Tag: news

TechPulse

Realme P4 Lite 5G Launches at ₹9,999 with Massive 6,300mAh Battery

Tanisha Cardozo

Realme has expanded its budget smartphone portfolio in India with the launch of the Realme P4 Lite 5G, a device aimed squarely at users seeking reliable everyday performance without stretching their budget. Priced starting at ₹9,999, the smartphone positions itself as an attractive option for first-time buyers and those looking for a secondary device that covers all the essentials.

The Realme P4 Lite 5G comes with a 6.74-inch HD+ display offering a resolution of 720×1600 pixels. While it sits in the entry-level category, the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate ensures a smoother visual experience compared to standard displays in this segment. With a touch sampling rate of up to 180Hz, the device is also responsive enough for casual browsing, scrolling, and light gaming.

One of the standout features of the smartphone is its massive 6,300mAh battery, which is expected to easily last through a full day and beyond for most users. Paired with 15W wired charging support, the focus here is clearly on longevity rather than ultra-fast charging, making it ideal for users who prioritise battery life over speed.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. It is paired with 4GB of RAM and offers storage options of 64GB and 128GB, catering to different user needs. Running on Android 15 with Realme UI, the phone brings updated software features and a clean interface experience for its users.

For photography, the Realme P4 Lite 5G features a 13MP rear camera capable of recording videos at 1080p at 30fps, while the front houses a 5MP camera for selfies and video calls. While the camera setup is modest, it is designed to handle basic photography and communication needs effectively.

The device also comes with an IP54 rating, offering resistance against dust and splashes, which adds a layer of durability for everyday use. In terms of connectivity, it supports 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, and multiple satellite navigation systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor.

Available in Beach Gold, Obsidian Black, and Sea Blue colour options, the Realme P4 Lite 5G brings a touch of style to its practical design. The smartphone will go on sale starting February 24 via Flipkart and Realme’s official channels, with launch offers including a ₹1,000 bank discount or coupon.

With this launch, Realme continues to reinforce its strategy of delivering feature-packed smartphones at competitive price points, catering to the evolving needs of India’s value-conscious consumers.

National

Navy Chief Urges Joint Action on Indian Ocean Threats at Goa Conclave

Tanisha Cardozo

The 5th edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave brought together naval leaders and maritime experts from across the Indian Ocean Region in Panaji, where India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Dinesh K Tripathi, underscored the urgent need for collective action to address growing maritime threats.

Addressing representatives from multiple Indian Ocean nations at the Naval War College in Goa, Adm Tripathi emphasized that the scale and complexity of challenges in the region make it difficult for any single country to manage them alone. He highlighted that coordinated maritime operations, when backed by clearly defined objectives, can generate both deterrence and reassurance, strengthening overall regional stability.

The Navy Chief pointed to a range of persistent and emerging threats, including piracy, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, trafficking of narcotics and arms, and irregular human migration. He noted that while there has been some progress—such as a reported decline in IUU fishing incidents due to enhanced surveillance and enforcement—several threats continue to evolve in scale and sophistication.

Piracy, which had seen a period of relative decline, is now showing renewed adaptability, with incidents being reported farther offshore. At the same time, maritime trafficking networks are expanding, with routes linked to regions such as the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle increasingly converging at sea. Irregular migration has also become a growing concern, with rising fatalities linked to unsafe and long-distance sea journeys.

Highlighting India’s role in fostering cooperation, Adm Tripathi referred to initiatives such as the deployment of an Indian naval ship under the SAGAR framework in the South-West Indian Ocean, which included a multinational crew drawn from partner nations. He described this as an initial step toward deeper collaboration and trust-building among regional maritime forces.

The conclave, attended by naval chiefs and senior officials from 15 countries, reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperative mechanisms aimed at tackling common challenges. Organised by the Indian Navy, the event focused on progressing lines of effort to mitigate dynamic threats in the region, reinforcing India’s position as a key facilitator of maritime dialogue and security cooperation.

As discussions concluded, the overarching message was clear: safeguarding the vast and strategically vital Indian Ocean requires sustained collaboration, shared responsibility, and a unified approach to ensure long-term security and stability.

Human Interest

RM Takes the Wheel: BTS Leader’s First Driving Video Delights Fans

Tanisha Cardozo

RM, the leader of global K-pop sensation BTS, has once again captured the internet’s attention—this time not with music, but with a surprisingly relatable personal moment. The artist recently shared his first-ever driving video, offering fans a rare glimpse into a quieter, more candid side of his life.

The short clip, posted with the caption “Let’s keep smiling and hype it up,” shows RM behind the wheel, navigating the road with visible caution and a slightly tense posture. The video quickly made waves across social media platforms and fan communities, where viewers were both amused and charmed by his careful driving style. Many pointed out the contrast between his composed, intellectual public persona and the nervous energy of someone new to driving.

