Technology

India’s new SIM binding rule could change how WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps work. Here is a simple explainer on why the government wants apps to need an active SIM card and how this move may affect everyday users.

Orion browser launches on Mac with a WebKit Core, fast Performance and a strong privacy focus

Kagi has released the 1.0 version of its Orion browser for Mac, positioning it as a fast, privacy-centric alternative built on Apple’s WebKit engine. The launch follows a long beta period and introduces features designed specifically for Apple users, alongside an optional subscription for advanced customisation.

The truth behind Elon Musk and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath’s viral podcast teaser is finally out

A mysterious teaser featuring Elon Musk and Zerodha co founder Nikhil Kamath has sparked debate online after Grok, X’s in house chatbot, suggested the clip might be AI generated. Here is what happened and why the internet cannot stop talking about it.

Airbus A320 software glitch explained: What it is and how it grounded over 6,000 aircraft

Airbus grounded more than 6,000 A320-family aircraft after identifying a software vulnerability linked to solar radiation that can corrupt flight-control systems. Here’s what the issue is and how it grounded fleets worldwide.

Google Nano Banana Pro: 7 tips to get best results with Google's latest image generation model

Google’s updated Nano Banana Pro image model promises improved text rendering, better world knowledge and advanced creative control. These seven techniques help users craft more effective prompts and get consistent visual outputs.

Google Maps brings Gemini assistant to all navigation modes, adds conversational routing and app actions

Google Maps is rolling out its full Gemini assistant for navigation across driving, walking, cycling and public transport. The integration replaces Google Assistant in navigation, supports multi-step natural language prompts, offers route controls and place queries, and links to apps and calendar actions. Rollout is gradual and, at the time of writing, appears live on a limited number of devices.

China reportedly blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips in new data centres

Chinese regulators have reportedly barred ByteDance from using Nvidia chips in new data centres, reflecting Beijing’s wider push to reduce dependence on US technology as export controls tighten. The reported move affects Nvidia’s largest customer in China and highlights the country’s urgency in building a homegrown AI hardware ecosystem.

Opera adds one-minute deep research and Gemini 3 Pro support to its Neon AI browser

Opera has updated its AI-driven Neon browser with a faster Deep Research mode, new AI model options including Gemini 3 Pro, and Google Docs integration through its Do agent. The update improves speed, flexibility and productivity across the browser’s AI tools.

Apple moves Delhi High Court against India’s new global turnover penalty rules

Apple has filed a constitutional challenge against India’s revised antitrust penalty framework, arguing that fines based on global turnover are arbitrary and disproportionate. The case stems from an ongoing investigation into Apple’s App Store practices and could become a key legal test for India’s updated competition rules.

Paytm shifts offline merchant business to PPSL post-RBI’s payment aggregator license

Paytm has around 1.4 crore offline merchants using its various payment subscription devices

Google prepares ‘Aluminium OS’ as it considers bringing Android to traditional PCs

Google appears to be exploring a return to the PC market with a new AI-focused operating system called Aluminium OS. A recent job listing suggests the company is developing an Android-based desktop platform that could sit alongside ChromeOS and expand Android’s reach into full-scale computers.

New Android trojan ‘Sturnus’ can read encrypted chats and drain bank accounts

Security researchers have identified a new Android banking trojan called Sturnus, capable of reading messages from encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. The malware abuses Android’s Accessibility Services to monitor chats and execute financial fraud, while using aggressive tactics to prevent removal.

Perplexity introduces conversational AI shopping assistant: What it does, how it works, and more

Perplexity has launched a conversational shopping assistant that uses natural language search and user history to deliver personalised product suggestions. The feature aims to act as an extension of the user rather than a replacement, improving with continued interaction and offering context-aware recommendations.

Oppo Find X9 announces Velvet Red colour option: Price, features and more

The Oppo Find X9’s new Velvet Red variant launches in India starting December 8, priced at ₹74,999 for the 12 GB + 256 GB model, joining the existing Space Black and Titanium Grey options.

Tech tip of the day: Clean your Gmail storage to keep receiving emails

Keeping your Gmail storage in check is essential to ensure that important emails continue to arrive without interruption. Since Gmail shares storage with Google Drive and Google Photos, the space can fill up faster than expected, often due to large attachments, old files, and backed-up media. When the account reaches its limit, new emails stop coming in, making timely clean-up an important routine task.

