Category Archives: technology

crime, entertainment, film, movies, technology

EXCLUSIVE: Karan Singh Chhabra gears up to play an army officer in Pen Movies’ Control

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**Karan Singh Chhabra to Play Army Officer in Pen Movies’ Upcoming Hindi Film *Control***

Talk show host and actor Karan Singh Chhabra, who recently appeared as himself in the popular TV show *Anupama*, is gearing up for a new and exciting role. He is set to portray an army officer in Pen Movies’ upcoming Hindi film *Control*.

Directed by Safdar Abbas and produced by Jayantilal Gada in association with Abhay Sinha and Pankaj Tiwari, *Control* is a cybercrime thriller scheduled to hit theatres on October 10, 2025.

Known for taking on varied and challenging roles, Karan Singh Chhabra has once again transformed his look for this film. After going completely bald for his role in *Chatrapathi*, he will now be seen in a turbaned avatar in *Control*. This transformation reflects his dedication to exploring diverse characters and appearances.

*Control* delves into the world of digital crime, a topic that resonates strongly in today’s technology-driven era. With its contemporary theme and intense narrative, the film aims to deliver a gripping cinematic experience for viewers.

Sharing his thoughts on the role, Karan expressed his enthusiasm for portraying a disciplined yet emotionally layered character. He noted that the project offers him an opportunity to grow further as an actor.

Backed by a strong production team and a timely subject matter, *Control* is shaping up to be an engaging watch when it releases this October.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bollywood news live.
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-karan-singh-chhabra-gears-play-army-officer-pen-movies-control/

crime, entertainment, film, movies, technology

EXCLUSIVE: Karan Singh Chhabra gears up to play an army officer in Pen Movies’ Control

Leave a comment

**Karan Singh Chhabra Gears Up to Play an Army Officer in Pen Movies’ Upcoming Film Control**

Talk show host and actor Karan Singh Chhabra, who recently appeared as himself in the TV show *Anupama*, is all set to take on a new challenging role. He will be seen portraying an army officer in Pen Movies’ upcoming Hindi film *Control*.

Directed by Safdar Abbas and produced by Jayantilal Gada in association with Abhay Sinha and Pankaj Tiwari, *Control* is a cybercrime thriller scheduled to release in theatres on October 10, 2025. The film delves into the world of digital crime, a subject that resonates deeply in today’s technology-driven era.

Known for embracing diverse roles, Karan Singh Chhabra has once again transformed his look for this film. After going completely bald for his role in *Chatrapathi*, he will now appear in a turbaned avatar in *Control*. This transformation highlights his dedication to exploring unique characters and appearances.

Sharing his thoughts on the role, Karan expressed enthusiasm for portraying a disciplined yet emotionally layered army officer. He noted that the project presents an excellent opportunity for him to grow as an actor.

Backed by a strong production team and a timely, contemporary theme, *Control* promises to deliver a gripping cinematic experience. Audiences can look forward to an engaging watch when the film releases in theatres this October.

Stay tuned to Bollywood News Live Updates for more on this and other exciting projects.
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-karan-singh-chhabra-gears-play-army-officer-pen-movies-control/

energy, environment, government, poverty reduction, technology

Maharashtra Rolls Out Rooftop Solar Scheme For Low Users, 90–95% Subsidy To Help Slash Electricity Bills To Zero

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**Maharashtra Government Launches Major Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme for Low-Income Households**

Mumbai: In a significant move to promote clean energy and reduce electricity costs for disadvantaged families, the Maharashtra government has introduced the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Roof Top (SMART) Solar Scheme. This ambitious initiative aims to provide a substantial subsidy of 90 to 95 percent for eligible consumers to install rooftop solar panels, helping them cut their power bills to nearly zero by harnessing solar energy.

### Who Will Benefit from the Scheme?

The SMART Solar Scheme primarily targets Below Poverty Line (BPL), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) households that consume less than 100 units of electricity per month. Under this program, these families will pay only a small fraction of the installation cost, with the central and state governments covering the rest.

