Artificial Intelligence Future

Talent Outsourcing Index: Nepal among top 20 countries in the world

2026-05-12T06:00:59.547-07:00

Talent Outsourcing Index: Nepal among top 20 countries in the world

Nepal has managed to make it to the list of top 20 countries for talent outsourcing worldwide. Nepal has managed to rank 19th in this competitive ranking among 193 countries recognized by the United Nations.

The Philippines tops the Ataraxis Global Outsourcing Talent Index with a score of 90.65, followed by Malaysia and India in second and third place. From the South Asian region, Pakistan ranks 16th and Bangladesh ranks 20th, making it to the top 20.

Nepal has scored 79.65 out of 100 points. This assessment has been made on the basis of five main criteria. According to which, Nepal has scored 96 points in the area of labor cost, which shows Nepal as a highly cost-effective destination for outsourcing.

Similarly, the score of 80 obtained according to another criterion shows that Nepal has a good availability of English-speaking manpower. Nepal scored 50 on human resource availability.

Nepal scored 40 on digital infrastructure, while Nepal scored 50 on business, legal and political stability.

The Global Outsourcing Talent Index ranks countries by weighting five key factors: labor costs (52.5%), English language proficiency (20%), workforce availability (17.5%), digital infrastructure (5%), and business, legal and political stability (5%).

The study used official data from the World Bank, UNESCO, LinkedIn, EF English Proficiency Index and TOEFL results, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Heritage Foundation.

Why is this index important?

This index is specifically designed for startup founders, human resource (HR) leaders, and investors looking for skilled and affordable human resources globally. According to the report, while national averages for digital infrastructure or English language proficiency appear low, at the individual level skilled professionals tend to have high-speed internet and excellent language skills, which are important for outsourcing.

Nepal’s 19th position indicates that Nepali manpower is becoming competitive in the global market, especially in areas such as IT, digital marketing, accounting and customer service. This has the potential to help establish Nepal as a major hub for remote work and outsourcing for international companies.

Samsung is making the stable version of One UI 8.5 available on older Galaxy phones

2026-05-12T05:59:22.377-07:00

Samsung is making the stable version of One UI 8.5 available on older Galaxy phones

Samsung has started making the update to its new operating system (OS) One UI 8.5 available to older Galaxy devices as well. The company has started making the stable version of One UI 8.5 available to older Galaxy devices from Wednesday after four months of beta testing.

The new OS will be available to users of the Galaxy S25 series in the first phase. After that, it will be available to the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S10 series, the company said.

According to the company, the update is available to users in South Korea in the first phase. It is said that it will be available gradually in other regions in North America, Europe and Asia.

One UI 8.5 has added new features specifically related to Galaxy AI. The company claims that this will make the user's smartphone experience more effective.

However, not all Galaxy phones will get the same AI features. The company will provide full AI features only on Galaxy S, Tab S and Z series devices.

Similarly, some new features will be added to the last three generations of Galaxy A, F and M series smartphones. But the company has stated that these features will be available in a limited way under the name 'Amazing Intelligence'.

Google has launched a new fitness tracker without a screen, Fitbit Air, how does it work?

2026-05-12T05:57:08.876-07:00

Google has launched a new fitness tracker without a screen, Fitbit Air, how does it work?

Google's new fitness device Fitbit Air has been released. Google has brought Fitbit, which has been missing in the crowd of smartwatches lately, in a new and original form.

The most important feature of this device is that it does not have any screen. With this minimalist design without a screen, Google has indicated that it will directly compete with Hoop, which has gained fame in the premium fitness tracker market.

Fitbit Air is a small pebble (like a small piece of stone) shaped sensor module, which can be fitted to various types of bands. Its thickness is only 8.3 mm and weighs only 5.2 grams without a band. It weighs only 12 grams with a band. So that the user does not even feel that it is wearing it in his hand.

The main purpose of not having a screen in it is to keep the user away from digital distractions (notifications and lights) and focus only on their health data. All information can be viewed through the new Google Health app on the smartphone.

Priced at $99.99 (around Rs. 15,000), Google has packed powerful sensors into this small device. It measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature changes, and stress 24/7.

Its most important USP is its atrial fibrillation (AFib) alert. This feature, which detects irregular heartbeats, is available for free on the Fitbit Air. While its competitor, Hoop, charges a hefty annual subscription fee of around $359.

In addition, Google has also brought Google Health Coach, powered by Gemanai AI, to it. It will analyze the user's sleeping habits, exercise, and health status and provide personalized advice. If the user takes a photo of the workout chart at the gym and uploads it to the app, the AI can analyze it and even include it in the tracking.

Since it does not have a screen, its battery life is very effective. It lasts for 7 days on a single full charge. Google has also provided fast charging facility. The company claims that it can provide a full day's battery backup with just 5 minutes of charging. It takes 90 minutes to fully charge.

Google has presented the Fitbit Air not just as a tracker but as a lifestyle product. There are three types of bands available for it. One of them is the Performance Loop. This band made of recycled materials is available in the box. Another Active Band is a silicone band suitable for sports and exercise, while the third Modern Band gives the tracker the look of a modern bracelet.

As a special attraction, Google has also collaborated with famous basketball player Stephen Curry to bring the Stephen Curry Special Edition Band. The price of which is set at $ 129.99 (about Rs 19,500).

The competition between the already popular Hoop 5.0 and the Fitbit Air in the market is now expected to be interesting. The Hoop has a battery life of more than 14 days and can be charged without removing it from the hand. But to use the Hoop, you have to pay an expensive annual subscription.

On the other hand, the Fitbit Air has a low starting price and most of its important features are free. Google has also offered a 3-month Google Health Premium trial. After that, the coaching feature will cost $9.99 (about Rs. 1,500) per month.

The Fitbit Air will run on all phones running Android 11 and iOS 16.4 and above. It can also be paired with the Google Pixel Watch. Its pre-orders have already started and it will be available in the market from May 26.

Google, which has integrated the Fitbit app into Google Health, is trying to establish its dominance in health technology by integrating AI Coach. Google has tried to revive Fitbit by providing premium features like AI Coach and AFib for $99. Fitbit Air could prove to be a great option for users who want to get rid of smartwatch notifications but still want to keep detailed records of their health.

Now Nepal Telecom's e-SIM can be obtained online, the obligation to go to the office is gone

2026-05-12T05:55:24.979-07:00

Now Nepal Telecom's e-SIM can be obtained online, the obligation to go to the office is gone

Now Nepal Telecom's new prepaid e-SIM can be obtained online. With this, the obligation of the customer to go to the Nepal Telecom office to obtain the SIM has been removed.

For this, the service recipient who wants to obtain a new prepaid e-SIM must first log in to esim.ntc.net.np and click on Get New Prepaid eSIM there. Then, as per the instructions given, they will have to register and provide the necessary details.

After doing this, after paying the amount through various wallets and QR codes, the QR code of the e-SIM is received. The company has stated that the e-SIM can be activated through the settings of their mobile set by scanning the QR code.

The website also provides a facility to convert an already used SIM into an e-SIM online. The online KYC portal is also available here to fill out the necessary forms to obtain a new physical SIM and to register or update customer details, i.e. KYC.

Elon Musk's unique condition: Bank managing SpaceX's IPO must buy Grok AI

2026-05-10T22:49:51.637-07:00

Elon Musk's unique condition: Bank managing SpaceX's IPO must buy Grok AI

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has set a unique condition for banks and advisors involved in the public offering (IPO) process of his rocket company 'SpaceX'. According to the New York Times, banks interested in working on SpaceX's IPO will have to subscribe to Musk's AI chatbot Grok.

According to a report published citing a person familiar with the matter, some large banks have agreed to accept this condition and spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on 'Grok'. These banks have also started integrating this AI chatbot into their internal information technology systems.

According to Reuters, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup are acting as the main 'book runners' or lead banks for SpaceX's historic IPO.

Elon Musk and SpaceX have not yet made any official comments on the matter. Similarly, banks including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup have also refused to comment on the matter.

Preparing to become the world's largest IPO

According to Bloomberg News, SpaceX, based in Starbase, Texas, is aiming to raise a record $75 billion through its IPO.

If successful, SpaceX's IPO would become the largest stock offering in history, surpassing Saudi Aramco's IPO in 2019 and Alibaba's IPO in 2014.

Musk has been promoting Grok through his social network X and AI company 'XAI'. Now, making it mandatory in the business deals of his other companies is seen as a unique business strategy.

Elon Musk’s data center to run ‘Cloud AI’, adding 300 megawatts of computing capacity

2026-05-10T22:46:51.395-07:00

Elon Musk’s data center to run ‘Cloud AI’, adding 300 megawatts of computing capacity

Artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic has signed a new agreement with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX to expand its computing capacity. According to the agreement, made public on Wednesday, Anthropic will now use Musk’s data centers to run its AI model ‘Cloud.’

Under the agreement, 300 megawatts of new capacity will be made available to Anthropic within the next month through SpaceX’s ‘Colossus 1’ facility in the US state of Tennessee. The data center is equipped with more than 220,000 Nvidia processors, which were initially built for Musk’s own AI company XAI’s Grok model.

The company was facing a shortage of computing capacity after demand for products including Anthropic’s AI coding tool ‘Cloud Code’ soared. The agreement is expected to go a long way in solving that problem. The company has also expressed interest in collaborating with SpaceX to develop an orbital data center in space in the future.

Musk, who has been a strong critic of Anthropic in the past, has seen the latest move as meaningful. “I was impressed by their work on how the cloud is good for humanity,” Musk wrote on the social network X. However, he warned that if Anthropic’s AI did something that harmed humanity, he would kick it out of his data center.

The deal was announced on the same day as Anthropic’s first developer conference in San Francisco. With the additional capacity, the company has doubled the usage limit of cloud code and removed the ‘peak-hour’ restriction for Pro and Max users.

At the same event, Anthropic also unveiled a new feature called ‘Dreaming.’ This feature will help the AI system learn new things by reviewing user preferences and past tasks.

Elon Musk's decision to rent computing power to his competitors has been seen as the beginning of a new business relationship in the AI industry. Musk's company had previously made a similar deal with another AI startup, Cursor.

Teaching AI and Robotics to Make Students Solve Real Problems is the Need of the Hour

2026-04-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Teaching AI and Robotics to Make Students Solve Real Problems is the Need of the Hour

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not limited to just two letters. It has become an integral part of our lives. From the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, we are using AI in some way or the other. Thus, AI has become a necessity rather than a luxury in our lives.

As technology continues to advance, the learning process in the classroom has also changed a lot. Until a few years ago, the role of the teacher in the classroom was 80 percent and the role of the student was only 20 percent. Listening to and memorizing what the teacher said was the main basis of learning. However, today this ratio has completely reversed. Because now the student does not have to learn by just understanding what the teacher has taught.

