News for 'whatsapp'

Guj IAS officer in the dock as ED unearths land clearance bribe grid

Guj IAS officer in the dock as ED unearths land clearance bribe grid

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Former Surendranagar collector Rajendrakumar Patel is accused of fixing bribe rates for approving change of land use applications, according to the Enforcement Directorate.

Mary Kom Divorce Drama Turns Ugly

Mary Kom Divorce Drama Turns Ugly

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Mary Kom, and fellow Manipuri Onler were married for over two decades, and their divorce in 2023 shocked close family members and acquaintances.

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Enforcement Directorate's allegations of obstruction by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during raids related to a coal-pilferage scam. The court intends to examine the matter and has also taken note of the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during hearings related to the case.

India advises nationals to avoid travel to Venezuela

India advises nationals to avoid travel to Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

India has advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela following the capture of President Nicols Maduro by the US. The Ministry of External Affairs has also asked Indians in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements.

Tribunal stays CCI ban on WhatsApp-Meta data sharing

Tribunal stays CCI ban on WhatsApp-Meta data sharing

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday stayed the five-year ban imposed by competition watchdog CCI on data-sharing practices between WhatsApp and Meta for advertising purposes, offering a breather to the tech giant. Meta welcomed the "NCLAT's decision to grant a partial stay on the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) order" and said it will evaluate next steps.

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Banerjee is personally present in court room one along with her lawyers. A gate pass was issued in the chief minister's name on Tuesday.

Retired soldier loses Rs 98 lakh during 15-day 'digital arrest'

Retired soldier loses Rs 98 lakh during 15-day 'digital arrest'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

A retired soldier of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh has been duped of Rs 98 lakh after being kept under 15 days 'digital arrest' by the fraudsters, officials said on Friday.

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Instead of the government and telecom operators solving the mess of their own creation, they're telling us we need to give access to our phones perpetually.'

Month after 3 senior citizens disappear from Delhi, HC steps in

Month after 3 senior citizens disappear from Delhi, HC steps in

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

A Division Bench of the Delhi high court, comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Manoj Jain, issued the direction on a petition moved by Ondrilla Dasgupta. The court has scheduled a further hearing on January 13, 2026.

Gujarat ATS nabs 'lone wolf' planning Prophet insult killings

Gujarat ATS nabs 'lone wolf' planning Prophet insult killings

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The Gujarat ATS has arrested a 22-year-old tailor, Faizan Shaikh, accused of being highly radicalized and planning targeted killings in Uttar Pradesh for perceived insults to Prophet Muhammad. He allegedly operated as a 'lone wolf' and had connections to terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Al Qaeda.

Elderly Delhi resident duped of over Rs 2 cr in cyber fraud

Elderly Delhi resident duped of over Rs 2 cr in cyber fraud

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Five individuals, including an electronic repair shop owner and a DJ operator, have been arrested for allegedly defrauding a 78-year-old Delhi resident of over Rs 2.19 crore through a sophisticated cyber fraud involving impersonation of law enforcement officials and a 'digital arrest'.

Sarvam Maya Review: Middling Entertainer

Sarvam Maya Review: Middling Entertainer

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Sarvam Maya banks on its leading man, Nivin Pauly, who grasps at straws and makes the improbable scenes work with his charm, notes Arjun Menon.

I am getting death threats, says Bangladesh players' body chief

I am getting death threats, says Bangladesh players' body chief

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Bangladesh's Cricketers' Welfare Association (CWAB) president Mohammad Mithun has said that he has received death threats for taking a stand for the players.

Assam student assaulted at MP tribal varsity hostel; 5 booked

Assam student assaulted at MP tribal varsity hostel; 5 booked

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A postgraduate student from Assam was allegedly assaulted by five peers at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) hostel in Madhya Pradesh. The five accused were expelled and booked. The incident follows the death of a student from Tripura in Dehradun, causing national outrage.

WhatsApp's Plan For Small Businesses

WhatsApp's Plan For Small Businesses

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Meta announced a first-of-its-kind initiative called 'WhatsApp Bharat Yatra', where the company will go to Tier-II and Tier-III cities to provide on-ground, in-person training to small businesses.

Journalist Rana Ayyub receives death threats

Journalist Rana Ayyub receives death threats

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The journalist, a Navi Mumbai resident who writes for the Washington Post, received repeated WhatsApp calls from an unknown international number, identified as 'Harry Shooter Canada', on November 2, an official from Koparkhairne police station said.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'

Telangana: 80-year-old doctor, family rescued from 3-day digital arrest

Telangana: 80-year-old doctor, family rescued from 3-day digital arrest

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) foiled a digital arrest extortion attempt, rescuing an 80-year-old doctor and his family from cyber fraudsters posing as CBI officials.

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The BJP has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following Supreme Court observations regarding obstructions during ED raids at I-PAC premises, alleging abuse of power and shielding of those accused of corruption.

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest United States actions in the South American country.

NCLAT admits Meta, Whatsapp pleas against CCI's Rs 213.14-cr penalty

NCLAT admits Meta, Whatsapp pleas against CCI's Rs 213.14-cr penalty

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Appellate tribunal NCLAT on Thursday admitted the petitions filed by Meta Platforms and Whatsapp against an order passed by fair trade regulator CCI which imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore for abuse of market dominance.

