Popular mobile messaging service WhatsApp's new "Status" feature is now available to all users across the globe on iPhone, Android and Windows devices.

The "Status" feature lets users share photos, GIFs or videos overlaid with drawings, emojis and a caption that will be visible to selected friends for 24 hours, before disappearing.

According to a WhatsApp blog, status updates are now end-to-end encrypted.

"This new and improved status feature will let you keep your friends who use WhatsApp easily updated in a fun and simple way," the blog said on Thursday.

Users can control who can see their "Status" update by selecting among the three options in WhatsApp's privacy settings. 

User's can also see who has viewed their Status update by tapping the eye icon at the bottom of any Status update. 

WhatsApp has been rolling out updates and features to make the app more secure for its users. The social networking app recently rolled out a two-step verification process for all devices to enhance the security of users' accounts.

 A suicide bomber attacked Turkish-backed rebels just outside the Syrian town of Al-Bab on Friday, killing 42 people in a major blow just hours after they hailed its capture from the Islamic State group.

The bomber blew up a vehicle packed with explosives outside a rebel command centre in the village of Susian, eight kilometres northeast of Al-Bab, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The blast devastated the twin command posts and also seriously wounded a large number of fighters, the Britain-based monitoring group said.

Most of the dead were fighters.

There was no immediate claim for the attack but it bore all the hallmarks of IS, which had put up fierce resistance in Al-Bab for weeks.

The strategic town, just 25 kilometres south of the Turkish border, was the jihadists' last stronghold in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo.

Turkey sent troops into Syria last August in an operation it said targeted not only IS but also US-backed Kurdish fighters whom it regards as terrorists.

With its support, the rebels launched an offensive to take Al-Bab last year.

It has proved the bloodiest battle of Ankara's campaign accounting for most of the 69 Turkish losses so far.

Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik said yesterday that its rebel allies now had "near complete control" of the town.

The town was also seen as a prize by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, who had advanced to just 1.5 kilometres from its outskirts in recent weeks.

Yesterday afternoon, an AFP correspondent heard intermittent gunfire as rebel units continued to clear the heavily damaged town.

The battle against IS around Al-Bab is just one front line in the fighting in Aleppo province.

West of the second city, which government forces took full control of in December, fighting flared with rebels in its western suburbs even as peace talks got under way in Geneva.

Exchanges of rocket and artillery fire first broke out on Wednesday, centred on the rebel-held district of Rashideen, the Observatory said.

The government responded with intensive air strikes yesterday that killed at least 32 rebel fighters.

"The regime wants to reinforce its positions around Aleppo and is using the rocket fire by the rebels as a pretext to bombard their positions and attempt to drive them out of the suburbs," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

A fragile ceasefire between government forces and non-jihadist rebels has been in force since late December, brokered by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey.

It has led to a sharp reduction in fighting in many areas.

But parts of the country which are held by IS or its jihadist rival, former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front, are not covered by the truce.

While the fear of being stigmatised prevents many of us from making sensitive self-disclosures, one way people in pain are overcoming silence is by using the photo-sharing app Instagram, a study says.

Some Instagram users are using pictures to help explain the feelings and experiences that are often too painful or complicated to put into words, the researchers said.

"We wanted to see how people might behave differently on a more image-centric platform, rather than one that is driven solely by textual posts and comments," said one of the researchers Nazanin Andalibi from Drexel University in Philadelphia, US.

"Physical or mental health and body image concerns are stigmatised, rarely disclosed and frequently elicit negative responses when shared with others," the study authors said.

"We found that these disclosures, in addition to deep and detailed stories of one's difficult experiences, attract positive social support on Instagram," the study said.

The researchers examined the responses to a sample of 800 Instagram posts pulled from more than 95,000 photos tagged with "#depression" that were posted by 24,920 unique users over the course of a month. 

The findings showed that not only are people using Instagram to make sensitive disclosures, but they are also getting mostly positive support from the people who respond to the posts, and little in the way of negative or aggressive comments.

Some users view Instagram as a safe medium for sharing sensitive information about themselves and reaching out for help, the study said.

The findings are scheduled to be presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's International Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing to be held from February 25 to March 1, in Portland, Oregon, US.

Perhaps in a nod of acknowledgement to the fact that this community exists on the site, Instagram recently rolled out a suicide prevention tool that allows users to alert operators when they think someone might be in serious trouble. 

