Tag Archives: summarize

business, electronics, india, mobile, technology

Jio introduces safety-first JioBharat phones starting at ₹800

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**Jio Introduces Safety-First JioBharat Phones Starting at ₹799**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 08, 2025, 03:57 PM*

Reliance Jio has unveiled its latest range of JioBharat phones, featuring an innovative “Safety-First” solution aimed at enhancing family connectivity and security. The announcement was made at the India Mobile Congress 2025 (IMC 2025).

The new Safety-First feature enables guardians to monitor their children, elderly parents, and other dependents through a simple and secure interface. Key functionalities include location tracking, control over calls and messages, and real-time updates on battery life and network strength, ensuring peace of mind for families.

**Tailored for Every Member of the Household**

Jio has designed these safety features specifically to cater to the diverse needs of Indian households. For children, the device offers distraction-free connectivity by eliminating social media access. Elderly users benefit from a straightforward phone experience complemented by health and location alerts. Additionally, women can rely on the phone as a dependable safety and connectivity companion when they need it most.

**Empowering Indians Through Technology**

Speaking at IMC 2025, Sunil Dutt, President of Reliance Jio, emphasized the company’s vision: “Technology should serve a deeper purpose to connect and empower every Indian.” He described the JioBharat Safety-First solution as more than just a phone feature—it is a life-enabling innovation designed to provide families with affordable and accessible peace of mind.

**Availability**

The new JioBharat phones featuring the Safety-First solution are now available on various sales platforms, starting at just ₹799.

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Stay connected and safeguard your loved ones with Jio’s latest innovation in affordable mobile technology.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/jiobharat-phones-launched-with-enhanced-safety-features/story

celebrity, death, grief, loss, music

‘Impossibly difficult’: Louis on coming to terms with Liam’s death

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**‘Impossibly Difficult’: Louis Tomlinson on Coming to Terms with Liam Payne’s Death**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 8, 2025*

Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson recently opened up about the “impossibly difficult” experience of coming to terms with the death of his bandmate, Liam Payne.

In a candid interview with Rolling Stone UK, Louis reflected on the emotional weight of the 15th anniversary of their time together. He said, “It was really uncomfortable, actually, the 15th anniversary. Because the [collective] feeling to celebrate is as important, if not more important, than ever, on behalf of Liam.”

### Emotional Struggle

Louis shared his raw feelings about the loss, revealing, “You know, there’s still a level in my head [where it feels] unjust and frustrating that he’s not with us anymore.”

He added, “It was really, really, impossibly difficult for me to deal with losing Liam. Naively, I thought that because at this point I’m relatively well-versed in grief for my age, that it might soften the blow. It’s very different. I’ve never lost a friend before.”

### A Tribute to Liam Payne

Tomlinson fondly remembered Liam, describing him as the “safest pair of hands” in One Direction. “We were all just so amateur, but he was already where he needed to be by the time he did his first [X Factor] audition,” Louis said. “None of us would have admitted it at the time because you have a lot of pride as a young lad but we all looked up to him like that.”

### Details Surrounding Liam’s Death

Liam Payne reportedly died after falling from the third floor of his Buenos Aires hotel. According to reports, the hotel staff had called the police after noticing a guest who appeared to be under the “influence of drugs and alcohol.”

An autopsy later confirmed Liam was intoxicated at the time and suggested he may have jumped while semi or fully unconscious.

Louis Tomlinson’s heartfelt reflections offer a glimpse into the profound grief of losing a close friend and bandmate, underscoring the lasting impact Liam had on those around him.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/louis-tomlinson-opens-up-about-liam-payne/story

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

business, communication, electronics, finance, technology

PhonePe’s new SmartPOD smart speaker supports card payments too

Leave a comment

**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.

—

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

banking, business, economy, finance, interest rates

HDFC Bank cuts MCLR: How much could your EMIs drop?

