The Ministry of Labour and Employment recently directed the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to ensure the activation of UAN (Universal Account Number) via Aadhar-based OTP. The outreach is part of announcements made during the Union Budget 2024-25, which aim to maximize the net of beneficiaries under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme. The central government has already directed concerned ministries and departments to ensure that payment of all subsidies and incentives under all welfare schemes occurs via the Aadhar Payment Bridge and that 100% biometric Aadhar authentication is achieved. Notably, Aadhaar-based verification eliminates the need for producing multiple documents to prove one's identity. In the first stage, all employers must complete UAN activation through Aadhar-based OTP for all employees who've joined the company in the current financial year by November 30, 2024. Starting with their latest recruits, employers will have to finish this process for all their employees. As per the budget announcements, the government will implement 3 schemes for 'Employment Linked Incentive' as part of the Prime Minister's package. These will be based on enrollment in the EPFO and focus on recognition of first-time employees and support to employees and employers. The ELI Scheme aims to create over 2 crore jobs in the country in 2 years. This will significantly contribute to increasing employment opportunities and enhancing livelihoods. UAN activation provides employees with seamless access to EPFO's comprehensive online services, enabling them to efficiently manage their Provident Fund (PF) accounts, view and download PF passbooks, submit online claims for withdrawals, advances, or transfers, update personal details, and track claims in real-time. This allows employees 24/7 access to EPFO services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to EPFO offices. For the uninitiated, UAN is a 12-digit number allotted to each member of EPFO (Employee Provident Fund Organization). Think of UAN as a single-point number that brings together multiple member IDs that have been allocated to a particular employee. In September this year, EPFO added 18.81 lakh members, registering a 9.33% YoY growth. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

EPFO to ensure UAN activation for employees through Aadhaar-based OTP

Ever since Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential elections, bitcoin has been surging, going up over 40% in the last two weeks. Recently, the cryptocurrency soared past $97,000, having risen 8.32% in just the last 7 days, and is currently trading at $96,906.09. The overall crypto market is also buoyant, with the crypto volume jumping 10.06% over the past 24 hours to touch $198.83 billion. The markets are enthused about Bitcoin's prospects going ahead, given that Trump has hinted towards establishing a dedicated role in the White House for deliberating crypto policies. Trump has been vocally pro-crypto and had promised, during his presidential campaign, to scale back crypto regulations and fire SEC chair Gary Gensler, who had initiated a crackdown on digital assets in the US. The crypto lobby in the US has been advocating for crypto-friendly SECs and access to banks. In a bid to do so, crypto companies have pumped in over $119 million to support pro-crypto candidates. Says Edul Patel, co-founder and CEO of Mudrex, "Market sentiment grew stronger from Bloomberg's report of Trump’s plan to establish a dedicated White House role for crypto policy. The anticipation of faster regulatory clarity coupled with BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF options projecting a $176k price target by 2026 has driven BTC’s price to the $95K milestone and beyond." The ongoing rally is not restricted to just bitcoin but also extended to Solana and XRP, which gained 10.85% and 59.02%, respectively, over the last 7 days. But does this mean that good times are coming for Indian markets as well? Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives &amp; Research, SAMCO Securities, notes that bitcoin is a proxy for risk-taking in the markets. Bitcoin moving up means the risk appetite of investors is rising. Conversely, if it falls, then investors prefer safety." Both Nifty and Sensex have lost over 5% each over the last month. FIIs (foreign institutional investors) have also been scrambling out of Indian markets, having withdrawn Rs 1,14,445.89 crores during October 2024 and offloading Rs 34,348.30 crore so far in November. During trade today, Nifty and Sensex remained in red, with Nifty down by 0.74% and Sensex down by 0.6%. DIIs (domestic institutional investors) have been trying to keep the market afloat in both October and November, pumping in Rs 31,636.77 crore in Indian markets in November so far. Last month, DIIs infused Rs 1,07,254.68 crore in the Indian markets. According to an NSE report, by the end of the previous quarter, FPIs holding in NSE-listed companies stood at 36.3%, despite the seventh consecutive quarterly decline. Previously, FIIs holding in listed companies had hit a record high of 39.9% in December 2021. In contrast, DIIs are increasingly making headway into the Indian markets. Active Domestic Mutual Funds (DMFs) have been increasing their investments in the NSE-listed companies. Their ownership in these companies has risen from 12.4% in December 2021 to 15.7% as of September 30, 2024. Banks and insurance companies have also expanded their market share. Their ownership in NSE-listed companies has grown from 8.8% three years ago to 11% as of pr quarter. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

