Google launches ‘Preferred Sources’ to let users control top stories feed
Google has introduced a new feature that could reshape how users consume news online. Called Preferred Sources, the update allows readers to choose which news outlets appear more prominently in their search results, giving them greater control over the Top Stories carousel.
Traditionally, Google’s algorithms have determined which publishers appear in the coveted Top Stories section. Now, with this feature, readers themselves can select their most trusted outlets, ensuring that familiar and valued sources are prioritised in news searches.
For audiences, the update means a more tailored news experience aligned with their preferences. For publishers, it opens a pathway to build deeper and more sustained relationships with readers by being directly chosen as a preferred source.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Go plan in India at Rs 399
OpenAI has introduced a new subscription plan in India called ChatGPT Go. It is priced at Rs 399 per month. The plan is being rolled out as an India-only option and can also be purchased through UPI.
In Short
- OpenAI has launched a new subscription plan in India called ChatGPT Go
- The new ChatGPT plan is priced at Rs 399 per month
- Users get 10 times more message capacity, daily image generations, and more
OpenAI has introduced a new subscription plan in India called ChatGPT Go. It is priced at Rs 399 per month. The plan is being rolled out as an India-only option and can also be purchased through UPI, making it more convenient for millions of users who rely on the digital payment system for everyday transactions.
This is the first time OpenAI has created a country-specific subscription plan. While Indian users have had access to the free version of ChatGPT as well as the Plus and Pro plans, the new Go tier is designed to give more people access to advanced tools at a lower monthly cost. The company says the plan has been built keeping in mind the scale of usage in India, which has now become its second-largest market for ChatGPT.
Fewer manual targeting options as Meta pushes AI tools
Meta is moving ahead with its plan to reduce manual ad targeting on its platforms, as it pushes advertisers towards broader, AI-driven campaign management.
The company has begun notifying advertisers through Ads Manager that additional detailed targeting options will be removed or consolidated. The changes are set to take effect from 15 January 2026, after which any ad sets using the discontinued criteria will stop delivering.
Meta has gradually pared back detailed targeting since early 2024, citing limited use, excessive granularity, or links to sensitive topics as reasons for removal. The company has framed the changes as a way to improve overall ad performance by enabling its automated systems to determine the most relevant audiences.
Google AI Mode added the ability to upload PDFs and images for your queries
Google AI Mode added the ability to upload PDFs and images for your queries. Google also added a Canvas feature to help you plan things while you are asking AI Mode questions. Finally, Google upgraded Search while browsing to add in AI Mode.
This is all part of the announcements Google recently made, including Search Live with video.
(1) Upload images and PDFs: You can now upload images and soon PDFs, Google will add more filetypes in the future, when you ask AI Mode questions. Then Google AI Mode will analyze the file you upload and answer questions based on the file.
Google said, “in the coming weeks, we’re adding support for PDF uploads on desktop, so you can ask detailed questions about those documents and bring that context into your search.” “AI Mode will analyze the contents of your file and cross-reference it with relevant information from the web to provide a helpful AI response, along with prominent links so you can dig deeper,” Google added.
Perplexity Brings Real-Time Market Insights to Indian Investors
- Perplexity expands its Finance dashboard to India, adding real-time earnings call transcripts for public companies.
- The service integrates transcripts with stock charts, sector trackers, watchlists, and cryptocurrency data for investors.
- Asia-Pacific’s financial data market is growing rapidly, creating strong demand for AI-powered investment insights.
- India’s fintech adoption rate of 87 percent makes it a key market for Perplexity’s financial tools.
Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has introduced live transcriptions of Indian public companies’ quarterly earnings calls, marking its first expansion of the Finance dashboard beyond U.S. equities.
The new feature gives Indian investors and analysts timely access to crucial corporate performance updates that often influence stock movements. Alongside the transcripts, the platform now provides a calendar of upcoming post-results conference calls, enabling market participants to plan ahead.
Google Docs launches new Gemini-powered audio feature
Google has officially launched a new audio feature within Google Docs, powered by its Gemini AI, allowing users to generate and listen to natural-sounding audio versions of their documents. The update, which is rolling out to Google Workspace customers, marks a significant step in making the platform more accessible and versatile.
The new functionality, referred to as “Listen to this,” is designed to serve multiple purposes. It enables authors to proofread their work by hearing it read aloud, helping to catch errors and improve flow. For readers, it offers a new way to consume content, allowing for better comprehension and the ability to multitask while listening.
The feature provides clear, natural-sounding voices and offers a level of customization, allowing users to choose from different voices and adjust the playback speed to suit their preferences. This moves beyond the robotic narration of traditional text-to-speech tools, offering a more engaging experience.
Zepto Enters Real Estate Market with 10-Minute Land Investment Option
Quick commerce major Zepto has partnered with a real estate developer ‘The House of Abhinandan’ to offer land investment opportunities directly to consumers’ fingertips, and that too, within few minutes. The collaboration will help investors purchase branded plots in HoABL’s Vrindavan project via the Zepto app.
Users can browse available plots, submit inquiries, and connect with a HoABL expert through video consultation. All these steps can be done within 10 minutes on Zepto app. “…customers explore, select and buy plots online; bringing it onto Zepto’s tech-strong platform takes that journey to where million already shop,” said Chandan Mendiratta, chief brand and culture officer at Zepto.
The Zepto app simply ensures that you get connected within 10 minutes to a HOABL expert, who will guide you through the process on a video call end-to-end. To explore HoABL’s Vrindavan project offerings, a user can just type “land” in the search bar and will be directed to HoABL’s dedicated page.
91% Gen Z rely on social media platforms for news
A new Google–Kantar report, Bridging the Gap: Reimagining News for Gen Z, offers a detailed look into how India’s youth, aged 15 to 28, are changing the way news is consumed.
Rather than turning away from current affairs, Gen Z is reshaping the process to fit their digital-first, highly visual lifestyles.
The findings show that 87 percent of urban Gen Zers are online, compared to 75 percent of the overall urban population.
As digital natives, they prefer news that is emotionally resonant, visually compelling, and relevant to their personal interests. The traditional, linear presentation of information is losing ground to formats that feel interactive, quick, and more personal.
Closing:
And how was your Rakhsha Bandhan? Here’s a case study from our archives, an award winning innovation for Kokuyo Camlin a tool that integrated their product range smartly into a virtual canvas to create personalized Rakhees that could be shared with siblings on Facebook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxGkgeAVpEE&list=PLAJk5z7i5W2NllRRErSvld2EMEhCqfX2Z&index=16
