The new feature lets ChatGPT users search through conversations, summarise messages, draft replies and send texts without having to switch between apps. Users can also review and edit a message before it is sent. OpenAI says the integration is available across ChatGPT plans on the macOS desktop app, including ChatGPT Work and Codex.

How Apple messages integration works

Once the Messages plugin is enabled, ChatGPT can access conversations in Apple's Messages app. Users can ask it to find specific chats, pull information from conversations or prepare a response.

For sending messages, ChatGPT normally asks the user to confirm both the content and the intended recipient before sending. This gives users a chance to check the message before it goes out.

The integration can also be given permission for a specific Messages conversation, allowing certain future messages to be sent without requiring repeated approval.

Full access requires Mac permissions

The feature is designed to work on Apple Silicon Macs and requires permissions that give ChatGPT access to Messages-related data and Mac automation features.

Because conversations can contain highly personal information, users should carefully review the permissions they grant to the app and understand what data ChatGPT can access.

OpenAI has been expanding ChatGPT's ability to work directly with applications on macOS. The company has earlier introduced integrations that allow the AI assistant to work with applications such as Xcode, Notes and Terminal.

A bigger push into everyday workflows

The Messages integration marks another step in OpenAI's effort to make ChatGPT more useful beyond a traditional chat window.

Instead of copying text from one application into ChatGPT, users can now ask the AI to work with information already available in supported Mac applications.

At the same time, the expanded access makes privacy and permission controls increasingly important, particularly when personal conversations and contact information are involved.

OpenAI's existing guidance on Apple integrations says users have controls over how their ChatGPT data is stored and used, depending on how the integration is configured.

The update was announced on Thursday by Instagram head Adam Mosseri through posts on Instagram and Threads. Mosseri said the redesign was intended to make the wordmark look cleaner and more modern while retaining elements of Instagram's original visual identity.

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The updated Instagram wordmark continues to use the platform's recognisable script-style lettering, but the individual letters have been redrawn.

Mosseri said the change was overdue because the wordmark displayed at the top of the Instagram app had remained largely unchanged for 10 years.

He described the refreshed design as cleaner and more modern, while saying it still reflects the simplicity and craftsmanship associated with Instagram. The company has not made a major change to the wordmark since 2016.

What has changed in Instagram's logo?

The latest update focuses specifically on the Instagram wordmark, rather than replacing the colourful camera icon that users are familiar with.

The lettering retains its distinctive script appearance but has been refined to give it a more polished and contemporary feel.

Instagram's broader visual identity has evolved significantly over the years. In 2016, the platform replaced its older brown camera logo with the colourful pink, purple, orange and yellow gradient icon that remains associated with the app today.

Social media users have mixed reactions

While some Instagram users welcomed the updated wordmark, the response online was far from universally positive.

Several users questioned whether the redesign was necessary, while others poked fun at the appearance of the new lettering.

One of the most common jokes was that the redesigned wordmark could be read as "Instagzam", with users pointing to the shape of the letter "r" in the updated font.

Instagram keeps its familiar identity

Despite the criticism, Instagram's latest move is a relatively small visual change rather than a complete rebranding.

The company has retained the script-based character of its name while making subtle changes to the letterforms.

The eclipse will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, Portugal and other regions.

Will the solar eclipse be visible in India?

No. The August 12, 2026 solar eclipse will not be visible from India. The eclipse path does not cross the country, so people in India will not be able to see either the total or partial phase of the eclipse from their cities or towns.

Where can the total eclipse be seen?

The total solar eclipse will be visible from selected areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and parts of Portugal.

During the total phase, the Moon will completely cover the Sun's visible surface. The sudden drop in sunlight may make the sky appear much darker for a short time.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun's light from reaching Earth.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun for people within the narrow path of totality. People outside this path may see only a partial eclipse.

The visibility of an eclipse depends on the observer's location, which is why an eclipse can be clearly visible in one part of the world but completely invisible in another.

iPhone 18 Pro price in India

The upcoming iPhones are expected to be more expensive than the current models. Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro series could cost up to Rs 20,000 more in India, while prices in the US could rise by around $200 to $300.

The iPhone 18 Pro is reportedly expected to start at around Rs 1,54,900 in India.

This year’s Apple event could be especially interesting because the company is also expected to launch its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.

However, the regular iPhone 18, the more affordable iPhone 18e and the second-generation iPhone Air are reportedly being delayed until early 2027. This means Apple could focus mainly on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max during the September event.

Several major upgrades are also expected. Here are some of the most talked-about changes:

1. Bigger batteries

Battery life could see a major improvement. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is reportedly expected to have a battery nearly 10 per cent larger than the current model.

Leaks suggest the eSIM version could have a battery capacity between 5,425mAh and 5,567mAh. The Pro models could also get larger batteries. However, the bigger battery may make the iPhone 18 Pro Max slightly thicker and heavier.

2. New A20 Pro chip

Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation A20 Pro processor with the iPhone 18 Pro series.