The Bitcoin rally does not seem to be stopping anytime soon! Does this spell good news for Indian markets?

<ul><li>Oppo has launched the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro smartphones in India.</li><li>The Oppo Find X8 is priced starting at ₹69,999 and comes in two variants.</li><li>The Oppo Find X8 Pro is priced at ₹99,999 and comes in a single variant.</li></ul>Oppo today announced the launch of its latest flagship smartphones, the Find X8 and the Find X8 Pro smartphones in India. The new camera-centric smartphones are the successors of the Find X7 series that was launched last year. The Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro are camera-centric devices that come with Hasselblad-tuned cameras. The devices will take on the flagship devices like the Galaxy S24 series, the upcoming iQOO 13, OnePlus 13 and more. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest flagship smartphones from Oppo. <h2>Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro price in India</h2>The Oppo Find X8 is priced at ₹69,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB internal storage variant and ₹79,999 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB internal storage variant. The device comes in Space Black and Star Grey colour options. The Oppo Find X8 Pro comes in a single 16GB RAM + 512GB internal storage variant, which is priced at ₹99,999. The Find X8 Pro comes in Space Black and Pearl White colour options. The Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro will be available in India from December 3 from Flipkart and Oppo Online Store. The devices are now available for pre-orders. <h2>Oppo Find X8 specifications</h2>The Oppo Find X8 runs on Android 15 out of the box with ColorOS 15 on top. It will get four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. The device features a 6.59-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. It offers 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming and 2160Hz instant touch sampling rate. <div type="image" title="Oppo Find X8" msid="115521118" hostid="261" sizebytes="13488" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Oppo Find X8&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Find X8 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. It comes in two variants – a 12GB RAM + 256GB variant and a 16GB RAM + 512GB storage variant. Coming to the camera department, the Oppo Find X8 features a triple camera setup at the back consisting of a 50MP primary camera with Sony LYT-700 sensor, OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Samsung S5KJN5 sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with Sony LYT-600 sensor with 3x optical zoom, OIS and up to 120x digital zoom. On the front, the device sports a 32MP selfie camera with a Sony IMX615 sensor. The Oppo Find X8 is powered by a 5,630mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging and 50W wireless charging support. <h2>Oppo Find X8 Pro specifications</h2>The Oppo Find X8 Pro also runs on Android 15 out of the box with ColorOS 15 on top. The device will get an additional year of Android updates, offering five years of Android updates and six years of security updates. <div type="image" title="Oppo Find X8 Pro" msid="115521147" hostid="261" sizebytes="14772" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Oppo Find X8 Pro&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. It offers 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming and 2160Hz instant touch sampling rate. The Find X8 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. It comes in a single variant, offering 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Coming to the camera department, the Oppo Find X8 Pro features a quad camera setup at the back consisting of a 50MP primary camera with Sony LYT-808 sensor, OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Samsung S5KJN5 sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with Sony LYT-600 sensor with 3x optical zoom, OIS and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with Sony IMX858 with 6x optical zoom, OIS and up to 120x digital zoom. On the front, the device sports a 32MP selfie camera with a Sony IMX615 sensor. The Oppo Find X8 Pro is powered by a 5,910mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging and 50W wireless charging support. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-9-pro-xl-review/articleshow/115486773.cms">Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review – the best Android experience</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6500mah-battery-to-launch-in-india-on-november-26/articleshow/114945858.cms">Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,500mAh battery to launch in India on November 26</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro launched in India starting at ₹69,999

