Budget 2026 On AI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new committee to study the impact of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), on India’s services sector. She said the move will help strengthen the sector as a key source of growth, jobs, and exports. She also emphasized that emerging technologies should benefit everyone, including farmers, women in STEM, youth upskilling, and young people seeking new opportunities, ensuring inclusive growth across the country. Meanwhile, she highlighted several national missions aimed at boosting innovation and research, including the IndiaAI Mission, National Quantum Mission, Anusandan National Research Fund, and the Research and Development and Innovation Fund. These initiatives are designed to drive innovation and strengthen India’s research ecosystem.  Adding further, FM Nirmala Sitharaman laying out a series of measures for education and skilling, including IIT Creator Labs, a new design institute in eastern India, girls’ hostels in every district, and expanded healthcare training. This is her ninth Budget and the Modi government’s second full fiscal roadmap of its third term, coming at a time when education is closely tied to technology shifts and job readiness. With this budget 2026 brings her closer to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record of 10 budgets.   The Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on January 29 has recognised Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an economic strategy rather than a prestige technology race. It made a strong case for a bottom-up, multiple sector-specific approach grounded in open and interoperable systems to promote collaboration and shared innovation.  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source

Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Union Budget 2026. This is the first time since Independence that the Budget is being presented on a Sunday. It also marks her ninth consecutive Budget speech under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. During her address, Sitharaman announced the launch of Semiconductor Mission 2.0. During her address, Sitharaman announced the launch of Semiconductor Mission 2.0, aimed at building a strong technology ecosystem and a skilled workforce through industry-led research and training centres. The government will increase the mission’s outlay to Rs 40,000 crore to further boost the sector, which will focus on producing equipment and materials, creating complete Indian intellectual property (IP), and strengthening supply chains. The first phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was announced in late 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore. It currently has 10 projects under construction, with four expected to start chip production this year. Positioned as a cornerstone of India’s strategy to reduce import dependence and strengthen strategic manufacturing capabilities, the mission aims to help India become one of the world’s top four semiconductor manufacturing nations by 2032, according to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source  Adding further, FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the rapidly growing Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector, which is expected to require 2 million skilled professionals by 2030. To support this growth, she proposed assisting the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai in setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. Meanwhile, the Economic Survey 2026, tabled on Thursday, projects India’s economy to grow at 7.4 per cent in the financial year 2026 (FY26) and between 6.8 and 7.2 per cent in FY27. The growth is expected to be driven by regulatory reforms, a strong macroeconomic foundation, and renewed private sector investment.   FM Sitharaman highlighted three key priorities (kartavyas) for India’s growth: economic growth, fulfilling people’s aspirations, and promoting Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. She focuses on scaling up manufacturing across seven strategic sectors and revitalizing legacy industrial industries to boost productivity. It aims to create champion MSMEs, strengthen small and medium enterprises, and accelerate infrastructure development nationwide. The strategy also seeks to ensure long-term economic security and stability while developing city economic regions to promote balanced growth across different regions of the country.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra India Launch: Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, at its next Galaxy Unpacked event. Recent leaks suggest the company is planning a mixed pricing strategy for the lineup, with higher starting prices for entry-level models but a more affordable Galaxy S26 Ultra at the top end. The phones are rumoured to ship with Android 16 out of the box, running One UI 8.5 on top. Meanwhile, WinFuture has confirmed that Samsung is dropping the 128GB variant, citing pricing details from Swedish retailers for the Galaxy S26 Ultra and other models. As a result, the Galaxy S26 series will start at 256GB of storage.  Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications (Expected) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display and be powered globally by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It could pack a 5,000mAh battery or larger, with support for up to 60W wired fast charging, along with Wireless Power Share and satellite communication across the lineup.  The device is tipped to measure 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9mm, weigh 214 grams, and include an S Pen as part of the package. On the camera front, the phone may sport a 200MP main sensor, paired with a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, while the front could feature a 12MP selfie shooter.  The Galaxy S26 Ultra is also expected to bring camera, battery, and charging upgrades across the lineup, alongside a smarter, AI-powered Bixby, a possible increase in base storage, and a refreshed camera design, as suggested by a recent image leak. (Also Read: Redmi Note 15 Pro+ vs Realme 16 Pro+: Display, battery, camera, processor and AI features compared in Rs 50,000 price segment; which should you buy?) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price In India (Expected) The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be around €100 (Rs 10,923) cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Ultra for both the 256GB and 512GB variants. In Sweden, the 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced at 16,990 SEK (Rs 1,74,534), compared to 17,990 SEK (Rs 1,84,700) for the previous model at launch. However, the 1TB variant remains unchanged at 22,490 SEK (Rs 2,31,000) for both phones. In India, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to start at Rs 1,59,990. 

