Tesla has officially expanded its Indian portfolio with the launch of the Model Y L, a long-wheelbase, six-seater version of its globally popular SUV. Priced at ₹61.99 lakh (ex-showroom), this new variant is designed specifically to cater to the Indian preference for extra cabin space and long-range practicality.

Key Highlights of the Tesla Model Y L

• Extended Range: Offers a class-leading 681 km range on a single charge (WLTP cycle), making it one of the longest-range EVs available in India.

• Three-Row Seating: Features a unique 2+2+2 configuration with premium captain seats in the second row, a significant upgrade over the standard Model Y.

• Dual-Motor AWD: The Model Y L is the first in India to feature a Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive setup, delivering superior traction and performance.

• Rapid Performance: Despite its larger size, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 201 km/h.

• Massive Cargo Space: The total storage capacity has been increased to a staggering 2,539 liters with the seats folded.

Dimensions & Comfort

The "L" in Model Y L stands for its increased dimensions, ensuring a more spacious experience for all passengers.

The interior is equipped with a 16-inch central touchscreen, an 8-inch rear passenger display, and a premium 19-speaker audio system. For the harsh Indian summers, Tesla has included ventilated and heated seats for both the front and second rows.

Full Self-Driving (FSD) & Safety

True to Tesla’s DNA, the Model Y L comes equipped with advanced hardware for Full Self-Driving (FSD). While the standard safety suite includes emergency braking and collision alerts, the FSD capability (available as an add-on) allows for automated lane changes, self-parking, and navigating highway interchanges.

Charging Network Expansion

Tesla is simultaneously scaling its Supercharger network in India. A quick 15-minute charge at a Tesla Supercharger can add up to 288 km of range, addressing "range anxiety" for long-distance highway travel between major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Pricing & Availability

The Tesla Model Y L is positioned strategically in the mid-range of Tesla's India lineup:

• Model Y L (AWD): ₹61.99 Lakh

• Deliveries: Expected to commence in June 2026.

• Booking: Now open via the official Tesla India website and experience centers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.

Google has recently announced several major updates. Whether for Android users or those utilizing Google's online services, these changes are set to directly enhance users' everyday experiences. The company is moving forward with its efforts to make its ecosystem smarter and more user-friendly. For the first time, users will also be given the option to directly transfer files from Android devices to iPhones.

1. Android 17 – Dark Mode and Bubbles Feature Coming to Apps

Google's new operating system, Android 17, is currently in its beta phase and is expected to launch soon. It has now reached the "Platform Stability" stage, meaning its features are largely finalized.

Bubbles Feature

Users can now keep multiple apps simultaneously on the screen in the form of small bubbles. Tapping on a bubble allows them to open the corresponding app. Users will be able to run up to 5 or 6 apps concurrently in this manner.

Dark Mode

A dark theme can now be applied even to apps that do not natively support this feature. This capability is being introduced for the very first time.

2. Google Maps – Features like "Ask Maps" and "Immersive View"

Google Maps is evolving beyond mere navigation to become a smart assistant. It is now being developed to function as both a guide and a personal assistant. This includes integration with Google Gemini.

Ask Maps

With this feature, users will no longer be limited to simply searching for locations; they can now ask specific questions tailored to their preferences—such as what type of cuisine is currently trending in a city, what the crowd levels are like, or which route offers the best travel option.

Immersive View

This feature provides a real-time, 3D visual experience of roads, flyovers, and surrounding buildings. This makes it significantly easier for users to understand and navigate their routes.

3. Change Your Gmail Address

Users will now be able to change their Gmail ID. Their old emails will remain secure and preserved. Even after creating a new ID, users will continue to receive emails sent to their old ID.

4. Gemini to Compose Songs

Users can write specific parts of a song—such as the intro or beats—and Gemini will compose the complete track, including vocals. Free users can generate songs up to 30 seconds in length, while paid users can create tracks up to 3 minutes long. 5. Apple-Android File Sharing

Now, files can be sent directly from Android phones to iPhones using the AirDrop feature. Following the Pixel, this feature will become available on Samsung and other devices.

An Air India A350 aircraft traveling from New Delhi to London returned to Delhi on Thursday due to a technical glitch. It remained airborne for approximately seven hours. According to flight tracking websites, the aircraft had taken off from Delhi around 6:00 AM.

