TECHNOLOGY

A new app called “Are You Dead?” has become the most downloaded paid app in China. Designed for people living alone or far from home, the app requires users to prove they are alive every two days by pressing a button. If a user fails to respond, the app sends an alert to a pre-set emergency contact, indicating that the person may be in trouble. How the App WorksLaunched in May 2025, the app costs 8 yuan (approximately ₹75). Users must press the “I’m Alive” button at least once every two days. Failure to do so triggers an automatic alert to a chosen contact, helping ensure that someone can check on them if needed. The app aims to address concerns such as loneliness and the fear of unnoticed emergencies for people living alone. Target Audience and PopularityAccording to reports from Gl...

Pakistanis are facing soaring smartphone prices, largely due to heavy taxation. Reports indicate that taxes on mobile phones can reach up to 66% of the device’s price, making premium smartphones almost as expensive as gold for consumers. PTA Chairman Unaware of Exact Tax RatesAccording to a report by Propakistani, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman admitted that even he does not have precise information on the tax levied on each smartphone. During a Senate Standing Committee session, he clarified that PTA does not directly collect these taxes and is not fully aware of the exact percentage applied to every phone. Sub-Committee Formed to Address High TaxesIn an effort to reduce the heavy tax burden, a sub-committee was formed under the leadership of National Assemb...

Amid widespread internet shutdowns in Iran, questions have arisen about whether Starlink satellite internet is officially available in the country. According to Starlink’s official website, its services are not yet operational in Iran. However, many residents are reportedly using Starlink terminal kits smuggled into the country to access the internet. Starlink Service Status in Iran Starlink’s network does not officially cover Iran. The company has not announced any recharge plans or pricing for Iranian users, and its satellite internet cannot be subscribed to legally within the country. In simple terms, Starlink does not officially operate in Iran, and the government has not granted approval for its use. How Do Iranians Access Starlink? Despite the ban, media reports indicate ...

Starting January 12, 2026, train ticket booking has become easier for users whose IRCTC accounts are linked with Aadhaar. Under the new rules, Aadhaar-verified users can book general reserved tickets on the very first day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP), from 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight. Linking your IRCTC account with Aadhaar is mandatory to avail this facility. How to Link Aadhaar with Your IRCTC Account To link your Aadhaar, you need: The IRCTC mobile app installed on your phone Your Aadhaar card Your mobile number linked with Aadhaar, as the verification OTP will be sent to this number Steps via IRCTC App: Log in to your IRCTC account. Click on Account at the bottom. Select Authenticate User. Choose AADHAAR CARD/VID. Enter your Aadhaar details ...

The Amazon Republic Day Sale 2026 is set to kick off on January 16, 2026, with Prime members getting early access from January 15. The sale promises massive discounts on smartphones, accessories, and more, including iPhones, Samsung, OnePlus, Redmi, Realme, and Vivo devices. Buyers using SBI cards can avail an additional 10% off, along with exchange offers and No Cost EMI options. Flipkart will also start its Republic Day sale on January 17. iPhone Deals iPhone 15: ₹50,249 (official price starts at ₹59,900) iPhone 17 Pro: ₹1,25,400 (official price ₹1,34,900) iPhone 17 Pro Max: ₹1,40,400 (official price ₹1,49,900) iPhone Air: ₹91,249 (currently ₹1,19,900) These prices include bank discounts, and buyers can further reduce costs through exchange offers on old phones. Di...

A video showcasing the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate has gone viral on social media, leaving tech enthusiasts amazed by the phone’s durability. In the 55-second clip shared by the account Ice Universe on X, the foldable smartphone is dropped 10 times and even bent three times—yet it emerges without a single scratch or functional issue. The Drop Test The video demonstrates the phone being thrown on tiles and hard surfaces, both folded and unfolded. At one point, the display is slammed flat on the floor, but every time the device is picked up, it functions perfectly with no visible damage. Even when unfolded and dropped, the Mate XT remains intact, highlighting its robustness. Why the Huawei Mate XT Survived The secret lies in the phone’s design and display. It features ultra-thin flex...

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is challenging people’s ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, a concern highlighted by recent events surrounding the U.S. operation in Venezuela. Following the operation, numerous AI-generated images and videos began circulating on social media, some of which were highly realistic and misleading. AI-Generated Content Sparks Confusion After an incident where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a woman, fake photos and videos depicting the scene went viral. Some attempts even used AI to alter the officer’s face, demonstrating how convincingly AI can manipulate real events. Media experts warn that AI-generated misinformation is eroding trust online, especially when fabricated content closely resembles ac...

A bizarre video uploaded on YouTube by the channel ShinyWR has sparked widespread curiosity and discussion online. The video, intriguingly titled with a length of 140 years, has already been viewed by over 2 million people despite offering nothing but a blank screen and complete silence. The 140-Year Video The video appears to last 140 years on its thumbnail, but when played, its duration surprisingly reduces to just 12 hours. There is no audio or visual content, leaving viewers puzzled. Despite this, the video has generated over 29,000 comments, with many considering it mysterious or experimental. Some users speculate that it could be a YouTube test video, though the full truth behind it remains unclear. Mysterious Background Adding to the enigma, the video’s description conta...

Google is reportedly working on a major update to its Wallet app that will allow users to store their Aadhaar card digitally. The information comes from the app’s code, which references Aadhaar in multiple places, indicating that the feature could soon be officially rolled out. Once implemented, users will no longer need to carry a physical Aadhaar card, as it can be securely stored and accessed via Google Wallet. What the Update Brings Google Wallet already allows users to store credit cards, transit passes, and ID cards. With the addition of Aadhaar support, it aims to become a more comprehensive platform for both payments and digital document management. Users will be able to carry their Aadhaar card alongside other essential documents in a single app, reducing the need for multip...

Apple has partnered with Google to make its voice assistant Siri smarter by integrating Google’s AI model, Gemini. In a joint statement, both companies confirmed that Gemini will serve as the foundation for enhancing Siri’s capabilities. Following this announcement, Elon Musk expressed strong concerns on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the potential power imbalance this collaboration could create. Apple-Google Deal: What It Means The multi-year agreement will benefit both tech giants. Apple, which has lagged behind in the AI assistant race, will gain access to Google’s advanced AI capabilities, while Google can expand its reach beyond Android devices to iOS platforms as well. According to MacRumors, the Gemini model will act as a foundational AI framework for Apple, complementi...