Vivo V50 Price In India: Chinese smartphone brand Vivo has launched the Vivo V50 smartphone in India. The new smartphone V50 succeeds the Vivo V40 series launched last year. The Vivo V50 is offered in three storage variants:  8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB storage model. The device also comes with AI-powered features and runs on Android 15-based FunTouchOS 15 out of the box. The smartphone is offered in three colour options: Rose Red, Starry Blue, and Titanium Grey.  The Vivo V50 smartphone is claimed to have IP68+IP69 ratings for dust and splash resistance. It is touted to be the slimmest smartphone in the segment, featuring ZEISS-tuned camera. The phone is equipped with several AI features Circle to Search, Transcript Assist, Live Call Translation and more.   When craftsmanship meets elegance, the vivo V50 is born—in Rose Red and Starry Night. An experience awaits. Pre-book now!https://t.co/q44clUx0Sz#vivoV50 #ZEISSPortraitSoPro pic.twitter.com/bky11eeR0Q — vivo India (@Vivo_India) February 17, 2025 Vivo V50 Pre-Booking And Availability The handset is available for pre-booking from today. It will be available for purchase in the country via Flipkart, Amazon and the Vivo India e-store starting February 25.  Vivo V50 Price In India And Launch Offers The Vivo V50 comes in three variants. The base model features 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, priced at Rs 34,999. Other options include an 8GB + 256GB variant for Rs 36,999 and a 12GB + 512GB model for Rs 40,999. As part of the launch offers, buyers can avail a flat Rs 2,000 instant discount on HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI Bank credit card transactions. Adding further, the smartphone is available with up to 6 months of no-cost EMI options. Moreover, the buyers will receive a 1-year free extended warranty on the Vivo V50. Additionally, the Vivo TWS 3e can be purchased for just Rs 1,499 when bundled with the smartphone. Customers can also opt for up to 70 per cent assured buyback by paying Rs 499.  Vivo V50 Specifications: The handset features a 6.77-inch full-HD+ quad-curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,392 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 4,500 nits of peak local brightness, offering a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC, ensuring smooth performance. The phone is powered by a 6,000mAh battery with 90W wired fast charging ensures extended usage with quick recharge times. For photography, the rear setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS (f/1.88 aperture) and a 50MP ultrawide shooter (f/2.0 aperture). The 50MP front camera (f/2.0 aperture) is designed for high-quality selfies and video calls, enhanced by AI Facial Contouring Technology to refine facial proportions.  The phone also features the Wedding Portrait Studio feature, offering five unique film tones—Cold Film, Sunshine, Collection of Lost Pieces, Vivid, and Wedding—to enhance wedding photography. Other features include an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, dual 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, OTG, and USB 3.2 Type-C for seamless connectivity. Vivo V50 AI Features The Vivo V50 comes with AI-powered tools to enhance user experience. Live Call Translation provides real-time speech-to-text translation during calls, while AI Transcript Assist converts audio recordings into text.  The AI Screen Translation feature translates on-screen text instantly, and Circle to Search allows users to perform visual searches on Google with simple gestures.

The Kolkata Book Fair 2025, one of the most prestigious literary events in India, witnessed the active participation of PC Chandra Group, which once again celebrated its long-standing association with the fair. This year, the brand embraced the spirit of Bengal with a uniquely themed stall that paid homage to Bengali heritage and traditions. The PC Chandra stall was officially inaugurated by Shri A.K. Chandra, MD of PC Chandra Group, alongside Shri Suvro Chandra, Joint MD of PC Chandra Jewellers, Shri Amitava Chandra, Deputy MD of PC Chandra Jewellers, and Shri Prosenjit Chandra, Director of PC Chandra Jewellers. Their presence underscored the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Bengali culture and literature. One of the key highlights of PC Chandra’s participation was the book launch of Bangla O Bangali by eminent author Shri Santanu Basu. The book offers a comprehensive portrayal of Bengal’s history, culture, and evolution over the decades. The launch event was graced by Shri Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, and Shri Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey, Honorary General Secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, further adding to the occasion’s significance. Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson from PC Chandra Group expressed their pride in being part of the Kolkata Book Fair once again. “Our stall was dedicated to Bengal and Bengalis at large. It was an honour to participate in this prestigious event and celebrate our rich cultural heritage,” they stated. The event attracted widespread media attention, with leading publications covering PC Chandra Group’s participation, the importance of their theme, and their contribution to the celebration of Bengali identity. Their presence at the Kolkata Book Fair 2025 reaffirmed their commitment to fostering literary and cultural appreciation in Bengal.

