Ranveer Singh becomes a Brand Ambassador and Stakeholder at boAt.

The well-known lifestyle brand boAt has attracted the attention of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, who has invested in the company and is now the official spokesperson for its audio products.The well-known lifestyle brand boAt has attracted the attention of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, who has invested in the company and is now the official spokesperson for its audio products. With this relationship, boAt makes a calculated strategic move by adding Singh to their esteemed roster of brand ambassadors, which already includes well-known athletes and celebrities.A Well-Moved Investment More than just a business move, Ranveer Singh's investment in boAt is a team effort to transform the audio experience for the Indian market, with a focus on the Gen Z and Millennial markets. Singh is well-known for his lively demeanor and strong affinity for music, thus it is anticipated that his involvement would infuse the brand with new life and inventiveness.Several of the biggest figures in the entertainment and sports industries, including Kiara Advani, Rashmika Mandanna, and cricket players Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Jemimah Rodrigues, are now boAt's brand ambassadors thanks to the addition of Ranveer Singh. This group of brand ambassadors embodies boAt's dedication to creating a brand that appeals to young people and those who are young at heart. The Partnership's Vision Co-founder and chief marketing officer of boAt, Aman Gupta, expressed his excitement at having Ranveer Singh on the team. Singh's contagious enthusiasm and love of music were emphasized by Gupta as important components that perfectly complement the tenets of boAt. With an emphasis on innovation, high-quality sound, and community building, boAt's objective to improve the audio experience in India is recognized as validated by this relationship.Ranveer Singh expressed his excitement in collaborating with boAt, highlighting the company's dedication to excellent sound quality and its strong affinity for the younger demographic. To Singh, contributing to the cause of "amplifying the sound of India like never before" is the main motivation behind investing in boAt."Lost in Nirvana" Initiative The "Lost in Nirvana" campaign, which was designed and carried out in conjunction with the creative firm Talented, marked the beginning of the partnership. The campaign consists of commercial films that highlight the remarkable qualities of the Nirvana line, including its 120-hour battery life, boAt distinctive sound, and active noise cancellation technology. In the ad, Ranveer Singh presents himself in a distinctive and never-before-seen avatar, inviting viewers to join him on a musical trip.BoAt's Tour and Provisions Established in 2015 by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, boAt has quickly become a well-known brand in the wearable technology industry, providing a wide variety of devices such as speakers, smartwatches, and headphones. The business has raised $177 million in funding thus far, indicating strong growth and promise in the cutthroat industry.  

JEE Main 2024 Answer Key Live NTA JEE Mains response sheet and provisional key at jeemain.nta.ac.in before the deadline

Today, February 6, the National Testing Agency is expected to make the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2024 session 1 preliminary answer key available. The release date of the JEE Main 2024 answer key will probably be revealed soon at jeemain.nta.ac.in. To get the preliminary JEE Main answer key 2024, candidates need have their login information, including their date of birth and JEE Main application number, close at hand.How can I get the 2024 Provisional JEE Main Answer Key? The actions listed below should be followed by candidates in order to download the NTA JEE Mains session 1 provisional answer key. Visit jeemain.nta.ac.in, the official website. On JEE Main 2024 Answer Key, click. Enter your date of birth, application number, and any other requested information. Select "Submit" from the menu. The JEE Main question paper, answer key, and response sheet will be available to candidates.Candidates can contest the official JEE Main answer key if they believe it contains any errors or wrong answers. We'll shortly announce the date for the JEE Main 2024 answer key challenge. NTA will publish the official JEE Main answer key 2024 after assessing the challenges submitted by the candidates. Online tests for the JEE Main 2024 were administered on January 24, 27, 29, 30, 31, and February 1, 2024. Previously, on February 2, JEE Main 2024 session 2 registration opened.Live Updates on the JEE Main 2024 Answer Key: Applicants can get the JEE Main session 1 answer keys from jeemain.nta.ac.in, along with their recorded responses.Live Updates for the JEE Main 2024 Answer Key: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2024 was administered for the first time by the National Testing Agency (NTA) between January 24 and February 1. The NTA will soon release the provisional answer keys. Interested candidates can download the JEE Main session 1 answer keys and their recorded responses from jeemain.nta.ac.in.Candidates will have a window to voice any concerns to the answers, if any, following the release of the JEE Main answer key, provided they pay a fee for each question. Subsequently, NTA will examine the candidates' feedback and compile the final answer key.Exam dates for the JEE Mains Session 1 were January 24, 27, 29, 30, 31, and February 1, 2024, at locations across the nation.A total of 11,70,036 candidates sat the paper 1 (BE/BTech) test, and 55,493 candidates showed up for the paper 2 (BArch, BPlanning) exam.  

