New Delhi: India’s smartphone manufacturing industry on Sunday sought to play down concerns around a reported government proposal on source code sharing, saying the issue is part of a long-running consultation process and does not represent any new or immediate regulatory change. Reacting to a report that said the Centre is considering requiring smartphone makers to share source code and comply with a set of new security standards, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said discussions between the government and the industry have been going on for several years and should not be seen as a sudden policy shift. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said there is no new development that warrants alarm. He explained that it is normal for governments to engage with industry stakeholders on technical and compliance-related issues and for companies to respond by sharing global best practices and practical limitations. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source “We want to clarify two things. First, this is not a new issue. It’s a discussion that’s been ongoing for several years,” Mohindroo said. “Multiple discussions on this issue have occurred. There is no new development which warrants special attention,” he stated. He described the current engagement as a routine, transparent and detailed consultation process and said the industry is satisfied with the way discussions are progressing. Mohindroo added that there is no pressing concern at this stage and expressed confidence that a consensus will be reached on the best way forward. “It is completely normal for the government to engage industry in such discussions — ask technical and compliance questions and for the industry to respond with international practises and what might be possible or not,” he mentioned. The report said the government is proposing a set of 83 security standards under the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements, which could include access to smartphone source code, mandatory malware scanning and prior intimation of major software updates to authorities. “This is a routine process of open transparent consultation. We are satisfied with the way the discussions are proceeding. There is no pressing concern as this is the very nature of transparent and in-depth consultation with specific stakeholders,” he mentioned.

Instagram Earnings From Views In India: Scrolling through Instagram, you’ve probably seen Reels with thousands, lakhs, or even millions of views on the Meta-owned platform. Some creators become popular overnight, while others slowly build a loyal audience. This creates curiosity in everyone’s mind: do these millions of views turn into money? And if yes, how much can someone actually earn from a single viral Reel? Many people believe that more views always mean more income, but the reality is not so simple. Behind every successful Reel, there is a different story, strategy, and source of earnings. To understand what truly happens behind these numbers on Instagram, let’s reveal the truth behind this curiosity. Does Instagram Pay For Views On Reels? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In India, the story is a little different from what many people expect. Even if a Reel crosses the big milestone of 1,000,000 views on reels, money does not automatically land in your account. Instagram does not pay creators directly just for the number of views they get. Instead, earnings depend on how smartly a creator uses that popularity to generate income. While Instagram has bonus and Reels Play programs in a few countries, these opportunities are still limited and not available to all creators in India. Users Can Earn Through Brand Deals On Instagram For most Instagram creators, real earnings begin with brand deals and promotions. When a Reel starts getting around 1,000,000 views and the audience actively engages with the content, brands begin to take notice. They may approach creators to promote their products or services through posts or Reels. A small creator can usually earn between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 for such promotions. However, this amount is not fixed. It depends on the creator’s niche, the quality of their audience, engagement levels, followers and the type of content they create. (Also Read: Google Maps Redesigned: New Menu App Finally Unveiled For Both Android And iOS Versions; How To Check Traffic) Users Earn Through Affiliate Marketing On Instagram Affiliate marketing is another simple way to earn money from Instagram. In this method, creators share product links in their Reels, Stories, or bio. When viewers click on the link and buy the product, the creator earns a small commission on each sale. Even though the amount per sale may seem small, it can grow over time. In some cases, this income can be more than brand deals, especially when the audience trusts the creator and is genuinely interested in the product. How To Earn More Money From Instagram Meta-owned platform Instagram offers a few main ways to earn money that depend on fan support rather than just views. These include Instagram Gifts, where viewers tip creators on Reels, Subscriptions that give fans access to exclusive content, and Badges that viewers can buy during live streams to support their favorite creators. To earn good and steady income from Instagram, focus on creating quality content. Pick one clear niche, talk to your audience regularly, and use popular formats. As your views grow and people start trusting you, brands will naturally reach out. With the right approach, even 10,000 views can be the first step toward earning from Instagram. Instagram Money On Views On Reels: Eligibility And Tips To access most earning tools on Instagram, creators usually need to switch to a Creator or Business account and have 10,000 or more followers. However, engagement matters more than follower count, so aim for an engagement rate of 2.5 percent or higher. Reels should be your main focus for growth. Post regularly, use trending formats, and keep your content fresh. To build long-term income, do not depend on just one source. Explore options like merchandise sales or brand partnerships to create steady and sustainable earnings. 

