The Central government has directed Meta not to introduce WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature in India until consultations with the authorities are completed. The company has also been asked to submit a detailed explanation of the proposed feature within three days, according to sources.

The decision temporarily halts the rollout of a feature that would have allowed users to communicate on WhatsApp without sharing their mobile numbers.

Government seeks details on new feature

Sources said the Centre has issued a notice to Meta asking the company to explain how the username feature will function and its potential impact. Until discussions with the government are concluded, the feature cannot be launched in the country.

The directive comes as Meta was preparing to introduce the feature in phases for WhatsApp users.

Feature aims to improve privacy

The proposed username system would enable users to choose a unique username that others can use to connect with them instead of their phone number. The feature is intended to provide an additional layer of privacy by reducing the need to share personal contact details while interacting on the messaging platform.

At present, users generally need a phone number to start a conversation on WhatsApp.

Rollout was planned in phases

Meta had planned to begin the rollout in stages. As part of the initial phase, users were expected to start reserving usernames this week, while the broader launch of the feature was scheduled for later this year.

The company said it opened early reservations due to WhatsApp’s global user base of more than 3 billion people.

Meta says feature protects phone number privacy

Responding to the development, Meta said the username feature has been designed to protect users’ phone number privacy by allowing people to connect without disclosing their mobile numbers.

Whether the rollout timeline changes will depend on the outcome of the government’s consultations with the company.

Domestic airlines have received some relief after the Centre reduced the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) by Rs 5 per litre with effect from July 1. The move is expected to lower fuel expenses for carriers, although there has been no official announcement regarding any reduction in airfares.

The effective ATF price has been brought down to Rs 110 per litre from the earlier Rs 115 per litre.

Bulk ATF price reduced to Rs 1.10 lakh per kilolitre

On a bulk purchase basis, the price of aviation turbine fuel has been reduced from Rs 1.15 lakh per kilolitre to Rs 1.10 lakh per kilolitre.

The reduction comes as the Centre revised export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel from July 1. However, the excise duty on petrol and diesel sold in the domestic market remains unchanged.

Fuel is one of the biggest operating expenses for airlines, and the latest price cut is expected to provide some financial relief to domestic carriers by reducing their fuel costs.

The southwest monsoon is expected to reach Delhi around July 3 or 4, bringing an end to the prolonged spell of hot and humid weather in the national capital, according to weather experts.

Delhi has continued to experience sweltering conditions over the past few days, but meteorologists say atmospheric conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for the monsoon’s arrival across northern India.

According to weather expert Mahesh Palawat, the seasonal monsoon trough currently stretches from Punjab to the north Bay of Bengal. The southwest monsoon has already advanced into many parts of Uttar Pradesh, most areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, along with additional regions of Madhya Pradesh.

IMD predicts below-normal rainfall during July

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the country’s average rainfall during July 2026 is likely to remain below normal.

The weather agency had released its first seasonal forecast for the southwest monsoon covering June to September on April 13 and later updated the outlook on May 29.

Monsoon advances further in Himachal Pradesh

The southwest monsoon continued its advance across Himachal Pradesh, covering the entire Kinnaur district along with most parts of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti. It has also spread across many areas of Shimla and Mandi districts, besides some parts of Sirmaur and Kangra.

The Shimla Meteorological Centre said conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to cover the remaining parts of the state over the next two to three days.

Between June 1 and June 29, Himachal Pradesh recorded 63.8 mm of rainfall against the normal 95.4 mm, reflecting a rainfall deficit of 33 per cent.

Uttarakhand receives widespread rainfall

The southwest monsoon has also reached most parts of Uttarakhand, bringing widespread rainfall and relief from heat and humidity.

The Dehradun Meteorological Centre said weather conditions are favourable for the monsoon to spread across the remaining parts of the state within the next two to three days.

Among the rainfall recorded on Tuesday, Dehradun received 57.8 mm, Champawat 60 mm, Kalsi 49 mm, and Chakrata 14 mm.