Ever watched a bird swoop through the air, effortlessly twisting and turning, and wondered: why can’t planes do that? For years, scientists have been trying to answer this question, particularly around one peculiar design choice in airplanes: the vertical tailfin. This stabiliser is crucial for steady flight, yet it adds weight and drag. Without it, planes would be far more fuel-efficient. So why hasn’t aviation cracked this bird-like mystery yet? Turns out, the key to solving this conundrum may have been hiding in plain sight — or, more accurately, in a pigeon’s feathers. <h2>A robot with real feathers</h2>PigeonBot II is a robotic bird built by David Lentink, Professor of Biomimetics at the University of Groningen, and his team. Unlike your average flying robot, this one isn’t just inspired by nature — it’s decked out with real pigeon feathers and mimics how birds adjust their wings and tails mid-flight. <div type="twitter" handle="TechXplore_com" handlename="TechXplore_com" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1859395008643690626"></div>Using nine servo motors and a clever algorithm, PigeonBot II reflexively reshapes its wings and tail, just like real birds. These adaptive movements provide stabilisation without the need for a vertical fin, demonstrating a feat of engineering once thought impossible. Back in 1929, German scientist Franz Groebbels suggested that birds fly like "automatic airplanes," stabilising themselves without external controls. Nearly a century later, Lentink’s PigeonBot II has finally proven him right. The robot not only aced wind tunnel tests but also soared autonomously in the open air, its feathers responding seamlessly to every gust and tilt. <h2>From feathered flights to fighter jets</h2>What does this mean for aviation? First off, PigeonBot II opens the door to fuel-efficient airplanes. By ditching the vertical fin and adopting bird-inspired stabilisation, planes could save energy and reduce emissions — great news for eco-conscious travelers. But there’s another exciting twist: stealthier fighter jets. A plane without a vertical tailfin has a smaller radar signature, making it harder to detect. Imagine jet fighters gliding invisibly, twisting and turning like birds of prey in the sky. The European Airbus group has already envisioned this kind of tailfin-less aircraft, and Lentink’s work provides the scientific foundation to make it a reality. <h2>Why feathers make the difference</h2>What makes bird wings so special? Lentink’s earlier research showed that feathers aren’t just decorative — they play an active role in flight. Birds use their feathers to adjust wing shape in real time, a skill PigeonBot II replicates. Unlike rigid airplane wings, feathered wings offer flexibility and reflexive movement, adapting to turbulence and maintaining balance. It’s nature’s version of a high-tech stabilisation system, honed over millions of years of evolution. While we’re not quite at the stage of boarding feathered jumbo jets, PigeonBot II is a big step forward. From greener commercial planes to stealthier fighter jets, this quirky little robot could redefine the future of flight. The findings of this research have been published in Science Robotics and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.ado4535">here</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Scientists have devised a robot that flies like a bird using real feathers — could this be the future of fighter jets?

