Airtel Recharge Plan 2026 Unlimited Calls: Airtel Recharge Plan 2026: In a time when mobile recharges are getting costlier and OTT subscriptions are adding to monthly expenses, the telecom giant Airtel has quietly rolled out a set of evergreen recharge plans that aim to offer real value. These plans not only cover everyday needs like calling, data, and SMS but also unlock access to over 20 OTT apps at an affordable cost. What makes these plans special is that one of them price less than Rs 350, yet still offers access to premium OTT apps. In this article we will guide you through all the Airtel plans for the users who want entertainment along with calling and data benefits without spending too much. Airtel Rs 349 Prepaid Recharge Plan: Validity, Unlimited 5G data Add Zee News as a Preferred Source This Airtel recharge plan comes with a 28-day validity and offers 1.5GB data per day, making it suitable for regular internet use. In addition, users get unlimited 5G data, ensuring faster speeds where 5G is available. The plan also includes unlimited calling across local, STD, and roaming networks, along with 100 SMS per day. (Also Read: boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch launched in India with Bluetooth calling and health feature; Check specs and price) For entertainment lovers, the plan stands out by offering Sony LIV and access to 20+ OTT platforms, including Lionsgate Play, Aha, Chaupal, Hoichoi, and Sun NXT. Adding further, Airtel also provides Adobe Express Premium worth Rs 4,000 and free Apple Music, making this plan a complete package for both connectivity and entertainment. Airtel Rs 838 Prepaid Recharge Plan: Validity, 100 SMS per days This Airtel recharge plan comes with a 56-day validity and offers 3GB of data per day, making it suitable for heavy data users. Along with daily data benefits, subscribers also get unlimited 5G data, unlimited voice calls across local, STD, and roaming networks, and 100 SMS per day. On the entertainment front, the plan includes Amazon Prime Lite and Sony LIV, along with access to more than 20 OTT platforms. Adding further value, Airtel also provides Adobe Express Premium worth Rs 4,000, making this plan a well-rounded option for users seeking both connectivity and entertainment benefits. (Also Read: Google Pixel 10a India Launch: Flipkart availability confirmed after company announced pre-order date; Check expected specs and price) Airtel Rs 979 Prepaid Plan: Validity, Unlimited 5G Data The Rs 979 OTT plan from Airtel offers users 2GB of daily data, along with unlimited 5G data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day. Designed for entertainment enthusiasts, the plan includes Sony LIV and access to over 20 OTT platforms, allowing subscribers to enjoy a wide range of shows and movies. Adding further value, Airtel also provides Adobe Express Premium worth Rs 4,000 with this plan. Combining connectivity and entertainment benefits, this recharge plan offers a comprehensive package for users who want both daily data usage and premium OTT content in one affordable offering.
Phishing, Smishing or Vishing? How online scammers target you through emails, messages and calls | Technology News
Phishing, Smishing And Vishing Difference: Online scams are everywhere, and they are getting smarter by the day. For most people, every online fraud is simply called “phishing.” But the truth is, scammers use different paths to reach their victims. Some hide behind emails, some slip into your phone as text messages, and others speak to you directly through phone calls. These tricks are known as phishing, smishing, and vishing. While the methods may change, the goal never does. Scammers want your personal details, banking information, or login credentials. Knowing how these scams work and how they differ can help you spot danger early and protect yourself from costly mistakes. What is Phishing? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Phishing is the most common type of online scam and usually takes place through emails. Fraudsters send messages that look like they are from trusted organisations such as banks, government departments, e-commerce platforms, or social media companies. These emails often warn users about suspicious activity, account suspension, or pending KYC updates. Victims are asked to click on links or download attachments, which lead to fake websites designed to capture usernames, passwords, card details, or other sensitive data. What is Smishing? Smishing is a form of phishing carried out through SMS or messaging platforms like WhatsApp. These messages are typically short, urgent, and designed to trigger quick action. Common examples include alerts about blocked parcels, expired KYC, unpaid toll charges, or offers of free recharge and cashback. The links shared in such messages redirect users to fraudulent websites that closely resemble official pages. Because people often trust text messages more than emails, smishing scams are growing rapidly. What is Vishing? Vishing, or voice phishing, happens through phone calls. Scammers impersonate bank officials, police officers, courier agents, or customer support executives. They create panic by claiming that an illegal transaction has occurred, an account will be frozen, or a payment has failed. Victims are pressured into sharing OTPs, PINs, or card details over the phone. With caller ID spoofing and leaked data, these calls can sound highly credible. Phishing, Smishing or Vishing: Key differences The key difference between phishing, smishing, and vishing is the medium used to target victims. Phishing scams are carried out through emails that contain fake links or attachments. Smishing scams use SMS or messaging apps like WhatsApp, often sending short and urgent messages with malicious links. Vishing scams happen through phone calls, where fraudsters impersonate bank officials or authorities and pressure victims into sharing sensitive details. While the methods differ, the intent remains the same: stealing personal or financial information. How to stay safe from Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing Pointer 1: Scammers use urgency, fear, and threats to push quick decisions. Always pause and think before responding. Pointer 2: Do not disclose OTPs, PINs, CVV numbers, passwords, or card details over email, messages, or phone calls. Pointer 3: Do not tap links received through unsolicited emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages. Access services only via official apps or websites. Pointer 4: If a message or call claims to be from a bank or company, verify it using official contact details, not the ones shared by the caller. Pointer 5: End calls that ask for personal or financial details. Legitimate organisations never demand such information over the phone. Pointer 6: In case of suspected fraud, report it to 1930 and inform your bank without delay to limit potential losses.
