News for 'WhatsApp'

Bihar Man Arrested Over Pakistani WhatsApp Contacts

Bihar Man Arrested Over Pakistani WhatsApp Contacts

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A man has been arrested in Bihar, India, after police discovered WhatsApp chats with Pakistani phone numbers on his mobile phones.

Essel Group's Subhash Chandra calls for independent audit of debt, claims Rs 43,000 crore repaid

Essel Group's Subhash Chandra calls for independent audit of debt, claims Rs 43,000 crore repaid

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Essel Group founder Subhash Chandra has called for an independent audit to examine the group's borrowings, defaults, and repayments, stating that approximately 43,000 crore of its 45,000 crore total debt has been repaid.

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Telegram responds to IT ministry on 'username' feature

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

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.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the use of information from 'WhatsApp University' as evidence in a case concerning religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites, including the Sabarimala Temple.

Amid NEET outrage, Odisha medical PG exam paper shared on social media

Amid NEET outrage, Odisha medical PG exam paper shared on social media

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

A question paper for the All Odisha Medical PG Examination was allegedly shared on social media platforms, specifically WhatsApp groups, while the exam was underway. This incident, which occurred during the General Surgery paper for the 2023-26 batch, has prompted an internal investigation by the Odisha University of Health Sciences, even as officials deny it was a "leak" as the paper emerged during the test.

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Security agencies have uncovered a new operational tactic by terror groups and Pakistan's ISI, who are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications to communicate secretly and recruit in Jammu and Kashmir. These platforms, including Tor-based apps and privacy-focused messengers, help them evade surveillance, posing significant challenges for intelligence efforts.

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to review a controversial rule allowing DPL franchises to pick three local league players outside the auction, following widespread disrepute caused by the inclusion of cricketer Dev Chaudhary in the New Delhi Tigers squad.

'Sowcar Janaki Was An Absolute Legend'

'Sowcar Janaki Was An Absolute Legend'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

'She was always thinking of how to improve the scene and how to do better in each shot. Even at that age her passion and commitment was so inspiring.'

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Username feature carries serious cybercrime risks: Govt

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

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.

10 Must Watch Taapsee Pannu Films

10 Must Watch Taapsee Pannu Films

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

From Pink and Thappad to Aadukalam and Game Over, these 10 films showcase Taapsee Pannu at her most powerful and versatile.

Mahua Moitra seeks privilege action against Bengal officials over eviction

Mahua Moitra seeks privilege action against Bengal officials over eviction

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has moved a privilege notice before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against three senior officials, alleging a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct after she was asked to vacate a circuit house in West Bengal's Krishnanagar late in the night on August 14.

'Not settled and done': Meta summoned over Modi's post removal

'Not settled and done': Meta summoned over Modi's post removal

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Indian government has summoned Meta's global head of public policy after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, addressing youth and promising action against paper leaks, was temporarily removed. Meta attributed the removal to a 'glitch' in its automated content filters, an explanation the government deems insufficient, demanding further discussions.

Man Killed in Palghar Over WhatsApp DP Argument

Man Killed in Palghar Over WhatsApp DP Argument

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death in Palghar district following a dispute over a WhatsApp display picture.

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Parliament to grill Instagram, other social media platforms on user privacy

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

An Indian Parliamentary panel has summoned major social media platforms like Meta, Google, X, and Snapchat, along with MeitY and Home Affairs officials, to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. The meeting, scheduled for August 3, will focus on user privacy, public order, and the platforms' role in recent protests.

WhatsApp chats not enough to prove cruelty for divorce: HC

WhatsApp chats not enough to prove cruelty for divorce: HC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Bombay high court has ruled that WhatsApp chats alone are insufficient evidence to grant a divorce on grounds of cruelty, emphasising the need for a fair hearing and opportunity to rebut allegations.

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Is Paying Through Your Bank Safer Than UPI?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?

