New Delhi: India’s mobile phone exports have registered another strong performance, according to a press release by India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA). The release stated that smartphone exports crossed an estimated USD 1.8 billion in September 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of over 95 per cent compared to September 2024. August and September are traditionally low-export months for the mobile phone industry due to production adjustments and seasonal shipment cycles. Despite this, exports in September 2025 remained exceptionally strong, demonstrating the robust ecosystem that has taken shape within the country. “During April-September 2025, mobile phone exports are estimated to be USD 13.5 billion, as compared to USD 8.5 billion during the same period last year, marking a growth of over 60 per cent. This confirms that India’s mobile phone manufacturing sector continues to build scale, efficiency, and reliability – the three pillars of sustained global competitiveness,” the release noted. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The United States, UAE, Austria, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom remain the top destinations for Indian mobile phone exports. The United States is estimated to account for nearly 70 per cent of total exports during April-September 2025, compared to 37 per cent during the same period last year. Exports to the U.S. have surged from USD 3.1 billion in April-September 2024 to an estimated USD 9.4 billion in April-September 2025, a remarkable growth of almost 200 per cent. This transformation underlines India’s growing role as a trusted source for global smartphone brands serving advanced markets. Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA, said, “The sustained rise in exports reflects the strong foundation of India’s mobile phone manufacturing ecosystem. Global value chains are now deeply anchoring here. The surge in exports to the advanced economies demonstrates global trust in India’s capability to deliver quality, scale, and reliability.” ICEA estimates that mobile phone exports will reach approximately USD 35 billion in FY 2025-26, compared to USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024-25. “India’s mobile phone industry is firing on all cylinders. The next phase of growth will depend on our ability to sustain the scale and competitiveness achieved so far. We must continue expanding this scale to a level that anchors sustainable exports and drives the deepening of the component and sub-assembly ecosystem within the country,” added Mohindroo.

Made-In-India WindFree Cassette ACs: South Korean giant Samsung has launched its latest Made-in-India Smart WindFree Cassette Air Conditioners, offering a blend of intelligent connectivity, energy efficiency, and silent comfort. The lineup comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi for seamless SmartThings integration, enabling users to control, monitor, and personalize their indoor climate remotely via smartphones or voice assistants such as Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant. The newly launched is designed for Indian conditions, the new range is available starting today through Samsung’s authorized commercial AC partners across the country. To promote cleaner indoor air, an optional PM 1.0 filtration system is available, designed to capture ultra-fine dust particles and enhance overall air quality.   Samsung WindFree Cassette ACs Features Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The new WindFree Cassette ACs come with intelligent features designed to enhance comfort and efficiency. The Welcome Cooling Mode automatically cools your space before you arrive using GPS tracking, ensuring a pleasant environment the moment you step in. The Good Sleep Mode adjusts the cooling pattern according to your sleep cycle, providing a comfortable night’s rest while saving up to 48% energy. Adding further, the Comfort Humidity Control feature maintains optimal indoor humidity levels, delivering enhanced comfort with up to 19% energy savings in dry mode. (Also Read: Apple iPhone 17, iPhone 16 Get Price Cut In Diwali Sale 2025; Check Camera, Display, And Other Features) Samsung WindFree Cassette ACs Price And Availability In India The new Samsung WindFree Cassette ACs are priced starting at Rs 65,000 (excluding GST) and will be available across India through Samsung’s authorized commercial AC channel partners beginning October 14, 2025. 

Starting Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end free support for Windows 10, marking the conclusion of a major era for the operating system still active on millions of computers globally. Despite the release of Windows 11 in 2021, reports indicate that around 40% of Windows users continue to rely on Windows 10 as of September 2025. What the End of Support Means for Users According to The Guardian, once free support ends, Windows 10 users will no longer receive security patches, software updates, or technical support from Microsoft. While computers running Windows 10 will continue to operate normally, they will become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, viruses, and malware without regular updates. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Microsoft emphasised that Windows 11 offers enhanced protection, with modern security features built directly into the system to meet today’s digital safety standards. Cybersecurity Concerns Experts warn that continuing to use Windows 10 could make users more susceptible to hacking and phishing attacks. Consumer advocacy group Which? estimated that over five million users in the UK plan to continue using the outdated operating system, putting their personal and financial data at risk. How to Stay Protected The most effective way to remain secure is to upgrade to Windows 11. Most PCs manufactured in the last four years should support the upgrade, provided they meet minimum system requirements — including 4GB RAM, 64GB of storage, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. Microsoft offers a free compatibility checker, while Which? has an online processor-based tool to help users verify if their system is eligible for the upgrade. Options for Older PCs For older computers that do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, Microsoft is offering a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which provides limited protection until October 13, 2026. Users can access it free by signing in with a Microsoft account or purchase it for $30 (or 1,000 Microsoft reward points). Alternatively, users can switch to a different operating system, such as Linux, a free and open-source platform known for its stability and robust security. Popular distributions like Ubuntu are beginner-friendly and regularly updated. Installation is straightforward and requires backing up your data and using a USB drive to set up the new system — detailed guides are available on Ubuntu’s official website by Canonical. With the end of free Windows 10 support, users must choose between upgrading, paying for extended security, or migrating to an alternative OS to protect their devices. As cybersecurity risks continue to grow, timely action is essential to maintain data safety and device performance in the post-Windows 10 era.