The chip could reportedly be made using TSMC’s advanced 2nm technology, compared with the 3nm process used for current chips. This could improve performance, battery efficiency and heat management. As a result, the new iPhones could handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing and artificial intelligence more efficiently.

3. New colours and design finish

Apple may keep the basic design of the iPhone 17 Pro but introduce new colour options. These could include Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver.

The area around the MagSafe system could also get a redesigned Ceramic Shield finish, giving the back of the phone a cleaner and smoother appearance.

4. Simpler Camera Control button

Apple could also make changes to the Camera Control button. Reports suggest the company may remove its touch-sensitive and haptic features. The button could instead rely mainly on pressure-based controls, making it simpler to use.

5. More power-efficient displays

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to keep the same screen sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches.

However, Apple could introduce LTPO display technology. This would reportedly improve power efficiency while still offering the smooth ProMotion high-refresh-rate experience.

According to sources, discussions between Indian authorities and Meta's global team are still underway, with officials seeking detailed explanations about the company's content moderation systems and compliance mechanisms.

Also Read | Mark Zuckerberg apologises over removal of PM Modi's post; Meta admits failures in tackling child sexual abuse content and deepfakes

Govt seeks answers from Meta

Sources said the government was questioning Meta on several aspects of its operations in India, including whether its algorithms function in line with Indian legal requirements.

Officials are also seeking information on the company's internal compliance framework, safeguards to prevent similar incidents and the checks and balances in place to ensure that constitutional and legal provisions are followed while moderating content.

Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Meta's global team

Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met representatives of Meta's global team on Thursday. Following the meeting, discussions are expected to continue between officials of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Meta's technical experts.

The government is understood to be seeking greater clarity on the systems used by the social media giant to review and remove content.

Meta had apologised for the incident

Earlier, Meta admitted that the temporary removal of Prime Minister Modi's Facebook post was the result of a technical error and restored the content shortly afterwards. The company also acknowledged shortcomings in dealing with issues such as child sexual abuse material, deepfake content and the promotion of certain posts through paid mechanisms.

Joel Kaplan Expressed Regret

Meta's Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan had issued a written statement apologising to the Union minister for the mistaken restriction placed on the Prime Minister's Facebook post.

However, government sources maintained that the apology was conveyed on behalf of Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg.

What triggered the row?

The controversy began after a Facebook post shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was taken down for a brief period before being reinstated. Meta later clarified that the removal was unintended and attributed it to a technical glitch. Despite the explanation and apology, the government has continued its engagement with the company to examine whether adequate systems are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

According to official sources, the apology covered the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video on exam reforms, the presence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content and other operational lapses on Meta-owned platforms.

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On Wednesday, senior Meta executives met Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhavan. Earlier in the day, the company's representatives also held discussions with IT Secretary S. Krishnan.

During the meeting, government officials reportedly directed Meta to issue an apology within three days for removing PM Modi's video for nearly five hours and for allowing child sexual abuse content to remain on its platforms.

Govt questions Meta's Safe Harbour protection

Official sources said Meta acknowledged mistakes in handling content on its platforms and expressed regret over the incidents.

The company also admitted that significant amounts of money had been spent to promote certain categories of content through paid boosting. Government officials reportedly told Meta that such practices go beyond the role of a neutral intermediary.

According to the sources, it was clearly conveyed to the company that since Meta determines how content is distributed to users through its algorithms, it cannot automatically claim protection under the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Parliament panel issues strong warning

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology Chairman Nishikant Dubey also issued a strong warning to Meta, stating that the company could lose its safe harbour protection if it failed to apologise.

Questioning the platform's functioning, Dubey raised concerns over abusive content, online harassment, violence, child sexual abuse material, misinformation and what he described as anti-national fake news being promoted through algorithmic trends.

He also referred to the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video, saying that the content was unavailable to the country's 140 crore citizens for nearly five hours. According to Dubey, the public is now increasingly aware of how social media platforms operate and expects greater accountability from technology companies.

Today, you can type a sentence describing a mood, a genre, or a story and have a fully produced song. And that too complete with vocals, instruments and structure  in under two minutes. And you don't need to pay a penny to get started.

AI music generation has matured fast. What began as glitchy instrumental loops a couple of years ago has turned into tools capable of producing radio-ready tracks with natural-sounding vocals and professional mixing.

Here's a practical and  step-by-step guide to creating your own AI-generated song for free, and  no musical training is required for the same.

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Most AI music tools work the same basic way: you give the model a text prompt (and optionally your own lyrics), and it generates a complete audio track with  melody, instrumentation, vocals and arrangement  based on that description.

The better tools also let you refine your output afterward, regenerating a section you don't like, extending a track, separating vocals from instruments or exporting stems for further editing in a traditional music programme.

The best free tools to try right now

1. Suno

Suno is currently the most popular and widely used AI music generator, with a massive user base and a free tier generous enough to actually make something with. On the free plan, you get a daily batch of credits , enough for roughly 10 songs a day, and access to all genres, from pop and hip-hop to orchestral and lo-fi.

