Govt To Summon Meta Officials Over Instagram CSAM Ads Allegations The Central government is set to summon Meta officials after allegations surfaced that Instagram carried paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material in India. The issue has raised serious questions over the platform’s ad moderation system and online child safety measures. According to the report, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials of the Ministry of E

Allahabad High Court Says Personal Laws Cannot Shield Criminal Acts In Triple Talaq, Nikah Halala Case The Allahabad High Court has refused to cancel an FIR in a serious case involving the alleged sexual exploitation of a woman under the guise of triple talaq, nikah halala, and remarriage practices. A division bench of Justices J.J. Munir and Tarun Saxena observed that personal laws cannot be used as a shield to protect criminal conduct. The court said c

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

Maruti Suzuki Kharkhoda Plant Inaugurated By PM Modi, Japan PM Takaichi New Delhi, July 2: Maruti Suzuki India’s new manufacturing facility at Kharkhoda in Haryana was inaugurated on Thursday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The virtual inauguration took place during the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum in New Delhi. Fourth Manufacturing Facility For Maruti Suzuki The Kharkhoda pla

PM Modi Calls Japan PM Sanae Takaichi ‘Younger Sister’ As India-Japan Ties Enter New Phase Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday warmly

S.S. Rajamouli received one of the most significant international honours of his career during his visit to the Lumière Museum in Lyon, France, where his films were screened and his name was added to the prestigious Mur des Cinéastes, marking a major milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage. Historic recognition at Lumière Museum in Lyon S.S. Rajamouli’s visit to the Lumière Museum in Lyon became a landmark moment when his films Eega and RRR were screened before an international audience at one of the most historic institutions in world cinema. The Lumière Museum is widely regarded as the birthplace of cinema, and showcasing Rajamouli’s films there placed Indian blockbuster filmmaking in a space traditionally reserved for global film heritage discussions. The screening highlighted how Rajamouli’s storytelling style, combining emotional depth with large-scale visual spectacle, has gained strong acceptance beyond Indian audiences. It also reflected the growing global visibility of Indian cinema, especially films that push technical and narrative boundaries on a global scale. Importance of Mur des Cinéastes recognition A major highlight of the visit was Rajamouli’s inclusion in the Mur des Cinéastes, an exclusive honour wall that features some of the most influential filmmakers in world cinema history. This includes globally respected directors such as Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, and Clint Eastwood. The Mur des Cinéastes is not an annual award but a permanent recognition reserved for filmmakers whose work has significantly influenced global cinematic language. Rajamouli’s inclusion places him in a rare category of directors whose work is considered part of world cinema heritage rather than being limited to regional or commercial success. This recognition marks a major milestone for Indian cinema, as it represents institutional acceptance from one of the most respected film heritage organizations in the world. Meeting with Thierry Frémaux and cinema heritage tour During his visit, Rajamouli was hosted by Thierry Frémaux, who personally guided him through key historical sites connected to the origins of cinema in Lyon. The tour was conducted under the guidance of the Institut Lumière, which preserves the legacy of early filmmaking pioneers. The visit also carried symbolic importance due to its connection with the Cannes Film Festival ecosystem, reflecting the long-standing relationship between European cinema institutions and global filmmakers. The interaction highlighted how modern filmmakers like Rajamouli are now part of global cinematic conversations that trace back to the origins of film itself. Global impact of Eega and RRR screenings The screening of Rajamouli’s films at the museum was a strong recognition of the international appeal of Indian cinema. Both Eega and RRR were presented not just as commercial successes but as examples of evolving global storytelling from India. The audience response underlined how Indian cinema is increasingly being viewed on equal footing with Hollywood productions in terms of scale, technical execution, and emotional impact. This also signals a shift in global film consumption, where language barriers are becoming less relevant due to strong visual storytelling. Rajamouli’s response and global recognition of Indian cinema Rajamouli expressed deep gratitude for the honour, describing the experience as humbling and emotionally significant. His recognition at Lyon adds to his growing international reputation as a filmmaker whose work transcends regional boundaries and appeals to global audiences. More importantly, this moment reflects a broader shift in the global perception of Indian cinema. Filmmakers like Rajamouli are increasingly being included in international heritage platforms, signaling that Indian storytelling is no longer peripheral but part of mainstream global cinema evolution.

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.

Petrol, Diesel Price Cut: Nayara Slashes Rates From July 1 Motorists received limited relief on July 1, 2026, after private fuel retailer Nayara Energy reduced petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre across its fuel station network. The company’s move comes as international crude oil prices softened after easing tensions in West Asia. Nayara Energy Announces Fuel Price Cut Nayara Energy, one of I

Jet Fuel Price Cut Gives Airlines Relief As ATF Falls By Rs 5/Litre Aviation turbine fuel prices in India have been reduced by nearly Rs 5 per litre from July 1, 2026, offering fresh relief to domestic airlines at a time when global crude oil prices have started easing. The revised ATF rate in Delhi is now around Rs 110 per litre, according to the latest price notifications reported by media outlets. ATF Price Cut Comes As Crude Oil Softens

SS Rajamouli Says 80 Days Of Varanasi Shoot Still Pending SS Rajamouli has shared a fresh update on his much-awaited film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role. The director revealed that around 80 days of shooting are still pending, while the major action portions of the film have already been completed. Rajamouli Shares Varanasi Update In France The update came during Rajamouli’s interaction in France, where he

Indus Waters Treaty Row: Pakistan Minister Warns India Over Water Rights The India-Pakistan water dispute deepened on June 30, 2026, after Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik issued a sharp warning over the Indus Waters Treaty. His remarks came as tensions continue over India’s decision to keep the decades-old water-sharing agreement in abeyance after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistan’s

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: MEA Warns Pilgrims Over Missing Travel Documents The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens not to begin the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra unless they have obtained all required travel documents for the complete journey. The advisory was issued after the ministry received assistance requests from Indian pilgrims who were stranded in Nepal while travelling for the yatra through private tour operators. According to th

ISKCON Removes Radharaman Das From Kolkata Posts, Bars Him From Public Representation ISKCON has removed its Kolkata vice-president, Radharaman Das, from all organisational responsibilities and directed him not to speak or act on behalf of the organisation in public forums, media interactions, or before government authorities. The decision has drawn attention as Das had become one of ISKCON’s most visible public figures in recent years, frequently comm

Gujarat Girl Takshvi Vaghani Breaks Guinness World Record In Limbo Skating Eight-year-old Takshvi Vaghani from Gujarat has made India proud by setting a new Guinness World Record in limbo skating. The young skater from Ahmedabad completed the lowest limbo skating over 10 metres at a height of just 16 centimetres, adding another major achievement to her growing list of records. Takshvi’s latest feat has drawn attention because of the extraordinary balan