The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.
Twenty individuals were arrested in Lonavala, Maharashtra, for operating an illegal call centre that defrauded foreign nationals. The accused impersonated representatives of companies like Amazon and Google, threatening victims with fake drug cases to extract banking details and money.
IIIT Hyderabad and measurement technologies firm Hexagon R&D India have collaborated to establish the Hexagon Digital Twin Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the IIIT Hyderabad campus. This CoE will focus on applied research, education, and industry collaboration in computer vision, spatial computing, and AI-powered digital twins, providing access to advanced imaging technology.
HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, announced plans to establish a global technology centre and an AI-optimised data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a total investment of approximately Rs 15,000 crore, marking its entry into the AI infrastructure business.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore a statutory framework to ensure social media intermediaries comply with Indian laws regarding minors, particularly concerning their inability to independently enter into contracts. The court highlighted the need for safeguards to protect children from potential harms on digital platforms, including exploitation and misuse of data, and asked the Solicitor General to examine incorporating these requirements into intermediary rules.
A 22-year-old man, Faiyaz Ali, was arrested in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly creating fake Instagram accounts to circulate child sexual abuse material and explicit chats. The arrest followed a tip-off from the Union home ministry's Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which flagged an Instagram account with objectionable content. Police traced the account to Ali and apprehended him while he was attempting to flee.
PG Programmes in Information Technology & World Education Fellowship Conference 2004
The Supreme Court has granted the Centre a final opportunity to present measures taken to prevent the circulation of child sexual exploitation and abuse material on social media platforms, following a petition highlighting inconsistent compliance by intermediaries.
Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Developed by Jack Dorsey, Bitchat faced scrutiny under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000, due to concerns about its potential misuse by anti-national elements and for evading lawful surveillance, especially during public disorder. This marks the second time the app has faced government action in India.
Telangana's IT Minister D Sridhar Babu unveiled an AI avatar at DevFest 2026, engaging with Gen Z attendees in English and Telugu. This initiative aims to make state information more accessible and enhance citizen engagement using emerging AI technologies, positioning Telangana as a global AI hub.
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition filed by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) challenging the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its accompanying Rules. The DNPA argues that the law, lacking exemptions for journalism, could impede news gathering and infringe upon citizens' right to information. The challenge highlights concerns over consent requirements for reporters and the Act's impact on the Right to Information.
Telangana IT Minister D Sridhar Babu stated that Gen Z will be the driving force behind the next wave of AI and green innovation. He urged young innovators to use their skills to solve real-world challenges, particularly in sustainability. The launch of the Green Skills and Applied AI Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad, a partnership between Telangana's IT Ministry, Microsoft, 1M1B, and MeitY Startup Hub, aims to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills in AI, green pharma, solar energy, EVs, and wind energy, with 100 job offers already announced.
Search engine major Google will also start sharing details of child sexual abuse cases and repeat offenders with the cybercrime division of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has requested the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to gather data on IT infrastructure and available space from government institutions. This initiative aims to establish new testing centres for the computer-based NEET-UG examination, which is set to be implemented from 2027 following a recent paper leak and NTA's ongoing overhaul.
The Supreme Court on Sunday directed that people gathering peacefully should not be illegally detained and issued a notice to the Centre regarding alleged violations of its earlier order during a CJP protest in Delhi. The court also asked the Solicitor General to ensure normal metro services and no internet disruption, while addressing concerns about widespread detentions and transport closures.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union ministries of electronics and information technology and law and justice regarding a plea for safeguards for minors on social media. The NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance' filed the plea, arguing that social media platforms should not enter into contracts with children under 18, citing their statutory incapacity to contract and the risks of online harm.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery, a day after calling India a crude oil refining 'superpower', and met with top Indian business leaders Gautam Adani and N Chandrasekaran to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade, investment, and defence.
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has informed the Supreme Court that newsrooms will be forced to shut down if journalists are required to seek permission before publishing information under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and its accompanying Rules. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union ministries of Law and Justice, and Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on the DNPA's petition.
Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering defence, maritime security, artificial intelligence, trade, and other sectors during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's three-day visit to Islamabad. The agreements aim to significantly boost bilateral cooperation and trade, with Pakistan also offering technical expertise and educational opportunities.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Indian government will release a consultation paper on AI regulations within a month. This framework will address critical aspects like AI safety, deepfakes, and a human-first approach, emphasising the industry's primary responsibility in ensuring safe AI deployment. The move comes amidst growing global concerns over AI risks and the need for robust safeguards.
India has highlighted 13 key outcomes from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focusing on enhanced cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and addressing transnational threats. These outcomes include the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism, and agreements on narcotics control, climate change, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing India's engagement in the Eurasian region.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre, states, and social media platforms Meta and X on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging police organisations' practice of posting content that reveals the identities of accused individuals or depicts them in a dehumanising manner. The PIL calls for guidelines to regulate police social media use and mechanisms for content removal.
The Supreme Court has declared that children have a fundamental right to access and use the internet, directing the Centre to establish a national database for detecting and removing child sexually explicit visual content. The ruling, stemming from a plea by NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, emphasises the internet's value for learning and expression while acknowledging the need for safeguards like parental consent and a "child mode" for accounts, rather than blanket restrictions.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state's ambition to become India's leader in quantum technology. The state plans to build a robust ecosystem, align with the National Quantum Mission, and train over 5,000 professionals, recognising AI, semiconductors, and quantum tech as key pillars for future growth and global competitiveness.
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to respond to Telegram's petition challenging a temporary government order that restricts access to its platform and disables message-editing features in India, citing concerns over potential cheating during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the establishment of India's first dedicated Quantum and AI University campus in Amaravati by NIELIT. This significant project, funded by the MeitY, Government of India, will focus on advanced technologies like Quantum, AI, and Semiconductors, integrating education, research, and entrepreneurship.
IIT Hyderabad and Japan's Mie University have signed MoUs to foster academic exchanges and joint research, with a strong focus on semiconductors and digital technologies. This collaboration aims to develop skilled talent and strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in both countries.
For the first time, co-working spaces have surpassed the IT/ITeS sector as the largest occupier of office space in India during the January-September period, indicating a significant shift towards flexible workspaces, according to Anarock Research & Advisory.
Author Amit Prasad's new book, 'Your AI Upgrade', shifts the focus of artificial intelligence from task completion to enhancing learning, critical thinking, and decision-making. Launched recently in New Delhi, the book aims to help individuals use AI as a learning partner to build capabilities and strengthen independent thought. It also addresses the limitations and ethical considerations of AI.
The Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology invites applications for admission to its two-year residential post-graduate Diploma in Management programmes.
West Bengal has launched an Emerging Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies (EQST) section at CSIR-CGCRI to attract investments and position the state as a hub for next-generation technology. Minister Kalyan Chakraborti highlighted India's need to invest in these crucial sectors and outlined the state's plans to collaborate with institutions and leverage budget initiatives to foster research and start-ups.
Goa Police dismantled an illegal call centre in Verna Industrial Estate, arresting 26 individuals for allegedly defrauding US citizens by posing as bank employees.
Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to consider a complaint regarding the removal of allegedly inflammatory and derogatory YouTube videos targeting Shirdi Sai Baba. The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, seeks the removal of content that it claims hurts religious sentiments and promotes communal disharmony, despite a previous GAC order for removal of some material.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan panel and the Nandan Nilekani committee for institutionalising reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and improving NEET exam processes.
The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi high court that the Telegram messaging app was being exploited for illegal activities ranging from cybercrime and financial frauds to terrorism and circulation of leaked examination papers.
'Details of accounts such as the name, email id associated with the account, the IP address will now be shared with law enforcement agencies, which will help track down offenders faster.'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has detailed the state's extensive preparedness for the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab, which is expected to make landfall early Wednesday. Over 84,000 people have been evacuated, with a strong emphasis on preventing loss of life. The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, impacting several districts and agricultural land, prompting authorities to deploy significant resources and urge public cooperation.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have developed an innovative nature-based wastewater treatment system utilising taro plants and an engineered "zig-zag flow" design. This low-energy, compact technology offers a promising solution for treating highly polluted swine wastewater in decentralised livestock farms, particularly in rural and resource-limited regions.
The Indian government has officially declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This action, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, targets a group involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics, as well as inciting youth into terrorism and spreading hateful digital content. SBN is accused of threatening India's democratic structure, communal harmony, and internal security.
