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. 

Google Warns Android: A new warning has been issued for Android smartphone users. Google recently alerted millions of Android users about a dangerous malware called Arsink Malware. Cybersecurity researchers say this is not a typical virus but a highly dangerous Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that can steal personal information and take complete control of a device once it infects a phone. According to a report by mobile security company Zimperium, Arsink malware is spreading in multiple variants, making it difficult to detect and stop. It often infiltrates phones through apps that appear legitimate and trustworthy, tricking users into installing them. What is Arsink Malware and how it spreads Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Arsink is not a regular virus. It is designed to quietly run in the background and give attackers deep access to an infected phone. Cybersecurity researchers warn that it can read messages, access call logs, steal contacts, record audio using the microphone, and even access files stored on the device. (Also Read: Google Aluminium OS Explained: Launch timeline, features, and what it means for Chromebook existing users) The malware usually spreads outside the Google Play Store. It is commonly shared through Telegram channels, Discord posts, third‑party websites, and suspicious download links. The malware often disguises itself as “Mod” or “Premium” versions of popular apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and TikTok. Users install these apps thinking they are upgrades, unknowingly infecting their phones.  Google response  Google has clarified that no versions of Arsink malware are available on the Play Store. Android devices with Google Play Protect enabled are automatically protected from such harmful apps. Adding further, Google has partnered with researchers to shut down servers and cloud infrastructure linked to this malware, further reducing the threat. (Also Read: AI Impact Summit 2026: 100 Countries, 15 Heads of State, 100+ CEOs to attend; Top global leaders, Check Delhi hotel rates) Arsink Malware: How to stay safe  Pointer 1: Download apps only from the official Google Play Store to avoid malicious software from unknown sources.  Pointer 2: Avoid using ‘Mod’ or ‘Premium’ versions of popular apps, as these are often disguised malware. Pointer 3: Do not click on suspicious links from emails, messages, Telegram channels, or third-party websites. Pointer 4: Check app permissions carefully and avoid apps that ask for unnecessary access to messages, contacts, microphone, or files.  Pointer 5: Keep Google Play Protect enabled to automatically detect and block harmful apps on your device. Pointer 6: Regularly update your Android device to ensure the latest security patches protect you from new threats.

Instagram vs WhatsApp data usage: Instagram and WhatsApp are two of the most popular apps on smartphones today, but have you ever wondered which app consumes more data? These two apps are used for different purposes and their data usage varies widely. Here is a simple explanation that will help you understand their data consumption: Mobile data limits and costs are still important for many users, especially in countries where data packs are expensive or where people rely on limited data plans. Knowing which apps use more data can help users manage their usage better and avoid unexpected charges. Instagram data usage Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Instagram is primarily a visual content-based app that serves images, video feeds, Stories, Reels, and Live content. Because of its media-heavy nature, Instagram consumes significantly more data than apps focused on text or simple messaging. Browsing photos and feed: About 60 MB per hour on average Watching videos or Reels: Around 300-600 MB per hour, depending on quality and length Live streaming or longer videos: Can go up to 600-900 MB per hour if you watch a lot of video content This shows that video-rich activities like Reels and Stories are major data drainers on Instagram. The more video content you consume, the faster your data will be used up. WhatsApp data usage WhatsApp is designed primarily for messaging and voice or video calls, which generally use much less data than browsing videos. Text messages: Only a few kilobytes per message Voice calls: About 1 MB per minute Video calls: Around 5-6 MB per minute, depending on quality and connectivity WhatsApp also downloads media such as photos and videos shared in chats, which can increase overall data usage. However, regular chatting and calls still use far less data than scrolling through video feeds. (Also Read: Instagram login issues: Forgot your password, ID hacked? Here’s a step-by-step guide to log back into the account) Direct comparison: Instagram vs WhatsApp Because of the type of content each app delivers, Instagram generally consumes more data than WhatsApp. If you spend time watching videos, scrolling the Explore page, or viewing Reels, your data usage on Instagram will rise quickly. In contrast, WhatsApp consumes relatively less data when used mainly for text messaging and occasional voice calls. Tips to save mobile data Switch on data saver mode in both apps Disable video autoplay on Instagram Use Wi-Fi for heavy media viewing or uploading Turn off background data refresh when not needed Understanding data usage habits can help you make smarter choices while using different mobile apps.

Google AirDrop Feature: Google is working on a feature that aims to significantly improve cross-platform connectivity and remove one of the biggest frustrations for Android users. The company is planning to make file sharing much easier in 2026 by enhancing its AirDrop-like feature. This update will allow Android phones to share files more smoothly with Apple devices. However, the upcoming update is particularly important for users who frequently switch between Android and Apple ecosystems.   The move is expected to solve a common problem faced by users when sending photos, videos, or documents between Android and Apple platforms, making file sharing faster and simpler. Google is preparing to simplify file sharing between Android and Apple devices in 2026 by expanding its AirDrop-style feature to a wider range of smartphones.  The Mountain View–based tech giant first announced cross-platform file sharing between Android and iOS devices in November 2025 alongside the launch of the Pixel 10. The feature enables Android and iPhone users to share files securely and wirelessly using Quick Share and AirDrop. For many years, Apple’s AirDrop has offered a seamless way to share photos, videos, and documents within the Apple ecosystem. Android users, however, often had to depend on third-party apps, email, or cloud services to send files to iPhones.  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source That gap is now expected to narrow as Google continues to expand support for its Quick Share system, which already allows wireless file sharing between Android devices. With added AirDrop support in Quick Share, users will be able to transfer files between Android phones and iPhones, as well as iPadOS and macOS devices. On the Android side, the feature is currently limited to the Google Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.  How to transfer files, photos, videos from Android to iPhone Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both your Android phone and iPhone, and keep the devices close to each other.   Step 2: Enable Quick Share on Android and make sure AirDrop is switched on on the iPhone.  Step 3: Select the photo, video, or document on your Android phone, tap Share, and choose Quick Share.  Step 4: Tap the iPhone name, approve the request on the iPhone, and the file will transfer wirelessly in seconds. 

