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.
Amid the passport row, Shashi Tharoor has proposed legal changes to simplify proof of Indian citizenship.
The NEET-UG re-exam was generally tougher than the previous one, with Physics identified as the most challenging and time-consuming section by both students and experts. While Biology was considered easier, Chemistry was moderate. Experts noted conceptual and lengthy questions in Physics and Chemistry, potentially leading to a lower cut-off.
Singer Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are reportedly already married after a private ceremony, with their grand Madison Square Garden celebration now underway.
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.
Following a fatal stabbing on a Mumbai local train, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to expand CCTV coverage, strengthen police patrolling, and implement other safety measures across the suburban railway network. The state also highlighted the quick arrest of the accused using facial recognition technology and ongoing efforts for passenger and women's safety.
India's VALORANT esports team has successfully qualified for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 main event in Riyadh, emerging as one of two teams from the Asia regional qualifiers. The team, led by Sagnik Roy, overcame tough competition, including a crucial victory against Hong Kong, to secure their spot in the global tournament featuring a USD 1.5 million prize pool.
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister E V Velu, nine officials, and a private firm in connection with an alleged multi-crore road construction scam. The case involves fraudulent payments for unexecuted works in Karur and Erode districts, prompting political reactions from DMK Chief M K Stalin.
Top tennis players have agreed to resume media duties at Wimbledon after constructive talks with organisers, despite core issues regarding prize money and player welfare remaining unresolved. Players had initially cut short pre-tournament media duties to protest for a larger share of Grand Slam revenue and greater say in decision-making.
A caste recalibration is simmering just below the surface in UP.
If Elle is to turn into its own franchise, it needs a lot more substance, notes Deepa Gahlot.
Thieves broke into the Bhopal residence of former judge Giribala Singh, who is currently jailed in connection with her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma's death. While the suspects fled, abandoning some stolen items, the incident has prompted calls for the CBI to secure all documents at the property, fearing potential tampering with the crime scene. Police are investigating the theft using CCTV footage.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, asserted that 'a terrorist is a terrorist' and called on the international community to collectively root out the 'murderous ideology' without seeking any justification for terrorism.
Reigning world champions India, Britain, South Africa and hosts United States are set to feature in the men's Twenty20 competition when cricket returns to the Olympics at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles following a qualification pathway approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Maharashtra government is considering invoking the stringent MCOCA law against those accused in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) question paper leak case. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the assembly that three arrests have been made, and a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter. The government also plans to form a committee to explore online modes for conducting state-level examinations to prevent future leaks.
Chennai-based deep-tech startup The ePlane Company has successfully completed the assembly of its full-scale electric air taxi, the e200X. This prototype, designated PT-01, is now ready for ground testing, marking a significant step towards flight testing and eventual type certification. The versatile e200X is designed for passenger air taxi services, urban cargo transport, and air ambulance operations, aiming to leverage existing city infrastructure.
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.
As a part of Rediff's CAT 2026-prep series, MBA expert Patrick D'souza explains how you can maximise your preparation and complete your syllabus by August 2026.
Info Edge (India), the company behind Naukri.com, has seen its startup investment portfolio, spanning AI, deeptech, and consumer tech, grow to Rs 41,300 crore from an investment of Rs 4,900 crore since 2007. This significant valuation increase comes despite headwinds in its core recruitment business, which has been impacted by weak hiring trends and IT sector uncertainty.
Bollywood actor John Abraham has acquired co-ownership in the Rotterdam Dockers, a franchise participating in the inaugural European T20 Premier League. The league, featuring six city-based teams, aims to boost cricket's growth in Europe and includes other cricketing legends in its ownership and leadership groups.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which was cancelled due to alleged irregularities, will be re-conducted on June 21.
The grieving parents of Sarthak Mattoo, who died in an alleged hit-and-run incident in southwest Delhi, have made an emotional video appeal for justice, questioning the pace of the police investigation and demanding strict action against those responsible.
The Kolkata police on Tuesday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Dharmatala area, including the traditional venue of Trinamool Congress' annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, for 60 days, citing intelligence inputs about possible violent demonstrations that could disrupt public order and traffic.
The US Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender student athletes from female sports teams. This contentious issue, deeply embedded in the nation's culture wars, challenges federal anti-discrimination laws and the Constitution's equal protection clause.
Didier Deschamps is flying back to France to attend his mother's funeral and will not coach the team's last Group I game at the World Cup against Norway, the French federation said on Tuesday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to significantly increase match fees and monthly retainers for centrally contracted players, particularly those in the red ball Track A category, for the 2026/27 cycle. The new contracts also introduce format-based categories and substantial bonuses for winning ICC and Asia Cup events.
The move is to strengthen oversight, improve compliance, and boost patient confidence.
The MDMK general council, led by Vaiko, has announced its decision to withdraw from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The party accused the DMK of attempting to prop up an AIADMK government, which they claim goes against the people's mandate and the alliance's secular ideology.
WhatsApp is finally letting you hide your phone number behind a custom username. While it's a massive win for privacy, cybersecurity experts warn it could unleash a wave of identity scams. Here is what you need to know.
A major political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu as the TVK alleges the DMK attempted horse-trading to poach its MLAs, leading to arrests and an ongoing police investigation into the high-stakes political maneuvering.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.
There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.
Divya Singh, a determined cyclist from Gorakhpur, has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to successfully cycle to the Mount Everest base camp.
An Home Loan Protection Plan repays the outstanding loan if the borrower dies or suffers a covered disability.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai's statement has been recorded by Ayodhya police as part of the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, following his offer to resign over the controversy.
The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.
Water levels were even lower than the 10-year average in 27 reservoirs in eastern India and around 47 in southern India.
Advanced Impactor. an AI-powered platform, aims to modernise cricket coaching with real-time performance analytics.