On February 11, IIT Bhubaneswar will introduce the 100-CUBE Startup initiative.

IIT-B: The park will grow from 20,000 square feet to roughly 80,000 square feet over the course of the next two years with assistance from the ministry of education, according to the director of the institute.NEW DELHI: According to institute director Shreepad Karmalkar, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar will unveil its groundbreaking 100-CUBE Startup program at its research and entrepreneurship park on February 11. This announcement was made here on Monday. By the time Odisha celebrates its centennial in 2036, the goal of this effort is to establish 100 companies, each valued at Rs 100 crore, according to Karmalkar. He underlined that in order to accomplish this, the park would offer crucial tools, guidance, startup funding, and connections to possible investors.Over the next two years, the park will grow from 20,000 square feet to roughly 80,000 square feet thanks to kind support from the ministry of education, he continued. According to him, this program is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's objectives, which center on encouraging entrepreneurship and aiding in company incubation. Karmalkar emphasized that, based on India's notable increase in the global innovation rank from 76 in 2014 to 40 in 2023, the next 25 years will be driven by startups.According to him, the 100-CUBE Startup initiative uses a mind-to-market strategy to support companies in all sectors, genders, and geographical areas in an effort to improve this ranking even more. On February 11, faculty heads of IIT research parks, businesspeople, and venture capitalists will lead concurrent technical workshops for faculty and entrepreneurs. The signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with around 20 sectors, 30 startups, and 30 venture capitalists would come next, he continued, in order to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the 100-CUBE goal.According to organizers, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will formally open the 1500-seat auditorium and lay the groundwork for infrastructure projects valued at Rs 450 crore. He continued, saying that all things considered, the program represents a critical turning point in IIT Bhubaneswar's efforts to develop the startup culture in the nation and position Odisha as a center of entrepreneurship.  

Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj arrives ahead of PM Modis opening of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

On Monday, the spiritual guide Mahant Swami Maharaj traveled to Abu Dhabi in advance of the BAPS Hindu temple's opening. On February 14, the spiritual guru traveled to the Gulf country as a state guest to oversee the historic opening of the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.The spiritual head of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 14 ceremonial opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The President of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) Al Nahyan, and the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Mubarak Al Nahyan, welcomed him.India invited the ambassadors of 42 nations to visit the temple on January 29. Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, hosted the international diplomatic corps for the exclusive tour. The Indian embassy later stated in a statement that the envoys were in awe of the temple's distinctive construction, elaborate motifs, and message of harmony, peace, and unity. The temple is anticipated to draw large audiences because of its elaborate hand-carved stone statues.2015: LAND ALLOTMENT DECISION Modi's visit will highlight the strong relations that exist between the UAE and India. Modi's seventh visit to the UAE as prime minister will take place this time. He spent a day in Dubai last December attending the COP28 Summit. As the chief guest of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India and conducted a road show in Ahmedabad.After Indira Gandhi in the 1980s, PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit the United Arab Emirates in 2015. Under Modi's leadership, the UAE President has made four trips to India thus far. In2015, during Prime Minister Modi's first visit, the UAE decided to set aside land in Abu Dhabi for the construction of a temple. Being the first Indian prime minister to visit this strategically important Gulf state in thirty-four years—after Indira Gandhi—the PM's visit was significant diplomatically.EVERYTHING ABOUT BAPS The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is known by its acronym, BAPS. The late 1700s religious guru Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the inspiration behind the organization's name.According to the BAPS website, it is a socio-spiritual Hindu religion with origins in the vedas that was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951) and pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830) in the late 18th century.  