For instance, the cost of a 1KW solar system is approximately Rs 50,000. Here’s how the subsidy breaks down:

– **BPL Households:** Central government subsidy of Rs 30,000 + State government subsidy of Rs 17,500, with the consumer paying just Rs 2,500.
– **SC/ST Households:** Total subsidy of Rs 45,000, leaving the consumer responsible for Rs 5,000.
– **Other Low-Usage Consumers (below 100 units, not BPL/SC/ST):** Subsidy of Rs 40,000, with a consumer contribution of Rs 10,000.

### Budget and Implementation Plans

The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 330 crore for the financial year 2025–26 and Rs 325 crore for 2026–27 to support this scheme. Implementation will be handled by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), funded through the state budget.

Officials expect the scheme to benefit at least 5 lakh families, including approximately 1.5 lakh BPL users and 3.5 lakh other low-usage households. After installation, the solar system supplier will manage maintenance for a period of five years, ensuring hassle-free operation for beneficiaries.

### Priority for Remote and Needy Areas

Special emphasis will be placed on remote and tribal regions such as Melghat, Nandurbar, and Gadchiroli, where affordable electricity access remains a challenge. The government hopes that by promoting rooftop solar power in these areas, not only will families receive inexpensive and reliable electricity, but they may also generate additional income by selling surplus solar energy back to the grid.

This initiative marks a critical step toward sustainable energy adoption and economic upliftment for some of Maharashtra’s most vulnerable communities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/maharashtra-rolls-out-rooftop-solar-scheme-for-low-users-9095-subsidy-to-help-slash-electricity-bills-to-zero

business, discounts, e-commerce, retail, technology

The 100+ best deals of October Prime Day: Dyson, Apple, Samsung and more

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Amazon’s Prime ‘Big Deal Days’ Are in Full Swing

Amazon’s yearly October Prime Day, otherwise known as “Big Deal Days,” kicked off today. During October 7 and 8, the annual 48-hour sales event returns with major deals across virtually every category on Amazon—from electronics to home goods, toys, kitchen, fashion, and more.

With prices higher this year, this is a great time to get a head start on holiday gift shopping. However, keep in mind you’ll need a Prime membership to take advantage of all the deals.

Why Become an Amazon Prime Member?

Amazon Prime comes with tons of benefits, from free and discounted delivery to access to premium entertainment, free Grubhub+, special pricing for Amazon Music Unlimited, and, of course, access to special sales events like Big Deal Days.

Lightning Deals of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

  • adidas Women’s Grand Court 2.0 Tennis Shoe – 50% OFF
  • Toniebox 1 Audio Player Bundle with Spidey, Ghost-Spider, Spin, Black Panther – 50% OFF
  • Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian – Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – 67% OFF
  • HP 14 inch Laptop, HD Display, Intel Core – 32% OFF
  • LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV – 50% OFF
  • Samsung 4K The Frame 55” TV with Brown Bezel – 52% OFF
  • TULA Skin Care 24-7 Hydrating Day & Night Cream – 50% OFF
  • Ring Battery Doorbell, Venetian Bronze – 50% OFF
  • Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with LED Headlights – 50% OFF

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Trending Deals

NARWAL Freo X10 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo – $100 OFF Coupon

Deep clean floors and carpets with this robot vacuum and mop combo, featuring powerful 11,000Pa suction, carpet detection to keep rugs dry, and a tangle-free system ideal for pet owners and those with long hair. Its all-in-one base station offers heated drying for the mop and self-emptying with a large dust bag. Control it via smart app and voice commands.

TNNZEET High-Waisted Leggings – 39% OFF

Opaque, full-length, and featuring tummy control with a flat 4.5-inch waistband, these leggings stay in place during workouts. Available in multiple colors and sizes.

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver – 39% OFF

This compact, lightweight drill and impact driver combo offers up to 1,500 RPM power. It features easy one-handed bit loading and a LED light for dark environments, making DIY projects easy.

Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum – 37% OFF

An ultralightweight stick vacuum with up to 60 minutes of run time, an advanced filter trapping 99% of dust and allergens, and an intuitive screen displaying modes, maintenance, and battery life.

Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System – 30% OFF

A versatile multi-styler that curls, volumizes, smooths, and dries hair without heat damage. Lightweight and compact at 1.5 pounds, includes two curlers and brushes for smoothing and defrizzing.