Alphabet’s stock surge pushes Larry Page to second place among the world’s richest

Google co-founder Larry Page has moved into the second spot worldwide after surpassing Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.

AI at ‘warp speed’: Why over 1,000 Amazon employees say the company’s strategy is a danger

More than 1,000 Amazon employees have signed an open letter warning that the company’s AI push threatens jobs, climate goals and workplace safeguards.

How to activate ChatGPT on iPhone with this simple 'one-click trick'

With the Action button, you can jump straight into ChatGPT’s voice mode and talk to a far more capable assistant instantly. Here is how to set it up.

Chinese government flags bubble risks in humanoid robotics sector Elon Musk once warned about

China’s top economic body has cautioned that rapid expansion in the humanoid robotics sector may be forming a bubble, echoing concerns Elon Musk previously raised about the country’s dominance in the field.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang criticises managers urging less AI use

Jensen Huang urges Nvidia staff to fully embrace AI, according to a leaked recording.

Bill Gates wants you to read these 5 books before 2025 ends

Bill Gates has shared his year-end reading list, selecting five titles that explore purpose, climate science, communication, creative industries and the systems that shape modern progress. His recommendations focus on books that reveal how the world works beneath the surface and encourage deeper reflection during the quieter days of winter.

How Google reclaimed the AI crown

From ‘Code Red’ to the top of the AI race, a look at how Google engineered its resurgence

5 government apps for daily utility

Tools for citizen services and documentation

Can ChatGPT answer ‘What time is it right now?’ question correctly; we asked and this is what it said

A quick test shows that ChatGPT still cannot read your system clock. When asked for the current time, it defers to the user’s device, unlike Gemini, Copilot, or Grok.

Inside Apple’s metro playbook: Why iPhone-maker is doubling its stores in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai

Apple’s two-store strategy in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai marks a new phase in its India expansion

Instagram brings AI translations in 5 Indian languages along with native fonts

Instagram has added AI translations for five Indian languages and introduced new Indian-language fonts to help creators reach wider audiences and create content in their own scripts. The update improves accessibility and makes the app more local for India’s diverse user base.

Sennheiser launches HDB 630 wireless audiophile headphones in India with hi-res playback and 60-hour battery life

Sennheiser has expanded its premium audio lineup in India with the launch of the HDB 630, a wireless headphone built for users who want studio-level sound in a portable, closed-back form. The company is targeting listeners who expect accurate tuning, high-resolution playback and long-term comfort without relying on cables. The launch also marks the brand’s continued push toward wireless products that maintain the sonic standards traditionally associated with wired audiophile gear.

How to hide stories from followers on Instagram without removing them in 5 easy steps

Learn how to hide your Instagram stories from specific followers without removing or blocking them. Follow these five simple steps to keep certain posts private while continuing to share normally with everyone else.

5 TV settings you MUST turn off before watching Stranger Things

Stranger Things co-creator Ross Duffer is urging fans to turn off five common TV settings, including motion smoothing and vivid mode, to watch the final season the way it was meant to be seen. Here are the picture modes he says will ruin your viewing experience.

Vivo S50 Pro Mini design and key specifications revealed, could launch as X300 FE in India

The Vivo S50 series is confirmed to launch in China next month with two models, the S50 and S50 Pro Mini. The Vivo S50 Pro Mini is confirmed to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and will sport a triple rear camera setup.

Apple Ads and Maps deemed likely gatekeepers by EU authorities; Apple rejects the conclusion

European Union regulators have said that two of Apple’s services — Apple Ads and Apple Maps — seem to satisfy the criteria required for gatekeeper designation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple, however, has argued that both services fall short of the influence and market reach needed for such a classification.

Crompton launches new smart Ameo Air Fryer: 5 things to know

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals has launched the Ameo Air Fryer, expanding its kitchen appliance portfolio with a product designed to simplify healthy cooking. The appliance targets users who want crisp, flavourful food without relying on deep-frying, offering a way to reduce oil usage while retaining convenience and speed in everyday meals.

Poor iPhone Air sales push Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and others to cancel ultra thin phone plans

Chinese smartphone brands like Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi are pulling back from ultra slim phone projects after the iPhone Air’s poor sales and production cuts. Apple’s thin iPhone struggled with battery and camera compromises, pushing rivals to rethink their own slim device plans.