Google Maps Redesigned App: After years of quiet updates and subtle tweaks, Google Maps has finally rolled out a change users did not know they were waiting for. The familiar navigation app, trusted by millions for daily commutes and long road trips, is getting a brand-new menu across both Android and iOS versions. This update is not just about rearranged icons or visual polish. It focuses on making everyday navigation smoother and more intuitive. From finding nearby cafes to planning cross-city drives, the new menu aims to simplify how users move and explore. Notably, Google Maps is the default navigation app on Android, but not on iOS. Google Maps Redesigned Menu Explained: What’s New For Users Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The redesigned Google Maps settings bring a cleaner, more organised layout, with all options grouped into seven high-level menus, each supported by clear icons and short descriptions. The interface feels familiar and draws some resemblance to the Google Search app, with “Settings” left-aligned at the top and a close “x” button on the right. The key sections include App and display for theme, map controls, and accessibility, Navigation for driving, walking, and transit options, Your vehicles for engine type and connected cars, Location and privacy covering Timeline and Maps history, Offline maps for downloads and updates, and Notifications for reminders and recommendations. How To Check Traffic On Google Maps Step 1: Open Google Maps by launching the app on your phone or visiting maps.google.com, then search for your location or destination. Step 2: Tap the Layers icon, shown as stacked squares in the top-right corner, to view available map options. Step 3: Select the Traffic layer to see real-time road conditions, with green indicating smooth flow, yellow for slow movement, and red for heavy congestion. Step 4: Enter your start and end points to check live traffic on routes or view typical traffic based on time and day. Step 5: Android users can add the Google Maps Traffic widget by long-pressing the home screen for quick access to nearby traffic updates. 

Instagram Data Leak: A major cybersecurity warning is raising alarms for Instagram users everywhere. A recent data leak has left millions of accounts exposed, putting personal information at risk. Adding to the concern, hackers are exploiting the breach through a wave of ‘password reset’ attacks, attempting to gain unauthorized access. Reports reveal that 17.5 million Instagram accounts, out of 2 billion active monthly users, were exposed in a major data leak, putting personal information at risk. This includes private details such as phone numbers and addresses. Adding to the concern, hackers are targeting these accounts with a rise in ‘password reset’ attacks, trying to gain unauthorized access. Growing Cybersecurity Threats   Add Zee News as a Preferred Source From casual users to influencers, no one is entirely safe. Experts are urging users to act quickly by strengthening passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying alert to suspicious activity. The incident underscores the growing cybersecurity threats on social media and the importance of safeguarding personal accounts in today’s digital world. Cybercriminals stole the sensitive information of 17.5 million Instagram accounts, including usernames, physical addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and more. pic.twitter.com/LXvjjQ5VXL Malwarebytes (@Malwarebytes) January 9, 2026 The leak was first uncovered by cybersecurity researchers at Malwarebytes and later verified through listing circulating on dark web forums, where sensitive user data is being actively traded. According to researchers, the compromised data reset appeared earlier this week on a notorious hacking forum, posted by a threat actor using the alias “Solonik.” (Also read: Grok AI Obscene Content: Elon Musk-Owned X Accepts ‘Mistake’; 3,500 Posts Blocked, 600+ Accounts Deleted) This incident shows the rising cybersecurity threats on social media and highlights the need to protect personal accounts online. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts say the size of the breach points to serious weaknesses in Instagram’s limits or privacy protections, which allowed millions of automated data requests to go unnoticed. The media are all referring to the same individual, “Solonik,” who allegedly shared a 2024 leak. In reality, this is a repost of data from 2022. Moreover, the thread has since been moved. As for the password reset requests, I receive dozens of them every month and have for… pic.twitter.com/YN9WbcgYhD — Seb (@seblatombe) January 10, 2026 Instagram Data Breach: How Hackers Are Using Leaked Data? Hackers can use the leaked data to carry out SIM‑swapping attacks, pose as Instagram support staff, or run targeted phishing scams. By using personal details from the leak, scammers can gain users’ trust and trick them into sharing login details or two‑factor authentication