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Tech wrap June 17: Apple's back-to-school offers, Sony Bravia 8 II and more
Apple announces 'Back to School' offers on iPads, Macs in India: Details Apple has introduced its annual 'Back to School' promotional campaign in India, providing bundle offers and educational discounts on selected iPads and MacBooks. This limited-time offer runs from June 17 to September 30 and is accessible through Apple Store Online, the Apple Store app, and official retail stores in Delhi and Mumbai. Sony launches Bravia 8 II QD-OLED series TVs in India at Rs 246,990 onwards Sony has added a new lineup to its Bravia TVs in India with the unveiling of the Bravia 8 II QD-OLED series. These models are powered by the XR processor with integrated AI functionality. According to the company, the XR Contrast Booster improves both brightness and color depth, ensuring realistic picture quality and immersive audio for a theatre-like experience. The series includes 55-inch and 65-inch variants with support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Samsung Galaxy Watch to get sleep, heart, fitness tools with OneUI 8 update Samsung is preparing to release the One UI 8 Watch update for its Galaxy Watch line. This major software upgrade brings features aimed at enhancing sleep tracking, cardiovascular health, fitness goals, and nutrition insights. Initially, the update will be available through a beta program for select users. Asus launches Vivobook S14, S16 series with Intel, Qualcomm chips in India Asus has launched four new laptops in India as part of its Vivobook series: Vivobook S14 (models S3407QA and S3407CA) and Vivobook S16 (models S3607CA and S3607VA). Prices start at Rs 74,990 for the S14 and Rs 69,990 for the S16. These laptops offer AI-ready performance, premium metal construction, vibrant displays, and come preloaded with Microsoft Office Home 2024 with lifetime access. Additionally, buyers receive one-year access to 100GB of Microsoft 365 Basic OneDrive cloud storage. boAt Aavante Prime 5.1 5000DA Dolby Atmos soundbar launched at Rs 14,999 Homegrown brand boAt has introduced the Aavante Prime 5.1 5000DA soundbar system in India. Featuring Dolby Atmos support, this 5.1-channel setup delivers 500W RMS power and includes a central soundbar with left, right, and center speakers, a wired subwoofer, and dual wired rear satellite speakers. Trump Mobile launches T1 Phone and 47 Plan The Trump Organization, operated by Donald Trump's sons, has ventured into the smartphone space with the launch of the T1 Phone. Priced at $499, the device includes a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is currently available for pre-order on the Trump Mobile website and will go on sale in the US this September. Finished in gold, the phone is said to be both designed and manufactured in the United States. Amazfit unveils Active 2 Square smartwatch with 160 sports modes Chinese wearable brand Amazfit has launched the Active 2 Square smartwatch, a square-faced version of its recently introduced Active 2 model. Designed for users who prefer a geometric aesthetic, the smartwatch retains the same specifications as its round counterpart while offering a distinct visual identity. It is available with a black strap and an additional red strap. OnePlus Summer Launch: Nord 5, CE5, Buds 4 set to debut in India on July 8 OnePlus has announced its upcoming 'Summer Launch' event for July 8. At the event, the company will unveil two smartphones—Nord 5 and Nord CE5—along with a new pair of wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 4. While specifications for the Nord 5 and Buds 4 have been shared, details on the Nord CE5 are yet to be disclosed. DRDO, IIT-Delhi demonstrate experimental progress in quantum communication India has made a notable advancement in quantum communication, which could pave the way for practical use in cyber security, as per the defence ministry. "The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of more than one km was achieved via a free-space optical link established on the IIT-Delhi campus," it said in a statement on Monday. WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in parts of messaging app On Monday, WhatsApp confirmed that it will begin displaying advertisements within specific sections of the app. The move is part of Meta Platforms' broader initiative to monetize the messaging platform. Ads will appear in the Updates tab, which sees use from up to 1.5 billion people daily. Personal chat areas, however, will remain ad-free, developers confirmed. OpenAI wins $200 mn contract with Pentagon to pilot AI for defence tasks OpenAI has secured a $200 million deal with the US Department of Defense to explore the use of artificial intelligence in various administrative and security-related tasks. The one-year pilot project marks a significant move by the ChatGPT developer to expand its offerings to the government sector. AI Barbie incoming? Mattel taps OpenAI to power next-gen smart toys, games Toymaker Mattel has partnered with OpenAI to co-develop generative AI-enabled toys and games. The company—famous for brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price—says this collaboration aims to bring innovative, age-appropriate AI experiences to children's playtime while prioritizing safety and privacy. Why OpenAI may be considering antitrust complaint against partner Microsoft The long-standing alliance between OpenAI and Microsoft appears to be under pressure, with OpenAI reportedly mulling over filing an antitrust case. According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI is considering accusing Microsoft of monopolistic control over critical infrastructure, tools, and future development within the partnership. Explained: India's 1-km quantum leap that makes eavesdropping impossible Remember Salman Khan in Judwaa—the double-role comedy with synchronized twins? Surprisingly, that analogy serves as a playful introduction to a concept that even baffled Einstein: quantum entanglement. India now a powerhouse in digital economy: Google India head Preeti Lobana India's rapid digital transformation has solidified its role as a major force in the global digital economy, according to Preeti Lobana, Country Manager and Vice President at Google India. She emphasized that continued growth hinges on maintaining trust and ensuring security, especially in the age of artificial intelligence.
