News for 'WhatsApps'

WhatsApp Pay India head Vinay Choletti quits

WhatsApp Pay India head Vinay Choletti quits

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

WhatsApp Pay India Vinay Choletti has resigned just after four months he was elevated to the position, according to his details on a professional social media platform. Choletti's resignation is the fourth high-profile exit in about one and half months from Meta in India after its country head Ajit Mohan stepped down in November. After Mohan, WhatsApp India head Abhijit Bose and Meta India Public Policy Head Rajiv Aggarwal also resigned from the company last month.

Violence erupts in Pune's Yavat over social media post; youth detained

Violence erupts in Pune's Yavat over social media post; youth detained

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

An irate mob vandalized properties and indulged in arson in Yavat, Pune, following an objectionable social media post. Police used teargas to control the situation, and peace has been restored with heavy police presence.

ED presents Hemant Soren's WhatsApp chats in court

ED presents Hemant Soren's WhatsApp chats in court

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday produced WhatsApp chat records between former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and a close associate where information related to transfer and posting of state government officials involving 'huge amount of money' is alleged to have been discussed.

'Only BJP Can Defeat BJP In Gujarat'

'Only BJP Can Defeat BJP In Gujarat'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

'The BJP's top leadership realised that their cadres are not happy with them, so they changed the ministers and got in new faces.'

WhatsApp India head Abhijit Bose quits

WhatsApp India head Abhijit Bose quits

Rediff.com15 Nov 2022

WhatsApp India head Abhijit Bose and Meta's public policy head Rajiv Aggarwal have resigned from their positions, social media major Meta said on Tuesday. The development comes within a week of Meta announcing 11,000 lay-offs across the globe. The company has given charge of Meta India Public Policy to Shivnath Thukral who is currently serving as Director of WhatsApp Public Policy in India.

Cyberslavery: Agent Arrested In Mumbai

Cyberslavery: Agent Arrested In Mumbai

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Mumbai police, currently investigating a cyber slavery case involving five individuals trafficked to Laos under the pretext of job offers in Thailand, arrested the prime accused on Wednesday.

'People Know Gandhi As Villain Or Hero'

'People Know Gandhi As Villain Or Hero'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

'They are clueless about the man on the currency notes.' 'They have been fed with WhatsApp forwards, so either Gandhi is vilified or deified. There's nothing in between.'

'How Will Govt Decide Who Is A 'Practising Muslim'?'

'How Will Govt Decide Who Is A 'Practising Muslim'?'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

'We are not all Abduls, you know. Our community has any number of retired civil and defence officers, doctors, engineers, lawyers.'

2020 Delhi riots: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail

2020 Delhi riots: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The prosecution had opposed the bail pleas saying it was not a case of spontaneous riots but a case where riots were "planned well in advance" with a "sinister motive" and "well-thought-out conspiracy".

'Fans were chanting Vijay's name, unaware it was a stampede'

'Fans were chanting Vijay's name, unaware it was a stampede'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

A senior citizen in his 70s said he has never seen so many people getting killed in a stampede at a political party's event and blamed the youths for their anxiety to somehow take a look at the actor.

Diane Keaton And A Private Tragedy

Diane Keaton And A Private Tragedy

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Diane Keaton's wit and honesty taught us that ageing and uncertainty aren't weaknesses, they are part of what makes us human and graceful, observes Sreehari Nair.

Let my story be a warning, says ex-banker who lost Rs 23 cr

Let my story be a warning, says ex-banker who lost Rs 23 cr

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

A retired banker in Delhi lost his entire life savings, amounting to Rs 23 crore, to cyber fraudsters who posed as ED and CBI officers. The victim was kept under 'digital arrest' for over a month and forced to transfer funds under duress.

Indians asked to leave Tehran immediately in new advisory

Indians asked to leave Tehran immediately in new advisory

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The post came as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified as they traded strikes on a fifth day.