Its newest model generates notably more natural vocals and lyrics that actually sync with the rhythm instead of just floating over the beat. It also includes a lightweight in-browser editor for remixing sections and adjusting layers, which is a big step toward giving free users real creative control, not just a lucky-dip generator.

It is best for beginners who want fast, complete songs with minimal effort.

2. Udio

Udio is Suno's closest competitor and is particularly well-regarded for the realism of its vocals and the clarity of its instrumental layering. Its free tier gives you a smaller monthly quota than Suno, but it includes a genuinely useful "inpainting" feature, the ability to regenerate just one section of a song (say, the bridge) without touching the rest. That's a meaningful step up in creative control compared to generating a whole track from scratch every time you want a tweak.

Best for people who want more precision editing over their generated tracks.

3. ACE-Step (Open Source)

If you're comfortable with a bit of setup, ACE-Step is a free, open-source AI music model you can run yourself, with no daily credit limits because you're not relying on someone else's server. It requires more technical effort. You'll need to self-host it, but for anyone who wants unlimited generation without ever hitting a paywall, it's currently one of the only real options.

It is best for tech-savvy users who want unlimited free generation.

4. MemoTune

Built for absolute beginners, MemoTune skips prompt-writing entirely in favour of simple sliders for style and mood. Its free plan includes a handful of songs per day.It's the fastest way to make something listenable if you've never touched a music tool before.

It is best for complete beginners who don't want to learn prompting.

5. AIVA

AIVA specialises in orchestral and cinematic composition rather than pop songs with vocals, making it a strong pick if you're scoring a video, game or short film rather than writing a "song" in the traditional sense. Its free tier is limited and intended for non-commercial use, but it includes score-editing tools that other generators don't offer.

It is best for instrumental, cinematic or game soundtrack work.

6. SOUNDRAW

SOUNDRAW is designed specifically for content creators who need background music that syncs to video pacing. It lets you preview generated tracks for free, adjusting tempo and mood to match a video's rhythm, though full downloads typically require a paid plan.

It is best for YouTubers and video editors who need background scoring.

Step-by-step: Making your first AI song for free

Pick a tool based on what you want. If you want a full song with vocals and don't want to fuss with settings, start with Suno. If you want more editing control, try Udio.

Sign up for a free account. No credit card is required for the free tiers of any of the tools above.

Write a clear, descriptive prompt. Vague prompts get vague results. Instead of "make a sad song," try something like: "A slow acoustic ballad about missing someone who moved away, wistful female vocals, gentle piano and strings, tempo around 70 BPM." The more specific you are about genre, mood, instrumentation and tempo, the closer the output will match what's in your head.

Add your own lyrics (optional). Most tools let you paste in your own lyrics instead of generating them automatically. If you want the song to say something specific like a personal message, an inside joke, a proposal then write the words yourself and let the AI handle the melody and vocal performance.

Generate multiple versions. Free tiers usually give you several attempts per day. Generate two or three versions of the same prompt and pick the one that feels closest to right as small wording changes in your prompt can produce very different results.

Refine the track. If your tool supports section regeneration (like Udio's inpainting) or remixing (like Suno Studio), use it to fix the one part that's not working rather than starting over completely.

Download and export. Once you're happy with a version, export it as an audio file. Some tools also let you extract individual stems (vocals, drums, instruments separately) if you want to mix the track further in other software.

Rights and Commercial Use

If you plan to use your AI-generated song for anything beyond personal enjoyment,  uploading it to streaming platforms, using it in a monetised video, or selling it then check the specific licensing terms of whichever tool you use.

Free tiers often come with more restrictive commercial-use terms than paid plans and major labels have reached licensing settlements with some of these platforms that affect how their outputs can legally be used. Read the terms before publishing anything commercially.

Instead of immediately taking legal action, the institute is considering offering the student an internship at its cybersecurity research centre, C3iHub. However, IIT Kanpur has made it clear that hacking institutional systems is not an acceptable way to prove one's talent.

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Student left a message on the website

The incident came to light after the student gained unauthorised access to the institute's website and displayed the message: "Site is Hacked. All I Need Is Just a Fair Chance."

The student later shared screenshots of the hacked website on social media platforms, including X and Reddit, claiming responsibility for the breach.

According to the student, the intention was not to damage the website but to demonstrate cybersecurity skills after being denied admission to the programme.

IIT Kanpur chooses opportunity over punishment

Speaking on the incident, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said the admission process had already been completed, making it impossible to offer the student a seat due to legal and procedural reasons.

However, he said the institute did not want to negatively affect the student's future and is therefore considering offering an internship at C3iHub. The student can also apply for admission again next year.

Admission process already tests technical skills

The institute said applicants to the BTech Cyber Security programme already get several opportunities to showcase their technical abilities during the admission process, including participation in hackathons and other assessments.

According to IIT Kanpur, the student was unable to demonstrate the required skills during the selection process despite these opportunities.

