The Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app will no longer be required to be pre-installed on all smartphones, the Ministry of Communications announced amid widespread backlash. The original directive aimed to mandate the app’s presence on new and existing devices to bolster mobile security, citing ~14 million downloads and daily detection of nearly 2,000 fraudulent connections. Critics — including industry and privacy advocates — raised concerns over user consent and surveillance risks. The government clarified the app remains voluntary: users can delete it and registration isn’t compulsory. (PC: Reuters)

IndiGo faced a major nationwide disruption as nearly 200 flights were cancelled and many others delayed due to an acute shortage of crew following new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules. The updated regulations require longer rest periods for pilots, sharply reducing available staff and pushing the airline’s on-time performance to about 35%. The situation was worsened by winter weather, air-traffic congestion and internal scheduling issues. Passengers across major cities reported long queues and sudden cancellations. IndiGo stated that teams are working continuously to stabilise operations, rebook affected travellers and normalise services within the next 48 hours. (PC: NDTV)

Cyclone Ditwah — a powerful storm sweeping across South and Southeast Asia — has caused catastrophic destruction: at least 465 people have died in Sri Lanka, with 366 still missing, as floods and landslides ravage large parts of the country and displace over 1.5 million people. The overall death toll from the cyclone‑induced disasters across the region — including Indonesia — has crossed 1,300. In India, the cyclone’s remnants brought heavy rain to Tamil Nadu, flooding coastal zones and urban areas near Chennai, inundating homes and roads. The government of Sri Lanka estimates reconstruction costs at around US$7 billion, and neighbouring Indian Air Force under Operation Sagar Bandhu has sent relief materials and rescue teams to support affected populations. (PC: AP)

India posted a commanding 358/5 in 50 overs against South Africa in the second ODI at Raipur, thanks to brilliant centuries from Virat Kohli (102) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105). Kohli anchored the innings with poise, reaching his 53rd ODI ton, while Ruturaj smashed a quick hundred off 77 balls, marking his maiden ODI century and cementing his reputation as a formidable middle-order batsman. After Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal, the 195-run stand between Kohli and Ruturaj revived India’s innings, putting South Africa under immense pressure for the chase. This massive total gives India a strong advantage in the series. (PC: X)

Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to European nations, declaring that Russia is fully prepared for war if Europe initiates hostilities, while also accusing European powers of sabotaging a U.S.–led peace initiative on Ukraine. Meanwhile, five-hour talks in Moscow between a U.S. delegation (including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner) and the Kremlin ended without substantive progress, especially on territorial and military constraints for Ukraine. The combination of aggressive rhetoric and diplomatic stalemate raises fears of prolonged conflict and regional escalation. 

Israel’s COGAT authority has said the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen soon, following months of closure since Israel took control of the area in May. The renewed opening aims to allow Gazan civilians, particularly those needing urgent medical treatment, to cross into Egypt. According to COGAT, the movement will operate under a coordinated mechanism involving Egypt, Israel, and the EU Border Assistance Mission, which will verify and supervise crossings. The reopening is considered a crucial humanitarian step amid ongoing conflict and widespread medical shortages inside Gaza. (PC: Reuters)  

The Supreme Court of India has permitted the return of a pregnant woman, Sunali Khatun, and her eight-year-old son, who were earlier deported to Bangladesh. The Union Government informed the court that it would facilitate their re-entry and monitor them, while the West Bengal Government has been directed to ensure medical support and welfare. The Court clarified that this relief is granted solely on humanitarian grounds and does not settle their citizenship status, which remains under investigation. The bench stressed that human dignity and urgent medical needs justified immediate intervention. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump said he does not want Somali immigrants in the country, telling reporters they should “go back to where they came from”. He called Somalia “barely a country” and claimed the US would “go the wrong way” if it kept taking in “garbage”. His remarks came as reports said ICE is planning a major operation in Minnesota’s large Somali community. Local leaders warned the move could target US citizens. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, condemned the plan. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said Trump’s “obsession” with her is “creepy”. Somali officials also criticised the growing attacks. (PC: BBC)

Ruturaj Gaikwad hit his first ODI century off 77 balls as India moved into a strong position against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur. He played with confidence, scoring 105 off 83 balls with clean strokes across the ground. Virat Kohli joined him with a composed and steady innings, bringing up his 53rd ODI hundred and second in a row. Kohli reached the mark off 90 balls through smart running and controlled shots. Their big partnership kept South Africa under pressure throughout the innings. India ended with strong momentum as both batters dominated the attack. (PC: BCCI) 

The Calcutta High Court’s division bench on Wednesday set aside a single-bench order that had cancelled the appointments of 32,000 primary teachers recruited through the 2014 TET. The court said irregularities were not proven in all cases and noted that removing teachers after nine years would cause serious hardship to families. A CBI probe had flagged issues in only 264 appointments, with 96 more under review. The bench ruled that the entire recruitment process could not be scrapped based on limited faults. The earlier order had cited absence of an aptitude test and allegations of a cash-for-jobs scam. (PC: India Today)