The operators are able to provide help or connect users with the information they need to find it. 

While this is a step in the right direction, according to Andalibi, it is only the first of many that need to be taken to truly reach these communities of users.

"Social media platforms like Instagram, that people have adopted to connect with 'similar others' to share their difficult experiences, and seek and provide support, should explore ways to facilitate safe and supportive connections," Andalibi said. 

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday called for resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the policy of "bullet for bullet" will only worsen the situation in the state.

"If you want to improve the situation in Kashmir, then the only way is to start a dialogue. The talk of bullet for bullet will only make the things worse," Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He said India and Pakistan need to come together and resume the stalled dialogue process to resolve the long standing Kashmir problem.

"Bullet cannot be an answer to a bullet. Bullet can be answered by patience, love and through dialogue. We should desist from that and hope India and Pakistan come to the dialogue table and a new phase of talks will resume so that this problem is resolved," the former Chief Minister said.

Abdullah, who was a union minister during the previous UPA government, said it was "imperative that an effort be made towards restoration of peace (in Kashmir). Both the countries should talk peace.

There is no other option." 

He said poor people in the state would be the worst affected by lack of tourism because of violence.

"Death and destruction should come to an end so that the people of Kashmir can live in peace. The tourism season is about to start and if this death and destruction continues, who will come here? Who is going to suffer because of that? It is the poor people here who depend on tourism," he said.

Abdullah also demanded constitution of a judicial commission to look into the reasons for youths joining militant ranks and people rushing towards encounter sites to save holed up militants during counter-insurgency operations.

"We have to take into account their (militants') sentiments. What is the reason for their taking up arms? A high-level judicial commission should be constituted to look into what is compelling the youth to take up arms," he said.

Referring to the warning of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to the youth against interfering in anti-insurgency operations, Abdullah said "That is not right. That is unfortunate because if you have to address a problem, the solution does not lie in the gun but talks." 

"Dialogue is the only way and we have to tread that path.

There is some reason why people are doing this (protesting near encounter sites). We have to look into that reason and address that reason so that the guns stop and peace prevails in the state," he said.

Bollywood film ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ has been denied certification by the Indian film censor board for being too ‘lady-oriented’.

"The story is lady-oriented, their fantasy about life. There are continuous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society hence film refused," read the letter drafted by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The film’s director Alankrita Srivastava hit back at the censor board for denying certification claiming it as an “assault on women’s rights”.

“I believe the decision to refuse certification to our film is an assault on women’s rights. For too long the popular narrative has perpetuated patriarchy by objectifying women or minimising their role in a narrative. So a film like ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ that challenges that dominant narrative is being attacked because it presents a female point of view. Do women not have the right of freedom of expression?,” she said.

The director vowed to fight the censor board to get her film released.

The film produced by Prakash Jha showcases the journey of four women belonging to different age groups set in Lucknow.

The film stars critically acclaimed actor Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Patnaik and others.

The film had earlier won the Oxfan Award for ‘Best Film on Gender Equality' at the Mumbai Film Festival and Spirit of Asia Prize at Tokyo International Film Festival.

Thousands of devotees on Friday thronged various Shiva temples across Odisha to offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

People were seen standing in long queues at all Shiva temples to have a holy "darshan" of Lord Shiva.

The major crowd-puller during Maha Shivratri are Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar, Kapilash temple of Dhenkanal, Dhabaleswar temple of Cuttack, Hatkeshwar temple of Khordha and Loknath temple of Puri.

The commissionerate police have made elaborate security arrangements at the 11th century shrine Lingaraj temple here.

"Barricades have been put up to facilitate darshan by devotees. While adequate police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order and traffic management, CCTVs have been installed at strategic locations to keep a close tab on people," said Satyabrat Bhoi, Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The crowd was expected to increase in the evening when the devotees will offer prayer by lighting the oil lamps inside and outside the temple premises till the "Mahadeep" placed atop the temple.

On this occasion, devotees keep day-long fast and break it only after completion of the ritual in Shiva temples.

A total of 168 crorepati candidates are in the fray for the fifth phase of UP Assembly elections to be held on Monday, while 117 have declared criminal cases against themselves, says a report.

