TECHNOLOGY

Following its recent ban on Telegram, Russia has now blocked popular American social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Reports indicate that Russian citizens can no longer access these services as the government pushes users toward state-controlled platforms. Government Move for “Sovereign Internet”The Roskomnadzor, Russia’s regulatory authority, has removed the domains of these platforms from the national DNS system, making access impossible. This step is part of the country’s “Sovereign Internet” law, which mandates all internet service providers in Russia to operate through the national DNS system under government oversight. Scope of the BanThe restrictions are not limited to social media. Several international media outlets have also been bloc...

At the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026 in Dubai, researchers have announced a groundbreaking study to test a smartwatch capable of assessing diabetes risk. The study will involve 150 participants, including healthy volunteers, pre-diabetes patients, and known diabetes patients, using the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro to determine how accurately it can detect elevated blood glucose levels. Why This MattersMillions of people worldwide are unaware they are at risk of diabetes. Early detection is crucial to prevent complications and manage the disease effectively. The new smartwatch technology aims to provide a non-invasive, convenient way to alert users to potential blood sugar issues, prompting timely medical consultation. The StudyThe trial, conducted under Dubai Health at Mohammed Bin Rashid Un...

While AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are widely known, India now has its own homegrown AI: Sarvam AI. Designed specifically with Indian languages and culture in mind, Sarvam AI stands out for understanding local nuances, reading complex documents, and generating natural, human-like speech—often outperforming global AI models in these areas. What Is Sarvam AI?Sarvam AI is an Indian AI startup focused on creating models that prioritize Indian languages and cultural contexts. Unlike AI models that primarily rely on English, Sarvam AI provides localized intelligence, earning it the reputation of being “India’s own AI.” Its speech model, Bulbul V3, has recently attracted attention for its natural voice capabilities, rivaling platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. How to Use Sarva...

One day, my refrigerator started making a loud noise that could be heard across the room. I immediately called my family technician, Shailendra Sharma, who has been running an AC and fridge service center for over 20 years. Instead of suggesting costly repairs, he recommended a few simple checks and adjustments—and within minutes, the noise stopped without spending a single rupee. Why Fridges Make NoiseA low humming or whirring sound is normal in refrigerators. However, if the noise becomes loud enough to travel from one room to another, it is a sign that something is off. Mechanic’s Five Simple Tips to Silence Your Fridge Check the Fridge LevelUneven floors can cause a fridge to wobble, making the compressor louder than usual. Lightly push the fridge to see if it rocks. If it do...

When buying a smartphone, most users focus on features like camera, display, and battery life—but often overlook a crucial factor: software and security updates. Keeping your phone up to date is vital to protect against malware attacks and cyber fraud. Among India’s top smartphone brands—Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo—Samsung leads in providing long-term software support, keeping devices “new” for years. Why Software Updates MatterExperts recommend choosing a phone that receives at least five years of software and security updates. Without regular updates, devices are more vulnerable to hacking, cybercrime, and performance issues. Vivo SmartphonesVivo, India’s largest smartphone brand according to Counterpoint and IDC, offers mid-range to premium devices. The Vivo X300 series receives five ...

The Russian government has imposed restrictions on the popular messaging app Telegram, citing national security concerns. Authorities allege that the platform has become a hub for fraudulent and terrorist activities. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has strongly denied these allegations and condemned the government’s decision. Government Cites Security ReasonsRussia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced the ban on Telegram, stating that it is necessary to protect citizens. Reports indicate that President Vladimir Putin took the step after Telegram refused to remove content that the government classified as criminal or terrorist. Since the announcement, users have reported slower app performance and, in some cases, complete access restrictions. The Russian government claims ...

Data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for December 2025 reveals a clear trend in the Indian telecom market: Airtel and Jio are rapidly gaining new subscribers, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL are witnessing customer churn. The primary reason appears to be the expansion of 5G mobile networks. Vi and BSNL have lagged behind in the 5G rollout, making it difficult for them to retain existing customers or attract new ones. TRAI December 2025 DataAccording to TRAI’s December 2025 report, Airtel and Jio collectively added 8,388,902 new wireless subscribers in just one month. During the same period, Vi and BSNL experienced a decline in their subscriber base. Airtel added 5,428,314 new subscribers, bringing its total subscriber base to 463,384,389. Jio also added 5,...

Running out of storage on your smartphone can be frustrating, especially when the “Storage Full” notification prevents you from taking new photos or downloading apps. Google Photos offers a smart, often overlooked feature that can help users reclaim storage space efficiently and safely. How to Free Up StorageLow storage is a common problem for many smartphone users, particularly those with devices that have limited memory. High-end phones often come with larger storage, but for users with smaller-capacity phones, finding ways to manage space is crucial. One of the biggest culprits is duplicate files—multiple versions of the same photo, selfies, or images downloaded from messaging apps like WhatsApp. These duplicates can occupy significant space, but deleting them in bulk can free up you...

New Delhi – Losing an iPhone turned into a windfall for a Reddit user after Apple replaced his lost device with a model offering eight times the storage. The incident was shared on Reddit by the user ScienceFuture2300, who explained how his 256GB iPhone 17 Pro Max went missing, only to be replaced with a 2TB model under AppleCare+. Replacement Through AppleCare+AppleCare+ allows users to claim a replacement for devices that are damaged, broken, or lost. In this case, the Reddit user filed a claim for a lost iPhone. While Apple charges a nominal fee for replacement under the plan, the lost device is blocked in the backend to prevent misuse. Why a Higher-End Model Was ProvidedIt is speculated that Apple did not have the exact 256GB model in stock at the time. Instead of waiting for the...

New Delhi – In the wake of India’s stricter IT rules targeting AI-generated content and deepfakes, Google has launched a new tool to help users protect their online privacy. The tool allows individuals to directly report and remove private, sensitive, or objectionable photos and information from Google Search. The process is designed to be simple, fast, and user-friendly. Enhanced Privacy Amid New IT RulesThe Indian government recently introduced stringent IT regulations requiring platforms to label AI-generated content and remove harmful material promptly. Google’s new initiative aligns with these rules, giving users greater control over which personal information appears online. According to Google, the updated search system is aimed at helping individuals affected by sensitive conten...