telangana-with-a-3800-cr-fine-for-waste-management-failure/articleshow/94636341.cms">National Green Tribunal slaps Telangana with a ₹3,800 cr fine for waste management failure</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-5g-prices-may-be-affordable-for-now-but-expected-to-increase-after-wider-rollout/articleshow/94636173.cms">Reliance Jio and Airtel 5G prices may be affordable for now but expected to increase after wider rollout</a>

Federal Bank logs 19% y-oy growth in advances at ₹1,63,956 cr

<h4 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </h4><ul><li>BSNL will give satellite phones to media persons at ₹1 lakh a piece to file stories from the Valley. </li><li>These satellite phones are capable of providing location-based services like tracking facility, GPS location, emergency alert among others. </li><li>The government has already cut off mobile internet services and is planning to snap away call services soon. </li></ul>The situation in Kashmir -- that lies near the India-Pakistan border -- is becoming tense by every hour. Top political leaders, <keyword id="19464" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Omar-Abdullah">Omar Abdullah</keyword> and <keyword id="6375812" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mehbooba-mufti">Mehbooba Mufti</keyword>,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/section-144-in-kashmir-latest-news-developments/articleshow/70529285.cms"> are under house arrest.</a> The government has already cut off mobile internet services and is planning to snap away call services soon. However, the complete communications blackout would be a severe handicap for a contingent of on-ground reporters in Kashmir. State-owned telecom service provider BSNL has come to the rescue. BSNL will give satellite phones to media persons at ₹1 lakh a piece to file stories from the Valley. These satellite phones<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/bsnl-launches-satellite-phone-services/article24955514.ece"> are capable of providing location-based </a>services like tracking facility, GPS location, emergency alert among others. The Authorities decided to suspend the mobile internet facility on late Sunday night to avoid any rumors. 
 <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="70502051" title="Fake news is adding to the anxiety around tensions on the India-Pakistan border" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>



 Separately, government officials placed at top positions<a href="https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/jammu-and-kashmir-unrest-panic-ensues-post-advisory-on-terror-threats"> also possess</a> 350 cellphones and 2,000 satellite phones to keep the government posted about the status of the tensed situation in Kashmir, reported The Quint citing sources. The development came in after the government imposed <keyword id="6382007" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Section-144">section 144</keyword> in Kashmir. According to the order, there shall be no movement of public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed. People<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/all-the-restrictions-imposed-on-the-kashmir-valley-starting-monday/articleshow/70529211.cms"> cannot hold any kind of public meetings </a>or rallies during the period of operation of this order. On Friday (August 2) evening, the Indian government asked <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-india-pakistan-border-in-kashmir-is-simmering-again-thousands-of-amarnath-pilgrims-have-been-sent-back/articleshow/70500904.cms">thousands of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims</a> to leave Kashmir immediately citing a terror threat. Since then, the state has been in confusion and chaos. Making matters worse is a series of speculation by both <a href="https://twitter.com/SankarshanT/status/1157987037938511872">news outfits as well as on social media </a>that has led to people fearing the worst and hoarding food and necessities. The radio silence from New Delhi, while building up troops in the valley, in the face of rampant speculation has added to the unease, particularly in the Kashmir valley. The Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Monday (August 5) morning will be watched closely. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/section-144-in-kashmir-latest-news-developments/articleshow/70529285.cms">All that's happened in Kashmir over the last 72 hours – from movement of troops to suspension of internet to political leaders under house arrest</a>

Reporters in Kashmir get a satellite phone for ₹100,000 a piece as all other communication devices are shut down