UP Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 612 out of 617 candidates from 75 political parties, including 6 national parties, 4 state parties, 65 unrecognized parties and 220 independent candidates, who are contesting in the fifth phase to be held on February 27.

As per the report, out of 612 candidates, 168 (27 per cent) are crorepatis.

Among crorepati candidates party-wise, 43 out of 51 are from BSP, 38 of 51 from BJP, 32 of 42 from SP, 7 of 14 from INC, 9 of 30 from RLD and 14 of 220 Independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs.1 crore, the report released today by Delhi-based ADR said.

The average assets per candidate contesting in the fifth phase of polls is Rs 1.56 crore.

ADR said that among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 14 INC candidates is Rs.4.40 crore, 51 BJP candidates (Rs.4.64 crore), 51 BSP candidates (Rs.4.16 crore), 42 SP candidates (Rs.3.48 crore), 30 RLD candidates (Rs.2.20 crore) and 220 independent candidates (Rs.44.96 lakh).

The three richest candidates contesting in the fifth phase are Ajay Pratap Singh of BJP with total assets of over Rs.49 crore, followed by Ameeta Singh of INC (over Rs.36 crore) and Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh also from BJP (over Rs.32 crore), it said.

A total of 156 candidates have not declared their PAN details. Also, 365 out of 612 candidates have not declared income tax details.

Moreover, out of 612 candidates analysed, 117 have declared criminal cases against themselves, it said.

"Ninety six candidates have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women etc.," it said.

Among party-wise candidates with criminal cases, 21 from BJP, 23 from BSP, 8 from RLD, 17 from SP, 3 from Indian National Congress and 19 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

On educational qualification of candidates, ADR said 266 have declared their qualification to be between 5th and 12th, while 285 have declared themselves as graduates or above, 38 candidates have declared themselves to be just literates while 9 are illiterates.

The report also said that 429 candidates have declared their age to be between 25 and 50 years, while 181 between 51 and 80 years. Two candidates have not disclosed their age.

In the fifth phase, 43 women candidates are contesting the polls.

Campaigning for the fifth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls for 51 seats spread over 11 districts, including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency Amethi will end on Saturday.

The campaigning will come to a close at 5 pm for the fifth phase, polling for which will take place on February 27, Office of UP Chief Electoral Officer said here on Friday.

The districts going to polls in this phase are Balrampur, Gonda, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Bahraich, Shravasti, Siddharth Nagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Amethi, and Sultanpur.

Due to death of Samajwadi Party candidate Chandrashekhar Kanaujia in Alapur (Ambedkar Nagar), the EC has announced fresh date of voting in this constituency on March 9.

The ruling Samajwadi Party had won 37 seats out of 52 (total seats in this phase including Alapur) in 2012 Assembly polls while BJP and Congress won five seats each, BSP had won three while Peace party won two seats.

Shravasti, Balrampur, Sultanpur and Ambedkar Nagar had emerged as stronghold of Samajwadi Party with the party winning all the seats there.

In all 608 candidates are in the fray in this phase with maximum of 24 candidates in Amethi and minimum of six each in Kapilvastu and Etwa seats of Siddharth Nagar district.

Prominent contestants in this phase include controversial minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati (SP), who will be facing Amita Singh (Congress) and Garima Singh (BJP) in Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Rahul Gandhi.

Amita is the wife of Congress leader Sanjay Singh, while Garima is his estranged better half.

1.84 crore voters, including 96 lakh women, will also decide the fate of ministers Vinod Kumar Singh alias Pandit Singh from Tarabganj (Gonda), Tej Narain Pandey alias Pawan Pandey from Ayodhya and BSP state president Ram Achal Rajbhar from Akbarpur in this phase.

Grandmaster D Harika lost momentum and went down to Tan Zhongyi of China in the first semifinal game of the world women's chess championship here.

It was a tough day at work for Harika as nothing worked right for the Indian who is making her third straight appearance in the semi-final of a knockout world championship.

Zhongyi gave no chances in this nearly one-sided encounter.

Harika will now have to win at all costs to stay in the match. A win in the return game of the two-games mini-match will bring the Indian back in contention while a draw or a loss would mean the end of the road for her in the championship.

The other semifinal match witnessed a huge drama as Russian Alexandra Kosteniuk not only blundered away a won position but went on to lose the game against Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine.

Muzychuk, who won with black, must be thanking her stars as she is now just a draw away from reaching the final of the championship.