New Aadhaar App Features: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new Aadhaar app that will later be merged with the existing mAadhaar app. The goal is to give users more control over their Aadhaar details and make verification and updates simpler. The app lets users share Aadhaar information digitally and only what is needed, instead of giving photocopies of the Aadhaar card. UIDAI says this will reduce the risk of misuse and make offline verification safer. Designed with the idea of “minimum data, maximum privacy,” the new Aadhaar app keeps users in control of their personal information. It comes with strong security features and can work even without an active internet connection. Another key feature is the “One Family – One App” option, which allows users to manage up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single smartphone.  One App for All Aadhaar Verifications Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The app lets you verify your identity using a QR code in many real-life situations. You can also use face verification or prove your age, for example, when booking movie tickets. It can be used for hospital visitors, attendants, and even to verify gig workers or service partners. The main goal of the app is to stop people from using paper copies of Aadhaar, which are often asked for by hotels, government offices, and other places to check someone’s identity.  New Aadhaar App: Features  The new Aadhaar app is built to offer security, privacy, and convenience. It allows users to authenticate their identity using Face ID and share contact details quickly through a QR-based contact card. Users can lock or unlock their biometric data with just one click and share only the information they choose, thanks to consent-based selective sharing. The app also lets you add up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device and makes it easy to update your mobile number and address. (Also Read: Redmi Note 15 Pro+ vs Realme 16 Pro+: Display, battery, camera, processor and AI features compared in Rs 50,000 price segment; which should you buy?) How to download the New Aadhaar App? Step 1: Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your phone. Step 2: Search for the official UIDAI new Aadhaar app. Step 3: Make sure the app is developed by UIDAI before downloading. Step 4: Tap Install to download the latest version of the app. Step 5: Open the app and complete your Aadhaar authentication using OTP or Face ID.  How to verify Aadhaar without internet using QR code?  Step 1: Open the new Aadhaar app on your phone. Step 2: Tap on the “Offline Verification” or “QR Scan” option. Step 3: Point your phone’s camera at the QR code given by the requesting person or organization. Step 4: The app will read the QR code and access your encrypted Aadhaar credentials. Step 5: Your Aadhaar details will be instantly verified.  How to update mobile number in new Aadhaar app?  Step 1: Log in to the new Aadhaar app. Step 2: Go to the Update Aadhaar Details section on the home screen and select Mobile Number Update. Step 3: Enter your new mobile number and submit the request. Step 4: Complete the required authentication in the app. Step 5: Pay the applicable update fee to finish the process. 