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier – 34% OFF

This purifier uses three-stage filtration and features a real-time air quality LED indicator. It has three fan speeds, a timer, and filter replacement alerts.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) – 32% OFF

Exceptional wireless earbuds delivering superior sound, noise cancellation, and quick pairing. Includes four sizes of silicone tips for a comfortable fit.

Beats Solo 4 Wireless Headphones – 35% OFF

Offers personalized spatial audio, comfortable flex-grip headband, adjustable ear cups, and up to 50 hours of battery life.

Medicube Zero Pore Pads – 51% OFF

Dual-texture exfoliating pads refine pores and hydrate skin, using one side to remove dead skin and the other to soothe.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Pet Deals

  • Basepaws Dog DNA Testing Kit – 17% OFF: Discover your dog’s breed and genetic traits with over 300 breeds in the database.
  • Minties Dental Chews – 23% OFF: Vet-recommended, mint-flavored chews that freshen teeth and remove plaque for small dogs.
  • Pawsync Automatic Cat Feeder – 30% OFF: Feed your pet dry food for up to 30 days with app tracking of feeding data.
  • PETLIBRO Upgrade Cat Water Fountain – 15% OFF: Pump-free fountain with 3-liter capacity and water intake monitoring app.
  • FRONTLINE Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Small Dogs – 45% OFF: Protects from fleas, ticks, and lice; includes six doses.
  • INABA Churu Cat Treats – 21% OFF: Tuna puree treats in six flavors, great as food topper or for giving pills.
  • PetArmor Plus Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats – 32% OFF: Six months of waterproof topical treatment for flea and tick prevention.
  • EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Beds – 28% OFF: Sofa-design bed with supportive egg crate foam available in various sizes and colors.
  • BBPECO Smart Bird Feeder with Camera – 20% OFF: 1080p wide-angle camera with AI bird species identification.

More pet deals available including PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder 15% OFF.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Health and Personal Care Deals

  • BB Company Provitalize – 33% OFF: Natural supplement targeting joint stiffness and gut health.
  • BB Company Radiancy – 28% OFF: Probiotic supporting vaginal and urinary tract health.
  • Cellucor C4 Whey Protein Powder – 33% OFF: Protein powder with 24g protein and zero added sugar.
  • RENPHO Eyeris Eye Massager – 19% OFF: Reduces eye strain and headaches with heat and Bluetooth music support.
  • Crest 3D Whitestrips – 35% OFF: Safe teeth whitening strips brightening teeth up to 19 levels.
  • Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser – 50% OFF: Dental hygiene tool with 10 flow settings.
  • RENPHO Massage Gun – 40% OFF: Percussive massager with heat and cooling modes.
  • RENPHO Foot Massager Machine with Heat – 43% OFF: Deep kneading and air compression with wireless remote.
  • RENPHO Smart Scale – 43% OFF: Measures 13 health metrics and supports multiple users.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Skin Care and Beauty Deals

  • COSRX Snail Mucin Repairing Serum – 48% OFF: Repairs skin, reduces dullness, unscented and fast absorbing.
  • Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil – 25% OFF: Hydrates dry, atopic-prone skin and strengthens skin barrier.
  • Wella Professionals ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue – 40% OFF: Leave-in spray to repair and smooth damaged hair.
  • Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Face Serum Capsules – 19% OFF: Potent retinol capsules for wrinkle reduction and skin firming.
  • BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – 30% OFF: Overnight mask to hydrate skin and improve elasticity.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – 10% OFF: Ceramide and niacinamide formula for all skin types.
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment – 50% OFF: Exfoliates and smooths skin for a youthful glow.
  • Burt’s Bees Coconut & Lotus Face Wipes – 55% OFF: Gentle micellar wipes with refreshing formula.
  • Ulike Laser Hair Removal – 35% OFF: At-home device offering fast, painless hair removal.
  • TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face – 56% OFF: Antioxidant serum that fades dark spots and smooths fine lines.
  • Mise En Scene Perfect Serum Original Shampoo – 18% OFF: Korean shampoo with botanical oils for damaged hair.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Electronics Deals to Look Out For