Over $1 billion was processed by Indias UPI Digital Payment Service last year.

Along with Indians residing overseas, the service is also being extended to other nations, such as Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.According to India's Finance Minister Bhagwat Karad, the unified payment interface (UPI) processed over 9,300 crores ($1.21 billion) in 2023—a substantial rise over previous years.Through a scan-and-app mechanism, UPI enables rapid payment for products and services. It also consolidates bank accounts into a single digital wallet.Karad declared that accounts held by foreigners and Indians living overseas were added to the system in February 2023. According to reports, there have been more foreign transactions made through the app than the 386 that were registered in 2022.Karad also stressed that as long as their phone numbers are connected to their non-resident external (NRE) or non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts, Indians residing overseas are eligible to use the system. The system's installation in a number of India's international airports, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi, was also praised by the minister.  

Third UN Conference Consultative Meeting on LLDCs

The Consultative Meeting on the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) will provide a forum for informal discussions on the main objectives, potential results, and deliverables of the third UN Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3) between the Permanent Representatives of the LLDCs, transit nations, Friends of LLDCs, and a chosen group of experts. Interactive thematic sessions on the following subjects will be included in the meeting:utilizing regional integration, trade facilitation, and trade's revolutionary potential for LLDCs' sustainable development; LLDCs can become more competitive in the regional and international trading system by fostering an unrestricted transit system and deepening robust connectivity. LLDCs can also become more resilient and capable of adapting to the deteriorating effects of climate change. coordinating the use of both internal and external resources and promoting technology access to ensure that the SDGs and the New Programme of Action for LLDCs are implemented successfully.The consultative meeting is being organized by the Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Counties (LDCs), LLDCs, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) (UN-OHRLLS), which will also be creating a summary of the areas of convergence that emerge from the working sessions.The Consultative Meeting's primary goal is to facilitate a casual discussion on the main priorities, potential outcomes, and deliverables of the LLDC3 among the Permanent Representatives of the LLDCs, transit nations, Friends of LLDCs, and a few chosen experts.  

Apple Vision Pro cost is about Rs 2.8 lakh, Tim Cook explains why it is priced so high

Apple's latest innovation, the Apple Vision Pro, hits stores today with a hefty price tag of $3,500 (around Rs 2.8 lakh). The sticker shock may leave some wondering why such a steep cost, but Apple CEO Tim Cook took the opportunity to shed light on the matter during a recent earnings call.He emphasized that the high price is a reflection of the incredible technological advancements packed into the mixed-reality headset. The Vision Pro, built on a foundation of 5,000 patents, stands as a testament to Apple's commitment to cutting-edge technology.During the earnings call, Cook addressed concerns about the steep pricing, stating, "If you look at it from a price point of view, there's an incredible amount of technology packed into the product." He went on to highlight the inclusion of two Apple Silicon chips and the availability of 600 new apps and games tailored for the device. The Apple Vision Pro introduces spacial computing, allowing wearers to integrate digital content into their physical surroundings. This technology is a result of years of innovation, from silicon advancements to displays, and significant strides in AI and machine learning.Cook elaborated on the role of AI, stating, "It's, of course, built on many innovations that Apple has spent multiple years on, from silicon to displays and significant AI machine learning — all the hand tracking, the room mapping, all this stuff is driven by AI. Despite the seemingly high price, many Apple fans didn't hesitate to grab their piece of the future when preorders opened on January 19 as there were reports that that the company has already sold around 2 lakh headsets. However, some analysts predict that the demand may taper off due to the niche nature of the headset.Interestingly, major corporations like Walmart and Nike are already exploring potential applications for the Vision Pro among their customers and employees, according to Apple's CFO Luca Maestri. This indicates that the headset's capabilities extend beyond entertainment. The headset is yet to be launched in India.    

