Sanchar Saathi controversy: Scindia clarifies app is optional as Apple, opposition hits back
In this report, India Today’s Amit Bhardwaj details the growing controversy over the government’s directive to smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the ‘Sanchar Sathi’ app. The Department of Telecommunications has issued a deadline of 90 days for compliance, triggering protests from tech giants like Apple. While the opposition, including the Congress party, has termed the move as a Pegasus-like ‘espionage effort’, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a clarification. Scindia claims the app is designed to prevent financial fraud and is ‘optional’, with users free to uninstall or deactivate it. The report also examines the different permission levels required for Android versus iOS devices.
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Karnataka CM’s mysterious comment to aide sparks political stir: ‘Politics is not permanent’
The report focuses on the emerging political situation in Karnataka, where the Chief Minister has been caught on camera making cryptic remarks towards a colleague. After a breakfast meeting with his deputy, the Chief Minister was recorded telling Belur MLA Gopalakrishnan, ‘Whatever happens, let it happen.’ He also said that ‘politics is not permanent’ and ‘it is not my father’s property’. These comments have fueled speculation of a possible leadership struggle within the state government. The conversation, described as informal, took place at Vidhana Soudha and has raised questions about the Chief Minister’s mindset regarding his position, even though he may not appear concerned outwardly. India Today correspondent says the timing of the statement is significant, coming directly after his meeting with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Navy Chief Dinesh Tripathi: ‘Combat Ready, United Navy’ is this year’s theme
Ahead of Navy Day 2025, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi addressed the annual press conference in New Delhi. He confirmed the signing of the contract for 26 Rafale maritime aircraft on April 25, 2025, with the first batch expected to arrive in 2029. The Navy Chief highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor and the Swavalamban 4.0 seminar held in November. He also noted the inclusion of Agniveers from 673 districts and the launch of the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project.
Couldn’t buy a car, friends arranged 30 e-rickshaws for the groom’s wedding procession
A daily wage laborer in UP couldn’t buy a car for his wedding procession, so his friends arranged for 30 e-rickshaws, and over 100 guests rode together.
BJP’s Shehzad Poonawala criticizes Renuka Chaudhary’s ‘dog’ comment, defends Sanchar Sathi app
Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala criticized Congress MP Renuka Chaudhary for bringing a dog to Parliament and her comment that ‘biters sit inside’. Poonawala argues that such behavior violates parliamentary decorum and says, ‘It should never happen that one uses abusive language for one’s friends.’ He also targeted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the conversation regarding the dog. Changing focus, Poonawalla refuted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s tweet by denying allegations of surveillance on Sanchar Sathi app. ‘Sanchar Saathi can’t read your messages… can’t listen to your calls,’ he said, highlighting the app’s usefulness in tracking lost mobile phones and preventing fraud. He emphasizes the government’s commitment to digital security and questions Congress’s opposition to security measures.