TECHNOLOGY

South Korea has moved ahead of the European Union to introduce the world’s first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence law, the AI Basic Act, marking a major milestone in global tech regulation. While the government has projected the move as a step toward becoming one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses, the announcement has triggered unease and resistance among local startups, who fear the law could slow innovation. The development places South Korea ahead of the European Union’s AI Act, which is expected to come into force in 2027. According to a report by news agency Reuters, the Korean government aims to balance rapid AI development with safeguards against misuse and systemic risks. What Is the AI Basic Act? Under the new legislation, companies using AI in high-risk and cr...

What began as a seemingly harmless job advertisement on social media soon turned into a living nightmare for four Indian IT professionals, who were lured abroad with promises of high-paying employment and later forced into cybercrime operations in Myanmar. According to police and victim accounts, the scam originated from job advertisements on Instagram, offering lucrative data entry and IT-related roles overseas. Trusting the offer, the victims clicked on a link that redirected them to a Telegram group, where recruiters assured them of safe jobs, luxurious accommodation, and attractive salaries. Winning Trust with Money and Promises To gain credibility, the scammers first asked the victims to arrange passports. For those who lacked funds, the fraudsters transferred ₹10,000 into th...

Have you ever closely looked at a SIM card? No matter which country it comes from, every SIM card has one corner cut at an angle. At first glance, it may seem like a simple design choice—but in reality, this small cut plays a crucial role in protecting your phone and ensuring reliable communication. Interestingly, SIM cards were once perfectly square. So what changed, and why did the cut corner become a global standard? Let’s understand the science and logic behind it. The Evolution of SIM Card Design The journey of the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card began in the early 1990s. In its earliest form, a SIM card was as large as a credit card. As mobile phones became smaller and more compact, SIM cards evolved too—shrinking from full-size SIMs to mini, micro, and finally nano SI...

Here are the major technology developments making headlines on Friday, January 23. From Ireland’s plan to grant police access to spyware, to serious allegations against Nvidia over AI training data, and Apple’s renewed push to transform Siri into a full-fledged AI chatbot—these stories highlight how fast the global tech landscape is evolving. Apple Set to Turn Siri into an AI Chatbot Apple is reportedly preparing a major overhaul of its voice assistant Siri, aiming to transform it into a conversational AI chatbot. While Apple has long led the industry in hardware and software design, it has lagged behind rivals such as Google, OpenAI, and xAI in artificial intelligence. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is working on a project codenamed “Campos”, under which Siri will gain ad...

If you are planning to buy a new tablet, chances are your priorities are clear: a sharp display, long battery life, and reliable performance—without paying a premium price. In the ₹25,000–₹30,000 segment, there are several options available, and the newly launched Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G is one of the most talked-about contenders. I used this tablet for 27 days as my primary device. Here is a detailed, newspaper-style review highlighting its strengths and shortcomings to help you decide whether it suits your needs. Price and Variants The Wi-Fi variant of the Redmi Pad 2 Pro is priced at ₹24,999, while the 5G model starts at ₹27,999. The 5G version is particularly useful for users who do not have access to home broadband and rely heavily on mobile data. Design: Premium but Heavy The ...

After Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, a similar step may soon be considered in India. According to media reports, the Andhra Pradesh government is actively exploring a proposal to restrict social media access for children below 16 years, a move that could have far-reaching implications nationwide. Andhra Pradesh Considers Social Media Ban for Minors The proposal has reportedly emerged from discussions held during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where representatives of various governments, including India, are participating. Several Indian states are using the global forum to engage with international leaders and industry experts on policy and development issues. Speaking to Bloomberg on the sidelin...

After transforming the world with ChatGPT, OpenAI is now preparing to enter the hardware space. According to recent reports, the company is set to launch its first-ever AI-powered gadget in the second half of 2026, potentially redefining how people interact with artificial intelligence—and reducing their dependence on smartphones. OpenAI’s First Hardware Device Confirmed for 2026 Led by CEO Sam Altman, OpenAI is expected to unveil its debut gadget sometime between June and December 2026. While the company has not officially revealed the product’s design or specifications, multiple reports suggest that the device is being developed as a smartphone alternative, focused on seamless, voice-driven AI interaction. To accelerate this ambitious project, OpenAI last year acquired the compa...

In a major move to combat rising cases of cyber fraud and so-called “digital arrest” scams, the Government of India is preparing to introduce an emergency button—also known as a kill switch—within bank and UPI apps. This feature will allow users to instantly freeze their accounts the moment they suspect fraud, potentially saving hard-earned money in critical minutes. Government’s Big Push Against Cybercrime With cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a high-level committee to strengthen India’s digital banking and payment ecosystem. The proposed emergency button will be integrated directly into banking and UPI applications, giving users immediate control in case of suspected fraud. The primary objective of this featur...

In a major breakthrough for stroke rehabilitation, scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed an innovative AI-powered wearable collar called ‘Revoice’, designed to help stroke patients regain their ability to speak—without the need for surgery or brain implants. The device interprets subtle speech signals and emotions, reconstructing full sentences from fragmented sounds, and offers patients a renewed sense of voice and independence. A New Voice Without Surgery Stroke often leaves patients struggling with dysarthria, a common condition that affects speech clarity and control. While many patients can speak after repeated practice, everyday conversation remains a challenge. Existing speech-assistance technologies are either ineffective or require invasive brain implants....

Samsung is gearing up to launch its much-awaited Galaxy S26 series, and fresh leaks have revealed key details about the India launch timeline, pre-order window, and sale dates. The upcoming flagship lineup is expected to include three models—Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the company has not officially confirmed the dates yet, tipsters suggest that the series could debut by the end of February, with sales beginning in March. Launch, Pre-Order, and Sale Timeline According to a recent leak shared by popular tipster Ice Universe, Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, possibly during its first Galaxy Unpacked event of the year. Pre-orders: February 26 to March 4, 2026 Pre-sale: Expected to begin on March 5, 2026 ...