iPhone 17 And iPhone 16 Discount Price In India: With Diwali just around the corner on October 20, 2025, smartphone buyers are gearing up for one of the biggest festive shopping seasons of the year. Most brands and e-commerce platforms are offering some of the best discounts on gadgets you won’t want to miss. Among the top deals this season are the offers on Apple’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 17. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 is available at heavily discounted prices on various e-commerce platforms. The iPhone 17, on the other hand, is being offered with attractive discounts through Apple’s official online store. Apple iPhone 16 Discount Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Apple iPhone 16 with 128GB of internal storage is available on Flipkart for Rs 68,900, down from its original price of Rs 69,999. Buyers can also take advantage of additional offers, including a 1% discount (up to Rs 1,000) on Flipkart UPI transactions and 5% cashback (up to Rs 750) on Axis Bank Flipkart Debit Cards. Moreover, customers can save even more by opting for the exchange offer, which provides up to ₹43,850 off on eligible devices. (Also Read: iQOO 15 Likely To Launch In India; Check Expected Camera, Display, Chipset, Battery, Price And Other Features) Apple iPhone 17 Discount The smartphone is available for Rs 82,900 on the Apple online store, which is its original launch price. Buyers can also avail several attractive offers, including a 1% discount (up to Rs 1,000) on Flipkart UPI transactions, 5% cashback (up to Rs 750) on Axis Bank Flipkart Debit Cards, and 5% cashback (up to Rs 4,000 per calendar quarter) on Flipkart SBI Credit Cards. Adding further, the customers can get up to Rs 48,650 off by exchanging their old smartphone. iPhone 17 Specifications It features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 3000 nits. The phone is powered by Apple’s A19 processor and runs on the latest iOS 26 operating system. The smartphone sports a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 48MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. On the photography front, it houses an 18MP selfie camera. The device packs a 3,692mAh battery that supports 25W wireless charging for faster and more efficient power delivery. 

iQOO 15 India Launch: iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, is set to debut its new smartphone iQOO 15 on October 20 at an event in Shenzhen, China, alongside the iQOO Pad 5e. Ahead of the launch, the company has revealed key details, including the phone’s design and colour options. If leaks are to be believed, the device could arrive in India soon after its China debut. However, the Chinese smartphone maker has already begun teasing the upcoming device, revealing several details ahead of the official launch. One of the biggest highlights is that the iQOO 15 will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, making it among the first smartphones to feature the new flagship processor. iQOO 15 Specifications (Expected) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source As per leaks, the iQOO 15 is expected to feature a 6.85-inch QHD AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness levels of up to 2,600 nits. Under the hood, it may be powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with the Q3 gaming chip for enhanced gaming performance. The device is also rumoured to house a massive 7,000mAh battery with fast charging support. To ensure sustained performance during heavy gaming sessions, the iQOO 15 could include an advanced 8K vapour chamber cooling system. For security, it may come equipped with a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. In terms of durability, the smartphone is said to carry IP68 and IP69 certifications, offering strong protection against dust and water. (Also Read: Flipkart Big Bang Diwali Sale Live: From iPhone 16 Pro To Samsung Galaxy S24 FE; Check Top Smartphone Deals) On the photography front, the iQOO 15 is tipped to feature a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with a large 1/1.5-inch sensor size, along with a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens for impressive optical zoom capabilities. iQOO 15 India Launch Date And Price (Expected) The iQOO 15 is expected to make its India debut between November 15 and 25, 2025, soon after its launch in China. Although the company has not yet announced the official pricing, early leaks suggest that the smartphone could be priced under Rs 59,999. To recall, the iQOO 13 debuted in India at Rs 54,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, suggesting that the upcoming iQOO 15 may adopt a similar pricing approach while offering enhanced features and performance. 