<ul><li>The combined market cap of Adani Group companies eroded by over ₹2.45 lakh crore.</li><li>This comes amid a US probe into Gautam Adani into an alleged bribe charge.</li><li>Adani has been charged over his role in an alleged scheme to pay a $250 million bribe to Indian officials.</li></ul>Adani group stocks faced heavy drubbing during the morning trade on Thursday, with the combined market valuation of all the listed firms getting eroded by ₹2.45 lakh crore, as billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors. Adani has been charged over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay a $250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts. The stock of the group's flagship firm Adani Enterprises plunged 22.99%, Adani Ports dived 20%, Adani Energy Solutions tanked 20%, Adani Green Energy plummeted 19.53% and Adani Total Gas tumbled 18.14% on the BSE. Shares of Adani Power slumped 17.79%, Ambuja Cements cracked 17.59%, ACC fell 14.54%, NDTV dropped 14.37% and Adani Wilmar declined 10%. Some of the group firms also hit their lowest trading permissible limit or lower circuit for the day. The combined market capitalisation (mcap) of all the ten listed group firms eroded by ₹2,45,016.51 crore during the morning deals. In the equity market, the BSE benchmark Sensex traded 536.89 points lower at 77,041.49 and the NSE Nifty quoted 186.75 points down at 23,331.75. US prosecutors charged Adani, 62, his nephew Sagar and other defendants for paying over $250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to Indian government officials to win solar energy contracts on terms that could potentially bring in more than $2 billion in profit. This, they alleged, was concealed from the US banks and investors from whom the Adani group raised billions of dollars for the project. The complaint charges them with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and seeks permanent injunctions, civil penalties, and officer and director bars. US law allows pursuing foreign corruption allegations if they involve certain links to American investors or markets. The Adani group did not immediately respond to requests for comments. "The defendants orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure contracts worth billions of dollars," Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, which brought the case, said in a statement. Adani, chairman of the ports-to-energy Adani Group, his nephew Sagar R Adani, who is an executive director at the conglomerate's renewable energy arm Adani Green Energy Ltd, and its former CEO Vneet Jaain were charged with securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. The Department of Justice alleged that on several occasions, Adani personally met with an Indian government official to advance the bribery scheme, and the defendants held in-person meetings with each other to discuss aspects of its execution. With inputs from agencies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-a4-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-starting-at-8499/articleshow/115479469.cms">Redmi A4 5G with 120Hz display launched starting at ₹8,499</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms">Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Adani group stocks' combined market cap erodes by ₹2.45 lakh crore, Adani Enterprises tanks 23%

After a week of "severe" pollution levels in Delhi, the city's air quality improved slightly but still remained "very poor", as it recorded the season's lowest temperature on Thursday morning. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.2 degree Celsius, 2.1 notch below the season's average, the India Meteorological Department said. At 9 am, the national capital recorded an AQI of 376, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The weather department has predicted shallow fog during the day. On Sunday, Delhi's air quality was recorded in the severe category, prompting authorities to impose the GRAP-IV measures. On Monday and Tuesday, it worsened further, reaching the severe plus category, with the AQI exceeding 450. By Wednesday, the AQI showed slight improvement but remained in the severe category. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". The IMD said the city's maximum temperature is likely to settle around 27 degrees Celsius. The humidity at 8.30 am was 80 per cent. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-a4-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-starting-at-8499/articleshow/115479469.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-a4-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-starting-at-8499/articleshow/115479469.cms" target="_blank">Redmi A4 5G with 120Hz display launched starting at ₹8,499</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms" target="_blank">Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms" target="_blank">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Delhi's AQI improves but remains 'very poor', season's lowest temperature recorded

<ul><li>Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade amid a sharp fall in Adani group stocks.</li><li>Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged bribery scheme.</li><li>Adani group stocks, including Adani Ports, Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions fell sharply in the early trade.</li></ul>Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Thursday amid a sharp fall in Adani group stocks and unabated foreign fund outflows. Weak trends from Asian peers also drove the markets lower during the initial trade. The BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 468.17 points to 77,110.21 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 179.75 points to 23,338.75. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Adani Ports tumbled 10 per cent as billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay USD 250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts. Other Adani group stocks, including Adani Enterprises, Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions, also fell sharply in the early trade. State Bank of India, IndusInd Bank, NTPC and Tata Motors were also among the laggards. Infosys, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra were the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,411.73 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data. In Asian markets, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong traded lower while Seoul quoted higher. The US markets ended mostly in positive territory. The Indian stock markets were closed on Wednesday due to assembly elections in Maharashtra. Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.25 per cent to USD 72.99 a barrel. Snapping its four days of decline, the BSE benchmark Sensex had climbed 239.37 points or 0.31 per cent to settle at 77,578.38 on Tuesday. The Nifty also bounced back on Tuesday after falling in the past seven trading days. It went up by 64.70 points or 0.28 per cent to settle at 23,518.50. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-a4-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-starting-at-8499/articleshow/115479469.cms">Redmi A4 5G with 120Hz display launched starting at ₹8,499</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms">Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Sensex, Nifty tumble in early trade; Adani group stocks crack amid US probe