<ul><li>Congress has given adjournment motion notice in the Parliament, demanding an official statement over the <keyword id="64132" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kashmir-issue">Kashmir issue</keyword>. </li><li>Former chief ministers of Kashmir — Omar Abdullah and <keyword id="6375812" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mehbooba-mufti">Mehbooba Mufti</keyword> — have been placed under house arrest. </li><li>Internet and mobile services have also been suspended in several areas the government imposed section 144 from midnight.</li></ul>Amid the rising tensions in the states of <keyword id="17605" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>, Congress MPs — including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, K Suresh and Manish Tewari — have given adjournment motion notice in the lower house of the Parliament, demanding an official statement over the Kashmir issue, ANI reported. Nazir Ahmad of People’s Democratic Party has issued a zero hour notice in the Parliament. Meanwhile, the issue is also being addressed in upper house where Congress MPs — Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Ambika Soni, and Bhubaneswar Kalita have extended Adjournment Motion notice over Kashmir issue. This adjournment motion is available to draw the attention of the government and criticise its decision in an urgent matter for which a motion or resolution, with notice, would be too late, <a href="http://www.prsindia.org/administrator/uploads/general/1408616558_Primer%20on%20Parliamentary%20Procedures.pdf">according to PRS Legislative</a>. If the adjournment motion is accepted, the House adjourns after voting. The adoption of an adjournment motion is seen as a strong disagreement with government policy, although there is no compulsion on the government to resign. Notice of an adjournment motion is required to be given before 10 am on the day on which the motion is proposed. The Kashmir issue The notice comes in the backdrop of house arrest of the state’s former chief ministers — Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti — on Sunday night. “Will see everyone on the other side. Allah save us,” Abdullah tweeted. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="OmarAbdullah" handlename="Omar Abdullah" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1119946891192438785/Dx6cpA-I_normal.jpg" favoritecount="19389" retweetcount="5891" status="I believe I’m being placed under house arrest from midnight tonight &amp; the process has already started for other mai… https://t.co/CXmcc5Z37c" createdat="1564941648000" id="1158075327333031941"></div>





 The Union Cabinet meeting will commence at 9:30 am today in Delhi. nion Home Minister <keyword id="6355521" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amit-shah">Amit Shah</keyword> will make announcements on the escalating tensions in Kashmir in the Parliament today. The story so far On Friday (August 2) evening, the Indian government asked <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-india-pakistan-border-in-kashmir-is-simmering-again-thousands-of-amarnath-pilgrims-have-been-sent-back/articleshow/70500904.cms">thousands of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims</a> to leave Kashmir immediately citing a terror threat. Since then, the state has been in confusion and chaos. Making matters worse is a series of speculation by both <a href="https://twitter.com/SankarshanT/status/1157987037938511872">news outfits as well as on social media </a>that has led to people fearing the worst and hoarding food and necessities. The silence from the government in New Delhi, while building up troops in the valley, in the face of rampant speculation has added to the unease, particularly in the Kashmir valley, where Internet and mobile services have also been suspended in several areas as the government imposed section 144 from midnight on Monday.

