This week in tech brought changes you can feel on your own phone, plus one launch that matters for the whole country. Caller names begin to appear from 1 November, ISRO sent up a new navigation satellite, and Jio widened its plan choices. Here is what happened, and why it matters for readers in India.
Caller names show up: this week in tech starts here
The Department of Telecommunications has told operators to start Calling Name Presentation, or CNAP, from 1 November, as National Herald reports. It shows a caller’s name beside the number on 4G and newer networks. A name saved in your phonebook still comes first. Unsaved domestic callers show the name held by their operator, while overseas calls appear as International Call.
The service switches on by itself, and operators are told not to keep the name after the call ends. This matters because scam calls depend on staying anonymous. However, the name is only as good as the operator’s records, so treat it as a hint and not as proof. Our explainer on what changes from 1 November has the details.
ISRO adds a satellite to NavIC
ISRO launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite on a GSLV-F18 rocket from Sriharikota late on 30 October, according to India TV News. It carries an Indian-built atomic clock and adds an L1 signal, which should help more phones use the system. NavIC covers India and about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
Because standalone positioning needs four working satellites, and a July reply in Parliament counted only three, each new one counts. So the launch is a step toward an Indian alternative to GPS for railways, fishing boats and phones. Still, the satellite must now climb to its final orbit, so the full benefit will take time. Our NVS-03 report explains the mission.
Jio lists voice-only prepaid plans
Jio now offers six prepaid plans with unlimited calls and no mobile data, Beebom reports. The cheapest costs ₹147 for 22 days, and a longer pack costs ₹448 for 84 days. Four of the six are new. The other two already existed and now sit under a section for plans that TRAI requires. Airtel and Vi had launched their versions earlier.
For example, a second SIM used only for calls and OTPs no longer needs data it never uses. However, check your habits first, because dropping data also removes your backup when Wi-Fi fails. Our guide on who should switch walks through the choice.
Digi Yatra tries international flights
Digi Yatra starts trials for international passengers on 1 November at seven airports: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar, Travel Trade Journal reports. Eligible Indian e-passport holders on Air India and select IndiGo routes can build a credential by scanning the passport, reading its chip and taking a selfie. Passengers still carry documents and clear airline and immigration checks.
The platform already has more than 26.5 million users on domestic flights, so shorter queues abroad are the promise. Meanwhile, face data is sensitive, and the foundation says consent and privacy stay central. If you fly often, our Digi Yatra registration steps show how the app works.
The one to watch
Keep an eye on UPI charges. NPCI postponed a planned merchant discount rate until after Diwali, with a new date still to be announced, according to Sarkaritel. The proposal would apply 0.4 percent, capped at ₹300, to payments above ₹2,000 at large merchants. Small merchants would stay free, and NPCI says over 95 percent of merchant transactions would be exempt. So the next announcement is the thing to read closely in the weeks ahead, because it will show whether this week in tech has a sequel for everyday payments.