Apple extends agreement with Qualcomm for 5G modem chips until 2027: Report

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon in an interview with CNBC has confirmed that Apple has agreed to extend its patent licence agreement related to 5G modem through March 2027. Last year, Apple extended the agreement for using Qualcomm’s 5G modems until 2026 which has now been extended further until 2027. Amon in his interview with CNBC said that after last year’s deal, Apple had an option to extend the deal further, which they have until March 2027. “We are very happy with the relationship with Apple right now, and we will continue to be supplying modems to them,” said Amon. Apple has been working on developing in-house modems since 2019 when the Cupertino-based company acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business. However, there have been news reports alleging that Apple's attempt to produce in-house 5G modem chips has been hampered by major problems related to unrealistic goals, an inadequate understanding of the challenges involved, and unusable prototypes. Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple has shifted its attention to focus on the 6G cellular modem, while continuing to work on its first 5G modem chip. According to the analyst, Apple is racing to get its modem finished so it does not need to extend a contract with Qualcomm. He stated that the two companies have feuded over the years, and Apple really does not want to rely on Qualcomm for this vital iPhone component.Apple is yet to comment on the deal with Qualcomm, but with the new contract extension in place, it is highly likely that Apple’s attempt of producing in-house modem chips have been hindered further.   

interior design advice Here are five original ideas to update the aesthetics of your house with mirrors.

Discover the decorative power of mirrors! See how these reflective marvels may provide a sophisticated and stylish touch to your environment.Mirrors are a very adaptable design element that can instantly brighten and enliven any home. The key to using mirrors in your home décor is to use them with passion, accuracy, and interest to captivate you and transport you to a mysterious place. When mirrors are used in Victorian-style home design, the result is an extravagant experience where every piece of décor exudes grandeur. With beautiful chandeliers, wood carvings, and stairs in addition to conventional mirrors, it is definitely a sight and delight to see. When strategically placed, mirrors may produce breathtaking optical illusions, enlarge spaces, and even produce endless pictures. They have the power to change how we see space, giving it a bigger, brighter appearance.Advice for Using Mirrors to Enhance the Interiors of Your Home The chief interior architect of De Panache, Atreyee Choudhury, gave HT Lifestyle some original ideas and creative advice on how to use mirrors to improve the interior design of your house. 1. Makeover any dim areas inside your house Mirrors may help bounce light throughout a room, making it appear more welcome and timeless while also brightening up any gloomy corners. 2. Above your foyer console, hang a historic mirror with elaborate carvings. Mirrors are a good substitute for pricey paintings. Your home's halls may look better with an ornate mirror made out of metal or solid wood. In your living area, a large antique mirror will make a statement. 3. For the backsplash in the bar area, use tinted mirrors with beveled edges. For the bar area, use beveled mirror work as a backsplash. It will brighten the room and draw attention to the bar in your living or dining area. 4. Choose a mirror with a bronze or grey hue for the wardrobe shutters. Even though the walk-in closet is a little place, when you get ready for a new day, magic happens there. An entire wardrobe shutter is the height of elegance. The most important wardrobe element is a full-length mirror since it serves a practical purpose and gives the impression of enhanced opulence. It is also possible to incorporate mirrors into the furniture design. Use the furniture with the mirrors broken as a focal point in your dining console or foyer. Adding elegant coffee tables with mirrors tinted black to your living area can make a statement.  

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Employees at startups are always on edge due to layoffs at large internet corporations.

For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.This has increased fear among job searchers and prompted human resources (HR) professionals in the startup ecosystem to realign their expectations for the upcoming year.A somewhat astonished Flipkart employee affected by job layoffs told ET last week, "We had received good incentives and hikes all through 2022 and 2023," adding that it felt like a haphazard exit.As ET had reported on January 8, the nation's leading e-commerce giant has started a process to cut its workforce of 22,000 employees by 5-7%, affecting 1,100–1,500 workers. Overview For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.SUMMARY 121 Indian firms have laid off an estimated 34,785 people since the start of the funding winter in 2022. Since the beginning of the year, up to 24 Indian edtech startups—six of the seven unicorns in the edtech space—have let go of 14,616 workers. Up to 15,247 workers have been let go by 69 startups so far this year, demonstrating how little progress has been made in addressing job losses.  

Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola, created Krutrim, the first $1 billion AI firm in India.

Bhavish Aggarwal, a serial entrepreneur, launched the AI business Krutrim, which has achieved unicorn status after raising $50 million from investors including Matrix Partners India.With OpenAI's ChatGPT launch more than a year ago, a plethora of Indian entrepreneurs and academic institutions are racing to develop large language models in Indian languages, or so-called Indic LLMs. In instead of depending solely on technology from the US or China, nations are attempting to develop their own rival AI systems. Europe's investors are flooding Mistral AI, France, which was formed a year ago and is currently valued at $2 billion. The Falcon concept, supported by a government research organization in Abu Dhabi, is highly promoted by the United Arab Emirates.India, a country of 1.4 billion people, is concentrating on developing more affordable, smaller AI systems. Last month, the generative AI startup Sarvam released OpenHathi, its first open-source Hindi LLM. Sarvam developed its system using readily available open-source models. Days after raising $41 million in funding from investors including billionaire Vinod Khosla and Lightspeed Venture Partners, the news was made.Ola, an Indian ride-hailing business, was founded by Aggarwal, who stated in a statement that "India has to build its own AI." "We are fully committed to constructing the first AI computing stack in the nation."  

Overview for 2024 It is expected that the advertising market in India will reach a value of US$15.84 billion.

The Indian advertising industry has had a remarkable resurgence, outpacing forecasts and positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. It emerged as the fastest-growing market in the top 10 in 2023, taking eighth place in the worldwide ad expenditure rankings. Although the digital advertising business was initially predicted to develop at a moderate rate of 8–10% in the fiscal year 2022–2023, it exceeded predictions. Digital ad spending is expected to more than quadruple, reaching US$ 21 billion by 2027–2028, driven by economic tailwinds in 2023–2024.The growth of internet and smartphone users has caused a digital change in India's advertising industry. This has spurred a booming digital ad market that is expected to grow at a 12.3% annual rate to reach US$ 7.9 billion by 2027, according to IBEF. The internet and digital platforms are dominant, yet TV and traditional marketing still have a place. With 30% of advertising spending (about Rs. 8,757 crore or US$ 1.05 billion), social media takes the lead, followed by online video at 28% (almost Rs. 8,319 crore or US$ 1 billion). Display banners make up 16% (Rs. 4,816 crore or US$ 579.2 million) and paid search accounts for 23% (Rs. 6,895 crore or US$ 892.23 million).What's in store for 2024? For long-term business growth, the dynamic Indian digital marketing environment necessitates ongoing awareness of changing trends. According to projections, by 2024, advertising income in India is expected to reach Rs. 394 billion (US$ 5.42 billion). COO of Red Matter Technologies Vaasu Gavarasana, mentor and coach for marketing at T-Hub and IIT Madras, says: "Look for big changes in marketing strategies, especially a rise in TV advertising that is predicted to reach Rs. 394 billion (US$ 4.89 billion) in 2024. Surpassing its international rivals, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising is expected to expand at an astounding 9.9% CAGR. As with television, the digital sector is expected to make about 38% of India's total advertising revenue. Anticipate a significant increase in spending on social media marketing, driven byFurthermore, in view of the impending interim budget declaration on February 1st, 2024, Red Matter Technologies CEO and co-founder Srikant Rajasekharuni emphasizes that "the proposed tax reduction for digital platform advertising from 18% to a lower rate lies in a potential game-changer." At the moment, there is an 18% tax on digital advertisements, which is far more than the 5% tax on ads in print media. Taking into account the rapidly expanding digital market in India, the Indian budget must review and reduce taxes on digital media in order to promote advertising and further revenue growth.A number of issues will influence the state of digital marketing and advertising in 2024. With 40% of the market, television is expected to dominate the Indian media landscape. Print media, at 13%, and the rapidly growing OTT and gaming sectors, at 8%, will follow closely behind. With a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24%, the advertising-based video on demand (AVoD) market is expected to grow significantly and reach a substantial US$ 2.6 billion by 2025. This environment is favorable for digital advertisements on these platforms.According to IBEF, 600–650 million Indians are expected to actively connect with short-form videos in the future, devoting 55–60 minutes of their day to this content. India is projected to overtake the US, Japan, and China as the world's four largest TV advertising markets by 2027. Furthermore, by that same year, mobile internet advertising is expected to account for 73% of all online advertising revenue in India, further reshaping the constantly shifting landscape of digital advertising.   These advancements herald a new era of interactive marketing and innovation and mark a turning point for digital advertising, affecting companies at all levels. The future seems like a dynamic environment where companies looking to succeed will need to strategically adapt to new trends.  