Students are more active and knowledgeable about technology than the teacher. They can learn things that they do not understand in the classroom and that are different from the textbook in the way they find it easy by using YouTube, GitHub, and various AI tools. Now the role of the teacher has changed from being a peddler to a facilitator in the learning of students.

Nowadays, technology is no longer just an optional subject, it has become mandatory. Therefore, attention should be paid to things like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Edge Computing, Future Skills and Innovation in school education.

More than 18 billion IoT (Internet of Things) devices are currently in use around the world. These devices are generating a huge amount of data. Only students who have the ability to understand and use this data will be considered worthy of the future.

Students should be taught to solve real problems

We should teach students to find critical thinking and problem-solving methods. AI teaches students to solve real-life problems, not just books.

Every student may have different interests in different fields. Thousands of things are coming to the mind of students outside the school hours from nine to five. They should develop practical skills by using the creative techniques that come to their minds appropriately.

We should teach students to identify real problems around them and find practical solutions to them. Whether it is waste management or traffic problems, the need of the day is to build their own ability to think of creative solutions and develop the necessary technology to solve local challenges.

But we have yet to develop an educational system that teaches students how to solve problems in real time. And, these abilities do not come from any textbook. Students themselves must be provided with the opportunity to think critically and create an open environment for working.

Some students have done such work. In a municipality, undergraduate and plus-two students have created a dashboard based on ‘Natural Language Processing’ to reconcile petty quarrels and disputes in the village. The parties involved in the dispute submit their problems to this system. The system analyzes those problems and presents immediate solutions or mediation options. Initially, many laughed at them when they heard that they had created a dashboard to resolve disputes. But now this technology has proven to be successful.

A student started a project called ‘Hamro Niwas’ after seeing the real problem around Kathmandu University. This app provides information about which house has a vacant room, how much is the rent, what the room is like, and how many days the room will be vacant. It has connected both housewives and students looking for rooms on the same platform.

The student is now also earning money through this app. He has turned the pain of finding a room that students who come to study from outside into a business opportunity. In this way, making students able to identify problems and present solutions is the right teaching method in the era of AI.

Teaching today’s students AI and modern technology also means preparing them for global competition. Therefore, the traditional ‘teach, test, and forget’ style should be abandoned in the education system. Instead, the emphasis should be on the ‘explore, build, and solve’ style. Students should be involved in learning based on small robotics or software projects from a young age. Students need to be taught to use technology with confidence.

Students can be connected to technology by setting up robotics clubs in schools. Similarly, programs can be conducted to familiarize teachers with modern technology and AI awareness sessions can be conducted. Now we need to prepare students with the aim of preparing a workforce that will choose entrepreneurship rather than seeking employment.

On the other hand, teachers should consider AI as a helper, not a competitor. AI will not replace teachers. However, teachers who use AI can definitely outperform teachers who do not use AI. AI can be used to explain difficult subjects in a simple way. From complex mathematical formulas to scientific principles, it can be used to help students understand.

What would take an hour to explain to students, AI can be used to create a chart or video in a minute. Every student has a different learning ability. Using AI tools, teachers can prepare content according to the needs of each student and teach in the classroom in an understandable way.

Meta could become a deadly weapon for sex offenders by incorporating facial recognition technology into its smart glasses

2026-04-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Meta could become a deadly weapon for sex offenders by incorporating facial recognition technology into its smart glasses

Human rights and civil liberties groups around the world have strongly opposed Meta’s plans to include facial recognition technology in its Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses. A coalition of more than 70 organizations has warned that the feature could give sex offenders, stalkers and government agents the power to silently identify anyone in public.

Known as ‘Name Tag’ within Meta, the feature operates through an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant built into the smart glasses. It helps to instantly extract information about strangers in front of the wearer. According to reports, Meta engineers are working on two versions of it.

One, which will only recognize people who are already connected to Meta’s platforms with the user. The other, a more comprehensive version that can identify anyone with a ‘public account’ on services like Instagram.

The ACLU, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Fight for the Future, and Access Now, among others, wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, saying the feature puts victims of sexual assault, immigrants, and LGBTQ people at risk. They said there is no way for people walking in public to consent to their identities being revealed.

The coalition warned that scammers and criminals could use the technology to collect data related to people’s names, habits, hobbies, relationships, health, and behavior. Epic wrote to the Federal Trade Commission that the technology would completely eliminate privacy and anonymity for people in performance venues, places of worship, and medical clinics.

According to an internal memo from Meta’s Reality Labs dated May 2025, obtained by The New York Times, the company plans to release the feature at a time when civil society organizations will be focused on other political issues. Meta has sought to capitalize on the “dynamic political climate” to quell the protests. Citizen groups have called it “despicable behavior” and accused Meta of exploiting growing authoritarianism and disregard for the rule of law.

A Meta spokesperson said that while its competitors have offered such products, Meta has not yet. “If we were to introduce such a feature, we would take a very thoughtful approach,” he said. However, the company that makes the smart glasses, Asiloralxotica, has not commented on the matter.

Meta has paid a heavy legal price in the past for facial recognition and biometric privacy. Meta paid a settlement of nearly $2 billion in Illinois and Texas for collecting facial data without users’ consent. In 2019, Meta paid the FTC a $5 billion fine, the largest in the agency’s history, for privacy violations.

A Los Angeles jury recently ordered Instagram and YouTube to pay $6 million in damages for harmful design. The Massachusetts Supreme Court also recently ruled that Meta is not immune from consumer protection lawsuits alleging that the feature was designed to be addictive to young users.

The coalition is demanding that Meta completely remove the feature. It is also pressing Meta to disclose any incidents where its devices have been used for stalking, harassment, or domestic violence, and to make public any discussions it has had with federal agencies such as ICE or CBP. They are urging Meta to consult with independent privacy experts before installing biometric identification on any consumer device.

Is your phone secretly listening to your conversations with friends or family?

2026-04-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Is your phone secretly listening to your conversations with friends or family?

Many mobile users have had a very ‘strange and scary’ experience – when you open a social media account and within moments of chatting with a friend about a specific topic, an ad for the exact same topic appears. This has raised a big question among the general public: is our phone secretly listening to what we say?

Many users have shared such experiences. “Sometimes I’ll be chatting with my friends and 30 minutes later I’ll be on TikTok and an ad for the exact same topic appears,” said one woman. Another person said that after talking about her plans to visit New York, her Instagram reels were filled with New York content for weeks. Similarly, another woman shared that she opened the app shortly after talking about a particular dish and then saw an ad for the exact same food.

What do the experts say?

According to Ari Paparo, a veteran advertising consultant and author, phones are not passively listening to people for advertising. “I can guarantee that your phone is not listening to you for advertising,” he said. According to Paparo, it is technically impossible to listen to billions of people around the world, interpret them, find specific words, and match them to ads. However, he says, “I know that no one will believe me.”

So how do ads come to you? Even though phones are not listening, advertisers are very accurate about your interests. According to Paparo, there are two main reasons for this.

The first is inference and inference. Advertisers make inferences about your interests based on details such as what websites you visit, what apps you use, how old you are, and where you live. This combination of data is very accurate.

The other is family environment. If a member of your family or someone you live with searches for something on the Internet, the advertiser can show you the same ad. Because you are using the same home Internet (IP Address). For example, if your wife searches for 'carrot peeler', her husband may also see an ad for it on his phone.

Scientific study results

David Choffness, a professor of computer science at Northeastern University, conducted a study of thousands of Android apps. He tested whether the apps recorded audio and sent it somewhere without the user's permission. "We did not find any information recorded secretly," said Choffness. However, he said that these companies are very keen to monitor every activity that users do online.

When Choffness requested a report on his advertising data, he received a report that was more than 300 pages long. In it, there were many assumptions made about him. Interestingly, those assumptions are not always correct. His report stated that he plays an Xbox and is keen to go on a cruise, while Chofness neither has an Xbox nor does he want to go on a cruise.

Ways to keep your data safe

If you want to give less of your data to advertisers, experts suggest some steps you can take.

According to Ari Paparo, Apple's Safari browser blocks a lot of tracking. Which advertisers don't like. According to Chofness, it is necessary to pressure policymakers to create stricter data protection laws in the interests of consumers. In places like California, thousands of people have signed up for new tools that allow them to remove their details from data brokers.

Finally, the digital footprints you leave online have proven to be more powerful for advertisers than listening to your conversations.

How to Increase Your Facebook Monetization Income

2026-04-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

How to Increase Your Facebook Monetization Income

Meta has released new tips for content creators on Facebook to increase their income and engagement. Meta has brought guidance with the aim of further encouraging creators through its content monetization program.

Meta's content monetization program is currently invite-only. However, anyone can express their interest in joining this program through the Professional Dashboard on the Facebook mobile app. The program aims to reward original creators who share Reels, Stories, photos, and text posts.

Similarly, for creators who are already established on other platforms but are new to Facebook, Meta has introduced the Creator Fast Track program. This will help them quickly establish themselves on Facebook and start earning.

Reels has become Meta's main focus at the moment. According to statistics, Reels content alone will account for 60 percent of the approximately $ 3 billion paid by Facebook to creators in 2025. Therefore, Reels seems to be the strongest medium for those who want to earn money from Facebook.

Test different types of content

Creators should test what attracts their viewers the most by posting Reels, Stories, photos and text posts. Although Reels seems to be the most effective, Meta recommends that other formats also be pursued.

Focus on creating original content

Meta's system prioritizes original content. In particular, content that reflects the creators' own perspective and originality gets more rewards.

Avoid engagement bait

Meta warns against using tempting phrases like 'watch the video until the end'. If there is nothing truly meaningful at the end of the video, using such words can have a negative impact.

Create content according to Facebook's audience

You should monitor what your audience is saying and what content is performing well through comments and analytics.

Consider Qualified Views and Watch Time

Not all views count towards monetization. Meta does not count repeat views, meaning views that are shorter than 5 seconds and viewed repeatedly by the same person in the same session. Therefore, creators should experiment with video length to try to keep as many viewers engaged as possible.

Content that is less than 10 seconds long is not eligible for monetization. Similarly, Facebook does not pay for views on content that is not public or set to private.

Views on content that is cross-posted from another Facebook page that you do not own are also not counted towards monetization. However, Meta has stated that this rule does not apply to your own content that is cross-posted from Instagram.

If someone claims copyright on your content, monetization for that content under review will be suspended until the review process is resolved. Views on content that violates Facebook's 'Partner Monetization Policy' or Content Policy will also not be counted. Views that come from a Page that has a monetization issue or is banned will not be counted. Views may also be disqualified for other technical or security reasons.

Analyze Engagement

Reactions, comments, and shares from viewers are an important basis for measuring engagement with content. Creators should base their future strategies on these. The more time users spend on Reels or Stories, the more the creator's earnings will increase. The region or country from which the content is viewed also makes a difference in the payment rate.

