Month: September 2024

On Sunday (September 22) afternoon, the equivalent of half of Australia’s population logged into ticket booking site BookMyShow. It did so with a prayer on its lips for tickets to British band Coldplay’s Mumbai gigs scheduled for January next year. Only 1.5 lakh tickets were available and they were gone in 30 minutes.
Fans who managed to get tickets were ecstatic but the vast majority logged out feeling not only dejected but also frustrated and cheated. Hashtag #soldplay trended on X. If you were part of the other 99% of India’s population that managed to have Sunday lunch in peace, unaware of and unconcerned by this storm, here’s what happened.

These days, phones costing around or less than Rs. 50,000 have gained popularity in India. Thankfully, the options offered by several brands like Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo and others strike the right balance of style and performance. Month after month, all market leaders are competing neck to neck to put their best foot forward to emerge as the preferred choice. Our listicle here has some of the best phones under 50000 with great design and features.
Setting the budget is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a new smartphone and if a mobile under Rs. 50,000 is what you are looking for, then you have landed on the right page. After considering thousands of reviews and ratings, we compiled here a list of the best mobiles under 50000.
We have meticulously researched and included the smartphones that gave exceptional performance and justified their price. Some of the most common specifications in these smartphones include fast processors, stunning OLED displays, and advanced cameras. So compare the price and specifications of the options listed below and choose the one that will be best aligned with your requirements.

To make your search easier, here are some handpicked options:

Best Overall:Xiaomi 14 CIVI Long-Lasting Option:OnePlus 12RMost Futuristic Phone:Google Pixel 8a 5G & iQOO 9 5GStylish Choice:Apple iPhone 13

Here is the list of some of the best phones under Rs. 50,000 available in India.

Launched in June 2024, the Xiaomi 14 CIVI smartphone is one of the most highly rated phones on this list. It has a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor that delivers breakthrough performance. It is further complemented by a 4NM TSMC process and architectural enhancements featuring X4 Super-core and Qualcomm Triple ISP imaging brain that enhances the overall output of the handset.
Key features of Xiaomi 14 CIVI:

User Feedback: In the segment of the best phones under Rs. 50,000, the Xiaomi 14 CIVI is indeed a winner. The smartphone offers exceptional performance in terms of battery life, camera, operating system and even stereo speakers.

While people may advocate that iPhone 13 is a very outdated model – especially now that iPhone 16 is making headlines – it is undoubtedly one of the most successful handsets offered by the brand and the best option for Apple brand loyalists with a budget of Rs. 50,000. The overall design of the Apple iPhone 13, is very similar to iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 with negligible changes. It has dual 12-megapixel cameras that do a pretty good job and though it comes with iOS 15, it is upgradeable to iOS 17 that assures smooth performance.
Key features of Apple iPhone 13

User Feedback: The phone is a win for somebody who wants an iPhone under Rs. 50,000. Buyers who purchased it appreciate it for its overall performance, battery life and camera.

Rugged, stylish, and state-of-the-art, the OnePlus 12R is one of the most successful and appreciated phones offered by the brand OnePlus in 2024. The phone has a surprisingly powerful battery and should be the top choice for gamers. . The OnePlus 12R features a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO display along with a resolution of 1264×2780 pixels, 4,500 nits of peak brightness, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 120Hz refresh rate and overall protection of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Key features of OnePlus 12R

User Feedback: From the charging speed to battery life and from performance to camera quality, customers appreciate this all-rounder phone for being a complete value-for-money option.

One of the biggest highlights of the Google phones is its camera with AI features. At a price point of less than 50K, the Google Pixel 8a 5G gives good competition to the much pricier iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of the camera. The mobile has a new RAW capture that allows you to take full advantage of the 50MP sensor, as well as a new pro controls mode giving you control over the look of your images. With a sleek design, a bigger screen, and excellent future-proofing with continued software support for up to 7 years, this is really worth the money you spend on it.
Key features of the Google Pixel 8a 5G:

User Feedback: A relatively economical Google phone, the Pixel 8a handset is replete with an array of AI features that help you accentuate your photos and videos.

The stylish and state-of-the-art iQOO 9 5G smartphone comes with separate sensors under the left and right sides of the screen that allow you to use two thumbs simultaneously to command the whole game. The phone comes with a phenomenal display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. A 10-bit image can display 1.07 billion colors, 64 times more than a normal 8-bit image, which displays 16.77 million colours. It provides smoother and more natural colour transitions and delicately colored pictures.
Key features of iQOO 9 5G:

User Feedback: Customers appreciate this handset for its camera quality, charging speed, and phone display. However, some customers report that the phone heats up while using 5G and charging, which is a downside.

