Delhi data shutdowns disrupt UPI payments and app-based retail services
Mobile-data suspensions around Jantar Mantar and Mandi House during student protests reportedly left nearby merchants unable to process UPI payments and impaired app-based services. The Centre has also asked GitHub to block Bitchat repositories, an offline messaging app used during the disruptions.
The Centre ordered GitHub to block Bitchat repositories amid Delhi student protests and repeated mobile-data shutdowns. Connectivity disruptions around Jantar Mantar and Mandi House prevented shops from accepting UPI payments and impaired app-based services.
Why this matters
The disruption contrasts with recent UPI growth signals reporting 55.49 crore users and FY26 transaction value above ₹314 lakh crore, highlighting retail dependence on mobile connectivity for payments.
Omni-channel is steady, with 1,507 signals recorded in the past 90 days.