Indian accused of killing wife in US; shared body photos with lover

Indian accused of killing wife in US; shared body photos with lover

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

An Indian man, Avinash Narne, has been charged with first-degree murder in the US state of Washington, almost nine months after his wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, was found dead. Prosecutors allege Narne premeditated the strangulation, staged the crime scene, and had a secret romantic relationship with another woman in India, to whom he allegedly sent photos of his wife's body.

No Extension For WhatsApp SIM Linking

No Extension For WhatsApp SIM Linking

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

'On national security issues, there can be no compromise.'

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

A special NIA court in Jammu has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan alias Insha Tariq, an accused in the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, observing that sufficient material existed on record to presume that the accusations against her were prima facie true.

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

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.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Cine and TV Artistes Association President Poonam Dhillon has strongly refuted allegations of misusing her position, calling them 'deeply offensive' and stemming from disgruntled CINTAA members who failed to get their way through legal proceedings.

Like cockroaches, we will come again: Women at CJP protest

Like cockroaches, we will come again: Women at CJP protest

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Many of them travelled to Delhi in groups or connected with other participants through WhatsApp groups and activist networks. These networks helped them coordinate their travel, decide meeting points and stay in touch during the protest.

Govt summons Meta over Instagram ads promoting child abuse material

Govt summons Meta over Instagram ads promoting child abuse material

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

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.

10 Things We Learnt From KBC's New Season

10 Things We Learnt From KBC's New Season

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 launched on Sony Liv at 9 pm on August 10 with the stars and producer of Batwara in the hot seat.

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Govt cracks whip on Meta over child sexual abuse material on Instagram

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

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.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke seeks cop's removal after confrontation

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke seeks cop's removal after confrontation

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party convenor Abhijeet Dipke confronted a police sub-inspector assigned to his security detail in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, accusing him of being rude and restricting visitors. Dipke, who has security due to threats, also alleged that state CID personnel were monitoring his residence and reporting via a social media group.

10 Lessons About Gen Z From The Protests

10 Lessons About Gen Z From The Protests

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The protests changed how we see a generation. It shook us up, broke stereotypes and woke us up to smell the coffee.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

WhatsApp can't play with citizens' privacy rights: SC

WhatsApp can't play with citizens' privacy rights: SC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The court is hearing appeals against a CCI order imposing a penalty on Meta and WhatsApp.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup

Fresh controversy hits India's shooting setup

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A top national shotgun coach, involved in India's Asian Games preparations, is under investigation by the Sports Authority of India for alleged conflict of interest related to a contract for building a shooting range in Chennai.

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

An Indian Parliamentary standing committee has demanded an apology from Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg within three days for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook, threatening to withdraw immunity under the IT Act if he fails to comply. The committee also pushed for government action against Google India regarding financial fraud.

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is sending reminders for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination admit cards while cautioning candidates against fraudulent messages and fake communications, urging them to use only official channels for information.

Zuckerberg apologises for Modi post removal, Meta admits failures

Zuckerberg apologises for Modi post removal, Meta admits failures

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has issued an apology for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, while company executives acknowledged significant content moderation failures, including issues with child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, and the paid boosting of certain content.

Why Friendship Day In The '90s Was So Special

Why Friendship Day In The '90s Was So Special

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Long before social media reels and tagged Instagram stories, friendships were celebrated with simple rituals that made the day unforgettable, says Divya Nair.

AI crash: Family still recharges victim's phone, sends messages

AI crash: Family still recharges victim's phone, sends messages

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The family of Irfan Sheikh, a cabin crew member who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last year, continues to recharge his mobile phone and send him WhatsApp messages as a way to cope with their enduring grief.

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Govt Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram Till Dec 31

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has extended the deadline for implementing SIM-binding rules for mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to December 31, following requests from the industry. The Department of Telecom has also relaxed the mandatory six-hour log-out rule for web versions of these apps.

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

GDN has a fascinating genius at its centre, but Madhavan's terrific performance is let down by a repetitive, overly familiar biopic treatment.