About four hours later, while in Saudi Arabian airspace, the decision was made to turn the aircraft back. In total, the aircraft returned to Delhi seven hours later, arriving around 12:30 PM. According to sources, unusual noises were heard inside the aircraft during the flight.

An Air India spokesperson stated that the aircraft was recalled as a precautionary measure. It is currently undergoing inspection in Delhi. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the passengers and assured that efforts are underway to transport them to London as soon as possible.

According to reports, this very same A350-900 aircraft (VT-JRF) had experienced a technical snag on March 15 as well. On that occasion, the flight—which was traveling from New York to Delhi—had to be diverted to Shannon, Ireland. During that flight, while cruising at an altitude of approximately 33,000 feet, passengers had reported feeling vibrations on the cabin floor.

**DGCA Directs Action Against Air India Over Deployment of Wrong Aircraft**

Meanwhile, the aviation regulator—the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)—has directed Air India to take action regarding an incident involving the deployment of an incorrect aircraft to Vancouver. A DGCA official confirmed that disciplinary action has been initiated against an airline executive in connection with this matter.

The incident occurred on March 19, when an Air India Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, bound for Vancouver from Delhi, returned to its origin after flying for approximately seven hours. The airline had inadvertently deployed a Boeing 777-200LR instead of the scheduled Boeing 777-300ER.

Air India does not possess the necessary regulatory clearance to operate the Boeing 777-200LR in Canada; consequently, the aircraft was unable to land at the destination. The error was discovered only after the aircraft had entered Kunming airspace in China, following nearly four hours of flight.

**Air India Increases Flight Frequency Amidst Conflict in West Asia**

Such technical and manual lapses at Air India are surfacing with increasing frequency at a time when airlines are expanding their international flight operations amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In view of the rising demand, Air India has announced that it will operate additional flights to North America and Europe between March 19 and March 28. According to the airline, a total of 36 additional flights will be operated on the Delhi-London (Heathrow), Mumbai-London (Heathrow), Delhi-Frankfurt, Delhi-Zurich, and Delhi-Toronto routes.

Prior to this, the airline had also announced the operation of 78 additional flights across nine routes between March 10 and March 18.

**February 13: DGCA Imposes ₹1 Crore Fine on Air India**

India's civil aviation regulator, the DGCA, announced on February 13 that it had imposed a fine of $110,000 (approximately ₹1 crore) on Air India. This action was taken because an Airbus aircraft was operated on eight occasions without a valid 'Airworthiness Review Certificate' (a fitness certificate confirming the aircraft is safe to fly).

The DGCA stated that this lapse has further eroded public trust in the country's second-largest airline. According to the news agency PTI, the incident dates back to November 26, 2025, when Air India itself voluntarily informed the DGCA of this oversight.

The Karnataka government released a draft policy on Tuesday regarding the digital usage of students in grades 9 through 12. The policy recommends that, aside from academic purposes, daily screen time for entertainment be capped at one hour. It also recommends that internet access be switched off after 7:00 PM.

The draft states that students should be kept away from screens for at least one hour before bedtime. A ‘Child Plan’ for mobile devices has been proposed, which would include an ‘audio-only’ option and a mechanism to disable internet access after a designated time. The policy also suggests developing devices and operating systems tailored to specific age groups.

According to the government, approximately 25% of adolescents suffer from internet addiction, leading to issues such as sleep deprivation, anxiety, and a lack of concentration. This policy has been introduced specifically to address these concerns.

**Changes in Schools:** Digital well-being and online safety will become integral parts of the curriculum. Topics such as cyberbullying, privacy, and responsible online behavior will be taught. Every school will be required to implement a digital usage policy. Schools will observe ‘Digital Detox Days’ and designate ‘Tech-Free Periods.’ School diaries, rather than WhatsApp, will be adopted as the primary medium for communication with students.
**Focus on Mental Health:** Counseling services within schools will be strengthened, and teachers will receive training to help them identify signs of digital addiction and refer students to specialists when necessary.
**Defined Roles for Teachers and Parents:** Teachers will monitor students' digital behavior and provide guidance. Parents will be responsible for setting screen time limits at home, establishing ‘no-phone zones,’ and leading by example.
**Guidelines on AI Usage:** Schools will formulate rules regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), regulate its application in homework assignments, and develop systems to prevent academic plagiarism.
**Draft Prepared in Collaboration with Multiple Institutions**

This policy draft has been jointly prepared by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority, NIMHANS, and the Department of Education. This proposal is distinct from the announcement made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his budget speech on March 6, which called for stricter regulations regarding social media usage among children under the age of 16. On March 6, the Karnataka Government Imposed a Ban on Children's Social Media Usage

On Friday, the Karnataka government announced a ban on the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Karnataka is the first state in the country to take such a step.