Starlink phone service: Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is preparing to expand its fast-growing business into new markets, with a SpaceX initial public offering (IPO) expected this year. According to reports, SpaceX is exploring new services such as a Starlink-powered mobile phone, direct-to-device internet, and space-tracking solutions. Starlink has become a major revenue generator for SpaceX and is central to the company’s future growth strategy. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has built strong momentum through its reusable rocket launches and rapid satellite production. Starlink, its satellite internet service, now operates a network of around 9,500 satellites and serves more than 9 million users worldwide. The service also includes government and military contracts, including Starshield, a defence-focused satellite network. These businesses are helping fund SpaceX’s larger ambitions, including plans to build orbiting data centres as part of its recently announced merger with xAI. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Starlink phone According to reports, SpaceX has long considered developing its own mobile device connected directly to the Starlink satellite network. Such a device could potentially rival traditional smartphones, though details about its design or launch timeline are unclear. Responding to a post on X recently, Elon Musk said a Starlink phone was “not out of the question at some point.” This would be separate from Starlink’s existing partnership with T-Mobile, which aims to provide satellite connectivity directly to regular smartphones on that network. (Also Read: Realme P4 Power 5G goes on sale in India today: Check price, camera, features and massive 10,001mAh battery) Direct-to-device internet SpaceX is also pushing ahead with direct-to-device connectivity. About 650 Starlink satellites currently in orbit are designed specifically for this purpose. The long-term goal is to deliver full cellular coverage across the globe, including areas without traditional mobile networks. This expansion depends heavily on SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which will be able to launch larger and more powerful Starlink satellites. Musk has stated that each future Starship launch could increase Starlink’s network capacity by more than 20 times. New markets The direct-to-device satellite market is still developing, but analysts believe it could be worth billions of dollars in the coming years. SpaceX has already filed trademarks for “Starlink Mobile” and patents aimed at improving satellite connections with small and moving devices. As Starlink continues to grow, it is expected to play a central role in SpaceX’s future business and technological expansion.

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has enabled citizens to report suspected fraud communications through the Chakshu facility under its Sanchar Saathi initiative, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. Based on citizen inputs, 39.43 lakh mobile connections have been disconnected, 2.27 lakh mobile handsets blacklisted, and 1.31 lakh SMS templates blocked to prevent misuse of telecom resources. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said that the Sanchar Saathi initiative is accessible through a dedicated web portal and mobile application. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Chakshu facility allows citizens to report suspected fraud communications across multiple categories, including fake customer care calls, impersonation scams, phishing links, investment frauds, and online job or lottery offers. According to data shared by the Ministry, a total of 7.7 lakh suspected fraud communications have been reported by citizens since the launch of the facility. In 2025 alone, over 5.19 lakh reports were received, with major categories including KYC and payment-related frauds, impersonation of government agencies, and investment and trading scams. The Minister said that the Chakshu facility is meant for reporting suspected fraud attempts where no financial loss has occurred. Cases involving actual financial loss are handled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The DoT uses crowdsourced data from Chakshu for analysis to identify misuse of telecom resources, and actions are taken after due re-verification of mobile users. Details of such actions are made available on the Sanchar Saathi dashboard. To further prevent misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime and financial frauds, the DoT has established the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), a secure online system for bi-directional information sharing among stakeholders. More than 1,200 organisations, including central security agencies, State and Union Territory police forces, banks, telecom service providers, UPI service providers, payment system operators, and WhatsApp, have been onboarded on the platform. Based on information shared through DIP, stakeholders have prevented financial frauds amounting to more than Rs 1,000 crore through transaction declines and alerts issued to citizens. The government also informed that WhatsApp has disengaged 28 lakh profiles/accounts associated with shared mobile numbers.

iPhone’s Liquid Glass: Apple’s new Liquid Glass look makes the iPhone interface feel more modern and fluid. Icons look glossy. Menus feel layered. Background peeks through menus and controls. Some people love this effect. Others find it distracting or a bit heavy on the eyes. The good part is that Apple lets you adjust the Liquid Glass effect. You cannot turn Liquid Glass off completely, but you can tone it down or make it feel smoother. Here is how you can adjust it step by step. How to adjust the glass effect? – Go to Settings. – Tap Display and Brightness. – Then, tap Liquid Glass. – Choose between Clear or Tinted. – Choose clear for maximum transparency. – Choose tinted for reduced transparency. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Following this, an immediate difference can be seen in the Notification Center, Messages search bars, etc. If the ‘Tinted’ effect does not provide you with enough opacity, you can reduce the transparency further.  How to further reduce transparency? – Open Settings. – Tap Accessibility. – Go to Display and Text Size. – Turn on Reduce Transparency. This reduces the see-through glass look. Menus become more solid and easier to read. If that’s still too transparent, you can also increase the contrast. How to increase contrast? – Open Settings. – Tap Accessibility. – Then, tap Display and Text Size. – Turn on increase contrast. This will increase the colour contrast between the app foreground and background colour. Now icons get darker backgrounds, look more solid and their glassy effect is almost gone.