New Delhi: India is set to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, reinforcing its commitment to democratising Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the public good, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday. This landmark event aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making technology accessible to all and leveraging AI to tackle real-world challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, and governance, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told the Lok Sabha. The IndiaAI mission, which prioritises accountability, safety, equity, and the defence of privacy and human rights, is at the core of India’s AI strategy. According to the statement, one of the main highlights is the creation of native Large and Small Language Models using Indian datasets. Currently, startups such as Sarvam AI, Soket AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI are developing foundational models that are suited to the linguistic and cultural diversity of India. According to the statement, these models will be open-source, allowing other startups to create locally tailored applications. According to Minister Vaishnaw, to support scalable innovation, the government is also enhancing AI compute capacity by ensuring GPU infrastructure access and expanding the AIKosh Datasets Platform, which currently hosts over 1,000 datasets and 208 AI models, including Text-to-Speech tools in Indian languages. Additionally, the mission is funding 30 AI-based applications addressing public interest areas like health, climate, and governance. Through its IndiaAI Startups Global Programme, 10 startups are being mentored at Station F and HEC Paris, including PrivaSapien Technologies (privacy-enhancing AI) and Secure Blink (AI cybersecurity). Ensuring safe and trusted AI, India has established the IndiaAI Safety Institute to coordinate efforts on responsible AI. Projects under this initiative include AI bias mitigation, machine unlearning, and watermarking, as per the statement A strong legal framework that addresses AI-related risks like disinformation, deepfakes, and data misuse, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023), IT Act (2000), and IT Rules (2021), supports the tech initiatives. A techno-legal approach underpins India’s regulation, combining legislation with government-funded R&D on deepfake detection, privacy, and cybersecurity tools, according to the written reply. India’s hosting of the 2026 summit further solidifies its position as a global leader in the development of AI that is inclusive, moral, and driven by innovation.

Convert Your Photo Into Cartoon Online For Free On WhatsApp: In today’s fast-moving tech world, turning your photo into a fun PAW Patrol-style cartoon is now super easy. You can do it using WhatsApp, ChatGPT, or other free AI tools. One popular option is Puch AI, a chatbot that works right inside WhatsApp. It lets you turn your picture into a PAW Patrol-style cartoon for free. You do not need to download any extra apps, and it works well on both phones and computers. In this article, we will show you the steps based on trusted guides. We will also share a few other free tools you can try. This fun trend brings a touch of childhood magic to your photos, and best of all, it is completely free. How To Turn Your Photos Into PAW Patrol Characters On WhatsApp For Free: Step 1: Start a new chat by searching for “Puch AI” or use a direct link (search “Puch AI WhatsApp bot” in your browser to find the official link). Step 2: Once the bot opens in WhatsApp, tap on it and send a simple message like “Hi” to begin. Step 3: Choose a photo from your gallery or click a new one, then send it to the bot in the chat. Step 4: Type a message like “Convert this to Shinchan style” or “Make me a Shinchan cartoon” to request the transformation. Step 5: Wait 10–20 seconds while the bot processes your request. You’ll receive the Shinchan-style cartoon version, ready to download or share. How To Turn Your Photos Into PAW Patrol Characters Via ChatGpt Step 1: Log in and start a new chat. Step 2: Click the paperclip or image icon to upload your photo directly into the chat. Step 3: Type: Transform this photo into a Shinchan-style cartoon with unique poses and expressions, formatted as WhatsApp stickers (512×512 PNG with transparent background). Step 4: Save the generated images and use any WhatsApp sticker maker app to import them as custom stickers. How To Turn Your Photos Into PAW Patrol Characters Via AI Tool Step 1: Go to Fotor’s Photo-to-Anime Converter or Canva’s Animeify App using your browser. Step 2: Click Upload and select a photo from your device. Both tools support quick drag-and-drop options. Step 3: Choose from various anime filters or presets. Look for fun, cartoonish styles that resemble Shinchan or similar characters. Step 4: Download the transformed image and share it on WhatsApp directly or use it to create stickers with a sticker maker app.