codes. The incident is called “scraping,” which means the data was taken from publicly visible parts of Instagram, not from a direct attack on the company’s servers. Meta Response A Meta spokesperson told Hindustan Times that there was no data breach. The company said it fixed a problem that allowed someone to send password reset emails to some Instagram users. Meta said no one got unauthorized access to accounts or their systems. Users who received these emails can ignore them, and all Instagram accounts are safe. How To Protect Your Instagram Account Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA in Instagram Settings > Security to require a code from an authenticator app or SMS alongside your password, blocking most unauthorized logins. Create a Strong, Unique Password: Use at least 12 characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols; avoid personal info or reuse—change it immediately if suspicious activity appears. Beware Phishing And Suspicious Links: Never click links in unsolicited DMs, emails, or comments claiming account issues; always verify directly in the app via Accounts Center. Review Login Activity Regularly: Check Settings > Security > Login Activity for unfamiliar devices or locations, log out remotely from unrecognized sessions, and update recovery email/phone. Lock Down Privacy Settings: Switch to private account, limit who can message/tag you, hide your online status, and run Security Checkup in Accounts Center for quick vulnerability fixes. 

Elon Musk’s X Algorithm: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that X will make its algorithm public within seven days. The open-source release will include the code used to recommend both organic and advertising posts. However, Musk did not explain the reason behind this move. The decision comes amid repeated clashes between X and regulators over content shown to users. It also follows the European Commission’s decision to extend a retention order sent to X last year concerning algorithms and the spread of illegal content. “We will publish the full algorithm in a week. Still much to improve. It’s just trying to show you what you are most likely to find interesting. The goal is to maximise unregretted user-seconds,” Elon Musk said. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source “This will be repeated every 4 weeks, with comprehensive developer notes, to help you understand what changed,” he posted on X. Some X users had previously complained that they were receiving fewer posts on the social media platform from people they follow. Elon Musk Confirms Significant Bug In October, Musk confirmed in a post on X that the company had found a “significant bug” in the platform’s “For You” algorithm and pledged a fix. The company has also been working to incorporate more artificial intelligence into its recommendation algorithm for X, using Grok. Meanwhile, Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has announced the completion of a $20 billion funding round from investors including Nvidia, Valor Equity Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority. The company did not disclose individual investment amounts or the split between debt and equity, and named Stepstone Group, Fidelity Management & Research, MGX, Baron Capital Group and Cisco Systems Inc.’s investment group among other investors who participated in the funding. xAI had planned for roughly $7.5 billion of equity and up to $12.5 billion of debt parked in a special purpose vehicle to buy Nvidia processors. The chips would be rented out for five years, allowing financiers to recoup their investment, according to reports. (With IANS Inputs)

Grok AI Obscene Content: After backlash over obscene content generated by Grok AI, Elon Musk-owned social media platform X has admitted to its mistake and assured the Indian government that it will comply with Indian laws, government sources said. The assurance comes amid controversy over the misuse of its AI tool, Grok. As part of corrective steps, X has reportedly blocked around 3,500 content items and removed more than 600 accounts. The company has also promised authorities that it will not allow obscene content on the platform in the future.  Earlier, X Corp, which runs the social media platform X, submitted a written response to the Government on the latter’s notice to the company on the generation of “non-consensual sexual content by its Grok AI chatbot.” The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) cracked down on X Corp for failing to prevent the generation and circulation of obscene, nude and indecent content on its platform. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The government had directed X Corp to send an action taken report (ATR) “towards immediate compliance for prevention of hosting, generation, publication or transmission, sharing or uploading of obscene, nude, indecent and explicit content through the misuse of AI-based services like ‘Grok’ and xAl’s other services” within 72 hours.

