New Delhi: Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Monday highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media that AI is bringing about significant changes at the local level. It supports agriculture, enhances healthcare, and aids in children’s education. Union Minister Vaishnaw gave the example of how AI tools have improved children’s mathematical comprehension in Tonk, Rajasthan, where learning outcomes have increased by almost 100 per cent. The minister added that Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh had also seen similar encouraging outcomes. Union Minister Vaishnaw also declared that in February 2026, India will host the AI Impact Summit. India’s AI efforts will be on display at the event, which has already taken place in London, Seoul, and Paris. In a recent meeting, NITI Aayog presented its findings from a review of AI-related projects being implemented in various districts before the summit. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, also emphasised the enormous potential of AI to strengthen India’s capacity for innovation and growth. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source “AI can play a major role in enhancing productivity. With its effective use, India has the potential to achieve an 8 per cent growth rate and add up to $2 trillion to the economy by 2035,” said B.V.R. Subrahmanyam. He stated that a comprehensive road map will be provided soon and that AI applications will help governance, workforce training, and industries. In response to worries about potential job losses, Subrahmanyam compared AI to the computer revolution and emphasised that it will eventually lead to new opportunities. “AI will open doors to new avenues, just as computers created more jobs rather than reducing them,” he said.

Big Billion Days 2025 Flipkart Date: Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale 2025 kicks off on September 23. The event is going to bring some of the best deals for sure so if you are planning to upgrade your smartphones then this is the perfect time to grab the offer. In this mega sale, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to Google Pixel 10 is reportedly set to see a massive price drop during Flipkart’s upcoming Big Billion Days Sale, making it up to Rs 70,000 cheaper than its India launch price. Notably, the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale will start on September 22 for Flipkart Plus and Black members. Smartphones are the main highlight this year, with big discounts on top models like the iPhone 16, Google Pixel 10, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Flipkart is also adding bank offers, no-cost EMIs, and exchange deals to make the discounts even better. Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale 2025: To Deals On Smartphones Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12GB + 256GB) is currently priced at Rs 81,985, down from its original Rs 1,29,999. However, during Flipkart’s upcoming Big Billion Days Sale, the phone is expected to see a massive price cut—reportedly up to Rs 70,000 cheaper than its launch price. This will mark the first time the flagship, famous for its 200MP camera, will be available for under Rs 60,000. Flipkart’s sale is also bringing huge discounts on other top smartphones. The iPhone 16 (128GB) will be available for just Rs 51,999, while Google’s Pixel 10 will drop from Rs 79,999 to Rs 67,999. For budget-friendly buyers, the Motorola Edge 60 Pro (8GB + 256GB) will be up for grabs at an effective price of Rs 24,999, instead of Rs 29,999. (Also Read: Google Gemini Nano Banana AI Saree Trend: Are Your Photos At Risk? IPS Officer Raises Concern; How Can You Keep Your Photos Safe) Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Specifications It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It comes with S-Pen support, making it ideal for productivity and creativity on the go. The phone is backed by a 5000mAh battery with support for 45W fast wired and wireless charging, ensuring long-lasting performance. On the photography front, it offers a powerful quad rear camera setup with a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 10MP additional lens, along with a 12MP front camera for selfies and video calls. On the software side, it runs One UI 6 based on Android 14, delivering a smooth and modern user experience. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G Price In India: Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 FE 5G in the Indian market. As the latest addition to the flagship S25 Series, the smartphone comes with One UI 8, based on Android 16, along with new Galaxy AI features. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is likely to compete with the OnePlus 13s, Pixel 9a, iPhone 16e, and Vivo X200 FE. The company has promised seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security patches, ensuring long-term reliability for users investing in Samsung’s AI-powered ecosystem—similar to the software support policy for the Galaxy S25. The phone is available in Navy, Jet Black, and White colour options. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G Specifications Add Zee News as a Preferred Source It features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1900 nits of peak brightness. It is powered by the Exynos 2400 processor, built on a 4nm process—the same SoC that powers the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+. The phone sports a premium glass finish with an aluminum frame, measuring 7.4mm in thickness and weighing 190 grams. The smartphone is backed by a 4,900mAh battery. It supports 45W wired fast charging, and with a compatible adapter (sold separately). The company claims it can reach up to 65% charge in just 30 minutes. On the photography front, the Galaxy S25 FE is equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and OIS. (Also Read: Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2025: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16, Motorola Edge 60 Pro, And Google Pixel 10 To Get Massive Discounts; Check Price) Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G AI Features The smartphone is packed with several AI-powered features. With Generative Edit, the phone can detect people in the background of your photos and suggest removing them for a cleaner shot. The Portrait Studio feature lets users create personalized avatars with more natural-looking facial expressions. Adding further, there is also Audio Eraser, which helps remove unwanted sounds from videos by isolating specific audio elements such as voices, music, wind, crowd noise, or background interference. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G Price In India, Availability And Launch Offers The smartphone has been launched at the same starting price as its predecessor. The 8GB RAM with 128GB storage model is priced at Rs 59,999, while the 256GB version costs Rs 65,999. The top-end 512GB variant comes in at Rs 77,999. As part of the launch offers, buyers of the 256GB model will get a free upgrade to the 512GB version. Customers can also avail a Rs 5,000 bank cashback and enjoy no-cost EMI options for up to 24 months. The phone will be available for purchase starting September 29 on Samsung.com, in Samsung Exclusive Stores, at select authorised retail stores, and on various online portals. 

