Messaging platform Telegram has submitted its reply to the IT Ministry's notice regarding its 'username' feature, which allows users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, following a similar submission by WhatsApp.
The Indian government has sought explanations from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal regarding their username features, citing serious concerns about potential impersonation and cybercrime. IT Secretary S Krishnan highlighted the risks, leading to notices being served to these platforms, with WhatsApp specifically asked to pause its rollout of the feature.
This series of smartphones will be available for purchase from July 9 through Amazon, Flipkart and Oppo India's online store. Buyers can choose from three eye-catching finishes, Starry White, Stellar Purple and Twilight Violet.
Lenovo has launched its Yoga True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, featuring 40 dB active noise cancellation, multi-device connectivity, and up to 36 hours of battery life, priced at CNY 599.
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta regarding WhatsApp's upcoming username feature, warning the platform not to roll it out until concerns about potential fraud, impersonation, and public safety are addressed to the government's satisfaction.
India's IT Ministry has issued notices to Telegram and Signal, following a similar action against WhatsApp, questioning their username features due to concerns over increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. The government is seeking explanations on how these platforms address such risks, with one homegrown app already disabling the feature.
State Bank of India has launched a suite of AI-powered digital innovations on its YONO platform, enhancing both retail and business banking services. These new features include a 3-in-1 digital onboarding process, a sustainability tracker, integrated trade finance, and an AI virtual assistant, aiming to provide intelligent and future-ready banking experiences for its 53 crore customers.
WhatsApp has released detailed FAQs on its upcoming username feature, outlining measures to address concerns around impersonation, scams, and unwanted contact, amidst government scrutiny.
OnePlus has strengthened its smartphone portfolio in India with the launch of the OnePlus N6, its most budget-friendly handset to date.
The third Delhi Premier League T20 auction will see 600 players, including prominent Indian cricketers Rishabh Pant and Pratika Rawal, go under the hammer. Eight men's and four women's franchises will participate, with specific purse allocations for bidding. Players are categorised based on their experience, with varying base prices for each category.
Slim smartphones continue to attract buyers looking for a device that combines style with practicality, and Tecno's latest offering appears to do just that.
Haier's new HQLED P7 Pro series aims to meet higher expectations from TVs with a blend of advanced display technology, AI-powered enhancements, gaming-focused features and seamless connectivity.
Running on Android 16, the Asus Pad comes loaded with a host of productivity and AI-driven features, including Google Gemini, Circle to Search, Asus GlideX and Face Login. The tablet also supports the Asus Pen 2.0 and Bluetooth keyboards.
With features usually seen in more expensive cars and segment-first paddle shifters, the Tiago offers excellent value for money, says Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organising a MY Bharat Youth Convention in New Delhi, featuring prominent sports personalities and bringing together over 6,000 young participants. The event aims to felicitate emerging talent in sports, entrepreneurship, governance, and content creation.
All Indian track and field athletes selected for the Asian Games will compete in the final leg of the Indian Athletics Series on September 10. The schedule for other legs of the series has also been revised, while a group of athletes has departed for Europe to prepare for the Commonwealth Games.
The Huawei MatePad Pro Max features a 13.2-inch flexible OLED PaperMatte display, runs on HarmonyOS 4.3 and boasts a 50 MP rear camera, making it a versatile device for productivity and entertainment.
Sony launches Xperia 1 VIII smartphone featuring premium cameras, AI enhancements, OLED display, and flagship performance.
The new Vivo X300 FE, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile 50MP triple camera setup, is set to launch in India on May 14, with prices starting from 79,999.
Meta-owned WhatsApp has submitted its reply to the government's notice on the "username" feature and the response is being examined, sources said on Thursday.
Vivo has introduced the Y500 4G in select international markets. Compared with the Y500 5G, it features a slightly smaller 8,100 mAh battery and a rectangular rear camera module in place of the circular design.
Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted more time to submit its response on the contentious 'username' feature and assured the government that it will not roll it out in India until discussions are complete, according to sources.
While the starting price is the same as the Duster at Rs 10.4 lakh, the top-end is slightly cheaper at Rs 18.5 lakh for the 1.3l automatic.
Indian racer Kush Maini secured his first feature race podium of the 2026 Formula 2 season, finishing third at Silverstone. Starting third, Maini briefly led the race and battled intensely before securing his position, marking a significant achievement in his fourth F2 season.
The Horticulture Department conducts a site visit at the Bamboo development project at Thingthelh.
Nothing has expanded its smartphone portfolio with the launch of the Nothing Phone (4b), a feature-packed mid-range handset that combines a Snapdragon processor, a large 6,000mAh battery, dual rear cameras and the brand's signature Glyph Bar design.
France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.
Calling iPhone addicts: Launch timeline and everything we know so far about Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Meta's new Muse Image AI generator, which can create AI images from public Instagram accounts without explicit consent, has sparked significant privacy concerns and criticism over its 'opt-in-by-default' approach, raising fears of deepfakes and online impersonation.
WhatsApp has asserted that username reservation relating to well-known public figure names is restricted only to their legitimate account owners, and termed as "false" any claims that people are reserving popular or well-known usernames.
A Kerala native, Muhammed Sanoof, has been arrested and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly posting an offensive comment under a video featuring the daughter of a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack. Sanoof was detained upon his return from Saudi Arabia, following a lookout notice. The case was registered based on a complaint by a BJYM leader, and police invoked UAPA after interrogation and mobile phone examination, citing crucial evidence.
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought an explanation from WhatsApp regarding its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime facilitation. Concurrently, the ministry is investigating reported data leak allegations involving Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhone components in India. MeitY is also exploring techno-legal solutions for VPNs to address challenges posed by unregistered providers operating from outside India.
The highly anticipated new generation Toyota Hilux is set to launch in India in July this year with significant upgrades, premium features, and a powerful mild-hybrid diesel engine, aiming to capture the Indian pick-up truck market.
The government has issued a stern notice to Meta on Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) in paid advertisements on Instagram, sources said on Sunday.
The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.
The Indian Pickleball Association has announced the national team, led by Harsh Mehta, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squad includes both experienced players and young talent, with corporate backing providing a boost for their preparations.
Indian couturier Rahul Mishra returned to Paris Haute Couture Week with 'Devi', a collection inspired by the many facets of the feminine divine. Among those attending the show were Isha Ambani and Cardi B, both dressed in custom Rahul Mishra creations.
India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to summon Meta regarding Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material, following a BBC investigation. This action comes shortly after the government also questioned Meta about WhatsApp's planned username feature, citing concerns over increased online fraud and cybercrimes.
WhatsApp is introducing an optional username feature, allowing users to connect and chat without needing to share their phone numbers. This privacy-focused update will roll out gradually, enabling users to reserve unique usernames and offering greater control over personal information, especially in group chats or when interacting with businesses.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will commission Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, marking another milestone in India's journey towards defence self-reliance and indigenous warship construction.
