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When she came out, she thought only 160 days had passed | World News Jul 02, 2026, 11:33 IST Re-NEET UG Result 2026: NTA says announcement by July 20- report Urvashi’s iconic ‘Achuvinte Amma’ scene gets a Vidya Balan TWIST; Keerthy Suresh, Anjali Menon and more react Your kitchen scrubber could be dirtier than your toilet: Here's when to replace it Upcoming car launches, unveils in July 2026: Nissan Tekton, Kodiaq RS & more ‘Our home was torched in Kashmir, now we’ve lost our only child’: Gurgaon family plea for justice after Delhi hit-and-run WATCH video: ‘King’ star Shah Rukh Khan unveils new cricket stadium in Los Angeles House names inspired by flowers, rivers and mountains that feel unique, elegant and timeless Gold, silver price prediction: With gold, silver prices down, what should investors do? Check outlook on July 2, 2026 Mahua Moitra names 16 BJP workers over mob attack and 4-hour ‘siege’, alleges police stood by NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday named 16 people she alleged were behind a mob attack on her in West Bengal’s Nadia district, a day after claiming she was confined inside a party office for nearly four hours while police remained “silent spectators.”In a post on X, Moitra tagged the director general of police and West Bengal Police and alleged that the attackers were BJP workers.”Hello @DGPWestBengal @WBPolice, the mob attack on me today was led by these @BJP4India goons (caught on camera, verified): Santosh Ghosh, Hilal Mallick, Mampi Mondal, Monideepa Pramanick, Sumi Mishra, Rathin Pramanick, Ananta Ghosh, Pratik Dhar, Tarun Rajak, Kamalakanto Ghosh, Santu Mondal, Rakesh Ghosh, Rameshwar Biswas, Raja Sardar, Brindaban Ghosh, Hari Das.”The alleged attack took place at a Trinamool Congress office in Kaliganj, where Moitra had gone to attend a party workers’ meeting. According to the MP, protesters hurled eggs, mud and stones at the building, with one egg striking her. She alleged that the crowd grew larger over four hours while police failed to intervene.”This was unchecked BJP mob violence for over 4 hrs aided by police inside our MLA office. BJP’s lynch mob which grew by the minute. Each one of them BJP workers. The numbers grew as police watched silently for 4 hours,” Moitra posted on X.Videos shared by the Krishnanagar MP on social media showed protesters outside the office raising slogans and throwing objects toward the building. She was escorted out by police later in the evening.Rejecting allegations of police inaction, Krishnanagar Superintendent of Police Atul V said officers reached the spot after receiving information and repeatedly requested Moitra to leave the premises. According to him, discussions continued between the MP and the police before she exited the office around 6 pm.The BJP denied the allegations, with West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya suggesting the incident stemmed from infighting within the Trinamool Congress.”This egg-throwing must stop, and the TMC leader who is sitting hidden at home needs to step out into the field. TMC is attacking TMC… How can the police identify those who have eggs in their pockets? There is no machine to catch this. Metal detectors don’t detect eggs, so let us bring in a new machine… It is ruining Bengal’s image,” Bhattacharya said.The incident triggered sharp reactions from Trinamool leaders, who accused the police of failing to protect an elected representative.TMC MP Saugata Roy said, “I totally condemn this attack on our fellow parliamentarian and AITC leader Mahua Moitra in Plassey, in her constituency in Nadia. She has informed the DG of police of West Bengal to remove the mob who surrounded her party office. But the police took no action… It’s a matter of shame that BJP workers have done this to a lady parliamentarian in her own constituency.”Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the incident, writing on X, “The kind of encouragement the mobs are getting by the BJP government in West Bengal is shameful. Pelting eggs at a sitting woman Member of Parliament while cops are mute spectators is disgraceful! The law & order is state responsibility and CM Suvendu Adhikari ji must walk the talk. In solidarity with Mahua Moitra.”The Trinamool Congress also accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack and alleged that the police and security personnel failed to disperse the crowd. The BJP has rejected the allegations.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRussia Turns To India For Gasoline Amid Fuel Shortages Triggered By Ukraine Attacks’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political Storm123PhotostoriesCould that ‘viral fever’ actually be malaria? Experts explain why the two conditions are often mixed upWhat would you do? My gym trainer keeps messaging me after workouts; here’s what these 5 women did nextFrom Serena Williams to David Beckham: The watches A-listers have been wearing at Wimbledon 2026Can you spot the odd bee? This viral brainteaser claims only people with sharp vision can solve it quicklySerena Williams’ ₹25-crore diamond ring, luxe watch and ‘glazed diamond’ nails stole the spotlight at Wimbledon7 dishes introduced during British rule that Indians still loveAngelina Jolie’s best action movies: ‘Lara Croft’, ‘Salt’ and more60-second money lesson: The biggest money mistake most women make in the first week after salary day (and how to avoid it)From walking on ceilings to shooting blood: 5 shocking lizard factsLock Upp 2: Ram Kapoor, Sunita Ahuja to Akanksha Chamola—contestants’ net worth revealed; this celebrity tops the list with Rs 135 crore123Hot PicksLPG gas pricePatrick MahomesNEET PG RegistrationEmployees Provident Funds SchemeGTA 6India vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Jul 02, 2026, 10:10 IST MLC 2026: Washington Freedom beat LA Knight Riders, jump to fourth in standings RSSB LDC admit card 2026 released at recruitment.rajasthan.gov.