New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence has the power to transform India’s economic growth in the coming decade as it could add up to $1.9 trillion to the country’s economy by 2035, according to a new report by NITI Aayog on Monday. Globally, AI adoption is expected to generate $17–26 trillion in value over the next ten years, as per the report titled ‘AI for Viksit Bharat: Roadmap for Accelerated Economic Growth’. India has the potential to capture 10–15 per cent of this value by making use of its strong STEM talent and research ecosystem. “If AI is fully adopted, India’s GDP could rise to $8.3 trillion by 2035, compared to $6.6 trillion at the current growth pace. AI could help bridge 30–35 per cent of the country’s growth gap,” the report stated. The report highlights banking, manufacturing, and research-heavy industries like pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, aerospace, and semiconductors as key sectors where AI can drive big change. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Generative AI, in particular, could cut research costs, reduce entry barriers in billion-dollar industries, and speed up innovation in fields such as biopharma, auto components, and SpaceTech. To support this shift, the government has launched the IndiaAI Mission with a budget of over Rs 10,000 crore. It will focus on building India-specific large language models, deploying 38,000 GPUs, and setting up AI labs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to spread adoption across the country. However, the report also points out challenges. Many MSMEs still lack access to infrastructure and data. India also faces a shortage of skilled professionals in robotics, chip design, and battery technology. Consent-based data sharing, strong policy frameworks, and reskilling workers will be essential, especially since AI could reshape 35–40 per cent of jobs worldwide. The report calls for urgent collaboration between government, industry, and academia to make India the “data capital of the world” and a hub for frontier technologies. Alongside this, NITI Aayog also launched the ‘Frontier Tech Repository’, which showcases over 200 real-life examples of how frontier technologies are improving lives across India. It will also help states replicate successful solutions and encourage large-scale adoption. NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said India cannot become a developed nation without investing in frontier technologies. “If we have to capitalise on technology, we need to be a step ahead. Spotting trends, creating awareness, and using these technologies will make India future-ready,” he said.