India’s opposition wants Narendra Modi to reveal his Kashmir plan in Parliament

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">ReutersA Kashmiri woman walks through an empty street during restrictions in Srinagar, Kashmir, on September 20, 2019.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>India announced plans to separate Jammu and Kashmir state and downgrade them to two territories directly controlled by New Delhi back in August, prompting widespread protests.</li><li>India also imposed a huge internet and phone blackout on the region. There are also multiple reports of violent protests and midnight raids, which the Indian government has denied.</li><li>Critics fear that Indian Hindus will now move into the mostly-Muslim region and alter its religious and ethnic makeup.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>India has officially eliminated the flag and constitution of the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir as the total internet blackout on Kashmir goes into its 13th week.The Indian government formally passed legislation on Thursday to remove the region's semi-autonomous status, which involves eliminating its own flag and constitution.The legislation also divided Jammu and Kashmir state and downgraded them into two federally-governed territories under New Delhi's direct control. India said earlier this year that the states would eventually be able to hold their own elections.Indian authorities on Thursday changed the name of the state-run radio station, Radio Kashmir Srinagar, to All India Radio Srinagar, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/no-kashmiri-flag-constitution-under-indian-imposed-changes-2019-10">the Associated Press (AP) reported</a>. Srinagar is the largest city in Kashmir.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Dar Yasin/APThe Indian national flag flying next to a Jammu and Kashmir state flag on a government building in Srinagar on August 9, 2019.</div></div></div>India announced the removal of Jammu and Kashmir's semi-autonomous status, which was enshrined in the country's 72-year-old constitution, in early August.The announcement was coupled with a total communications blackout in Jammu and Kashmir, with internet and phone lines cut off, as well as a massive troop increase, severe curfews, and detentions. The region was already the most highly-militarized area in the world.Since then, thousands of Kashmiris have protested and violently clashed with Indian security forces, with journalists and researchers reporting citizens being <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-villagers-allege-beatings-abuse-electric-shock-india-denies-2019-8">tortured</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-man-blinded-pellets-police-insist-no-major-injuries-2019-8">shot by police pellets</a>, and even <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-forces-detaining-kids-molesting-girls-amid-blackout-report-2019-8">molested in midnight raids</a>.The Indian government has denied all these reports. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-crisis-india-accuses-media-fake-news-using-trump-playbook-2019-9">It has also accused the media of fabricating news in Kashmir.</a><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-49481180">BBC</a>Stills from a BBC video, published in August, of two Kashmiri brothers showing injuries from what they said were beatings by Indian army officers.</div></div></div>Authorities have lifted some roadblocks and restored some phone lines in the region since August, the AP reported. Internet in Jammu has also returned, but the 12.5 million people living in Kashmir remain totally offline.The Indian government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-internet-shutdown-statistics-2019-6">cut off Kashmir's internet 134 times last year</a> in an attempt to prevent anti-government protests.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Dar Yasin/APA protest on the outskirts of Srinagar on August 23, 2019. The sign says: "We dream of an independent Kashmir."</div></div></div>Before India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's semi-autonomous status, people in the mostly-Muslim state lived politically insular lives.Under that special status, people from outside Jammu and Kashmir were not allowed to run for political office or buy property in the region, and daughters lost their land inheritance if they married people from outside the state.Critics now fear that Indian Hindus will be able to move into Kashmir and alter its ethnic and religious makeup. Most people in the region either want independence or to be ruled by Pakistan.India's Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearings in early November on challenges to the constitutional change, the AP said. A decision will likely to take months.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Google MapsA map showing Kashmir and the countries that control it.</div></div></div>India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed states, both claim Kashmir in its entirety but rule other parts of the region.Pakistan, which has previously funded insurgencies in the region, cut off all trade with India over the current crisis. He has also likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions in Kashmir to Nazi ideology.China, which also rules part of the region, has opposed India's move.<a href="https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/web/wjdt_674879/fyrbt_674889/t1712346.shtml">In a Wednesday press conference</a>, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called the demotion of Jammu and Kashmir state to India-controlled territories "illegal and ineffective."India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday told China to stay out of its internal affairs, saying that it should "respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/government-hits-back-at-china-for-calling-jammu-and-kashmir-move-unlawful-says-it-shouldnt-comment-o-2125263?pfrom=home-topscroll">NDTV reported</a>.<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-crisis-india-accuses-media-fake-news-using-trump-playbook-2019-9" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">India is replaying Trump's favorite strategy by accusing the media of fake news in Kashmir, where it cut off the internet and tried to silence journalists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pakistan-india-threat-war-kashmir-2019-9" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">Pakistan issued its most explicit threat of war against India yet as the 2 nuclear powers clash over Kashmir</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-pakistan-nuclear-war-death-famine-2019-10" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">If India and Pakistan have a nuclear war, scientists say it could trigger Ice-Age temperatures, cause global famine, and kill 125 million people</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-man-blinded-pellets-police-insist-no-major-injuries-2019-8" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">A man in Kashmir says he was blinded in one eye after being shot by police pellets. Police insist there have been 'no major injuries.'</a></li></ul> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marine-corps-boot-camp-military-basic-training-parris-island-2019-10">We went inside the US Marine Corps' 13-week boot camp where recruits endure extreme physical and psychological tests</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

India officially eliminated Kashmir's flag and constitution as its internet blackout goes into 13th week