During his budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the usage of mobile phones and social media among children is rising rapidly, which is having a detrimental effect on them.

Age Verification Will Be Mandatory

The proposal to ban social media for children under 16 is also linked to data protection legislation—specifically, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP) and the Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.

Under these regulations, children will be required to obtain parental consent and undergo age verification before creating a social media account. Government-issued identity systems or digital lockers may be utilized for this purpose.

Greater Inclination Towards Social Media During Teenage Years

During the teenage years, 'social validation' holds immense significance. Social media provides teenagers with a platform where they can forge their own identities and share their interests with the world. For them, it is not merely a source of entertainment, but a virtual realm where they explore their sense of self.

Furthermore, the instant feedback received on these platforms—in the form of likes, comments, and views—reinforces the feeling that they are being seen by others and that their presence matters. There may be various underlying reasons for teenagers' strong attraction to social media.

Flight operations from Ludhiana's Halwara Airport to Delhi are set to commence soon. Upon arriving in Ludhiana, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran informed Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora that Air India would begin accepting flight bookings starting next week.

Flights from Halwara to Delhi are expected to take off within 15 days of the booking process going live. Sanjeev Arora met with the Tata Group Chairman during the inauguration of Tata Steel's Green Steel Plant in Dhanansu, Ludhiana, at which time the details regarding the flights were shared.

Air India has already secured approval from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to operate two daily flights between Halwara and Delhi. One flight will depart from Ludhiana in the morning, and the other in the evening.

**AAI Grants NOC**

The Airports Authority of India has completed all necessary formalities to launch flight operations from Halwara Airport. Having obtained the requisite No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Air Force, the AAI has now granted clearance to Air India to commence its flight services.

**Air India Secures Office Space at Halwara Terminal**

To facilitate the launch of its flight operations, Air India has secured office space within the Halwara Airport terminal. The office setup is expected to be completed shortly. The Airports Authority of India has also urged Air India to commence flight operations as soon as possible.

**Tata Group Was the First to Agree to Operate Flights from Halwara**

Punjab's Industries Minister, Sanjeev Arora, stated that once the construction of the Halwara Airport was nearing completion, a key challenge arose: identifying which airline would operate flights from the facility. Arora recalled that he was cautioned by many that the country was facing a shortage of aircraft and that it would be difficult to secure planes for this specific route. He revealed that the Tata Group was the very first entity to give its consent to launch flight operations from the airport.

Arora further recounted that he instructed his secretary to track down the personal contact number of the Tata Group Chairman. Once the number was obtained, he sent a WhatsApp message to N. Chandrasekaran. Arora noted that, at the time, he had felt a sense of apprehension, given that he was reaching out to the Chairman of such a massive corporate conglomerate. Typically, one might expect a reply within three or four days—or perhaps no reply at all. However, I was astonished to receive a message just 40 minutes later, and by the very next day, a meeting with Air India officials took place in Delhi.

**CM Says: Launch Flights from Punjab to Canada, the US, and Other Nations**

CM Bhagwant Mann urged Tata Group Chairman S. Chandrasekaran to launch flight services from various airports in Punjab—including Halwara—to destinations such as Canada, the United States, Australia, England, and other countries. He emphasized that Punjabis reside in every corner of the globe, assuring him, "If you launch these flights, not a single seat on the aircraft will remain empty."

**Phase 1: Two Flights to Delhi to Commence**

In the initial phase, two daily flights will operate from Ludhiana to Delhi, and two flights will travel from Delhi to Ludhiana. Subsequently, approval will be granted for flights connecting to other states within the country. However, the launch of international flights may take approximately another two years.

**Reach Delhi in 1 Hour and 20 Minutes**

The journey between Delhi and Ludhiana is expected to take 1 hour and 20 minutes. Ticket prices for this route are likely to range between ₹2,800 and ₹3,500; however, the exact fares have not yet been finalized. Passengers will be required to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled flight departure.

**Inaugurated by the Prime Minister on February 1st**

Flight operations at the Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab, are expected to commence in March 2026. On February 1st, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the facility from the Adampur Airport in Jalandhar.

