Meta has reached a historic settlement worth up to $18 billion to resolve a series of major lawsuits alleging that its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, contributed to youth mental health crises and screen addiction. As part of this landmark agreement, Meta is introducing a wide range of strict restrictions and safety features aimed at curbing excessive social media usage among children and teenagers.

Restrictions for Teen Users

• Default 2-Hour Daily Limit: Under-18 users will face a strict combined 2-hour daily usage cap across Facebook and Instagram. Once this threshold is reached, access can only be extended with direct parental approval.

• Overnight App Lockout: To combat sleep disruption, both platforms will enforce a "Night Mode" lockout between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. During these hours, teens will be blocked from browsing or posting content, including Feeds, Stories, Explore, and Reels (though direct messaging will remain accessible).

• Muted Notifications During School Hours: To help students stay focused during the school day, push notifications will be automatically silenced between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays.

• Regular Screen-Time Prompts: The apps will send mandatory screen-time reminders every 15 minutes of continuous scrolling, along with milestone prompts at 60 and 90 minutes of total daily use.

Content and Engagement Safeguards

• De-emphasizing Social Metrics: Like counts and reaction tallies will be hidden by default on teen accounts to reduce peer pressure and social comparison.

• Algorithmic Feed Control & Autoplay Removal: Teenagers will have the option to switch to a non-algorithmic feed, bypassing personalized recommendation engines. Autoplay features will also be turned off by default.

• Filter Restrictions: Extreme cosmetic and makeup filters will be blocked to protect young users from body image issues.

Age Verification and Parental Controls

Meta is implementing stricter AI-driven age-assurance tools to identify and remove under-13 accounts and place 13-to-17-year-olds into age-appropriate experiences. Additionally, parents will gain enhanced supervision tools, allowing them to mandate non-algorithmic feeds and enforce strict privacy configurations on their children's accounts

Apple is preparing to unveil its first-ever foldable smartphone, widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, at its upcoming "Surprise and Shine" launch event scheduled for September 9. Ahead of the official keynote, new supply chain reports and leaks have revealed critical details about the design, display architecture, and internal hardware of Apple’s most ambitious device to date.

Display Architecture and Passport-Style Design

The iPhone Ultra reportedly features a book-style foldable form factor with a wider, passport-inspired aesthetic similar to competing ultra-premium foldables. When folded closed, the device relies on a 5.5-inch outer cover display designed for quick one-handed tasks. Unfolding the phone reveals a large 7.8-inch inner OLED display, providing a tablet-like canvas. To address one of the biggest drawbacks of foldable devices, Apple has reportedly engineered a durable liquid-metal hinge mechanism aimed at reducing display crease visibility to under 0.15 mm.

Hardware Specifications and Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra will be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing process. It is also expected to house Apple’s custom-designed C2 cellular modem for optimized power consumption and enhanced 5G connectivity.

• Body & Chassis: Ultra-thin design measuring approximately 4.5mm thick when unfolded, constructed with a lightweight titanium frame.

• Camera System: Ships with a dual rear camera setup housing two 48-megapixel sensors (main wide-angle and ultra-wide), omitting the telephoto lens to maintain a slim profile.

• Biometrics & Charging: Replaces traditional Face ID with Touch ID built into the side power button and retains full support for MagSafe accessories despite the ultra-thin chassis.

Software Enhancements and Prototype Stylus

To make the most of the larger 7.8-inch inner screen, Apple is introducing custom software capabilities within iOS. The new system features iPad-like multitasking optimizations, allowing users to run multiple applications side-by-side with full drag-and-drop integration across active windows. Reports also indicate that Apple internally prototyped a compact, magnetic Apple Pencil accessory specifically tailored for the foldable screen, though it remains uncertain whether the stylus will launch alongside the device at the event.

The headline story of this hardware refresh is the debut of the M6 chip, Apple’s first processor built on an advanced 2-nanometer architecture. The M6 features a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engines, yielding up to four times the AI compute performance and double the graphics speed compared to earlier base chips.