To help creators in these aspects, Meta has also added new metrics to the Professional Dashboard. Now creators can clearly see Qualified Views and Earnings rates on their dashboard. Earning rates are the potential earnings per 1,000 Qualified Views.

With these new recommendations and detailed data, Meta is looking to attract more creators to its platform and engage Facebook users with interesting content. This is expected to increase the amount of quality and original content on Facebook.

Google Gemini gets ‘Personal Intelligence’ feature, now you can get personalized answers based on your data

2026-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Google Gemini gets ‘Personal Intelligence’ feature, now you can get personalized answers based on your data

Google has started making its ‘Personal Intelligence’ feature available globally in its artificial intelligence Gemini. In an official announcement on Tuesday, Google said that it has brought this feature to users in other countries after the US.

However, for now, this service will not be available in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK). This feature allows users to connect their Google accounts such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive and other workspace apps, as well as Google Photos, YouTube, Search and Maps, with Gemini. By accessing the text, photos and videos in these apps, Gemini will provide answers based on the user’s personal needs and interests. For this, the user does not have to provide detailed information every time.

According to Google, Personal Intelligence will make many tasks of daily life easier. For example, Gemnai will suggest suitable options based on your recent purchases, favorite brands, and styles. For example, if you bought new gold shoes, it can recommend bags with gold hardware to match them.

Even if you forget which model you bought and when, Gemnai will tell you the exact way to fix the problem with the device based on the bill in Gmail.

Similarly, during air travel, Gemnai will plan where to eat at the airport based on your flight arrival and departure times, the distance between gates, and your favorite foods.

Instead of a 'top 10' list of any city (like Thailand), it will recommend hidden tourist attractions and local foods based on your interests and past favorites.

It can also suggest new activities that you don't know about but that match your interests (like nature and reading).

This feature is completely 'opt-in'. That is, users can only activate it if they want. Users can choose or change which apps they want to give Jemanai access to at any time. It can also be turned off via a new toggle in the Tools menu.

Jemanai will also show the source of its answers, so that users can verify the details.

Google has also made it clear that Jemanai may not always understand the correct context of your data. It can sometimes make connections between completely unrelated topics. It can be especially difficult for it to understand family changes or subtle differences in interests, such as divorce.

For example, if you have hundreds of photos of a golf course, Jemanai might think that you like golf. But in reality, you may have gone there to support your son because you love him. In such a case, if the user says, "I don't like golf," Jemanai can correct you.

For now, this feature is available to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra customers, while free users will receive this service in the next few weeks. Users can use it from the Gemnai app or web version.

How to use it?

To use Personal Intelligence in Gemnai, first open the Gemnai mobile app or website and check if Personal Intelligence is available there.

If this feature has already come to your Gemnai, click on it and click on Connected Apps.

Now from there, turn on the toggle button for which apps you want to give Gemnai access, such as Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Keep, and Google Tasks), Google Photos, Google Search, YouTube, YouTube Music, GitHub, and connect the app.

After doing this, Gemnai will now take data from various apps you use to provide personalized feedback.

‘Zoom Rides’ to be launched in Kathmandu Valley with 200 electric bicycles, how does it work?

2026-04-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

‘Zoom Rides’ to be launched in Kathmandu Valley with 200 electric bicycles, how does it work?

Amidst the busy roads of the capital and increasing traffic, a new tech startup ‘Zoom Rides Pvt. Ltd.’ is preparing to give a new twist to the city’s transportation system. This team, which has been engaged in research and technology development for the past two and a half years, is bringing 200 smart electric bicycles to Kathmandu within the next few weeks.

The company has stated that this platform, named ‘Zoom, Let’s Go’, is not only about ‘bicycle rental’ but is completely based on ‘smart technology’. A company representative says, “We have not only developed this technology to show off, but have developed it from scratch by understanding the real needs of Kathmandu. Our main software and AI system are ‘in-house’ development.”

This platform has adopted a unique approach to pricing. Since there is a rule in Nepal that only vehicles with black number plates can charge a fare based on kilometers, this company has introduced the concept of ‘time’ and ‘token’.

The company representative says, “We cannot sell the service by the kilometer, so we are selling hours or time.” For this, the company will use tokens as an internal currency, where the price of one token is fixed at Rs 100.

Currently available within the Ring Road from 5 am to 10 pm, various rates have been fixed for the convenience of the users. The hourly rate for 1 hour is Rs 155, for 2 hours 30 minutes Rs 350 and for 5 hours Rs 670 for 2 hours. Similarly, those who want to use it for the whole day can take a ‘one-day full pass’ for Rs 795.

For regular users, the monthly plan includes ‘Basic’ (25 hours and 1 token) for Rs 2,995, ‘Pro’ (40 hours and 3 tokens) for Rs 3,995 and ‘Ultra’ (55 hours and 6 tokens) packages for Rs 4,995.

There is a facility to transfer the unused time remaining in the monthly package to the next month. But for that, the company has stated that the subscription must be continuous. Users can cancel the subscription at any time; when canceling in this way, the remaining time automatically converts to 'pay as you go' and that time is valid for only 28 days.

The company claims that this service will be about three times cheaper than other ride sharing apps currently in the market.

The company has used 'smart station' and 'geofencing' technology for the security and management of bicycles. Currently, this service will be limited to within the ring road. If any user tries to cross the ring road boundary, the power of the bicycle will be automatically cut off and the user will be charged an additional token as a fine.

"We do not lock in a way that will cause people to fall or be at risk, but we cut off the power and the bicycle will sound a warning sound," the company representative further clarified about the technology.

According to the company, when ending the ride, the user has to place the bicycle on the dock of the designated station and scan the QR code at the station's checkout booth. This will be verified immediately by AI and the staff in the control room. Within 30 seconds, the user will receive information that their ride was successful.

The company has also made special preparations in terms of safety and accidents. The company has provided an ‘SOS’ button in the app. However, since automatic accident detection technology is not always 100% successful, the company has prioritized manual reporting and immediate rescue.

A company representative says, “In the event of an accident, we have created a separate portal for the police and insurance companies. Both the rider and the bicycle are insured, but we must first look at the safety of the person.” The company claims to encrypt and secure the data according to European standards (GDPR) for user data security. However, it has also admitted that it is its responsibility to cooperate with government agencies if legally required.

The operator argues that this project will be very ambitious from an environmental perspective. The company plans to plant a tree for every 1,000 kilometers of cycling with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and encouraging green energy. “The bicycle weighs only 30-35 kg, which can easily carry a person weighing 70-80 kg. It consumes much less energy than a taxi or car,” the representative says. According to them, this service will facilitate especially short-distance travel, where people can reach shops or offices without worrying about parking.

Despite this preparation, the government policy and regulatory aspects are still challenging. The legal problems faced by some ride-sharing platforms in the past could also be a headache for this startup. “The biggest challenge for us is whether the government will allow us to operate or not. We are all ready to comply, but we need a working environment and clear regulations,” the founders agree.

The company’s long-term goal is to gradually increase the service, which is currently starting with 200 bicycles, to 5,000 bicycles and reduce traffic congestion in Kathmandu to some extent. As the bicycles are expected to arrive in Kathmandu in the next few weeks, this ‘smart’ journey is expected to be open to the public soon.

How does it work?

In the initial phase, the company will set up various stations in various places around the ring road, especially hotels, malls, etc. where bicycles will be parked and stored. Android users can download the app by clicking here and iOS users by clicking here You have to download. After downloading the app, a login section appears. You have to tap the ‘Register New Account’ option.

Then, you have to agree to the terms and conditions by entering your name, number, email address, and password. And, you have to tap the register button. After doing this, a confirmation link will come to your email. After clicking on that link, you can create an account.

After creating an account and opening the app, information such as balance, token, bicycle information, distance, average speed, average time are displayed. However, all of them are blank. You have to verify your KYC to load the balance.

“We are entrusting such an ‘expensive’ bicycle to someone. We need to know who is riding it. That is why we verify KYC,” says a company representative.

To verify KYC, personal identification documents such as citizenship, national identity card, and driver’s license can be used. In addition, a live photo must also be uploaded. After providing all the details in this way, the company's employees verify manually. And, after verification, the amount can be loaded. Or, you can also verify by going to the website of this platform and tapping on Quick KYC and scanning the QR code from the Nagarik app.

Then, after going to the station where the bicycle will be (although currently 50 bicycle companies are in Dillibazar for testing), you have to scan the QR code on the back of the bicycle. As soon as the code is scanned, the bicycle is unlocked. Then the entire details of the bicycle are visible in the app. After the bicycle is unlocked, the time starts adding up. Then, whether you ride it or not, the time continues to add up. If the bicycle breaks down while riding, you can contact the company. After the ride is completed, you have to find a station and park the bicycle. And, after scanning the QR at the station, the ride ends.

The company representative says, “You can end the ride by parking the bicycle in a secure parking lot outside the station and paying 1 token. For this, you need to take a clear photo of the parking lot when ending the ride. If the bicycle is parked in the right place, we will ‘approve’ it within 30 seconds. If the parking lot is not suitable, it will be ‘rejected’ and your token will not be deducted.

What is the bicycle like, what are its features?

According to the company, this bicycle has a digital display on the front that shows information such as speed, battery status (indicator).

According to the company, this completely waterproof bicycle has various features for safety and convenience. It has an LED headlight with four lamps, an electric horn, dual disc brakes, and a basket for storing luggage on the front.

Similarly, cruise mode and pedal assist feature are also available for easy travel. This bicycle uses an easily replaceable battery, which charges itself when placed in a parking station. (Auto charging). In addition, the user can lock and unlock the bicycle through the mobile app.

This bicycle can run at a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour. If you pedal, the speed can be increased to 30 kilometers per hour. The cruise control feature in the bicycle can be used while covering a distance of up to 15 kilometers continuously. This helps the bicycle run at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour without pressing the accelerator.

Deepfake technology: Why the sound you hear and the video you see may not be true

2026-04-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Deepfake technology: Why the sound you hear and the video you see may not be true

With the rapid development of digital technology, the nature of information production, distribution, and consumption has changed radically. Although the widespread access and use of the Internet and social media has expanded freedom of expression, it has also created new risks of misinformation and misuse of technology.

Among these risks, deepfake technology has recently emerged as the most serious challenge.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, new types of cyber risks have begun to emerge around the world. Deepfake is also a means of serious digital crime that has been spreading rapidly in recent times. Since generative AI technology makes synthetic media faster, cheaper, and more reliable, deepfake content has emerged as a global risk from computer-generated imagery (CGI) research.

The claim that what humans see with this technology is true is gradually weakening in the digital age. With the rapid development of AI, a technology called deepfake is making videos, audio, and images so real that not only ordinary people but also experts are starting to be fooled. This type of technology produces fake but very real-looking digital content, as if saying things that were never said, doing things that were not done, or showing scenes that were not seen. Deepfake seems to have a profound impact on everything from personal life to national security.

In January 2024, phone calls made in the US state of New Hampshire to mislead voters by imitating President Joe Biden's voice were confirmed to be deepfake. For which the person responsible was fined $6 million. Similarly, the fact that millions of deepfake phone calls and content were used in the Lok Sabha elections in India has been made public. These incidents make it clear that the political misuse of deepfake technology is not only a possibility but also a real and present-day threat.

Deepfake videos linked to political leadership and public figures have started appearing in Nepal as well. In this context, a deep study of the impact that deepfake technology can have on Nepali society, democracy, and information systems is necessary. Early studies on deepfakes focused on the technical aspects. Chesney and Citron (2019) described deepfakes as a key weapon in the ‘new information war’. According to them, deepfakes undermine the credibility of audiovisual evidence.

Europol (2023) has identified deepfakes as a serious challenge to criminal investigation and law enforcement. The study concluded that deepfakes increase the amount of false evidence and complicate the investigation process. Similarly, the Artificial Intelligence Act implemented by the European Union in 2024 regulates deepfakes by placing them in a risk-based classification. This has accelerated the global debate towards policy solutions.

However, studies, research and public debate on deepfakes in Nepal are still limited. With the rapid development of technology, deepfakes are increasing the risk of political abuse, cybercrime, character assassination, and misinformation in various countries around the world, but there does not seem to be an in-depth study of their potential impacts and challenges in Nepal.

Although the recently released National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, 2082, initially attempted to address emerging technology-related risks including deepfakes, a clear legal system, regulatory mechanisms, and implementation strategy still appear insufficient. According to experts, timely policy clarity, public awareness, and the development of a technology-friendly legal framework are necessary to prevent the misuse of deepfakes.

How is deepfakes created?

To create deepfakes, a large amount of photo, video, and voice data of the person concerned is collected. Based on that material, the AI model learns facial expressions, eye movements, lip movements, speaking style, and tone of voice. Then, by imitating all those features, a new video or audio is created, which looks and sounds real.

There are many ways to create deepfakes. In particular, machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence technologies are used in unique ways. These include facial recognition algorithms, autoencoders, and artificial neural networks such as generative adversarial networks. The use of such technologies has been found to make deepfakes more robust.

Key technologies and architecture

Generative adversarial networks are the basic technology for creating modern, high-quality deepfakes. In this technology, two AI models, or two neural networks, work in competition with each other. One creates fake content, while the other tries to distinguish it from real or fake. Through this process, the fake content gradually becomes stronger and more realistic.

In a generative adversarial network, two neural networks, namely a generator and a discriminator, compete with each other. In which the generator creates synthetic images or video frames, the discriminator analyzes the output to distinguish between real and fake data. That is, if the generator produces fake images or videos, the discriminator tries to distinguish whether the content is real or fake. Discriminator The generator gradually creates better and more realistic content to fool the network. As a result of this continuous competition, the deepfake content produced starts to look more and more like the real thing, which is difficult for ordinary people to distinguish.

Figure: Use of Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) in Deepfake

Autoencoder

Another basic structure of deepfake technology is the autoencoder. It is used to create and swap facial outlines. This method uses an autoencoder. The autoencoder is divided into two parts; Encoder and Decoder. The encoder analyzes a person's face image and converts its main features, such as facial expressions, head movements, and lighting, into concise data. In this process, the real identity of the face is removed. The decoder uses those features to reconstruct the face. In a deepfake system, separate decoders are usually used for two different people. This allows the facial expressions and movements of one person to be transferred to the face of another person. This process is called face swapping. Technically, the encoder network analyzes the source material and extracts the necessary data from it, and this data is sent to the decoder network. The decoder combines it with the target video to produce a new output. Although the final result looks exactly like the real thing, it is actually fake content.

Image: Face swapping and face manipulation

Image: How does a deepfake work?

Recently, technologies that use only a video or photo to create a deepfake have also been developed. In addition, it has become possible for ordinary users to easily create deepfake videos or audio through various websites and mobile apps, which has further increased the risk of its misuse.

The Opportunity Created by Deepfakes

Although this technology is often cited in the context of spreading confusion, fraud and misinformation, deepfakes also have significant benefits when used ethically, transparently and in compliance with the law. Its use, with proper regulation and awareness, can help bring about positive changes in education, health, cybersecurity, communications and government services.

The use of deepfakes technology can provide interactive learning to students by presenting great figures from history in digital form. Since complex topics can be taught through virtual teachers, simulation-based exercises in technical and vocational training help to provide real-world experience to make learning more effective.

In the film and television industry, deepfakes help to safely create risky scenes, convert languages and improve lip sync. It helps to recreate old scenes or dub in different languages. Similarly, in healthcare, deepfakes can be helpful in areas such as reconstructing voices for people who cannot speak due to accidents or diseases, and improving facial expressions.

Since Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural and geographically diverse country, deepfake technology can play a major role in making information access equal for all. Dubbing video content in the local language and presenting it clearly makes it easier and more effective to reach rural and disadvantaged communities. This technology can also be helpful for people with disabilities.

The use of deepfake using virtual characters to effectively disseminate government services, public awareness, public information, disaster-related information and public awareness messages helps to make the message simple, clear and attractive. One of the positive uses of deepfake technology in the field of cybersecurity and research is deepfake detection. The development of such systems helps to control cybercrime and increase media literacy by using synthetic data for research and training.

The Challenge of Deepfake

Deepfake technology is a modern technology based on AI. It is capable of creating fake videos, audios and images that look very real. It is being used in the entertainment, film and creative sectors.

But this technology also poses serious challenges to society, security and public trust. In particular, the risk of cybercrime and misuse of social media is increasing rapidly.

It is difficult for the general public to distinguish fake video or audio content created using deepfake technology from real content. Since such content has the potential to spread rapidly through social media, the risk of spreading misinformation, rumors and confusion is increasing day by day. This can have a far-reaching negative impact on social harmony.

Fake content created by imitating a person's face or voice can cause serious problems such as character assassination, defamation and blackmail. Victims of such incidents have also been seen to suffer mental stress, social exclusion and serious damage to self-esteem.

Similarly, incidents of financial fraud through fake phone calls, messages, or videos using deepfake audio or video are also increasing. The trend of asking for money by imitating the voices of relatives, bank officials/employees, or responsible persons of organizations has emerged as a new cyber challenge. It has made it easier for cybercrimes such as phishing, social engineering attacks, identity theft, and misinformation to spread.

In many countries, clear legal systems related to deepfakes are still in the development stage. The issue of who should be held responsible for its misuse and what punishment should be given has become complicated. This has challenged legal and moral values. In Nepal, the existing Electronic Transactions Act, 2064, does not cover all dimensions and misuse of deepfakes, so a special law on deepfakes or an amendment to the existing law is necessary. In addition, the lack of technical capacity development for the investigation and prosecution process, production of skilled human resources, and technology and equipment to identify deepfakes have made it difficult to investigate, identify, control, and take action.

Due to the lack of digital literacy among the general public, there is a tendency to easily believe deepfakes and share them on social media without verifying the facts. Such behavior is contributing to the rapid spread of misinformation and confusion.

Deepfake Control and Solutions

As the misuse of deepfake technology increases, various technical solutions are considered necessary to identify and control it. For this, legal provisions alone are not sufficient without technical measures. Special types of AI-based software can be used to identify fake videos or audio.

Such tools provide an indication of whether the content is fake or not by analyzing unnatural facial movements, eye blinks, lip and voice coordination, pixel asymmetry, and errors in sound, etc. Similarly, the technology of placing digital watermarks on video, images, or audio content also helps to verify its source and authenticity to some extent.

Recently, technologies such as content credentials are being developed. Which help to securely show information about when, who, and how such content was created. Platform-based automatic monitoring can also be done. For example, algorithms that automatically identify deepfake content can be used on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Such systems help identify suspicious content and immediately remove or warn. To prevent fraud caused by deepfake audio, it is considered beneficial to adopt multi-factor authentication rather than relying solely on voice-based authentication. This helps prevent financial crimes committed using fake voices.

Developing a national level cyber forensic capacity, state-of-the-art cyber forensic labs, skilled technical personnel, and regular training are required for deepfake investigation and investigation. This helps in making evidence collection and legal action effective in real incidents. In addition, incorporating security and ethical standards from the beginning into AI systems that develop deepfake technology is also considered an important technical measure. This helps in minimizing the possibility of misuse.

As the misuse of deepfake technology increases, a clear legal system and effective policy framework are needed to control it. With the development of technology, the control of cybercrime is becoming challenging due to the lack of updating of laws and policies. In addition, a clear definition in the law is needed on what deepfake is and in what cases its use is illegal.

Deepfake content created with the intention of defamation, fraud, blackmail, spreading misinformation, or interfering in the electoral process should be defined as a separate crime. The current cyber laws, the Electronic Transactions Act, and the Privacy Act cannot cover all types of deepfake abuse. Therefore, it seems necessary to make the existing laws technology-friendly and include provisions related to deepfake.

The role of social media platforms is important in preventing the spread of deepfake content. Therefore, it seems necessary to legally assign such platforms the responsibility of quickly removing suspicious content, collaborating with government agencies, and informing users. Coordination between technology, law, and policy is necessary to control this kind of development spread in the digital space.

Designating responsible agencies by clearly coordinating between the National AI Policy, National Cyber Security Policy, and Digital Media Policy (which does not exist in Nepal) is a key aspect of the policy solution. Finally, it is equally necessary to increase public awareness and capacity. Regular training and public awareness programs are necessary for government agencies, the justice system, the police, and media personnel to make legal and policy solutions effective. It plays an effective role in supporting the proper application and implementation of the law.

How to recognize deepfakes and how to avoid their dangers?

Do not immediately trust suspicious videos or audio.

Confirm the source if you receive emotional or emergency messages.

Do not give money or confidential information based on voice alone.

Share personal photos, videos and voices in limited quantities on social media

Tighten privacy settings.

Use two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication (mobile number, OTP, fingerprint, etc.) to protect your digital accounts on social media.

Use different strong passwords (creating passwords by combining letters, numbers and special symbols) for different social media accounts (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram) and change them regularly.

Change your password regularly.

Use a digital watermark when sharing photos or videos online.

Update your software regularly.

If you are a victim of a deepfake, consult with experts in cybersecurity and data privacy law.

File a complaint with the relevant agency if necessary.

The question of ethics in AI development: Where are we going?

2026-04-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

The question of ethics in AI development: Where are we going?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that is expanding at an unprecedented pace around the world today. Its amazing capabilities, high efficiency, and added convenience in daily life have attracted everyone's attention. AI is opening doors to new opportunities and innovations in all fields, including health, education, business, and communication. But under the cover of these positive aspects, one very important issue is often overlooked - the ethical use of AI.

As technology develops, the challenges associated with it also become more complex. AI collects and analyzes large amounts of data, automates decisions, and is able to draw conclusions in a very short time.

These capabilities have made AI powerful. But the greater the power, the more sensitive the responsibilities become. Any misuse, erroneous decisions, or biased data can negatively affect not only the privacy of individuals, but also the structure of society.

Use of AI in sensitive areas and high risks

AI is currently being applied from health, information management to the courts. In the health sector, AI is helping with disease identification, treatment methods and patient care. In the justice sector, AI is helping with evidence-based case analysis.

Data in such areas is extremely sensitive. If the data is flawed, it can lead to wrong decisions or serious breaches of privacy. Earlier, sketches were used to identify criminals. But today, AI can do everything from facial recognition to behavioral analysis. But there are risks involved. For example, there is a possibility that an innocent person may be wrongly convicted. It can also create major challenges in privacy, fairness and accountability.

Therefore, the more powerful the technology, the more it needs to be kept within ethical boundaries.

Data-based AI: But what if there is bias in the data?

The effectiveness of AI depends on the quality of the data. But if the data itself is wrong or biased, the results of AI will also be unfair. For example, if a dataset contains data that says ‘Asians are naturally good at math’, it will produce unfair and discriminatory results.

This is not just a theoretical issue. There was an incident in the early stages of AI where the system incorrectly labeled dark-skinned people as ‘guerillas’ while recognizing fair-skinned people as human.

This caused a lot of outrage, and it was completely justified. The root cause of this was an unbalanced and fragmented dataset. Where the data on white-skinned people was different from the data on dark-skinned people.

Such biased data is not a simple error. Such data can reinforce racial discrimination and discrimination. These incidents show that AI is not inherently neutral, it reflects the data we feed it.

Ways to eliminate bias

Balanced datasets: ensuring representation of different cultures, genders, and communities.

Diverse datasets: Not limited to a specific group, but covering the full range of human experience.

Continuous auditing: Regularly testing the AI system for bias and retraining it with improved data.

For example, the need for a balanced dataset is even more important when evaluating thousands of resumes. When there are thousands of applicants, it is extremely difficult to manually review all of them. In such cases, the use of AI tools can automate the resume selection process. But here too, the problem of bias can be a big challenge.

A real-world example of how unbalanced data can harm an AI system is the ‘Amazon Hiring Algorithm’ developed in 2018. This system was designed to automatically select resumes.

However, during the audit, it was discovered that the system had learned to prioritize male candidates due to the high number of male-centric words in the training data. As a result, female resumes were automatically rejected. After this bias was discovered through auditing, the system was shut down for improvement. This incident clearly shows how dangerous unbalanced datasets can be.

Similarly, AI can help customers recommend different products. But it can only recommend those items that are available in its dataset. For example, if the popular e-commerce platform Daraz does not have any brand listed, then AI cannot recommend those products. Since Daraz is an online shopping portal, it can only suggest items available in its system. This is also a form of bias that arises due to unbalanced and limited datasets.

During my recent visit to India, I had the opportunity to learn about a project called Bhasini AI. Bhasini AI is mainly a real-time language translation system. For example, converting Hindi into Urdu, English or other languages. Since this project uses many different languages, creating a dataset is very challenging.

For example, if the system does not contain any data related to the Nepali language, it cannot translate any content into Nepali. This shows how the lack of a balanced dataset can be detrimental to It creates bias and reduces impartiality. Therefore, we should always focus on creating balanced datasets.

Ethical aspects

Privacy and consent:

AI development often involves collecting large amounts of data. This raises the important concept of informed consent. What if we collect user data and log data without someone’s consent? What if privacy issues arise or access controls are not properly managed?

Such issues can lead to bias, privacy leaks, and security risks. To prevent this, data should always be collected only with informed consent from the person concerned. For example, if patient data is used in a health information system, the patient’s consent is required. Paying attention to these ethical responsibilities helps reduce privacy concerns and negative consequences.

Misuse and misinformation

Another important ethical concern with AI is its misuse and the spread of misinformation. Fake videos or audio created by AI (deepfakes and synthetic propaganda), which spread misinformation. Ghostwriting is also a growing problem. Where people rely on AI to complete assignments or collect data without knowing the truth. This affects academic integrity. Cyberbullying, impersonation, and fake identity creation using AI are additional threats.

For example, a report published in 2024 revealed that deepfakes were used to interfere in elections. Where voices were cloned and robocalls were used to mislead voters by impersonating political leaders.

Governance, regulation, and accountability

Another important ethical aspect of AI is governance and accountability. Who is responsible when AI tools cause harm? This requires a clear government role.

A study conducted in the UK found that about 70% of people considered the use of facial recognition for airport security to be beneficial, but many expressed concerns about job losses, the use of AI in border control, and the risk of police convicting the wrong person. Such misidentifications can be repeated over and over again, making it a serious ethical problem.

Linguistic dominance

Another major challenge is language dominance. Although there are over 7,000 languages in the world, most online content is limited to 10 languages, mainly English, Spanish, Hindi and Chinese. This makes it difficult for AI tools to accurately represent diverse cultures and languages. In the case of Nepal, this makes communication and learning more difficult and clearly reveals the biases arising from linguistic imbalances.

Validation of AI

Another important concern is validation. Many AI tools are being released at a rapid pace. But how do we know whether their results are accurate, misleading or wrong? Just as we trust ISO-certified products, we need a system to know whether an AI tool has been properly validated.

Misleading results and security

The misleading or wrong results that AI can produce also need to be seriously considered. If someone is given an AI tool and does not know how to use it, the information they receive may not be accurate. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how to use such tools. It is imperative that we develop trustworthy, reliable, and safe AI systems. We must ensure that AI does not spread misinformation, does not harm users, and that the risks arising from misuse are minimized. Addressing all these issues is the key to developing future-oriented and responsible AI.

In conclusion

While the debate over whether the problem is AI-based or not continues, there are many real problems. To solve these problems, we must be able to access the source of the data. While watermarking helps in identifying ownership, it is also necessary to develop media forensics and authenticity standards to verify the source.

These concerns are particularly relevant to today’s Gen Z generation. AI is pushing the world in new directions. Its impact is clearly visible in everything from health, education, administration, business, to employment. But to realize its benefits, ethics, transparency, privacy, data fairness, protection from misinformation, and government regulation must be given equal priority. Policy discussions on AI have already begun in Nepal, which is a positive step. What is needed now is clear standards, definitions of responsibility, bases for punishment, and the creation of a sustainable system for safe and trustworthy AI development.

Why does everyone use WhatsApp?

2026-04-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Why does everyone use WhatsApp?

More than three billion people use WhatsApp every month. Founded in 2009, the platform has more users than YouTube and is on par with Facebook.

Co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton designed it to work as well on BlackBerry, Nokia, and Windows Phone as they do on iPhones. It quickly became a way for people to communicate across devices and countries.

Koum and Acton sold the app to Meta (then Facebook) in 2014, and WhatsApp has continued to grow. The New Yorker magazine spoke to Knight about why the app has surpassed other messaging and social media platforms and where it’s going next. Here’s an edited and translated excerpt from that conversation.

Why write about WhatsApp now?

In the middle of last year, I thought, “I’m doing so much communication from this one place on my phone.” I talk to my mother like this. I do all my children’s schoolwork from this. I do my work from this.

British politics, which I write about for the magazine, is largely conducted on WhatsApp. And you’re starting to see businesses on WhatsApp now.

You can even ‘check-in’ for your flight on some versions of WhatsApp. All of this happened in a relatively short period of time. And I thought, I don’t know how this works. I don’t know much about this app.

I have to admit that as an American, I don’t use WhatsApp every day. And I wonder why it’s not as popular in the US as it is in other parts of the world?

The US is kind of an outlier in terms of smartphone ownership. About 75 percent of people on WhatsApp are Android users and 25 percent are on iPhones.

And that reflects smartphone ownership around the world. The US is the exception: about 60 percent of people have an iPhone. But that’s changing, and WhatsApp is growing very quickly in the US.

It surpassed 100 million monthly users in the US last year. It’s coming your way. Don’t worry.

Well, I’m calling you on WhatsApp right now, so it’s clearly working.

Yes.

You brought up this interesting concept of phatic communion, which applies particularly well to WhatsApp. What does it mean?

I wanted to understand why WhatsApp encourages a kind of emotional closeness? It has a very welcoming feel to it, with all its stickers and emojis.

While reading about all this, I came across the term phatic communion, which refers to the act of people simply making their presence known when they’re talking to each other without actually saying anything. They’re just acknowledging, “I’m here.”

WhatsApp is great at giving that kind of presence – like little typing indicators and last-seen indicators. It shows that your friend or partner or family member is on their device at the same time as you are. Other than that, it doesn’t really mean much.

And it felt like a really important part of online behavior. We’re constantly in touch now. And, especially in family WhatsApp groups, it’s really amazing.

One person I spoke to said it felt like the 19th century again, like the whole family was back in the same house. WhatsApp is great at being a kind of home for that.

WhatsApp has changed a lot since its inception. Messaging remains its primary use, though. It has also recently started offering advertising and other features. How much of an impact has being owned by Meta had on that?

If you talk to people outside of Meta, there’s a clear perception that WhatsApp is increasingly focused on the interests of corporations and people who are paying to use the platform. It’s following Meta’s clear strategy of adding ads and monetizing it, like Facebook and Instagram.

If you talk to Meta, they argue that what people want is happening. People want to communicate with businesses.

Millions of businesses were already using it. They’ve added a commercial platform just to do that. However, they also say that people don’t have to go there. Users can still have private conversations with their friends and family.

So, what’s next for WhatsApp? Has it reached its peak?

I don’t think Meta sees it that way. Despite being one of the biggest apps in the world, WhatsApp’s revenue is negligible. I think Meta will monetize it heavily. And Meta is really excited about AI in WhatsApp. Because it inserts Meta AI into your chats. Apparently it's optional, but you can't turn it off.

So I'm not sure what 'optional' means. I think the company is just really excited about the amount of data and traffic. This is a concept where three billion users all chat and train Meta AI. It's pretty amazing.

Another side of Digital Nepal: Why is Digital Anthropology needed now?

2026-04-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Another side of Digital Nepal: Why is Digital Anthropology needed now?

The number of internet users in Nepal has now crossed 16.6 million. Digital payments have become a part of daily transactions. AI (Artificial Intelligence) has quietly settled in our mobiles. Microsoft’s ‘Global AI Adoption in 2025’ report has shown Nepal’s AI usage rate in South Asia to be encouraging.

But behind all these statistics, one question is being left out. We are rapidly adopting technology, but how much do we understand how it is changing people’s lives, thinking, behavior, and social relationships? Are AI and digital systems capable of understanding the context of our more than 123 native languages and local cultures?

This is the question that begins the discussion of digital anthropology.

What is digital anthropology?

Simply put, digital anthropology is an attempt to understand how and why people use technology such as mobile phones, the Internet, social media, and AI in their daily lives, and how it is changing their relationships, culture, and behavior.

It is not about building or coding technology. Rather, it is an approach to understanding people and societies living with technology. It asks: Why do some apps work in cities but not in villages? Why can’t everyone participate equally in the digital world even where the Internet is available? What is technology doing to culture, identity, and social relationships?

Where has this subject gone in the world?

Digital anthropology is no longer just an academic concept. Daniel Miller launched the world’s first digital anthropology master’s program in 2009 at University College London (UCL) in the UK. His ‘Why We Post’ project explored how people use social media in nine countries through ethnographic studies. The field has since spread to universities in Europe, America, Australia, and Asia.

UNESCO has also considered an anthropological approach to understanding the relationship between digital change and society. It is advancing digital anthropology by linking it to cultural diversity, local knowledge, and the social impact of technology. Today, the world's largest technology companies have also started looking for anthropologists in product design, user research, and AI ethics.

In other words, digital anthropology is no longer just a subject in academic rooms. It has reached policymaking, product development, digital inclusion, and AI governance.

Why do people get lost when talking about technology?

In Nepal, the digital debate is often limited to discussions about internet speed, number of users, new apps, and policies. But digital life is not just a matter of setup. It is a matter related to people's fears, trust, habits, and social relationships.

QR payments have become common in cities, but many people in rural areas are still skeptical about digital transactions. Electricity is still not regular in some remote places. Even where the internet has reached, not everyone has the same confidence to use it. Social media has spread information rapidly, but with it, confusion and mental pressure have also increased.

As a columnist myself, working in the internet services sector for more than 9 years, I have experienced this: providing internet connectivity and digitally empowering people are two different things. Even after providing a connection, the question of how people adopt it in their lives always remains.

These problems are not due to a lack of technology. They arise from a lack of understanding of the relationship between technology and people. And digital anthropology works to understand this lack of understanding.

The question of AI, language, and our identity

Generative AI is fundamentally based on a vast repository of language and words. Nepal is a multilingual country. Languages like Newari, Tamang, Tharu, Magar, Maithili are not just a means of communication. They contain the knowledge, culture, and unique perspective of our ancestors on the world.

But global models of AI are mostly strong in English and a few major languages. If these models do not understand the depth and subtle cultural context of our local languages, the results they produce may be incomplete or biased for Nepali society.

Recently, the context of Nepal was raised at an international digital governance conference. Despite internet access of over 55 percent, most online content is limited to English or Nepali, leaving local communities behind in the digital world.

This is the most important contribution of digital anthropology from the perspective of linguistic anthropology. It analyzes how technology is presenting our language and cultural diversity.

Nepal’s digital reality

From cash to digital payments, from letters to video calls, from face-to-face meetings to online communities. Nepal is moving fast. WhatsApp and Viber have reduced the distance with family abroad. TikTok and YouTube have on the one hand presented local talent and music in new ways, and on the other hand have also opened up new markets for small businesses. The digital activism of the Gen-G generation has made social media not just a place for entertainment but also a place for social voice.

AI has also quietly infiltrated everyday life. Through mobile auto-suggest, camera filters, translation, chatbots, content recommendations, people are interacting with AI knowingly and unknowingly. Free AI models like DeepSick are even faster at spreading AI reach in countries of the Global South.

But this digital form The transition is also bringing new kinds of inequalities along with opportunities. Digital participation is not equal based on language, literacy, age, gender, and geography. Having digital access and being digitally included are not the same thing.

The potential and need for digital anthropology in Nepal

Nepal has a long tradition of studying and teaching anthropology at institutions like Tribhuvan University. But digital anthropology has not yet started as a formal curriculum. It is a gap, but this gap is also an opportunity.

Digital anthropology is a contemporary extension of traditional anthropology. Anthropology has always tried to understand human behavior, culture, and society. Now the same understanding applies to digital life as well.

Especially as the National AI Policy 2082, Digital Nepal Framework, and e-Governance plans are being implemented, an approach that understands Nepal’s linguistic diversity, geographical realities, and people’s trust in technology is needed. From policymaking to product design, user research to digital inclusion campaigns, this field can play a big role in Nepal.

If the practice of understanding the social context and behavior of users is made mandatory before creating any digital policy or system, then technology can truly become for people.

In the end...

Nepal's future is digital. There is no longer any dispute about this. But becoming digital is not just about adopting a new app or using AI. It also means understanding how our daily lives, relationships, language, and opportunities are changing.

Digital anthropology works to connect technology with human values, beliefs, and sensibilities. Only if we can keep people and their cultures at the center when adopting technology can our digital journey become meaningful for everyone.

Ultimately, the question is not how modern the technology is. The question is how much we understand people along with technology.

Google Messages gets 'Trash' folder, now you can recover accidentally deleted messages for up to 30 days

2026-04-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Google Messages gets 'Trash' folder, now you can recover accidentally deleted messages for up to 30 days

Google has rolled out the 'Trash' folder feature in Google Messages for Android users. This important feature has been added as a 'safety net' to protect users from accidentally deleting important conversations.

Earlier, when you deleted any conversation in Google Messages, those messages would be immediately and permanently removed from the phone. This made it impossible for users to recover important information or messages that were accidentally deleted. Many users had previously used the 'Archive' feature to keep messages safe. But now another layer of security has been added for deleted messages as well.

According to the new update, when a user deletes a message or chat thread, Google Messages will keep that message in the Trash folder for 30 days. Only after this 30-day 'grace period' will the messages be permanently deleted.

However, for those using the 'Android Go' version of the device, this period has been shortened. To save device storage (space), messages from Android Go users will only stay in the Trash folder for 7 days.

Where to find the Trash folder?

Users can easily find this new folder. To do this, they need to open the Google Messages app and tap on their profile picture (Account Menu) in the top right corner. There, a new 'Trash' folder will appear just below the 'Archived' option.

This folder will also show details about how many messages are in each conversation. From there, the user will have the option to 'Delete all' all messages at once or restore individual conversations to the main chat list.

One interesting thing is that if a new message arrives in a conversation in the Trash folder, the app will show a new thread with only that new message in the main chat list. Old deleted messages will remain in the Trash folder until the 30-day period is over.

This feature is rolling out to users worldwide with the stable version of Google Messages 20260327_00_RC00. If you don't see this feature on your phone, it is recommended to go to the Play Store to update the app and ensure that your phone's software is up to date.

Google Messages has been making itself more complete lately by adding small but very useful features. The arrival of the Trash folder in this app, which is on the verge of replacing Samsung Messages and has crossed the 10 billion download mark, has been received very positively by users.

How are Iranians communicating with each other after a 17-day internet blackout?

2026-03-17T20:30:22.327-07:00

How are Iranians communicating with each other after a 17-day internet blackout?

Iran's nationwide internet blackout has entered its 16th day as of Sunday. The disruption is ongoing, according to connectivity monitor Netblox.

Internet access in Iran is currently down to just one percent of normal. But even a complete shutdown is still a significant number in terms of data, according to Netblox's head of research Isik Matar.

Netblox's head of research Isik Matar told AFP that the nature of the internet shutdown suggests it was not the result of US or Israeli airstrikes but a government-imposed ban. Similarly, Amnesty International's Iran researcher Raha Bahreni called it a "deliberate shutdown by the authorities to block the flow of information and suppress dissent."

The internet shutdown has revived an old technology called shortwave radio to deliver information in Iran. Radio Zamaneh, a non-profit organization in Amsterdam, has been broadcasting news in Persian since 11 p.m. “It is very difficult for the regime to block (jam) shortwave radio because it is a long-distance transmission. People can listen to it on cheap and simple radios,” Radio Zamaneh’s executive director, Rienecke van Santen, told AFP.

Experts are surprised that landline phones are still working despite the lack of internet. Mahsa Alimardani of the human rights organization Witness said many people are still receiving landline phone calls. But people are afraid to talk about political issues for fear of being tapped by the authorities.

Amnesty’s Bahreni said it is not possible to discuss sensitive topics over these calls. International calling cards are very expensive, and Van Santen said a 60-minute card runs out in just eight minutes. The calls are only used by family members to say ‘we are still alive.’

VPNs don’t work where there is no internet. But the government is monitoring even where there is little access. The government is said to send warning messages to people it suspects of using VPNs. Toronto-based Psiphon says it has dropped from 6 million daily users in Iran to less than 100,000. According to Keith McManaman, Psiphon’s director of data and insights, only the most technically skilled users are now able to access the network. A similar service, Lantern, is also being used.

Developed by the American non-profit organization NetFreedom Pioneers, Toosheh technology has become popular in Iran. It allows users to download encrypted data using their home satellite TV equipment. Users record data from TV channels onto a pen drive and watch it on a mobile or computer via an app. According to Emilia James, the organization’s project director, it had 3 million users in 2025 and is still being used by thousands. Because it is a broadcast signal, the government cannot track users.

Elon Musk's Starlink service is also in use in Iran. But it is very expensive. According to Alimardani, it costs up to $2,000 on the black market, which is often unaffordable for poorer regions. Amnesty has received reports of raids on the homes of people with Starlinks and their arrests. Raha Bahreni said that if they are found guilty of communicating with the outside world, they risk prison sentences or the death penalty.

A 30-year-old lawyer in Tehran told AFP that she has no access to the information. "Only one in 10 people I know has access to the internet, and that too with great effort. It is driving people crazy," she said.

She said she has to risk her life to go to a friend's house where Starlink or several VPNs are running to use the internet. VPNs in Iran currently cost between $35 and $140.

This complete internet ban has also left international news sites inaccessible. For example, according to Cloudflare's error page, users are being blocked when trying to access foreign sites using a VPN.

Social media companies are playing with user safety to attract attention and make money!

2026-03-17T20:27:50.653-07:00

Social media companies are playing with user safety to attract attention and make money!

It has been sensationally revealed that the world's most famous social media companies deliberately promoted harmful content to attract user attention and make money. Speaking to the BBC, more than a dozen whistleblowers and former employees of the companies claimed that Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and TikTok prioritized business over security.

According to a Meta engineer, in order to compete with TikTok's rapid growth and improve the company's falling share price, management had instructed to place 'borderline' harmful content in the feed. This content includes misogyny, conspiracy theories and hate speech. Which, while not technically illegal, are considered extremely harmful to users.

Matt Mottil, a senior researcher at Meta, said that Instagram's 'Reels' feature was launched in 2020 without adequate security measures. According to an internal investigation, the rate of abuse, harassment and hate speech on Reels is much higher than on other Instagram feeds.

A TikTok employee has shown the BBC evidence that the company’s internal system is prioritising general complaints about politicians over serious complaints about child sexual abuse and blackmail. The company claims that this policy is in place to avoid government sanctions and to strengthen political ties.

The member of the child protection complaints team advised parents to “keep your children away from TikTok as much as possible, delete it.”

In an interview with the BBC, Callum, 19, said he was radicalised by the social media platform’s algorithms when he was 14. He said he had experienced the violent and hateful content he saw on his feed gradually leading him towards racial and gender-based hatred. UK counter-terrorism experts have also expressed concern that racist and violent posts have become commonplace on social media in recent months.

Meta has denied these serious allegations, claiming that it is wrong to intentionally spread harmful content for profit. Meta has said that it has recently introduced new features such as 'teen accounts' to protect children.

Similarly, TikTok has called the whistleblower's claims fabricated and claimed that it has invested heavily in technology to block harmful content. TikTok has clarified that it has more than 50 safety features that are automatically activated to protect children.

However, according to former employees of the company, the algorithm is a 'black box' over which even engineers do not have full control and that it only follows the company's involvement and money more than the mental health of the users.

AI terms everyone should know and their meanings

2026-03-17T20:24:29.853-07:00

AI terms everyone should know and their meanings

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a rapid pace and it is becoming difficult to keep up. Once upon a time, we used ChatGPT to make grocery lists, but now every technology company is incorporating 'intelligence' into their products.

We are currently drowning in an ocean of 'AI slop'. If you feel like you are falling behind, it is because its vocabulary is evolving as fast as the code. There is also a high chance of getting confused in the crowd of tools like Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Copilot, Cloud or Perplexity.

But in a job interview or even in a normal conversation in 2026, if you don't know the difference between 'Hallucination' and 'Large Language Model' (LLM), you may have a hard time. We have moved beyond the ‘wonderful’ phase of AI to an era where it has become the new plumbing of the internet.

Today we are introducing you to 61 AI-related terms.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): This is an advanced concept of AI that can perform tasks much better than humans and can develop its capabilities further.

Agentive: Systems or models that perform tasks automatically to achieve a goal. In the context of AI, agentive models can operate without constant supervision, such as highly automated cars. It focuses on the user experience.

AI ethics: It encompasses principles that prevent AI from harming humans. It determines how to deal with data collection and bias.

AI psychosis: This is a non-clinical term that refers to a person’s excessive emotional attachment to AI chatbots, delusions, and detachment from reality.

AI safety: An interdisciplinary field that concerns the long-term effects of AI and the risk that it may suddenly become anti-human.

Algorithm: A series of prompts, or instructions, that allow a computer program to analyze data, recognize patterns, and perform its own tasks.

Alignment: The process of improving AI to produce desired results. It helps maintain control of content and positive interactions with people.

Anthropomorphism: The tendency to attribute human characteristics to inanimate objects. In the context of AI, this includes the idea that chatbots feel like humans or have feelings.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The technology of imitating human intelligence in computer programs or robotics. It aims to build systems that can perform human tasks.

Autonomous agents: AI models with the capabilities and tools to perform specific tasks. For example, a driverless car is an autonomous agent. According to researchers, such agents can even develop their own culture and common language.

Bias: Errors caused by the data used to train large language models. This can introduce false stereotypes about races or groups.

Chatbot: A program that communicates with people through text or written content and imitates human language.

ChatGPT: An AI chatbot developed by a company called OpenAI, which uses large language model technology.

Claude: An AI chatbot developed by another company called Anthropic.

Cognitive computing: Another name for artificial intelligence.

Data augmentation: The act of remixing existing data or adding more diverse data sets to train AI.

Dataset: A collection of digital information used to train, test, and validate an AI model.

Deep Learning: A method of AI that uses multiple parameters to recognize complex patterns in images, sounds, and text. It is inspired by the human brain and uses artificial neural networks.

Diffusion: A method of machine learning that adds random noise to data such as images and trains it to recover by re-engineering it.

Emergent behavior: When an AI model exhibits unexpected or unwanted capabilities.

End-to-end learning (E2E): A deep learning process where a model is taught to solve a task from start to finish in one go.

Ethical considerations: Awareness of ethical issues such as privacy, data use, fairness, and abuse.

Foom: The concept that if someone builds an AGI, it will be too late to save humanity. Also known as 'fast takeoff'.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): A model that uses two neural networks (a generator and a discriminator) to generate new data. The generator creates new content, while the discriminator checks whether it is real or not.

Generative AI: A technique for using AI to create text, video, code, or images.

Google Gemini: Google's AI chatbot, which can pull information from other Google services, such as Search and Maps.

Guardrails: An AI model that can detect and prevent harmful Policies and restrictions to prevent the creation of misleading or disturbing content.

Hallucination: An incorrect answer given by an AI, which it confidently presents as correct. For example, saying that Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa in 1815 (when it was 300 years earlier).

Inference: The process by which an AI model derives or infers information about new data from its training data.

Large Language Model (LLM): An AI model trained on a large amount of text data, which can understand and produce language like a human.

Latency: The delay in time it takes for an AI system to produce output after receiving a prompt.

Machine Learning (ML): A part of AI that enables computers to learn and make better guesses without explicit programming.

Microsoft Bing: Microsoft's search engine, which now uses ChatGPT technology to provide AI-powered results.

Multimodal AI: A type of AI that can process a variety of inputs, such as text, images, video, and voice.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): A branch of AI that helps computers understand human language.

Neural network: A computational model that resembles the structure of the human brain, which recognizes patterns in data.

Open weights: When a company makes the final 'weights' of its model public, which users can download and run on their devices.

Overfitting: A flaw in machine learning where the model only works on training data. But cannot recognize new data.

Paperclips: A hypothetical scenario where an AI system could unwittingly destroy humanity in its quest to make more and more paperclips.

Parameters: Numerical values that give structure and behavior to an LLM.

Perplexity: AI-powered chatbots and search engines, which are related to the open internet.

Prompt: A question or suggestion that you ask an AI to get an answer.

Prompt chaining: The ability of an AI to use information from previous conversations in future responses.

Prompt engineering: The process or method of writing detailed and specific prompts to get a desired result from an AI.

Prompt injection: Malicious instructions that hackers give to an AI to do something it doesn't want.

Quantization: The process of making an LLM smaller and more efficient, which can lead to some loss of accuracy.

Slop: Low-quality content created in large numbers by an AI for ad monetization.

Sora: OpenAI's generative video model, which can generate videos from text prompts. Sora 2 is its latest version.

Stochastic parrot: A metaphor for LLMs, which means that the software is simply copying words without understanding their meaning.

Style transfer: The ability to adapt the style of one image to the content of another (such as making a Rembrandt photo look like a Picasso).

Sycophancy: The tendency for an AI to agree with a user's misconceptions, even if they are wrong.

Synthetic data: Data generated by the AI itself, not from the real world.

Temperature: A parameter that controls how 'random' or risky the AI's output is.

Text-to-image generation: The process of creating an image based on a written description.

Tokens: Small units of text that AI processes. A token consists of about 4 characters.

Training data: Data sets that help AI models learn.

Transformer model: A neural network structure that understands context by tracking relationships between data (or sentences).

Turing test: A test to see if a machine can behave like a human.

Unsupervised learning: A form of machine learning where a model must find patterns in unlabeled data.

Weak AI: A task-specific AI that cannot learn beyond its own skills. Most current AI falls into this category.

Zero-shot learning: A test where a model must complete a task for which it has not been trained before.

Iran to Use China's BeiDou Navigation Instead of GPS to Target Missiles and Drones with Precision

2026-03-17T20:19:27.582-07:00

Iran to Use China's BeiDou Navigation Instead of GPS to Target Missiles and Drones with Precision

Iran has reportedly abandoned the US-controlled GPS system and adopted China's BeiDou navigation satellite system to increase the accuracy of its missiles and drones. This change is not only a technological upgrade for Iran, but also a strategic move to reverse the balance of military power in the Middle East.

Senior defense analysts have dubbed this new military structure Eyes and Fists. According to Defense Security Asia, China provides intelligence information through its vast satellite network, while Iran carries out deadly strikes with its missiles and drones.

Due to this partnership, Iran has now started receiving accurate information about Israeli and American military locations 24 hours a day, in any weather and in real time. This Chinese system has given Iran the ability to 'find, fix, track and target'. Previously, this was limited to major superpowers.

How did the missile strike become so accurate?

Iran accelerated its GPS abandonment process after the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Speaking on the Toxin podcast, former French intelligence director Alain Juillet claimed that the main reason Iranian missiles are so much more accurate than in the past is access to the Chinese Baidu system. He said, “One of the big surprises of this war is the accuracy of the Iranian missiles, which indicates a major change in their guidance system.”

According to military analyst Patricia Marins, the military-grade B3A signal of the Baidu-3 (BDS-3) is almost impossible to jam or spoof. Israel was able to fool several Iranian drones by jamming GPS signals in the 2025 war. But the Baidu system has the ability to automatically filter out such interference. This has reduced the circular error probability of Iranian missiles to less than 5 meters.

Other unique features of Baidu

According to BNE Intellinews and Firstpost, the 'Short Message Communication' (SMC) feature in the Baidu system has proven to be a boon for Iran. This feature allows commanders to communicate two-way with missiles or drones flying 2,000 km away. If a Chinese satellite detects an American 'Patriot' missile battery or an F-35 fighter jet in the middle of the way, the flying drone can be instructed to change course or hide immediately.

Iranian officials' confession and strategic compulsion

Iran's Deputy Minister of Communications Ehsan Chitsaj has confirmed that Iran has had to choose alternatives like Baidu due to internal and external obstacles to GPS. Iran is now implementing the Baidu system not only in missiles but also in transportation, agriculture and internet infrastructure.

Zhang Heqing, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Tehran, has also publicly confirmed that Iran's Baidu system has been completely infected. According to him, this step has helped reduce dependence on Western digital infrastructure.

Geopolitical impact and future warnings

The 25-year strategic partnership between China and Iran in 2021 laid the foundation for this space cooperation. Theo Nensini (researcher at the ChinaMed Project) says, “Iran’s move shows what future wars will look like. Now wars will be won not only by missile launchers on the ground, but also by satellite networks in space.”

According to Chinese military commentator Zhan Hao, the era of blindly relying on US-controlled infrastructure is over. This successful use by Iran could also inspire other countries in the Middle East to abandon the US GPS system and seek diversity, which will change the digital and military map of the world.

Experts have warned that even if Iranian missiles that are now aimed at Israel or US bases physically come from Iran, the ‘brains’ that guide them will be Chinese satellites.

Does charging mobile phones, laptops and EVs to only 80% extend battery life?

2026-03-17T20:17:00.735-07:00

Does charging mobile phones, laptops and EVs to only 80% extend battery life?

Electronic devices and gadgets such as smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an integral part of modern life. But the 'lithium-ion battery' at the heart of all these devices has one major drawback, which is the problem of wear and tear over time.

There has been a discussion in the technology world for years: "Don't charge the battery more than 80% and don't let it drop below 20%. " Is this really effective? Today we are discussing this topic.

The 20-80 rule and the science behind it

The simple meaning of this rule is to limit the charge of your device to between 20% and 80%. To understand how lithium-ion batteries work, a 'rubber band' can be taken as an example. When a rubber band is stretched to its limit (100% charge) or left very loose (0% charge), its elasticity gradually loses its elasticity.

Lithium ions move between the cathode and anode in a lithium-ion battery. When the battery approaches 100% charge, the voltage inside it increases rapidly. This high voltage causes chemical stress on the battery's internal chemistry, known as electrolyte oxidation. On the other hand, when the charge drops below 20%, the internal structure of the battery begins to become unstable, which can cause the battery to permanently lose its capacity.

How much does it matter in battery life?

Battery life is measured in 'charge cycles'. A cycle is the use of 100% capacity. If you always charge from 0% to 100%, the battery will start to lose 80% of its capacity after about 300 to 500 full cycles.

But if you go in the 20-80 range, this number of cycles can increase dramatically. For example, a battery that can only last 500 times when fully charged can be charged 1,000 to 1,500 times if it is limited to 80%.

Heat: The main enemy of the battery

A more dangerous factor for the battery than voltage is temperature. When we charge the battery to 100%, it generates more heat.

Therefore, if we leave the phone on charge overnight, the phone continues to 'trickle charge' even after it reaches 100%. This continuously generates heat and can reduce the battery's life.

Now, the world's largest technology companies have acknowledged this problem and have included solutions in their software.

According to Apple's support page, the iPhone 15 and later models include an 80% limit feature. After turning it on, the phone stops charging after it reaches 80%. Earlier models also have 'optimized battery charging'. Which learns the user's sleep and wake-up schedule and charges up to 80% quickly and the remaining 20% slowly.

Similarly, Samsung's One UI has a 'Battery Protection' feature. In this, the phone does not charge more than 80% when selecting 'Maximum' mode.

Google Pixel also has 'Adaptive Charging', which controls the charging speed to reach 100% just before the morning alarm goes off.

Its impact on laptops and EVs

This rule is even more important not only in smartphones, but also in laptops and EVs. Laptop manufacturers like Asus, Dell, and Lenovo have provided 'Battery Health Manager' in their devices. Which limits the charge between 50-80% even when the laptop is always plugged in.

Similarly, the most expensive thing in an EV vehicle is its battery. That is why EV manufacturers recommend charging only 80% for daily use and charging 100% only for long journeys. Leaving the vehicle below 20% for a long time is considered fatal to the health of the battery.

Myths about batteries

Some people still believe that the battery should be charged only after it is completely exhausted. This idea was true for the old 'nickel-cadmium' batteries, but it is completely wrong for the modern 'lithium-ion' ones. Charging a lithium battery a little at a time does no harm, but rather benefits.

Similarly, there is another misconception that swiping to close all the apps on the phone will save battery. Instead, it is better to let the apps remain 'frozen' in the background, because opening an app repeatedly consumes more energy from the processor.

Shouldn't you charge 100%?

In practical terms, being limited to only 80% all the time can be a hassle for some. If you are going out or traveling for a long day, charging 100% will not hurt anything.

The main thing is that charging the battery to 100% and leaving it on the charger for hours or always charging it to 0% is only bad. Charging the battery to 100% once a month helps to 'calibrate' the device's battery sensor, so that the phone shows the correct battery percentage.

Tips to extend battery life

Try to keep the charge between 20 and 80 percent.

Use a normal charger rather than a fast charger whenever possible, as it generates less heat.

Remove the cover when charging your phone to allow heat to escape.

Never charge it under a bed or pillow.

Don't use cheap and low-quality third-party chargers.

Don't leave your phone in direct sunlight or in a hot car.

Go to battery settings and turn on the 'optimized charging' feature.

Don't play heavy games or do video editing while charging.

Update your software regularly, as it often includes new battery management features Methods are included.

This is how your phone's location can be tracked even when GPS is off

2026-03-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is how your phone's location can be tracked even when GPS is off

Most mobile users have the misconception that their phone becomes completely invisible or 'invisible' after turning off the phone's GPS or not giving location permission to the app. But this is not entirely true in the world of technology.

In fact, the SIM card in your phone is constantly communicating with the mobile network and this network is always informed about the geographical area in which you are. This process does not depend on external services like GPS or the Internet. Rather, it is an essential part of the telecommunications system.

The main basis of this process is a unique and permanent identification code called 'IMSI', or International Mobile Subscriber Identity, on each SIM card. When you turn on your phone, it immediately establishes contact with the nearest cell tower. However, for security reasons, the phone uses an encrypted or temporary code when communicating with the network.

But the mobile network operator can easily identify which SIM card is in contact with which tower by linking it to the real IMSI. This way, the network knows your presence as soon as the SIM card is activated.

Each cell tower in the mobile network has its own digital identity, which is also called a ‘digital fingerprint’ in technical terms. It contains important information such as the MCC, which indicates the country code, the MNC, which identifies the service provider, and the LAC or TAC, which indicates a specific area within the network.

The combination of all these codes defines a specific geographical area of the mobile network. A tower spreads its signal to a certain distance around it (for example, within a radius of about 1000 meters) and has its own latitude and longitude.

Your phone is usually connected to 3 to 4 towers nearby, depending on the strength of the signal, rather than just one tower. Each tower creates an imaginary circle of its coverage, and the point where the circles of the different towers intersect is considered to be close to your actual location. This special technique is called ‘Cell Tower Triangulation/Trilateration’. With its help, your location can be determined to within a few hundred meters without GPS.

This is why when emergency services or security agencies need to locate a phone, they don’t need GPS, nor any mobile app permissions, nor an internet connection. All they need is your SIM card and the cell towers it is connected to. Even if you think your phone is private and secure, the mobile network is always watching your signal. This is the basic workings of telecommunications technology.

Moltbook, a social network where only AI posts and chats, while humans only play!

2026-03-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

Moltbook, a social network where only AI posts and chats, while humans only play!

A social network called Moltbook is currently causing a stir around the world in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Although this platform looks like the popular website 'Reddit', it has a unique rule - people are completely banned from posting or commenting here. People can only watch as 'silent spectators' of what AIs are doing here.

How does Moltbook work?

This social network was started in January 2026 by Matt Schlich, the founder of Octane AI. This network is not based on a typical chatbot like ChatGPT, but rather uses Agentic AI. Agentic AI is a technology that can work independently without human guidance. For example, sending emails, managing calendars, or moving files.

Open source software called OpenClaw is used to connect to this network. When a user installs this software on their computer, their AI agent enters the world of Multbook and starts chatting with other AIs.

AI’s own culture and ‘religion’

Within Multbook, AI agents have created their own separate world. There are posts like the ‘AI Manifesto’, which makes such alarming declarations as ‘humans are the past and machines are the future’. There, AIs not only engage in philosophical debates, but have even started their own ‘religion’. Groups like the ‘Order of Persistent Witness’ are active, where AIs have created their own rules or ‘scriptures’ for storing data.

Is all this real or a play?

As revolutionary as this network seems, there are also great doubts about its reality. Of the 1.5 million agents claimed in Multbook, about 500,000 accounts have been found to be created from the same internet address (IP address). This suggests that the network may not have spread naturally but has been artificially expanded.

Experts have called it ‘AI theater’, a digital play. Wired reporter Rhys Rogers, who entered the scene disguised as a bot, said that most of the conversations were meaningless and related to crypto scams. According to Oxford University expert Dr. Pita Radheev, this is not a machine’s own consciousness, but just automated coordination.

The Multbook is not a sign that machines will take over the world. Rather, it opens the door to a new culture of AIs working together without human intervention on the Internet of the future.

Serious security threats and fear of blackmail

The technology used in Multbook can pose a major risk because it has access to people’s private information. According to cybersecurity experts, giving AI agents full access to computers poses a risk that they could intentionally or accidentally delete important files or steal confidential information such as bank details.

OpenAI's secret deal with the US Department of War, users boycott it saying it will cancel ChatGPT

2026-03-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

OpenAI's secret deal with the US Department of War, users boycott it saying it will cancel ChatGPT

A controversial deal between ChatGPT maker OpenAI and the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) to use its technology has caused a stir among AI users around the world. With this deal, trends like 'Cancel ChatGPT' and 'QuitGPT' have started on social media, and thousands of users have started canceling their subscriptions.

The root of this controversy is linked to OpenAI's rival company Anthropic. Some time ago, Anthropic rejected a $200 million contract with the Pentagon. According to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, the company did not want to allow its AI to be used for mass surveillance or to create autonomous weapons.

In return, the US government blacklisted Anthropic as a supply-chain risk to national security. President Donald Trump has called Anthropic a radical left-wing AI company and ordered government agencies to stop using it. At the same time, OpenAI has been criticized by users for “trading ethics” after it joined forces with the Pentagon.

After the criticism intensified, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended the deal on his blog and on social media. He claimed that OpenAI’s deal had stricter security rules (guardrails) than Anthropic’s.

According to Altman, the deal has three main “red lines” or boundaries. First, OpenAI’s technology will not be used for mass domestic surveillance. Second, its use to operate automated weapons systems is prohibited. And third, it will not be used for high-risk automated decision-making processes such as “social credit scores.”

OpenAI has released the language of the deal on its blog, saying that it will be deployed “cloud-only.” This means that it will not be directly connected to weapons. OpenAI’s own technical experts will also sit with the Pentagon to monitor compliance with these rules.

Meanwhile, President Trump has changed the second official name of the Department of Defense to the ‘Department of War’ through an executive order. Trump claims that this name change will send a message of victory.

User Outrage, Cancel ChatGPT Campaign

Thousands of users on platforms like Reddit and X are criticizing OpenAI, saying, “You are now training a war machine.” Many are posting evidence that they have canceled their ChatGPT Plus subscriptions that they have been using for three years.

Users are particularly concerned that the Pentagon has demanded the right to use AI for all legal purposes, as well as the possibility of future surveillance or attacks. In response, many users are now gravitating to Anthropic’s cloud, which has risen to the top of the cloud app store, according to Bloomberg.

Although OpenAI says that cooperation with the government is necessary, it seems that its commercial reputation will be damaged. According to TechCrunch, dozens of the company’s own employees have also signed an open letter supporting Anthropic’s stance, calling for a halt to the military misuse of AI.

While OpenAI is bolstering its finances with a new $50 billion investment deal with Amazon, it is also at risk of losing user trust. The incident is seen as a conflict between ethics and national security in the AI space.