TECHNOLOGY

India offers some of the cheapest internet and mobile services in the world, with calls and data available at rates far lower than in neighboring countries like China and Pakistan. But what makes this possible? The government has now clarified the reasons behind India’s affordable telecom services. Government Policies Keep Prices LowDuring a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 18 December 2025, Communications Minister Pemmasani Chandra Shekhar explained that government policies and regulations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are the key factors keeping mobile service prices low. According to the minister, the regulatory framework and telecom policies ensure competitive pricing, ultimately benefiting Indian consumers. India Among the Cheapest Internet Markets Globa...

Have you ever found yourself cleaning your home and coming across a forgotten AA or AAA battery, unsure whether it still works? Testing it in a device can be time-consuming, but there’s a surprisingly simple method that lets you check a battery’s charge in just a second — no tester required! The Common ProblemMany households store old batteries in drawers or boxes, using them later for clocks, remotes, or toys. The challenge arises when you need a working battery urgently, and you’re left testing each one individually to see which still has power. The Simple Drop TestHere’s the trick: find a flat surface such as a table or floor. Hold the battery with the positive (+) end facing down, about 20 centimeters above the surface, and drop it. Observe how it behaves on impact: Battery w...

Many households neglect proper maintenance of their geysers, putting both the appliance and health at risk. Experts warn that failing to empty and care for your geyser, especially after prolonged non-use, can lead to the growth of bacteria or even insects in the stored water. 1. Empty the Tank if Not in UseAccording to Crompton, if a storage geyser is not going to be used for several days, it’s crucial to drain the water completely. Stagnant water can harbor bacteria, which may not be visible but can cause unpleasant odors and pose serious health risks. 2. Turn Off the Geyser When IdleExperts advise turning off the geyser when not in use. Most tanks are made of stainless steel or mild steel coated with polymer or glass lining. If left on continuously, the heating element repeatedly w...

A cybersecurity expert has developed a tool that can exploit a vulnerability in WhatsApp and Signal, potentially putting over 3 billion users worldwide at risk. The tool, dubbed “Silent Whisper,” allows attackers to monitor a user’s activity using just their phone number—without sending a message or alerting the user. How the Attack WorksAccording to cybersecurity reports, both WhatsApp and Signal automatically send delivery confirmations when a message arrives. These confirmations happen so quickly that users do not notice them. Attackers can track the timing of these confirmations to determine whether a phone is on or off, if the user is actively using it, or even their location. Over time, this can reveal daily routines, sleeping and waking patterns, and travel habits—all without rea...

OPPO’s newly launched Enco Buds3 Pro+, priced at ₹1,899, promise premium features in a budget segment. We tested these earbuds extensively, evaluating sound quality, ANC, battery life, and overall performance. Design & BuildThe earbuds feel solid and well-built, with a curved design that fits comfortably in hand and pocket. A pairing button on the case next to the charging port adds convenience, a feature missing in some pricier models. Lightweight and comfortable in the ears, these earbuds are user-friendly even without rubber tips. Sound Quality & ANCSound-wise, the Enco Buds3 Pro+ are bass-heavy, making them appealing for bass lovers. Users who prefer balanced audio may find this less ideal. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works well for everyday environments, effectiv...

New details have emerged about Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone. Unlike most foldable smartphones, which are typically long and narrow, Apple’s device is expected to be wider than tall. When unfolded, it could resemble an iPad Mini, offering a premium, ultra-thin design that may even surpass the slimness of the iPhone Air. Leaked sketches suggest the folded phone will measure 120.6mm in height and 83.8mm in width, with a thickness of just 9.6mm. Its outer display is expected to be around 5.5 inches with a resolution of 2088 x 1422 pixels. Upon unfolding, the device could feature a 7.76-inch inner display with a resolution of 2713 x 1920 pixels and a thickness of only 4.8mm, making it exceptionally thin and ideal for video streaming, gaming, and multitasking. The phone’s landscape ori...

During his recent visit to Oman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen wearing a small, earring-like device in his ear, sparking widespread curiosity on the internet. The gadget is a real-time translation device, designed to facilitate seamless communication during diplomatic meetings and international visits. The device enables instant translation of spoken language, allowing leaders to understand each other without delay. Its functionality was previously observed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, highlighting its growing importance in high-level diplomacy. Why Did PM Modi Wear the Device?PM Modi used the device while meeting Omani Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said at the airport. Since Arabic is the official language of Oman, the real-tim...

The global debate over Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to replace humans continues to grow. On this topic, Shark Tank India judge and founder Anupam Mittal has shared his perspective, offering a reality check about AI’s current limitations. Mittal, in a detailed LinkedIn post, emphasized that AI is still far from replicating the complexity of the human brain. He explained that while the human brain can process and store vast amounts of information using only about 20 watts of energy—less than a household light bulb—AI would require a data center as large as a football field just to match that capability. AI vs. Human Brain: The Energy Gap According to Mittal, for AI to imitate the biological functions of the human brain, it would need an enormous computing infrastru...

Are you addicted to your smartphone? If you constantly find yourself scrolling without purpose, or your phone seems glued to your hand all day, it may be time for a digital detox. Contrary to popular belief, digital detox doesn’t mean giving up your smartphone entirely—a near-impossible task in today’s world. Instead, it’s about using your phone mindfully, maintaining balance, and breaking the habit of compulsive usage. Here are five practical ways to curb smartphone addiction—and notice visible benefits within just 72 hours. 1. Take Short Breaks Start with small, achievable targets instead of abruptly quitting your phone. Schedule 3–4 short breaks a day, each lasting 5–30 minutes, during which you avoid touching your phone. If possible, switch it off completely. Gradually, these ...

India’s major telecom operators are set to increase prepaid and postpaid plan prices by up to 20% in 2026, affecting millions of users nationwide. Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are expected to revise their tariffs, following a trend observed every two years. Impact on Popular Plans Airtel: The 28-day Unlimited 5G plan, currently priced at ₹319, could rise to ₹419, an increase of ₹100. The 50GB postpaid plan may jump to ₹539. Jio: The ₹299 plan offering 1.5GB daily data may increase to ₹359. Meanwhile, the 28-day 5G plan priced at ₹349 could rise to ₹429. Vi (Vodafone Idea): The 28-day 1GB daily data plan may increase from ₹340 to ₹419, and the 56-day 2GB daily plan could rise from ₹579 to ₹699. Why Prices Are RisingAccording to a report by Morgan Stan...