**Benefits of the Halwara International Airport...**

**Boost to Punjab's Economy:** The airport will benefit trade not only in Ludhiana but across the entire Malwa region, thereby strengthening Punjab's overall economy.
**Capability for Large Aircraft Landings:** Thanks to its extended runway, the airport will be capable of accommodating commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A-321 and Boeing 737, moving beyond the limitations previously imposed by smaller aircraft like the ATR.
**Safe Operations Even in Fog:** Equipped with CAT-II and ILS systems, the airport will facilitate safe takeoffs and landings even during periods of dense fog in the winter season. Expansion of Ludhiana's Industry: Direct flight connectivity will boost business, production, and employment within the hosiery, bicycle, and auto-parts sectors.
Direct Convenience for Business Professionals: Foreign investors and clients will now be able to reach Ludhiana directly, leading to an increase in international meetings and investments.
Planned Cargo Services: In the second phase, cargo flights will be introduced, enabling the direct export of Ludhiana's products to international markets.
Savings in Time and Cost: The need to travel to Delhi or Chandigarh will be reduced, resulting in lower taxi expenses as well as a reduction in traffic congestion and pollution.
Direct Benefits for Malwa Districts: Travelers from surrounding districts—including Moga, Barnala, Bathinda, and Ferozepur—will experience significant relief.

Google Announces Major Android Overhaul: Faster Speeds and Longer Battery Life for Your Smartphone

If you have ever found yourself frustrated by a sluggish smartphone or a battery that drains long before the day is over, relief is on the horizon. Google is rolling out a series of foundational changes to the Android operating system designed to fundamentally change how your device handles its daily workload. Rather than relying solely on smartphone manufacturers to build larger batteries or faster chips, Google is optimizing the core software itself. The result? Your current smartphone is about to become noticeably faster and will last significantly longer on a single charge.

The Secret Weapon: Upgrading the Android Runtime (ART)

At the heart of this massive improvement is a major update to the Android Runtime (ART). ART is the engine that powers every application on your phone, translating app code into instructions your phone’s processor can understand. Historically, updating ART required a full system upgrade from your phone manufacturer—a process that could take months or even years.

However, Google has now modularized this component. By delivering ART updates directly through the Google Play Store, Google can bypass manufacturers and send performance-enhancing updates straight to your device. The latest iteration of ART brings massive improvements in app startup times and memory management. By pre-compiling app code more efficiently, your phone no longer has to work as hard to open heavy applications. Users will experience up to a 30% reduction in app load times, making multitasking fluid and entirely stutter-free.

Putting Background Apps on Ice :

One of the biggest culprits of battery drain and sluggish performance is background app activity. Apps constantly ping servers for notifications, track your location, or refresh data even when you aren't using them. Google is introducing a much more aggressive "app freezing" mechanism.

When an app is pushed to the background, the new Android system will instantly cache its state and severely restrict its access to the phone's processor. Unlike older task killers that forced apps to restart from scratch (which actually consumed more battery), this new freezing method keeps the app in a suspended animation. When you switch back to it, the app springs to life instantly, but while hidden, it consumes virtually zero battery power.

AI-Driven Battery Management :

Building on the foundation of Android's Doze mode, Google is integrating deeper Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn your unique usage patterns. The operating system will now predict which apps you are likely to open at specific times of the day.

For example, if you typically check your news and social media apps at 8:00 AM, the system will allow those specific apps to refresh their data quietly in the background at 7:55 AM. For the rest of the day, those apps are restricted from constantly seeking data. Furthermore, the system will identify "rogue" apps that are quietly draining power due to poor coding or glitches, notifying you immediately and giving you the option to restrict them with a single tap.

Smoother Scrolling and Gaming :

These optimizations aren't just about utility; they are about the visual experience. By freeing up memory and reducing the strain on the CPU, the phone's graphical processor (GPU) has more headroom to operate. Users will notice that scrolling through heavy image feeds, web pages, and complex user interfaces will feel much closer to a locked 60 or 120 frames per second. Mobile gamers will also benefit, as the system intelligently allocates maximum resources to the game on screen while completely silencing background interruptions that typically cause frame drops.

Who Gets the Update?