WhatsApp Chat Themes Feature: WhatsApp is introducing new customization features, allowing users to personalize their chats with multiple themes and background options on both Android and iOS. With the new Chat Theme feature, users can easily change the colour of chat bubbles and backgrounds, enhancing their messaging experience. To make customization even more seamless, WhatsApp offers pre-set themes along with the flexibility to mix and match colours according to personal preferences. While this feature is new to WhatsApp, it is not entirely unique—Instagram, another Meta-owned platform, already provides chat themes. However, Instagram offers only a limited set of pre-set themes that users can switch based on their mood or preferences. The new feature allows users to customize themes for individual chats. This can be done by opening a chat, tapping on the three-dot menu, and selecting Chat Theme to apply a different look for each conversation. Adding further, WhatsApp has introduced 30 new chat wallpaper options, along with the ability to upload custom images from the gallery. However, it is important to note that chat themes and wallpapers will only be visible to the user who applies them, and not to the recipient. Notably, WhatsApp has confirmed that the feature is gradually rolling out and will be available worldwide in the coming weeks. To access these latest updates, users should ensure their WhatsApp app is updated to the latest version. WhatsApp Chat Themes: How To Change  Step 1: Open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone and navigate to the Settings menu.  Step 2: In the Settings menu, tap on Chats to explore customization options. Step 3: Select Chat Theme and choose a theme that you want to apply to all chats. Step 4: To set different themes for specific chats, open the chat, tap on the contact’s name, then tap the three-dot menu and select Chat Theme.  Step 5: Choose your preferred theme for the chat, confirm the selection, and enjoy your customized WhatsApp experience. 

Guru Diksha is a significant step in a seeker’s spiritual journey, providing a structured path for self-awareness, discipline, and meditation. In this conversation, Jagadguru Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi shares insights on the importance of Guru Diksha, its practical benefits, and how seekers can integrate it into their daily lives. According to Jagadguru Sai Maa, Guru Diksha is not just a ceremonial initiation but a process of spiritual alignment. It offers a clear direction in one’s practice, helping individuals focus and reflect on their growth. The teachings and the mantra provided during Diksha act as a constant source of guidance, strengthening one’s ability to navigate life with clarity and purpose. The discipline that follows ensures that seekers develop a deep connection with their inner selves. One of the key aspects of Guru Diksha is its impact on mental and emotional well-being. Consistent spiritual practice, whether through mantra meditation or self-reflection, helps in cultivating mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience. It allows individuals to detach from negative patterns and approach life with a renewed sense of purpose. Over time, this leads to reduced stress, improved focus, and personal growth. Sai Maa emphasizes that transformation occurs not through mere belief but through consistent effort and practice. Many seekers struggle with consistency in their spiritual journey. To overcome this, Jagadguru Sai Maa advises integrating spiritual practices into daily routines in a natural and practical way. Whether through short meditation sessions, mindful breathing, or reflective moments, these small efforts help create a balanced and fulfilling spiritual discipline. The goal is not to see spirituality as a separate activity but as something that enriches everyday life. In today’s world, where many individuals explore different spiritual traditions, Jagadguru Sai Maa suggests honoring past learnings while fully committing to the present path. Spirituality is a continuous journey, and growth comes from understanding oneself with sincerity and focus. Having a clear direction and a disciplined practice ensures that seekers do not feel lost in their pursuit. For those beginning their spiritual journey, patience and consistency are key. According to Jagadguru Sai Maa, real progress does not happen overnight. It requires commitment, an open mind, and self-discipline. Whether through meditation, introspection, or learning from a mentor, the journey should be approached with sincerity and dedication. When one embraces this process fully, the transformative effects of Guru Diksha can lead to profound inner wisdom and self-discovery.