OnePlus Nord 6 India Launch: Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus is likely to expand its Nord lineup with the launch of the OnePlus Nord 6 in India. The upcoming smartphone has already received regulatory approvals in several regions and has appeared on multiple certification platforms, including TDRA and SIRIM. Notably, the OnePlus Nord 5 was launched in July last year. It is expected to be offered in Silver, Green, and Black colour options. If OnePlus follows its usual launch timeline, the OnePlus Nord 6 could make its global debut, including in India, sometime in the first half of this year. OnePlus Nord 6 Specifications (Expectations) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The smartphone is expected to feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. Powering the device could be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, promising smooth multitasking and strong gaming performance. As per rumours, the smartphone may pack a massive 9,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. On the software front, it is likely to run Android 16-based ColorOS 16 and offer features such as stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, and advanced durability with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance ratings. On the photography front, the OnePlus Nord 6 could come with a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, while the front may house a 32MP camera for selfies and video calls. (Also Read: How To Delete OpenAI’s ChatGPT History From Android, iOS Devices And Laptops: Step-By-Step Guide) OnePlus Nord 6 Price In India (Expected) If OnePlus decides to introduce these devices under the Nord 6 branding in India, the pricing is expected to stay in a familiar range. This suggests that the OnePlus Nord 6 could be launched in the Indian market with a starting price of approximately Rs. 28,000 to Rs. 32,000, keeping it competitive within the mid-premium smartphone segment. 

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders 2026: In a world where mobile phones and the internet are an important part of daily life, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval shared a surprising detail about his personal habits. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 on Saturday, he addressed the youth and spoke about the high price India paid for its independence, with many generations facing hardship and loss. During a question-and-answer session, the former Indian intelligence and law enforcement officer revealed that he still does not use a mobile phone or the internet. This statement quickly caught attention online and left many people curious about how a top security expert works in today’s digital world. Why India’s Top Security Chief Avoids Mobile Phones And Internet Add Zee News as a Preferred Source During the Q&A session at Bharat Mandapam, NSA Ajit Doval was asked if he really avoids using mobile phones and the internet. He smiled and confirmed that it was true. Doval explained that phones and the internet are not the only ways to communicate and that there are other methods most people are not aware of. He added that he only uses phones or the internet in special situations, such as talking to family or connecting with people abroad. Ajit Doval also shared an important lesson: patience is essential, and messages should be communicated honestly without using propaganda. (Also Read: OnePlus Likely To Launch OnePlus Nord 6 In India With 9,000mAh Battery; Check Expected Camera, Display, Chipset, Price And Other Specs) Who Is Ajit Doval and His Achievements Ajit Kumar Doval is the fifth and current National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India. He is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from Kerala and has worked in Indian intelligence and law enforcement. He was born in Uttarakhand in 1945 and became the youngest police officer in India to receive the Kirti Chakra, a bravery award for his service. Doval played an important role in India’s September 2016 surgical strikes and the February 2019 Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan. He also helped resolve the Doklam standoff and took strong steps to fight insurgency in Northeast India. Ajit Doval’s Career Ajit Doval began his police career in 1968 as an IPS officer. He worked actively in fighting insurgency in Mizoram and Punjab. In 1999, he was one of three negotiators who helped release passengers from the hijacked IC-814 plane in Kandahar. Between 1971 and 1999, he successfully handled at least 15 hijacking cases of Indian Airlines aircraft. Ajit Doval is said to have spent seven years working undercover in Pakistan, gathering important information on active militant groups. After one year as a secret agent, he worked at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad for six years. Ajit Doval’s Powerful Message To Youth Addressing the gathering, Ajit Doval urged young people to learn from history and work towards building a strong and great India based on its values, rights, and beliefs. Looking back at India’s past, he said the country once had a highly advanced civilization.