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Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Metro project back on track with positive viability report
Chandigarh: Still chugging along in the "planning" stage, the Metro project received a fresh green signal from Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) in its latest, "Scenario Analysis Report" (SSR). In the report, RITES pegged the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) between 14.35% and 32.33%, indicating the economic viability of the metro for the Tricity. The EIRR indicates the financial viability of a project and the economic activity or return on investment it will generate. According to the Centre's, Metro Policy, 2017, "While appraising such project proposals, the economic and social viability may be assessed. The economic internal rate of return for any metro rail project proposal should be 14% and above for consideration of its approval." The financial internal rate of return (FIRR) for all corridors ranges between 1.7% (where corridor 3 is underground) and 4% (where corridor 3 is elevated), according to the figures submitted in the SSR. By 2031, the daily ridership of the metro is estimated to reach 6.5 lakh, and by 2056, it is pegged at 11.30 lakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo A discussion on the report was held Chandigarh Administration officials and RITES on Tuesday. During the meeting, chaired by UT chief engineer, C B Ojha, the administration sought further clarifications from RITES on aspects of the report, like ridership figures. If satisfied with the RITES responses, the report will be examined at the level of the eight-member committee constituted to examine the financial viability of the metro. The SSR report was submitted to the eight-member committee constituted by the Punjab governor and UT administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria in November, 2024. The committee, which was constituted to assess the financial viability of the Tricity Metro project, met twice earlier this year. In the meeting held in February this year, the committee directed RITES to provide clarifications on ridership, fare revisions, and traffic growth estimates. Earlier, the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), in January 2024, gave in-principle nod to the proposed metro routes. RITES proposed an 85.65km metro project for the Tricity in phase 1. It will have three corridors. Corridor-1 has been proposed from Paroul, New Chandigarh to Sector 28, Panchkula via Railway Station. Corridor-2 will be from Sukhna Lake to Sector 21, Panchkula via Chandigarh Airport and ISBT, Zirakpur. Corridor-3 is proposed to start from Grain Market Chowk to Transport Light Chowk. Revenue and cost estimates Revenue As per the SRR, the metro will earn a total revenue of Rs 1,369 crore by 2031 and Rs 8,182 crore by 2056. The fare box revenue of the metro is estimated to be Rs 1,245 crore by 2031. It will increase to Rs 7,431 crore by 2056. Fare box revenue is the income generated by the metro from fares paid by passengers. The non-fare box revenue will be Rs 124 crore by 2031 and Rs 743 crore by 2056. Costs Completion cost of the metro is pegged at Rs 25,631 crore to Rs 30,498 crore, depending on whether an elevated or underground network is opted for. Operation and maintenance (O&M) cost for the project will range between Rs 631 crore and Rs 697 crore by 2031. By the year 2056, O&M costs will range between Rs 3,787 crore and Rs 4,071 crore. 'Cost is decisive factor' In an exclusive interview with Times of India in May this year, Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, stated, "The key to the effectiveness of the public transport system is its affordability. People will opt for public transport if it is affordable. With a small percentage of the estimated cost of the metro, I can run so many new buses in the city and even run these for free for the public!" MSID:: 121914412 413 |
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
I have been given complete freedom to bulldoze illegal rice trade: Manohar
With surprise checks and continuous monitoring of diversion of rice from the PDS system, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Nadendla Manohar is on a mission to put an end to the illegal trade since taking charge in June last year. His proactive approach has saved paddy farmers from waiting for payments for their produce, which are now being done within 48 hours. While he has initiated several reforms in the last one year, Manohar feels that supply of fine quality rice to midday meal programme for school children is one of the biggest achievements of the NDA govt. In an interview with Samdani MN, he said the govt plans to supply fine quality rice through PDS shops to prevent the recycling of PDS rice. Excerpts... You have been on a spree of initiating reforms since taking over... This is one of the few depts that directly connects every household in the state. We deal with millions of poor people, children, farmers, rice millers and PDS distributors. Every day is a new beginning for us as we need to handle both the sellers and buyers without leaving anyone in distress. Your surprise inspections of rice mills, godowns, even ships to seize PDS stocks created ripples across the state... by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo We created a scare