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here Frankie Muniz and wife Paige Price announce DIVORCE; couple part ways after 10 years together Quote of the day by Vincent van Gogh: “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it” Delhi HC refuses to punish husband, lawyers over wife’s intimate photos but flags dignity breach Jul 02, 2026, 10:31 IST ‘Jana Nayagan’ clears censor: Vijay’s final film likely to hit theatres this month – Reports | Tamil Movie News Meet Avi Loeb: Harvard scientist who believes alien technology may already have reached Earth, now chosen to lead White House’s UFO panel Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman on Anthropic CEO’s prediction that AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white collar jobs; says: White-collar jobs will not be wiped out because of AI, but technology will… Hilarious! Novak Djokovic pranks ball girl, leaves Wimbledon crowd in splits – Watch | Tennis News Former ‘The Jam’ member Bruce Foxton reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis at 70: ‘I’m determined to do that as well as I possibly can’ Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi meets PM Modi, receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan India needs national strategy to improve access to new cancer therapies: Experts NEW DELHI: India needs a coordinated national strategy to bridge the gap between breakthrough cancer treatments and patient access, ensuring that scientific advances benefit every eligible patient, leading oncologists, cancer survivors and public health experts said on Wednesday.Speaking at a media roundtable on “Bridging Innovation and Affordability in Cancer Care”, organised by the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), the experts said that although cancer treatment has advanced significantly, access remains limited due to high costs, inadequate insurance coverage, limited diagnostic facilities and unequal healthcare infrastructure.The roundtable, held during Cancer Survivor Month, brought together oncologists and cancer survivors to discuss ways to make innovations in cancer care more affordable and accessible across India.Jyotsna Govil, chairperson of the Indian Cancer Society, said cancer care is entering a new era of scientific innovation, but the challenge is ensuring these advances reach every patient who can benefit.”Through dialogues like these, we hope to encourage informed public conversations that help improve access to quality cancer care while keeping patients at the centre of every decision,” she said.Experts said India does not have to choose between innovation and affordability. Instead, they called for public resources to focus on therapies that offer the greatest public health benefit. They stressed that wider adoption of new cancer treatments should be based on strong clinical evidence, improvements in survival and quality of life, cost-effectiveness and relevance to India’s disease burden.Dr Ravi Mehrotra, management committee member of the Indian Cancer Society and former director of the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), called for evidence-based prioritisation of cancer therapies.”India does not have to choose between innovation and affordability. Evidence-based prioritisation, supported by scientific evaluation and real-world evidence, can help ensure that scientific advances translate into meaningful health gains for the largest number of patients,” he said.The experts also emphasised the need to strengthen scientific evaluation systems, including Health Technology Assessment, to support decisions on adopting innovative therapies under publicly funded healthcare programmes. They said proven treatments could gradually be included under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.Dr Ajay Gogia, Professor of Medical Oncology at Dr B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH), AIIMS New Delhi, said the future of cancer treatment lies in providing the most suitable therapy for each patient.”Precision medicine, supported by scientific evidence and appropriate patient selection, enables us to improve outcomes while making better use of healthcare resources. Evidence-based optimisation of treatment can also help improve affordability. Innovation achieves its true value only when patients can access it,” he said.Dr (Prof) Jyoti Wadhwa, principal lead of Medical and Precision Oncology at Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre and Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said India has the potential to become a global leader in cancer research because of its clinical expertise and diverse patient population.”Greater collaboration in clinical research will help improve future standards of care while generating evidence that reflects