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Mukesh Gupta/ReutersIndian security personnel stand guard along a deserted street during restrictions in Jammu, on August 7, 2019.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>India has shut off internet and phone services in the disputed region of Kashmir since the start of the week, and imposed severe travel restrictions.</li><li>The blackout came as India changes its constitution to revoke the Kashmir region's substantial autonomy from India's central government.</li><li>While blackouts are common in Kashmir, reports say this is the most crippling yet.</li><li>Local journalists are unable to report, and many residents are so shut off that they don't know about the constitutional changes behind the blackout, local journalist Fahad Shah <a href="https://time.com/5646005/inside-kashmir-communication-shutdown/">wrote in TIME</a>.</li><li>Sick people are also struggling to call ambulances, which are in turn having trouble traveling to hospitals, Shah said.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>The communications blackout in Kashmir is so total that some people there don't even know that India rewrote its constitution to strip the region of its political autonomy, local reporters said.Indian authorities shut off the internet, cellphone, and landline services in the disputed region on Monday, and have yet to restore them.Security services have also blocked off many parts of the region and banned public gatherings.Authorities have also detained at least 300 local politicians and pro-independence activists to prevent protests, <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/at-least-300-kashmiri-politicians-detained-to-quell-protests-over-status">Reuters reported</a>, citing local police, and media.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Channi Anand/APIndian migrant laborers at a railway station in Jammu, preparing to leave the region amid government warnings, on August 7, 2019.</div></div></div>The blackout was imposed as India's parliament annulled the two articles in its 72-year-old constitution allowing the state of Jammu and Kashmir to make its own laws and prevent outsiders from living and working freely in the region.Critics believe that by allowing Indians to buy property in the mostly-Muslim region, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is altering the state's demographic makeup to bolster Indian influence.In Kashmir many residents yearn for independence, or rule by neighboring Pakistan, which is Muslim-majority.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-india-revoke-article-370-quasi-independence-internet-tourists-2019-8">India shut off the internet and ordered tourists to leave the hotly contested Kashmir region, in a risky bid to end its quasi-independence</a><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Caren Firouz/Reuters; Altaf Hussain/ReutersA composite image of Imran Khan, current Prime Minister of Pakistan, in Bani Gala, Pakistan, in July 2017; and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the presidential palace in New Delhi, India, in May 2019.</div></div></div>Blackouts are relatively common in Kashmir - India cut off the state's internet <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-internet-shutdown-statistics-2019-6">134 times last year</a>. The blackouts are a tool to stop people from organizing protests, and to control the spread of information that Indian authorities deem unsavory.Some have been able to bypass the internet ban: India's state-owned BSNL telcom provider <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/journalists-in-kashmir-get-satellite-phones-after-internet-and-mobile-are-shut-down/articleshow/70530054.cms">sold satellite phones to journalists</a> on the ground for 100,000 rupees (around $1,400) so they could continue reporting. However, most people remain unable to communicate with the outside word.Security services have placed checkpoints all around the region, and there is no way to get past them, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/lockdown-in-jammu-and-kashmir-china-and-pakistans-response-sushma-swaraj/5883822/">said Muzamil Jaleel</a>, an Indian Express editor who was in Kashmir at the time of the blackout.But according to local journalists, the blackout this time is the most severe they have known.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Danish Ismail/ReutersIndian security forces patrol a deserted road amid widespread roadblocks and curfews in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir's largest city, on August 7, 2019.</div></div></div>Because most Kashmiris can't access the internet or their phones, and therefore the news, many do not know about the changes to their constitution which are behind the blackout, Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah wrote in <a href="https://time.com/5646005/inside-kashmir-communication-shutdown/">a dispatch for TIME</a>.Many local outlets don't have the means to report the news, and some news sites are either not updated or completely blank.Police are also restricting journalists' movements in the region by occupying their offices and blocking key roads, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/kashmir-journalists-struggle-stories-clampdown-190806094953316.html">Al Jazeera reported</a>.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Greater KashmirThe online front page of the Greater Kashmir newspaper - one of the most widely-read English daily in Jammu and Kashmir - on August 8, 2019, amid the state's widespread internet blackout.</div></div></div>Because phones don't work, locals are also unable to call ambulances when they're sick, Shah said.Those who are able to find ambulances have also had their journeys to the hospital disrupted due to the roadblocks, he said."Kashmir has been turned invisible even inside Kashmir," Muzamil Jaleel, an Indian Express editor who was in Kashmir at the time of the blackout, <a href="https://twitter.com/ananthkrishnan/status/1158972132795265024">wrote on Tuesday</a>.Sagarika Ghose, a consulting editor with The Times of India, said: "Other than blocking journalists' access, the government has humiliated the people of Kashmir by shutting down their entire state."<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Danish Ismail/ReutersA woman removes pieces of stones and bricks from a road in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on August 7, 2019.</div></div></div>Some residents have defied the informal curfews to stage protests against India, with many of them erupting into violence.Reuters, citing an anonymous police source, reported Tuesday that at least 30 protests involved stones or bricks being thrown, though details were scarce.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">KM Chaudary/APPakistani students burn a poster of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a protest over Kashmir in Lahore, Pakistan, on August 7, 2019.</div></div></div>Pakistan on Wednesday <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-pakistan-suspend-trade-downgrade-bilateral-relations-india-2019-8">cut off all trade and downgraded bilateral ties</a> in response to its actions in Kashmir, and has turned to US President Donald Trump and the United Nations for help.However, India insists that the Kashmir issue is between India and Pakistan only, and refuses to resolve the crisis with third-party members.On Wednesday, Indian diplomats accused Pakistan of trying to "present an alarming picture to the world" of the situation in Kashmir.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-trump-offer-mediate-state-dept-now-backpedal-2019-8">2 weeks ago Trump casually offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Now the situation is blowing up, he's nowhere to be seen.</a> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-border-patrol-boot-camp-2019-7">We went inside Border Patrol boot camp and found the Academy isn't training agents for the job the White House is asking them to do</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The phone and internet blackout in Kashmir is so total that locals reportedly don't know India rewrote their constitution