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**HDFC Bank Cuts MCLR: How Much Could Your EMIs Drop?**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 04:30 PM*

HDFC Bank has announced a reduction in its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR), a move set to benefit borrowers with loans linked to this benchmark. The bank has cut the MCLR by up to 15 basis points (bps) for certain loan tenures. (For reference, one basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.)

**Revised MCLR Rates**

Following the revision, HDFC Bank’s MCLR rates now range between 8.45% and 8.65%, depending on the loan tenure. Here are the details of the rate cuts:

– **Overnight MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.55% to 8.45%
– **One-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 15 bps from 8.55% to 8.40%
– **Three-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 15 bps from 8.60% to 8.45%
– **Six-Month MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.65% to 8.55%
– **One-Year MCLR:** Reduced by 10 bps from 8.65% to 8.55%

**What is MCLR?**

MCLR stands for Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate. It is the minimum interest rate that a bank is required to charge on loans. This rate determines the baseline interest applicable to various loans and generally remains fixed for borrowers until updated as per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) guidelines.

The RBI introduced MCLR in 2016 to improve the transmission of monetary policy changes into lending rates effectively, making the lending process more transparent and responsive to economic shifts.

**How Will This Affect Your EMIs?**

With the reduction in MCLR, borrowers with loans linked to these rates can expect a decrease in their Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). The exact drop in EMIs will depend on the remaining loan tenure and the outstanding principal amount. However, even a small cut in interest rates can lead to noticeable savings over time.

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Stay tuned for more updates on how this rate revision impacts your loans and financial planning.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/hdfc-bank-slashes-mclr-by-up-to-15-bps/story

california, death, funerals, obituary, teen

D4vd’s alleged victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez laid to rest

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**D4vd’s Alleged Victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez Laid to Rest**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 7, 2025, 3:49 PM*

The funeral service for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was held on Monday at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California. This service followed the discovery of her body in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, on September 8.

The Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that Rivas-Hernandez’s remains were released to her family on September 23.

### Family Confirmation and Community Vigil

Rivas-Hernandez’s family first spoke publicly about her death on September 18. A GoFundMe page created to help cover funeral expenses described her as “a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”

On September 21, dozens gathered in Lake Elsinore for a candlelight vigil held in her memory, honoring the young teen and offering support to her grieving family and community.

### Ongoing Investigation

In mid-September, LAPD detectives executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home linked to D4vd as part of the ongoing investigation into Rivas-Hernandez’s death. The Tesla involved was towed from Hollywood Hills to a secured lot in Los Angeles.

“We know that the Tesla had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, so it is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered,” LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams told PEOPLE.

### Legal Representation

In response to the investigation, D4vd has reportedly retained Blair Berk, a prominent criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients such as Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Mel Gibson.

However, Berk’s legal team has clarified that his involvement does not imply that D4vd is a suspect in Rivas-Hernandez’s case.

As of now, “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not determined a cause or manner of her death,” Captain Williams added.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding this tragic case.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/celeste-s-funeral-held-month-after-being-found-in-d4vd-s-car/story

california, death, funerals, obituary, teen

D4vd’s alleged victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez laid to rest

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**D4vd’s Alleged Victim Celeste Rivas-Hernandez Laid to Rest**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 7, 2025, 3:49 PM*

The funeral service for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez was held on Monday at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California. This comes after her body was discovered on September 8 in the trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.

The Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that Rivas-Hernandez’s remains were released to her family on September 23.

### Family Confirms Death and Community Vigil

Rivas-Hernandez’s family publicly confirmed her death on September 18. A GoFundMe page set up to cover her funeral expenses read, “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”

On September 21, dozens gathered in Lake Elsinore for a candlelight vigil in her memory.

### Ongoing Investigation

In mid-September, LAPD detectives executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home linked to D4vd in connection with Rivas-Hernandez’s death. The Tesla was towed from the Hollywood Hills location to a lot in Los Angeles.