Harika was outdone in a Nimzo Indian defence game. The opening choice by Zhongyi was not really intimidating and Harika was close to equal after initial phase.

The Chinese, however, showed better understanding of the hanging pawns structure while Harika went for a passive defense in the middle game.

This proved a huge difference as white's pieces got an entry through the king side and Harika could do little.

Methodical display by Zhongyi resulted in a complete domination on the king side with all her pieces joining hands for the final blow. The game lasted 46 moves.

Kosteniuk did most of the hard work right but fell at the crucial juncture. The middle game arising out of a French Tarrasch proved an easy ride for the Russian as she picked up one pawn to reach a complete winning position.

Just when the victory looked in sight, Kosteniuk could not find the right path and a lapse in concentration led to a winning attack for Muzychuk.

The Ukrainian did not give a second chance and won in 64 moves.

Results game 1 Semis: Tan Zhongyi (Chn) beat D Harika (Ind); Alexandra Kosteniuk (Rus) lostto Anna Muzychuk (Ukr).

Power distribution companies storing hazardous e-waste have come under the lens of the NGT which has ordered inspection of their premises here after a plea alleged these were causing massive air pollution.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to jointly inspect areas where such material is stored and submit a status report.

It also issued notice to the AAP government, BSES Yamuna Power Ltd, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd, DPCC and others while seeking their reply before March 30.

"Issue notice to the respondents…In the meanwhile, DPCC and CPCB shall conduct a joint inspection at the places referred to in the application and report to the tribunal as to the handling of the hazardous waste and e-waste management and the manner in which the activity is being carried on as stated in the application," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

The order came on a plea filed by Delhi resident Balbir Singh, also general secretary of DESU Mazdoor Sangh, alleging violation of e-waste rules by the power distribution companies and sought directions on the disposal of all hazardous material from their premises.

The plea claimed that air conditioners, water coolers, refrigerators and other electrical equipment, including PVC cables, were being dumped in the grid sub-stations and in open places of their offices which are not meant for disposal of such e-waste.

Advocate Siddhartha Singh, appearing for the petitioner, said that the power companies were also violating the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by illegally extracting ground water on a very large scale as regular the Delhi Jal Board connections have been closed and around 90 per cent of their sites illegally extract millions of gallons ground water for commercial purpose.

"The respondents are also violating provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act as pollution is very high at various sites because of melting and cutting of the transformer with gas cutter, burning of transformer oil, wood for using coal tar and other toxic material which creates volatile organic compounds (VOCs)," the plea said.

The petition deals with several premises including 66 KV grid sub-stations at I P Extension, Dilshad Garden, Sonia Vihar, Patparganj Industrial Area, Punjabi Bagh, Sriniwaspuri and Okhla and many other places.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said the police won't go after "imaginary" accused persons in the kidnapping of the Malayalam actress.

"The police will not go after imaginary accused persons," Vijayan told a public meeting. 

At the same time, he urged the Malayalam film industry to keep out the underworld from taking a grip on the industry.

Police on Thursday arrested the prime accused, Pulsar Sunil, and an accomplice, six days after the incident. 

The actress was abducted on February 17 while travelling from Thrissur to Kochi by road in her car. 

She was dumped near the house of director-turned-actor Lal, who upon hearing her harrowing experience, informed the police. 

Since the incident, the online media has been flush with reports linking a leading star, a young director and sons of a ruling party politician with the crime.

The horrific Kanpur train accident in November 2016 that killed 149 people was a conspiracy and the perpetrators carried it out sitting across the border in Nepal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.

“Kanpur rail accident in which hundreds were killed was a conspiracy and the conspirators carried it out sitting across the border (Nepal),” Modi said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier in February confirmed that Dubai-based Shamshul Huda, was the "mastermind" for the sabotage behind the Indore-Patna Express train accident in Kanpur on November 16, 2016.
Backed by the ISI, Huda was arrested by Nepal Police after being deported from Dubai.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Huda, was also a known operative of fake Indian currency and has a network in Nepal. 

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India grew 18 per cent during 2016 to touch $46 billion, data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) showed.

The country attracted FDI of $39.32 billion in 2015.

The main sectors which attracted the highest foreign inflows include services, telecom, trading, computer hardware and software and automobile.

