TECHNOLOGY

WhatsApp bans nearly 1 crore Indian accounts every month involved in cyber fraud. Now, the Indian government is seeking information on these banned numbers to prevent fraudsters from exploiting other apps. Once blocked on one platform, cybercriminals often move to others, continuing their illegal activities. WhatsApp Ban Figures Raise ConcernsOn average, WhatsApp disables around 98 lakh to 1 crore accounts monthly in India, highlighting the widespread misuse of mobile numbers. Fraudsters use these numbers to commit scams, causing the government to take notice. India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with millions of users, but rising fraud cases have prompted authorities to consider stricter measures. Fraudsters Move Across AppsAccording to reports, WhatsApp shares monthly ban statistics...

As the world prepares to welcome 2026, cybercriminals are also gearing up to exploit unsuspecting users. Experts warn that fake New Year greetings circulating via WhatsApp, social media, and email could compromise smartphones and bank accounts, leading to significant financial losses. Cyber Threats on the Rise During Festive SeasonIn today’s digital era, New Year greetings come in multiple formats—GIFs, stickers, short videos, and virtual cards. While these messages seem harmless, they often carry malicious links or APK files that give scammers full control over users’ devices and digital wallets. According to Professor Triveni Singh, a cybersecurity expert and former IPS officer, such festive scams see a spike during the New Year period when people are distracted by celebrations and so...

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has unveiled a special Christmas offer aimed at attracting new users and winning back old customers. The plan, available for just ₹1, gives subscribers a host of benefits, including daily high-speed data, unlimited calling, and free SMS. What the Offer IncludesThe Christmas Bonanza Plan provides: 2GB high-speed 4G data per day, with reduced speeds thereafter Unlimited voice calls across any network in India 100 free SMS daily Free SIM card, subject to KYC completion The plan is valid for 30 days, and users can choose other BSNL plans after the initial period to continue services. The offer is available until 5 January 2026, allowing new customers to experience BSNL’s reliable 4G network at minimal cost. How to Avail the OfferTo enr...

Apple fans anticipating the iPhone 18 may have to wait longer than expected. According to the latest reports, the base model of the iPhone 18 is unlikely to launch in 2026. However, the iPhone 18 Pro models could still be unveiled next year, along with Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Two-Phase Launch ExpectedApple is reportedly planning a two-phase launch for the iPhone 18 series, marking a departure from its usual release schedule. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to arrive in September 2026, possibly alongside the foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, the base iPhone 18 may only be launched in early 2027. Production Delays Behind the ShiftInsider reports suggest that trial production for the iPhone 18 has not yet started and is expected to commence after the Chinese New Year in late Febr...

Google has unveiled Gemini 3 Flash, its fastest AI model to date, designed to process text, images, audio, and video instantly. Optimized for low latency and cost-efficiency, the model is particularly suited for real-time applications, coding tasks, and agent-based workflows. Multimodal and Superfast ReasoningGemini 3 Flash supports multimodal inputs, enabling it to provide immediate results based on multiple data types. This feature makes the model ideal for applications ranging from coding to complex analysis. Low latency ensures faster responses, while optimized costs make it accessible for a wide range of users. Gemini 3 Flash is now the default engine in the Gemini app as well as the AI mode in Google Search. AI-Generated Fake Video DetectionWith the rise of AI-generated fake vi...

China recently launched an all-in-one app called Nihao China for foreign travelers, sparking comparisons with India’s UPI One World service. While both aim to simplify travel for international visitors, the two platforms differ significantly in scope and functionality. Nihao China: A Complete Travel CompanionNihao China is designed to address the unique challenges foreign travelers face in China, where commonly used global apps such as Google or Uber are often inaccessible. This all-in-one mobile app provides digital payments, transport information, maps, language translation, and essential travel guides in a single platform. With Nihao China, users can: Make QR code payments Access bus and metro schedules Navigate local services without language barriers Obtain informat...

As 2025 comes to a close, YouTube India has released its End-of-Year Report, highlighting the platform’s most impactful content trends. The report reveals that cinema, sports, internet culture, and creator-driven content dominated viewer attention this year. Notably, YouTube has evolved beyond a mere video platform to become a hub for language, culture, and global-local storytelling. One standout creator, KL BRO Biju Rithvik from Kerala, captivated audiences with family-oriented and everyday life stories, amassing over 79 million subscribers. This trend underscores a shift in viewer preferences toward relatable, wholesome content. Gen Z Adopts New Words and ExpressionsYouTube content also influenced language trends among India’s Gen Z, with 68% of viewers adopting new words and expre...

The recent release of Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal files, which reportedly include information about prominent global figures, has sparked a new wave of cybercrime. Cybercriminals are exploiting public curiosity by sending malicious links claiming to provide leaked photos and documents. Experts warn that clicking on these links could compromise personal and financial information. On social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and X, links labeled “Epstein files leaked” are being widely shared. These links often prompt users to download suspicious apps, which can then gain access to contacts, messages, photos, camera, and microphone, potentially leading to theft of bank account details. Some of the reported malicious links include: epstein-files112-browser.vercel.app usepste...

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has shared exciting updates about Arattai, Zoho’s homegrown instant messaging app, positioning it as a strong competitor to WhatsApp. According to Vembu, several key features are currently under development, and once finalized, the app will undergo large-scale marketing to expand its user base. In a recent post on his official X account, Vembu responded to a user query about the app’s current visibility. He revealed that the team is focused on implementing significant features that will enhance the app’s functionality. Vembu emphasized that once the features meet their standards, Arattai will be promoted extensively. "We are updating the app weekly and working on some very important features," Vembu wrote. "Once we are satisfied with these updates, we will ...

While customers often report delays or wrong deliveries from e-commerce giant Flipkart, a recent incident has taken online shopping woes to a new level. Syed Fahad, a passenger, has accused Flipkart of selling him an illegal flight ticket just a day before his scheduled journey, leaving him stranded. Sharing his plight on social media platform X, Fahad revealed that his flight from Delhi to Hanoi with VietJet Air was scheduled for the following day. However, upon checking, he discovered that his booking was invalid, and the airline had no record of his ticket. Despite contacting Flipkart, he claims he received no proper assistance. Fahad further shared his PNR number, confirming that VietJet Air’s official records showed no booking under his name. He added that customer service initi...