GOVERNMENT MOBILE ISSUES
Porn Passport: Spain launches new mobile application to access online pornography. Here's what it is and how it works
Spain porn passport: Spain is launching a new mobile app to combat underage access to online pornography. The app, known as Cartera Digital Beta or "pajaporte," verifies age and limits access with digital credits. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calls the issue "devastating," prompting this pioneering move across Europe. The initiative aligns with upcoming EU laws and aims to protect minors from explicit content online.
The initiative for doorstep delivery of services, which has been inactive for nearly three months, awaits relaunch
Delhi's doorstep service delivery programme faced delays and discontinuation, impacting residents' access to essential documents. The initiative, involving partnerships and mobile service facilitation, awaits government approvals for potential revival to benefit the community once more.
Vivo set to open ₹3,000-cr India facility in July
Chinese smartphone maker Vivo is set to inaugurate one of India's largest mobile phone manufacturing facilities next month, with an annual capacity of 120 million devices. The facility is being set up with an investment of over ₹3,000 crore.
How electric car batteries might aid the grid (and win over drivers)
New technology could transform expensive electric car batteries into assets for owners, offering benefits like reduced utility bills and free parking. Automakers like Ford, GM, and BMW are exploring using electric car batteries to store excess renewable energy, creating a potential new revenue stream.
India's air taxi plan gets going, work begins towards 2026 take-off; fares to be only slightly higher than Uber's?
In a game changer for urban mobility in India, aviation authorities have set a keenly-watched air taxi plan in motion. US manufacturer Archer has been onboarded for the big project and a 2026 start is being eyed by the DGCA. A major good news is that the service is unlikely to burn a hole in the traveller's pocket.
Not engaged in any discussions: Paytm issues clarification on report claiming Adani in talks to acquire stake in company
One97 Communications responds to speculation of Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani considering acquiring a stake in Paytm's parent company. The company clarifies that no discussions are ongoing, emphasizing compliance with SEBI regulations.
DoT asks telcos to reverify 6.8 lakh suspect mobile connections
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is initiating a re-verification process for approximately 6.8 lakh mobile connections suspected of being obtained through forged documents. These connections, flagged by advanced AI-driven analysis, are believed to have used fake or invalid proof of identity and address documents. Telcos have been directed to complete the re-verification within 60 days, with failure resulting in disconnection.
Water shortage, poor drainage, traffic jams pressing issues in South Delhi
With voting on May 25 for the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat, residents share the issues they face. The region faces water scarcity, traffic congestion, and inadequate drainage. Residents prioritised basic amenities over political issues like the chronic water crisis and infrastructural challenges. Candidates like Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Sahi Ram Pehalwan promise solutions, focusing on healthcare, education, and sports facilities in the region.
Support to three EV 2-wheeler makers may be restored
The government after an initial probe into violation of vehicle localisation norms mandated under the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme issued notices for recovery of ₹469 crore subsidy distributed to these companies for sales made between 2020 to 2023.
Unpredictability in enforcement agencies action needs a check: ICEA chairman
While speaking about the achievement of the mobile industry in the last 10 years, India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said that the next phase of growth in the country will come from exports and there is a need to build domestic champions in the sector as part of government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) plan.
'Broadcasting policy must exclude OTT, online gaming and music': Stakeholders to TRAI
Media and entertainment industry stakeholders are urging the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to confine its recommendations on the National Broadcasting Policy (NBP) solely to matters within the broadcasting sector. They advocate for the exclusion of non-broadcasting concerns such as OTT, online gaming, film, and music, citing that these areas fall outside TRAI's jurisdiction.
Uttarakhand implements mobile phone ban near Kedarnath Temple during Chardham Yatra
The Uttarakhand government has banned the use of mobile phones within a 50-meter radius of the Kedarnath temple during the ongoing Chardham Yatra to ensure a smooth darshan experience. Strict enforcement with penalties is in place, and district authorities have been instructed to enforce the ban. Devotees are urged to comply with the guidelines to maintain the temple's sanctity. Additionally, the government has issued new guidelines for the Chardham Yatra, requiring registration and urging restraint to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage.
Telcos asked to block 28,200 mobiles used in cybercrimes
The Indian government has directed telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets used in cybercrimes and re-verify 2 million mobile numbers associated with these handsets. The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Home Affairs, and state police have collaborated to curb telecom resource misuse in cybercrime and financial frauds. The government launched the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to coordinate stakeholders and share real-time intelligence.
Govt blocks 28,200 mobile handsets used in cybercrimes
The government is taking proactive measures to combat cybercrimes by directing telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets used in criminal activities. Additionally, 20 lakh associated mobile numbers must undergo re-verification, with potential disconnection for failed attempts. This collaborative effort involving various ministries aims to protect citizens from digital threats and dismantle fraud networks, showcasing a unified commitment to public safety.
India could allow a tiny window in the Chinese wall
In the wake of border tensions, the Indian government has been looking askance at investments by Chinese companies in India. Press Note 3 norms issued in 2020 stipulated that a company based in a country that shares a land border with India (such as China) can invest only after government clearance.
RBI asks Kotak Mahindra Bank to stop issuing fresh credit cards, onboarding fresh customers via mobile banking
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed Kotak Mahindra Bank to halt new credit card issuance and customer onboarding via online and mobile banking due to identified operational deficiencies. This move, aimed at safeguarding customer interests, is part of RBI's regulatory measures concerning compliance and risk management issues at the bank.
Government may sell 15% stake in Bharti Hexacom in multiple chunks
Last week, Bharti Hexacom, a unit of Sunil Mittal-driven Bharti Airtel completed shares allotment to the investors following the public issue early this month. The qualified institutional investors (QIB) showed an overwhelming response and the portion was oversubscribed by 48.57-fold. “The investors have shown confidence in the growth story of the telecom sector. A right mix of price and issue size can attract investors’ interest and fetch better returns,” Kumar said.
The fine art of disempowering a growth engine
Today, Bengaluru faces two existential crises: the first is mobility, the second a lack of water. While we live in hope that the metro expansion to around 300 km by 2030 would alleviate the mobility problem, the water situation deserves greater attention.
Govt may slap recovery suit on 3 companies to get back FAME subsidy
The Centre is considering legal action against Hero Electric, Okinawa Autotech, and Benling India for not repaying the subsidies they wrongly obtained under the FAME scheme to promote electric mobility. Despite multiple attempts, the ministry of heavy industries has been unsuccessful in recovering the disputed amounts. The government may involve investigative agencies like the CBI or Enforcement Directorate for a detailed probe into subsidy misuse and establish criminal intent. The companies face recovery of around ₹330 crore collectively and could be barred from future subsidies.
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