RM had previously revealed that he obtained his driver’s license, though he also made it clear that owning a car was not part of his plans. Sharing more about his decision, he explained that learning to drive was a personal step taken to overcome a past trauma rather than a practical necessity. His candid admission added emotional depth to what might otherwise have been seen as a simple update, giving fans insight into his personal growth and resilience.

Adding to the lighthearted tone, RM acknowledged his own awkwardness in the video, joking, “I’m funny too,” a remark that resonated strongly with fans who appreciated his honesty and self-awareness. The moment quickly became a favourite among the BTS fandom, with many describing it as “unexpectedly cute” and deeply relatable.

The timing of the video has also heightened anticipation among fans, as BTS prepares for a major comeback. The group is set to release its fifth full-length album “Arirang” on March 20, followed by a special event titled “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. As excitement builds around the new music, RM’s personal update has added a refreshing and human touch to the global buzz surrounding the group.

Through moments like these, RM continues to strengthen his connection with fans, reminding them that beyond the global fame and success, he remains grounded, evolving, and open about his personal journey.

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026 Kicks Off Strong as Masters 45+ Players Shine

Tanisha Cardozo

The third edition of the Baale BPS Open 2026 got underway with an impressive display of skill and competitive spirit in the Masters 45+ Singles category at B.P.S. Sports Club in Margao. Veteran players set the tone early in the state-ranking tournament, delivering a series of decisive performances as they progressed through the opening rounds.

The tournament was inaugurated at the Margao venue in the presence of key dignitaries from the local tennis and sporting community, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting edition. From the outset, players showcased sharp form, with several dominant wins highlighting the opening day’s action. Sameer secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Anup, while Pankaj Naik mirrored that performance with a clinical win against Brian by the same margin. Kalyananaraman B advanced with a confident 6-2 win over Rohan L, and Marcus edged past Kedar in a closely fought contest, finishing 6-4. Ehrlick also progressed comfortably with a 6-0 victory over T Kulkarni.

The intensity continued into the second round, where Dimitry delivered a composed performance to defeat Sidharth S 6-2. Neville battled through a tight match against Sameer, eventually winning 7-5, while Kalyananaraman B maintained his strong run with a convincing 6-1 victory over Kishore. Marcus continued his steady form with a solid 6-3 win against Naveen, further underlining the competitive depth in the veterans’ category.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has attracted a total of 197 entries across junior, open, and veterans’ categories. The growing participation reflects the tournament’s rising stature within Goa’s sporting calendar. This year’s edition has also introduced new veterans’ events, including the Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles categories, expanding opportunities for senior players to compete at a structured level.

The tournament will run over 11 days at the B.P.S. Sports Club courts, with matches scheduled across multiple categories. As the competition progresses, players and spectators alike can expect more high-quality tennis and closely contested matches, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the state’s premier tennis tournaments.

Sports

FC Goa Signs Indian Super Gaming League as Principal Sponsor for ISL 2025-26

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa have announced Indian Super Gaming League as the club’s Principal Sponsor for the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, marking a significant step in blending traditional sport with the rapidly growing esports ecosystem in India. As part of the agreement, ISGL will feature prominently on the front of FC Goa’s matchday kits, strengthening its visibility while aligning with one of Indian football’s most progressive clubs.

The partnership comes at a strategically aligned moment, with the timelines of the Indian Super League and the debut season of the Indian Super Gaming League running in sync. This alignment allows both entities to maximise engagement and build a shared narrative that connects football fans with the expanding gaming community across the country.

Beyond jersey branding, ISGL will have a strong presence across FC Goa’s digital platforms and branding initiatives, enabling the creation of engaging and interactive content that resonates with both sports and esports audiences. The collaboration aims to foster deeper connections between fans while opening new avenues for storytelling and community engagement.

The Indian Super Gaming League, an initiative by LetsGameNow, represents a focused push towards the growth and professionalisation of esports in India. With a structured format, diverse gaming titles, and a nationwide reach, the league is designed to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging gaming talent. Backed by extensive experience in organising gaming tournaments, LetsGameNow aims to position ISGL as a premier competitive platform, with its grand finale scheduled to take place in Mumbai on March 15.

Speaking on the partnership, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur expressed enthusiasm about welcoming ISGL on board, noting that esports is gaining significant momentum in India and aligns with the club’s philosophy of grassroots development. He highlighted that both organisations share a common goal of creating structured opportunities for young talent, whether on the football pitch or in competitive gaming arenas.

Gautam Badalia, Co-Founder of LetsGameNow, emphasised that the collaboration reflects a natural extension of ISGL’s mission to provide credible platforms for aspiring players. He noted that FC Goa embodies the sporting aspirations of Goa’s youth and shares a commitment to building professional pathways for emerging talent. The partnership, he added, represents a strategic integration of traditional sports and esports, driven by discipline, ambition, and opportunity.

As part of its nationwide outreach, the league will host qualifying rounds across five cities, including Goa, where the event is scheduled for March 6 in association with FC Goa. The initiative offers aspiring gamers a chance to compete across multiple esports titles, reinforcing ISGL’s vision of empowering the next generation of players to perform confidently on both national and global stages.