Driving License Soft Copy Online: In today’s fast-paced digital world, carrying physical documents is no longer a necessity. Whether you’ve misplaced your driving license, need a copy for quick online verification, or simply prefer a digital backup, accessing your driving license online is easier than ever. It is a crucial legal document required for anyone aged 18 or above to drive on Indian roads. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving any vehicle — whether a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or commercial vehicle — without a valid driving license is a legal offence. As we all know, a driving license is traditionally issued and obtained from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Now, the government permits citizens to carry a digital version instead of a physical one. This soft copy is legally recognised and equally valid for all verification purposes. To ease this process, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced an online service through the Parivahan portal. This service enables users to download their driving licence in PDF format. This digital facility is accessible in more than 30 states across India. Driving License Soft Copy: How To Download Online Step 1: Go to the official site: https://parivahan.gov.in. Step 2: Click on the “Online Services” tab on the homepage. Step 3: From the dropdown, select Driving Licence Related Services. Step 4: A new page will appear—choose your state to proceed. Step 5: Under the Driving Licence section, select Print Driving Licence Step 6: Provide your Application Number and Date of Birth, click Submit, and then download or print the PDF version. 

New Delhi: Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, will be restricted to serving only 20 lakh customers across India, with speeds of up to 200 Mbps, Union Minister of State for Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, said on Monday. Speaking on the sidelines of a Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) review meeting, the minister downplayed concerns that satellite communication services would pose a significant threat to existing telecom operators, particularly the state-run BSNL. “Starlink can have only 20 lakh customers in India and offer up to 200 Mbps speed. That won’t affect telecom services,” Pemmasani stated, aiming to ease fears of disruption in India’s established telecommunications market. The satellite internet service is expected to primarily target rural and remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure remains limited—regions where BSNL already has a strong presence. However, the minister emphasized that high costs would limit widespread adoption. “The upfront cost for satcom services will be too high, and the monthly cost may be around Rs 3,000,” he said, suggesting that the premium pricing would naturally restrict the service’s market penetration. These high entry costs are likely to position Starlink as a niche service rather than a mass-market competitor to existing mobile and broadband operators, who serve millions of customers at significantly lower price points. Addressing BSNL’s competitive position, Pemmasani announced that the state telecom operator has completed its 4G network rollout across the country. He indicated that the company would now focus on market expansion rather than revenue optimization through tariff hikes. “We want the market first. There are no tariff hikes planned,” the minister said, suggesting BSNL will maintain competitive pricing to defend its market share, especially in rural areas where Starlink may aim to establish a foothold.

Redmi Note 14 SE 5G India Launch: Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 14 SE 5G in India. The latest smartphone is the most budget-friendly member of the Redmi Note 14 series. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 SE 5G is offered in a Crimson Red colour option and comes in a single 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The Redmi Note 14 SE 5G runs on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 2.0, based on Android 15. Reinforcing its commitment to India, the budget-friendly device is locally manufactured, just like the other models in the Redmi Note 14 series, which include the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 14 5G smartphone. The company claims that the device offers a 360-degree immersive experience across streaming, music, and gaming. Redmi Note 14 SE 5G India Specifications: The device is equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers peak brightness of up to 2100 nits. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient access. On the photography front, the device houses a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a macro sensor for versatile photography. The device is powered by a 5,110mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging. The Redmi Note 14 SE 5G is available in a single variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The smartphone comes with the Dolby Atmos-enabled dual stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Redmi Note 14 SE 5G Price In India And Bank Discount The smartphone is priced at Rs 14,999, with an additional Rs 1,000 discount available on all bank cards, effectively bringing the price down to Rs 13,999. The smartphone will go on sale starting August 7, 2025, via Mi.com, Flipkart.com, and at Xiaomi retail stores and authorised partners across India. 

WhatsApp Import Profile Photos From Instagram: Meta is testing a new feature for WhatsApp that will allow Android users to use their Facebook or Instagram profile photo on the messaging app without manually uploading it. According to a new report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will soon offer an option to import profile pictures directly from Instagram or Facebook. It is important to note that the feature is currently being tested in a beta version. The feature is expected to simplify the process of setting up a display picture for WhatsApp by connecting the app with other Meta platforms. This update is spotted by the publication in the WhatsApp beta for Android version up to 2.25.21.23. With this new version, users will reportedly find new options in the app’s profile settings. Along with existing choices like Camera, Gallery, Avatar and Meta AI, two additional sources from Facebook and Instagram are now available for selecting profile photos. However, there is no official timeline for the public release. Hence, the smartphone is expected to roll out in a future update. How To Import Photos From Facebook To Instagram Step 1: Open WhatsApp and navigate to the settings menu. Step 2: Tap on your profile photo or name at the top to access the profile section. Step 3: Tap on your current profile photo to view available photo sources. Step 4: Select either Facebook or Instagram to import a photo directly from that platform. Step 5: To use this feature, ensure your WhatsApp is linked to Facebook and Instagram through Meta’s Accounts Centre. However, Meta’s Accounts Centre integration has been around for a while, supporting features like story cross-posting and single sign-in across apps. With the new option to import profile photos, WhatsApp is taking another step toward a more seamless and connected Meta experience. 

