India
India has now banned a total of 321 Chinese apps
Under the emergency provision of Section 69(A) of the IT Act, India’s government issued an order on February 14 banning another 54 mobile apps linked to China. According to reports, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology received a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs to restrict the apps.
AliSuppliers and Alibaba Workbench, CamCard — Business Card Reader, Chinese Social, WeDate, TrulyChinese, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite, Viva Video Editor, Beauty Camera: Sweet Selfie HD, Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera, Tencent Xriver, Onmyoji Chess, Onmyoji Arena, AppLock, Dual Space Lite, Equalizer & Bass Booster, Tencent Xriver The majority of these apps were cloned versions of previously blacklisted 267 apps in 2020, or had comparable functionality, privacy problems, and security threats.
The IT ministry said in a statement that these apps reportedly get key rights and collect sensitive user data, posing a security and privacy hazard. “These obtained real-time data are being misappropriated and sent to servers in a hostile country,” the report stated. This will allow them to amass large amounts of personal data to mine, aggregate, analyse, and profile components antagonistic to India’s sovereignty and integrity, as well as for national security purposes.”
The ministry went on to say that there were security issues about these apps since they might be used for surveillance and espionage by accessing camera/mic, GPS position, and criminal network behaviour. The previously banned apps posed similar dangers. “These apps were reportedly involved in acts detrimental to the country’s sovereignty and integrity, as well as constituting a major threat to the state’s security and defence,” the ministry stated.
Applications disguised their ownership to avoid being banned.
According to the Economic Times, some apps related to Tencent and Alibaba have made adjustments to mask their ownership. Some of them moved their hosting servers to Hong Kong or Singapore, which are not in China. The data, on the other hand, was eventually sent to servers in China. “Even apps like ByteDance’s TikTok and Tencent’s WeChat were available for download through alternate means such as APK files, and the government has taken notice of it,” he continued.
Access to apps has been temporarily disabled by Google.
“We have alerted the impacted developers and have temporarily disabled access to the apps that remained available on the Play Store in India,” Google stated in a statement.
267 apps were deemed illegal by the government.
The central government issued a ban on 59 Chinese apps on June 29, 2020, including TikTok, a popular short-video app. On August 10, another 47 apps that were either connected to or clones of the previously prohibited apps were also blocked. Another 118 apps were restricted on September 1, 2020, and 43 apps were blocked on November 19, bringing the total to 267 apps. For their ties to China, the Indian government banned TikTok and PubG, two of the most popular apps.
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Honor in the Ranks: 15 Navi Mumbai Cops Recognized for Outstanding Service
Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe Among Honorees as Department Celebrates Excellence in Public Safety
The Honours
In a major moment of pride for the city, fifteen officers and personnel from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate have been awarded prestigious service medals for their extraordinary dedication, bravery, and hard work in public safety.
Leading the list of honorees is Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, who received the Ati-Utkrusht Seva Medal for his exceptional leadership and service. Under his stewardship, the Navi Mumbai police force has embraced modern technology-driven policing, yielding notable success in cracking down on narcotics, dismantling drug syndicates, and strengthening urban cybersecurity.
The honors reflect the department’s sharp focus on key community priorities, particularly enhancing women’s safety, modernizing local police stations, and fostering stronger public trust through proactive outreach. Officers across various ranks were recognized for their tireless duty in maintaining law and order across the Commissionerate.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, department representatives emphasized that the medals belong to the entire force working around the clock to protect residents. The prestigious awards serve as a morale booster for the officers while reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to keeping Navi Mumbai safe, secure, and progressive.
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Thrill Above 300 Feet: Palghar Unveils Glass Skywalk at Dabhosa Waterfall
Independence Day Opening Brings Thrill-Seekers to Palghar’s Tribal Heartlands with Breathtaking Canopy Views
The Skywalk
Tourism in Palghar district got a high-altitude boost on Independence Day with the grand unveiling of a spectacular glass skywalk at the famous Dabhosa Waterfall. Inaugurated by Maharashtra Forest Minister and District Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, the landmark project marks Palghar’s first-ever transparent skywalk, sparking immense excitement among locals and travel enthusiasts.
Engineered to offer an adrenaline-pumping perspective, the structure features a 5-meter-long transparent glass walkway leading to an 11-foot-wide circular viewing deck. Suspended high above the gorge, it gives visitors a front-row view of Dabhosa’s white waters cascading nearly 300 feet down into the lush green valley below.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Ganesh Naik highlighted the dual focus on thrill and regional growth. A designated parking area roughly 400 to 500 feet away is being developed via specialized agencies to manage visitor footfall smoothly while generating vital local revenue for the village panchayat.
“Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, our focus is bringing economic and educational progress to tribal-dominated districts like Palghar,” Naik said, emphasizing that eco-tourism projects create sustainable livelihoods.
The inauguration saw a strong turnout of dignitaries, including MP Dr. Hemant Savara, MLAs Rajendra Gavit and Harishchandra Bhoye, District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, and SP Yatish Deshmukh. Combining scenic beauty with an edge-of-your-seat thrill, Palghar’s newest jewel is poised to become a must-visit weekend getaway.
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Vashi’s ‘Ganraj’ Gears Up for 43rd Year with Eco-Friendly Heart
Sector 16A Mandal Honors Founders as Preparations Begin for Navi Mumbai’s Celebrated Ganeshotsav.
The Preparations
A wave of devotion hit Vashi Sector 16A as the Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Mandal officially kicked off preparations for its 43rd Ganeshotsav celebration. Marking over four decades of community tradition, the mandal held a traditional Mandap Poojan and blessed its new idol transport trolley at Ganraj Chowk.
The ritual was led by Mandal President Vijay Walunj alongside his wife Archana Walunj, with local leader Anjali Walunj, Ajay Walunj, and a large gathering of residents in attendance. Amid chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, the mandal made a heartfelt gesture by inviting and honoring the senior citizens who founded the event 42 years ago.
“We owe our foundation to the elders who started this journey,” said Vijay Walunj. “With their blessings and the hard work of our youth volunteers, we are ready to welcome Bappa once again.”
Recognized last year as Navi Mumbai’s Best Ganeshotsav Mandal for its eco-friendly practices and social awareness themes, the committee promises another impactful experience this season. Beyond elaborate decorations, the mandal remains committed to strict environmental guidelines, clean surroundings, and thought-provoking cultural displays (jhankis).
Organizers invite devotees from across Navi Mumbai and neighboring areas to join the festivities. As preparations wrap up, Sector 16A is set to deliver another memorable season filled with devotion, unity, and social message-driven artwork.
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