Centre acts after reports of remote e-rickshaw shutdowns; advisory issued to drivers to secure Bluetooth-enabled battery systems

The Centre has ordered the removal of seven Chinese mobile applications linked to Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems (BMS) used in electric rickshaws after receiving hundreds of complaints from across the country alleging that vehicles were being remotely switched off while in operation.

The move comes after incidents reported from several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where e-rickshaw drivers claimed that their vehicles suddenly stopped functioning in the middle of roads, causing inconvenience, financial losses and safety concerns.

According to officials, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) directed the concerned app stores to remove seven applications, including those associated with battery management systems manufactured by Chinese companies. The decision follows growing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the possibility of unauthorized remote access to battery systems.

Hundreds of complaints prompted government action

Government sources indicated that authorities had been receiving complaints on an almost daily basis from different parts of the country. In Bhopal alone, police reportedly received dozens of complaints, while similar incidents were reported in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Investigations suggested that some Bluetooth-enabled lithium battery systems installed in e-rickshaws could be remotely accessed if adequate security measures such as password protection were absent. In certain cases, individuals allegedly connected to nearby battery systems using mobile applications and activated a "discharge" command, causing the vehicle to stop immediately.

The ministry has advised users to verify whether battery management applications installed on their devices are genuine and to uninstall applications that are no longer supported or appear suspicious.

How the battery management apps function

Battery Management System (BMS) applications are commonly used to monitor lithium-ion battery health, charging status, temperature and overall performance. These applications communicate with batteries through Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to monitor battery parameters from their smartphones.

However, cybersecurity experts warn that batteries lacking proper authentication or default passwords may become vulnerable to unauthorized access.

The report noted that older lead-acid battery-operated e-rickshaws are generally unaffected because they do not use Bluetooth-based battery management systems. Similarly, branded lithium battery manufacturers that provide encrypted software and secure password protection are considered relatively safer against such misuse.

What drivers should do if the vehicle stops

Technology experts have advised drivers that if an e-rickshaw suddenly shuts down, they should first switch off the vehicle using the key, wait for five to ten seconds, and then restart it. In many cases, the battery management system resets itself and resumes normal operation.

Drivers have also been advised to disable Bluetooth on their mobile phones when not required, change default Bluetooth passwords, and consult battery manufacturers to disconnect unnecessary Bluetooth modules wherever possible.

Tampering with battery systems may attract legal action

Authorities have warned that intentionally accessing or interfering with another person's battery management system without authorization constitutes a cyber offence under Indian law. Such actions may attract criminal prosecution under provisions of the Information Technology Act relating to unauthorized access and computer-related offences.

Officials also emphasized that deliberately stopping a moving vehicle through digital interference could create public safety risks and may invite additional legal consequences.

The government has appealed to e-rickshaw owners, battery manufacturers and service providers to strengthen cybersecurity measures while encouraging users to install software updates only from trusted sources.

As India's electric mobility ecosystem expands rapidly, the latest action underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity alongside road safety, particularly as connected vehicle technologies become increasingly common across the transport sector.

A WhatsApp account unexpectedly logging out may seem like a temporary technical issue, but cybersecurity experts warn that it can often signal something far more serious. With billions of users worldwide relying on the messaging platform for daily communication, hackers continue to target accounts through verification code scams, unauthorized logins, and identity theft attempts. Users who suddenly lose access to their WhatsApp accounts are being advised to take immediate action to secure their information and recover control before fraudsters can exploit their contacts or private conversations.

According to reports, WhatsApp does not usually sign users out without a reason. Therefore, an unexpected logout should be treated as a potential security concern. In many cases, cybercriminals attempt to gain access by intercepting verification codes or using social engineering tactics to take control of an account.

Signs of Account Compromise

Experts say the most obvious warning sign is being logged out of WhatsApp without initiating the action yourself. Users may also notice unusual activity, such as messages being sent without their knowledge, changes to account settings, or unfamiliar devices appearing in the linked devices section.

If any of these signs appear, immediate action can help prevent further misuse of the account and personal information.

Recovery Process

Users who suspect their WhatsApp account has been compromised should first check whether call forwarding has been enabled on their phone. Fraudsters sometimes use call-forwarding settings to intercept verification calls sent by WhatsApp.

To verify this, users can open their phone dialer, enter #21#, and press the call button. The code displays active call-forwarding settings, allowing users to identify and disable any suspicious configurations.

The next step is to visit WhatsApp's official support portal and submit an account recovery request. While completing the form, users should provide their registered phone number and select the option indicating that their account has been hacked. A detailed explanation of the issue, including unexpected logout and suspected unauthorized access, can help expedite the review process.