Tencent chief says gaming business under threat, catching up in AI

Tencent's past hits such as “Honor of Kings” and “PUBG Mobile” continue to deliver strong revenue, but recent products are falling short of expectations. Pony Ma, chief executive and co-founder of Tencent Holdings, has said that the company’s video games business faces great challenges from competitors but is catching up in artificial intelligence (AI) development. Ma, speaking at Tencent’s annual meeting in a stadium in Shenzhen on Monday, said that the company has been resting on its laurels in gaming while competitors have delivered new hits. Video games account for more than 30% of Tencent’s revenue.Chinese media outlet Jiemian published parts of Ma’s speech online. A person with direct knowledge of the matter, who declined to be named because they are not permitted to speak to the media, confirmed the contents. Ma’s speech underscores concerns whether Tencent, the world’s biggest gaming company and the operator of China’s biggest social network WeChat, can defend its status as China’s No.1 tech company at a time marked by intensifying competition and new disruptive technologies.“Gaming is our flagship business…But in the past year, we have faced significant challenges,” Ma said, “We have found ourselves at a loss, as our competitors continue to produce new products, leaving us feeling having achieved nothing. ”  Ma added that the new games that Tencent has launched had not performed as well as the company had hoped.  

Arc Search app uses AI to offer customised search results by browsing the internet

Arc Search aims to redefine the way we search for information on the internet by browsing the internet on your part and giving you customised search results on a newly generated webpage.The Browser Company, the makers of the Arc browser have announced a new app called Arc Search. The new iPhone-only app aims to redefine your browsing experience by generating a web page from scratch that offers customised search results. Arc Search’s ‘Browse for me’ feature lets you type in a query in the search bar and looks up information on the internet on your behalf. The company says the app uses AI to read several web pages and offers customised search results on a new webpage with different sections, which entirely depend on the search term.  In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Josh Miller, the CEO of The Browser Company said that launching the Arc Search app on your iPhone will make the keyboard pop up with the cursor automatically focusing on the search box. You can see in the video below that typing a search query in Arc Search and tapping on the ‘Browse for me’ button scours through at least six web pages and creates a new website that offers customised results.The Browser Company also says that navigating between open tabs on the Arc Search app is more efficient compared to other mobile browsers. Instead of showing small thumbnails like Chrome or Edge, Arc Search uses an iOS-like recent apps menu that stacks the older tabs behind the new one. For added privacy, Arc Search automatically cleans up your tab history and closes all tabs every night. The company also announced that it is ditching iCloud in favour of its own cross-platform syncing service, which will sync things like all your Spaces and Pinned tabs to Arc Search. The app is currently available for download on the App App Store, but the developers plan to drop the word ‘Search’ from its name in a month or two, meaning it will be called ‘Arc’ for iPhone.   