Bulk of the FDI came in from Singapore, Mauritius, the Netherlands and Japan.

The government has announced several steps to attract foreign inflows. The measures includes liberalisation of FDI policy and improvement in business climate.

The Finance Minister had announced in the Budget 2017-18 to further relax foreign investment norms and also phase out the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

Foreign investments are considered crucial for India, which needs around $1 trillion for overhauling its infrastructure sector such as ports, airports and highways to boost growth.

A strong inflow of foreign investments will help improve the country's balance of payments situation and strengthen the rupee value against other global currencies, especially the US Dollar.

Underlining their shared concern on the menace of "cross-border terrorism", India, Rwanda and Uganda have condemned it and said "resolute and credible steps" must be taken to eliminate safe havens and terror sanctuaries.

"Our co-operation with African countries is well- appreciated and well-known… And, on the phenomenon of terrorism, which is a matter of concern for us, and also for them (Rwanda, Uganda), there is a total meeting of minds. We have all condemned it in all forms," Vice President Hamid Ansari said on Friday.

The Vice President was interacting with the accompanying media delegation en route to New Delhi from Kampala, which he left late last night after concluding his five-day two-nation tour, which also took him to another East African country Rwanda.

His visit to Rwanda, first high-level visit from India, was from February 19-21 and to Uganda from February 21-23, was the first bilateral high-level visit since 1997.

Both Rwanda and Uganda issued joint statements with India, asserting there was "no justification" for terrorism.

"Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed." 

"In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the menace of cross-border terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism," the Rwanda-India Joint Statement said.

On February, addressing a gathering at the University of Rwanda, Ansari had, in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said, "Threat of terrorism is a major hurdle in our quest for peace and India also faces it from across its borders" and had called for "concerted international efforts" to deal with this menace in a "comprehensive manner".

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ansari too issued a joint statement in Entebbe, condemning the menace of terrorism.

"Vice President Ansari and President Museveni unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed." 

"In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the menace of terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism," the India-Uganda Joint Statement said.

All three leaders agreed that "resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities."

Underlining their shared concern on the menace of "cross-border terrorism", India, Rwanda and Uganda have condemned it and said "resolute and credible steps" must be taken to eliminate safe havens and terror sanctuaries.

"Our co-operation with African countries is well- appreciated and well-known… And, on the phenomenon of terrorism, which is a matter of concern for us, and also for them (Rwanda, Uganda), there is a total meeting of minds. We have all condemned it in all forms," Vice President Hamid Ansari said on Friday.

The Vice President was interacting with the accompanying media delegation en route to New Delhi from Kampala, which he left late last night after concluding his five-day two-nation tour, which also took him to another East African country Rwanda.

His visit to Rwanda, first high-level visit from India, was from February 19-21 and to Uganda from February 21-23, was the first bilateral high-level visit since 1997.

Both Rwanda and Uganda issued joint statements with India, asserting there was "no justification" for terrorism.

"Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed." 

"In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the menace of cross-border terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism," the Rwanda-India Joint Statement said.

On February, addressing a gathering at the University of Rwanda, Ansari had, in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said, "Threat of terrorism is a major hurdle in our quest for peace and India also faces it from across its borders" and had called for "concerted international efforts" to deal with this menace in a "comprehensive manner".

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ansari too issued a joint statement in Entebbe, condemning the menace of terrorism.

"Vice President Ansari and President Museveni unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed." 

"In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the menace of terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism," the India-Uganda Joint Statement said.

All three leaders agreed that "resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities."

As the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the biggest technology show globally, is around the corner, smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, Oppo, ZTE and Nokia are geared up to unveil their latest innovations and upcoming smartphones.

The prestigious event will be held in Barcelona from February 27 to March 2 this year.

Contrary to reports of a total no-show, beleaguered Samsung may launch an Android tablet at the event. The company also tweeted a media invite on its official Twitter handle and gave away a few details like the date and one image, appearing to show the bottom of a new device.

The event could see Samsung unveil other devices as well but the South Korean giant will not launch the highly-anticipated Galaxy S8 smartphone, media reports said.

Creating the biggest hype, Nokia is rumoured to be readying for a relaunch of the 3310, one of its most reliable handsets that was officially unveiled in the year 2000. Nokia is also set to launch its first Android smartphone Nokia 6 in China on February 26.