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Pakistan is suspending all trade with India, in retaliation against <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-india-revoke-article-370-quasi-independence-internet-tourists-2019-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">India's Monday move to cancel a constitutional provision</a> that guaranteed the autonomy of the disputed Kashmir region.</li><li>Both India and Pakistan stake claims to Kashmir, one of the most militarized regions in the world.</li><li>As well as the trade ban, Pakistan is recalling its ambassador from India's capital New Delhi, and expelling India's envoy in Pakistan, the country's <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1498609/pakistan-to-downgrade-diplomatic-ties-suspend-bilateral-trade-with-india-nsc-meeting">Dawn newspaper</a> reported.</li><li>Pakistan has called on US President Donald Trump and the United Nations to help mediate the tensions, while India has repeatedly said that Kashmir is a regional issue.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Pakistan is suspending all trade with India two days after India's government revoked a constitutional provision that guaranteed the quasi-independence of the Kashmir region, and shut off the internet in the disputed territory.Pakistan is also downgrading diplomatic ties with India, has recalled its ambassador from the Indian capital New Delhi, and plans to expel the India envoy in Pakistan, the country's <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1498609/pakistan-to-downgrade-diplomatic-ties-suspend-bilateral-trade-with-india-nsc-meeting">Dawn newspaper</a> reported.The Pakistani National Security Committee announced the decision on Wednesday night local time following a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dawn reported.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>Tensions between the two countries are at their most acute in decades after India on Monday abruptly revoked two articles its 72-year-old constitution that gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir autonomy.Articles 35A and 370 of the constitution allowed Kashmir to make its own laws and stopped people from outside the region from buying property.India now wants to reorganize the region into two territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh - that would be governed by the federal authorities in New Delhi.India has repeatedly said that Kashmir is a bilateral issue - between India and Pakistan only - while Pakistan has called on US President Donald Trump to mediate the disagreement, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-denies-trump-claim-modi-asked-for-help-kashmir-conflict-2019-7?r=US&amp;IR=T">something he previously offered to do.</a>Pakistan also plans to raise the matter with the United Nations, which on Tuesday <a href="https://www.apnews.com/e2d4b15116ba46b68d2b43fc1b88220e">called</a> on both sides to "exercise restraint."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-trump-offer-mediate-state-dept-now-backpedal-2019-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">2 weeks ago Trump casually offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Now the situation is blowing up, he's nowhere to be seen.</a> <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>While India, Pakistan, and China all control various parts of Kashmir, both India and Pakistan claim it to be solely theirs.Kashmir is one of the most heavily-militarized regions in the world.Many people in the mostly-Muslim region either want independence, or rule by Pakistan. But after India and Pakistan separated in 1947, the state's maharajah chose to become part of India, with the two constitutional articles guaranteeing its special status.Shortly before the decision on Monday, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-india-revoke-article-370-quasi-independence-internet-tourists-2019-8">the Indian government sent in thousands more troops, cut off the internet and phone lines for many people, and placed regional politicians under house arrest</a>.Critics of India believe that the Monday annulment of Articles 35A and 370 will allow more Hindus to live in Kashmir, and alter the ethnic and religious balance of the region.Islamabad's trade freeze is unlikely to heavily affect the two countries' economies, however.Pakistan accounts for just <a href="https://oec.world/en/profile/country/ind/">0.58%</a> of India's exports, while India makes up <a href="https://oec.world/en/profile/country/pak/">1.9%</a> of Pakistan's exports, <a href="https://oec.world/en/profile/country/pak/">according to Observatory of Economic Complexity statistics from 2017.</a>