  • Apple AirPods 4 – 34% OFF: Active noise cancellation and H2 chip for enhanced audio.
  • Apple AirTag 4 Pack – 34% OFF: Track belongings accurately via Apple’s Find My network.
  • Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones – 34% OFF: Wireless, noise-canceling, with 24-hour battery life.
  • Anker USB C Charger – 35% OFF: 65W charger with three ports in a compact design.
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick HD – 49% OFF: Turns any TV into a smart device with Alexa voice control.
  • Roku Indoor Camera – 35% OFF: 1080p HD, color night vision, motion & sound detection.
  • Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 – 20% OFF: Pro-quality speed and a sharp Super Retina display.
  • Apple iPad (A16) 11th Generation – 20% OFF: Faster A16 chip with 128GB base storage.
  • Beats Studio Pro – 51% OFF: Active noise cancellation and lossless audio support.
  • Samsung The Frame 55-inch TV – 52% OFF: QLED smart TV doubling as an art frame.
  • Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation 40mm – 32% OFF: Fitness tracker with multiple health sensors.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Headphones – 46% OFF: Industry-leading noise cancellation and long battery life.
  • Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 46mm – 28% OFF: Advanced health sensors, Crash Detection, and water resistance.
  • SAMSUNG 49″ Odyssey G93SC Series OLED Curved Gaming Monitor – 44% OFF: Wide curved display with Quantum Dot technology.
  • Sperax Walking Pad – 11% OFF: Folding treadmill with LED display and remote control.
  • HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset – 29% OFF: 7.1 surround sound and detachable noise-canceling mic.
  • HyperX QuadCast S RGB USB Condenser Microphone – 50% OFF: High-quality mic with RGB lighting for content creators.
  • Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder – 31% OFF: Adjustable and spring-loaded stand clamps onto surfaces.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Video Game and Console Deals

  • Xbox Wireless Controller + Fire TV Stick 4K Gaming Bundle – 30% OFF: Play games on TV via Fire Stick with included Game Pass Ultimate trial.
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Multi-System Gaming Headset – 31% OFF: Compatible with PS5, PC, and Switch with active noise cancellation.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Coffee, Small Appliance, and Cookware Deals

  • Our Place Large Always Pan – 21% OFF: 10-in-1 versatile aluminum pan with modular steam release lid.
  • Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System – 11% OFF: Compact cooking system with multiple cooking functions.
  • Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Wand – 44% OFF: Creates frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
  • Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker – 45% OFF: Fast brews in three sizes with “Strong” mode.
  • Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer – 25% OFF: 6-quart capacity with nine cooking functions.
  • CAROTE 19pcs Pots and Pans Set – 38% OFF: Detachable handles and nonstick coating for easy cooking.
  • Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers – 30% OFF: Airtight, clear containers perfect for meal prep.
  • Fullstar Vegetable Chopper – 50% OFF: Four blades to julienne, chop, slice or spiral with easy cleanup.
  • COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1 – 15% OFF: 5-quart air fryer with dishwasher-safe parts.
  • CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ – 43% OFF: 10-quart all-in-one air fryer, rotisserie, dehydrator, and convection oven.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Holiday Toy Deals Not to Miss

  • Peppa’s Big Family House Playset – 22% OFF: Foldable two-floor playhouse with figures and accessories.
  • LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Wild Animals Panda Family – 20% OFF: Build a panda, penguin, or orca with three figurines.
  • Care Bears Hello Kitty Loves Cheer Bear 10″ Collectible Plush 2-Pack – 27% OFF: Soft huggable plush dolls.
  • LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box – 35% OFF: 790-piece starter kit with diverse bricks and accessories.
  • PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set – 30% OFF: Magnetic geometric pieces for creative building.
  • Furby Purple – 38% OFF: Interactive toy with 600+ responses and 15 accessories.
  • Baby Alive Fruity Sips Doll – 30% OFF: Doll accessory set including juicer and sippy cup with realistic functions.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Vacuum and Floor Care Deals

  • Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum and Mop – 25% OFF: Ultrathin design with edge and corner cleaning, voice commands.
  • Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum – 33% OFF: Fluffy Optic cleaner head reveals hidden dust, three power modes.
  • LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – 35% OFF: 50-minute runtime, tangle-resistant brush roll, suitable for all floor types.
  • BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum – 36% OFF: Compact and maneuverable for quick cleanups.
  • BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner – 14% OFF: Bundle includes carpet and steam cleaner.
  • Shark Steam & Scrub Steam Mop – 27% OFF: Steam cleaning with scrubbing action and LED headlights.
  • BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop – 24% OFF: Handles wet and dry messes with versatile cleaning.
  • Roborock F25 RT Vacuum Mop – 33% OFF: All-in-one vacuum mop ideal for pet hair and various floor types.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Robot Vacuums, Air Purifiers, Carpet Cleaner, and Home Deals