For extreme pro workflows, the M5 Ultra leads the stack. Created by linking two M5 Max dies via UltraFusion technology, it delivers up to a 36-core CPU, an 80-core GPU, and up to 512GB of unified memory with a massive 1.2TB/s memory bandwidth. The new chip family focuses heavily on localized AI workloads, enabling local execution of massive Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced media processing without reliance on cloud infrastructure.

Mac mini (M6 & M5 Pro): Compact Powerhouse

The updated Mac mini retains its ultra-compact footprint while upgrading internal specs and connectivity.

• Performance: The standard M6 model handles everyday creative tasks and heavy multitasking, while the M5 Pro variant features a 15-core CPU and 12-core GPU designed for intensive data and software development tasks.

• Connectivity & Specs: The entry M6 model starts at 16GB RAM and 256GB storage (configurable to 32GB RAM/2TB SSD). Standard ports include front USB-C, rear Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 4 on M6; Thunderbolt 5 on M5 Pro), HDMI, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and upgraded 2.5Gb Ethernet (with a 10Gb option). Genlock support over USB-C is also introduced for precise display-camera video sync.

Mac Studio (M5 Max & M5 Ultra): Built for Heavy Workloads

Geared towards studio professionals, AI researchers, and video editors, the Mac Studio offers server-class performance on a desktop setup.

• Pro AI & Graphics: The M5 Ultra model can drive up to 33 simultaneous streams of 8K ProRes video and supports multi-system clustering via Thunderbolt 5 and RDMA to run vast open-weight AI models.

• Speed & Expansion: Storage performance is doubled thanks to an upgraded PCIe Gen 6 SSD architecture. The M5 Ultra variant supports up to eight external displays and includes front-facing Thunderbolt 5 ports alongside 10Gb Ethernet.

India Pricing & Availability

All models are currently available for pre-order through Apple's official online store and authorized channels in India, with retail sales and shipments beginning September 22.

NEW DELHI: In a significant admission, the Union Government has acknowledged for the first time that using E20 petrol (petrol blended with 20% ethanol) could cause wear and tear in certain older vehicles.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari shared this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Key Highlights: Which Vehicles Are Affected?

According to the statement, certain older vehicles compliant with BS-3 emission standards might require replacements for specific rubber parts and gaskets due to sustained E20 usage.

• Target Vehicles: Mainly two-wheelers and four-wheelers manufactured between April 1, 2005, and 2016 (vehicles below Euro-4/BS-4 standards).

• No Engine Modifications Needed: Minister Gadkari clarified that studies show E20 fuel has no major impact on the overall performance or durability of these vehicles. No mechanical engine modifications are required.

• Routine Replacements: The affected components can easily be replaced during regular vehicle servicing.

What Parts Need Replacing and Why?

Ethanol possesses corrosive properties that can cause older rubber formulations to harden, soften, or swell over time, as these components were not originally designed for prolonged contact with ethanol. While the primary impact is on rubber components, some older metal parts in pre-Euro-4 vehicles could also experience mild effects.

The Affected Components:

• Fuel hoses and pipes

• O-rings and rubber seals

• Gaskets

• Rubber components inside the fuel pump

• Injector seals

Note: These are not core engine parts. Most of these rubber components are situated within the vehicle's fuel delivery system.

Estimated Replacement Costs

The cost of replacing these parts varies significantly depending on the vehicle make and model:

Disclaimer: Premium or luxury models (e.g., Mercedes-Benz) will incur higher costs compared to budget mass-market models (e.g., Maruti Suzuki).

Frequency and Impact on Mileage

When asked about the replacement intervals, the minister noted that there is no fixed timeline or kilometer milestone. Mechanics will check for signs of wear, degradation, or leakage during routine service intervals and replace them as needed. Vehicles will continue to run normally, though older models may require slightly more frequent maintenance monitoring.

Addressing concerns regarding fuel efficiency, Gadkari emphasized that vehicle mileage does not depend solely on the fuel type. "Mileage is influenced by multiple factors, including driving style, road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and environmental elements," he said, adding that ethanol-blended fuel has been successfully used globally for over a century.

The study referenced by the minister was jointly conducted by Indian Oil, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), has officially announced another price increase across its entire product lineup. Starting August 2026, buying a Maruti Suzuki vehicle will become expensive by up to ₹30,000, depending on the specific model and variant.