among illegal traders with our surprise raids and seizure of stocks. We seized about 70,000 metric tonnes of PDS rice during surprise raids, which show the volume of illegal operations handled by these traders. The chief minister (Chandrababu Naidu) and deputy chief minister (Pawan Kalyan) have given me complete freedom to bulldoze the illicit rice trade and traders. We should keep in mind that the govt is spending thousands of crores on subsidy. However, it's a continuous process and will take time to completely contain the diversion. Do you think it is possible to stop the recycling and diversion of PDS rice? Yes, it is very much possible. We have designed a multi-pronged strategy for that. We also need to create awareness among the consumers. Despite our best efforts to improve the quality of rice distributed through PDS, many people do not prefer to consume it. We are working overtime to change their perception. We are also working to remodel the PDS shops to make them profitable and remunerative to dealers by converting them into small kirana stores. We will install CC cameras in all 29,000 shops to ensure transparency of supplies. How did the paddy procurement process go? It's one of the big achievements of the NDA govt as we could procure about 48 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during Kharif and Rabi by spending close to Rs 12,000 crore in the last one year. We remitted the amount into the accounts of farmers within 24 hours. We have also cleared nearly Rs 1,700 crore dues left behind by the previous YSRCP regime. Is it possible to procure fine quality rice for supply through PDS? We are motivating farmers to cultivate fine varieties because majority of the stocks we procure is not suitable for consumption in the state. Farmers will produce more fine quality price when they get the desired price for the produce. We are hopeful of bringing change in a phased manner. How did you achieve the target of supplying fine quality rice for midday meals programme from the first day of reopening of schools? We readied the plans in advance to roll them on time. It is one of the biggest achievements of the govt. We are supplying about 2.25 lakh metric tonnes of fine rice for the midday meal programme. There have been complaints on services related to issue of ration cards... There are many issues. Some are requesting a split of cards to enable them to get benefits of welfare schemes, including pensions. We are moving guardedly on such issues and trying to resolve the issues in a scientific manner. Why did the govt abandon mobile dispensing units? The govt took the decision after an indepth study. We found that MDUs had become a 'green channel' for diversion of PDS rice. The previous YSRCP govt plundered nearly Rs 2,000 crore in the guise of MDUs which only helped illegal traders. We have revived PDS shops so that people can take ration at their convenience. We will door-deliver ration to the elderly and physically challenged.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Only 3 apply, interest low in low-alcohol bar permit
Noida: Two months after the UP government introduced a low-cost bar licence aimed at helping small restaurants and cafés serve beer and wine, the response in Noida and Ghaziabad remains lukewarm. Officials have received just two applications in Noida and one in Ghaziabad for the FL-7(1) licence, as most businesses adopt a wait-and-watch approach. The FL-7(1) category, introduced under the revised-UP excise policy, is priced at Rs 4 lakh, significantly lower than the Rs 10–15 lakh needed for a regular bar licence. The policy was designed to encourage smaller eateries to serve low-alcohol beverages alongside food without the financial burden of a full-fledged bar licence. In April, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI)'s Noida chapter met with excise commissioner Dr Adarsh Singh and had shown interest in the scheme. But enthusiasm has since given way to caution, with most restaurateurs holding off on applying until the first few licences are operational. "There are two applications in the pipeline for the low-alcohol bar licence. We've had interest from several restaurants, but most are waiting to see how the first few do," said Subodh Kumar, district excise officer of Gautam Budh Nagar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "New policies take time to gain traction. Some businesses are still working on the necessary documentation." Varun Khera, president of NRAI's Noida Chapter, echoed this sentiment. "It's not that there's no interest, it's that restaurant owners are being cautious. Everyone is waiting to see if the new model is profitable and sustainable before jumping in," he said. Meanwhile, another new category—FL-4D—has seen slightly more movement. This licence permits the sale of low-alcohol premium products such as beer and wine inside malls housing multiplex cinemas, creating a niche retail opportunity. "In Noida, two such vends have already opened, one in R-Cube Monad Mall, Sector 43, and another at Durga Talkies Mall in Surajpur," a district excise official said. "There are two more applications in the pipeline, and we expect them to be issued in the coming weeks. " The FL-4D licence costs Rs 6 lakh, compared to Rs 25 lakh for the regular premium retail licence (FL-4C), making it a more affordable entry point into the liquor business.