  • NARWAL S30 Pro Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner – $50 OFF Coupon: Self-cleaning wet/dry vacuum with built-in scissors to prevent tangles.
  • Levoit Sprout Humidifier – 21% OFF: Mist-free humidifier with sensor and night light, ideal for babies.
  • Conair Handheld Garment Steamer – 23% OFF: 20-minute continuous steam with 3-in-1 attachments.
  • LEVOIT Air Purifier – 15% OFF: Five sensors and built-in white noise for better sleep.
  • COWAY Air Purifier – 38% OFF + $10 Coupon: Automated cleaning for rooms up to 810 sq. ft.
  • LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – 37% OFF: Lightweight with 40-minute run time, ideal for pet owners.
  • Pressurized Handheld Multi-Surface Natural Steam Cleaner – 45% OFF: Emits hot steam for cleaning stains quickly.
  • Mellanni Twin Sheets Set – 37% OFF: Soft, wrinkle-resistant three-piece sheet set.
  • Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum – 58% OFF: Advanced LiDAR navigation with 120-minute battery life.
  • eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo – 44% OFF: Powerful suction with self-emptying and obstacle avoidance.
  • Google Nest Thermostat Smart Thermostat for Home – 29% OFF: Learns your schedule and adjusts temperature automatically.
  • Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop – 50% OFF: Self-emptying, sonic mopping, and brush roll that prevents hair tangles.
  • Casper Sleep Element Memory Foam Mattress – 27% OFF: Multi-layered, cooling memory foam mattress available in various sizes.
  • AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum – 12% OFF: Self-parking pool vacuum with 90-minute runtime.

More carpet cleaners, steamers, and floor washers include:

  • Tineco Floor ONE S5 – 40% OFF
  • Twin Size 3-Piece Sheet Set – 32% OFF
  • Bedsure Satin Pillowcase 2 Pack – 38% OFF

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Tools, Drills, and DIY Gear Deals

  • WOLFBOX MF50 Compressed Air Duster – 20% OFF: Portable, rechargeable, and effective for electronics cleaning.
  • DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver – 39% OFF: Compact, powerful drill kit with LED work light.
  • Innova 5610 OBD2 Bidirectional Scan Tool – 20% OFF: Diagnoses advanced car systems and tests functions.
  • NOCO Boost GB40 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 36% OFF: Jump-starts vehicles and serves as a power bank.
  • Innova 5420 Power Circuit Tester – 15% OFF: Diagnoses wiring, fuses, and battery issues for home mechanics.
  • WOLFBOX 4000A Jump Starter – 35% OFF: 24000 mAh rechargeable battery with boost mode and emergency light.
  • BISSELL Steam Shot – 15% OFF: Handheld steamer heats to 215°F for tough cleaning.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Luggage and Travel Deals

  • Taygeer Travel Backpack – 40% OFF: Flight-approved backpack with multiple compartments and USB charging port.
  • DELSEY PARIS Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels – 34% OFF: Two-piece luggage set with TSA locks and odor-reducing lining.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Automotive and Car Care Deals

  • REDTIGER Dash Cam – 43% OFF: Dual-camera system with 4K front and full HD rear, Wi-Fi, and GPS logging.
  • Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash – 26% OFF: Cleans and protects leather surfaces without greasy residue.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Luxury Beauty Deals

  • Nécessaire The Body Retinol – 25% OFF: Fast-absorbing body serum to minimize lines and improve skin texture.
  • Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream – 30% OFF: Gentle facial cleanser enriched with natural ingredients.
  • Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System – 30% OFF: Advanced home hairstyling tool for curling, volumizing, and smoothing.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: PC, Monitors, and Storage Deals

  • TP-Link WiFi Extender RE220 – 13% OFF: Eliminates Wi-Fi dead spots with coverage up to 1,200 sq. ft.
  • TP-Link Archer GXE75 Wi-Fi 6E Gaming Router – 32% OFF: Offers speeds up to 5.4 Gbps with RGB lighting and gaming acceleration.
  • SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB – 32% OFF: Extremely fast storage with integrated heatsink, compatible with PS5 and PCIe Gen 4.