Customer Experiences In SaaS: Technology is growing fast nowadays, and it is making life easier for businesses and customers. In the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart data are helping companies to improve the way they serve their customers. In the past, businesses would only help customers after they faced a problem. If a customer had an issue, they had to contact the company and wait for a solution. This process was slow and frustrating. Now, AI has changed this. AI does not wait for problems to occur but helps companies predict what their customers might want. For example, it can study a customer’s usage patterns and suggest solutions before a customer even knows he needs help. This makes the service faster and more efficient. Delivering Personalized Experience for Each Customer AI also enables companies to understand each customer much more. It gathers and analyses information on how a consumer makes use of a good or service. Businesses can utilized this information to provide individualized help and recommendations.  For example, if a customer frequently uses some features of software, AI can suggest tips to improve their experience. If a customer faces common issues, AI can guide them to solutions automatically. This makes customers feel valued and improves their overall experience. Smart Data For Real-Time Insights Another very important tool is smart data. It ensures that businesses trace customer behaviour at any given point in time. This means businesses can see when their customers use their services to make quick, positive changes within the experience created. If most of the users are complaining about a feature, smart data notifies the company. The company can then address the problem before more customers face the same problem. This makes the service more reliable and user-friendly. Building Stronger Relationships AI and smart data help businesses not only improve their service but also build good and meaningful relationships with customers. If a company knows its customers’ needs and offers quick, helpful service, the customer feels a better connection with the brand. That is the initial stage of trust and long-term loyalty. In the fast-evolving digital world, artificial intelligence and smart data are reshaping customer engagement in the SaaS industry. Prashant Sinha, Founder & CEO of BiUP.ai, highlighted how these technologies enhance user experiences and drive business growth. In an email interaction, he shared insights on AI-driven personalization, predictive analytics, and automation, emphasizing their role in transforming customer relationships and boosting efficiency in the SaaS ecosystem.  “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart data is changing how businesses handle customer experiences in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. AI helps companies move from just reacting to customer needs to predict them, offering personalized interactions, and providing smooth services that boost satisfaction and loyalty”. Adding further, he stated that “Smart data plays a key role in analyzing customer behaviour and preferences in real-time. This helps businesses offer proactive support, tailored solutions, and unique experiences that appeal to each customer. By improving efficiency and service quality, AI and data-driven strategies not only streamline operations but also create stronger, more meaningful connections between businesses and their clients.” Furthermore, as we look ahead, we are committed to fully unlocking the potential of these technologies, ensuring that customer experiences are not only efficient but also intuitive, innovative, and truly enjoyable.” The Future of Customer Experience in SaaS AI and smart data will continue to grow and improve in the coming years. Businesses will find even better ways to serve their customers. The goal is to make services faster, easier, and more enjoyable for everyone. These companies will stand out as they adopt AI and smart data. They will be able to engage with clients more deeply in addition to providing superior service. Making technology smarter for the benefit of customers and making their experiences smooth and hassle-free is the goal of SaaS in the future.

Redmi Note 14 5G New Colour Variant: Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi announced the new colour variant for the Redmi Note 14 5G in the India market. The company has introduced a new Ivy Green colour variant for the Redmi Note 14 5G.  This latest addition brings a fresh and stylish look to the popular Redmi Note 14 5G series, offering consumers a new way to express their personality through their smartphone. Notably, the phone was originally launched in December in Titan Black, Phantom Purple, and Mystique Purple colours. The Redmi Note 14 5G is powered by Xiaomi’s AI computational photography, features like AI Bokeh and Dynamic Shots enhance every image. The new smartphone is offered in 6GB + 128GB, 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB storage variant. Moreover, the phone runs Android 14-based HyperOS custom skin. The company is promising two OS updates and four years of security patches.    Redmi Note 14 5G India Price And Bank Offers The smartphone is available in three variants: 6GB + 128GB for Rs 18,999, 8GB + 128GB for Rs 19,999, and 8GB + 256GB for Rs 21,999. Adding further, customers can avail an instant discount of Rs 1,000 when making payments using ICICI, HDFC, SBI, or J&K Bank credit or debit cards.  After applying the disount, the new colour variant is available at a starting price of Rs 17,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant, Rs 18,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant, and Rs 20,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant.    Notably, consumers can also avail an instant discount of INR 1000 with ICICI, HDFC, J&K Bank, & SBI Credit and Debit cards. Redmi Note 14 5G Specifications It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2100 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, SGS Eye Protection, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and TÜV Rheinland certification for a comfortable viewing experience.  The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra chipset, paired with an IMG BXM-8-256 GPU for smooth graphics performance.  It is backed by a 5,110mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. For photography, the phone sports a 50MP OIS camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. For selfies and video chats, there is a 20MP shooter at the front.  For connectivity, the phone supports 5G, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. Additional features include an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio certification for an immersive experience. 

