This week in tech, India’s story was about building at home. A government programme released new AI models, and the payments body set up a technology arm. Meanwhile, the telecom regulator looked at phones that talk to satellites. A popular phone brand also kept its next launch under wraps. Here is what happened and why it matters to you.
India releases its own AI models
On 3 November, the IndiaAI Mission under the IT ministry released three homegrown models, according to The Week. EKA-1 comes from Soket Labs and covers all 22 scheduled Indian languages plus English. Dhīr 2B and Dhīr 5B come from ZenteiQ, and they are open source. The makers say some of the models can run on a phone without internet. So they could help where coverage is weak. Still, the real test is whether developers, banks and schools build useful tools with them. If they do, an app in your own language could soon feel as natural as one in English.
NPCI builds a new technology arm
On 4 November, NPCI announced a new subsidiary called NPCI Tech Solutions Limited, as The Industry Spread reported. It follows approval from NPCI’s board and the Reserve Bank of India. The new company will work on AI, blockchain and digital public infrastructure, with Vishal Kanvaty as chief executive. UPI stays with the parent body, so nothing changes in how you pay today. However, the move shows where India’s payments backbone wants to go next, and no first product has been named.
TRAI looks at satellites for ordinary phones
On 5 November, TRAI sent its recommendations on direct satellite service for phones to the telecom department, as IBTimes India reported. The plan suggests a new licence and two ways to use spectrum. These are proposals only, because the government still has to decide. For you, nothing changes yet. In time, though, it could bring a signal to hills, forests and seas where towers do not reach. We broke down the details in our guide to the TRAI satellite plan.
The iQOO 16 is confirmed, but the date is not
Last month, iQOO India’s chief executive said in Delhi that the iQOO 16 is coming to India very soon, as Beebom reported. It will be the first iQOO in India with a 2nm Snapdragon chip. However, the company has not shared a date, and the dates floating around online are only tips. So it is wise to wait for an official word before you plan a purchase. Our iQOO 16 tracker keeps the confirmed facts apart from the rumours.
Why this week in tech matters for daily life
The common thread this week is that infrastructure is moving closer to ordinary people. Models, payments and networks all sit behind the apps you use. As more of life moves into apps and digital IDs, small safety habits matter too. For example, you can lock your Aadhaar biometrics when you are not using them. Then nobody can misuse them for authentication. Here are the steps to lock Aadhaar biometrics. It takes a few minutes, and you can unlock them whenever you need to.
The one to watch
Keep an eye on what the telecom department does with the TRAI recommendations. If it accepts them, satellite service for everyday phones could move from idea to licence quickly. The proposal covers both new handsets and existing mobile bands. So the decision will shape which phones and networks benefit. Of everything in this week in tech, it is the story most likely to touch your signal in the coming year. It also affects the phone you might buy next, because older models may not support satellite bands.