Important Tips for Saving During Prime Big Deal Days

  • You must be an Amazon Prime member to access the deals. If you haven’t been a member in the last 12 months, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial on Amazon’s Prime page.
  • Prime sales include discounts not only on physical products but also on music, videos, games, and more.
  • Prices listed reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
  • Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices, and sign up for the BestReviews weekly newsletter for shopping inspiration and sales updates.

Last updated on Oct. 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Copyright 2025 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

https://fox5sandiego.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/holiday-br/prime-big-deal-days-2023-is-almost-here-and-you-can-now-shop-these-early-deals/

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

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**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*

PhonePe, a leading player in the digital payments space, has unveiled its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called SmartPOD, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. This innovative device marks a significant step toward integrating card payments with UPI-based solutions, specifically targeting small merchants.

Designed and manufactured in India, the SmartPOD combines the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit, aiming to simplify digital payments for small businesses.

**Catering to Merchant Needs**

Small businesses in India primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on sales due to the high costs and complexity of card acceptance solutions. The SmartPOD addresses this gap by offering an affordable way for smaller merchants to accept all forms of digital payments.

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, explained, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”

**Enhanced Device Specifications**

Building upon the popular SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It also introduces a dual-display setup — one screen for the customer and another for the merchant — ensuring transparent transaction processes.

The device supports card payments across major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express, with NFC tap and EMV chip capabilities, making it versatile and user-friendly.

**Strategic Vision and Availability**

PhonePe emphasizes that the SmartPOD aligns with its broader mission to provide affordable digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also reassures that its existing hardware solutions will remain available, enabling businesses to choose options that best suit their operational requirements.

As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 61 crore registered users and a merchant network encompassing 4.4 crore outlets across India, underscoring its significant footprint in the digital payments ecosystem.

With the launch of SmartPOD, PhonePe continues to empower merchants, especially small businesses, to embrace comprehensive digital payment methods seamlessly and affordably.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story

commerce, crime, law enforcement, security, technology

Mumbai Police Crime Branch Unit-8 Bust Interstate E-Commerce Barcode Fraud Racket, Seize ₹45 Lakh Goods; 3 Accused Arrested

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**Mumbai Police Bust Interstate Fraud Racket Involving Barcode Swapping on E-Commerce Deliveries**

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police Crime Branch Unit-8 has successfully busted an interstate fraud racket that was duping e-commerce companies by cleverly swapping barcodes on delivery boxes.

**Accused Details**
The accused have been identified as:
– Pankajkumar Hariram Jindal (32), a farmer from Kasba Survachain, Sirsa, Haryana
– Vijaykumar Mahendrasing Saharan (32), a driver from Rampura, Post Thana, Taluka Hansi, District Hisar, Haryana
– Shamsher Singh Raghuveer Alan (32), a farmer from Rampura, Post Thana, Taluka Hansi, Hisar, Haryana
– Sumantkumar Dauram Sahu (29), a driver and delivery worker from Ranbod, Ward No. 8, Taluka Nawagarh, Bemetara, Chhattisgarh

**Modus Operandi of the Gang**
According to police sources, the gang operated in collusion with delivery personnel to manipulate the delivery process. They would place multiple online orders for both expensive and inexpensive items. The criminals removed the barcode sticker from the costly product and pasted it onto the cheaper item.

Later, when the delivery arrived, they would refuse to accept the expensive item, claiming it was an “incorrect order.” As a result, the e-commerce platform would issue a refund for the costly product. Meanwhile, the fraudsters retained the expensive item, effectively pocketing the refund amount.

This tactic caused huge financial losses to various e-commerce companies.

**Trap and Arrests**
Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch team laid a trap in Borivali on October 6 and caught three accused red-handed swapping barcodes inside a delivery tempo.

Investigation revealed that two of the accused are residents of Haryana, while the third is from Chhattisgarh.

**Seizure and Custody**
Police seized goods worth ₹45 lakh from the accused, including electronic items valued at ₹34 lakh. Additionally, a Tata tempo worth ₹7 lakh and a Hyundai car valued at ₹4 lakh were confiscated.

