March 8: must-read stories

WikiLeaks files describe CIA tools to break into phones, computers, smart TVs

In what appears to be the largest leak of CIA documents in history, WikiLeaks released on Tuesday thousands of pages describing sophisticated software tools and techniques used by the agency to break into smartphones, computers and even Internet-connected televisions. By compromising the phones entirely, they were able to access encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, reports The New York Times.

We will seek audit of the fiscal impact of demonetisation: CAG

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Shashi Kant Sharma tells The Hindu that he would soon begin auditing demonetisation and its fallout. Also, he says it's necessary that the proposed GST law adequately empowers the revenue authorities to render required support and assistance to audit.

BHU for boots on the ground; requests CISF deployment

Banaras Hindu University has requested the Centre for permanent paramilitary deployment on its campus, with government sources suggesting the idea was to pre-empt the sort of unrest witnessed recently at JNU and Delhi University, reports The Telegraph.

India loses 11 billionaires after note ban, Mukesh Ambani still richest: Hurun report

While the number of billionaires in India fell after demonetisation, the aggregate total wealth of the ultra rich increased by 16% over last year, says Hurun rich list report. Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, is the richest Indian with a fortune of ₹1,75,400 crore, reports Mint.

Demonetisation: Delhi’s economic growth slows down for first time in five years

Delhi’s economic growth might slow down to 8.26% during 2016-17 from 8.82% the previous year due to demonetisation dampening the pace of development, the state’s economic survey said on Tuesday. A Hindustan Times report.