Apple will not comply with India’s order to preload its iPhones with the government’s ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app, sources say. The app, meant to track stolen phones and block misuse, must be installed on all new and existing devices within 90 days. Apple says the mandate raises privacy and security issues and is not required anywhere else. Other companies like Samsung and Xiaomi are reviewing the order. Critics, including opposition leaders, call it government overreach and surveillance. The telecom ministry defends it as a security measure to prevent phone fraud and control the second-hand device market. (PC: NDTV)

A new study finds India’s Supreme Court often uses biased language in rulings, even while protecting Dalit rights. Researchers examined 75 years of top court judgments and found words that were demeaning, comparing Dalits to animals or people with disabilities. Some rulings described caste as “benign” or suggested education alone can end discrimination. Experts say this language reinforces stereotypes and reflects social bias, even without intent. The court has started efforts to change this, including a handbook on avoiding discriminatory language. Scholars call for more Dalit judges and diverse perspectives in the judiciary to ensure fairness. (PC: BBC)

Hong Kong leader John Lee has ordered an independent inquiry into the deadly fire that killed at least 151 people at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. Seven of eight towers were under renovation when flames spread quickly through unsafe protective netting. The blaze took more than 2,000 firefighters 40 hours to control. Thirteen people, including construction company directors, have been arrested for suspected manslaughter. Fire alarms in all blocks failed to work. Residents are still missing, and the toll may rise. Rights groups have criticised police for detaining people who called for an independent probe into the tragedy. (PC: BBC)

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the Sanchar Saathi app is optional and users can delete it anytime. His comment came after strong criticism of the Centre’s order asking phone makers to pre-install the app. Scindia said the app does not spy on users and works only after activation. The DoT had told companies to keep all features active and send the app to existing phones through updates. Opposition parties called the move a threat to privacy, with some leaders comparing it to Pegasus. The app helps users block stolen phones, check connections, and report fraud. (PC: India Today)

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app, mandated for pre-installation on phones, can be deleted by users who don't want it. Addressing the massive uproar, Scindia emphasized the app is "completely voluntary" and aims to protect citizens from online fraud and cybercrime. He compared it to pre-installed apps like Google Maps, stating users can delete or keep it dormant. Congress flagged privacy concerns, with KC Venugopal calling the directive "beyond unconstitutional" and Priyanka Gandhi labeling it a "snooping app." Scindia countered that the Opposition is seeking issues, noting India faced Rs 22,800 crore in cyberfraud during 2024, justifying the government's consumer protection initiative.

Chennai and Thiruvallur are under a red alert as the remnant of Cyclone Ditwah brings extremely heavy rain. The India Meteorological Department said the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is about 35 km from the north Tamil Nadu coast and will weaken in 12 hours. Maximum temperatures in Chennai are around 27°C and minimum near 23°C. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram remain closed on December 2 to ensure student safety. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow government safety instructions. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the coming days.

In Nanded, Maharashtra, 21-year-old Saksham Tatte was shot dead by his girlfriend Aachal Mamilwar’s family. Aachal said her brother took a police taunt as a challenge and killed Saksham because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste. The couple had been in a relationship for three years, which her family opposed. On the day of the murder, Aachal’s father and brothers allegedly attacked Saksham with guns and stones, leading to his death. Aachal applied vermilion on his body, “marrying” him posthumously, and demanded the death penalty for her parents and brothers. Police arrested eight people. (PC: India Today)

A total of 262 young cadets from Jammu and Kashmir were formally inducted into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment in Udhampur on Monday. The recruits came from districts including Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam and Srinagar. They took oath to serve the nation at the passing-out parade held at the JAKLI Regimental Training Centre in Dhansal. Lieutenant General P. K. Mishra reviewed the parade and praised the recruits for their discipline and commitment. Families were honoured with the ‘Gaurav Padak’ for their support. The event marked the beginning of the soldiers’ service to the country. (PC: Instagram)

An IndiGo flight from Kuwait to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai on Tuesday after an email warned of a “human bomb” on board. The threat message was received at Delhi airport, according to reports. The Airbus A321 landed safely in Mumbai at 8:10 am, where security teams and emergency units were on standby. An official statement from IndiGo is still awaited. Police and bomb squads began checks after the landing. A similar threat was reported on November 23 for a Bahrain-Hyderabad flight, which also landed safely in Mumbai. That threat later turned out to be a hoax. (PC: HT)

The Department of Telecommunications has ordered all phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device sold in India. The app must appear clearly during setup and cannot be hidden or removed. The rule aims to curb IMEI fraud, track stolen phones and improve telecom security. Companies have 90 days to follow the order. Phones already in stores must get the app through updates. The Congress has called the move unconstitutional and a threat to privacy. KC Venugopal said a mandatory app that cannot be removed is a “Big Brother” step. The government has not responded yet. (PC: India Today)