Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi observed with prayer and reflection Muslims in many parts of India are observing Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Milad-un-Nabi, with prayers, religious gatherings, processions, charity initiatives and family celebrations. The occasion commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, regarded in Islam as the final prophet and messenger of God. It falls in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal and provides an opportunity for those who observe it t

Paris: France will expel two Iranian diplomats after accusing Iranian authorities of detaining and physically intimidating two members of the French embassy in Tehran during a July incident. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the expulsions would take place in the coming days, calling the episode intolerable and saying Paris had promised consequences. French officials say the two embassy staff members were detained for several hours on July 19 while carrying out professional dut

Indian Railways is accelerating its Vande Bharat expansion as rising passenger numbers and stronger financial performance in premium AC categories create a compelling case for modern, higher-value rail services. Nearly 3.98 crore passengers travelled on Vande Bharat trains during FY2025-26, representing a 34% increase over the previous financial year. The growth suggests passengers are increasingly willing to pay more for faster journeys, improved comfort and modern amenities. With

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay has urged PM Narendra Modi to retain 543 Lok Sabha seats, preserve state-wise representation and ensure 33% reservation for women. Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Seeks Permanent Cap Of 543 Lok Sabha Seats Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring Constitutional amendments that would permanently fix the strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 members. The request follows a resolution

Trial runs of the proposed Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express have begun on the Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section, a crucial safety test before commercial operations can be considered. Vande Bharat Trial Begins on Sakleshpur Ghat Section The trial programme began on August 11, 2026, on the nearly 55-km Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road stretch of the Mangaluru–Hassan–Bengaluru rout

ISRO VSSC Apprentice Walk-In 2026 for 460 Posts on July 25 Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre will conduct a walk-in selection drive in Thiruvananthapuram on July 25, 2026, for 460 Graduate and Technician Apprentice training positions. Candidates will be shortlisted on academic marks and eligibility.

WhatsApp Username Feature Put On Hold In India Amid Fraud Concerns Meta-owned WhatsApp has received more time to respond to the Indian government’s notice over its proposed username feature. The messaging platform has also assured the Centre that the feature will not be rolled out in India until discussions with the government are completed. What Is The WhatsApp Username Feature? The proposed username feature will allow use

Arattai To Disable Usernames After WhatsApp Notice Row 3 July 2026: Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has announced that Arattai will disable its username-based account feature, days after the Indian government raised concerns over username features on messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The move comes amid growing debate over whether usernames on messaging apps could increase the risk of online fraud, impersonation, and cybercrime

WhatsApp Username Rollout Paused In India Over Cyber Fraud Concerns India has asked Meta to pause the rollout of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature in the country, raising concerns over privacy, impersonation, and possible cyber-fraud risks. The government has reportedly sought a detailed explanation from Meta within three days and asked the company not to proceed with the feature until consultations are completed. What Is WhatsApp

How WhatsApp usernames change user identity sharing WhatsApp’s rollout of usernames introduces a new way for users to connect without directly sharing their mobile number. In India, where phone numbers are closely connected to UPI payments, Aadhaar verification, banking services, and multiple digital identity systems, this shift is especially significant. While phone numbers remain required for account creation and verification, they will no longer be the only way users identify or connect with each other on the platform. Privacy improvements and everyday impact The introduction of usernames helps reduce exposure of personal phone numbers in group chats, business communication, and online marketplaces. This can lower the chances of spam calls, unsolicited messages, and basic data harvesting. It also creates a separation between private identity and public interaction, which is increasingly important in large digital ecosystems like India’s. However, the actual privacy benefit will depend on how WhatsApp manages visibility settings and user discovery options. Cybersecurity concerns and impersonation risks At the same time, experts warn that usernames introduce new cybersecurity challenges. The biggest concern is impersonation, where attackers can create similar-looking usernames to deceive users. Unlike phone numbers, usernames can be copied or slightly modified, making fake accounts harder to detect at a glance. In India, where cyber fraud linked to messaging apps and digital payments is already rising, this increases the importance of careful identity verification. Safety features and implementation factors WhatsApp is expected to introduce additional protections such as a “username key” system, which restricts who can message a user even if they know the username. This could help reduce spam and unwanted contact. However, the overall effectiveness of the feature will depend on default settings, user awareness, and how strictly WhatsApp enforces anti-impersonation measures. The update represents a shift in digital identity handling, offering stronger privacy on one side while introducing new forms of security risk on the other.

Rahul Ravindran Deletes X After Death Threats Against His Children Director-actor Rahul Ravindran has deleted X after receiving abusive messages and death threats aimed at his children. The online backlash reportedly began during a debate linked to the Ketan Agarwal case, after Rahul responded to a user who questioned him about making a film on “atrocities against men.” Rahul’s response, in which he spoke about society being patriarchal, triggered

WhatsApp Username Feature: How To Reserve Your Name Without Sharing Phone Number WhatsApp is preparing a major privacy update that will allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. The Meta-owned messaging platform has started allowing users to reserve unique usernames before the feature is rolled out more widely later this year. Until now, WhatsApp conversations have largely depended on phone numbers. Anyone who had a user’s mobile number

Kunal Shah To Lead WhatsApp As Meta Bets Big On CRED CRED founder Kunal Shah is set to lead WhatsApp globally as Meta invests $900 million in CRED, triggering both growth expectations and fintech data concerns.   Kunal Shah To Lead WhatsApp As Meta Bets Big On CRED CRED founder Kunal Shah is set to become the global CEO of WhatsApp, marking a major leadership move involving an Indian en

Sharad Pawar’s Congress Merger Idea Returns Amid Opposition Strain Sharad Pawar’s old idea of regional parties moving closer to the Congress has returned to the political debate as the Opposition looks for stronger unity. While a formal merger of parties like TMC or NCP with Congress appears difficult, closer alliances and seat-sharing may become the more practical route against the BJP.  

POK Unrest Escalates Ahead Of Shutdown After Rawalakot Violence Tensions have risen in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after deadly clashes in Rawalakot ahead of a major shutdown call. POK Unrest Deepens After Rawalakot Clashes   Deadly Violence In Rawalakot Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been placed on edge after violent clashes in Rawalakot left several people reported dead and many others injure