'Substantial risk of misuse by anti-national elements': Govt directs GitHub to take down Bluetooth-based Bitchat app

India's cybercrime center has asked GitHub to remove the Bitchat application. This app allows anonymous, offline messaging which raises security concerns for the government. Officials believe it could be misused by terrorists and criminal groups for coordination. The notice cites potential violations of the Information Technology Act. This action follows the use of similar apps during recent Delhi protests.

The Union Cabinet approved the BHAVYA-Rasayan scheme for three dedicated chemical parks. This initiative has a financial outlay of Rs 3,030 crore for infrastructure development. The scheme will run for five years, promoting chemical industry growth and competitiveness. It aims to create an environment-friendly ecosystem with centralized waste management facilities. This development is expected to generate employment and contribute to economic growth.

Rashtriya Sevika Samiti began its national executive meeting in Haryana with 500 representatives attending.The organization reviewed its past year's activities and service projects across the country.Volunteers organized various initiatives including training camps and social harmony interactions.Recent highlights included a route march in West Bengal and a conference in Delhi.The meeting continues until July 26, focusing on women's empowerment and nation-building efforts.

Ministry of External Affairs accused China of violating sovereignty and illegally occupying Indian territories.The government objected to Chinese projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.This statement follows a meeting between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers.Chinese officials highlighted positive developments in bilateral relations and cooperation.Both nations aim to maintain peace and explore coexistence as major powers.

Congress MP Imran Masood accused activist Sonam Wangchuk of striking a deal with the government.He compared Wangchuk to Anna Hazare, suggesting future silence from the activist.The Bharatiya Janata Party criticized Congress for stooping low and insulting the climate activist.Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after negotiations with Union ministers.Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party continues protests demanding a minister's resignation.

India's cybercrime center has asked GitHub to remove the Bitchat application. This app allows anonymous, offline messaging which raises security concerns for the government. Officials believe it could be misused by terrorists and criminal groups for coordination. The notice cites potential violations of the Information Technology Act. This action follows the use of similar apps during recent Delhi protests.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant denied reports of refusing a petition. He clarified that no formal petition challenging police action was filed. A lawyer had mentioned a letter representation before the court. The clarification came two days after a lawyer mentioned the issue before a bench headed by the CJI and sought an urgent hearing over the alleged use of force against students during the July 20 protest.

"​​Advisory All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi," the University posted on X. ​Earlier, the University of Delhi (DU) has issued an official "safety advisory".

In the expected amendment, the government is likely to increase the jail for the offenders from the current 10-year ceiling in the proposed Bill, which the Cabinet will take up this afternoon, sources told TOI. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to curb paper leaks, cheating, and organised malpractices in public examinations like UPSC, SSC, and NTA tests provides for penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and a Rs 1 crore fine.

Sonia Gandhi criticised the police action during the recent protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and the state of the education system. "Their demands have been straightforward and to the point: accountability from the Government of India and education reform. The Narendra Modi government has responded to their courage with cowardice and wanton cruelty, treating them not as inheritors of the future but as enemies of the nation," she said.

Sonia Gandhi criticised the police action during the recent protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and the state of the education system. "Their demands have been straightforward and to the point: accountability from the Government of India and education reform. The Narendra Modi government has responded to their courage with cowardice and wanton cruelty, treating them not as inheritors of the future but as enemies of the nation," she said.

A 2023 photo of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Sonam Wangchuk resurfaced recently. Wangchuk is now on an indefinite hunger strike seeking accountability for examination irregularities. He previously praised Pradhan's openness to innovative educational ideas. The current protest seeks Pradhan's exit and accountability for the NEET-UG paper leak. This situation presents a sharp contrast to their earlier positive interaction.

India's space sector has seen unprecedented momentum and growth. Private investment has now crossed six hundred million dollars. Over four hundred active space startups are contributing to national ambitions. Indian private companies have successfully demonstrated launch and orbital capabilities. Robust national security safeguards are being strengthened alongside commercial expansion.

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances on student demands. Prime Minister Modi announced a new bill to combat examination paper leaks. This proposed legislation includes fast-track courts and tougher punishments for offenders. The Union Cabinet will discuss the bill on Friday before Parliament next week. The government aims to protect students' interests and make the examination system foolproof.

The National Investigation Agency arrested a key absconder in the Sreenivasan murder case. Muhammadali K.P, a PFI Palakkad district president, was apprehended upon arriving from Saudi Arabia. He was a prominent perpetrator and harbored assailants involved in the brutal killing of Sreenivasan. The PFI conspiracy aimed to establish Islamic Rule in India by 2047. Investigations revealed PFI imparted arms training and collected target information through its various wings.