Johnson & Johnson has launched its TECNIS PureSee,  a refractive intraocular lens (IOL) for individuals with presbyopia is now available in India. “The TECNIS *PureSee IOL features a purely refractive design that delivers uninterrupted, high-quality, vision with high best-in-category contrast and low-light performance, comparable to a monofocal IOL,” a release by the company said.   “Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed globally, with 28 million procedures each year. But only 10-15% of patients are getting advanced optical IOLs specifically designed for addressing issues of astigmatism and presbyopia”, said Burzin Shahana, Country Manager, Surgical Vision India & South Asia, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. “We’re proud to launch the TECNIS PureSee IOL, giving surgeons and a growing number of patients in India the choice of a premium IOL that combines clarity of vision and reduced visual symptoms.”   With its purely refractive design, the TECNIS PureSee IOL ensures surgeons’ ease of use in providing high tolerance to refractive error. The TECNIS PureSee IOL offers important benefits, including uninterrupted high-quality vision, with excellent distance and intermediate vision, as well as functional near vision for increased spectacle independence. A dysphotopsia profile that is comparable to monofocal IOL in frequency, bothersome and difficulty levels, which means little to no visual symptoms, such as halos, glares, and starbursts.

New Delhi: In order to further strengthen consumer protection, the government has warned telecom services providers of fine up to Rs 10 lakh over failure to implement revised regulations dealing with unsolicited commercial Communication (UCC) and SMSes.  The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced amendments to the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018 that aim to deal with evolving methods of misuse of telecom resource and promote a more transparent commercial communication ecosystem for consumers. “A financial disincentive (FD) of Rs 2 lakh for first instance of violation, Rs 5 lakh for second instance of violation and Rs 10 lakh per instance for subsequent instances of violation, shall be imposed on access providers in case of misreporting of the count of UCC,” said TRAI. These FDs shall be imposed separately for registered and unregistered senders. Moreover, these FDs will be in addition to the FD imposed on access providers against invalid closure of complaints, and not fulfilling their obligations in respect of registration of Message Headers and Content Templates, said the telecom regulator. The amendments aim that the legitimate commercial communication occur through registered entities, based on the preference and consent of the customers, thereby, balancing the interests of consumers with the need for supporting legitimate economic activities in the country, according to the Ministry of Telecommunications. Consumers will now be able to make complaint against spam (UCC) calls and messages sent by unregistered senders without the need of first registering their preferences for blocking or receiving commercial communications. “To make the complaint process simpler and more effective, it has been mandated that if a complaint made by a customer contains bare minimum essential data such as number of the complainant, number of Sender from which the Spam/UCC has been received, date on which spam is received and a brief about the UCC Voice Call/Message, the complaint shall be treated as a valid complaint,” according to revised norms. Further, a customer can now make a complaint about spam/ UCC within 7 days of receiving spam as compared to earlier 3-day time limit. “Time limit for taking action by the access providers against the UCC from unregistered senders has been reduced from 30 days to5 days. To ensure prompt action against the senders of UCC, the criterion for taking action against them has been revised and made more stringent,” said TRAI.  As compared to earlier criterion of ‘having 10 complaints against the sender in last 7 days’ to trigger action, it has been modified to “having 5 complaints against the sender in last 10 days’.  This would enable faster action and at the same time, covering more number of spammers, according to the regulator. The revised regulations will enable TRAI in safeguarding consumer interests while promoting a more secure and trusted digital communication environment.