iQOO Z10R 5G Vs OnePlus Nord CE 5: The iQOO Z10R 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 5 stand out as leading choices in the under Rs 30,000 price segment. The iQOO Z10R 5G operates on Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, with a commitment to 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches. The OnePlus Nord CE 5, on the other hand, features OxygenOS 15, also built on Android 15, and incorporates AI features powered by Google Gemini for a smarter user experience. Both smartphones are equipped with modern designs and advanced features that cater to a range of user preferences. With strong camera systems and high-speed processors, these devices deliver impressive performance. This comparison is intended to help you decide which smartphone aligns best with your needs and preferences. iQOO Z10R 5G Specifications: It features a 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 1,800 nits, delivering an immersive and fluid viewing experience. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 octa-core chipset clocked at 2.6GHz, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The smartphone draws power from a 5,700mAh battery, supported by 44W fast charging for efficient top-ups. Designed for durability, the iQOO Z10R comes with dual IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification. On the photography front, it houses a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS and a 32MP front camera capable of 4K recording. Adding further, the iQOO Z10R is equipped with several AI-powered tools including Circle to Search, AI Note Assist, AI Transcript Assist, AI Erase 2.0, Photo Enhance, and AI Screen Translation, enhancing both productivity and creativity.   iQOO Z10R 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 5 Feature iQOO Z10R 5G OnePlus Nord CE 5 Display Quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,800 nits 120Hz, 1,430 nits Processor MediaTek Dimensity 7400 MediaTek Dimensity 8350 RAM/Storage Up to 12GB / 256GB Up to 12GB / 256GB Battery/Charging 5,700mAh, 44W 7,100mAh, 80W Main Camera 50MP Sony IMX882 (OIS), 32MP front (4K) 50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultrawide, 16MP front Durability IP68/IP69, MIL-STD-810H certified Not specified Software & AI Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15), AI tools OxygenOS 15 (Android 15), Gemini AI, AI tools Starting Price ₹19,499 (8GB / 128GB) ₹24,999 (8GB / 128GB) OnePlus Nord CE 5 Specifications The device boasts a large 6.77-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 1,430 nits, offering vibrant visuals even under direct sunlight. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for efficient multitasking and ample space. It is backed by a robust 7,100mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging, ensuring extended usage with quick top-ups. For photography, the smartphone features a 50MP main Sony sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens for broader shots, and a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls. OnePlus Nord CE 5 is available in Black Infinity, Marble Mist and Nexus Blue colour options. Adding further, it offers advanced AI tools for photography, including AI Perfect Shot, AI Eraser, and AI Reflection Remover. iQOO Z10R 5G Vs OnePlus Nord CE 5 Price The iQOO Z10R is priced starting at Rs 19,499 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, Rs 21,499 for the 8GB RAM with 256GB storage model, and Rs 23,499 for the top-end 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version. This smartphone will be available in two color options, Aquamarine and Moonstone, starting July 29 through iQOO’s official channels and Amazon. On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord CE 5 starts at Rs 24,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version, with the 8GB/256GB model priced at Rs 26,999, and the 12GB RAM with 256GB storage variant available for Rs 28,999. Disclaimer: This comparison helps people choose smartphones wisely. It doesn’t favour any brand or model, just gives facts to help consumers understand their options better. 

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Amazon Discount: Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro series during the Glowtime event. The latest lineup features four models, each starting with 128 GB of storage and equipped with the powerful new A18 chip. The iPhone 16 Pro series also introduces a new gold color option and a convenient Camera Control button. If you are planning to buy a premium smartphone, now is an excellent time to take advantage of the current offers. Amazon is offering a great exchange deal for buyers, allowing you to save a significant amount of money and get good value for your old smartphone. Let’s take a quick look at the deals and offers available on the iPhone 16 Pro on Amazon. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Discounted Price The Apple iPhone 16 Pro, with an original price of 1,19,900 rupees for the 128GB storage variant, is currently available for just 1,11,900 rupees on Amazon, offering a 7% discount. Adding further, customers can get a flat Rs 3,000 instant discount on ICICI, SBI, and Kotak Bank credit card transactions, provided the minimum purchase value is 71,940 rupees. There is also an exchange offer available, allowing buyers to save up to Rs 52,100. With the maximum exchange value of Rs 52,250, the effective price of the iPhone 16 Pro can be brought down to Rs 59,650. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Specifications The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display featuring ProMotion technology, which enables a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate along with always-on display (AOD) support. The device is powered by an advanced A18 Pro processor paired with 8GB RAM, ensuring seamless performance. AI-powered capabilities such as Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and Image Playground enhance the user experience with intelligent, creative features. On the photography front, the iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with a versatile triple camera system, including a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens. Adding further, it introduces the new Camera Control button, providing quick access to camera app functions with a simple touch. 