India’s mobile subscribers rise in December 2025; Airtel gains while BSNL, Vodafone Idea lose users
BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone Idea Wireless Subscribers: India’s mobile subscriber base grew in December 2025, but the gains were not evenly shared among telecom operators. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel added the most users, while Vodafone Idea and state-run BSNL continued to lose subscribers, according to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Month-on-month data showed that Bharti Airtel added 5.42 million mobile subscribers during the month, while Reliance Jio gained around 2.96 million users. Both operators saw additions across several service circles. On the other hand, Vodafone Idea lost about 9.4 lakh mobile subscribers in December, extending its recent trend of user losses. BSNL also reported a decline of nearly 2.06 lakh subscribers. Although the public sector operator saw small gains in a few circles, its overall mobile subscriber base continued to shrink, TRAI data showed. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Telecom operators add 7.23 million mobile subscribers Overall, telecom operators added a net 7.23 million mobile subscribers in December. India’s total telephone subscriber base, covering both wireless and wireline connections, rose to 1.306 billion by December 2025. This marked a monthly growth of 0.66 per cent, according to the telecom regulator. The increase was mainly driven by the wireless segment, which continued to bring in most of the new users. Total number of wireless subscribers climb to 1.258 billion The total number of wireless subscribers, including mobile and fixed wireless access services, climbed to 1.258 billion in December, with net additions of 8.21 million users. Wireless tele-density improved to 88.41 per cent during the month. However, there was a wide gap between urban and rural areas, with urban tele-density at 140.66 per cent compared with 59.07 per cent in rural India, TRAI data showed. The wireline segment also posted modest growth during the month. Wireline subscribers increased from 47.05 million in November to 47.37 million in December 2025, marking a monthly growth rate of 0.68 per cent. Urban areas continued to dominate the segment, while rural wireline tele-density remained low, according to the regulator. Broadband Segment: Reaches 1,007.35 Million in December In the broadband segment, total subscribers crossed the one-billion mark, reaching 1,007.35 million at the end of December. Mobile wireless broadband remained the dominant access mode. Fixed wireless access also saw growth, with 5G FWA subscribers increasing 5.59 per cent month on month, underscoring the gradual uptake of next-generation broadband services nationwide. The TRAI report also pointed to sustained churn in the mobile market. In December 2025, approximately 16.12 million subscribers submitted Mobile Number Portability requests. (With ANI Inputs)
Salaried employees to withdraw instant PF via UPI; Check features, limits and launch timeline
EPFO New App Features: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is developing a new mobile application that will allow its 8 crore members to withdraw their EPF balance directly into their bank accounts using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). As per reports, a certain portion of the EPF balance will be frozen, while a large share will be available for withdrawal through the UPI gateway, along with access to other services such as passbook balance details. The move is part of EPFO’s EPFO 3.0 upgrade and aims to make PF access as simple as using a banking app, with an instant, paperless, and fully digital withdrawal process. Currently, salaried employees use either the Universal Account Number (UAN) portal or the UMANG app to access their EPF accounts and related services. EPFO New App: What’s New Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Ministry of Labour and Employment is currently conducting trial runs using 100 dummy accounts to identify and resolve technical issues ahead of the public rollout in April 2026. The new auto-settlement mode processes claims electronically within three days, without any manual intervention. (Also Read: Airtel’s Evergreen Recharge Plans 2026: Unlimited Calls, 5G data, 100 SMS per Day, and 20+ OTT apps; Check prices and other benefits) Under this system, the claim limit has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The initiative aims to simplify the withdrawal process and reduce the workload of EPFO, which handles over 5 crore claims annually, mostly related to EPF withdrawals. Officials said the government wants to bring EPFO services on par with banks. Meanwhile, while the new EPFO app will serve as the primary platform for UPI-based withdrawals, existing services such as the EPFO Unified Member Portal and the UMANG app will continue to operate for other functions. EPFO New App: Features The new facility allows EPFO members to transfer eligible funds to their linked bank accounts almost instantly using their UPI PIN, bypassing the traditional claim process that can take several days. Through the new app, subscribers will be able to view the eligible EPF balance available for transfer to their seeded bank accounts directly within the mobile application. This enables members to access their EPF money within three days for purposes such as illness, education, marriage, and housing. Initial discussions suggest a withdrawal limit of Rs 25,000 per transaction for UPI-based transfers. (Also Read: boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch launched in India with Bluetooth calling and health feature; Check specs and price) The app will clearly show the eligible balance while keeping 25% of the total balance locked for retirement security. This service will be available through a dedicated EPFO app, integrated with the BHIM app and other UPI platforms.
