The Central government has issued notices to Telegram and Signal seeking detailed explanations about their username features, following similar action against WhatsApp. Authorities are examining whether usernames could be misused for impersonation, cybercrime, fraud, or bypassing existing user identification safeguards. The move reflects growing concerns over online safety, digital accountability, and the potential misuse of anonymous communication tools. The platforms have been asked to clarify how the feature operates and what security measures are in place to prevent abuse. The development forms part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen oversight of digital platforms while balancing user privacy and security.

A Kuki village in Manipur’s Noney district has reportedly been torched by unidentified armed men, according to media reports, intensifying ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Manipur, where several villages in hill districts have recently faced arson attacks and armed clashes linked to the prolonged ethnic conflict between communities. Security forces have been deployed to assess the damage and prevent further escalation. Local organisations have alleged militant involvement, while investigations are ongoing to determine the attackers’ identity and motive. The situation has further deepened instability in the already conflict-hit northeastern state, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and law and order. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted the expanding use of ethanol-blended fuels in India, stating that even racing cars are now operating on ethanol-based fuel. He emphasized that the country’s shift towards ethanol blending in petrol is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy alternatives. Puri noted that ethanol adoption has already reached significant levels in regular vehicles and is now being tested in high-performance applications such as racing, showcasing its viability. The government maintains that ethanol fuels are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial, despite ongoing debates over engine compatibility and performance concerns in older vehicles. Officials say the transition is irreversible and part of India’s long-term energy security plan. (PC: X)

A 17-year-old boy died after being electrocuted while walking through a waterlogged street in Maharashtra’s Thane during heavy rainfall. According to his family, exposed electrical cables lying inside roadside gutters became live after the rain, and repeated calls for emergency assistance went unanswered. The teenager reportedly received a fatal electric shock after stepping into the flooded area. The incident has triggered allegations of negligence against civic authorities over poor maintenance of electrical infrastructure and delayed emergency response. Officials have launched an investigation into the tragedy, while the grieving family has demanded accountability and action to prevent similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)

The family of 33-year-old merchant navy sailor Rakesh Ramdev Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh has alleged that his body was returned from Venezuela with several vital organs missing after his death aboard a merchant vessel. A second post-mortem in India reportedly found the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines and other organs absent, making the exact cause of death impossible to determine. While Venezuelan authorities attributed the death to a heart attack, the family and the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) have demanded a transparent investigation, accountability, and compensation, raising concerns over possible irregularities in the handling of the case.

India's Supreme Court has strongly cautioned against the misuse of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings, calling its unchecked use "catastrophic" and warning that fake or AI-generated case citations threaten the justice system. The court said relying on fabricated judgments or unverified AI outputs amounts to misconduct, not a simple error. Stressing that AI can only assist and never replace human judgment, the bench highlighted the need for accountability by judges and lawyers. The observations came while examining cases involving AI-generated fake legal citations and reinforced the court's push for responsible AI use in India's judicial system. (PC: HT)

A man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai’s Sakinaka area during heavy rain on Thursday. According to officials, the man was reportedly using his mobile phone while walking when he stepped into the uncovered drain, where maintenance work was underway. Contract workers tried to rescue him immediately, but strong water flow swept him away. Only his umbrella and slippers were recovered at the scene. The tragedy occurred as Mumbai faced intense monsoon rainfall, causing severe waterlogging across the city. The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety measures, including barricades and warning signs, at maintenance sites. (PC: HT)

The death of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal at Pune's Lohagad Fort has sparked intense debate over trial by media. What was initially treated as an accidental fall turned into a murder investigation after police arrested his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her friend, Chetan Chaudhary, accusing them of killing him. Both have denied the allegations through their lawyers, who say there is no conclusive evidence against them. As the investigation continues, personal photos, videos and unverified claims have flooded television and social media, raising concerns that public opinion is being shaped before a court has determined guilt or innocence. (PC: X)

An India-bound oil tanker has safely reached Paradip Port in Odisha after coming under gunfire near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The vessel was carrying crude oil when it encountered the security incident during its voyage through the tense Gulf region. Despite the attack, the tanker continued its journey without major damage or injuries to the crew. Authorities confirmed that the ship arrived safely at the Indian port and cargo operations are expected to continue as planned. The incident highlights ongoing security risks for commercial shipping in the Middle East. (PC: X)

The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, directing it not to roll out WhatsApp's new username feature in India until consultations are completed. Authorities have asked the company to submit a detailed explanation within three days, citing concerns over fraud, impersonation, digital scams, and user safety. The proposed feature would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, but officials fear it could be misused by scammers. Meta has been asked to clarify the safeguards built into the feature before any launch decision is taken. (PC: HT)