India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan highlighted the importance of indigenous weapons. Even CDS General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi have time and again emphasised the need for having indigenous equipment and vectors. In the Indian startup ecosystem, a quieter revolution is underway—one that places nation-first innovation above consumer-first growth. Startups across the country are building indigenous technologies to power defence, governance, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The government has long been promoting MSMEs to cater to the country’s growing defence needs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cleared the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, a move aimed at speeding up revenue procurement for the armed forces, simplifying processes to support domestic industries, including startups and MSMEs, fostering innovation, and encouraging enterprise. Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also urged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as start-ups to take a more active role in defence research and development. Also Read: Short Wars, Big Outcomes: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Notes Shift in Global Conflict Dynamics Driven By Political Objectives Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Startups and MSMEs are aware of the growing opportunity that India presents. “Some of the startups have dedicated themselves to solving some of India’s toughest domain-specific challenges. From defence simulators and city surveillance to smart classrooms and intelligent dairy systems, startups are not behind in competing with leading global players,” said AS Keshav, founder of Chennai-based KS Smart Solutions. The company has developed AI-powered video management platform  and indigenous flight and vehicle simulators that drastically reduce India’s dependence on costly imports, helping the forces. “The truth is that our problems are unique—our defence requirements, our urban infrastructure, our agriculture and dairy ecosystems, even our manufacturing supply chains. We believe in creating technologies that are born out of India’s context, tailored for India’s realities, and scalable to global markets,” said Keshav. On August 7, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, unveiled the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations, marking a significant step in the country’s approach to modern warfare. The declassified document underscores India’s recognition that future conflicts will be fought as much in the digital realm as on the battlefield. At its heart lies the understanding that cyber threats cut across traditional service boundaries, a lesson reinforced by experiences drawn from recent global conflicts. During Operation Sindoor, India faces thousands of cyberattacks on critical sites and infrastructure. Now, homegrown firms are doing their best to ace this domain as well.  “Cybersecurity today is no longer just about protecting IT systems—it is about protecting nations,” says Nandakishore Harikumar, Founder, Falcon Feeds, a firm which has developed India’s first MCP (Malware Command-and-Control Protocol) server, an AI-powered threat intelligence access platform that enables enterprises and government agencies to detect, analyze, and counter advanced cyber threats in real time.  Also Read: CDS Anil Chauhan Warns of China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Nexus; Flags ‘Debt Diplomacy’ Threat For India “India cannot rely indefinitely on foreign threat intelligence sources when our digital economy, our defence networks, and our government systems are at risk. Our vision is to build a global-standard cyber defence ecosystem rooted in India, so that Bharat can safeguard its digital frontiers with the same confidence it protects its physical borders,” said Harikumar. Startups and MSMEs are now increasingly proving that the future of Indian technology lies not only in consumer convenience but in strengthening the country’s sovereignty, resilience, and operational backbone. As India enters its digital decade, such companies are proving that the next chapter of Indian innovation will not be written only in consumer apps, but in the defence labs, surveillance systems, cyber command centers, and intelligent factories that form the invisible but essential backbone of the nation.

AI for Viksit Bharat: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly and cannot be seen as a static technology. FM Sitharaman stressed that as AI evolves in real time, there is a need to remain cautious and ensure that ethics are not ignored. Speaking at the release of NITI Aayog’s report “AI for Viksit Bharat: The Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth”, FM Sitharaman said regulation must move just as fast as technology. “If the technology is on a sprint, then regulation also has to be on a sprint,” the Finance Minister remarked. The Finance Minister highlighted that the government is holding continuous discussions with Nasscom and other stakeholders in the AI space. FM Sitharaman said the aim is not just to keep pace with global developments but to take a leadership role in shaping AI adoption responsibly. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source “We do not want to be behind, but we also cannot just be at par, we need to have a leadership role, and that’s where the effort of the ministry is going,” the Finance Minister explained. FM Sitharaman explained that regulations must strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring responsible use. “We do not want regulation that literally wipes out technology itself. We want regulations because we want a responsible application,” the Minister added. FM Sitharaman also pointed to initiatives announced in the Union Budget, such as setting up AI centres for education, agriculture, health, and urban spaces. AI, FM Sitharaman said, must be used to provide solutions for better cities and improved living conditions. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, Artificial Intelligence and related matters have gained significant momentum, with @NITIAayog moving strongly forward. I appreciate NITI Aayog’s efforts to not only act as a repository- collecting and maintaining… pic.twitter.com/SBGVilCYGQ — Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) September 15, 2025 The finance ministry is also working with the Reserve Bank of India, which is developing a sandbox for testing various AI-based applications. At the same time, FM Sitharaman cautioned that AI brings challenges, including its potential impact on jobs and society at large. “While AI can be a powerful tool for progress, it must be managed carefully to ensure India’s demographic dividend is not negatively affected,” the Finance Minister added. “Regulation has to run this race equally as much as technology is running it,” the minister reiterated, underlining the need for responsible growth of AI in India’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Google Gemini Trend: Google’s Nano Banana AI 3D figurine trend has recently taken social media by storm. If you’ve been scrolling lately, chances are you’ve either tried Nano Banana yourself on Google Gemini or at least stumbled upon the viral vintage saree AI edits dominating feeds. On Instagram, users are transforming ordinary photos into 3D figurines and dramatic 90s Bollywood-style portraits, fueling the Gemini Nano Banana AI Saree trend. Notably, the tech giant has launched the Gemini Nano Banana AI tool last month. However, the trend has sparked fresh warnings about privacy and security risks linked to uploading personal images online. Google Gemini Nano Banana AI Saree Trend: Are Your Photos Safe? Tech giants like Google and OpenAI say that images made with Gemini include an invisible watermark called SynthID, along with metadata tags, to show they are AI-generated. According to Google’s AI Studio, every image created or edited with Gemini 2.5 Flash Image carries this hidden watermark to ensure transparency and trust. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source While Google calls this a safeguard, the tool to detect SynthID is not available to the public. Experts also point out that watermarks alone are not enough to guarantee authenticity. Although invisible, SynthID can confirm if AI was used in making or editing an image—when checked with special detection tools. This system allows platforms and professionals to trace the origin of images. But since detection tools are not public, most everyday users cannot verify the watermark themselves. In India, Indian Police Service officer VC Sajjanar issued an advisory on X (formerly twitter), warning users to be careful with trending topics online. He highlighted that getting caught up in the Nano Banana craze could be risky, as sharing personal information on the internet can lead to scams. A single click could allow criminals to access funds from your bank accounts. (Also Read: Nano Banana AI 3D Figurine Trend: From Vintage Saree To Retro-Style Photo; Try 10 Viral Pro Prompts To Explore On Google Gemini For Free) Google Gemini Nano Banana AI Saree Trend: How To Keep Your Photos Safe? Pointer 1: Be selective about the images you upload and avoid sharing photos that contain sensitive personal information or reveal private details about your life. Pointer 2: Remove potentially revealing metadata, such as GPS location tags and device details, from your pictures before uploading them to any online service. Pointer 3: Review and configure the privacy settings on your social media accounts and photo-sharing platforms to strictly limit who has permission to see your content. Pointer 4: Always keep secure, offline copies of your original images, which can serve as a baseline to identify any unauthorized edits, changes, or misuse. Pointer 5: Carefully read the terms and conditions of any platform you use to understand if you are granting it rights to your images or allowing them to be used for training AI systems. 

Oppo F31 5G Series Price In India: Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo has expanded its lineup in India with the launch of the F31 5G series. Positioned in the mid-range segment, these smartphones highlight durability with three IP ratings and an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame. The Oppo F31 5G lineup includes the F31 Pro+, F31 Pro, and F31. Each smartphones in the lineup equipped with reinforced frames, tougher glass, enhanced cooling systems, and reliable connectivity designed to suit Indian conditions. The company claims that the new F31 5G series is built to withstand extreme heat of up to 43 degrees Celsius, making it especially suitable for Indian users such as shopkeepers and delivery professionals who rely on their phones throughout the day. The smartphones run on ColorOS 15, based on Android 15, and come with the assurance of two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. Oppo F31 5G Price In India And Availability Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The price of the Oppo F31 5G in India starts at Rs. 22,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, while the 256GB storage option, with the same RAM, will cost Rs. 24,999. The company will offer the handset in Midnight Blue, Cloud Green, and Bloom Red colour options. The standard Oppo F31 5G will be available starting September 27 through OPPO e-store, ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and select retail stores. Oppo F31 Pro 5G Price In India And Availability The Oppo F31 Pro 5G has been priced in India at Rs. 26,999 for the base model with 8GB RAM + 128GB storage. The higher-end options with 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM and 256GB storage will cost Rs. 28,999 and Rs. 30,999, respectively. It will be available in Desert Gold and Space Grey colour options. The device will be available starting September 19 through OPPO e-store, ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and select retail stores Oppo F31 Pro+ 5G Price In India And Availability Oppo F31 Pro+ 5G will start at Rs. 32,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option, while the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage option will be sold at Rs. 34,999. It will be available in three colour options – Gemstone Blue, Himalayan White, and Festive Pink. It will be available for purchase starting September 19, across OPPO e-store, ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and select retail stores. Oppo F31 5G Specifications The Phone features a 6.5-inch ultra-slim flat AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and vibrant viewing experience. Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, ensuring efficient performance for everyday tasks and gaming. In terms of cameras, it sports a dual rear setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary lens, along with a 16MP front camera for selfies. It is powered by a massive 7000mAh battery, designed to deliver long-lasting usage. (Also Read: iOS 26 Release Date And Time In India: From Liquid Glass Design To AI Upgrade; Check Features, Compatible iPhone Models And How To Install) OPPO F31 Pro 5G Specifications The device sports a 6.5-inch ultra-slim flat AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive viewing experience. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor, ensuring reliable performance and efficiency. The smartphone houses a massive 7000mAh battery for extended usage without frequent charging. On the camera front, it features a dual rear setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary lens, while selfies and video calls are handled by a high-resolution 32MP front camera. OPPO F31 Pro Plus 5G Specifications It comes with a 6.8-inch ultra-slim flat AMOLED display offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for an enhanced visual experience. Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, delivering strong performance and efficiency. The device packs a massive 7000mAh battery to ensure long-lasting power. In terms of optics, the smartphone features a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary lens and a 2MP secondary sensor, while the front houses a 32MP camera for high-quality selfies and video calls. 