Pakistan cuts off all trade with India after it abruptly revoked Kashmir's quasi-independence and cut off the internet

New Delhi, <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> suffered the <keyword id="10551009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="longest-internet-shutdowns">longest internet shutdowns</keyword> in 2020 for the second year running globally, bearing the biggest economic impact of $2.8 billion and 8,927 hours lost, affecting 10.3 million users in <keyword id="54821" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="total">total</keyword>, a <keyword id="3747284" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-report">new report</keyword> from the UK-based privacy and security research firm Top10VPN has revealed. As in <keyword id="2908075" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="previous-years">previous years</keyword>, India continued to restrict internet access more than any <keyword id="4941263" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="other-country">other country</keyword> -- over 75 times in 2020. "The majority of these short blackouts were highly-targeted, affecting groups of villages or individual city districts and so were not included in this report, which focuses on larger region-wide shutdowns. The true economic cost is therefore likely to be even higher than the $2.8 billion we have calculated," the researchers informed. In Kashmir, authorities lifted restrictions in March 2020 after imposing in August 2019. "However, after the restrictions were lifted authorities continued to severely throttle internet speeds, with citizens only able to access 2G connections," it mentioned. In India, internet blackouts lasted for 1,655 hours while bandwidth throttling resulted in 7,272 hours lost. "India and Myanmar were responsible for the longest shutdowns for the second year running, with restrictions originally imposed in 2019 continuing throughout 2020," the report mentioned. Chad again restricted access to Whats<keyword id="235499" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="APP">App</keyword> after they blocked the app for more than a year in 2018/19. "Combined, these countries experienced a total 64% increase in the number of hours of restrictions in 2020, despite the global public health emergency". Globally, the internet shutdowns cost the world economy, already devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, a further $4 billion. This, however, represents a 50% decrease in impact compared to $8.05 billion in 2019. Nearly 268 million people were affected by major disruptions in 2020 globally, up 3% year-on-year. According to the report, 93 major shutdowns took place in 21 countries in 2020 and the total duration of major disruptions around the world was 27,165 hours, up 49% from the previous year. Globally, internet blackouts resulted in 10,693 hours lost and internet throttling in 10,920 hours lost. Social media shutdowns resulted in 5,552 hours lost, the report said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/oneplus-fitness-band-india-launch-date-price-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/80129498.cms">OnePlus Band India launch date, price and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-will-stop-working-if-you-do-not-agree-to-its-new-terms-and-privacy-policies/articleshow/80127866.cms">WhatsApp will stop working if you do not agree to its new terms and privacy policies</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/toyota-fortuner-suv-2021-launched-in-india-with-new-price-design-and-features-check-details-here/articleshow/80129932.cms">Toyota Fortuner 2021 launched at a starting price of ₹29.98 lakh — here’s all you need to know from looks to specification and features</a>

You Searched For "jammu and kashmir 2G internet" and got 12 results

Internet access in Jammu and Kashmir isn’t about the ‘right to freedom’ — it’s about the ‘right to life’, according to lawyers

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All that's happened in Kashmir over the last 72 hours – from movement of troops to suspension of internet to political leaders under house arrest

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268 million people had their internet shut off by government-imposed blackouts in 2020, up 49% from 2019

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India's new home minister entrusts just 2 people with several divisions

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IANS

Reporters in Kashmir get a satellite phone for ₹100,000 a piece as all other communication devices are shut down

Preeti Soni

India’s opposition wants Narendra Modi to reveal his Kashmir plan in Parliament

BI India Bureau

India officially eliminated Kashmir's flag and constitution as its internet blackout goes into 13th week

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The phone and internet blackout in Kashmir is so total that locals reportedly don't know India rewrote their constitution

Alexandra Ma

Pakistan cuts off all trade with India after it abruptly revoked Kashmir's quasi-independence and cut off the internet

Alexandra Ma

India suffered longest internet shutdowns in 2020 globally for the second consecutive year

IANS

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