The 5G-enabled smartphone from Samsung felt quite really good in our hands, thanks to the compact build. Also, the Samsung Exynos 1480 processor ensured that the performance of the smartphone would never be a problem. With the triple-camera setup at the rear, you can click on some of the best pictures with the help of dedicated features such as portraits, wide-angle, HD, and a lot more.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G:

User Feedback: Customers like the Samsung A55’s battery and display. They note that it has a long battery life and a great display. They also enjoy the fluidity and camera quality. However, several consumers have differing views on the performance, value, and heating.

A great investment for somebody who wishes to have great camera quality on their phone and has a budget of 40 to 50K. The Vivo V40 boasts a Zeiss-tuned camera system that captures sharp and vibrant images. The phone also impresses with its sturdy build and IP68/IP69 ratings, making it as tough as it is stylish. The AMOLED display is impressively bright, and the overall performance is smooth.
Specifications of the Vivo V40 5G:

User Feedback: As per the online reviews, the Vivo V40 5G offers smooth performance and aces in almost all specifications. Just one user was not satisfied with the phone taking a couple of seconds to load the images after taking a picture.

Replete with the Tensor G2 chip, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is a powerhouse handset, especially for avid gamers. Its expansive display and robust battery guarantee that not only do games perform smoothly on the device, but they also shine brilliantly and last longer compared to many rival smartphones. In terms of design, Google Pixel 7 Pro looks similar to the Pixel 6 but with some upgrades. Overall, the design is clean and simple and has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness and negligible bezels that make it look beautiful.
Specifications of the Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G:

User Feedback: Overall, the phone is just superb! Compared to its predecessor, the smartphone has improved cameras, delightfully smooth operation and a beautiful new design.
Other related articles that you can read:
Best Phones Under 60000
Best Phones Under 20000 For Those On a Budget
Best Phones Under 80000 With Exceptional Features And Offer Unmatchable Performance
DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers’ deals

PATIALA: Students at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, have been staging a protest after the Vice-Chancellor made an unannounced visit to the girls’ hostel on Sunday evening. The students allege that the VC entered the premises without prior notice or consent and made inappropriate comments about the clothing of female students.
According to the protesting students, the VC claimed that the purpose of his visit was to inspect the mess and address the issue of insufficient accommodation for first-year students. However, the University Guidelines state that the girls’ hostel premises are restricted to female members of the RGNUL community, and even parents are not allowed entry.
“VC did not provide any prior notification of such an inspection to the students or the hostel warden. Consequently, he was not accompanied by any female faculty or guards, until at a later stage when they were informed. The VC entered the rooms of female students, who, unaware of such a visit, were faced with an uncomfortable situation. For instance, one student was questioned by the VC immediately upon returning from a shower, not giving her sufficient time to dress appropriately. Another student questioned him about the reason for his visit and the lack of notification, to which he answered that the girls are like his daughters, and he was not misbehaving with them”, said protesting students’ community RGNUL Patiala in a representation to the Chancellor.
The students further alleged that the VC deviated from the stated purpose of his visit by inspecting the rooms of third-year students instead of focusing on the first years. They also claimed that he made insensitive and inappropriate remarks about the students’ clothing, personal activities, and academic pursuits.
The students claimed that in response to the protest, the VC addressed the students on Sunday evening and then again on Monday evening stating that he considered all female students as his granddaughters and tried to reason his visit.
The protesting students are demanding the immediate resignation of VC, a written unconditional apology, the constitution of the RGNUL Student Bar Association according to the terms of the Mutual Agreement signed on 19th March 2019, and the formation of the Internal Complaints Committee to address the current and future concerns of the RGNUL student community.
The VC could not be contacted for comments however PRO at RGNUL, Ishita Sharma, said, “The university has constituted 9-members committee to address and resolve the grievances of students and the urgent meeting was called at 2.45 PM on Monday in the conference hall to hear the students’ grievances however none of the students or their representatives reached to avail the opportunity of hearing to resolve the grievances amicably. On the recommendation of the committee, keeping in view the safety and welfare of the students, the university shall remain closed with immediate effect till further orders. The willing students are allowed to proceed to their respective homes”.