All three accused were produced in court and subsequently remanded to police custody until October 13. The Mumbai Police are continuing their investigation to identify other gang members and insiders within the delivery chain who may be involved in this scam.

—

*For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-police-crime-branch-unit-8-bust-interstate-e-commerce-barcode-fraud-racket-seize-45-lakh-goods-3-accused-arrested

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

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**PhonePe’s New SmartPOD Smart Speaker Supports Card Payments Too**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025, 8:03 PM*

PhonePe, a leading name in the digital payments space, has launched its next-generation SmartSpeaker, called the SmartPOD. Unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, the SmartPOD marks a significant advancement by integrating card payments alongside UPI-based solutions specifically designed for small merchants.

**Designed for Small Businesses**

The SmartPOD is designed and manufactured in India, combining the functionalities of a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and a smart speaker into one compact unit. This device caters to the growing demand among small businesses that primarily accept UPI payments but often miss out on sales due to the lack of affordable card acceptance options.

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, PhonePe’s Chief Business Officer, commented, “It’s an ideal upgrade for smaller merchants who want to accept all forms of digital payments in an affordable way and helps them tap opportunities to expand and grow their business.”

**Advanced Features and Specifications**

Building on the foundation of the SmartSpeaker 2.0, the SmartPOD retains popular features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, and fast charging. It also introduces a dual-display setup—one screen for customers and another for merchants—to enable transparent and seamless transactions.

Importantly, the SmartPOD supports card payments from all major networks including Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express. It supports modern payment technologies like NFC tap and EMV chip, broadening the payment options available to merchants.

**Strategic Vision and Availability**

PhonePe emphasizes that the launch of SmartPOD aligns with its broader vision to provide affordable and accessible digital payment devices to merchants of all sizes. The company also confirmed that all its existing hardware solutions will remain available, allowing businesses to choose devices that best suit their operational requirements.

As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe boasts over 610 million registered users and an extensive merchant network comprising 44 million outlets across India, underscoring its dominant position in the digital payments ecosystem.

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With the introduction of SmartPOD, PhonePe continues to empower small merchants by offering versatile and cost-effective payment solutions, further driving digital payment adoption across the country.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/phonepe-launches-smartpod-a-smart-speaker-with-card-payment-capabilities/story

business, economy, international, politics, technology

This is Modi government’s stance on cryptocurrency in India

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**Modi Government’s Stance on Cryptocurrency in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 04:24 PM*

**What’s the story?**
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently clarified the Indian government’s position on cryptocurrency. During his two-day visit to Doha aimed at boosting trade and investments between India and Qatar, Goyal stated that the government neither promotes nor discourages cryptocurrencies but focuses primarily on taxing them.

**Taxation Focus**
Goyal emphasized that the government intends to regulate cryptocurrencies through heavy taxation rather than imposing an outright ban. “As far as cryptocurrency, which is not backed by the Central Government, while there is no ban as such, we are taxing it very heavily,” he said. This approach is designed to protect people from getting trapped in unbacked cryptocurrencies that lack a support system.

**Digital Currency: India’s Sovereign Digital Rupee**
In addition to regulating existing cryptocurrencies, India is planning to introduce a sovereign digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). According to Goyal, the new digital rupee will possess features similar to stablecoins and will incorporate blockchain-based traceability to ensure transparency and compliance. “Our idea is that this will only make it easier to transact,” he added.

**Tax Regulations on Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)**
India has established a clear tax framework for virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, although it does not recognize them as legal tender. The Union Budget for 2022-23 introduced a 30% tax on income generated from the transfer of VDAs. This tax rate applies regardless of any profit or loss incurred in other transactions within the taxpayer’s portfolio. Additionally, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) was implemented on all crypto transactions exceeding ₹10,000 starting July 1, 2022.

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This balanced stance reflects the Indian government’s cautious approach towards cryptocurrencies—regulating through taxation and planning its own sovereign digital currency, while avoiding an outright ban.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/we-are-not-encouraging-cryptocurrency-says-piyush-goyal/story

business, economy, international, politics, technology

This is Modi government’s stance on cryptocurrency in India

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**This is Modi Government’s Stance on Cryptocurrency in India**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025 | 04:24 PM*

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**Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Clarifies Government Position**

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently clarified the Indian government’s stance on cryptocurrency during his two-day visit to Doha aimed at boosting trade and investments between India and Qatar.

