Government launches Whatsapp rival ‘Sandes’ app

the Indian government is launching multiple apps as an alternative to the popular apps and already banned Chinese apps. In one such move, the government has introduced an official instant messaging platform called sandes. Launched on both google Play store and apple app store, it is touted as an effective alternative to Facebook-owned Whatsapp. sandes is just like any other instant messaging app that can be used by anyone with a valid e-mail ID and phone number. Currently, the app is being used by the central and state government employees and agencies only that are related to it. sandes has familiar features such as one-to-one and group messaging, audio-video calls, file and media sharing and egovernance application integration.