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)

Police investigating the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have disclosed the amounts each accused is suspected of stealing, ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹20 lakh. According to investigators, the accused exploited security loopholes and diverted devotees' offerings over time. The case came to light after internal discrepancies triggered an investigation, leading to multiple arrests and cash recoveries. Authorities are continuing to examine financial records, CCTV footage, and the possible involvement of additional individuals. The high-profile case has intensified demands for stricter security, transparency, and accountability in managing temple donations. (PC: NDTV)

Eleven-year-old Vihaan Srivastava’s family has demanded accountability after the Chembur tree collapse in Mumbai claimed his life. His grandfather alleged civic negligence, saying residents had repeatedly warned authorities about the dangerous tree. The family plans legal action, insisting those responsible be punished to prevent similar tragedies. Relatives remembered Vihaan as a cheerful, caring child passionate about cricket, revealing they cremated him with his cricket ball. Neighbours and local representatives criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), alleging repeated complaints about hazardous trees were ignored. MLA Tukaram Kate and MP Anil Desai called for a thorough investigation, better tree monitoring and maintenance, and strict action if negligence by civic authorities is established. (PC: NDTV)

The Centre has notified the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, creating a fully digital compliance framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Existing EPF members will continue automatically, while new employees will be enrolled from the applicable date. The scheme introduces a dedicated framework for international workers, covering foreign employees in India and eligible Indians working in countries with Social Security Agreements. Employers must digitally upload employee records, UAN details and statutory returns, while employees will submit Aadhaar, PAN and bank details online. Electronic nominations, digital claim processing, automated fund transfers and e-passbooks become standard. Principal employers will share EPF compliance responsibility for contract workers, with delays attracting penalties. (PC: Times Bull)

The central government is reviewing WhatsApp's new username feature over concerns about impersonation and digital safety. Sources said the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is examining the feature and may issue a notice if needed. WhatsApp's new option lets users connect without sharing their phone numbers. The company said the feature is designed to improve privacy and will roll out in phases. Users can reserve usernames before the official launch. WhatsApp said there will be no public username directory, and people must know a user's exact username to start a chat.

State-run oil marketing companies have retained the prices of domestic 14.2-kg LPG cylinders across major Indian cities from July 1, with no change for household consumers despite the monthly revision. However, commercial users received significant relief as the price of 19-kg LPG cylinders was reduced by ₹183.50, marking the first cut in 2026 following easing tensions in West Asia and softer global energy prices. The revised commercial rates benefit restaurants, hotels and other businesses, while domestic cooking gas prices remain stable. Consumers can check city-wise LPG rates through official oil company websites, as prices vary depending on local taxes and transportation costs. The new rates took effect immediately. (PC: Money Control)

Nayara Energy, India’s largest private fuel retailer, has reduced petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 per litre across its network of over 7,000 fuel stations, following a decline in global crude oil prices as tensions in West Asia eased. The revised rates came into effect on Wednesday, marking the first retail fuel price cut by any company in more than two years. Nayara had earlier raised petrol by ₹5.30 and diesel by ₹3 during the US-Iran conflict amid supply concerns. State-run Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL have not revised prices. Pump rates may vary by state due to VAT. Nayara operates a 20-million-tonne refinery at Vadinar, Gujarat. (PC: X)

Eight people were killed and 22 others injured after a passenger bus rammed into a truck and caught fire on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Dausa district early Wednesday. The bus, carrying around 37 passengers, was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore when the accident occurred at around 3:30 am. The impact triggered a massive blaze, trapping several passengers inside the vehicle. Police, fire brigade personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene, launched relief operations and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash while rescue and recovery operations were completed at the accident site.

Eleven-year-old Vihan Shrivastav was killed after a tree collapsed onto his school bus in Mumbai's Chembur on Tuesday while students were returning home from Universal School. Four other children sustained minor injuries and remain in stable condition, hospital authorities said. Neighbours described Vihan as a bright child who dreamed of becoming a professional cricketer and often sought cricket lessons from friends. Hours after the tragedy, his mother, Juhi, was seen holding his cricket bat, unable to accept his death and repeatedly saying he had to go play cricket. The bus carried 13 children, all rescued by the conductor and passersby before emergency responders reached the scene. (PC: X)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned that the country's economy remains vulnerable to energy price shocks and supply-chain disruptions due to its heavy dependence on imported oil amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. In its latest Financial Stability Report, the RBI said India's financial system remains resilient, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, healthy capital buffers and low non-performing assets. However, geopolitical uncertainty has pressured the rupee through weaker capital inflows and higher import-related hedging demand, while rising energy prices have weighed on government bond yields. The central bank noted that easing regional tensions have reduced immediate market stress but cautioned that fresh geopolitical shocks could again unsettle financial markets. (PC: Passionate in Marketing)