Man arrested for threatening to kill Modi during Bihar visit

Man arrested for threatening to kill Modi during Bihar visit

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Modi arrived in Patna on Thursday on a two-day visit to Bihar.

18 arrested, 500 booked over communal violence in Pune

18 arrested, 500 booked over communal violence in Pune

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

Those involved in the incident targeted a motorcycle, two cars, one religious structure and a bakery, and indulged in arson. The police had to lob tear gas shells and lathi-charge to disperse the mob, the official said.

Mumbai bids farewell to Ganpati Bappa amid rain, bomb threat

Mumbai bids farewell to Ganpati Bappa amid rain, bomb threat

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Faithfuls thronged the streets of Mumbai for immersion processions of Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi, marking the end of the 10-day Ganpati festival.

Indian on student visa 'deceitfully recruited' into Russian army: Family

Indian on student visa 'deceitfully recruited' into Russian army: Family

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

A 25-year-old Indian man who went to Russia on a student visa has allegedly been 'deceitfully' recruited into the Russian Army and pushed into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, his family claims. They are seeking the Indian government's help for his safe return.

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

A high alert has been sounded in Uttar Pradesh's seven districts bordering Nepal. The districts are Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit.

CBI Raids 10 Sites in Cyberfraud Crackdown

CBI Raids 10 Sites in Cyberfraud Crackdown

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The raids were linked to a sophisticated organised investment fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting individuals through fake mobile apps and WhatsApp groups.

WhatsApp resumes after nearly 2-hour global disruption

WhatsApp resumes after nearly 2-hour global disruption

Rediff.com25 Oct 2022

Meta, which owns the popular messaging app, said it has fixed the glitch, and the service was back.

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the 'wholesale attack on the democratic system' currently underway in India is the single biggest risk the country is facing, and asserted that allowing different traditions to thrive is very important as 'we cannot do what China does, which is to run an authoritarian system'. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Speaking at a seminar titled 'The Future is Today' at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi also alleged that there are 'huge amounts of corruption at a centralised level' in India now. "In India, we have huge amounts of corruption now at a very centralised level. So, three or four businesses taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the prime minister, is rampant in India," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said. "But I believe decentralising power, making things more transparent, bringing people into conversations, and bringing people into processes is the best way forward," Gandhi said while addressing the seminar on Wednesday. Hitting back at the Congress leader for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused Gandhi of insulting and degrading India on foreign soil. Posting a video clip of Gandhi's speech on X, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, 'Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally.' 'This isn't dissent. It's disgrace to the fake Gandhi. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics,' Bhatia said. Speaking at the seminar, Gandhi said India has a much more complex system as compared to China and its strengths are very different from that of the neighbouring country. India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today's world, he said, adding that there is a lot that the country can offer in terms of tradition and way of thinking. "I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure. There are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India," the Leader of Opposition said. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system," he said. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions -- some 16-17 different languages, different religions... So, allowing these different traditions to thrive, and giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India.

'I Love Muhammad' campaign: Cleric among 39 held after violence

'I Love Muhammad' campaign: Cleric among 39 held after violence

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

In a major crackdown, police arrested 39 people, including local cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, in connection with the violence during the 'I love Muhammad' campaign after Friday prayers in Bareilly, while authorities suspended internet service in the district for 48 hours beginning Saturday.

'Baby, I love you': Delhi baba's lewd texts revealed in FIR

'Baby, I love you': Delhi baba's lewd texts revealed in FIR

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Female students of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, Delhi were allegedly forced to visit the quarter of self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati late at night and one of them was even forced to change her name, the FIR filed against him read.

19 killed as violence erupts in Nepal over social media ban; HM resigns

19 killed as violence erupts in Nepal over social media ban; HM resigns

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured on Monday as violent protests by youths rocked the Nepalese capital and certain other areas over the government's decision to ban social media sites, prompting authorities to deploy the army in Kathmandu to control the situation.