India’s healthcare realities and expands access to innovative therapies including biosimilars,” she said.Dr Pragya Shukla, head of Clinical Oncology at Delhi State Cancer Institute, stressed the need to strengthen public financing, evidence-based reimbursement systems and healthcare infrastructure.”Our fight against cancer cannot be considered successful until the recommended treatment reaches even the poorest of the poor. Scientific advances achieve their true purpose only when every patient who needs them has a fair opportunity to receive them,” she said.Cancer survivors also shared their experiences of diagnosis, treatment and recovery, saying timely access to innovative therapies, financial support and proper medical guidance can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.The experts also called for stronger efforts in cancer prevention, tobacco control, HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination, early detection and organised screening programmes. They said reducing India’s cancer burden would require a balanced approach that combines prevention, innovation and equitable access.The roundtable concluded with a consensus that collaboration among the government, healthcare institutions, researchers, industry, civil society and patient groups is essential to ensure that advances in cancer treatment benefit all patients. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood By123PhotostoriesCould that ‘viral fever’ actually be malaria? Experts explain why the two conditions are often mixed upWhat would you do? My gym trainer keeps messaging me after workouts; here’s what these 5 women did nextCan you spot the odd bee? This viral brainteaser claims only people with sharp vision can solve it quicklySerena Williams’ ₹25-crore diamond ring, luxe watch and ‘glazed diamond’ nails stole the spotlight at Wimbledon7 dishes introduced during British rule that Indians still loveAngelina Jolie’s best action movies: ‘Lara Croft’, ‘Salt’ and more60-second money lesson: The biggest money mistake most women make in the first week after salary day (and how to avoid it)From walking on ceilings to shooting blood: 5 shocking lizard factsLock Upp 2: Ram Kapoor, Sunita Ahuja to Akanksha Chamola—contestants’ net worth revealed; this celebrity tops the list with Rs 135 croreWilliam Faulkner’s quote, ‘You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore,’ perfectly explains why growth demands risk123Hot PicksLPG gas pricePatrick MahomesNEET PG RegistrationEmployees Provident Funds SchemeGTA 6India vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Samantha Ruth Prabhu to Nayanthara: Why celebrities prefer revealing the GOOD NEWS on their own terms Watch: China unveils truck-mounted EMALS that fires drones into the sky in seconds Angelina Jolie's best action movies: 'Lara Croft', 'Salt' and more Russia launches major drone and ballistic missile attack on Kyiv; at least 8 killed as explosions rock Ukrainian capital Jul 02, 2026, 09:50 IST UPT20 League to return to Lucknow amid over Green Park infra, technical concerns? | Cricket News Stock Market Live Updates Today: BSE Sensex opens over 250 points up, Nifty50 above 24,050; crude oil prices continue to drop ‘Camp Rock 3’ trailer: The Jonas Brothers return for another camping adventure, while fans hope for ‘a Demi cameo’ | ‘I never thought I’d be here’: Delhi woman laid off by Wipro after 5.5 years says it’s ‘A sign from God’ Dipke alleged that unnamed sources within the system had informed the organisation that its internal communications were being intercepted NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday alleged that the mobile phones of protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar were under surveillance, claiming that WhatsApp calls and chats were being monitored, as the group’s agitation over alleged examination irregularities entered its 13th day.Dipke made the allegation in a post on X, saying unnamed sources within the system had informed the organisation that its internal communications were being intercepted.”Sources within the system have informed us that our phones are under surveillance and that our WhatsApp calls and chats are being monitored. The sources told us the exact conversations word to word we had in the internal team,” he wrote. In a separate post, Abhijeet Dipke shared the snippets of from the day 13 of the protest at the Jantar Mantar. The post was shared as protesters continued their demonstration despite heavy rain. Dipke also posted a photograph of education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its fifth day on Thursday. Earlier, Wangchuk had shared a health update, saying doctors had advised him to increase his intake of water and salt after his blood pressure was found to be low. He said his blood sugar level was 66 after several days without food but maintained that his condition was not yet life-threatening.”My sugar level is low at 66, but that’s because of no food for 3 days, as ketosis takes over; the body starts consuming fats, etc. In a prolonged fast, it may consume muscles and organs, resulting in death, but I’m nowhere near that,” Wangchuk said. He added that he had lost two kilograms during the fast, describing a daily weight loss of around 650 grams as normal.”My inconveniences are nothing compared to the 20+ students who gave their lives and the five youths who died in