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Sunny Deol as Hanuman: Flying entry, 'Jai Shri Ram' chants & Hanuman Chalisa sung by five stars; Ramayana leaves fans cheering, check their viral reactions here
Sunny Deol as Hanuman: Sunny Deol's first glimpse as Lord Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana has sparked excitement among fans. Revealed in the post-credit scene of the film's first part, the brief appearance features the actor flying through the sky as the chant of 'Jai Shri Ram' plays. Fans have praised his entry, with some claiming it received louder cheers than Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.
Unknown WhatsApp calls? Android and iOS users can now check these details before answering calls
WhatsApp has a feature offering details about unknown callers on Android and iOS, including whether they are saved contacts, share groups with you and the country their numbers are registered in. Users can also silence unknown calls through Privacy settings. Silenced calls remain visible in the Calls tab, but the phone will not ring.
ETtech Explainer: Why SIM-binding is a concern for consumers and businesses
A new study raises alarms about the Department of Telecommunications' proposed SIM-binding requirement for messaging applications. The mandate could severely disrupt operations for consumers and businesses alike, especially impacting international travelers who depend on local SIMs or Wi-Fi. Businesses are bracing for heightened costs and difficulties tied to limited device accessibility.
These 11 private and public banking stocks have an upside of up to 33% in 1 year, according to analysts
It is too early to read a lot into the divergence seen in the stock price movements of private and PSU banks on Tuesday. Neither can it be said with any certainty that it had anything to do with FII buying. Against this background, remember: For any investor interested in the banking sector, the price movements should matter less than what the overall Q2 performance of both private and PSU banks reveals.
Instinct's WhatsApp scare: Glitch that cried wolf
The incident has also brought attention to Meta’s restrictions on competing AI assistants and the challenges facing companies building personal AI agents. Tanya Pandey explains what happened and why it matters.
Government giving Rs 8,000 as diwali bonus? PIB responds to viral claim
The Press Information Bureau issued a warning about fraudulent WhatsApp messages claiming an Rs 8,000 Diwali bonus. These messages ask recipients to click on links to access a fake payment website. The messages aim to collect personal information and trick users into unauthorized transactions. Citizens are advised to verify such claims through official government websites and not to respond to suspicious messages.
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When my AI bargains with your AI: The next great bazaar may be where our agents haggle for milliseconds
AI agents are evolving from simple task execution to negotiating on behalf of users in commerce. These agents can analyze data efficiently, enabling faster negotiations and potentially better deals. Businesses are already preparing for AI-to-AI negotiations, which may reshape the landscape of commerce. While this could benefit consumers, it may also create disparities based on the sophistication of agents.

France moves to make rioters pay through family welfare benefit
France's Senate has approved a law to hold families accountable for damages caused by riots and unrest. This legislation allows authorities to recover compensation from family benefits like housing aid and allowances. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect vulnerable families and discourage peaceful protests. Similar accountability measures are being considered in other European countries amid concerns over riots.

New Rs 1,000 note with temple image in India? Govt clarifies on viral claim
Images of a purported Rs 1,000 yellow currency note have circulated on social media recently. Claims state that the note is new or will be introduced soon on the 15th. PIB Fact Check has clarified that no announcement from the Reserve Bank of India supports this claim. The agency has advised the public to verify information through official sources before sharing it.

These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%, according to analysts
At this juncture, what companies say about their Q2 results, and their outlook for Q3 and Q4, matters a great deal – but only to a certain extent. A company can plan only for what is in its control. No management can predict what the US President will decide, or which way the trouble in the Gulf will turn next.

WhatsApp, Telegram must be tied to an active SIM from Jan 1: DoT issues guidelines
The Department of Telecommunications has issued guidelines for messaging apps to link accounts to active SIM cards. Users will need to ensure registered numbers are connected to active SIM cards by January 1, 2027. This measure aims to reduce cyber fraud and misuse of mobile numbers in India. Messaging apps must comply with these rules or risk suspension of functionality.

WhatsApp and Telegram to stop working for these user from Jan 1: Govt announces new rule. What you should know
WhatsApp New Rule: WhatsApp and Telegram users may face account restrictions from January 1, 2027, under the government's proposed SIM-binding rules. Here's how the requirements could affect users who remove their registered SIM cards, use secondary devices or rely on eSIMs.

Rhode Island sues Meta over alleged tolerance for scam advertising
The suit, filed by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha in Providence Superior Court, accuses Meta of unlawfully profiting from and participating in the creation of billions of dollars in scam advertising - even as it assured its billions of users that it was working diligently to protect them.

87 million Facebook users & political targeting: What was the Cambridge Analytica scandal that is back in focus as Meta faces a $25 billion hit
Meta Platforms has been ordered to pay $25 billion for misleading consumers about data privacy in New Mexico. The ruling follows a jury finding that the company misrepresented access to personal information. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez initiated the case, citing violations of consumer protection laws. This penalty is one of the largest ever imposed on a company by a state.

Meta’s AI app Muse crosses 10 million US downloads within 40 days
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg highlighted in his post that the most common use case for Muse is shopping, with more than a quarter of people using the platform engaging in this activity with an average purchase size over $200.

These 7 banking stocks have an upside potential of up to 28% in 1 year, according to analysts
If FPI selling returns to the levels seen in April and May, financial sector stocks are the ones likely to be hit the most. This would be irrespective of how the fundamentals are for the industry. The reason is simple: Higher ownership by institutional investors, especially FPIs. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components, earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum, to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.

In 2026, three founders launched an AI assistant with its own phone number, it can book flights, order groceries; the startup later reached a $300 million valuation
Tab is designed to work through messaging platforms that people already use. It includes platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage. Users can send a message explaining what they need. The AI assistant then attempts to complete the task on their behalf. A user can ask Tab to order groceries, find a birthday present or even make a reservation.

The Social Reckoning: Looking back at Facebook’s 2021 controversy and where Meta stands today
Aaron Sorkin’s latest film focuses on Facebook's past controversies and the implications of its business model. The story centres around whistleblower Frances Haugen and her allegations regarding Facebook's internal practices. Meta, formerly Facebook, is navigating ongoing concerns about safety and user engagement. The film, while offering a dramatic retelling, critiques the effectiveness of Meta’s strategies.

Deepfakes muddy protest coverage as online platforms restrict individual accounts
Several AI-generated clips have gone viral on Instagram, Facebook and X, drawing millions of views and comments. A recent viral clip of a woman criticising the protests, for instance, led users to an Instagram profile that regularly posts AI-generated political content.

Meta employees confirm in internal communications of alleged bias against Lula in Brazilian elections, reports newspaper
Meta's employees confirmed in an internal communication that the company had restricited Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s accounts during the Brazilian elections. The development followed Brazil's top electoral court ruling that the tech company must ensure equal treatment of the presidential candidates ahead of the October 25 runoff elections. The ruling had come after Lula filed a complaint accusing Meta of restrictions in favour of opposition candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.

10-minute househelp startups & their crore-sized losses
Latest financials reported by Snabbit and Urban Company on Friday point to heavy cash burn in the race to deliver household services within 10 minutes. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.

These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 20% return in 1 year, according to analysts
The next few weeks are critical, and one should not be in a hurry to make market-related decisions. Better to be cautious – to wait and watch. Let the picture become a little clearer before you act.

India’s family offices bet on homegrown AI firms to gain ground
India’s tech landscape is witnessing an influx of investments from family offices and wealthy individuals. Key players like Premji Invest and Claypond Capital are funding promising AI startups. With at least six companies achieving unicorn status, the environment for AI is becoming increasingly supportive. This shift highlights the need for sustained investment in India’s AI ecosystem. The growth potential is significant, despite challenges in funding and competition.

Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan pay $57 million for 16,000-square-foot Gothic-style Strancally Castle in Ireland’s County Waterford
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan recently acquired Strancally Castle in County Waterford for over €51 million. This purchase is the highest price paid for a residential property in Ireland this year. The couple's acquisition of the estate follows 25 years of restoration work by the previous owners. Local representatives welcomed the news, hoping it will boost the region's profile.

In 1992, Jan Koum's family relied on food stamps; 22 years later, Facebook agreed to buy WhatsApp, which he co-founded, for $19 billion
Jan Koum grew up in Ukraine and had limited access to technology. He also reportedly had concerns about government surveillance. According to reports, his family moved to California in 1992. He was only 16 at that time. His father remained in Ukraine, and staying in touch with members was difficult.

Before selling WhatsApp for $19 billion, co-founder Jan Koum once relied on food stamps to feed his family. Years later, he signed the deal in the same office where he collected them
Jan Koum moved to the US with his mother when he was 16, and his family relied on food stamps and government assistance to survive. Years later, he built WhatsApp, the messaging app used by people around the world, and sold it to Facebook for $19 billion. But the deal had a deeply personal connection to his past as he chose to sign the agreement at the former social services office where he once collected food stamps.

Jio’s 10-year timeline: How Ambani's Reliance transformed Indian telecom
Reliance Jio has altered India's telecom industry since its launch in 2016 with affordable services. This transformation included a price war that changed mobile data consumption patterns across the country. Jio has expanded from basic connectivity to include 5G and various digital services. The company's partnerships with major tech firms have broadened its market reach and offerings.

Meet Brian Acton, WhatsApp co-founder who was rejected for job by Facebook in 2009, tech giant later acquired messaging app for up to $19 billion
Acton never gave up and moved forward despite rejections during his career. No one knew that a rejection will soon become the reason behind a remarkable technology story. Five years after rejecting Acton, Facebook returned to him. This time it wasn't a job offer. The tech giant wanted to buy the messaging business he helped to build and grow.

WhatsApp to block logins on outdated iOS and Android versions: What users need to know
WhatsApp is stepping up its game in user safety with a new server-side security protocol aimed at blocking outdated operating systems. Those on older versions of iOS or Android will find themselves unable to access the chat interface, instead receiving prompts to update. This proactive measure is designed to reduce vulnerabilities linked to unpatched systems and malware.
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