Perhaps the best news is that these changes are not entirely restricted to brand-new flagship devices. Because Google is pushing many of these core optimizations through Google Play System Updates (Project Mainline), millions of devices running older versions of Android will still reap the benefits. This move is a massive step forward in reducing e-waste, as it extends the usable life of older smartphones by keeping them fast and efficient for years beyond their original release date.

Google's commitment to under-the-hood optimization proves that a better smartphone experience doesn't always require buying the latest hardware. With these new updates, your current Android device is about to get a whole lot smarter, faster, and more enduring.

The April 1 Toll Revision: A Deep Dive into the FASTag Annual Pass Price Hike

As the Indian financial calendar turns a new page on April 1st, a wave of economic revisions naturally follows. This year, the focus shifts to the nation’s bustling highways. In a move that bridges individual commuting costs with national infrastructure development, the price of the highly utilized FASTag annual pass is officially undergoing a rate revision.

The Core Update: Small Hike, Massive Scale

Starting April 1, the cost of securing a FASTag annual pass will increase from its current rate of ₹3,000 to a newly established rate of ₹3,075. At first glance, an increment of just ₹75 might seem like a negligible drop in the ocean of annual vehicular expenses. However, when applied to the vast scale of India's highway network, this adjustment takes on massive economic significance. This policy shift is poised to directly impact over 52 lakh (5.2 million) daily commuters, transport operators, and local residents across the country.

The FASTag Ecosystem: A Digital Revolution

To understand the weight of this change, one must look at how deeply integrated the FASTag system has become. Powered by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, FASTag has fundamentally revolutionized the Indian highway experience. It has effectively eliminated the era of endless cash queues at toll plazas, replacing them with seamless, automated deductions. For millions of drivers, this means drastically reduced fuel wastage from idling, faster transit times, and a significantly smoother journey.

Within this digital toll framework, the annual pass has emerged as a financial lifeline for specific demographics. It is the go-to tool for individuals living within a close radius of a toll plaza, professionals who commute between adjacent cities daily, and commercial freight drivers navigating fixed routes. Instead of meticulously tracking digital wallet balances, the annual pass offers a predictable, cost-effective, "pay-once-and-forget" solution for a full twelve months.

Why the Increase? The Economics of Infrastructure

The decision to bump up the pass pricing is not arbitrary. It is a calculated element of the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) annual financial review, traditionally aligned with the new fiscal year.

Building and maintaining a world-class highway network is an incredibly capital-intensive endeavor. Toll authorities must constantly balance their ledgers against several unavoidable factors:

• Inflation: The rising baseline cost of goods and services.

• Maintenance: Escalating costs of raw materials required for continuous road repairs.

• Expansion: The ambitious, ongoing development of the national expressway grid.

The revenue generated by this ₹75 hike—when multiplied by 5.2 million active users—creates a substantial financial pool. This collective contribution is funneled directly back into the system to fund vital safety upgrades and the paving of new infrastructural arteries.

The Ripple Effect on Commuters and Commerce

For the individual daily traveler, the hike translates to roughly ₹6.25 extra per month—a highly manageable figure. However, the narrative shifts for the commercial sector. Transport unions, large-scale logistics companies managing massive fleets, and local delivery businesses will need to recalculate their overheads. In the logistics world, where profit margins can be razor-thin, this revised operational cost must be factored into their annual budgeting cycle.

Actionable Steps for Pass Holders

Navigating this change requires a bit of proactive planning. If you are one of the 5.2 million users relying on an annual pass, it is highly recommended that you take the following steps:

1. Check Your Expiry: Review your current FASTag account to see when your pass is due for renewal.

2. Renew Early: If your pass expires soon, capitalize on the system's early renewal features before the stroke of midnight on March 31st. This strategy allows you to lock in the older ₹3,000 rate for one more year.

Ultimately, the FASTag annual pass price hike is a reflection of the dynamic nature of a rapidly growing economy. As commuters adapt to this modest tariff shift, it serves as a reminder that the smooth, fast-paced infrastructure we increasingly rely on requires continuous, collective investment.

The Dawn of a New Flagship Era

The Indian premium smartphone market has just witnessed a seismic shift. Xiaomi has officially pulled the covers off its most ambitious device to date: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Priced at a premium ₹1,39,999, this highly anticipated flagship is not just a smartphone; it is a statement of intent. By combining cutting-edge processing power with arguably the most sophisticated mobile camera system ever engineered, Xiaomi is directly challenging the established titans of the ultra-premium segment.

