Politics puts wind in sails of India's homegrown social apps

MUMBAI -- The Indian government is reacting hysterically to criticism from both within and outside the country of its handling of street protests by farmers over legislation aimed at reforming the agriculture sector. The demonstrations have been going on in New Delhi for more than three months.

In a rare response to private citizens, including singer Rihanna and climate change activist Greta Thunberg, who tweeted their support for protesting farmers, the government blasted out a statement on Feb. 3 that said, "The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible."