Android vs iPhone: Google Claims Its Phones Are Better at Blocking Scams

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October 31, 2025

Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a Telangana cabinet minister on Friday. Earlier, the Raj Bhavan had announced that Governor Jishnu Dev Varma would administer the oath of office to Azharuddin in the morning ceremony.

The announcement of Azharuddin’s inclusion in the Telangana cabinet sparked a political row, with the BJP strongly opposing the move. BJP leader Shashidhar Reddy claimed that the decision to appoint Azharuddin was an attempt to attract a specific voter base ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election, calling it a violation of the model code of conduct.

He argued that while the code of conduct did not cover the entire city of Hyderabad, the move could still influence the by-election in the Jubilee Hills constituency, where Azharuddin himself is a registered voter. Reddy also reminded that Azharuddin had contested from the same constituency during the 2023 assembly elections, alleging that the Congress party’s decision to offer him a cabinet position was driven by electoral motives.

Responding to the BJP’s criticism, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin accused the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of working together to block Azharuddin’s induction. He said their objections were an attempt to deny political representation to minorities.

The Telangana Assembly currently has 119 members. Azharuddin’s appointment is being viewed as a strategic move by the Congress, which is engaged in a fierce contest in the Jubilee Hills by-election, where over one lakh Muslim voters are expected to play a key role.

Reports suggest that the Telangana Congress had urged the party’s central leadership to include Azharuddin in the cabinet, noting that there was no minority representation at present. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) subsequently approved his appointment.

With his induction, Azharuddin becomes the first minister from the minority community in Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s cabinet. Party insiders also believe that the AICC’s decision could have been influenced by the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, where Muslim voters make up a significant portion of the electorate.

Azharuddin had earlier been nominated as a Member of the Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota in August. He had contested unsuccessfully from the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency in the 2023 elections.

Students Anticipate November Breaks Amid Cyclone-Driven Closures

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October 31, 2025

Following a recent break for Diwali and other October festivities, students across India are looking forward to upcoming holidays, with the major winter vacations scheduled for December and January. Before that, the month of November will bring several significant closures for schools.

November School Holiday Calendar

Key celebrations and weekly offs will grant students several days off during the month. Important holidays include:

Guru Nanak Jayanti: November 5
Children’s Day: November 14
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day: November 24

Additionally, schools will observe routine weekly holidays, including the Second Saturday (November 8) and all Sundays (November 9, November 16, November 23, and November 30).

Cyclone Montha Forces School Closures in Southern and Eastern States

While many schools are preparing for planned holidays, institutions in several coastal regions have been forced to shut down due to the impact of Cyclone Montha and subsequent heavy rainfall.

Schools in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana remain closed, with many buildings converted into relief camps for displaced citizens. According to reports, approximately 10,000 people have been moved to these temporary shelters.

In Andhra Pradesh alone, Cyclone Montha affected an estimated 1.8 million people across 249 areas (mandals), 1,434 villages, and 48 towns. The state has reported significant infrastructure damage, with losses to rural water supply estimated at about Rs 36 crore, and irrigation damage totaling Rs 16.45 crore.

Local disaster response teams have been actively involved in relief efforts, including diverting traffic on 297 flooded roads and clearing 380 fallen trees. Health measures have also been prioritized, with 3,175 pregnant women safely relocated to secure locations and 2,130 medical camps established.

Similarly, numerous schools in Odisha and West Bengal have also been closed as a precaution and in response to the severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Montha. The dual effect of scheduled breaks and weather-related closures marks a disrupted yet important time for the academic calendar.

November 2025 Rule Changes: How New GST, Banking, and Card Fees Will Impact Your Wallet

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October 31, 2025

November 2025 Rule Changes: How New GST, Banking, and Card Fees Will Impact Your Wallet

As November 2025 commences, several new financial and administrative regulations are set to come into effect, directly impacting daily banking, taxation, and government documentation. Changes range from revised Aadhaar update fees and bank nomination rules to a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure and altered credit card charges. Here is a breakdown of the key shifts affecting your pocket.

Aadhaar and Banking Updates Take Effect

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has waived the Rs 125 fee for biometric updates on Aadhaar cards for children, making the service free for one year. For adults, the charges are now Rs 75 for updating demographic details (name, address, date of birth, mobile number) and Rs 125 for biometric updates (fingerprints or iris scans). Furthermore, the facility to update select Aadhaar details online without submitting any supporting documents has been introduced.

Separately, new banking rules effective November 1 will allow customers to nominate up to four individuals for a single account, locker, or safe custody item. This measure is intended to simplify the process for families to access funds during emergencies and mitigate ownership disputes.

GST Structure Simplified and Pension Deadlines Set

The government is set to introduce a new two-slab GST system from November 1. This significant change aims to simplify India’s indirect tax structure by replacing the earlier four-slab system (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). Under the revised plan, the 12% and 28% slabs will be removed, while a new 40% rate will be levied exclusively on luxury and sin goods.

Additionally, central government employees opting to transition from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) have been granted an extension, with the new deadline to complete the process set for November 30.

Revised Charges for SBI Cardholders and PNB Customers

Users of SBI Cards face new transaction fees, effective November 1. Education-related payments processed through third-party applications such as MobiKwik and CRED will now incur a 1% fee. A similar 1% fee will also apply when loading more than Rs 1,000 into a digital wallet using an SBI Card.

Furthermore, Punjab National Bank (PNB) is reportedly set to announce revised locker rent charges across India in November. The new rates will be dependent on locker size and category and are expected to take effect 30 days after the official notification.

Finally, all retired central and state government employees must submit their annual Life Certificate by the end of November, either at their bank branch or through the Jeevan Pramaan portal. Missing this deadline may result in the delay or stoppage of pension payments.

King Charles III Strips Prince Andrew of Remaining Titles in Final Royal Ouster – Here’s Why

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October 31, 2025

The spectacular downfall of Andrew, the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was finalized on Thursday after his brother, King Charles III, moved to strip him of all remaining titles and demanded his removal from the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate. This decisive action marks the complete separation of the royal family from the Duke, whose links to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have brought ignominy to the monarchy.

The family of Andrew’s late accuser, Virginia Giuffre, hailed the King’s decision as a triumph of justice. In a statement, they declared that “an ordinary American girl from an ordinary American family brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.” Giuffre, who filed a civil suit against Prince Andrew, tragically died by suicide in April at the age of 41.

Prince Andrew Epstein Connection and Legal Settlement

Andrew first reportedly met Epstein in 1999 through Ghislaine Maxwell. Despite Epstein’s 2008 conviction in the US for procuring a minor for prostitution, the two were photographed together in New York’s Central Park in 2010. While Prince Andrew claimed this encounter ended their friendship, a court document revealed an email sent to Epstein in February 2011 “from a member of the British royal family,” believed to be Andrew, which read: “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon !!!!” Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019.

In August 2021, Giuffre filed a lawsuit alleging Andrew sexually assaulted her three times, twice when she was 17. In her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, Giuffre recounted being trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions between March 2001 and the following month. The encounters allegedly took place in London, New York, and on Epstein’s private island, where the last instance was described as an “orgy.” Andrew, in a disastrous 2019 TV interview, denied the allegations and claimed he had “no recollection at all” of ever meeting her.

The civil case concluded in February 2022 when lawyers for both parties filed a letter to a US court revealing an out-of-court settlement. Andrew, who made no admission of liability, agreed to pay an undisclosed sum, reported to be more than $12 million.

The Final Ouster

Andrew’s association with Epstein first cost him his role as a UK trade envoy in 2011. Following his 2019 interview, Prince Andrew withdrew from public duties and gave up his HRH (His Royal Highness) title. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II officially stripped him of all military titles and royal patronages after his attempt to quash the civil suit failed.

The final steps were taken recently under pressure from his brother. On October 17, Andrew agreed to stop using his Duke of York title, a move that also affects his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The ultimate sanction came on Thursday as King Charles III removed all remaining titles and ordered Andrew to vacate the Royal Lodge, marking the conclusive end of his life as a senior working royal.

Mumbai Hostage Incident: Rohit Arya’s ‘Not a Terrorist, But…’ Video Sends Chills Online

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October 30, 2025

Before the police managed to rescue the children, Rohit Arya released a video message claiming that he had taken them hostage to get answers to what he called “simple, moral, and ethical” questions from certain people.

Investigators later revealed that Arya had lured the children, aged between eight and fourteen, to a local studio called RA Studio by inviting them to an “audition” for a web series. Around noon, he circulated a video lasting about a minute and a half, explaining his motives and cautioning authorities against making any wrong move. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms.

In the video, Arya said, “I have very simple demands. Very moral, ethical demands. I have some questions. I want to speak with some people and get answers. I am not a terrorist, nor do I have any demand for money. I just want a conversation.” He warned officials that any wrong action could push him to “set this whole place on fire,” adding that even if he died, the children would suffer and he should not be blamed.

He ended the recording by saying that once the “conversation” was done, he would leave peacefully. He also claimed that “many people have these problems” and that he would provide a solution through discussions, though he never clarified what those problems were.

Senior Inspector Jeevan Sonawane later stated that Arya had specifically demanded to speak with former Maharashtra education minister Deepak Kesarkar, saying he had grievances with the education department.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade said, “At about 1.30 pm, Powai police station received information that a man had taken 17 children hostage inside the Mahavir Classic building. The Mumbai Police launched a rescue operation and freed all the children safely. During the operation, the accused was injured, rushed to the hospital, and later declared dead.”

The standoff led to a massive joint rescue effort by the Mumbai Police and the fire department that lasted for over an hour. Officials later confirmed that Arya appeared to be mentally unstable. All the children were found unharmed and were handed over to their guardians after verification.

After Challenging Clutch Chess Campaign, D Gukesh Finds Silver Lining Ahead of World Championship

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October 30, 2025

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh finished at the bottom of the table at the recently concluded Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, despite leading the standings after Day 1. The tournament was won by world champion Magnus Carlsen, who dominated the event and defeated Gukesh in five of their six encounters, with one game ending in a draw.

Fabiano Caruana secured second place, while Hikaru Nakamura took the third spot. Reflecting on his performance, Gukesh admitted that the tournament did not go as planned. “Obviously not great. The first day was quite promising. I started off quite well, but the second and third days were just completely off. At some point, it was very tough to start getting wins, and when it’s like that against this opposition, it usually goes downhill quite fast,” he said.

Gukesh is now preparing for the FIDE Chess World Cup, where he will enter as the top seed. The prestigious event begins on November 1, and top players like Carlsen, Caruana, and Nakamura have opted to skip the competition.

“But overall, great experience, especially before the FIDE World Cup. I mean, there are no better training partners than these three (Carlsen, Nakamura and Caruana). So the good thing is these three won’t be there in the World Cup. So, I had a better training than what I’ll be facing. So, I hope it helps,” Gukesh added with a smile.

The upcoming World Cup will serve as vital preparation for Gukesh, who is set to defend his world championship title next year. The top three finishers at the tournament will qualify for the 2026 Candidates event. The World Cup will feature an eight-round knockout format, with the top 50 seeds receiving a bye into the second round. Additionally, the two semifinal losers will play a separate match to determine the third-place finisher.

From Hindi to Gujarati: Samsung Galaxy AI Now Supports 22 Indian Languages

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October 30, 2025

Samsung has broadened the reach of its Galaxy AI by adding support for two new languages—Gujarati and Filipino—bringing the total to 22. The rollout, which began on October 29, 2025, is part of the company’s ongoing effort to make its AI tools more inclusive and accessible across diverse regions. This initiative highlights Samsung’s growing focus on language localization through dedicated research and development centers in India and Indonesia.

In India, the addition of Gujarati is particularly significant, as it reflects the country’s linguistic diversity and the influence of regional languages on mobile usage habits. The feature was developed at the Samsung R&D Institute in Bengaluru, a key center driving the localization of Galaxy AI technologies for Indian users.

Giridhar Jakki, Senior Director and Head of the Language AI Team at Samsung R&D Institute India, said the inclusion of Gujarati enhances Galaxy AI’s usability for native speakers. According to him, users can now access features like Call Assist and Interpreter in their own language, making daily communication smoother and more natural.

Galaxy AI offers a comprehensive set of features designed to simplify communication and improve productivity. Live Translate enables real-time translation of voice and text during phone calls, while Interpreter provides instant split-screen translations for face-to-face conversations. Chat Assist helps users refine their messages based on tone and context, Note Assist organizes and summarizes notes automatically, and Transcript Assist converts recorded audio into text with translation support. Browsing Assist, another popular feature, condenses lengthy articles and webpages for easier reading.

Since its introduction alongside the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy AI has seen strong adoption. Samsung reported that over 90 percent of Galaxy S25 users in India use at least one AI feature regularly. Globally, the company expects the technology to reach more than 400 million devices by the end of 2025.

Users can now access the new Gujarati and Filipino language packs directly from the Settings menu on compatible Galaxy devices, marking another step in Samsung’s mission to make AI-powered communication tools available to users around the world.

Work Permit Rule Changes by Trump Administration May Leave Thousands of Indians Jobless

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October 30, 2025

A major policy shift by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of Indian professionals and their families working in the United States. Beginning Thursday, foreign nationals will no longer receive automatic extensions on their Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), meaning anyone whose renewal is not approved before their current permit expires will be required to stop working immediately.

Until now, foreign workers were allowed to continue their jobs for up to 540 days while their renewal applications were being processed. However, DHS announced that this grace period will end, citing the need for more frequent vetting and stronger security measures. The department advised applicants to file renewal requests up to 180 days before expiry to reduce the risk of losing work authorization.

The new rule is expected to hit Indian nationals particularly hard, as they make up a large portion of the skilled foreign workforce already struggling with extensive green card and visa delays. Those most affected will include H-1B visa holders awaiting permanent residency, H-4 dependent spouses who rely on work permits, students on STEM OPT extensions, and employment-based green card applicants with pending cases.

Legal experts warn that the policy could lead to widespread job losses and disruptions. Henry Lindpere, a senior immigration attorney, noted that most workers will lose authorization the moment their current EAD expires, since processing times at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can range anywhere from three to twelve months depending on category and location.

USCIS and DHS have defended the move as a national security measure. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that working in the US is a privilege, not a right, and that the agency is placing renewed focus on thorough background checks before approving extensions. Officials cited a 2025 case in Colorado involving an asylum seeker as an example of the need for tighter screening.

Only a few categories are exempt from the new rule, including holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or those covered by special provisions under federal law or notices published in the Federal Register. For everyone else, once the current work permit expires, employment must stop immediately, even if a renewal application is pending.

For Indian workers, the implications are especially serious. Many have been waiting years—sometimes decades—for green cards due to per-country quotas, relying on temporary work permits that require frequent renewal. Immigration lawyers warn that delays under the new system could lead to forced unemployment, financial instability, and potential visa violations.

“This change could trigger a wave of job losses among skilled Indian professionals who have built their lives in the US,” said an immigration consultant based in New Jersey. “Even a short delay in processing could mean losing legal status and the right to work.”

The new DHS rule follows a series of restrictive immigration measures under the Trump administration, including a dramatic increase in H-1B visa fees and new hiring bans for foreign nationals at public universities in Florida. Officials argue these actions are intended to protect American jobs and ensure that only highly qualified foreign workers enter the US labour market.

For now, however, the rule adds another layer of uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals in the US technology, healthcare, and research sectors—many of whom are already trapped in one of the world’s most complex and unforgiving immigration systems.

Delhi AQI Plunges to ‘Very Poor’ as Cloud Seeding Experiment Fails

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October 30, 2025