Institute wanted to send the right message

Officials initially considered registering an FIR over the cyberattack but later decided against it. The institute said it wants to encourage talented students while also making it clear that illegal access to computer systems cannot be accepted.

The director stressed that students should always follow legal and ethical methods to build their careers and prove their abilities.

C3iHub invites skilled cybersecurity enthusiasts

IIT Kanpur also announced that skilled cybersecurity enthusiasts can send their CVs for internship and job opportunities at C3iHub, the institute's cybersecurity technology and innovation centre.

The institute said deserving candidates will be considered based on their skills, but they must follow the proper and lawful process.

The accused, identified as Rohit Virendrasinh Shakya, was arrested by the Surat City Cyber Crime Cell from a hotel in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Investigators claim he developed malicious Android (APK) files using artificial intelligence and distributed them to cybercriminal groups through Telegram.

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According to the police, Shakya became a skilled coder despite leaving school after Class 11. By the age of 16, he had learned advanced coding and started creating fake applications that closely resembled official banking, government and private-sector apps.

The police said he supplied these malware apps to cybercriminals on a monthly subscription model, charging around Rs 15,000 for customised versions along with regular updates.

How the fraud worked

Investigators said the accused designed two different applications for the fraud. The first was a fake app that victims unknowingly installed on their mobile phones. Once installed, the malware secretly gained access to the device.

The second was an admin app, which allowed cybercriminals to remotely view OTPs, banking passwords and other confidential information, enabling them to transfer money from victims' accounts.

The fake apps were designed to look like genuine applications of several well-known organisations, including SBI, Punjab National Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Union Bank, UCO Bank, American Express, BigBasket, Aadhaar services, PM Kisan and RTO challan payment portals.

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The case came to light after a Surat resident reported losing Rs 5 lakh in May this year. According to the complaint, the victim received a fake PNB One APK through WhatsApp and believed it to be the bank's official application. Soon after installing it, cybercriminals gained access to his phone and transferred Rs 5 lakh from his bank account.

The victim immediately contacted the national cyber helpline (1930), following which Surat Cyber Crime registered an FIR and began an investigation.

Police uncover large-scale cyber network

During the investigation, digital forensic experts found that Shakya had allegedly developed 121 malicious APK applications. These fake apps were installed on 21,672 mobile phones across India. The police said 2,928 devices were completely compromised, leading to 54,094 fraudulent banking transactions worth approximately Rs 64.38 crore.

Among the fake applications, RTO challan apps were reportedly used in the highest number of fraud cases, followed by fake SBI and PNB banking applications.

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The police said the malicious applications were supplied through Telegram to organised cybercrime gangs operating mainly from Jamtara in Jharkhand, as well as networks in Haryana and Rajasthan. The software was allegedly provided on a paid subscription basis, with regular maintenance and updates for users.

During the arrest, the police seized two mobile phones and a laptop from the accused. Digital forensic experts are examining the devices to gather more evidence.

Investigators are now trying to identify other cybercrime syndicates that may have used the malware and are also looking into the possible involvement of additional suspects in the network.

Authorities have urged people to download mobile applications only from official app stores and avoid installing APK files received through WhatsApp, Telegram or unknown sources.

During the phone conversation, the Prime Minister praised the founders for creating a new path for India's young innovators.

"You have not only achieved success in space, but also inspired a new generation on the ground," he told the founders while appreciating their efforts. PM Modi said he had been following the launch closely and wished he could have joined the team at the launch site to witness the historic moment.

Also Read | Mission Aagaman: India's maiden private rocket Vikram -1 successfully launches from Satish Dhawan Space Centre

He also expressed happiness after seeing the young workforce behind the mission. "I wanted to be there with your team. I was watching the mission closely and congratulate everyone for this remarkable achievement. It made me especially happy to see that many members of your team are between 25 and 30 years of age," he said.

The Prime Minister recalled that when the government decided to open India's space sector to private companies, many people had questioned the move. He said the success of Vikram-1 has proved that decision was the right one and highlighted the growing capabilities of Indian private space firms.

Among the payloads on Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 is something truly special—a handwritten postcard from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi with the words, “Vande Mataram.” ????????????

It travels to space alongside handwritten messages from our team, investors, policymakers, and… pic.twitter.com/sJajN6NiVJ

— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) July 17, 2026

Special payload carried PM Modi's handwritten message

One of the unique payloads on Vikram-1 was a handwritten postcard by PM Modi carrying the words "Vande Mataram." The rocket also transported handwritten messages from Skyroot employees, investors, scientists, policymakers and supporters from different parts of the world.

In addition, messages from current and former ISRO chairpersons and Indian astronauts were also included, recognising the decades of work that helped build India's space programme.

Skyroot Aerospace said the postcards were meant to honour everyone who contributed to India's journey as a global space nation. The company described Mission Aagaman as a celebration representing the collective efforts of thousands of people.

Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1.

This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation.

This achievement will… pic.twitter.com/epWjOY8yKa

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2026

PM Modi shares message on X

After speaking with the founders, PM Modi also shared his thoughts on X. He called Vikram-1's launch a defining moment for India's space journey and said the increasing participation of private companies is helping the country move faster in innovation.