Mumbai rain delays India's Asia Cup squad announcement

Mumbai rain delays India's Asia Cup squad announcement

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The BCCI press conference scheduled at 1.30pm in Mumbai is 'expected to be delayed owing to weather disruptions'.

Admins, beware of WhatsApp's new feature!

Admins, beware of WhatsApp's new feature!

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

Group admins may now face legal consequences for failing to delete any "objectionable" content posted on the group.

'This Benefits H1B Visa Holders In The US'

'This Benefits H1B Visa Holders In The US'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'You are a guest in the US. It's not your home, you're a guest. If they don't feel comfortable, you have to step out.'

Should The Bengal Files Have Been Made?

Should The Bengal Files Have Been Made?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Some of the issues Vivek Agnihotri raises in The Bengal Files are valid, but today, the need of the hour is to find ways of negotiating peace not pouring oil over troubled waters, asserts Deepa Gahlot.

Muslims, RSS Join Hands To Help Crash Victims

Muslims, RSS Join Hands To Help Crash Victims

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

'Grief united all of us as Ahmedabadis.'

'Every Citizen Will Become A Doubtful Voter'

'Every Citizen Will Become A Doubtful Voter'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'Today, the State looks at everyone with suspicion.'

EC asks govt to stop sending 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp

EC asks govt to stop sending 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

The poll authority had received several complaints that such messages highlighting the government's initiatives were still being delivered on citizens' phones despite the announcement of the General Elections 2024 and the MCC coming into force.

Did WhatsApp access mic when smartphone was not in use? Govt to probe

Did WhatsApp access mic when smartphone was not in use? Govt to probe

Rediff.com10 May 2023

The government will investigate a claim that WhatsApp accessed the microphone of smartphone users while the phone was not in use, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday.

Chhattisgarh man gets surprise calls from Kohli, ABD

Chhattisgarh man gets surprise calls from Kohli, ABD

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The tryst with instant fame began on June 28 when Manish, son of farmer Gajendra Bisi, purchased a new Jio SIM from a mobile shop in Deobhog, around 8 kilometres from his village.

WhatsApp bans 36.77 lakh accounts in India in December

WhatsApp bans 36.77 lakh accounts in India in December

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The banned WhatsApp accounts in India include 13.89 lakh accounts which were barred proactively before being flagged by users.

42 Years On... Where Are Kapil's Devils Now?

42 Years On... Where Are Kapil's Devils Now?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

42 years of World Cup triumph: A Day that made Indian cricket what it is

'NCLAT Verdict Bittersweet For CCI, Meta'

'NCLAT Verdict Bittersweet For CCI, Meta'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

'Each side could consider challenging the NCLAT's stay order before the Supreme Court.'

Thane engineer held in espionage case seeks bail, cites career loss

Thane engineer held in espionage case seeks bail, cites career loss

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

In his bail plea filed recently before the Thane magistrate's court, Verma pleaded innocence, contending that the allegations, even though serious, "are subject to proof beyond reasonable doubt during trial".

WhatsApp bans over 4.5mn accounts in India in Feb

WhatsApp bans over 4.5mn accounts in India in Feb

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

WhatsApp had banned 2.9 million accounts in January, 3.6 million accounts in December and 3.7 million accounts in November.

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday questioned the issue of using "spyware against terrorists" and stated that any report touching upon the country's "security and sovereignty" won't be made public. The court indicated it might address individual concerns regarding privacy breaches, but the report of the technical committee would not be a document for public discussion. The court will examine the extent to which the report can be shared publicly. The court's statement came during a hearing on a petition related to the alleged use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance. The court also emphasized that "having spyware is not wrong, against whom you are using is the question" and that the security of the nation cannot be compromised. The hearing has been adjourned to July 30.

Are Reels Guiding Your Financial Decisions? Beware!

Are Reels Guiding Your Financial Decisions? Beware!

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Reels often induce the FOMO-'Act now!' mentality. But sound investing is about consistency, diversification and a long-term horizon.