Boosting Innovation Getting Ready for Startup Chances Before Budget 2024

The Indian startup industry is looking forward to initiatives that would address funding and layoff issues while also promoting innovation ahead of Budget 2024. In spite of earlier programs such as the Fund of Funds for Startups, the ecosystem experienced shocks such as job losses and depreciation. There are several calls for tax laws, rewards for ESG compliance, and assistance with digital trade and environmentally friendly transportation. It is anticipated that the budget would lay the groundwork for a supportive startup climate that will encourage entrepreneurship and creativity in order to increase the number of unicorns that arise in India.Important lessons learned While the budget of the previous year included a number of measures for startups, there were obstacles in the Indian startup funding scene. Startup funding fell to a level not seen in seven years. The startup ecosystem has been damaged by the disruption in funding and layoffs, which has created a difficult environment for growth and innovation. Key initiatives to foster innovation and open the door for more unicorns in the Indian startup scene are anticipated in the next budget.Numerous firms' growth trajectory has been disrupted by the decrease in funding and the layoffs. Therefore, we will have to wait to see what decisions the Finance Ministry makes this year regarding the Startup Sector. This is due to the fact that the startup environment has been greatly impacted by the consequences of past budgeting decisions. They frequently create the conditions for more unicorns to appear in India.Prior Budget The Indian government included a number of initiatives in the Union Budget last year with the goal of assisting the startup industry. This includes the creation of the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for businesses (FFS), tax incentives for businesses, and the development of digital payments and economies. These budgetary measures have led to a notable expansion of India's startup environment. India is currently home to more unicorns than any other country in the globe, with the nation's startup ecosystem ranking third in the world overall. But there were significant obstacles facing the Indian startup scene. The startup industry saw an all-time high in layoffs, which added to the ecosystem's uncertainty. Moreover, it was evident that startups were losing value.Extension of the Indian Startup Landscape It is anticipated that the government will set aside additional money to promote entrepreneurship and aid in the expansion of startups. This can be accomplished by offering more funding, lowering tax laws, and easing regulations to draw in newer technology and foster innovation. Proposals have been made for tax policies such Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and carry-forward losses on investments. This entails offering incentives specific to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and matching capital gains tax on unlisted startup shares with listed shares. In addition, the government has to prioritize bolstering digital commerce programs, offering incentives to retailers in remote locations, and providing funding to improve last-mile connectivity for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) e-commerce. Additionally, with updated regulations promoting international trade, India may becomeIt is expected that the interim budget for 2024 will prioritize green mobility for electric vehicles (EVs) by addressing insurance requirements, safety standards, and licensing specific to EVs. The promotion of green mobility and possible revisions to programs like Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for EVs and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) are two ways to promote this.$1 billion in startup capital was raised in 2023 alone, demonstrating the ecosystem's resiliency in the face of difficulties. Moreover, the need to create an atmosphere that supports the expansion and longevity of startups is the foundation for the anticipation of tax reforms and regulatory clarity. As a result, the impending budget is well-positioned to lay the groundwork for an atmosphere that is more favorable for startups, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship. In order to foster a thriving startup industry in India and create the conditions for the future development of other unicorns, this proactive strategy is imperative.  

Startup India More than 12 lakh jobs have been created by 1.14 lakh startups to date

OVERVIEW As of October 2023, 1.14 lakh enterprises recognized by the government under "Startup India" had created over 12 lakh employment, according to the Department of Economic Affairs. According to the Department's report, until November 2023, 2.1 lakh loans were given under the Startup India initiative. According to the government-backed ONDC, the platform recorded over 63 lakh transactions until November 2023.A study released by the Ministry of Finance states that the companies approved by the Indian government have generated over 12 lakh employment.The Department of Economic Affairs stated that as of October 2023, the 1.14 lakh firms approved by the government under the Startup India initiative had created over 12 lakh employment in its report, "The Indian Economy: A Review January 2024," which covered data through the end of October 2023.The Department of Economic Affairs stated in the report "The Indian Economy: A Review January 2024" that as of October 2023, the 1.14 lakh firms approved by the government under the "Startup India initiative" had produced over 12 lakh jobs.As stated in its most recent assessment of the Indian economy, the Finance Ministry stated that over 1.14 lakh startups had so far generated over 12 lakh jobs in India. The Department of Economic Affairs stated in the report "The Indian Economy: A Review January 2024" that as of October 2023, the 1.14 lakh firms approved by the government under the "Startup India initiative" had produced over 12 lakh jobs. According to the document, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a state-owned e-commerce network, recorded over 63 lakh transactions by November 2023.With over 950 tech firms launched last year, India continues to have the third-largest tech start-up ecosystem internationally, despite confronting global obstacles in 2023 such as valuation issues, few IPOs, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.According to Debjani Ghosh, President of Nasscom, "Indian tech startups have prioritized the imperative of enhancing their business fundamentals, driving profitability and growth in 2023, despite facing global economic and regulatory challenges." "The resilience of the ecosystem is demonstrated by the growth of tech startups in tier 2 and tier 3 cities," she continued.digital company owners anticipate that in 2024, they will maintain the current trajectory of revenue growth, taking calculated risks to optimize expenses and maximize profitability for business-to-business (B2B) digital businesses. In 2024, deeptech investments are expected to keep growing. Seventy percent of start-up entrepreneurs are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their products as generative AI (GenAI) accelerates.  