Goyal emphasized that the government neither promotes nor discourages cryptocurrencies but imposes taxation on them. “We have not been encouraging cryptocurrency, which does not have sovereign backing or which is not backed by assets,” he stated.

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**Heavy Taxation Instead of a Ban**

Unlike some countries that have banned cryptocurrencies outright, India has chosen a different approach. Goyal explained that the government intends to regulate cryptocurrencies primarily through heavy taxation.

“As far as cryptocurrency, which is not backed by the Central Govt, while there is no ban as such, we are taxing it very heavily,” he said. This strategy aims to protect people from falling victim to unbacked cryptocurrencies lacking any formal support system.

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**India’s Plan to Introduce a Sovereign Digital Currency**

In addition to regulating private cryptocurrencies, India plans to roll out a sovereign digital currency backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This new digital rupee will share characteristics similar to stablecoins and will feature blockchain-based traceability to ensure transparency and compliance.

“Our idea is that this will only make it easier to transact,” Goyal remarked regarding the upcoming digital currency.

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**Clear Tax Framework for Virtual Digital Assets**

India has established a defined tax framework for virtual digital assets (VDAs), such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs, despite not granting them legal tender status.

In the Union Budget 2022-23, the government introduced a 30% tax on income earned from the transfer of VDAs. This tax rate applies regardless of any profit or loss from other transactions in the taxpayer’s portfolio. Additionally, from July 1, 2022, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is levied on all crypto transactions above ₹10,000.

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**Summary**

To summarize, the Modi government’s approach to cryptocurrency emphasizes regulation through significant taxation rather than prohibition. While discouraging unbacked cryptocurrencies, the government is moving forward with its own digital currency initiative to facilitate easier and more transparent transactions in India’s financial ecosystem.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/we-are-not-encouraging-cryptocurrency-says-piyush-goyal/story

business, internet, judiciary, law, technology

Supreme Court denies Google’s appeal, upholds Play Store reform order

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**Supreme Court Denies Google’s Appeal, Upholds Play Store Reform Order**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:30 AM*

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**Overview**

The US Supreme Court has declined Google’s request to stay a lower court’s order that mandates significant changes to its Play Store. This decision comes as Google prepares to appeal a lawsuit ruling filed by Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite.

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**Injunction Details**

The injunction was issued last year by US District Judge James Donato. It requires Google to allow users to download rival app stores within the Play Store and make Play Store’s app catalog available to competitors. However, these changes will not take effect until July 2026.

Additionally, the judge ruled that Google must permit developers to include external links in their apps. This would enable users to bypass Google’s billing system.

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**Background of the Legal Battle**

Epic Games filed the lawsuit against Google in 2020, accusing the tech giant of violating antitrust laws through its restrictive app store policies. Epic won a jury trial in San Francisco in 2023, and the July ruling was subsequently upheld by a federal appeals court.

Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The company called Judge Donato’s order unprecedented, warning that implementing the changes could cause reputational harm, introduce safety and security risks, and potentially place Google at a competitive disadvantage.

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**Google’s Appeal Strategy**

In its Supreme Court filing, Google highlighted that the mandated changes could impact over 100 million US Android users and 500,000 developers. The company intends to file a full appeal with the Supreme Court by October 27, which could lead the justices to take up the case during their current nine-month term.

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**Epic Games’ Position**

Epic has accused Google of using “flawed security claims” as a pretext to maintain control over Android devices. The developer urges the Supreme Court to let Judge Donato’s injunction take effect, arguing that consumers and developers would benefit from increased competition, more choices, and lower prices.

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**Appeals Court Ruling**

In July, a three-judge panel from the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction. The panel noted that Epic’s lawsuit was “replete with evidence that Google’s anticompetitive conduct entrenched its dominance” in the app store market.

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**What’s Next?**

As the legal battle continues, industry observers are closely watching to see how the Supreme Court will handle Google’s full appeal later this month, which could dramatically reshape the Android app ecosystem.

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*Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/supreme-court-rules-against-google-forcing-play-store-policy-overhauls/story