Elon Musk’s Starlink: Thousands of users of Starlink on Monday experienced internet issues and total outage as billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite internet service is down yet again. According to outage-tracking website Downdetector, there were nearly 50,000 outage reports by 10:01 a.m. “Starlink is currently experiencing a service outage. Our team is investigating,” the company said on its website. However, it did not provide any reasons for the outage. Downdetector reported that 59 per cent of users experienced internet issues, while 40 per cent faced a total blackout, with 1 per cent facing poor reception. The issue affected customers majorly across the US, including Virginia, Louisiana, Indiana, and Washington state. Some users in Colombia also reported losing connectivity. Some said the service was down for several minutes, and others noted outages lasting more than 20 minutes. While Musk is yet to share a comment, users took to his social media platform X to complain of the outage. “Starlink is down again. These outages are getting more frequent,” wrote a user. “Another Starlink outage AGAIN…. Thought it was mine. Now I see everybody getting problems too,” added another user. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Earlier in July, the internet satellite service faced a global outage for nearly three hours. On Thursday night, Starlink’s satellite internet service experienced an outage affecting many users worldwide. The issue affected customers across multiple continents, with outage tracking sites showing spikes in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. In a post on X, Musk apologised “for the disruption,” and ensured that it “doesn’t happen again”. Starlink provides internet through a network of satellites orbiting Earth. The company currently operates the world’s largest constellation of satellites, with more than 6,750 in orbit. It has a presence in 150 countries, including India. Meanwhile, Starlink has already secured the necessary clearances from Indian authorities and been allotted trial bandwidth. The company has also finalised 17 locations for ground stations, which will connect its low-earth orbit satellites with terrestrial fibre and data networks. The launch is expected by the end of 2025.

New Delhi: India’s smartphone exports have crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in value in the first five months of FY26, setting a new record, according to industry estimates. Even amid tariff and trade disputes with the US, India’s smartphone export figure represented a 55 per cent increase — from Rs 64,500 crore during the same period last fiscal (FY25). Tech giant Apple’s contract manufacturers, Tata Electronics and Foxconn, made up nearly 75 per cent of outbound shipments, contributing over Rs 75,000 crore worth of exports, as per industry sources. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme incentivised the US tech giant to move its manufacturing capabilities into India. Apple Increases Production In Karnataka Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Apple has increased production in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, leveraging the PLI scheme while remaining insulated from potential tariff escalations. The iPhone maker has also dedicated most of its export capacity in the country to supply the US market so far in 2025. India’s Share Of US Smartphones India’s iPhone shipments to the US have increased significantly, with 78 per cent of domestically assembled iPhones exported there in the first half of 2025 — up from 53 per cent the previous year. India’s share of US smartphone imports increased to 44 per cent this year, while China’s share fell to 25 per cent, down from 61 per cent in mid-2024. The total volume of “Made-in-India” smartphones grew over 240 per cent YoY. Alongside China and Vietnam, India is now a major player in global electronics manufacturing, with companies shifting production to diversify supply chains. Samsung and Motorola Increase US Targeted Supply Samsung and Motorola have also increased their share of US-targeted supply from India, although their shifts are significantly slower and smaller in scale than Apple’s. Motorola, similar to Apple, has its core manufacturing hub in China, whereas Samsung relies mainly on producing its smartphones in Vietnam. India now has 300 mobile manufacturing units, up from two in 2014. In FY14, 26 per cent of mobile phones sold in India were locally made, which has surged to 99.2 per cent being manufactured domestically, according to government data.