<ul><li>Gautam Adani has been charged by the US SEC with allegedly defrauding American investors.</li><li>Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani were charged with conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud.</li><li>Adani and seven other executives are accused of bribing Indian government officials to secure lucrative contracts.</li></ul>The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged billionaire Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of the Adani Group, with allegedly defrauding American investors and bribing officials. Adani, 62, his nephew Sagar Adani, 30, executives of Adani Green Energy Ltd, and Cyril Cabanes, an executive of Azure Power Global Ltd were charged on Wednesday with conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, as well as substantive securities fraud, for their roles in a multi-billion-dollar scheme to obtain funds from US investors and global financial institutions through false and misleading statements. The SEC alleged that the bribery scheme was orchestrated to enable renewable energy companies Adani Green and Azure Power to capitalise on a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project awarded by the Indian government. The complaint charges them with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and seeks permanent injunctions, civil penalties, and officer and director bars. During the alleged scheme, Adani Green raised more than USD 175 million from US investors and Azure Power's stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the SEC said in a statement. Simultaneously, the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York unsealed criminal charges against Adani and Sagar Adani, Cabanes, and others linked to Adani Green and Azure Power. The federal indictment unsealed in a federal court in Brooklyn charges five others with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the bribery scheme, involving one of the world's largest solar energy projects. Federal prosecutors claim that between 2020 and 2024, Adani and his associates paid over USD 250 million in bribes to obtain solar energy contracts worth more than USD 2 billion in projected profits after tax over an approximately 20-year period. Adani and seven other executives are accused of bribing Indian government officials to secure lucrative contracts and defrauding investors by making false statements about bribery and corruption. They also allegedly tried to obstruct investigations, according to FBI Assistant Director James Dennehy. "This indictment alleges schemes to pay over USD 250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice," stated Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa H Miller. "These offences were allegedly committed by senior executives and directors to obtain and finance massive state energy supply contracts through corruption and fraud at the expense of US investors," she added. The Department of Justice alleged that on several occasions, Adani personally met with an Indian government official to advance the bribery scheme, and the defendants held in-person meetings with each other to discuss aspects of its execution. "The defendants frequently discussed their efforts in furtherance of the Bribery Scheme, including through an electronic messaging application," it alleged. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-a4-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-starting-at-8499/articleshow/115479469.cms">Redmi A4 5G with 120Hz display launched starting at ₹8,499</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms">Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Gautam Adani charged by the US SEC in an alleged bribery scheme

