Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the Sanchar Saathi app is optional and users can delete it anytime. His comment came after strong criticism of the Centre’s order asking phone makers to pre-install the app. Scindia said the app does not spy on users and works only after activation. The DoT had told companies to keep all features active and send the app to existing phones through updates. Opposition parties called the move a threat to privacy, with some leaders comparing it to Pegasus. The app helps users block stolen phones, check connections, and report fraud. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India on Thursday, seeking to boost sales of Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets amid strained ties from U.S. pressure. Putin, accompanied by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and business leaders, aims to restore energy and defence partnerships with New Delhi. India's Russian crude imports are hitting a three-year low following tightened sanctions, though defence ties remain strong as India operates numerous Russian military systems. Putin's delegation includes CEOs from Sberbank, Rosoboronexport, Rosneft, and GazpromNeft. Discussions will cover advanced Su-57 fighters, additional S-400 systems, and civilian nuclear energy partnerships, despite concerns about potential reactions from U.S. President Donald Trump. (PC: Reuters)

Cyclones Senyar and Ditwah have triggered catastrophic floods and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, killing over 1,250 people with more than 800 still missing. Indonesia suffered the highest toll with 659 deaths and 475 missing, particularly on Sumatra island where rescue operations face collapsed bridges and washed-out roads. Sri Lanka reported 410 deaths and 352 missing as Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread devastation, with military teams struggling to access affected areas. Thailand recorded 181 fatalities, affecting 3.9 million people across 1.5 million households. Emergency crews race against time and worsening weather to reach survivors. Authorities warn conditions could deteriorate with more rain forecasted across the region. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app, mandated for pre-installation on phones, can be deleted by users who don't want it. Addressing the massive uproar, Scindia emphasized the app is "completely voluntary" and aims to protect citizens from online fraud and cybercrime. He compared it to pre-installed apps like Google Maps, stating users can delete or keep it dormant. Congress flagged privacy concerns, with KC Venugopal calling the directive "beyond unconstitutional" and Priyanka Gandhi labeling it a "snooping app." Scindia countered that the Opposition is seeking issues, noting India faced Rs 22,800 crore in cyberfraud during 2024, justifying the government's consumer protection initiative.

Pakistan faces diplomatic embarrassment after sending expired humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. The relief shipment, dispatched as emergency support following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation, contained medical supplies, food packets, and essential items past their expiry dates. Sri Lankan authorities expressed "serious concern" after inspecting cartons upon arrival, conveying displeasure to Islamabad through diplomatic channels. The incident has sparked anger among Sri Lankan civil society and social media users, with commentators calling it "an insult" and "a joke of aid diplomacy." This marks Pakistan's second relief diplomacy controversy, following the 2015 Nepal earthquake when beef-based meals were sent to the Hindu-majority nation. Colombo plans tightening inspection protocols for incoming relief consignments.

Apple refuses to comply with India's confidential order requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload the government's Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app within 90 days. The company will inform New Delhi it doesn't follow such mandates globally due to privacy and security concerns for its iOS ecosystem. The app, designed to track stolen phones and prevent misuse, must remain non-disableable and be pushed via software updates to existing devices. India's telecom ministry defends the measure as combating "serious endangerment" of cybersecurity, but opposition parties and privacy advocates criticize it as surveillance overreach targeting India's 730 million smartphones. Samsung and Xiaomi are reviewing the order, while Apple maintains it "can't do this. Period." (PC: Smartpix)

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has warned that a major war, potentially nuclear, is inevitable within five to ten years. Responding to an X thread discussing nuclear deterrence's impact on global governance, Musk bluntly stated, "War is inevitable. 5 years, 10 at most." He didn't elaborate on specifics or which nations might be involved. When users consulted Grok, Musk's AI chatbot, it referenced his previous warnings about potential civil wars in Europe due to mass migration, US-China tensions over Taiwan, and Ukraine conflict escalation. The comment has drawn significant attention given Musk's influence and his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency under President Trump, though he provided no further context about his ominous prediction. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner also expected to attend. The summit follows two days of Florida negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials to refine a US-backed peace plan. The White House expressed optimism about ending the Ukraine war, though Ukrainian President Zelensky noted "tough issues" remain. Territorial concessions remain the most difficult element, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede eastern territories. The talks occur as Russia claims to have captured Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, though Ukrainian officials haven't confirmed these losses. French President Macron emphasized any peace plan requires Ukrainian and European input, particularly regarding frozen Russian assets and security guarantees. (PC: BBC)

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. The National Disaster Response Force and Indian Air Force are conducting extensive rescue and relief operations across multiple regions. NDRF teams performed rescues in Kochikade, Puttalam, and Badulla, while IAF Mi-17 helicopters evacuated 34 citizens, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo and distributed medical aid and food supplies. INS Sukanya arrived in Trincomalee carrying relief materials. An IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune, delivering 21 tonnes of relief material, over 80 NDRF personnel, and 8 tonnes of equipment. The cyclone has claimed 334 lives, with 370 people still missing, according to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre.

The CID Intelligence Wing of Rajasthan Police arrested Prakash Singh alias Badal, a 34-year-old Punjab resident, for espionage activities on behalf of Pakistan's ISI. He was detained near a military installation in Sri Ganganagar district while conducting surveillance. According to officials, Badal had been sharing photographs and videos of Indian Army movements across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat, including military bases, border infrastructure, and construction activities. He maintained contact with ISI handlers via WhatsApp using accounts created through stolen OTPs. In exchange for intelligence, he received substantial payments. Following his detention on November 27 and subsequent interrogation by multiple agencies, a case was registered under the Official Secrets Act on December 1. Investigations continue to uncover his network. (PC: India Today)