The launch event, which garnered massive attention from tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike, highlighted a no-compromise approach to mobile technology. From its luxurious design language to the sheer raw power under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is designed for those who demand the absolute pinnacle of smartphone innovation.

Unprecedented Photography with 200MP Leica Optics

The undisputed star of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is its revolutionary camera array, born from the continued, deepening partnership between Xiaomi and legendary German camera maker, Leica. At the heart of this formidable circular camera island sits a monstrous 200MP primary sensor. This isn't just about high megapixel counts; it features a massive 1-inch-type sensor combined with Leica's custom Summilux optical lenses, ensuring unparalleled light intake, dynamic range, and natural depth of field.

Whether shooting in the dead of night or under harsh midday sun, the primary lens captures staggering levels of detail. But the 200MP main shooter is just the beginning. The quad-camera setup also includes a 50MP ultra-wide lens with an expansive field of view and minimal edge distortion, a 50MP portrait telephoto lens for stunning, studio-quality portraits with Leica's signature bokeh, and a jaw-dropping 50MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 10x optical zoom and up to 120x AI-assisted digital zoom.

Videographers are equally catered to, with the device supporting 8K video recording at 60fps across all rear focal lengths, complete with 10-bit LOG recording and professional-grade color grading options directly within the native camera app.

Raw Power: The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Powering this photographic leviathan is Qualcomm’s latest and most formidable silicon: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Built on an advanced ultra-efficient manufacturing process, this chipset provides a generational leap in both computational power and energy efficiency.

For the end user, this translates to absolute fluidity. Whether you are editing heavy 4K video files on the go, running the most graphically demanding AAA mobile games at maximum frame rates, or rapidly switching between dozens of active applications, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra handles it without breaking a sweat. To ensure sustained performance during intense gaming sessions, Xiaomi has integrated an industry-leading multi-layer 3D vapor chamber cooling system that actively dissipates heat away from the core components.

Furthermore, the Elite Gen 5 chipset features a dramatically upgraded Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This powers a whole new suite of on-device Generative AI features, from real-time live translation in voice calls to advanced photo manipulation tools that can seamlessly remove objects or expand the borders of your images without needing an internet connection.

A Display Built for Brilliance

To complement the stellar camera and processor, Xiaomi has equipped the 17 Ultra with a breathtaking 6.82-inch 2K LTPO OLED display. It boasts a dynamic refresh rate that scales smoothly from 1Hz to 144Hz, conserving battery while reading text and providing buttery-smooth visuals during high-speed gaming.

What truly sets this display apart is its peak brightness, which tops out at a blinding 5,000 nits, ensuring perfect legibility even under direct Indian summer sunlight. The screen is protected by Xiaomi’s proprietary next-generation Shield Glass, which offers superior resistance to drops and micro-scratches compared to industry standards.

Battery Life and HyperCharge Technology

To keep the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 fed, the device houses a massive 5,500mAh high-density silicon-carbon battery. Even with heavy camera use and gaming, it easily powers through a full day. When it is time to plug in, Xiaomi’s renowned charging technology takes over. The box includes a 120W wired HyperCharger that can take the phone from 0 to 100% in just under 25 minutes. For those who prefer a wireless lifestyle, the device supports blazing-fast 80W wireless charging, as well as reverse wireless charging to juice up your earbuds or smartwatch on the go.

Pricing, Availability, and Offers

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is positioned firmly in the ultra-premium tier, carrying a price tag of ₹1,39,999 for the sole 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. It is available in two sophisticated finishes: Titanium Black and Olive Green Vegan Leather.

Sales will commence next week across Mi.com, Amazon India, Xiaomi Home stores, and partnered premium retail outlets. To sweeten the deal, Xiaomi is offering launch benefits including an instant ₹10,000 discount on select bank credit cards, a comprehensive device protection plan, and an aggressive exchange bonus for users upgrading from older flagship devices.

With the 17 Ultra, Xiaomi is not just competing; it is setting a new benchmark for what a flagship smartphone can achieve in 2026.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a divorce order cannot be granted solely based on WhatsApp chats without evidence. A bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande made this observation while hearing a woman's family court appeal.

The bench stated that allegations of cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, must be proven by legally admissible evidence, and the opposing party must be given an opportunity to rebut the material relied upon.

The woman challenged the Family Court's ex-parte judgment and order dated May 27, 2025, in which the Family Court granted her husband's divorce petition under the Hindu Marriage Act on the grounds of cruelty.