NEW DELHI: The prime accused in the gruesome murder of a 29-year-old woman in Bengaluru has been identified as a man from West Bengal, Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara confirmed on Monday. The victim, Mahalakshmi, was found dismembered in her Vyalikaval apartment on Saturday, with her body chopped into 50 pieces and stored in a refrigerator.
Parameshwara has assured the public that those responsible would soon be arrested.”Already some information has been collected, which I cannot reveal now, but we will soon nab those involved… As early as possible, we will secure (those involved),” Parameshwara told reporters.
The disturbing discovery of Mahalakshmi’s body, reminiscent of the 2022 Shraddha Walkar case, was made by her mother and elder sister at her apartment in Vyalikaval on Saturday. Police said the body was severely decomposed and maggot-infested.
Earlier city Police Commissioner B Dayananda also confirmed that the suspect has been identified, describing him as “an outsider.” He added, “As far as the Vyalikaval case is concerned, we are investigating it from all angles. The prime suspect has been identified. The only thing is we are yet to apprehend him.”
Several police teams have been dispatched across India to locate the suspect and any accomplices. Mahalakshmi’s estranged husband, meanwhile, expressed suspicion toward a man known to her.
Mahalakshmi’s mother, Meena Rana, described the horrifying moment she found her daughter’s dismembered body. “The owner of the building informed me about a foul smell coming from the house. When I opened the door, I saw her body cut into pieces,” she said.
The victim’s elder sister demanded swift justice, asking, “Who cuts a woman into pieces like this?”
The case has once again raised concerns over women’s safety in Bengaluru. Minister Parameshwara acknowledged ongoing efforts, including the Nirbhaya programme and increased CCTV coverage, but stressed the need for even greater precautions.
“We have taken steps, but still we don’t know how to term these (incidents)… We have already alerted all police stations to be extra careful about women’s safety,” he said.

Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ recent arrest on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution, has opened up a cans of worms.
The internet has gone into overdrive, replaying throwback videos, some from even a decade ago, alleging that several high-profile individuals knew about his ‘freak off’ parties. Currently held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, Combs is reportedly on suicide watch after being denied bail twice.His Los Angeles mansion was raided earlier in March, where authorities allegedly seized drugs and other supplies, including over 1,000 bottles of baby oil.
Since his arrest, a wave of resurfaced interview videos and warnings from fellow celebrities about Diddy’s behaviour have shocked the public. One such clip from ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians‘ has sparked fresh interest, as Khloe Kardashian recounts attending one of Diddy’s infamous parties, where she crossed paths with Justin Bieber.

The clip, filmed in 2014, features Khloe telling her sister Kourtney about the wild event, saying, “I got on a plane at 5:30 AM. Well, this party… I think half the people there were butt-naked… You would have loved it!”

At the time of the party, Bieber was only 20, and Diddy had played a significant role in launching the pop star’s career. This revelation has raised eyebrows, especially considering the serious allegations currently surrounding Diddy.

The resurfaced video isn’t the only one drawing attention. Other old clips of a teenage Bieber hanging out with Diddy have also resurfaced online, leading to concern among fans. Another viral clip sees the rapper touching Bieber’s tee to make sure he is not wearing a wire.

While Bieber has not publicly commented on the videos or Diddy’s arrest, a source close to the singer told PEOPLE that the singer is fully aware of the allegations. However, he is choosing to focus on his family, particularly his wife, Hailey, and their young son, Jack Blues.
Diddy, who has pled not guilty to the charges, remains in custody awaiting trial as investigations continue into the crimes allegedly tied to his infamous parties.

Three teams enter their third week with no wins, and two of them will be featured in a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader. The first game is the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) as 5½-point underdogs against the Bills (2-0) at 4:30 p.m. The second game finds the Bengals (0-2), favored 7½ points at home, against the Washington Commanders (1-1) at 5:15 p.m.

Red Rock Resort sportsbook director Chuck Esposito is excited to have the doubleheader, but he would have liked to see the game times spread out. According to RJ Espanol, he said, “I love the Monday night doubleheaders. I just wish the games were staggered with a 4 o’clock start and a 7 o’clock start. Everything is going to be rolling over to the Bills and Bengals. We’re definitely going to be Jags and Commanders fans.”
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Cincinnati, which began the year losing 31-21 to the New England Patriots as 7½-point favorites, responded with a 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as 6½-point underdogs. The Bengals today are the largest point-spread favorites of Week 3 and underdogs are now 7-7 straight up and against the spread both.
Eric Fenstermaker, trading lead for Caesars Sportsbook’s U.S. said about the public’s trust in Joe Burrow. According to RJ Espanol, he said, “I think a lot of people still don’t see them falling to 0-3.” The Bengals are huge in Circa Survivor, which has 988 of the remaining 1,630 entries on their side.
Washington begins with a straight-up loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and rebounds against New York Giants. The over/under for the Bengals-Commanders game is 47, and the last two meetings have both taken overs to cash.
Other tough losses for Jacksonville were the 20-17 loss to Miami Dolphins and 18-13 loss to Cleveland Browns. But Buffalo started their season with a bang, winning one game at Arizona Cardinals and a more influential victory over the Dolphins that shifted the line by -5½.
Westgate SuperBook vice president Jay Kornegay said both sides needed a bit of underdog love. According to RJ Espanol, he said, “Obviously, both the Jaguars and Commanders are a tad less appealing on the betting board with either side being favored.”.
Also Read – Record Breaking Viewership of NFL