Instagram Instants: Meta’s new app to rival Snapchat’s disappearing photos feature | Reports | Technology News
Instagram new features: Instagram is reportedly building a new app called Instants that aims to rival Snapchat’s disappearing photo feature. According to reports, Instants is currently an internal prototype and is not yet available to the public. It would let users send and receive photos and videos that vanish after being viewed, similar to how Snapchat works. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that the project exists, but it hasn’t been released to users yet. At this stage, Instants is still in development. Inside the Instagram app, Meta is also exploring a new feature with the same name, Instants. This version may allow disappearing photos to be shared within Instagram’s direct messages. Users would be able to send a photo or video that disappears after opening or within a set time, such as 24 hours. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who often finds unreleased features in app code, spotted references to Instants in Instagram’s “Also from Meta” section. This suggests that the company is testing whether disappearing media could work as a separate experience or inside the main app. (Also Read: Google Pixel 10a India Launch: Flipkart availability confirmed after company announced pre-order date; Check expected specs and price) Why is Meta making this move? Meta’s work on Instants highlights its ongoing effort to compete with Snapchat’s core strengths. Instagram has already borrowed several ideas from Snapchat in the past, such as Stories – a feature that shows content for 24 hours, and other ephemeral messaging tools. Instants might be the next step in that strategy if Meta decides to launch it publicly. While Instants could bring more private, friend-focused sharing options, it’s unclear when or if the app will be released outside Meta’s internal testing.
Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G India launch date confirmed; Check expected display. battery, camera, price and other specs | Technology News
Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G India launch date: Chinese smartphone brand Tecno is gearing up to launch the Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G in India on February 13 at 12 pm IST. The new smartphone will succeed the Pova Curve 5G, which debuted in May 2025. It is positioned as an upgrade focused on balancing battery endurance and connectivity with a reduced physical profile. Tecno has confirmed that the phone will feature a Space 2.0 design with futuristic styling. The Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G smartphone will be available in three colour options and sport a slim 7.4mm profile. The device will likely have a curved rear with a matte-textured finish and likely to run on Android 16 out of the box. Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G specifications (Expected) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The upcoming Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G is expected to feature a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Similar to the Pova Curve 5G, the handset will sport a curved screen with narrow bezels, offering a sleek and immersive viewing experience. (Also Read: OPPO K14x launched in India with MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and AI-backed camera features; Check display, battery, price, sale date and other specs) Under the hood, it is likely to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. In terms of design, the smartphone is teased to be 7.4mm slim and weigh around 194 grams, with the power button highlighted in an orange accent. The Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G is tipped to pack a massive 8,000mAh battery and could support 45W wired fast charging. On the camera front, the device is said to feature a triple rear camera setup, with two lenses housed in a horizontal pill-shaped module and a third lens placed below. While Tecno has not officially revealed the camera details, leaks suggest a 50-megapixel primary sensor. The upcoming model is also teased to offer a range of AI features, including AI-powered noise cancellation. (Also Read: Samsung Galaxy F70e 5G launched in India with 6,000mAh battery; Check display, camera, price, sale date and other specs) Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G price (Expected) The Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G is expected to be priced between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 20,000 in India, similar to its predecessor. To recall, the Tecno Pova Curve 5G was launched at Rs. 15,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, while the 8GB RAM model was priced at Rs. 16,999. It is likely to be sold exclusively on Flipkart and through offline retail stores.
boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch launched in India with Bluetooth calling and health feature; Check specs and price | Technology News
boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch Price in India: boAt, a domestic lifestyle and technology brand, has expanded its range of wearable devices in India with the launch of the boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch. The smartwatch offers a mix of health monitoring and fitness tracking, and claims to deliver up to five days of usage on a single charge. The Chrome Iris comes with multiple sports modes and is available in Metal Gold, Rose Pink, Velvet Wine, Silk Skin, and Frosted Sky colour options. boAt Chrome Iris Smartwatch specifications The boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch comes with a 1.32-inch AMOLED display offering 466×466 resolution, Always-On Display, and up to 1,000 nits brightness, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight. It has a slim 8mm metal body that sits comfortably on the wrist, making it suitable for all-day use. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The smartwatch supports Bluetooth calling and includes key health features such as heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep tracking. It also offers multiple sports modes and carries an IP68 rating, which makes it resistant to dust and water. (Also Read: Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G India launch date confirmed; Check expected display. battery, camera, price and other specs) Other smart features include music and camera controls, calculator, games, and weather updates, along with basic tools like a stopwatch, alarm, and timer. The boAt Chrome Iris is backed by a 180mAh battery, claimed to deliver up to five days of battery life with a power-saving mode. As per the company, the smartwatch takes around two hours to fully charge. boAt Chrome Iris Smartwatch Price In India The boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch is priced at Rs 3,499 in India. The wearable device is available for purchase via Amazon, Flipkart, boAt’s official website, and select offline retail stores across the country.
Google Pixel 10a India Launch: Flipkart availability confirmed after company announced pre-order date; Check expected specs and price | Technology News
Google Pixel 10a Pre-Order India Date: US-based tech giant Google has confirmed that its upcoming Pixel 10a smartphone will be available for pre-order in India later this month, following its launch on February 18. Ahead of the launch, Flipkart has gone live with a dedicated microsite, confirming the phone’s availability on the platform. The Google Pixel 10a is expected to carry forward a design similar to its predecessor. It appears to feature a flat metal frame along with Google’s signature pill-shaped rear camera module, which houses dual camera sensors. The upcoming smartphone is expected to be offered in green, red, and black shades, apart from the confirmed blue option. Google Pixel 10a specifications (Expected) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Pixel 10a is rumored to feature a 6.285-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak HDR brightness of up to 2,000 nits. Under the hood, it is expected to come with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB (UFS 3.1). The smartphone could be powered by a 5,100mAh battery that supports both wired fast charging and wireless charging. (Also Read: Tecno Pova Curve 2 5G India launch date confirmed; Check expected display. battery, camera, price and other specs) The phone is likely to run Android 16, with Google promising seven years of OS and security updates. The smartphone is expected to come in Obsidian (black), Fog (white), Lavender, and a new reddish colour option called Berry. On the camera front, leaks suggest a 48MP primary rear sensor with OIS, paired with a 13MP ultra-wide lens, while the front is expected to house a 13MP selfie camera capable of 4K video at 30fps. Meanwhile, one of the biggest design changes is the flat rear camera module, which sits flush with the back panel, replacing the raised “camera bar” seen on previous models. (Also Read: OPPO K14x launched in India with MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and AI-backed camera features; Check display, battery, price, sale date and other specs) Google Pixel 10a price in India (Expected) It is suggested that the Google Pixel 10a could start at around Rs 49,999 for the 8GB RAM with 128GB storage variant in India. The higher-end 8GB RAM model with 256GB storage is expected to be priced at Rs 59,999, giving buyers a choice depending on their storage needs. However, the tech giant Google hasn’t officially revealed the pricing yet. The handset will be sold through both Flipkart and the company’s official online store.
