Government of India Media Regulations Compliance

1. Compliance with Digital Media Rules and Government Regulations

Startup News India fully adheres to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and administratively handled by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

Under these rules, we ensure that:

• Our editorial and publishing operations follow the Code of Ethics for Digital Media, as outlined in the Rules.
• We maintain transparency regarding ownership, editorial responsibility, and grievance redressal.
• Our content policies align with Indian constitutional values, including respect for sovereignty, integrity, public order, and decency.
• A Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) is designated to receive and resolve complaints under Rule 10 of the Code.
• We cooperate with the MIB’s oversight mechanism and the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), whenever required, to ensure compliance and accountability.

This adherence reinforces Startup News India’s position as a lawful digital publisher that respects both freedom of the press and responsibility toward public interest.

2. Adherence to the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act (PRPA)

Startup News India complies with the provisions of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRPA), which replaces the colonial-era Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. This modernized law, introduced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, establishes a digital mechanism for registration and transparency in India’s print and online publishing ecosystem.

Our compliance includes:

• Maintaining proper registration under the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI).
• Submitting details of publication, ownership, and editor as required under the PRPA framework.
• Ensuring that all content published digitally is traceable, legally registered, and ethically managed.
• Upholding transparency of the publication process and editorial accountability as mandated under Section 5 of the PRPA.

By following the PRPA’s new digital registration standards, Startup News India ensures that its operations are fully aligned with India’s evolving regulatory structure for digital publishers.

3. Registration with the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI)

As a digital publication, Startup News India is registered and operates in compliance with the guidelines issued by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), an office constituted under the PRPA and functioning under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The PRGI plays a critical role in maintaining a database of periodicals and ensuring that all digital and print media organizations function transparently.
In line with these requirements, we:

• Submit accurate and updated information about ownership, periodicity, language, and publishing operations.
• Provide relevant declarations and documentation as required under the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act.
• Cooperate with all regulatory oversight activities and reporting obligations set forth by the PRGI.

This ensures that Startup News India remains a lawfully recognized digital publication, promoting transparency and credibility in India’s media ecosystem.

4. Compliance with the Press Council of India Act

Startup News India upholds the standards and responsibilities enshrined under the Press Council of India Act, 1978. The Press Council of India (PCI) serves as a statutory, quasi-judicial body that preserves the freedom of the press while maintaining ethical and professional conduct in journalism.

In alignment with the Norms of Journalistic Conduct prescribed by the PCI, our editorial policies ensure:

• Accuracy and Fairness: Every article published on our platform is based on verified sources, authentic data, and factual integrity.
• Independence and Neutrality: Startup News India maintains editorial independence, avoiding any conflict of interest or influence from external parties.
• Right to Reply and Correction: We provide fair opportunities for clarifications and corrections when errors are identified.
• Respect for Privacy and Dignity: We avoid sensationalism, defamation, or content that violates the rights and reputation of individuals or organizations.

Through these principles, Startup News India demonstrates its ethical commitment to responsible journalism as envisioned by the Press Council of India.

Editorial Integrity and Transparency

We recognize that in the digital age, trust is the most valuable asset for any news organization.
To maintain that trust, our editorial process is guided by transparency and public accountability:

• All news, analysis, and reports are verified by professional editors and fact-checkers.
• Sources of information are cross-verified and validated before publication.
• We maintain a clear separation between editorial content and sponsored content, ensuring that readers are aware of any promotional or paid materials.
• Startup News India abides by India’s defamation laws, copyright laws, and privacy regulations to ensure content protection and legal compliance.
• Our team undergoes regular training on media ethics, data privacy, and compliance frameworks issued by the MIB and PCI.

Grievance Redressal and Public Accountability

In accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, Startup News India has established a structured three-tier grievance redressal mechanism:

1. Level I – Self-Regulation by the Publisher:
   We have appointed a Grievance Officer who is responsible for addressing user complaints and ensuring compliance with the Code of Ethics.
2. Level II – Self-Regulating Body:
   We are open to oversight by a self-regulating body recognized by the MIB, consisting of independent experts from the media and legal sectors.
3. Level III – Oversight Mechanism by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting:
   We respect the Ministry’s authority to examine grievances that remain unresolved at lower levels.

This multi-level structure ensures that any concern related to our published content is handled promptly, transparently, and fairly.

7. Startup News India – Our Ethical Foundation

At the heart of Startup News India lies a deep respect for India’s constitutional principles — particularly the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), balanced with the reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19(2).
We firmly believe that press freedom and legal compliance must coexist to sustain a healthy democratic media environment.

Our guiding principles are:

• Integrity: Reporting facts without distortion.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for published content.
• Transparency: Disclosing ownership, partnerships, and editorial policies.
• Respect: Upholding India’s laws, institutions, and public values.
• Public Service: Prioritizing the interests of readers and the startup community over commercial or political gains.

8. Conclusion

Startup News India stands as a model of responsible digital journalism — fully compliant with all applicable Acts, Rules, and Regulations, including:

• The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRPA)
• The Press Council of India Act, 1978
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
• Guidelines and notifications from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and Press Registrar General of India (PRGI)

Through this commitment, we ensure that every article, feature, and report published under the Startup News India banner is credible, lawful, ethical, and in the national interest.