TECHNOLOGY

Mobile users in India may soon face higher bills as telecom companies prepare to increase recharge tariffs. Industry leaders like Jio, Airtel, and Vi are reportedly planning to raise the cost of data and calling plans by up to 15% by June 2026. The companies cite rising 5G network expenses and lower per-user earnings as the primary reasons behind the hike. Data and Calling Costs on the RiseAccording to posts on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, telecom operators in India are implementing price hikes more frequently, with some users noting that tariffs are increasing every two months. This would mark a substantial increase in monthly mobile expenses for the average consumer. Social media users have expressed frustration, highlighting that mobile data is becoming as expensive as essent...

The European Union (EU) is planning to phase out Chinese equipment from its critical infrastructure over security concerns, potentially banning the use of devices from companies like Huawei and ZTE. This move could deliver a significant blow to China’s telecom and solar energy exports, while also delaying the launch of 6G technology in Europe and increasing costs. Security Concerns Drive the DecisionThe EU is re-evaluating its technology and security policies, aiming to reduce reliance on high-risk suppliers from China. According to reports in the Financial Times, some EU officials are concerned that Chinese suppliers could steal sensitive data from European networks and infrastructure. The U.S. had previously labeled Huawei and ZTE as national security threats, banning their equipment ...

Chinese smartphone brand Realme is set to shake up the Indian smartphone market with the launch of its biggest-ever battery phone, the Realme P4 Power, on January 29. The highlight of the device is its massive 10,001mAh battery, a capacity rarely seen in mainstream smartphones, which could significantly reduce the need for power banks for many users. Realme claims that the P4 Power will deliver up to 32.5 hours of video playback on a single charge. According to the company, users may even be able to step out for an entire weekend without carrying a charger, marking a potential turning point in how smartphones are designed and used. A Major Shift in Battery Standards Until last year, smartphones with 7,000–7,500mAh batteries were considered the new benchmark for long-lasting device...

Following Australia, the United Kingdom is now considering restricting children from using social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Last month, Australia became the first country to ban social media use for children under six. The UK government is reportedly studying global evidence to determine whether a similar ban would be effective and is also taking steps to address issues related to AI-generated content and explicit images. What the UK Plans to DoAccording to reports, the UK government is exploring several measures: Raising the digital consent age, currently set at 13. Implementing phone curfews to limit screen time among children. Restricting features like streaks or infinite scroll, which can be addictive. UK ministers plan to visit Australia to study...

If you enjoy watching movies and shows on JioHotstar, get ready to pay more. From 28 January 2026, the streaming platform will increase subscription prices, with hikes reaching up to ₹700 for certain plans. Price Changes in DetailJioHotstar’s Premium annual plan will rise from ₹1,499 to ₹2,199, while the Super annual plan will increase from ₹899 to ₹1,099. The platform has also raised prices for quarterly plans. However, there is no change in mobile-only plans, which means users primarily watching content on phones won’t be significantly affected. For the first time, monthly plans starting at ₹79 have been introduced, catering to users who prefer shorter-term subscriptions. What Changes for ViewersTo access Hollywood movies and shows, subscribers will now need a Super or Premium p...

Google has launched a new feature called “Personal Intelligence” in its AI model Gemini, which, when linked to apps like Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Search, can assist users with personalized tasks. The feature has rolled out in the United States and is expected to launch soon in India and other countries. What Personal Intelligence DoesUnlike traditional AI models that answer questions or provide information, Gemini’s Personal Intelligence acts as a personalized assistant. Once connected to Google apps, it can access your past emails, photos, videos, and search history to provide tailored help. For instance, if you forget details about your car while at a store—such as the tire size or model—Personal Intelligence can instantly retrieve that information from your past e...

Leaks surrounding Apple’s next flagship, iPhone 18 Pro, suggest major changes to its Face ID and front camera design. Reports indicate that Apple may shift Face ID under the display, potentially eliminating the black capsule-shaped Dynamic Island from the front screen. Dynamic Island Could VanishTrusted leaker ShrimpApplePro reports that the iPhone 18 Pro might remove the Dynamic Island by placing Face ID beneath the screen. Apple is expected to adopt Samsung’s under-screen technology, which it previously used in foldable smartphones, to achieve this design. Under-Screen Face IDAccording to South Korea’s ETNews, the iPhone 18 Pro could feature under-screen Face ID, utilizing Samsung’s under-screen infrared technology. This would mark a significant design shift for iPhones, which have...

Imagine powering your devices without any wires—what once seemed like science fiction is now a reality. Scientists in Finland have successfully developed a method to transmit electricity through the air, opening up possibilities for a wireless future for homes, factories, and gadgets. How the Technology WorksResearchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Oulu have created a system that sends electricity without cables, using a combination of ultrasonic sound waves, lasers, and radio frequencies. Termed “Acoustic Wire”, this technology uses high-frequency sound waves to form an invisible pathway in the air through which electricity can safely flow. In simple terms, the ultrasonic waves act as an invisible wire, allowing power to be precisely directed to devices. Sci...

India Surpasses 40 Crore 5G UsersIndia’s 5G adoption continues to surge, with the number of users crossing 40 crore as of December 2025. Reliance Jio alone accounts for over 25 crore 5G subscribers. Globally, India now ranks second in total 5G users, after China, which has over 100 crore 5G users. Industry reports highlight India as the fastest-growing market for 5G networks. Expansion in Madhya Pradesh and ChhattisgarhOver the past year, Airtel has installed more than 2,400 new 5G towers across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This expansion aims to improve internet speed and coverage in 87 districts, benefiting approximately 3.6 crore users. Irina Ghose Appointed India Head of AnthropicLeading AI company Anthropic has appointed Irina Ghose as its India Head, as it prepares to launc...

Iran is reportedly planning to disconnect from the global internet and establish a separate “National Internet”, leaving ordinary citizens largely cut off from the rest of the world. Only government-approved individuals will have access to a filtered version of the global internet, while the general public will be restricted to domestic websites and apps. Plans for Permanent Internet RestrictionsAccording to the organization Filterwatch, Iran’s government is working on a secret plan that would treat global internet access as a government privilege. Only those granted approval would be able to access a controlled, filtered version of the global internet. The rest of the population would be confined to a national network, completely isolated from international digital platforms. This m...