Google Photos AI Upgrade: Google Photos is rolling out free artificial intelligence tools that turn your old memories into artistic creations. The popular service, with over 1.5 billion users globally, announced on Wednesday that it would incorporate AI-driven tools to allow users to experiment with their photo memories. With this tool, users will be able to turn photos into videos and remix photos into various styles, such as anime or 3D animations. In recent months, the company has introduced a range of Gemini-powered features for users and launched video AI tools such as Veo 3, which was unveiled at the I/O 2025 event in May.  Photo-To-Video Feature Google’s Veo 2 model now powers a photo-to-video feature that lets users transform still images into six-second video clips. This function is akin to tools already seen in applications like Gemini and YouTube. Users can choose between prompts such as “Subtle movements” or “I’m feeling lucky” to transform their selected photos into six-second video clips. The feature is currently rolling out to Android and iOS users in the United States. Google Photos Remix Feature Adding further, Google Photos is getting a new Remix feature, powered by the Imagen AI model. It lets users quickly change the style of any photo from their gallery. The feature will roll out in the US over the next few weeks on Android and iOS devices. To keep things clear, all AI-made images will include a SynthID digital watermark. However, Google says these features are still experimental, and user feedback will help shape their future. Users can give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to show if they liked the AI results, helping Google improve the tools over time. This input will assist Google in optimising the tools and improving the user experience. New Create Tab Furthermore, a new Create tab is coming soon to the bottom bar in Google Photos, next to Photos, Collections, and Search. It will let you easily make collages, highlight videos, and more. The tab will roll out in the US next month. As Google Photos continues to evolve, these updates are expected to draw interest from both casual users and enthusiasts who enjoy exploring creative possibilities with their digital media.  

Bengaluru: Google unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at propelling India’s AI capabilities and empowering developers at Google I/O Connect India 2025 in Bengaluru on Wednesday. During the event, the key announcement was the localisation of onshore processing for Gemini 2.5 Flash, enabling faster, low-latency AI performance for Indian developers—especially in regulated sectors such as healthcare, finance, and governance. “Indian developers are literally writing the next chapter of India’s success story, using AI capabilities to build real-world applications that are reaching millions of businesses and people across India and the world,” said Manish Gupta, Senior Director for India and APAC at Google DeepMind. The company also emphasised its continued commitment to India’s developer ecosystem, revealing that the Play and Android platforms contributed ₹4 lakh crore in revenue and generated 35 lakh jobs in 2024. Google further introduced agentic AI tools and optimised templates in Firebase Studio, allowing developers to build and deploy full-stack AI applications more quickly and efficiently. In a major move for mobile commerce, Google announced expanded access to over 250 million mapped places globally and launched India-specific pricing for Google Maps UI components. Additionally, AI-powered summaries in the Places API will help developers create location-based services tailored specifically for Indian users. To further India’s AI ambitions, Google is collaborating with three India AI Mission startups—Sarvam, Soket AI, and Gnani—on Make-in-India AI models based on Gemma. Sarvam’s recent model, “Sarvam-Translate,” exemplifies this homegrown innovation. In partnership with IIT Bombay’s BharatGen, Google is also advancing ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) and TTS (Text-to-Speech) models for Indic languages. To support India’s thriving game development community, Google launched the ‘Google Play x Unity Game Developer Training’ program, in collaboration with Unity and GDAI. Targeted at 500 Indian developers initially, the program offers over 30 hours of specialised training across various game development roles. Highlighting grassroots innovation, the Gen AI Exchange Hackathon encouraged developers to apply their AI skills to real-world challenges. During the event, startups such as Sarvam, InVideo, Glance, and Nykaa showcased impactful solutions built using Google’s AI models.