New Delhi: The government on Monday said it has invited applications for three flagship global impact challenges under the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026, offering a total prize pool of Rs 5.85 crore. Announced by Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in September, the challenges seek to identify, nurture, and showcase transformative AI-driven innovations with strong potential for social and economic impact. Applications for all three challenges are now open on the official portal, and the last date for submission is October 31. The three challenges — AI for All: Global Impact Challenge, AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge, and YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge — aim to speed up inclusive, responsible, and scalable AI innovation. These initiatives aim to inspire groundbreaking ideas that can lead to positive societal change and position India as a centre for global AI excellence. Chosen innovations will be displayed at the ;India-AI Impact Summit 2026′, set to take place in New Delhi from February 19-20. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The ‘AI for All: Global Impact Challenge’ is a global call for deployable AI innovations addressing key sectors such as agriculture, climate and sustainability, education, financial inclusion, healthcare, manufacturing, urban infrastructure, and mobility. Up to 10 winners will receive awards worth Rs 2.5 crore in total, along with mentorship, investor connects, compute credits, and post-summit accelerator opportunities. Twenty finalists will also get travel support to attend the summit. The challenge is open globally to students, researchers, working professionals, startups, and companies with AI solutions ready for scale. The ‘AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge’, organised by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog along with other partners, focuses on strengthening the pipeline of women-led AI innovations. It invites women-led teams and entities to propose AI solutions that deliver tangible social impact across domains such as agriculture, cybersecurity, digital wellbeing, healthcare, energy, and climate. The top 10 winners will share prizes worth Rs 2.5 crore, while up to 30 finalists will receive travel support and access to virtual bootcamps on responsible AI. The ‘YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge’ targets young innovators aged 13–21 years, encouraging them to develop AI solutions for the public good. With total prizes worth Rs 85 lakh, the top three winners will receive Rs 15 lakh each, followed by Rs 10 lakh each for the next three winners and Rs 5 lakh each for two special recognition awards. The top 20 participants will get travel support to attend the summit and access to virtual bootcamps and investor showcases.

Dubai: Dubai, a major business hub of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is committed to hosting globally competitive startups in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, including those from South Korea, a senior official from the city’s foundation has said. Saeed Al Falasi, executive director of the Dubai Future Foundation, made the remark during a group interview Sunday at the venue of the annual Expand North Star startup exhibition, which kicked off in Dubai on the day, reports Yonhap news agency. “I think whenever we read about AI and what is happening around the world, South Korea always comes on the map as one of those that are quite innovative in the way that they do (things),” the executive director said. The state-run foundation focuses on bridging authorities with global businesses, including startups, to address future challenges by harnessing cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, the Internet of Things and blockchain. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Al Falasi noted that his foundation has been pushing to promote what it calls a “commercial diplomat,” which focuses on providing state-level support for startups to give them broader access than they could achieve individually. “So we are providing these startups with more things than just a cold call or a connection, and that is why I call it the commercial diplomat,” he said, citing the foundation’s ties with the National Research Foundation of Korea as an example. “When we look at South Korea, we see innovation. We see talent. So the communication and working with that country, specifically, is not stopping,” he said. The foundation, meanwhile, inked a memorandum of understanding with the state-run Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency in September aimed at enhancing exchanges between South Korean startups and UAE government entities, said the report.

Mappls Map: Mappls is an Indian navigation app developed by MapmyIndia, offering features such as voice-guided directions, real-time traffic updates, and hyper-local search. The app is gaining nationwide attention as a strong Swadeshi alternative to Google Maps. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared a video of himself using Mappls, describing it as “a must-try” for Indian users. Meanwhile, Bengaluru now features live traffic signal countdowns on the Mappls app, providing commuters with real-time updates on signal timings directly within the navigation interface. Mappls Features Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The new navigation app promises a more localised, secure, and user-friendly mapping experience. It offers 3D junction views and previews of flyovers, underpasses, and roundabouts, along with real-time driving alerts for speed limits, accident-prone areas, sharp curves, speed breakers, traffic signals, and traffic cameras. Adding further, the app’s 3D junction view ensures users can see real-world road structures, helping prevent accidents or misdirections. Made-In-India Smart Navigation App: Privacy And Security Mappls’ major advantage is that all data stays in India. Unlike many global apps that store information overseas, Mappls keeps your map and personal data within the country, ensuring better privacy. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted that an MoU with Indian Railways is planned to make navigation easier at train stations and on trains across India. Mappls PIN And DigiPIN The app includes Mappls PIN and DigiPIN, digital addressing systems that divide India into a 3.8-meter square sections, making even remote locations easy to locate. If a Mappls PIN isn’t available, the app generates one using the nearest landmark, ensuring accurate addresses nationwide. Mappls is part of a growing list of Indian-made apps, like Zoho’s Arattai, which ministers have praised as ‘Swadeshi alternatives’ to global apps like WhatsApp. Meanwhile, the Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu is praising another homegrown Indian app, and this time it’s not one from his own company. Zoho’s emphasis on end-to-end encryption and data privacy aligns with the same national focus that is boosting Mappls’ popularity. (Also Read: Flipkart Big Bang Diwali Sale Live: From iPhone 16 Pro To Samsung Galaxy S24 FE; Check Top Smartphone Deals) How To Use Mappls Step 1: Download the Mappls app from the App Store, Play Store, or access the web version at mappls.com. Step 2: Enter your destination by typing the address or place name in the search bar. Step 3: Select your destination and tap “Directions” to view the best route. Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to begin your journey with voice-guided directions. 