OPPO K14x launched in India with MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and AI-backed camera features; Check display, battery, price, sale date and other specs | Technology News
OPPO K14x Price In India: Chinese smartphone brand OPPO has launched its first K-series smartphone in India, the OPPO K14x. The device runs ColorOS 15 based on Android 15 and comes with an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. The OPPO K14x aims to fit in that space with a large battery, AI-backed camera features, balanced performance, and a premium design. The device is positioned below OPPO’s premium Reno lineup, the K-series focuses on offering practical features at a more affordable price. It is offered in Icy Blue and Prism Violet colour options and two RAM and storage configurations. OPPO K14x specifications Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The smartphone sports a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed peak brightness of 1,125 nits. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which is aimed at delivering stable everyday performance. The new #OPPOK14x is here! Starting from ₹13,499* – that’s just ₹4,500/month* to step into next-level power. The ultimate Endurance Powerhouse, built for real life and packed with #MorePowerLessLag. Pre-order now: https://t.co/lUsErlH44o#OPPOKSeries TnCs Apply pic.twitter.com/snYFW1xbsC — OPPO India (@OPPOIndia) February 10, 2026 The smartphone packs a large 6,500mAh battery with the 45W SuperVOOC charger in the box. For photography, the device features a 50MP primary rear camera paired with a 2MP secondary sensor. OPPO is also focusing on software-led enhancements such as AI Portrait Mode, AI Recompose, and AI Eraser 2.0, along with a Dual-View Video mode that enables simultaneous recording from multiple cameras, making it appealing to younger users and content creators. (Also Read: Valentine’s Day Sale 2026: iPhone 17, 17 Pro Max gets heavy discount; Check display, camera, battery, price and other specs) In terms of connectivity, the OPPO K14x supports 5G (SA/NSA), dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS with GLONASS, and a USB Type-C port. OPPO K14x Price in India, sale date and launch offer Pricing for the OPPO K14x starts at Rs 14,999 for the base model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. The 6GB +128GB variant is priced at Rs 16,999. It’s worth mentioning that the K14x has been launched at a much higher price than its predecessor, the K13x, which debuted at Rs 11,999. (Also Read: India’s First Homegrown ‘Sovereign’ AI Model: How Sarvam AI is beating ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Google Gemini; Check features) Meanwhile, consumers can avail a Rs 1,500 bank discount along with a 3-month no-cost EMI option. The new smartphone is scheduled to go on sale in India on February 16 via Flipkart and the Oppo online store.
Bharat Taxi App Explained: Services available at 10 Delhi Metro stations; Check features, fares and how to book rides | Technology News
Bharat Taxi App Features: To ease travel for Delhi Metro commuters, India’s ride-hailing market may soon welcome a new player, Bharat Taxi. The platform is being positioned as a driver-first alternative to private aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, with a strong focus on transparent fares and better earnings for cab drivers. Bharat Taxi is a government-backed cab service and is expected to launch on January 1, 2026. The app is supported by the Ministry of Cooperation and will be operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited. Notably, the Bharat Taxi app is available on both Android and iOS. Bharat Taxi services have been made available at 10 Metro stations across the NCR. It has been designed to promote cooperative based economic models while ensuring fair and transparent service delivery. Bharat Taxi app: Features and fare structure Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Bharat Taxi is positioning itself as a transparent platform for both drivers and passengers. The app is expected to offer features such as real-time vehicle tracking, ride-sharing with friends and family, and round-the-clock customer support. Driver onboarding will include proper verification, and the service will be linked with local law enforcement agencies to handle emergencies. Drivers will also receive insurance coverage and will be able to earn extra income through advertisements displayed on their vehicles. Fare rates on Bharat Taxi are likely to be competitive with Ola and Uber, but with more predictable pricing. For drivers, the biggest difference is the zero-commission model, which allows them to keep the full fare without paying any platform fees. Notably, the Bharat Taxi’s prices to be up to 30% cheaper than private competitors. Like other ride-hailing apps, Bharat Taxi will integrate with public transport services such as the Metro, enabling users to plan multi-modal journeys through a single app. The platform also plans to introduce dedicated pickup and drop zones at airports, with expansion to other transport hubs in the future. Safety features include emergency contact alerts, access to a safety team, and an in-app siren. Currently, around three lakh drivers have joined Bharat Taxi, over one lakh users are registered on the platform, and more than 10,000 rides are completed daily across Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. Meanwhile, all the drivers undergo a verification process to enhance security for passengers using the service. Bharat Taxi: Available at 10 Delhi Metro stations The government-backed Bharat Taxi will be available at 10 Delhi Metro stations, including New Delhi, Kashmere Gate, Millennium City Centre Gurugram, Botanical Garden, Lajpat Nagar, Vaishali, Hauz Khas, Sikandarpur, Rajiv Chowk and Noida Sector 62. Bharat Taxi App: How to book Step 1: Download the official Bharat Taxi mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Step 2: Open the app and sign up using your mobile number, followed by OTP verification. Step 3: Complete your profile by entering basic personal details. Step 4: During registration, users can mention any disability to ensure better accessibility and comfort. Step 5: Once registered, access the home screen to choose the type of ride you need. Step 6: Book instant city rides, intercity travel, or Metro-linked rides directly through the app.