Morning Digest | Centre’s Digi Yatra enrolment takes off as airport security staff sign up flyers without their consent; Iran suicide blasts death toll rises to 89, and more

The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on January 6, 2024

Centre’s Digi Yatra enrolment takes off as airport security staff sign up flyers without their consent

Next time you visit an Indian airport, beware of security personnel and private staff at the entry gate of passenger buildings who may be collecting your facial biometrics without your knowledge or consent. As year-end travel peaked at some of the busiest airports in the country last month, air travellers took to social media to express their shock and anger at the flagrant infringement of their privacy at airports, largely through the Digi Yatra initiative being aggressively promoted by the Union government. The app, which allows for digital processing of passengers, promoting paperless and seamless movement through airports, was rolled out as an entirely voluntary programme from December 2022.

Mahadev betting app case | ‘Cash courier’ tells ED he retracted statement against Bhupesh Baghel under influence

Asim Das, an accused in the Mahadev betting app case, who had purportedly claimed and later denied that he had been sent to “deliver” cash to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has retracted his denial, according to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).

Centre defends ‘selfie points’ for promotion of its schemes

The Centre on January 5 defended before the Delhi High Court its decision to install “selfie points” in public places for promotion of its defence policy initiatives, saying it helps familiarise the public about government schemes and policies.

Police should get training on new criminal laws: Amit Shah