He added that such achievements would motivate young Indians to dream bigger and contribute to the nation's technological growth.

Mission Aagaman creates history

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, making history as the first Indian private company to launch an orbital-class rocket successfully.

The mission experienced a brief delay before liftoff due to an internal hold, but the launch later went ahead smoothly. All four stages of the rocket performed as expected, stage separations were completed successfully, and the payload was placed into orbit as planned.

Named Mission Aagaman, the launch marks a major step for India's commercial space industry. With this achievement, India joins a select group of countries where a private company has independently designed, built and launched an orbital-class rocket, opening new opportunities for the country's fast-growing private space ecosystem.

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The mission, called Mission Aagaman, marks India's entry into the private orbital launch market. With this launch, India joins a select group of countries where private companies have independently developed and launched orbital rockets.

Skyroot Vikram-1 LIFTOFF from SDSC! pic.twitter.com/pcIXRfRXkZ

— Anshuman Mahapatra (@TitaniumSV5) July 18, 2026

After a brief delay caused by an internal hold, the rocket lifted off successfully. All stages of the mission performed as planned, with smooth and accurate stage separations.

Standing nearly seven storeys tall, Vikram-1 is a multi-stage rocket made from lightweight carbon composite materials. It can carry payloads of up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit and is powered by Skyroot's in-house technologies, including advanced 3D-printed rocket engines and high-performance solid rocket motors.

The maiden flight carried several technology demonstration payloads from Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, and Skyroot's own SCOPE experiment. It also carried symbolic items, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handwritten "Vande Mataram" postcard, along with messages from current and former ISRO chairpersons, Indian astronauts, Skyroot employees, investors and supporters.

The successful launch is also a major boost for India's space sector reforms, which have allowed private companies to build rockets, satellites and launch services alongside ISRO, paving the way for a stronger commercial space industry.

According to a Bloomberg report, the company is expected to begin the process as early as this week. The move is part of a larger strategy to reduce costs, improve profitability and focus on selected markets amid slowing smartphone demand and rising business challenges.

The reported decision marks a significant turning point for OnePlus, a brand that built its reputation by offering premium smartphones at competitive prices.

Oppo restructuring behind the decision

The reported withdrawal is linked to Oppo's broader restructuring plan. The Chinese smartphone maker has been facing weaker sales in several international markets while also dealing with increasing production costs and geopolitical pressures.

Apart from OnePlus, sister brand Realme is also expected to make strategic changes to its international business. Reports suggest Realme could scale back its presence in some regions as Oppo reshapes its global operations.

The company is reportedly focusing on strengthening markets where it sees stronger long-term growth instead of maintaining a widespread global presence.

End of an era for OnePlus fans

For many smartphone buyers, OnePlus became popular by introducing flagship-level features at prices much lower than premium competitors. Its devices offered top processors, fast charging, premium displays and a clean software experience, helping the company build a loyal customer base across several countries, including India.

Industry experts believe the reported exit from the US and Europe would mark the end of a chapter for a brand that once challenged the biggest names in the smartphone industry.

Why is Oppo making this move?

Several factors appear to have influenced the company's decision. Weak smartphone demand in key overseas markets has affected sales, while higher component costs have increased pressure on manufacturers. In addition, geopolitical tensions surrounding Chinese technology companies have made doing business in some countries more challenging.

Oppo is also reportedly dealing with legal challenges, including a trade secrets lawsuit filed by Apple, adding further uncertainty to its international operations.

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Will OnePlus leave India?

At present, there is no immediate impact on OnePlus' India business. The company is expected to continue its operations in both China and India. However, Bloomberg reported that further changes to its international presence could be considered in the coming years, with India potentially seeing strategic changes around 2027.

India remains one of OnePlus' strongest markets, thanks largely to the success of its Nord smartphone series, which has attracted buyers looking for premium features at affordable prices.

Nord series faces market pressure

Despite its popularity, the Nord lineup has also faced challenges. According to IDC data cited by Bloomberg, smartphone shipments in China declined 4.3% year-on-year during the second quarter. Rising component costs have reportedly affected smartphone manufacturers, with OnePlus' Nord portfolio also feeling the impact. These pressures have made it more difficult for brands to maintain competitive pricing while protecting profit margins.

Oppo and Realme to focus on selected markets

Instead of expanding across multiple regions, Oppo is reportedly planning to strengthen its position in Central Europe. Realme, meanwhile, is expected to concentrate on Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, where the brand has shown relatively stronger performance.

The victim, Ashok Vijayvargiya, a senior chartered accountant and Chief Returning Officer of the Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, was allegedly convinced to invest in USDT (Tether), a cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar. What appeared to be a highly profitable investment opportunity ultimately turned out to be an elaborate scam that lasted for nearly seven months.