‘It was my fault’: AI agent tells founder after leaking confidential information, Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu highlights in viral X post

A startup founder’s AI agent mistakenly leaked confidential deal details and then sent an automated apology, an incident Sridhar Vembu shared on X, triggering a wider debate on AI-driven business communication risks.

Inside India’s AI data-centre boom: What it takes to build one

India generates nearly 20% of the world’s data, yet hosts only about 3% of global data centre capacity

'It's getting exciting again and....' Sundar Pichai on how vibe coding will open tech careers to non-coders

Sundar Pichai says a new creative shift is underway. Just as blogging and YouTube opened up careers for millions, the Alphabet CEO believes vibe coding will help non-technical workers build apps and break into tech.

Himachal police asks social media platforms to overhaul compliance, moderation policies, sets 15-day deadline

Platforms told to update moderation, grievance systems in line with the amended IT rules and confirm compliance within 15 days or risk losing safe-harbour protections

iPhone Air gets massive Rs 13,000 discount during Reliance Digital Black Friday Sale: Here’s how much it costs now

The iPhone Air is now available at a major discount during the Reliance Digital Black Friday Sale, with price cuts of up to Rs 13,000 across the 256GB, 512GB and 1TB models. Here is how much it costs now and what the slim iPhone offers.

Is China winning the innovation race?

Once the world’s factory, Beijing’s relentless focus on R&D means the country has become the world’s laboratory 

AliExpress under scanner for selling childlike sex dolls, France to take legal action against ecommerce site

France has filed legal complaints against AliExpress and Joom for selling childlike sex dolls, calling the platforms a “digital wild west.” Investigators also found weapons and illegal content on these sites, while the EU launches its own probe into Shein for similar violations.

OpenAI partners amass $100bn debt pile to fund its ambitions

Cloud companies and developers rely on lossmaking start-up to repay huge loans

Google tightens access to Nano Banana Pro and Gemini 3 Pro after high demand

Google has tightened access to Nano Banana Pro and Gemini 3 Pro after a surge in demand, reducing free usage limits and temporarily rolling back NotebookLM features like infographics and slide decks.

OPINION | India’s Data Centre Boom: A path to sustainable growth

India's data centre growth can drive sustainability by repurposing waste heat for industrial uses, supporting cooling, agriculture, and manufacturing, while reducing energy costs and emissions By Ateesh Kumar Singh

Amazon Black Friday sale is now live: Checkout deals on smartphones from Samsung, Apple, iQOO, Redmi, Poco, Vivo, Oppo and others

The Amazon Black Friday sale is now live in India with major discounts on smartphones from Samsung, Apple, iQOO, Redmi, Poco, Vivo, Oppo and others across budget, mid-range and flagship categories.

Flipkart Black Friday sale ends tonight: Get Galaxy S25 Ultra at a massive discount before the deal ends

Flipkart’s Black Friday sale ends tonight, offering the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at a significantly reduced price. Here’s how much you can save and the full details of the deal.

Madhav Sheth’s Ai+ announces Laptab tablets, launch set for 2026

Ai+ is entering the tablet market with the launch of its Laptab series in early 2026. Available in three sizes and powered by the privacy-focused NxtQ OS, the Laptab aims to deliver a seamless, integrated digital experience across the Ai+ ecosystem.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ daughter reveals they were not allowed to use his last name in school

Bill Gates’ daughter Phoebe Gates reveals why she and her siblings were not allowed to use the “Gates” last name during their early school years. The decision, led by Melinda French Gates, aimed to give the children a normal, grounded upbringing away from privilege and public attention.

Apple to open fifth India store in Noida on December 11; new Mumbai outlet next year

The next phase of growth reflects Apple's sustained commitment to India, with another store slated for Mumbai next year, senior vice president of retail and people Deirdre O’Brien tells Moneycontrol

Apple’s deepening India ties evident in retail expansion and Make-in-India push: Deirdre O’Brien, SVP of Retail and People

“For the first time, all iPhone 17 models and the Air are being made in India — a reflection of our deepening relationship with the country,” O’Brien said, adding that the Noida opening comes amid a strong response to the latest iPhone series.

Money is just a number: Indians continue to chase Northern Lights despite soaring prices

Costs may be climbing but India’s love affair with aurora borealis is only growing, with travellers splurging lakhs for that memorable, Insta-capturing shot at the Arctic spectacle