The Centre has reversed its directive that required all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app, following backlash from opposition leaders, civil rights groups and users who raised concerns over privacy and potential misuse.

Government cites rising downloads, public feedback

According to the government, the order was rolled back as user downloads had surged — with over six lakh installations within 24 hours and 1.4 crore total users. Officials said the mandate was originally intended to push wider adoption, but public feedback prompted a re-evaluation.

The official statement reiterated Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s earlier assurance in Parliament that the app is deletable and does not enable snooping. The minister emphasised that in a democracy, every user has the right to remove applications they do not wish to use.

Opposition slams move, flags privacy concerns

Several opposition leaders criticised the initial directive, claiming it risked turning the app into a surveillance tool, echoing earlier privacy controversies. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the decision “ridiculous”, while Karti Chidambaram compared the mandate to practices in authoritarian countries. Leaders from other parties also raised objections, describing it as a move that could compromise personal data.

What the Sanchar Saathi app offers

Sanchar Saathi, developed by the Department of Telecommunications, is designed to help users secure their digital identities, report suspicious activity and access cyber safety awareness material. It is available both as a mobile app and a web portal. The government maintains the app has no function beyond safeguarding users from cyber threats.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-election results for 12 wards were declared today, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the leading performer by winning seven seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured three wards, while Congress and the Left picked up one seat each.

BJP maintains edge in civic bypolls

Voting was conducted on November 30 across 12 wards, nine of which were earlier represented by BJP councillors. The remaining three were held by AAP. This round of bypolls witnessed a voter turnout of 38.51%, lower compared to 50.47% recorded in the 2022 civic elections.

The counting process was carried out at 10 centres — including Kanjhawala, Pitampura, Civil Lines, Rouse Avenue, Dwarka, Najafgarh, Gole Market, Bharat Nagar, Pushp Vihar, and Mandawali — as shared by the State Election Commission.

Ward-wise highlights

• AAP’s Anil won the Mundka ward.
• AAP’s Ram Swaroop Kanojia won Dakshin Puri.
• Congress’ Suresh Choudhary secured a win in Sangam Vihar-A with a comfortable margin.
• BJP’s Anita Jain clinched Shalimar Bagh with 6,742 votes.
• BJP’s Suman Kumar Gupta won Chandni Chowk with 7,825 votes.
• AIFB’s Mohammad Imran led in Chandani Mahal, adding the lone Left victory.

With all results declared, the final tally stands at: BJP 7, AAP 3, Congress 1, AIFB 1.

A disturbing incident at a government primary school in Gwalior has triggered an official inquiry after a dead frog was found in food prepared under the Mid-Day Meal scheme. The discovery has renewed concerns over food safety standards in schools across Madhya Pradesh.

Viral image prompts swift action by district authorities

A photo circulating online showed a dead frog in a cooked vegetable dish reportedly served at the Government Primary School in Gokulpura. The incident came to light when teachers noticed the contamination before lunchtime. They recorded a video, alerted authorities and pointed out that complaints about foul smell, insects and poor-quality food had been raised earlier as well.

The uproar prompted immediate intervention from the District Panchayat. The Chief Executive Officer ordered a detailed probe, directing District Education Officer Hariom Chaturvedi to verify the video’s authenticity and review how the contamination occurred.

Separately, senior officials, including Collector Ruchika Chauhan, have sought reports from the school administration and the Mid-Day Meal provider. Authorities have stated that strict disciplinary action will follow if negligence is confirmed.

Renewed scrutiny of the Mid-Day Meal programme

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about hygiene and monitoring under the meal scheme, which is meant to improve child nutrition and encourage school attendance. Despite being a key welfare initiative, repeated lapses in food quality have been reported in the state, raising questions about oversight and accountability.