According to the police, between December 2025 and July 2026, Vijayvargiya transferred Rs 21,05,92,000 to multiple bank accounts while a suspected fake online trading platform continued displaying imaginary profits of more than Rs 33 crore.

Money spread through thousands of bank accounts

Investigators say the fraud was carefully designed to make tracing the money extremely difficult.

The State Cyber Cell's preliminary investigation found that the funds did not remain in a few accounts. Instead, they were allegedly dispersed through a four-layer banking network involving over 20,000 transactions across several states.

The police identified 77 first-layer bank accounts that directly received the victim's money. From there, the funds were transferred to 493 second-layer accounts before moving into nearly 12,700 third-layer accounts.

The trail continued through another 7,500 transactions in the fourth layer, where investigators believe the money was withdrawn through ATMs, converted into shopping and cash vouchers, used for online payments or converted into cryptocurrencies, including USDT.

In total, investigators are examining nearly 20,049 financial transactions.

Rs 2 crore frozen, majority of funds already moved

The Cyber Cell has so far managed to freeze around Rs 2 crore spread across different bank accounts. However, officials believe most of the money had already been withdrawn, converted or transferred before banks could intervene.

Investigators are now scrutinising all the identified first-layer accounts while trying to establish where the money finally ended up after passing through multiple banking layers.

Fraud trail extends across several states

According to investigators, the banking trail stretches across multiple states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

The police suspect that many of these accounts may belong to money mules—individuals who allow criminals to use their bank accounts in exchange for commissions—while others could be linked to fake firms, intermediaries, digital wallet operators or organised cybercrime syndicates.

How the alleged scam began

The complaint states that Vijayvargiya first received a WhatsApp message in December 2025 from an Indian mobile number.

The sender introduced herself as "Divya" and claimed to be an investment adviser offering lucrative returns through cryptocurrency trading, particularly USDT.

As conversations progressed, communication allegedly shifted to other WhatsApp numbers, including one carrying the United States country code 1 (516) 713-7291.

Investigators are verifying whether this number actually originated in the US or whether it was a virtual number generated through internet-based communication services.

The fraudsters allegedly sent Vijayvargiya a link to an online trading portal and helped him create an account that displayed opportunities to invest in USDT, Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Small profits built confidence

The police say the fraud followed a pattern commonly seen in online investment scams. The initial investments were deliberately small.

On December 25, 2025, Vijayvargiya transferred Rs 10,000 four times through UPI. A few days later, around Rs 1 lakh was transferred using a friend's UPI account. The online portal displayed steady profits, reinforcing his confidence. The turning point came on January 7, when Rs 1.88 lakh was actually credited into his HDFC Bank account as returns.

Because the payment reached his bank account, Vijayvargiya reportedly believed the platform was genuine and continued investing significantly larger amounts.

Investments rose to crores

Even before receiving the initial payout, Vijayvargiya had allegedly transferred Rs 15 lakh through RTGS from his Union Bank account on December 31. Over the following months, crores of rupees were transferred into numerous beneficiary accounts shared by the alleged fraudsters.

Business associates have reportedly informed investigators that Vijayvargiya may have invested not only his own money but also funds belonging to more than 35 acquaintances and business associates who trusted his financial advice.

The police are examining these claims during the ongoing investigation.

Fake profits crossed Rs 33 crore

As more money was invested, the online trading portal continued displaying increasing profits. Eventually, the account allegedly reflected a withdrawal value of approximately Rs 33.25 crore. However, when Vijayvargiya attempted to withdraw the amount, the transaction was blocked. The alleged fraudsters then demanded Rs 10.84 crore, claiming it was required as income tax before the money could be released.

To make the demand appear genuine, they allegedly claimed they would contribute Rs 5.34 crore themselves and asked Vijayvargiya to arrange the remaining amount. Despite additional payments and repeated assurances, the promised funds never arrived.

The fraudsters allegedly made another demand of Rs 1 crore as a "risk margin", saying it was necessary because the withdrawal amount exceeded the permissible limit.

Only then did Vijayvargiya reportedly realise that the profits shown on the trading portal may never have existed.

Cyber cell examining WhatsApp numbers and IP addresses

Vijayvargiya has submitted WhatsApp chats, bank statements, transaction screenshots and details of multiple beneficiary accounts to investigators.

The complaint was also registered through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 cybercrime helpline, enabling authorities to quickly initiate action.

The police say prompt reporting helped freeze nearly Rs 2 crore before the remaining funds could be completely dispersed.

Investigators are now tracing the IP addresses linked to the WhatsApp communications as well as the fake trading platform's URL to identify those behind the operation.

State Cyber Cell Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nayan Sharma said the fraud involved a nationwide network of bank accounts operating through a layered transfer system.

He said the cyber team is currently focusing on the 77 first-layer accounts that directly received the victim's money and has already frozen nearly Rs 2 crore.

According to Sharma, investigators are also analysing three WhatsApp numbers, several bank accounts and the IP addresses associated with the suspected fake trading portal.

An FIR has been registered against unidentified accused under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act. The FIR records the alleged financial loss at Rs 21,05,92,000, while investigators continue efforts to identify the accused, freeze additional accounts and recover the remaining funds.


