Sunday, July 5

techlogy

DigiLocker Now Offers Passport Verification Records (PVR) Digitally, Making Passport Process Easier
techlogy

DigiLocker Now Offers Passport Verification Records (PVR) Digitally, Making Passport Process Easier

The DigiLocker app has added a new feature allowing Indian citizens to access their Passport Verification Records (PVR) digitally, eliminating the need to visit government offices. Launched on 3 December 2025, this initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and National e-Governance Division (NeGD), aims to simplify passport-related processes. The PVR confirms that all required verifications—such as police verification and address checks—are complete. Citizens can now securely store and access these records via DigiLocker, just like Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, and educational documents. The digital format saves time, increases transparency, and facilitates sharing with institutions for visa applications, job ...
Google’s Project ‘Sunbather’: AI Data Centers in Space by 2027, Says CEO Sundar Pichai
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Google’s Project ‘Sunbather’: AI Data Centers in Space by 2027, Says CEO Sundar Pichai

Google is working on Project Sunbather, a pioneering initiative to deploy AI-powered data centers in space by 2027. These centers will harness solar energy to operate, marking the first time machine learning could be conducted beyond Earth. Initially, small-scale satellite experiments will test the technology before full-scale deployment. The project will utilize Google’s TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) chips, which currently power Google Search, Maps, and Photos. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted that space-based data centers could drastically reduce environmental impact caused by traditional data centers, including high electricity and water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and electronic waste. Pichai emphasized Google’s long-term vision: leveraging the abundant solar energy in spa...
Unique Challenge in Punjab: 31-Hour “Phone-Free Sitting” Test Sees Only 3 Out of 55 Participants Succeed
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Unique Challenge in Punjab: 31-Hour “Phone-Free Sitting” Test Sees Only 3 Out of 55 Participants Succeed

A small village in Punjab witnessed a unique competition testing phone addiction. The contest, called “Whele Ban Da Muqabla” (The Empty Sitting Challenge), required participants to sit stationary for 31 hours without using their phones. While reading books was allowed, participants could not sleep, lie down, or use the washroom during the challenge. Out of 55 contestants, only three participants—Satbir Singh and Lampreet Singh—managed to last the full 31 hours and 4 minutes, emerging as joint winners. Many participants practiced Gurbani recitation to keep their minds calm during the ordeal. Organizers highlighted that the challenge was more than entertainment. It aimed to make people aware of their dependence on smartphones and help them reconnect with patience, mental peace, and sel...
Government Withdraws Order: ‘Sanchar Saathi’ App No Longer Mandatory on Smartphones
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Government Withdraws Order: ‘Sanchar Saathi’ App No Longer Mandatory on Smartphones

The Modi government has withdrawn its 28 November directive that required all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in India. The decision sparked widespread debate over privacy and user freedom, as companies and consumers raised concerns about mandatory installation. Earlier, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked companies to comply within 90 days and submit a report within 120 days. Following the backlash, the government has now made the app optional, citing its growing popularity among users. Since the directive, millions of people have already downloaded the app voluntarily. Reports indicate that around 1.4 crore users have installed it, with nearly 2,000 cyber fraud cases being reported daily through the platform. Apple, in...
Google Updates Android with Smart Scam Detection and Exciting New Features
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Google Updates Android with Smart Scam Detection and Exciting New Features

Google has rolled out a series of new features for Android smartphones, aiming to enhance user experience, safety, and accessibility. Among the updates, the “Circle to Search” feature has received a significant upgrade, now capable of detecting potential scams on-screen. Users can simply circle suspicious content to receive an AI overview, highlighting possible fraud patterns and safety tips without switching apps repeatedly. Android’s communication apps have also been improved. The new “Call Reason” feature allows users to tag calls as urgent, making them more noticeable during and after the call. Google Messages now allows users to leave or report unknown group chats, providing safety alerts and guidance with a single tap. The Chrome browser now supports pinned tabs and enhanced cu...
Google Updates Android with New Features: Detect Scams Easily Using ‘Circle to Search’
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Google Updates Android with New Features: Detect Scams Easily Using ‘Circle to Search’

Google has rolled out several new features for Android smartphones, enhancing security, accessibility, and cross-device functionality. Among the notable updates is the enhanced ‘Circle to Search’ feature, which now helps users detect potential scams directly from their screens. The updates will gradually become available to users over the coming weeks, including special features for Google Pixel devices. The upgraded ‘Circle to Search’ tool allows users to check suspicious messages or prompts for potential scams. By circling any content on the screen, users receive an AI Overview, highlighting scam patterns and providing tips to stay safe. This eliminates the need to switch between apps repeatedly to verify content sources. Android’s communication apps now include additional safety f...
REDMI 15C 5G Launched in India at ₹12,499 with Large Display, 6000mAh Battery, and 50MP Camera
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REDMI 15C 5G Launched in India at ₹12,499 with Large Display, 6000mAh Battery, and 50MP Camera

Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi has officially launched its budget-friendly REDMI 15C 5G smartphone in India. Available from 11 December 2025, the device comes packed with features aimed at the mid-range segment, including a large display, powerful battery, and capable cameras. The REDMI 15C 5G is available in Dusk Purple, Moonlight Blue, and Midnight Black colors. The 4GB + 128GB variant is priced at ₹12,499, the 6GB + 128GB variant at ₹13,999, and the 8GB + 128GB top-end model at ₹15,499. It will be available for purchase via Amazon, Xiaomi’s official website, and offline stores starting 11 December. The smartphone features a 6.9-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 810 nits. The display is TÜV Rheinland certified, ensuring mi...
Need Your BLO’s Mobile Number for SIR Form? Follow These Steps Online
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Need Your BLO’s Mobile Number for SIR Form? Follow These Steps Online

If you are facing difficulties filling your SIR (Systematic Information Registration) form or your Booth Level Officer (BLO) has not yet contacted you, you can easily find their name and mobile number by following a few simple online steps. During the ongoing SIR process in 9 states and 3 union territories, the Election Commission is updating voter lists by removing duplicate or deceased entries. Citizens can fill the enumeration form either through door-to-door visits by BLOs or online. If you need clarification or assistance regarding your SIR form, knowing your BLO’s contact is essential. How to Find Your BLO’s Name and NumberFollow these steps to get your BLO’s details: Visit the official Election Commission website: https://voters.eci.gov.in/. Navigate to the Services sec...
Apple to Launch ‘Affordable’ iPhone 17e Early Next Year Without Compromising on Performance
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Apple to Launch ‘Affordable’ iPhone 17e Early Next Year Without Compromising on Performance

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new, budget-friendly model in its iPhone 17 series, named iPhone 17e, in early 2026. This new addition is expected to offer premium features at a lower price, making it an attractive option for users who want the iPhone experience without the high cost. The iPhone 17e is expected to be powered by the A19 chipset, offering performance on par with the flagship iPhone 17. Apple aims to align the iPhone 17e closely with its main 17 series in terms of speed and efficiency, making it a strong contender in the budget segment without compromising functionality. In terms of design, the iPhone 17e will adopt a more modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, which faced criticism for its wider notch reminiscent of the iPhone 14 era. L...
Cybercriminals Exploit E-Challan Alerts to Empty Bank Accounts
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Cybercriminals Exploit E-Challan Alerts to Empty Bank Accounts

Cyber fraudsters are now targeting citizens under the guise of E-Challan notifications, and a small mistake can lead to the complete loss of your bank funds. According to reports by The 420, cybercriminals send messages to mobile users claiming that an E-Challan has been issued against their vehicle. The message includes a link or an APK file named something like RTO_Challan.apk or E-Challan_Details.apk. The file appears to be an official government document, prompting recipients—often in fear or haste—to download it. This is where the danger lies. APK stands for Android Package Kit, the format used for Android apps. While apps downloaded from the Google Play Store are safe, APK files received via messages or WhatsApp can be malicious. Once installed, these files automatically execut...