This marks the second price hike by the carmaker in just two months, following a similar portfolio-wide pricing adjustment implemented in June. The decision reflects ongoing cost pressures faced by automotive manufacturers across the country.

Why Is Maruti Suzuki Raising Prices Again?

In a official regulatory filing, the automaker stated that persistent inflationary pressures and a continuously unfavorable cost environment forced them to pass on a portion of the increased expenses to consumers.

"The company has been making continuous efforts over the past few months to absorb and mitigate the impact of rising costs through internal cost-reduction measures. However, with input cost inflation remaining elevated, we are compelled to pass on a part of the burden to buyers while striving to minimize the impact as much as possible."

Driving Factors Behind the Hike:

1. Rising Commodity Costs: Key raw materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and precious metals used in catalytic converters have seen sustained price swings.

2. Logistics & Freight Inflation: Supply chain disruptions and higher freight charges driven by global conflicts have escalated overall operational costs.

3. Margin Protection: To safeguard its operating margins without compromising on production quality, Maruti Suzuki opted for an incremental cost transmission rather than absorbing the full loss internally.

What Does This Mean for Potential Buyers?

If you are planning to purchase a Maruti Suzuki car—whether from the entry-level Arena channel (like the Alto K10, WagonR, Swift, Dzire, or Brezza) or the premium NEXA lineup (such as the Baleno, Fronx, Grand Vitara, or Invicto)—buying before August could save you a significant amount.

• Entry-Level Hatchbacks: Lower-end models will see a minor to moderate price adjustment.

• Compact SUVs & MPVs: Premium variants, mid-size SUVs, and flagship models are expected to bear the maximum increase close to the ₹30,000 threshold.

Industry analysts suggest that repeated price revisions across the auto sector might slightly dampen near-term consumer sentiment, but strong demand ahead of the upcoming festive season is expected to keep overall vehicle sales resilient.

SAN DIEGO: In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the future of medical science, two humanoid robots have successfully performed surgery on pigs. Nicknamed 'Surgie,' these teleoperated robots safely removed the gallbladder from the pigs' abdomens. This unprecedented experiment, conducted by doctors and engineers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), marks the debut of general-purpose humanoid robots in a standard surgical setting.

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that no specialized, custom-built surgical robots were used. The research team utilized two commercially available humanoid robots. Standing about 4 to 5 feet tall, these machines cost less than $20,000 (approximately ₹19 lakh)—a fraction of the price of traditional, dedicated surgical robotic systems.

Performing Complex Laparoscopic Surgery

The robots performed a highly intricate procedure known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which involves removing the gallbladder without making a large incision. Demonstrating precision similar to that of human surgeons, the robots carefully retracted surrounding tissues, applied clips to veins, and safely extracted the gallbladder without causing any damage to the liver.

Two Different Surgical Approaches:

1. Human-Robot Team: In the first surgery, a single humanoid robot took the lead role, assisted by a human surgeon who managed the camera and instruments.

2. Robot-Robot Team: In the second procedure, no human assistance was required at the operating table; two humanoid robots worked collaboratively to complete the entire surgery.

Powered by Advanced Software and Custom Tools

To make general-purpose humanoid robots capable of executing such delicate tasks, the research team designed custom physical adapters. These allowed the robots to securely and precisely grip standard surgical tools.

Additionally, they developed highly specialized software to bridge the gap between the surgeon and the machine. This software effortlessly translates the hand gestures and movements of a remote human surgeon into precise actions, controlling the surgical tools attached to the robots' wrists.

The Goal: Expanding Access to Surgical Care

The comprehensive details of this successful trial were published in the prestigious science journal Nature on July 8. According to the university, the experiment was a resounding success.

The ultimate goal of this testing phase is to address the critical shortage of specialized medical care. In the future, this technology could facilitate immediate, high-quality treatment and surgical procedures for patients in remote, rural, or under-resourced areas where expert surgeons are unavailable.

Dr. Ryan Broderick, the interim director of the 'Center for the Future of Surgery' at UC San Diego, highlighted the significance of the achievement. He stated that, as a 'proof of concept,' this experiment has been entirely successful, proving the clinical potential of mobile humanoid robots in the operating room.

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.