Bluetooth Battery Drain: Bluetooth is now a regular part of smartphone use. People use it to connect wireless earphones, smartwatches, and to share files with others. Because of this, many users keep Bluetooth switched on all day. But a common question is whether Bluetooth drains the phone’s battery, and if it does, how much. Some smartphone users think it uses a lot of battery, while others believe the effect is very small. The real answer depends on how Bluetooth is being used. In this article, we explain in simple words how Bluetooth affects your phone’s battery and whether keeping it on all day is a problem or not.  Is Bluetooth smartphone’s battery drainer?  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In modern smartphones, Bluetooth is much smarter and more battery-friendly than before. This is because of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which uses very little power compared to older versions. If Bluetooth is turned on but not connected to any device, it runs quietly in the background and uses almost no battery. In most cases, keeping Bluetooth ON all day uses only about 1 to 3 percent of the total battery. So, Bluetooth by itself does not drain your phone’s battery quickly. However, on very old smartphones, Bluetooth may still consume a bit more battery due to older hardware.  How much battery does Bluetooth use when in use? When Bluetooth is connected to devices like earbuds, a smartwatch, or a car system, battery use goes up a little. This happens because Bluetooth keeps transferring data while you listen to music or talk on calls. In such situations, streaming music for one hour can use around 4 to 6 percent of your phone’s battery. The exact battery drain depends on the phone model and the Bluetooth version it uses. Even so, Bluetooth generally consumes less battery than Wi-Fi or mobile data.  Tips to save battery while using Bluetooth  Using Bluetooth doesn’t drain much battery, but a few simple steps can help you save even more. Turn Bluetooth off when you’re not using it, and disconnect devices that automatically connect when not needed. Keep your phone and Bluetooth accessories updated with the latest software to improve efficiency. Using modern Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices also helps reduce battery consumption. Long hours of music streaming or calls via Bluetooth can use more power, so use them wisely. Checking your phone’s battery settings can show how much power Bluetooth is using, helping you manage it better. 

What’s the first thing that pops up in your mind when you read or hear that a few people pay hefty amounts to keep themselves away from their phones? You may wonder why anyone would spend money on something that could be easily done on their own – simply switching off the phone or putting it away could seem like a simple solution. However, in parts of Europe and the United States, a new trend is gaining attention, with people paying to keep themselves away from constant digital noise. Instead of scrolling through social media or checking messages all day, some people are paying to disconnect completely, even for several days at a time. These experiences are often called digital detox retreats, which let participants lock away their phones and stay offline in exchange for a fee. Why people do this? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Many people and travellers admit that they check their phones several times a day, even when it is not necessary. With world news, work messages, social media alerts, and endless apps demanding attention, people say they often feel stressed or distracted. Digital detox experiences are designed to help people step away from this constant stimulation and focus on real-life activities. One popular version of this trend is the luxury digital detox holiday. At some resorts and retreat centres in Mexico and New York, travellers opt to pay thousands of dollars to have their phones taken away or locked away by staff for the duration of their trip. No Instagram. No emails. Just peace, nature, and calm. (Also Read: Drawer full of old tech gadgets? You’re not alone: Check 5 simple ways to clean this like a pro) How detox retreats work? At many of these retreats, participants hand over their phones and devices as soon as they arrive. Some places even lock them in safes, making it impossible to reconnect until the retreat ends. Guests stay in quiet cabins or scenic locations with no Wi-Fi or mobile service. The idea is to force a break from screens so people can rest, engage in outdoor activities, or spend uninterrupted time with companions. Other types of offline experiences include organised group events in major cities. For example, social meet-ups in London and other European cities have attracted thousands of people willing to leave their phones at the door and enjoy board games, conversations and real-world connections without screens. Growing popularity Experts say this trend reflects a larger shift in how people think about technology. Rather than rejecting digital tools completely, many users want the option to use them more mindfully, reducing screen time and stress while boosting real-life engagement. Some travellers find that being offline for a few days refreshes their perspective and helps them return to their routines with better balance. From smartphone-blocking apps to weekend-long retreats, the digital detox movement is expanding fast. According to reports, this trend is gaining popularity in many other parts of the world as well.

Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+ Price In India: The battle for dominance in the under Rs 50,000 smartphone category intensified in January 2026 with the arrival of two feature-packed devices. Xiaomi introduced the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ on 29 January, while Realme had already made its move earlier on 6 January with the launch of the 16 Pro+. Positioned as near-flagship smartphones, both models offer large AMOLED displays, powerful Snapdragon chipsets, big batteries, and AI-driven features, giving buyers plenty to consider. In this article, we compare both smartphones across cameras, battery life, pricing, design, and other power-packed features. Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+: Display  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Both smartphones feature large AMOLED panels with near‑borderless designs. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ has a 6.83-inch display with 3,200 nits peak brightness, 3,840Hz PWM dimming, and TUV certifications, while the Realme 16 Pro+ sports a 6.8-inch HyperGlow 4D Curve+ display with 6,500 nits brightness and Flux Engine for ultra-smooth visuals.  Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+: Processor  Redmi Note 15 Pro+ uses Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 with IceLoop cooling for better heat management, while the Realme 16 Pro+ is powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with AirFlow VC cooling and AI Gaming Coach, providing optimized gaming performance and smooth multitasking. (Also Read: New Epstein File Release: Email claims Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates caught STD from ‘Russian Girls’; check net worth) Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+: Battery The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ packs a 6,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging and 22.5W reverse charging, supported by IceLoop cooling, while the Realme 16 Pro+ has a slightly larger 7,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging and AirFlow VC cooling for sustained performance.  Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+: Camera   The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ relies on AI-powered Xiaomi HyperAI for intelligent scene recognition and enhanced imaging, whereas the Realme 16 Pro+ offers a more versatile setup with a 200MP main sensor, 50MP telephoto lens, 50MP front camera, and AI tools like AI Framing Master and AI Edit Genie to boost photo quality and composition.  Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+: AI features  The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ integrates Google Gemini, Circle to Search, and HyperAI, while the Realme 16 Pro+ runs Realme UI 7.0 on Android 16 with AI Gaming Coach and camera AI features, plus smoother system-wide animations via Flux Engine. (Also Read: Instagram is working on new feature to remove yourself from Close Friends: Here’s how to keep your account safe) Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Vs Realme 16 Pro+: Price In India, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ starts at Rs 37,999 (8GB+256GB) and goes up to Rs 43,999 (12GB+512GB), with colour options which include the Coffee Mocha, Mirage Blue, and Carbon Black. The Realme 16 Pro+ starts at Rs 39,999 (8GB+128GB) and tops at Rs 44,999 (12GB+256GB), available in Master Gold, Master Gray, and Camellia Pink colour options. 

Tech gadgets: You are not alone if your drawer is also full of old smartphones, tangled charging cables, broken earphones, adapters and power banks that are no longer in use. There are several ways by which you can help yourself with this. Experts say this is one of the major issues linked to fast-changing technology and short device life cycles. According to international e-waste reports, millions of tonnes of electronic waste are generated every year, and small gadgets make up a large portion of it. Many of these items remain unused in homes instead of being recycled properly. One of the common reasons people keep old gadgets is uncertainty. Many are unsure whether devices still contain personal data or if they might be useful someday. Others don’t know where or how to recycle them safely. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Technology experts say that emotional attachment also plays a role. Old phones may contain photos or memories, making people hesitant to throw them away even after backing up data. The first step to dealing with tech clutter is sorting. Experts recommend separating working devices from broken ones. Items that still function, such as old phones or tablets, can often be reused, donated, or sold. Before letting go of any device, it is important to back up data and do a factory reset. This protects your personal information from misuse. (Also Read: Redmi Note 15 Pro+ vs Realme 16 Pro+: Display, battery, camera, processor and AI features compared in Rs 50,000 price segment; which should you buy?) Recycle Electronic waste should never be thrown into regular household bins. Many countries now have certified e-waste recycling centres that safely handle batteries, circuit boards, and metals. Large electronics brands and retailers also run take-back or exchange programmes. These programmes help ensure gadgets are disposed of responsibly, and valuable materials are recovered. Reduce gadget clutter To avoid drawers filling up again, experts suggest buying fewer but more durable devices. Using universal chargers, repairing gadgets instead of replacing them quickly, and avoiding unnecessary accessories can also help. Clearing out old tech may seem like a small task, but responsible disposal plays a big role in reducing environmental harm. Proper recycling helps conserve resources and prevents toxic materials from entering landfills.