Flipkart Big Bang Diwali Sale Live: Diwali is around the corner and many e-commerce giants are rolling out exciting smartphone deals. If you missed some of the best offers during Flipkart Big Billion Days, do not worry as this is another chance to grab great smartphones at attractive prices. The lineup includes popular models from Samsung, Google and more. The sale began on October 10 for Flipkart Plus and Black members, while other customers gained access on October 11. Notably, the sale will end on October 24, 2025. During this festive season, the company is offering attractive discounts on popular smartphones including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Motorola Razr 60, Nothing Phone 3, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and many more. Let us take a quick look at the ongoing smartphone discounts. Flipkart Big Bang Diwali Sale: Deals On Smartphones Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The sale is offering great deals on many popular smartphones. The iPhone 16 is priced at Rs 68,900, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs Rs 1,29,900. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available for Rs 99,999. The Nothing Phone 3 is priced at Rs 89,999, and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is available for Rs 27,999. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is listed at Rs 30,999. Motorola also has exciting offers, with the Razr 60 priced at Rs 39,999 and the Edge 60 Fusion 5G available for Rs 20,999. (Also Read: Diwali Sale Scam Alert: How To Protect Yourself From Online Shopping Frauds This Festive Season) Apple Diwali Sale Offers Apple has also announced festive offers on many of its products. The company is giving discounts of up to Rs 10000 on the iPhone 17 series, MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and several other devices. The instant cashback is automatically applied at checkout, making it easy for users to see the savings. This offer is valid on ICICI, Axis, and American Express bank cards. The same offer also applies to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Under the offer, the iPhone 17 series is available with an instant cashback of Rs 5000 through Apple’s official website. For example, the standard iPhone 17 is priced at Rs 82900, which brings down its effective price to Rs 77900 after the discount. 

Diwali Sale Scam Alert: Diwali is just a few days away. It is the festival of lights, happiness, and gifts. As the festive season begins, online shopping websites are flooded with exciting offers and huge discounts. During this time, people love buying new clothes, gadgets, and home items in Diwali sales. However, along with genuine offers, online scams are also on the rise. Many fraudsters use fake websites, links, and apps to steal money and personal details from buyers. Especially during the festive season, it is important to shop wisely and stay alert. Let’s take a quick look at some ways you can avoid getting scammed. Be Careful of Unrealistic Discounts Add Zee News as a Preferred Source If you see a smartphone worth Rs 40,000 being sold for Rs 5,000, it’s likely a scam. Cybercriminals use such fake offers to attract customers. Always check the same product on trusted websites like Amazon, Flipkart, or Croma. If the offer is not listed there, it might be fake. Check the Website’s Authenticity Before entering your personal or bank details, check the website link carefully. Real websites begin with “https://” and have a small lock icon beside the URL. Fake websites may look similar to genuine ones but have small spelling mistakes or unusual links. Instead of clicking on links from WhatsApp, emails, or social media, type the official website name directly in your browser. Protect Your Personal Information Never share your OTP, CVV, or UPI PIN with anyone. Genuine companies or customer care representatives will never ask for such details. Always use trusted payment gateways and avoid sharing screenshots of your transactions with strangers. (Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M17 5G Launched In India With Gemini Live Feature; Check Design, Display, Camera, Price And Other Features) Avoid Downloading Fake Apps During Diwali, scammers often release fake shopping apps that look just like real ones. Before downloading, check the app’s reviews, ratings, and the developer’s name. Only install apps from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Fake apps can steal your personal data or access your bank details. Stay Alert on Social Media Many scammers post fake giveaway contests or lucky draws on Instagram, Facebook, or Telegram. They may ask you to share your bank details or click on a link to “claim your prize.” Never share personal or financial information on such pages. Report and block suspicious accounts immediately. Check Your Bank Statements Regularly Buyers must keep track of their online transactions and bank account. If you see any unknown deduction, contact your bank immediately and block your card. Stay Smart, Stay Safe Diwali should bring joy, not regret. Always double-check before making an online payment and buy only from trusted sources. Being alert can help you avoid scams and make your Diwali safe, secure, and full of light!