After submission, WhatsApp's support team reviews the complaint and guides affected users through the recovery procedure.

Strengthening Account Security

Once access is restored, cybersecurity specialists recommend enabling two-step verification. This feature adds an additional six-digit PIN that must be entered when registering the account on a new device, significantly improving security.

Users should also regularly review the "Linked Devices" section within WhatsApp settings. Any unfamiliar device should be removed immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Another important precaution is never sharing verification codes with anyone. WhatsApp does not request verification codes through messages, emails, or phone calls. Any such request should be treated as a scam attempt.

Growing Cybersecurity Concerns

As messaging applications become increasingly central to personal and professional communication, cybercrime targeting these platforms continues to rise. Fraudsters often use compromised accounts to impersonate victims, request money from contacts, or distribute malicious links.

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that quick action is critical. The longer hackers retain access to an account, the greater the risk of financial fraud, privacy breaches, and reputational damage. Users who notice unusual activity should report the issue immediately and begin the recovery process without delay.

With digital threats becoming more sophisticated, maintaining strong account security and staying alert to warning signs remain essential steps for protecting personal information online.

US-Israel Strikes on Iran May Resume Next Week as Trump Weighs Options

Tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have escalated sharply, with reports indicating that joint military operations against the Islamic Republic could restart as early as next week. US President Donald Trump is expected to make a key decision on possible action within the next 24 hours, according to Israeli media assessments.

Officials in the region are bracing for renewed hostilities following a fragile Pakistani-brokered ceasefire established in early April. A New York Times report on Friday, citing two anonymous Middle East officials, described "intense preparations" by the US and Israel — the most significant since the truce took hold.

Preparations Underway

Israeli Channel 12 reported that a senior official indicated Israel is readying for a conflict that could extend from several days to several weeks. “The resumption of the war is near, and we are preparing for several days to several weeks of fighting,” the official was quoted as saying.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had earlier told lawmakers that Washington maintains plans to escalate if necessary, including options to shift assets or retrograde forces. These developments come after President Trump’s recent trip to China, where discussions reportedly touched on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

Cyber Suspicions Add to Tensions

Compounding the military concerns, US officials suspect Iranian-linked hackers of breaching systems monitoring fuel levels in storage tanks at gas stations across multiple states. According to CNN, the intrusions targeted automatic tank gauge (ATG) systems, many of which were online and lacked basic password protection.

The hackers reportedly altered display readings in some cases but did not affect actual fuel levels or cause physical damage. The incidents have raised alarms about vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, though no immediate disruptions to fuel supply have been reported.

Ground Realities and Humanitarian Strain

Inside Iran, the prolonged conflict has taken a visible toll. Reports from state media highlight shortages of essential medicines, including antibiotics and fertility drugs like estradiol valerate, with black-market prices surging dramatically. Patients and pharmacies are struggling amid supply chain disruptions caused by the fighting and sanctions.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, have signalled a willingness to negotiate but firmly rejected any notion of unconditional surrender. Elyas Hazrati, head of the government’s Information Council, said restrictions on internet access would be lifted gradually, while President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Pope Leo for what he described as a principled stance on the war.

Diplomatic and Regional Ripples

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Iran’s UN ambassador linked any resolution of the crisis to an end to attacks and the lifting of what Tehran calls a maritime blockade. China has criticised a US-backed resolution on the strait, calling its content and timing unhelpful.

On the diplomatic front, FIFA is set to meet Iranian football officials in Istanbul to discuss Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, which has been cast into doubt by the conflict. Separately, Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days following talks in Washington.

Trump’s Stance and Domestic Echoes

President Trump has projected confidence in US achievements, recently claiming a “complete military victory” in remarks that led to a heated exchange with a New York Times journalist, whom he accused of spreading “treasonous” reporting. He has also announced the elimination of a senior ISIS figure in a joint US-Nigerian operation.

US authorities have scored successes against Iran-linked networks, including the arrest of an Iraqi national tied to Kataib Hezbollah on terrorism charges.

As the 24-hour window for Trump’s decision approaches, analysts warn that the current stalemate remains unstable. Any resumption of strikes could have far-reaching consequences for energy markets, regional security, and global diplomacy. Officials on all sides continue weighing military options against the possibility of renewed talks.

Local reactions in affected areas of West Asia remain tense, with reports of sporadic incidents in Gaza, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon persisting despite truce efforts. The coming days are expected to clarify whether diplomacy can still avert a return to open conflict.