Author: Aruna Kaim

Finding a pair of truly wireless (TWS) earbuds under ₹3,000 used to mean major compromises on build quality, audio fidelity, and noise cancellation. Today, however, the budget segment is remarkably competitive. Active noise cancellation (ANC), dual-device connectivity, low-latency modes, and multi-day battery claims are increasingly standard. Specifications on a box only tell part of the story. To see which models truly excel in daily life, I put five popular TWS options—from Oppo, OnePlus, JBL, Noise, and CMF—through a rigorous test covering sound profile, ANC effectiveness, battery life, call quality, and durability. Top 5 TWS Earbuds Under ₹3,000 1. Oppo Enco…

Sony has officially expanded its PlayStation-dedicated audio lineup with the introduction of the PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset and the Pulse Edge Wireless Headset. Building upon the audio clarity and precision of the Pulse Elite, Sony’s latest releases are engineered to deliver sharper directional audio cues, more immersive spatial acoustics, and a noticeably richer low-end response for gamers. Enhanced Planar Drivers and 3D Audio Integration At the core of both new headsets are enlarged planar magnetic drivers. While retaining the exceptional sound separation that made previous iterations popular for competitive gaming, the increased driver size allows the Pulse and Pulse Edge…

Specifications on a box can make any pair of over-ear headphones look impressive. However, wearing them continuously through a demanding workday reveals how they actually perform. Comfort over hours of continuous wear, the effectiveness of noise cancellation against office distractions, microphone clarity during back-to-back calls, and the ease of switching between devices quickly separate great headphones from mediocre ones. I spent a full workday testing five popular over-ear headphones—from Soundcore, CMF by Nothing, JBL, Sennheiser, and Sony—handling everything from video meetings and background music to desk work. Looking beyond standard specs, here is how they stack up in real-world daily…

Finding a device that seamlessly transitions from lecture halls to corporate desks can be a challenge. Modern student and office workflows demand more than basic web browsing and word processing; users need machines capable of managing heavy spreadsheets, participating in seamless video calls, running educational tools, and handling presentations without stuttering. Fortunately, today’s market offers powerful, lightweight laptops that bridge the gap between productivity and portability without requiring you to stay tethered to a wall charger all day. Key Categories of Student and Office Laptops When shopping for a dual-purpose device, understanding the core categories can help narrow down your…

Maintaining a spotless home shouldn’t require breaking the bank. With advancements in appliance technology, budget-friendly vacuum cleaners now pack serious suction power, multi-stage filtration, and versatile cleaning modes previously reserved for premium models. Whether you need to tackle stubborn pet hair, deep-clean carpets, manage accidental liquid spills, or simply clear everyday dust from hard floors, there is a capable machine available for under ₹10,000. Understanding Your Options Before diving into the top models, it helps to understand what types of vacuum cleaners dominate the sub-₹10,000 segment: Canister & Upright Models (Corded): Best for whole-home cleaning, offering powerful motors, high suction…

Apple’s flagship iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are officially on sale in India, and skipping the long queues outside retail stores is easier than ever. In a major shift for tech product rollouts, quick-commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, BigBasket, and Swiggy Instamart are delivering the new devices straight to doorsteps in select cities within minutes. Quick-Commerce Availability & Platform Details Zepto: Delivering across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Offers the 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage tiers in Black, Silver, Burgundy, and Glacier (though the 2TB iPhone 18 Pro is restricted to Burgundy and Glacier). Zepto is…

Following the rollout of the new UPI framework—introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specified person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions exceeding Rs 2,000—the government and industry bodies have clarified how specific consumer categories will be handled. Crucially, customers will not pay MDR, as banks have been strictly instructed to prevent merchants from passing the fee onto consumers, and UPI apps are prohibited from levying hidden fees or platform charges. Key Sector-Wise FAQs Under the New Framework Category / Transaction Type Impact for Amounts Above Rs 2,000 Impact for Amounts Up to Rs 2,000 Who Bears the Fee? P2P Transfers Free (No…

Trade associations across major Delhi markets—including Kamla Nagar, Khan Market, and Sadar Bazar—have announced plans to encourage cash payments in response to the newly introduced Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework on UPI transactions. Key Concerns From Trade Bodies The 0.4% Fee Trigger: The new framework sets a baseline 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effectively ending the zero-MDR regime in place since January 2020. High-value payments over Rs 75,000 will have the charge capped at Rs 300. Margin Pressures: Trader representatives argue that operating on already tight profit margins makes absorbing transaction costs difficult, especially alongside…

According to a report by brokerage firm Bernstein, the introduction of a merchant discount rate (MDR) framework on eligible UPI merchant transactions could generate an annual industry revenue pool of approximately Rs 27,000 crore by FY28. Key Highlights & Revenue Projections Growth in Transaction Value: Bernstein projects that UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transaction value will expand from roughly Rs 100 lakh crore to Rs 144 lakh crore by FY28. Blended Effective MDR: While headline proposals point to a 40-basis-point (bps) charge on certain transactions, exemptions and concessional tiers bring the blended effective MDR down to about 19 bps across the entire…

The board of Tata Sons convenes for a crucial meeting in Mumbai following a major regulatory development: the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rejected the holding company’s application to surrender its registration as a Core Investment Company (CIC). This ruling effectively closes off alternative avenues to stay private, forcing the massive conglomerate to proceed with a mandatory stock market listing to comply with Upper-Layer NBFC regulations. Key Items on the Agenda Navigating the RBI Listing Mandate: With assets surpassing the threshold requiring public registration, Tata Sons must now evaluate timelines, structure, and execution strategies for a potential public offering (IPO).…