"The new 3310, which will feature the same 'indestructible' body and long-lasting battery as the original, will retail for 59 euros, or about $62. It's expected to ship with software packing the same clock, calculator, reminder app, and games (Snake II, Pairs II, Space Impact, and Bantumi) as its ancestor," Digital Trends reported earlier.

South Korean electronics conglomerate LG will introduce the G6, which is expected to kick off an era of premium smartphones with 18:9 screen aspect ratios. The device will feature UX 6.0 and sport a 5.7-inch QHD+FullVision display.

LG UX 6.0 provides a "Square Camera" feature which divides the 18:9 display into two identical perfect squares. With this, users can shoot images in 1:1 format — a popular format on social media apps such as Instagram and review them in the adjacent window.

Chinese smartphone maker ZTE is set to launch the "Gigabit" phone that will come with 1Gbps download speed.

The ZTE Gigabit phone will bring enhanced mobile experience of users by making 360-degree panoramic VR video, instant Cloud storage and entertainment upgrades.

The company will also showcase the newly-updated "Axon 7" with both Android Nougat and Daydream by Google, along with a range of new devices, as part of the highly- acclaimed Blade series.

Designed to give consumers a great photography experience, another Chinese player, Oppo, will unveil a new smartphone with 5x zooming ability. The company has teased the smartphone with the tagline 'Go 5x further' on its Facebook page.

Chinese smartphone maker nubia's latest Z11 mini S, with an improved 23MP camera and metallic uni-body, and nubia Z11, which comes with a revolutionary bezel-less design and the FiT 2.0 technology, will be on display at the event.

Hit by a high-profile exit amid falling numbers in China and globally, Xiaomi — once touted as the Apple of China — will not showcase any product at the MWC show.

As the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the biggest technology show globally, is around the corner, smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, Oppo, ZTE and Nokia are geared up to unveil their latest innovations and upcoming smartphones.

The prestigious event will be held in Barcelona from February 27 to March 2 this year.

Contrary to reports of a total no-show, beleaguered Samsung may launch an Android tablet at the event. The company also tweeted a media invite on its official Twitter handle and gave away a few details like the date and one image, appearing to show the bottom of a new device.

The event could see Samsung unveil other devices as well but the South Korean giant will not launch the highly-anticipated Galaxy S8 smartphone, media reports said.

Creating the biggest hype, Nokia is rumoured to be readying for a relaunch of the 3310, one of its most reliable handsets that was officially unveiled in the year 2000. Nokia is also set to launch its first Android smartphone Nokia 6 in China on February 26.

"The new 3310, which will feature the same 'indestructible' body and long-lasting battery as the original, will retail for 59 euros, or about $62. It's expected to ship with software packing the same clock, calculator, reminder app, and games (Snake II, Pairs II, Space Impact, and Bantumi) as its ancestor," Digital Trends reported earlier.

South Korean electronics conglomerate LG will introduce the G6, which is expected to kick off an era of premium smartphones with 18:9 screen aspect ratios. The device will feature UX 6.0 and sport a 5.7-inch QHD+FullVision display.

LG UX 6.0 provides a "Square Camera" feature which divides the 18:9 display into two identical perfect squares. With this, users can shoot images in 1:1 format — a popular format on social media apps such as Instagram and review them in the adjacent window.

Chinese smartphone maker ZTE is set to launch the "Gigabit" phone that will come with 1Gbps download speed.

The ZTE Gigabit phone will bring enhanced mobile experience of users by making 360-degree panoramic VR video, instant Cloud storage and entertainment upgrades.

The company will also showcase the newly-updated "Axon 7" with both Android Nougat and Daydream by Google, along with a range of new devices, as part of the highly- acclaimed Blade series.

Designed to give consumers a great photography experience, another Chinese player, Oppo, will unveil a new smartphone with 5x zooming ability. The company has teased the smartphone with the tagline 'Go 5x further' on its Facebook page.

Chinese smartphone maker nubia's latest Z11 mini S, with an improved 23MP camera and metallic uni-body, and nubia Z11, which comes with a revolutionary bezel-less design and the FiT 2.0 technology, will be on display at the event.

Hit by a high-profile exit amid falling numbers in China and globally, Xiaomi — once touted as the Apple of China — will not showcase any product at the MWC show.