Google gemini: The search engine giant Google has rolled out a major update to Google Maps, allowing users to interact with its Gemini AI assistant while walking or riding a bike. This new hands-free feature is built on an earlier version that let people talk to Gemini during driving navigation. The goal is to make navigation safer and more convenient when users are walking or cycling. With this update, users can ask Gemini questions out loud without stopping or touching the screen. For example, while walking, you could say things like, “Is there any gym in this area?” or “Where is the parking lot here?” and get quick answers from the AI. Cyclists can ask questions like, “What’s my ETA?” or even tell Gemini to send a message to a contact – all without taking their hands off the handlebars. To use the feature, open Google Maps, start navigation in walking or cycling mode, and then tap the Gemini icon at the top of the screen. Users can also say “Hey Google” to trigger the assistant and ask questions. The feature works globally on both iOS and Android devices in regions where Gemini support is available. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source (Also Read: Instagram is working on new feature to remove yourself from Close Friends: Here’s how to keep your account safe) Safety and convenience benefits Google has said the update is designed to reduce distractions that come from stopping to type on a phone while walking or biking. By enabling hands-free interaction, users can keep their focus on the road or path ahead, which may help reduce accidents and improve overall safety. Real time information More than basic navigation, the Gemini integration also offers contextual insights. This means you can ask about nearby points of interest, restaurants, EV charging stations, petrol pumps, parking, and more. Because the AI draws on Maps’ real-time information, it can provide relevant recommendations along your route. The hands-free Gemini support for walkers and cyclists is part of Google’s broader push to make navigation more interactive and intelligent. While the update is now widely available on iPhones where Gemini is supported, the feature is rolling out to Android users in phases. Google has said the expansion will continue over time.

Bill Gates Epstein Files: Newly released Epstein files have triggered widespread online discussion after an email screenshot made unverified claims involving Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, once again putting some of the world’s most powerful figures under public scrutiny. The U.S. Justice Department recently released more than three million documents, including screenshots of alleged self-emails from July 18, 2013, attributed to Jeffrey Epstein. The emails reportedly claimed that Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from ‘Russian girls’ and requested antibiotics to secretly give to his then-wife, Melinda, according to BBC reports. The language used in the email is explicit and accusatory. The document release also revisits reports that Epstein threatened to expose Gates’ alleged affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova in 2017. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source However, it is important to note that the screenshots are unverified, with no independent evidence supporting the claims. A spokesperson for Bill Gates has rejected the claims, calling them ‘absolutely absurd and completely false,’ and stated that they reflect Epstein’s frustration after Gates distanced himself.”  The multiple email exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and billionaire Elon Musk appear in the newly released files, mostly discussing potential travel plans. In a November 2012 email, Epstein asked Musk how many people would be traveling by helicopter to his island. Musk replied that it would probably be just him and Talulah, and asked which day or night would have the “wildest party” on the island. The documents do not indicate whether the visit actually took place. (Also Read: Instagram is working on new feature to remove yourself from Close Friends: Here’s how to keep your account safe) Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019  Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death, along with the release of documents related to his associates, has continued to fuel public scrutiny and speculation. The latest files also include undated photographs showing Epstein with Bill Gates at various locations. In one image, Gates is seen standing next to a woman whose face has been redacted.  Bill Gates-Melinda Divorce Linked to Epstein connection Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates were married from 1994 to 2021. In past interviews, Melinda said that Gates’s extramarital affairs and his connections with Jeffrey Epstein played a role in their divorce, though she didn’t share specific details. The Wall Street Journal reported that Melinda consulted divorce lawyers in 2019 over concerns about Gates’s ties to Epstein.  Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ Net Worth Bill Gates dropped from fifth to twelfth place on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index after his net worth fell from nearly $175 billion to $124 billion. He was overtaken by his former assistant and ex-Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, whose net worth now stands at $172 billion.