The wife, who appealed, argued that the decree was passed unilaterally. The Family Court relied solely on WhatsApp chats and SMS exchanges between the parties. The High Court set aside the Family Court's order.

Bombay High Court says, "Talaq-e-Ahsan is not prohibited, only triple talaq is illegal."

The Bombay High Court stated that only instant triple talaq is prohibited, not talaq-e-Ahsan. Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Sanjay Deshmukh of the High Court's Aurangabad bench stated that the definition of divorce under the Muslim Women (Protection of Marriage Rights) Act includes forms of divorce that have immediate effect or are irreversible.

"Calling a husband impotent during a divorce case is not defamation," the Bombay High Court said. "Wife has the right to make allegations."

The Bombay High Court dismissed a man's defamation complaint against his wife and her family. The court stated that a wife calling her husband impotent during divorce proceedings cannot be considered defamation if she makes these allegations to protect her own interests.

"Refusing physical relations and then suspecting the husband is cruelty," the Bombay High Court said, adding that this would be grounds for divorce.

The Bombay High Court held in a divorce case that a wife refusing physical relations with her husband and then suspecting him of having an affair with another woman constitutes cruelty. Such a situation is a valid ground for divorce. Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale made these observations, upholding the Pune Family Court's divorce decision.

Asian stock markets are trading mixed today, March 3, amid the US-Israel-Iran war. Indian stock markets are closed today for Holi.

South Korea's Kospi is trading 7% lower at 5,800.
Japan's Nikkei index is trading 3% lower at 56,300.
China's Shanghai Composite is trading 1.50% lower at 4,100.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng is trading 1% lower at 25,750.
Pakistan's KSE 30 index is up 1.50% at 47,000.
Crude oil surges 13% in two days

Brent crude oil prices have surged more than 3% today, crossing $80 per barrel. Yesterday, it rose 10%. This means it has risen more than 13% in two days.

Experts believe that if this tension escalates further, oil prices could reach $120 per barrel. This could impact petrol and diesel prices in India.

In Delhi, petrol prices could rise from ₹95 per liter to ₹100. Diesel prices could rise from ₹88 to ₹92. Similar price increases are possible in other cities.

Mixed trading in the US market on March 2nd

The Nasdaq Composite, a tech-based index, rose 0.36% to close at 22,74.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 73 points (0.15%) to close at 48,904.
The S&P 500 index rose 2 points (0.04%) to close at 6,881.
The Sensex closed down 1048 points yesterday.

The Indian stock market fell yesterday, March 2nd, due to the US-Israel and Iran wars. The Sensex fell 1,048 points (1.29%) to close at 80,239. The Nifty also fell 313 points (1.24%) to 24,866.

Foreign investors sold shares worth ₹3,295 crore on March 2.

Foreign investors (FIIs) sold shares worth ₹3,295 crore on March 2. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth ₹8,593 crore.
In February, FIIs bought shares worth ₹11,002 crore. During this period, DIIs bought shares worth ₹17,324 crore.
In January 2026, FIIs sold shares worth ₹41,435 crore. During this period, DIIs bought shares worth ₹69,220 crore.
Pakistan's stock market plunged 9.8%

Pakistan's stock market experienced a significant decline on March 2. The KSE-30 index fell 4,996 points (9.73%) to close at 46,326. Heavy selling earlier forced a 45-minute trading halt, a lower circuit.

A chartered plane traveling from Jharkhand to Delhi crashed in Chatra. All seven people on board were killed. The Redbird Beechcraft King Air B90L was an air ambulance.

The flight took off from Ranchi at 7:11 pm on Monday. Communication with the aircraft was lost at 7:34 am. A short while later, the plane crashed in the Samaria forests of Chatra district in Jharkhand.

Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat (pilot), Captain Sabrajdeep Singh (co-pilot), Sanjay Kumar (patient), Archana Devi (family member), Dhuru Kumar (family member), Vikas Kumar Gupta (doctor), and Sachin Kumar Mishra (paramedical staff) were on board.

The plane was carrying a patient to Delhi for treatment.

Anant Sinha, CEO of Ranchi's Devkamal Hospital, told PTI that the air ambulance was arranged by a patient. He said, "The patient, Sanjay Kumar (41), a resident of Chandwa in Latehar district, was brought to the hospital on February 16 with 65% burns. He was undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Sinha further said that the family decided to take him to Delhi for better treatment. The patient was taken from the hospital to Delhi at around 4:30 pm. All those accompanying the patient died in the plane crash that evening.