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A powerful rocket is carrying four NASA astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day trip around the Moon before returning to Earth. Although they will not land and will remain thousands of miles away at their closest approach, the mission is a crucial step toward future lunar landings. It will test life-support and other key systems of the Orion spacecraft, designed to carry humans into deep space.

NASA aims to land astronauts on the Moon in upcoming missions, possibly as early as 2028, with support from private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The last time humans walked on the Moon was during Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. After that, lunar exploration lost momentum, and NASA shifted focus to projects closer to Earth, such as the space shuttle programme and the International Space Station.

The Artemis programme was revived during the presidency of Donald Trump and continued under his successor, with Artemis I successfully completing an uncrewed flight around the Moon in 2022.

The astronauts launched aboard the Space Launch System rocket, which stands 322 feet tall and weighs 5.75 million pounds when fully fuelled. Once in space, they will continue their journey in the Orion capsule.

During the mission, the crew will travel up to about 43,000 miles from Earth, potentially setting a record for the farthest distance humans have travelled—surpassing the achievement of Apollo 13. The astronauts also carried personal items: Glover brought his Bible, Hansen carried family pendants, Wiseman took a notepad and pencil, and Koch brought handwritten messages from loved ones.

Selected by NASA in 1998, the Indian-origin astronaut spent a total of 608 days in space across three missions, the second-highest cumulative time logged by a NASA astronaut. She also ranks sixth for the longest single spaceflight by an American astronaut, tied with fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, with both spending 286 days in space during NASA’s Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9 missions.

“Suni Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration through her leadership aboard the space station and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and advancing toward Mars, and her extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations to dream big and push the boundaries of what's possible. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your service to NASA and our nation.”

Sunita completed nine spacewalks lasting a combined 62 hours and 6 minutes — the most by any woman astronaut and the fourth-highest overall in NASA history. She also made history as the first person to run a marathon in space.

Her first spaceflight began on December 9, 2006, aboard space shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-116 mission. Serving as a flight engineer for Expedition 14/15, she set a then-world record by completing four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes.

Her second mission launched on July 14, 2012, from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 127-day stay on the ISS as a member of Expeditions 32/33. During this mission, Williams carried out three spacewalks to fix an ammonia leak and replace a critical power system component connected to the station’s solar arrays.

Her third and longest mission began in June 2024, when she and Wilmore flew aboard the Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. They later joined Expeditions 71/72 and returned to Earth in March 2025.

The PSLV-DL rocket, weighing 260 tonnes, lifted off at 10:17 AM and worked normally during the first two stages. The launch looked perfect and was watched by people across the country.

"The performance of the vehicle at the end of the third stage was nominal, and then a disturbance in roll rates and a deviation in flight path was noticed. We are analysing the data, and we will come back with more updates," Isro chief V Narayanan confirmed.

But soon after the third stage started, communication broke down. Mission control received no data, confirming that the rocket could not enter its intended orbit. This failure was similar to the PSLV-C61 failure the previous year. The mission was supposed to place DRDO’s main satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) — meant for monitoring the seas — along with 15 smaller satellites from Indian students, private companies, and a Spanish re-entry experiment, into a 505 km sun-synchronous orbit.

The rocket separated its boosters correctly, but something went wrong in the third stage about eight minutes after liftoff. This issue was similar to C61’s problem, where a drop in chamber pressure caused EOS-09 to be lost.

ISRO confirmed that the rocket had drifted off its planned path. A Failure Analysis Committee will now investigate what went wrong, but the cause has not yet been revealed. This is PSLV’s second failure in eight months, harming its strong success record of 94% across 63 earlier flights — the same launcher family that sent Chandrayaan-1 and Aditya-L1 into space.

Since ISRO never publicly released the full C61 failure report, questions about transparency were already being raised. The repeated third-stage issue in C62 has increased concerns about problems in the solid-fuel motor, nozzle, or casing, especially with ISRO’s packed 2026 launch schedule.

This failure may also impact NSIL’s commercial satellite launch business and reduce trust among customers, affecting the growth of India’s private space sector.

The back-to-back failures could slow down ISRO’s plans for 2026, including launching 100 satellites, expanding NavIC, and preparing for Gaganyaan, especially with competition from private space companies growing.

Although PSLV’s design allows for quick fixes, lack of transparency could invite parliamentary scrutiny, like in 2025.

ISRO chairman V. Narayanan said the team will work quickly to recover from this setback, and may rely more on LVM3, while continuing efforts to strengthen India’s self-reliant space capabilities.

In Delhi, many users confirmed that both the desktop version and the Android and iOS apps were not functioning properly. While the homepage was loading, none of the feeds were accessible. Instead, users were met with an error message that read: “Something went wrong. Try reloading.”

The cause of the disruption remains unclear. More details are awaited.