Ex-Army man, woman held for sharing sensitive info with Pak

Ex-Army man, woman held for sharing sensitive info with Pak

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a retired Army man and a woman for allegedly sharing sensitive information about military establishments and personnel with Pakistani agents.

SC directs public display of voter discrepancies in Bengal

SC directs public display of voter discrepancies in Bengal

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to display the names of those on the 'logical discrepancies' list at various public offices in West Bengal, addressing concerns about irregularities in the voter rolls.

Govt makes active SIM link mandatory for messaging apps

Govt makes active SIM link mandatory for messaging apps

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Indian government has directed app-based communication services like WhatsApp and Telegram to ensure continuous linkage to a user's active SIM card to combat cyber fraud. Non-compliance will result in penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Halt 'flawed' SIR or risk mass disenfranchisement, Mamata warns EC

Halt 'flawed' SIR or risk mass disenfranchisement, Mamata warns EC

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the Election Commission to halt the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, citing irregularities and potential disenfranchisement.

Police can't serve accused notice via WhatsApp: SC

Police can't serve accused notice via WhatsApp: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has said police cannot serve notices to accused persons through WhatsApp or other electronic modes under the Criminal Procedure Code or Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Parisa's Unforgettable Pandharpur Pilgrimage

Parisa's Unforgettable Pandharpur Pilgrimage

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Somewhere between the darshan queue and the fugadi dancing, between ancient stone pillars and the riverfront, my nine-year-daughter found her own understanding of pilgrimage, says Hemantkumar Shivsharan.

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces legal action against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, alleging disenfranchisement and procedural flaws.

UP khap panchayat bans kids from wearing half pants in public

UP khap panchayat bans kids from wearing half pants in public

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The panchayat said that boys and girls seen in public places wearing half pants was against social norms, which has a negative impact on society.

How To Say No To A Clingy, Married Woman

How To Say No To A Clingy, Married Woman

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Let her know that you are in a happy marriage and you are not comfortable with her behaviour, advises rediffGURU Ravi Mittal.

Show us proof: Cong calls Rajnath's Nehru-Babri claim a 'lie'

Show us proof: Cong calls Rajnath's Nehru-Babri claim a 'lie'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Congress party has strongly refuted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's claim that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to build the Babri Masjid using public funds, calling it a 'lie' and a 'WhatsApp university story'. Congress leaders have accused Singh of distorting history and distracting from real issues.

Woman booked for harassing Bengaluru cop with love proposal

Woman booked for harassing Bengaluru cop with love proposal

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A woman in Bengaluru has been booked for allegedly harassing a police inspector with a love proposal and threatening suicide if he refused. The inspector claims she repeatedly contacted him, sent inappropriate messages, and threatened to use her connections to force him to accept her proposal.

Meta slams CCI's data sharing order; tells tribunal it's flawed

Meta slams CCI's data sharing order; tells tribunal it's flawed

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Meta on Tuesday argued before appellate tribunal NCLAT that the CCI had provided no reasons for imposing a 5-year ban on the sharing of data between Meta and WhatsApp for advertisement purposes, as its counsel alleged "flawed approach" and "seven misses" by the fair trade regulator in its order.

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

SIM-Binding Standoff: Telcos Vs Apps

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

App-based communication services providers and Indian telcos are at loggerheads over the SIM-binding directions issued by the department of telecom, which are to be complied with by the end of February 2026.

Deaf-mute woman breaks 16-year silence, exposes serial sexual predator

Deaf-mute woman breaks 16-year silence, exposes serial sexual predator

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

According to the police, the survivor, a resident of Mumbai's western suburbs, communicated in sign language during a video call with her friends and colleagues, who were part of a WhatsApp group, that the accused had drugged and raped her when she was a minor.

Public spat, WhatsApp war among MPs expose TMC's internal rift

Public spat, WhatsApp war among MPs expose TMC's internal rift

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Infighting within West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to the fore after a video of an alleged verbal spat between party MPs and screenshots of heated exchanges from its official WhatsApp group for parliamentarians went viral. The incident reportedly involved a public altercation at the Election Commission headquarters, followed by a heated exchange on the party's WhatsApp group, leading to accusations of misconduct and leaked screenshots. The controversy has triggered calls for action against the party chief whip, Kalyan Banerjee, who is accused of misbehavior and tarnishing the party's image.

Meta expands safety tools to safeguard older adults from online scams

Meta expands safety tools to safeguard older adults from online scams

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Meta has announced new anti-scam features and awareness initiatives, including safety tools and tips to protect users, particularly senior citizens from cyber fraud and online scams, as the social media giant stepped up efforts to help people stay safe online.

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

Duped of Rs 8 crore, ex-IPS officer attempts suicide

Duped of Rs 8 crore, ex-IPS officer attempts suicide

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Former IPS officer Amar Singh Chahal allegedly shot himself after claiming he was duped of Rs 8.10 crore by cyber thugs. He was one of the accused in the 2015 police firing cases related to anti-sacrilege protests in Faridkot.

Jana Gana Mana was composed to welcome British: BJP MP

Jana Gana Mana was composed to welcome British: BJP MP

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka after BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri claimed that the country's national anthem was written "to welcome the British official". This statement drew sharp criticism from Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge.