Reliance Jio has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink broadband services in India, a move aimed at improving internet accessibility, especially in remote and rural regions. The deal will enable Jio to leverage SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, enhancing its existing broadband services like JioAirFiber and JioFiber.

Under this collaboration, Starlink equipment will be available at Reliance Jio stores across the country, subject to regulatory approvals. Customers will also have access to installation, activation, and support services provided by Jio.

Boosting India’s digital connectivity

The partnership aligns with Jio’s goal of ensuring high-speed internet access for enterprises, small and medium businesses (SMBs), and communities across the country. By utilizing Starlink’s extensive satellite network, the initiative is expected to bridge connectivity gaps in difficult-to-reach locations.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We are looking forward to working with Jio and receiving authorization from the Government of India to provide more people, organizations, and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”

Regulatory approvals and future collaborations

While the partnership is a significant step, Starlink’s services in India still require clearance from regulatory authorities. Once approved, Starlink broadband services will be available for purchase and activation through Jio’s distribution network.

Additionally, Jio and SpaceX plan to explore other complementary areas of cooperation, utilizing their infrastructure to further strengthen India’s digital ecosystem.

This development follows SpaceX’s recent agreement with Bharti Airtel, which also intends to sell Starlink equipment and provide connectivity solutions to business customers, schools, health centers, and remote communities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to redefine creativity in the digital world, and the latest viral sensation is a testament to that. A mesmerizing AI-generated video featuring miniature human figures ‘making’ traditional Indian sweets has taken social media by storm, amassing over 16 million views on Instagram.

Miniature workers crafting oversized sweets

The viral reel, shared by the Instagram page @the.aiengineer, showcases tiny human-like figures engaged in the intricate process of ‘preparing’ various Indian sweets that appear much larger than them. Dressed as construction workers, the miniature figures are depicted as ‘perfecting’ stacks of jalebis, kneading soft rasgullas, glazing gulab jamuns, and shaping laddoos, kaju katlis, barfis, patisa, and other beloved treats.

One particularly creative scene features rasgullas floating in a pond of sugar syrup, with the tiny figures rowing a boat over them. In the background, more miniature workers are seen carting, collecting, and shaping ingredients such as dry fruits and nuts. Ladders, cranes, and other construction machinery are cleverly incorporated into the scenes, making the process look like a grand culinary project.

Social media reacts with admiration and humor

The video has sparked a wave of reactions in the comment section. While many users expressed awe and appreciation for the imaginative concept, others found it humorous. Some of the top comments included:

• “Wow, so beautiful.”
• “Can’t stop watching it. It’s amazing.”
• “Get me a ticket to this city.”
• “Love the imagination.”
• “No hygiene at all… people are walking on laddoos!”

Some viewers even drew comparisons to the world of ants, while others humorously pointed out concerns about hygiene in this whimsical world of sweets.

Apple has officially launched its latest MacBook Air M4 in India, unveiling both 13-inch and 15-inch models. The latest iteration comes with the powerful M4 chip, an upgraded Thunderbolt 4 port, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a brand-new “Sky Blue” color option. Additionally, Apple has significantly reduced the price of the new models compared to the M3-powered MacBook Air, making them more affordable.

MacBook Air M4 pricing in India

One of the most notable highlights of the new launch is its pricing. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is priced at Rs 99,900, while the 15-inch variant comes at Rs 124,900. This marks a Rs 15,000 price drop compared to the M3 MacBook Air, which launched at Rs 114,900 for the 13-inch model and Rs 134,900 for the 15-inch version last year.

Apple has also revised its pricing strategy in the US, where the MacBook Air M4 now starts at $999 (approximately Rs 86,800)—a $100 reduction compared to previous models. For students, the price has been lowered to $899 (around Rs 78,100).

Key upgrades and features of MacBook Air M4

The MacBook Air M4 lineup introduces a fresh “Sky Blue” color option, joining the existing shades of Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Apple is also providing color-matched MagSafe charging cables for a cohesive aesthetic.

Performance & hardware enhancements

M4 chip: Equipped with a 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, offering significant performance improvements over the M3 model.

Memory & Storage: The base variant comes with 16GB RAM, expandable up to 32GB, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB.

Camera Upgrade: Features a 12MP Center Stage camera that automatically adjusts the frame to keep users in focus during video calls. It also supports Desk View, allowing users to display their workspace during virtual meetings.

Improved Connectivity: Apple has upgraded the Thunderbolt ports from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 4, allowing support for two external displays while keeping the laptop’s screen active.

MagSafe & Audio Enhancements: Retains MagSafe 3 charging, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and stereo speakers for improved sound output.

The MacBook Air M4 is available for pre-order now and will hit stores on March 12 in India.