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent roundtable with a dozen Indian AI startups signalled the maturation of an ecosystem that has been simmering for years, poised to transform sectors from agriculture to healthcare and position India as an ‘AI superpower, a report said on Saturday. By 2030, AI is projected to add $500 billion to India’s GDP, creating millions of jobs in data annotation, model training, and deployment, the report from India Narrative said. Held weeks before the India AI Impact Summit in February, the meeting showcased homegrown models and applications spanning healthcare, agriculture, education and regional‑language services. With over 900 million internet users generating petabytes of data daily, India is a fertile ground for training robust AI models, the report said. Indian startups are pioneering AI with multilingual capabilities to understand Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and more, making technology accessible to non-English speakers. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source This linguistic diversity is a competitive edge, enabling exports to other Global South nations facing similar barriers, the report noted. Startups at the roundtable demonstrated tools for diagnosing diseases like tuberculosis and diabetes with unprecedented accuracy, it said. Some startups demonstrated crop yield prediction, pest detection systems and adaptive learning, useful for solving farmers’ problems and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The summit, scheduled for February 15–20, featuring keynotes, policy panels, and expert roundtables will bring international stakeholders together to discuss governance, standards and collaboration. It will showcase 12 qualified Indian startups in areas like healthcare and multilingual tech. This exposure could attract foreign investment and talent inflows, accelerating India’s goal of a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030, the report noted. The India AI Mission, launched in 2024 with a $1.2 billion funding, democratised access to computing resources, datasets, and talent development. Further the National AI Portal provided open-source datasets, while partnerships with tech giants ensured high-performance computing infrastructure.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT History Delete: Are you one of the millions of people using OpenAI’s ChatGPT every day? AI chatbots have now become a regular part of daily life, helping users save time and complete tasks more easily. From writing a quick email to creating a full article, generating ideas on a topic, or exploring different angles for a story, ChatGPT can do it all. However, as more people rely on this powerful tool, an important question comes up: where does your data go? By default, ChatGPT saves your chat history, which may include personal and work-related information. One question naturally comes to mind: is there a way to delete the data stored in ChatGPT? The answer is yes, and the process is quite simple. With just a few steps, you can clear your chat history and take control of your privacy. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source But there’s another side to the story. Experts warn that relying too heavily on AI tools can have drawbacks. Over time, constant dependence on AI may reduce your own thinking ability, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making it important to use these tools wisely rather than endlessly. (Also Read: Want To Turn Off Google’s Gemini AI Features In Gmail? Follow THESE Simple Steps) How To Delete OpenAI’s ChatGPT From Android Or iOS Device Step 1: Open the ChatGPT app on your Android or iOS device and log in using your email ID. Step 2: Tap the two horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu. Step 3: Select your profile to access ChatGPT settings. Step 4: Scroll down and tap on Data Controls. Step 5: Choose Delete OpenAI Account and follow the instructions to permanently delete your account. How To Delete OpenAI’s ChatGPT From Your PC and Laptops Step 1: Open ChatGPT on your laptop using any web browser and log in with your email account. Step 2: Look at the bottom-left corner of the screen and click on your profile icon. Step 3: From the menu, select Settings. Step 4: In the Settings window, click on the Account option. Step 5: Scroll down and select Delete Account, then follow the on-screen instructions to confirm. It is important to note that deleting your ChatGPT account is permanent and cannot be reversed, so make sure you are certain before going ahead. If you have an active subscription through the Google Play Store, you will need to cancel it separately, as deleting your account will not cancel the subscription. Once the account is deleted, you won’t be able to sign up again using the same email address or phone number. All your data across OpenAI apps will be erased. After you click on “Delete,” it may take up to 30 days for all your data to be fully removed.