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Introduction: Government Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new directive requiring all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile handset manufactured or imported for sale in India. The circular, issued on Monday, instructs companies such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and others to ensure that the app is clearly visible to users at the time of first use or device setup , and that its core functionalities must remain fully operational without restrictions. What is Sanchar Saathi? (From the above para: “Whatis Sanchar Saathi?”) Launched in May 2023 , Sanchar Saathi is a centralized telecom security and consumer protection platform developed by the DoT. It integrates multiple services designed to prevent telecom fraud, track misuse of mobile resources, and assist users in safeguarding their devices. Key functionalities include: Repo...

Introduction: India’s First 24x7 Digital Court India’s justice system has long struggled with a massive judicial backlog, much of which arises from repetitive and high-volume cases. In November 2024, Kerala’s Kollam district launched the country’s first 24x7 Open and Networked (ON) Court , inaugurated by the current Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai. Designed as a digital-first judicial institution, the ON Court aims to simplify access to justice, speed up case disposal, improve communication between stakeholders, and create a model that can be replicated across India. One year later, the pilot project shows promising outcomes in efficiency, transparency, and user satisfaction. Origins of the ON Court Model Internal Judicial Brainstorming The idea originated within the Supreme Court of India and the Kerala High Court’s internal brainstorming sessions on modernising justice delivery. The goal was not merely digitisation but a complete restructuring of how courts function. The co...

Introduction: A Political Demonstration Turns Legal A political controversy unfolded in Maharashtra after Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar publicly demonstrated how fake Aadhaar cards could allegedly be generated online. During an October 16 briefing, Pawar showcased a fabricated Aadhaar card in the name of former U.S. President Donald Trump to highlight what he termed “rampant identity fraud” and misuse in voter registration processes. However, what began as a political demonstration quickly turned into a legal matter when BJP social media cell co-convener Dhananjay Wagaskar filed a complaint alleging that the video misled the public and spread false and inflammatory claims. The FIR and Criminal Allegations Following the complaint, Mumbai Cyber Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two unidentified individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000 . The ...

1. Background of the Incident The Delhi Police recently arrested a 19-year-old Class 12 dropout, Aman, from Hisar, Haryana, for allegedly duping multiple individuals by offering heavily discounted iPhones through fake social media pages. Acting on digital trail evidence, the police traced his mobile number to his village and apprehended him through a late-night raid. According to the investigation, Aman had learned online fraud techniques from local cybercriminals. To conceal the proceeds of fraud, he transferred the money through multiple bank accounts. Victims were lured using manipulated images, forged screenshots of previous deliveries, and UPI payment links that appeared legitimate. One complainant stated that he made 29 UPI transactions totalling ₹65,782 , after being persuaded with false explanations regarding shipping and tax charges. No product was delivered, and communication was blocked afterward. The police have so far identified at least eight similar complaints , and...

Introduction: The Apex Court Steps In The Supreme Court of India has raised a critical question — can online gaming and betting platforms be completely banned in India? This came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) alleged that several betting websites and gambling platforms continue to operate under the garb of “e-sports” or “social gaming.” The bench, comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan , directed the Union Government to assist the court in determining the legality and practicality of a nationwide ban on online gaming. Background of the Case The PIL , filed by advocate Vishal Arun Mishra on behalf of CASC, calls for a complete prohibition of online betting and gambling. It further seeks clarity on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 , which was enacted to regulate the online gaming ecosystem. The court asked CASC to share its entire case file with V.C....

TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has begun hiring for two roles at its Gurgaon office , sparking speculation that the popular short-video app might soon return to India. However, government officials have clarified that TikTok remains banned , and no official order has been issued to unblock it. TikTok’s Recent Hiring Activity TikTok India has posted two job openings on LinkedIn: Content Moderator (Bengali Speaker), Trust and Safety Wellbeing Partnership and Operations Lead, Trust and Safety The recruitment news comes shortly after TikTok India’s official website became accessible again, fueling speculation about a potential comeback. However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stated that these rumors are incorrect, and TikTok remains banned on Google Play Store and Apple App Store . The 2020 Ban on TikTok in India TikTok was banned in India in June 2020 under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 , citing national s...

Introduction: A New Era of Academic Accreditation Begins In a landmark reform for Indian higher education, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is all set to roll out a revamped accreditation system in August 2025 . This new model replaces physical inspections with AI-powered evaluations and digital verification , ensuring a transparent, efficient, and scalable approach to assessing academic institutions. The changes are designed to support the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and expand accreditation coverage to over 90% of higher education institutions (HEIs) across India in the next five years. From Manual to Machine: NAAC Leverages Artificial Intelligence The current accreditation framework, which relied heavily on peer team visits , has long been criticized for complications, potential biases, and credibility concerns. The new AI-driven model removes this dependency, especially at the basic level of accreditation, by focusing on: Machine...