CHENNAI: Sitaram Yechury was the prized possession of not CPM alone, but he belonged to all, said Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, adding that it was the former CPM general secretary who was instrumental in the formation of the INDIA Bloc.
Speaking at the memorial event organised to pay tribute to Yechury by the CPM in Chennai on Monday, Stalin said he continued to keep track of Yechury’s health condition while he was in the US.
The CM said Yechury was the symbol of India’s ideology and his demise was a big loss to that ideology. He recalled Yechury’s closeness to former DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and himself. Stalin said whenever alliance talks began, and some leaders from Tamil Nadu remained contradictive, Sitaram Yechury always walked in with a smile. “I will never forget his smile,” he said.
Jawaharlal Nehru University had produced many of India’s leaders of which Yechury was an outstanding one, who converted the institution into a fortress of Left parties, he said.
Yechury was instrumental in the formation of the INDIA Bloc, said Stalin. “Though he had certain contradictions with some parties within it, Yechury realised the importance of defeating BJP. He played an important role in the coalition govts at the Centre,” said Stalin.
Yechury was also a great writer, said Stalin. His book ‘Modi Arasangam: Vagupuvaathathin Puthiya Alai (Modi Government: New Surge of Communalism)’ speaks of how a new wave of classism has been unleashed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. “Yechury was a guiding light for the younger generations, and it is our duty to fulfil his dream of a socialistic, equal and secular India,” he said.
Leaders of the DMK alliance, including Dravida Kazhagam leader K Veeramani, MDMK general secretary Vaiko, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai, CPI state secretary R Mutharasan and CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan, were present when Stalin unveiled a portrait of Yechury.

The Biden administration is proposing a rule to block the sale and import of Chinese- and Russian-made hardware and software for connected vehicles, potentially bolstering US security against a hacking threat that the commerce department describes as “very real.”
The proposed ban aims to secure vehicles which can communicate externally through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular or satellite systems, a feature that’s increasingly commonplace with new vehicles.Officials said these systems are at risk for foreign interference, which could lead to disruption and sabotage.
“This is not about trade or economic advantage. This is a strictly national security action,” US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo said in a call to reporters. “We are focused on the national security threat, very real threat, that connected vehicles pose to our country and the American people.”
US and European officials allege that that the Chinese government and local automakers are unfairly subsidizing the industry, saying that it could lead to a flood of cheap imports that distort the market. That’s prompted both the US and EU to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. China has denied its systems pose a security threat and has said the tariffs are an attempt to stifle competition.
Connected vehicles are specifically a threat because they’re deeply embedded in US infrastructure, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said, including charging stations, storage systems and power generation.
“Cars today have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking and other technologies connected to the internet. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose a serious risk to both our national security and the privacy of US citizens,” Raimondo said in a statement.
Bloomberg reported on Saturday that the Biden administration planned to put the rule in place. The plan was first reported by Reuters.
The proposal comes as a result of an investigation into whether Chinese-made vehicles threatened national security. The commerce department started the probe in February, citing the large influx of personal data that cars take in through their sensors and cameras.
A software ban would go into effect for vehicles modeled in 2027, while the hardware rule would take effect for vehicles modeled in 2030. Units without a model year would be under the rule starting January 1, 2029.
Senior administration officials said this is because most US market vehicles don’t have any Chinese- or Russian-made software, making that aspect of the rule a largely preventative measure. It may take longer to pivot away from Chinese-made hardware, however.
It’s unclear how many vehicles currently have Chinese-made hardware or how the US auto industry’s supply chain will need to adapt to accommodate the potential rule.
Once a rule is proposed, the Commerce Department invites public comments for 30 days after publication.
Separately, the White House announced a series of commitments for small and medium-sized automakers on Monday, with a $9.1 million grant to launch an electric vehicle supply chain transition program in Michigan.
As part of the US actions, Monroe Capital committed to raise up to $1 billion for small automakers to grow and diversify their business.