In the fast-paced world of IT, where innovation and productivity are critical, a growing challenge is quietly undermining the industry’s workforce: silent resignation. This phenomenon, where employees mentally disengage while physically remaining at their jobs, is becoming alarmingly common. A recent study by AceNgage highlights that 68% of IT professionals in India report being disengaged at work, threatening the sector’s ability to maintain its competitive edge. Unlike active resignations, silent resignation is harder to detect but equally detrimental, eroding team morale and organizational success from within. Understanding Silent Resignation Silent resignation doesn’t involve formal resignations or job changes. Instead, it reflects a withdrawal from organizational goals and values, characterized by a lack of enthusiasm, reduced productivity, and minimal effort. “Disengaged employees are not actively vocal but cause significant damage through low morale and reduced collaboration,” explains Krish Hanumanthu, Founder of AceNgage.“Our research shows that disengaged employees can negatively impact team performance by up to 30%.” This subtle but pervasive trend is often driven by unmet expectations, lack of recognition, and poor work-life balance, particularly in a high-pressure sector like IT. The Role of Workplace Culture and Leadership According to AceNgage’s 2024 Exit Data, 40% of employees who left their IT jobs cited poor workplace culture and inadequate leadership as key factors for disengagement. Ashana K., Co-Founder of AceNgage, emphasizes, “Silent resignation is a symptom of systemic issues. Leadership must focus on listening to employees and addressing their pain points proactively.” HR professionals highlight that remote work has exacerbated the issue. While flexible models provide autonomy, they often lead to isolation and reduced connection with organizational culture. Preeti Sharma, Senior HR Manager at a Bangalore-based IT firm, adds, “In a remote setting, it’s challenging to spot disengagement early. Managers need to be trained to recognize subtle behavioral changes.” The Cost of Disengagement The financial implications of silent resignation are substantial. A Gallup study cited by AceNgage reveals that disengaged employees cost organizations approximately 18% of their annual salary in lost productivity. For India’s IT industry, which employs over 4.5 million professionals, the cumulative impact could reach billions of dollars annually. Moreover, disengagement impacts innovation, a cornerstone of the IT sector. Companies reliant on creative problem-solving and collaborative teamwork find it difficult to sustain momentum when employees are merely going through the motions. Engaging the Disengaged: Solutions for Silent Resignation To counter silent resignation, organizations must prioritize employee engagement. AceNgage’s Candidate Engagement Program data highlights that consistent communication and personalized feedback during onboarding can improve long-term engagement by 35%. Head HR at IT startup revamped our onboarding process based on AceNgage’s insights, focusing on mentorship and early recognition. The results were remarkable increase in engagement scores within the first six months. Companies like Infosys and Wipro have also invested in tools that foster engagement, such as gamified platforms and regular pulse surveys. AceNgage’s AceBot, an chat-powered feedback tool, has been instrumental in identifying early signs of disengagement and addressing them proactively. The Generational Divide Silent resignation is particularly prevalent among younger employees. AceNgage’s data shows that 60% of disengaged employees in IT are millennials or Gen Z workers. These generations value meaningful work, flexibility, and continuous learning elements often missing in traditional corporate setups. “Organizations must shift from a transactional approach to a more empathetic one,” says Krish Hanumanthu. “Gen Z employees want to feel heard and valued. Listening programs and peer-led initiatives can make a significant difference.” Technology as an Enabler Technology offers both challenges and solutions in combating silent resignation. While remote work technologies can lead to isolation, platforms like AceBot provide real-time feedback and insights into employee sentiment. Silent resignation poses a serious threat to employee engagement in India’s IT sector, but it is not insurmountable. By fostering a culture of empathy, leveraging technology, and addressing systemic workplace issues, organizations can re-engage their workforce and prevent productivity losses. As the IT sector continues to evolve, remote hiring is no longer a stopgap solution but a forward-thinking strategy. By leveraging technology, enhancing candidate engagement, and addressing onboarding challenges, companies can stay competitive in the global talent market. The key lies in adaptability, as organizations must refine their recruitment models to meet the changing demands of the modern workforce. AceNgage’s insights underscore the critical role of listening to employee feedback and investing in engagement strategies. With the right approach, remote hiring could indeed be the future of IT recruitment, bridging the gap between opportunity and talent in an increasingly digital world.