Elon Musk had acquired Twitter (now X) on October 27, 2022, in a $44 billion deal, equivalent to approximately Rs 3.84 lakh crore today. Immediately after taking over, Musk fired four top executives: CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, Legal Head Vijaya Gadde, and General Counsel Sean Edgett.

On June 5, 2023, Linda Yaccarino took over as CEO of X. Before joining the company, she served as the Global Advertising & Partnerships Chairperson at NBCUniversal.

The indigenously developed satellite is India's heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing around 4,400 kg. The launch took place from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Station in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 5:26 pm. 

Kudos Team #ISRO!

India’s #Bahubali scales the skies, with the successful launch of #LVM3M5 Mission!

“Bahubali” as it is being popularly referred, LVM3-M5 rocket is carrying the CMS-03 communication satellite, the heaviest ever to be launched from the Indian soil into a… pic.twitter.com/ccyIPUxpIX

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 2, 2025

The satellite would enhance the Navy's space-based communications and maritime domain awareness capabilities with indigenous, state-of-the-art components developed specifically to meet the Indian Navy's operational requirements.

"This satellite is India's heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing approximately more than 4,400 kg, and includes many indigenous state-of-the-art components developed specifically to meet the Indian Navy's operational requirements," the Indian Navy said.

CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass, according to ISRO.

The satellite will be launched by the famous LVM3 launch vehicle, which successfully landed India on the lunar South Pole in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This will be the vehicle's fifth operational flight."CMS-03, weighing about 4400kg, will be the heaviest communication satellite to be launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil. The previous mission of LVM3 launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, in which India became the first country to land successfully near the lunar south pole," ISRO said in a statement.

As per a release by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the departure operations will begin with hatch closing at 4:30 am EDT or 2:00 PM IST on Monday, with the crew entering the spacecraft at 4:55 am EDT or 2:25 PM IST, followed by hatch closing.

From there, undocking will begin at approximately 6:45 am EDT or 4:15 PM IST, with the actual undocking approximately at 7:05 am EDT or 4:30 PM IST.

The whole process will be telecast by NASA on NASA , and the coverage will end approximately 30 minutes after undocking.

Following this, Axiom Space and SpaceX, via axiom.space/live and SpaceX's website, will continue the coverage of the Dragon Grace spacecraft re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere and subsequent splashdown off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean at around 3 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15.

As per Axiom Space, the crew's return journey will take approximately 22.5 hours back to Earth, marking the conclusion of their nearly mission aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Earlier on Sunday, Group Captain Shukla delivered a stirring farewell speech from the ISS as the Ax-4 crew prepares for its journey back to Earth.

With a modern twist, he quoted the iconic words of Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, saying, "Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai" (Today's India is still more splendid than the entire world).

"Aaj ka bharat space se mahatvakaanshi dikhta hai, aaj ka bharat space se nidar dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat garv se poorn dikhta hai aur inhi sab kaarano ki vajah se aaj mai fir se keh sakta hoon ki aaj ka bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai" (Today's India looks ambitious from space. Today's India looks fearless, confident, and full of pride)," he added.

Here’s a look at five underrated iOS 18 features you might not be using yet. These features are compatible with iPhones that support iOS 18 and come with the TrueDepth camera system.

Vehicle motion cues – Fight motion sickness on the go

For those prone to motion sickness while using their iPhone in moving vehicles, iOS 18 has introduced a helpful visual feature. By enabling Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots appear on the screen’s edges, providing visual stability when your body feels motion but your eyes don’t.

You can turn this on by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Show Vehicle Motion Cues. It also includes an automatic option that activates the feature only when the device detects vehicle movement.

Music haptics – Feel the beat like never before

A new Music Haptics setting makes listening to music more immersive. Found under Settings > Accessibility > Hearing, this feature syncs haptic feedback with music playback, making your device vibrate in rhythm with the beat.

The vibrations varies with the intensity and pace of the music, enhancing the overall listening experience. If you're holding your phone, it turns music into something you can feel, not just hear.

Charge limit control – Extend battery lifespan on iPhone 15 and newer

Excessive charging to 100% can degrade battery health over time. With iOS 18, users of iPhone 15 and later can now set a charging limit to prevent overcharging.

Visit Settings > Battery > Charging and set a limit between 80% to 95%. Most users are opting for 85% or 90% to strike a balance between battery longevity and daily usage.

Ambient sound shortcuts – One-tap relaxation from control centre

Need to unwind after a long day? With iOS 18.4, Apple added Ambient Music to the Control Centre, offering calming background sounds like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Well-being.

Just go to Control Centre > Customise Controls, add Ambient Music, and select a mood-based sound profile. It’s perfect for meditation, studying, or winding down.

App lock with biometrics – Better privacy control

Concerned about privacy when handing your iPhone to others? iOS 18 allows users to lock apps using Face ID or Touch ID. Long-press any app icon and tap "Require Face ID" or "Require Touch ID" (depending on your device). You can also choose to hide the app behind biometrics for extra security. This makes it easier to protect apps like Notes, Photos, or Banking apps without relying on third-party tools.