Government clarifies users can uninstall the Sanchar Saathi app, despite mandatory pre-installation for manufacturers. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured the app protects against cyber fraud, refuting snooping concerns. Critics, including Congress, view it as an invasion of privacy, while global tech giants express alarm over potential security risks.

Bharat Taxi is making waves across India as it gears up to launch its innovative driver-owned ride-hailing app nationwide. With an impressive roster of over 51,000 drivers in its pilot phase, this groundbreaking cooperative model stands as the first of its kind globally, ensuring that every fare goes directly to the drivers.

Panic gripped Srinagar as a Himalayan black bear was sighted at the University of Kashmir and later at SKIMS hospital, nearly 10km apart. Wildlife officials are deploying traps and drones to capture the elusive animal. Increased sightings are attributed to climate change and readily available food sources like garbage, disrupting hibernation patterns.

The Bombay high court has halted the announcement of first-phase municipal poll results, scheduled for December 3rd. Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas ruled that releasing these outcomes prematurely could unfairly influence the second phase of voting on December 20th. The court mandated that all results be declared together on December 21st, ensuring electoral fairness and transparency.

The sole survivor of a Saudi bus accident, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, recounted how a tanker struck their vehicle, causing it to erupt in flames and kill 45 passengers, including his family. He escaped through a window as the bus caught fire, but his clothes ignited. Shoaib, now without support, has appealed to the Telangana government for a job.

Government clarifies users can delete the Sanchar Saathi app, intended to combat cyber fraud, despite initial mandates for pre-installation. Minister Scindia assures no snooping or call monitoring, emphasizing the app's role in verifying IMEI numbers and tracing stolen phones. The move aims to enhance user protection against digital threats.

Air India has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to confirm flight status before airport arrival due to a third-party system outage impacting check-in operations and causing widespread delays. The airline's teams are working to restore services and minimize passenger inconvenience. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Delhi is grappling with alarming air quality, as the AQI spikes to 372, perilously close to the 'severe' classification. More than 15 areas have hit this alarming benchmark. Experts warn that this 'very poor' air pollution is likely to linger for several days, compounded by nightly patterns of mist and haze.

Russia's State Duma has ratified a major military logistics pact with India, the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS). This agreement allows both nations' military forces to utilize each other's facilities for joint exercises, humanitarian operations, and disaster relief, strengthening their strategic partnership ahead of President Putin's visit.

The new Prime Minister's Office complex, formerly 'Executive Enclave', will now be called 'Seva Teerth' to reflect a spirit of service over power. This renaming aligns with a broader shift in public institutions, moving from 'satta' (power) to 'seva' (service) and emphasizing duty and transparency in governance.

India has achieved a significant milestone in indigenous defence capabilities with a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system. This dynamic trial, conducted by DRDO, validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and aircrew recovery, placing India among nations with advanced in-house testing. The test simulated real-life conditions, marking a step towards self-reliance in defence.

Karnataka's chief ministerial post remains undecided as Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's «breakfast diplomacy» yields no timeline from the party high command. Both leaders project unity, calling for a peaceful settlement amidst ongoing speculation. Siddaramaiah's cryptic «politics is not permanent» comment further fuels discussions about a potential leadership change.

Defense minister Rajnath Singh highlighted Operation Sindoor as a firm response to those ignoring peace, drawing parallels with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's decisive leadership. He praised the armed forces and emphasized the government's commitment to Patel's vision of a united India, citing Article 370's abrogation and strengthened indigenous defence capabilities.

The Delhi High Court has directed the CBFC to review objections from the parents of Major Mohit Sharma concerning the film 'Dhurandhar'. The parents claim the movie, slated for release on December 5, is inspired by the decorated officer's life without family or Army consent. CBFC will consider these concerns before certification, potentially consulting the Army.

Prime Minister Modi offered India's unwavering support to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has dispatched emergency rations and relief materials via naval ships and air force aircraft. Indian helicopters have conducted extensive rescue operations, aiding over 150 individuals from various nationalities, demonstrating strong solidarity.

India's HIV epidemic shows significant progress with declining deaths and new infections, outperforming global trends. However, alarming surges are reported in Northeast states like Mizoram and Nagaland, exceeding the national average. Drug use and changing sexual behaviors are linked to these regional spikes, demanding focused attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the critical health of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, offering India's full support for her treatment. This gesture comes amid Zia's party accusing India of backing rival Sheikh Hasina, highlighting a complex geopolitical dynamic as Bangladesh approaches elections.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Modi of «dramabazi» and undermining parliamentary conventions. He highlighted the government's refusal to debate public issues and the passage of bills without discussion. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the «drama» surrounding BLO deaths and UP polls, demanding compensation and a probe into voter list exercises allegedly favouring the BJP.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's first day as Rajya Sabha chairman saw a warm welcome from the treasury benches, led by PM Modi, praising his democratic rise. However, the opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, clashed with the treasury, raising concerns about the previous chairman's sudden exit and demanding equal treatment for opposition voices.

India has vehemently refuted Pakistani media claims of denying airspace for humanitarian aid flights to Sri Lanka. Official sources confirmed the request was expeditiously cleared within four hours, despite Pakistan's prior airspace ban on Indian airlines, emphasizing the decision was purely humanitarian.

Central and parts of northwest and peninsular India brace for a colder winter with below-normal day and night temperatures expected from December to February. The region anticipates an increase of 4-5 additional cold wave days, potentially impacting vulnerable populations and transportation. Authorities are advised to maintain preparedness for these weather shifts.

The Supreme Court has ordered a pan-India CBI probe into digital arrest scams, granting the agency a free hand to investigate bankers involved in mule accounts. The court also directed coordination with Interpol and asked the RBI to explore AI for identifying suspicious bank accounts, while emphasizing the need for better SIM card issuance norms and state-level cybercrime coordination centers.