iWorld
Chinese apps saw drop in usage post Galwan; ban sealed fate: BARC-Nielsen
NEW DELHI: India on 29 June banned 59 Chinese mobile applications amidst a border stand-off with its neighbouring country. The government cited national security for banning these apps and included popular apps like TikTok, SHAREiT, UC Browser and WeChat.
According to the latest BARC Nielsen report, the weekly usage of Chinese apps by those having such apps installed on their phones decreased by five per cent to 77 per cent in the week ended 20 June , which further dropped to 76 per cent.
The report said that the highest impact was among users in tier-I cities, and those aged between 15-24, adding that both the segments reported an 11 per cent drop in the percentage of users per week.
Those who were visiting the app, did so fewer times in a day, it said, pointing to a 10 per cent decline in the average number of sessions to 5.4 per day for the week ended 27 June from 7.4 in the week ended 20 June.
According to the data, males between the age of 15-24 led the reduction in the number of sessions as well, with an 18 per cent decline, while tier-II cities witnessed a 20 per cent decline.
During the lockdown, the percentage of users per week had touched a peak of 80 per cent for the week ended 13 June and the average number of sessions had touched nearly eight per day, the report further said.
iWorld
Samay Raina confirms return of India’s Got Latent after controversy
Still Alive mixes humour and reflection as comedian revisits 2025 row
MUMBAI: Samay Raina has signalled a possible return of his controversial show India’s Got Latent, using his latest stand-up special Still Alive to address the past and hint at what lies ahead.
Released on YouTube, the special marks Raina’s most candid take yet on the backlash that forced the show off air in 2025. While much of the performance leans on humour, it also dips into more reflective territory, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll of the controversy.
Recounting the fallout, YouTube comedian samay raina said, “We were both extremely unsettled. How would we navigate this? It was terrifying. We were lost as to what was happening.” He also spoke about a moment involving fellow comedian Balraj Ghai’s family, describing it as overwhelming and difficult to process.
The personal impact of the episode came through most strongly when Raina spoke about his family. He admitted he struggled to even answer a call from his mother during the crisis. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I hesitated to answer her call and show my tear-streaked face. How would she react? My mom is unaware of anything except how to love.”
Amid the introspection, Raina also dropped a clear hint about the future of his show. While he believes the first season ended on a high note, he confirmed that he intends to revive it. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I will bring back the show because it used to be fun making it.”
The original run of India’s Got Latent had been pulled down following widespread criticism and legal scrutiny over controversial remarks that went viral, prompting debates around content boundaries in India’s digital entertainment space. Raina later removed episodes and issued an apology, stepping back from major releases for a period.
His return now appears more measured, blending humour with reflection and signalling a creative reset. He also hinted that the next iteration of the show could be more raw and unfiltered, though details remain under wraps.
For fans, the takeaway is simple. The show that sparked both laughter and debate may be gearing up for a second act, with Raina ready to test the limits once again, this time with a sharper sense of where the lines lie.