Ladakh last September,” he said, thanking supporters for standing with the movement.Dipke also provided an update on Inesh, a student who had been on hunger strike for eight days before being shifted to hospital on Tuesday night after his health deteriorated.”Inesh is recovering well at the hospital. Our team is in touch with him and monitoring the situation,” Dipke said in another post on X. Renewing his criticism of the Centre, Dipke said the movement had been driven by repeated examination controversies and the government’s alleged failure to respond.”What it takes today to seek accountability: Countless paper leaks, Millions of dreams shattered, 20+ student suicides, A hunger strike by an educationist and the youth,” he said, alleging that India had never before seen such an “arrogant” government.The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET examination. Dipke has said the campaign has since expanded to include broader demands for accountability, including concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood By123PhotostoriesSerena Williams’ ₹25-crore diamond ring, luxe watch and ‘glazed diamond’ nails stole the spotlight at Wimbledon7 dishes introduced during British rule that Indians still loveAngelina Jolie’s best action movies: ‘Lara Croft’, ‘Salt’ and more60-second money lesson: The biggest money mistake most women make in the first week after salary day (and how to avoid it)From walking on ceilings to shooting blood: 5 shocking lizard factsLock Upp 2: Ram Kapoor, Sunita Ahuja to Akanksha Chamola—contestants’ net worth revealed; this celebrity tops the list with Rs 135 croreWilliam Faulkner’s quote, ‘You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore,’ perfectly explains why growth demands riskThink you will get your full deposit back? These surprisingly common move-out mistakes could lead to major deductions from your security depositPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,500123Hot PicksLPG gas pricePatrick MahomesNEET PG RegistrationEmployees Provident Funds SchemeGTA 6India vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Jul 02, 2026, 09:20 IST ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should’ve played in Ireland’: Ravi Shastri questions India’s decision to keep the 15-year-old on bench Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for July 2, 2026 – check list UPSSSC Pharmacist answer key 2026 released at upsssc.gov.in: Direct link to download here Randeep Hooda beats Mumbai rains by travelling in metro: Video of ‘Highway’ actor goes viral online Can you spot the odd bee? This viral brainteaser claims only people with sharp vision can solve it quickly Earthquake of magnitude 4.7 strikes Tajikistan; no immediate reports of damage Ratna Debnath says all behind RG Kar crime and cover-up will face justice BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder victim, on Wednesday said she knows the identities of those involved in her daughter’s killing and the alleged cover-up, asserting that everyone responsible would be brought to justice.Speaking to ANI, Debnath said those responsible for the crime and those who allegedly concealed evidence would not escape punishment.”Those who killed my daughter are not humans. I know their names. Those who committed the crime and concealed evidence are all criminals. They will be caught and punished,” Debnath told ANI.Her remarks come weeks after the Calcutta High Court directed the formation of a fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT), expressing dissatisfaction with the earlier probe into the case.Earlier, on June 27, the victim’s father, Shekhar Ranjan Debnath, had said recent developments in the Tamanna Khatun case had strengthened his belief that those responsible for his daughter’s death would also be brought to justice.He had said the High Court’s monitoring of the investigation had given the family renewed hope. He also criticised the functioning of the earlier SIT, alleging delays in taking over the investigation and claiming the family’s concerns were not adequately recorded.According to the victim’s father, the high court found the earlier investigation unsatisfactory and ordered the constitution of a fresh SIT, giving it one month to make progress.The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case dates back to August 9, 2024, when the body of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found inside a seminar room on the hospital campus. The incident triggered nationwide protests by doctors, medical students and civil society groups, who demanded a transparent investigation and stronger safety measures for healthcare professionals.On May 21, the Calcutta high court directed the formation of a fresh SIT after expressing dissatisfaction with the earlier investigation. A Sealdah court had also observed that the probe had not made adequate progress.