“We know that the Tesla had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, so it is very likely Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been dead for several weeks prior to her body being discovered,” LAPD Captain Scot M. Williams told PEOPLE.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of her death.

### Legal Representation for D4vd

In response to the investigation, D4vd has hired Blair Berk, a prominent criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients such as Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Mel Gibson.

However, Berk’s legal team clarified that his involvement does not imply D4vd is a suspect in the case.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Celeste Rivas-Hernandez’s death is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/celeste-s-funeral-held-month-after-being-found-in-d4vd-s-car/story

crime, death, india, police, suicide

Senior Haryana IPS officer shoots himself at residence

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**Senior Haryana IPS Officer Dies by Suicide at Residence**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 07, 2025, 05:04 PM*

Senior Haryana Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Puran Kumar allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Sector 11, Chandigarh. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when he reportedly shot himself with his official weapon. Preliminary investigations suggest that he died on the spot.

Puran Kumar was a 2001-batch IPS officer serving as the Additional Director General of Police at the Police Training Centre in Sunaria, Rohtak. His wife, Aman P Kumar, an IAS officer, is currently on an official trip to Japan and is expected to return to India tomorrow evening.

Senior officials of Chandigarh Police have launched an investigation into the case. Chandigarh’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Kanwardeep Kaur, confirmed that a team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory is examining the scene as part of the ongoing probe.

—

**Support Resources**

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please reach out to the following organizations for support:

– **AASRA (Suicide Prevention Counseling):** 022-27546669 (24 hours)
– **Roshni NGO:** +91-4066202000
– **COOJ:** +91-83222-52525
– **Sneha India Foundation (24×7):** +91-44246-40050
– **Vandrevala Foundation (Call & WhatsApp):** +91-99996-66555

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You are not alone.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/senior-haryana-ips-officer-shoots-himself-at-house/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

awards, business, entertainment, social media, technology

Instagram introduces ‘Ring’ award to honor top creators globally

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Instagram Introduces ‘Ring’ Award to Honor Top Creators Globally

By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 10:57 AM

What’s the story?
Instagram has announced a new awards program called the ‘Ring’, aimed at honoring top creators on its platform. The first batch of 25 winners will be announced next week.

This initiative is part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to recognize and celebrate those who drive cultural change and push boundaries through their creative work.

Judging Panel

The judging panel for the ‘Ring’ award features a distinguished lineup of personalities, including Instagram head Adam Mosseri, acclaimed director Spike Lee, renowned designer Marc Jacobs, popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee, actress Yara Shahidi, and legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath.

Each winner will receive a custom-designed gold ring created by English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, along with a digital golden ring displayed on their Instagram profile. Additionally, winners will have the exclusive opportunity to customize a unique “Like” button for their feed posts.

Strategic Shift Amid Payout Program Changes

The launch of the ‘Ring’ award comes as Meta has been scaling back its creator payout programs in recent years. Earlier this year, Meta discontinued a program that compensated creators for ads featured on their profiles.

In 2023, the company stopped paying bonuses to Reels creators on both Instagram and Facebook, and in 2022, it shut down its affiliate marketing bonuses. These moves signal a shift in how Meta supports creators financially.

Challenges Faced by Creators

Creators have faced a declining number of brand deals, with a reported 52% drop in 2024. According to Bank of America, along with fewer sponsored partnerships, competition is intensifying as more paid partnerships become concentrated among a smaller group of top creators.

Despite these challenges, Instagram remains committed to recognizing and celebrating its most creative users, and the ‘Ring’ award symbolizes this dedication.

The Vision Behind the ‘Ring’ Award

Instagram describes the ‘Ring’ award as a celebration of creativity — honoring those who aren’t afraid to take creative risks and forge their own paths. In a company blog post, Instagram said the award is “all about celebrating those who bring people together over their creativity, and deserve recognition.”

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/instagram-s-new-ring-award-will-honor-top-creators/story