Reliance Jio Urges Government to Frame Policy to Shut Down 2G and 3G Services

Reliance Jio, in response to a consulting paper published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), titled Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem, suggested that the government should frame a policy to shut down the 2G and 3G networks in India and move the existing users to 4G and 5G networks. In a separate response, Vodafone Idea (Vi) also made the same suggestion and highlighted that the existence of such barriers lead to a digital divide and impacts the ecosystem for 5G use cases.The regulatory body sought opinions on the barriers to the development of the ecosystem for 5G use cases, which need to be addressed and the possible policy and regulatory interventions that can overcome them. Responding to this, Reliance Jio stated, “The Government should come out with a policy and glidepath for closing down the 2G and 3G networks completely so that unnecessary network costs should be avoided, and all customers can be migrated to 4G and 5G services.” The telecom operator added that this will also boost the developing ecosystem to 5G use cases.  Separately, Vodafone Idea also submitted its suggestion highlighting a similar measure. “The inability of users to switch to smartphones on account of the cost of these devices also leads to the users continuing on older technology and hence, not using digital services and most likely ending up being not updated on latest digital technologies and services,” it added. The two major issues with shifting users to a higher network bandwidth include the abundance of phones used in India that are only 2G/3G capable, and the pricing of the 4G and 5G enabled smartphones that might be unaffordable for the rural and remote population of the country. Vodafone Idea highlighted the issue as well and stated that the cost of smartphones for low-income groups is a very big challenge.  Reliance Jio also underlined the necessity for the availability and allocation of a “massive amount” of spectrum bands to better implement a robust 5G connectivity. To solve this, the telecom operator urged that the 6GHz band, full C-Band, and 28GHz (on a flexible use basis) should also be auctioned, along with the planned auction of the E-Band and V-Band spectrum.  

Xiaomi 15 Series Tipped to Run on Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC

Xiaomi 14 series with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and HyperOS operating system was launched in Chinese markets in October last year. They are yet to make their India debut, but ahead of it, rumours about the next-generation flagship smartphones from Xiaomi have already started surfacing online. The Xiaomi 15 series is tipped to be powered by next-generation Qualcomm flagship processor. The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are said to go official in September. Tipster Smart Pikachu (translated from Chinese) on Weibo claimed that the Xiaomi 15 series will be equipped with Qualcomm's unannounced Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC. The displays of the purported devices are said to offer a 1.5K resolution. The Xiaomi 14 series was the first handset to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Previous leaks suggested that mass production of the Xiaomi 15 lineup will kick off in September. The regular model is expected to retain a flat display and have the same screen size as the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 13. The Xiaomi 15 Pro is rumoured to come with a slightly curved 2K display with 0.6 mm narrow bezels. Since there's no official announcement from Xiaomi about the 15 series yet, these details should be taken with a pinch of salt. Xiaomi's 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro were launched in China in October. The price of Xiaomi 14 Pro starts at CNY 4,999 (roughly Rs. 56,500) for the 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage model whereas the Xiaomi 14 is priced at CNY 3,999 (roughly Rs. 50,000) for the 8GB + 256GB RAM and storage variant. There is no official word yet on their debut in markets outside China. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC powers Xiaomi's 14 series. They run on Xiaomi's HyperOS interface and feature up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. They also have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Xiaomi 14 series has LTPO OLED displays with up to 2K resolution and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate. They have a Leica-tuned triple rear camera setup as well.