Background of the Controversy The Supreme Court of India has extended interim protection from arrest to petitioner Raushan Sinha , who is facing criminal proceedings stemming from a social media post he made in reference to a controversial statement by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi . The matter is rooted in remarks Gandhi made in the Lok Sabha on July 1, 2024 , where he reportedly said: “Those who call themselves Hindus are 24 hours engaged in violence, hatred, and lies.” Following this speech, Raushan Sinha shared a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account featuring an image of Rahul Gandhi and a caption stating: “Those who are Hindus are violent - Rahul Gandhi.” This post led to an FIR (No. 1619/2025) registered on July 2, 2024 , at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad , under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 , specifically Sections 352, 353(2), 353(1)(c), and 336(4). Supreme Court’s Orders and Protection from Arrest On July 24, 2025 , a benc...

Introduction: From Conflict to Code Once known primarily for its challenges—poverty, limited access to education, and persistent Naxal insurgency— Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra is now scripting a different story. At the heart of this transformation is a police-led initiative that’s empowering tribal youth through cutting-edge technology training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), software, and web development . The Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute , under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Neelotpal , is becoming a model of grassroots tech empowerment , bridging the digital divide in one of India’s most underserved regions. Police-Led Tech Education: A Certified Mission The initiative took shape after the Gadchiroli Police Office received certification from the Maharashtra Government's Skill Development Department . With formal recognition, the Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute began offering structured training in: Software Development Web Developm...

  A wave of transformative entrepreneurship is reshaping the landscape of business in India and beyond. From AI-led branding to eco-conscious pest solutions, these ten visionary leaders are not just running successful ventures—they're rewriting the rules of innovation and purpose-driven enterprise. Here’s a closer look at the game changers who are turning bold ideas into lasting impact. 1. Godwin Pinto – Redefining B2B Branding with AI-Powered Websites Founder, Troika Tech (Mumbai) Godwin Pinto is leading a digital revolution in India’s B2B space through AI-integrated WordPress websites. Troika Tech builds smart, interactive platforms that go beyond traditional design—generating leads, collecting inquiries, tracking users, and personalizing customer journeys. With Indian SMBs still largely dependent on outdated sales strategies, Pinto’s intelligent web tech offers a 24/7 digital sales team, helping businesses modernize rapidly and scale efficiently. 2. Rajendra Singh Tanwar ...

  Bengaluru Roadshow Highlights Strategic Vision for IMC 2025 As the countdown begins for India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 , the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have intensified engagement with innovators and tech leaders. A significant milestone in this journey was marked by a Bengaluru roadshow —a prelude to Asia’s largest digital technology forum, which is set to be held in October 2025 . The event, organised alongside TiE Bangalore’s Matrix Global Summit 2025 , spotlighted Bengaluru’s role as a pivotal launchpad in India's digital ecosystem. The summit focused on deep-tech advancements , including Generative AI , blockchain, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. Empowering Innovation: ASPIRE, Startup World Cup, and API Hackathon IMC 2025 is designed around a strong innovation framework, with flagship programs like: ASPIRE Programme : A strategic initiative to connect over 500 startups with global v...

MSME Day 2025: Spotlight on India’s Growth Backbone June 27 marks International MSME Day , declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about the contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India, home to over 64 million MSMEs , celebrates this day amidst renewed calls from entrepreneurs for more structured and targeted government support. MSMEs Demand Stronger Tech & Supply Chain Infrastructure According to Vasu Naren , Chairman & MD of Sona Machinery , sectors like food processing face major hurdles due to poor supply chains and limited digital infrastructure. He emphasized the need for smart trade infrastructure , real-time electronic platforms, and improved last-mile logistics. He also urged the government to support MSMEs in global trade promotion through funded digital outreach and regular participation in international trade fairs. IT-Based MSMEs Struggl...

India Leads Global Mobile Data Usage Per User India is poised to retain its global leadership in mobile data consumption per user, with data usage per smartphone projected to rise from 32 GB/month in 2024 to 62 GB/month by 2030 , according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report . This growth highlights India’s digital trajectory as the world’s most data-hungry mobile market. The current data consumption per user is already the highest globally. The expected doubling over the next six years underscores a transformative demand for high-speed connectivity, video streaming, gaming, and AI-powered applications in both urban and rural regions. 5G Subscriptions to Triple by 2030 India's 5G subscriber base , which stood at 290 million in December 2024 (around 24% of total mobile subscribers), is projected to surge to 980 million by 2030 —representing 75% of all mobile subscriptions in the country. This dramatic shift will see a corresponding decline in 4G subscriptions, from the ...

🚦 Big Shift in Tolling Policy: Annual FASTag Scheme Announced Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari , on Wednesday announced a landmark development in India’s digital highway infrastructure — the launch of a FASTag-based annual toll pass . This scheme is aimed at easing financial burdens and travel inefficiencies for non-commercial private vehicle owners by offering unlimited access across 200 toll plazas for ₹3,000 per year , effective August 15, 2025 . Currently, frequent highway commuters pay an estimated ₹10,000 per year on tolls. The new system will reduce this to an average ₹15 per trip , offering a potential annual savings of ₹7,000 for regular users. 🛣️ Scope of the Scheme: Where and to Whom It Applies Applicable only on National Highways Not valid for state roads Available exclusively for private vehicles — including cars, jeeps, and vans Valid for 200 toll transactions annually , where one trip equals one toll crossing Activa...