DGCA said - The plane had requested permission to divert.

The DGCA said that the aircraft took off from Ranchi at 7:10 am. At 7:30 am, the plane requested permission to divert due to bad weather. Shortly thereafter, the plane lost contact and radar connection with Kolkata Air Traffic Control. The plane then crashed.

In Uttarakhand, cybercriminals are siphoning off ₹1.14 lakh from people's accounts every hour on average. Based on nearly 90,000 complaints filed across the state in the last five years, fraudsters have siphoned off nearly ₹500 crore. This translates to approximately ₹27 lakh being defrauded every day and approximately ₹100 crore annually. Now, fraudsters have resorted to a new tactic, luring government employees with information related to the Eighth Pay Commission.

Of this vast sum, only approximately ₹70 crore has been recovered so far. A single call, a link, or a single click can wipe out people's life savings in seconds. Cybercriminals are constantly employing new methods, including fake calls, digital arrests, phishing links, APK files, and fake customer care numbers on Google. In recent cases, APK files are being sent to government employees' mobile phones under the guise of providing updates regarding the Eighth Pay Commission. As soon as the person downloads the file, the mobile is hacked and the money is withdrawn from the bank account.

In 2025, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) cyber team raided Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal and arrested 18 accused.

These cases revealed fraud ranging from ₹14 lakh to ₹1.47 crore in the name of digital arrest, investment scams, share trading fraud, fake customer care, and distributorships. The accused would pose as police officers, bank employees, or company representatives, intimidating or luring people into transferring money. The STF is now investigating their interstate network.

The lure of investment scams and the network of fake groups

Cyber ​​fraudsters are targeting most people in the name of investment. Messages are sent to people: Invest 5,000, get 15,000, or Invest 100,000, get 1.5 lakh. After this, the person is added to a Telegram or WhatsApp group.

Most of the members in these groups are cyber fraudsters who show fake screenshots and messages claiming that their money has doubled. This creates psychological pressure on the person, and they are lured into investing. Once the money is transferred, it is then transferred to multiple accounts and withdrawn.

Digital Arrest, Fraud Using APK Files and Fake Links

Cyber ​​criminals are constantly changing their methods and adopting new tactics to defraud people. In recent cases, mobile data is being stolen by sending APK files in the name of the Eighth Pay Commission. Similarly, fake links are being sent in the name of RTO challans, which, upon clicking, provide access to banking information to hackers.

Fake messages in the name of Mudra loans, bank calls under the pretext of KYC updates and fraud by asking for OTP, emptying accounts through UPI and QR codes, hacking social media accounts and demanding money – all these methods are increasing rapidly.

The most dangerous method is "digital arrest." In this, fraudsters pose as police officers and claim a case has been filed against them, demanding that they immediately transfer money to avoid arrest. Taking advantage of fear and anxiety, the accused defraud people of lakhs of rupees.

Why is recovery difficult? The game is linked to foreign networks.

According to the police, in many cases, the mastermind of cyber fraud is based in countries like Cambodia and Hong Kong. The money is transferred to multiple accounts and reaches abroad, making recovery extremely difficult.

Often, those who are caught are merely account holders whose accounts have been used. Reaching the real culprits is challenging.

Beware of unknown links, do not share OTPs.

With the increasing cases of cyber fraud, vigilance is the best protection. Avoid clicking on any unknown links or APK files, as these are used to hack mobile phones and gain access to bank accounts. Do not share your OTP, bank details, or passwords with anyone, even if the person claims to be an employee of a bank or a government agency.

Before investing, be sure to check the company's official website and its SEBI registration. Avoid calling customer care numbers found through Google searches, as they often display fake numbers. Always invest money only on authorized and trusted platforms to avoid the risk of fraud.

If you receive a suspicious call or suspect a fraud, report it to 1930.

Cyber ​​ASP Kush Mishra urged people not to trust any suspicious calls, links, or messages. If you suspect cyber fraud, immediately call the 1930 helpline. A timely complaint can save money by freezing your bank account.

He stated that awareness is the most important way to avoid cyber fraud. Cyber ​​fraudsters are constantly adopting new methods, so people must be equally vigilant and savvy.