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Highly Deplorable’: India Slams Pakistan Over Demolition Of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara In FarooqabadHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood By123Photostories60-second money lesson: The biggest money mistake most women make in the first week after salary day (and how to avoid it)From walking on ceilings to shooting blood: 5 shocking lizard factsLock Upp 2: Ram Kapoor, Sunita Ahuja to Akanksha Chamola—contestants’ net worth revealed; this celebrity tops the list with Rs 135 croreWilliam Faulkner’s quote, ‘You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore,’ perfectly explains why growth demands riskThink you will get your full deposit back? These surprisingly common move-out mistakes could lead to major deductions from your security depositPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,5005 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? What your travel style tells you about yourself5 shocking facts about octopuses that seem too strange to be real123Hot PicksLPG gas pricePatrick MahomesNEET PG RegistrationEmployees Provident Funds SchemeGTA 6India vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Shah Rukh Khan unveils LA Knight Riders stadium as cricket gears up for LA Olympics 2028 | Cricket News IGNOU extends July 2026 re-registration deadline: Check new schedule and direct link to register here Netizens react as Kangana Ranaut calls out Ram Kapoor on ‘Lock Upp 2’: ‘Queen is back with her fearless judgment’ Quote of the day by Sadhguru: “Your Life becomes beautiful when you give it all and do not care what comes or does not come. The Joy of Life is in expression, not in begging.” What the yogi has to say on keeping expectations and not expecting outcomes World’s oceans break June heat record: Monitor Meta-owned app issued key clarification amid safety & privacy concerns WhatsApp on Thursday issued clarifications on its upcoming ‘Username’ feature, addressing privacy, safety and impersonation concerns as users begin reserving usernames ahead of the wider rollout later this year. The Meta-owned messaging platform answered several frequently asked questions, including whether usernames are mandatory, how they will protect against scams and whether strangers can contact users through usernames.The ‘Username’ feature is designed to let users connect on WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers, particularly in group chats and conversations with new contacts.WhatsApp said the feature will be optional and users will not be required to create a username. The company also explained why some usernames may be unavailable, noting that existing Instagram and Facebook usernames are reserved for their owners, while names of public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta Verified accounts are protected to prevent impersonation. “We’ve held well-known names and some variations of them – like public figures, celebrities, government entities and Meta-verified accounts – so they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners,” it said.Further addressing privacy concerns, WhatsApp said usernames will not be searchable, similar to phone numbers on the platform. It added that when username-based messaging becomes available, users will receive safety information about first-time contacts, including the sender’s country and account details, alongside the existing block and report tools. The company also introduced a “username key”; an optional extra layer of protection that requires someone to know both a user’s username and the key before initiating contact. Users will also be able to change their usernames later, provided the new one is available. It explained it as, “An extra layer of protection you can enable with your username, so that another user will have to know both your username and your username key to contact you. You can reset your key at any time to stop new inbound contact through your username.”WhatsApp further said users who want the same username as their Instagram or Facebook account will need to link those accounts to verify ownership, after which they can unlink them if they choose. The company also refuted alleged claims that popular or well-known usernames can be reserved by anyone, saying such usernames are available only to their legitimate owners.Centre’s notice to WhatsAppThe Centre has directed Meta-owned WhatsApp not to roll out its proposed username feature until consultations with the government are completed, citing concerns that it could fuel impersonation, phishing, digital arrest scams and financial fraud. In a notice, the government asked the company to submit a detailed explanation of the feature, along with supporting documents, within three days.”It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims,” the notice said. It also warned that usernames resembling those of individuals, public authorities, financial institutions and government agencies could facilitate identity spoofing.Responding to the notice, WhatsApp spokesperson said, “We’ve announced the option for people to reserve their preferred username on WhatsApp. The ability to use a username is not yet live and will roll out slowly later this year.”The company rep added that it has reserved usernames of “public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts” for their legitimate owners and introduced safeguards such as requiring users to know the exact username, limiting outreach to new users, blocking repeated attempts to guess username keys, and detecting impersonation and abuse patterns. It also said users will continue to need a phone number to use WhatsApp.Read more: Govt directs Meta not to roll out WhatsApp username feature, seeks explanation in 3 days; company reactsGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. 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