It is no secret that women often outlive men. The global average life expectancy in 2021 was about 68.4 years for men. In contrast, this stood at 73.8 years for women. As such, it is far more important for women to begin planning for their golden years as early as possible. Perhaps realizing this, more women are getting into investing than ever before! Even better, women save about 5% more each month than men. A recent Max Life's India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 4.0) also highlighted a similar sentiment: women are increasingly taking charge of their retirement and finances. Per the study, urban Indian working women are now keeping pace with men, with 66% being confident that their current investments will guarantee a financially secure retirement life. In terms of health, 48% of urban Indian working women feel confident that they will continue to stay fit and healthy in their retirement years. Encouragingly, a whopping 68% of urban Indian women have already started investing for their retirement. Amongst their preferred investment avenues are life insurance (65%), bank FDs/RDs (45%), medical insurance (36%), and mutual funds and SIPs (14%). The awareness is not limited to women; young urban Indians are awakening to the realization that retirement planning should be kicked off as soon as possible. Per IRIS 4,0, 44% of Indians consider the right age to start planning for retirement to be before 35 years, a jump from 38% in IRIS 3.0. An overwhelming 93% of respondents aged above 50 regret delaying their retirement planning. Says Priyanka Bhatia, Co-Founder of Women on Wealth, "Women, by and large, live longer than men and may confront professional interferences, which influence retirement reserve funds essentially. Beginning in your 20s permits women to create strategies that account for longevity risks and potential income gaps. Investments like annuities and dividend-paying assets guarantee a consistent income stream post-retirement, permitting ladies to explore monetary freedom even in later years.". Not to mention, beginning early also permits individuals to take advantage of tax-efficient investments over a more drawn-out period. In India, instruments like the National Pension Scheme (NPS) offer tax benefits that develop over the long haul. By expanding these exceptions from a young age, women can grow their retirement reserve funds while reducing taxable income in each financial year. Bhatia notes that even if one is planning to retire early, it does not only mean putting something aside for your 60s. It is also about adaptability to pick semi-retirement choices, work in sectors driven by passion, or even pursue entrepreneurial ventures without financial pressure. "Beginning in your 20s allows you to amass funds that can allow for early retirement, empowering a change to lifestyle-oriented work or community contributions later in life," Bhatia signs off. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Planning for your retirement in your 20s? Here's why it is a smart move!

<ul><li>The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the latest flagship offering from Google.</li><li>The device is priced starting at ₹1,24,999 and is available in two variants.</li><li>Here’s my review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL that will help you decide if you should buy the device.</li></ul>Google launched the Pixel 9 series, consisting of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the company’s flagship smartphones a few months ago. This time around, Google launched three devices unlike last year Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the successor of the Pixel 8 Pro, offering a similar size and features. This year’s Pixel 9 Pro offers flagship hardware while offering a smaller display and battery. With the three devices, Google is offering a similar line-up to Samsung and Apple. I have been using the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a few weeks now, and here’s my detailed review of the latest smartphone from Google. <h2>Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price and availability</h2>The Pixel 8 Pro has been priced at ₹1,06,999 for the 128GB variant and ₹1,13,999 for the 256GB variant. It comes in Blue, Beige and Obsidian colour options and is available from Flipkart. <h2>In the box</h2><ul><li>Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone</li><li>USB Type-C cable</li><li>SIM ejector tool</li><li>Documentation</li></ul><h2>Pixel 9 Pro XL specifications</h2> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Particulars </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Specifications </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Display </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.8-inch Quad HD+ LTPO OLED </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Refresh rate </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">120Hz </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Protection </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chipset </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Google Tensor G4 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Variants </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rear camera </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">50MP + 48MP + 48MP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Selfie camera </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">42MP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Battery </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5,060mAh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Charging </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">37W </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wireless charging </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23W </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Fingerprint sensor </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">In-display fingerprint sensor </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Weight </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">221 grams </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Water resistance </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">IP68 </td></tr></tbody></table> <h2>Pixel 9 Pro XL pros and cons</h2><h3>Pros</h3><ul><li>Software and performance </li><li>Camera </li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul><li>Price </li></ul><h2>Design and display</h2>Google has overhauled the design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making major changes to the design when compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. The search giant has opted for a flat display, flat sides and a revamped camera module. <div type="image" title="Back 2" msid="115487059" hostid="261" sizebytes="64462" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL rear design&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device comes in Hazel, Porcelain, Rose Quartz, and Obsidian colour options. I tested the Rose Quartz colour variant of the device. <div type="image" title="right side" msid="115487089" hostid="261" sizebytes="52702" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rounded corners on the Pixel 9 Pro XL&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device comes with flat sides, with rounded corners for its aluminium frame, that give it a premium feel while holding. At first look, you may get an iPhone-like look, with people even mistaking it for an iPhone during my usage, but this clears up immediately after looking at the pill-shaped camera module. The aluminium frame comes with a glossy finish and is slightly slippery. The aluminium frame also attracts dust fingerprint smudges easily. For these reasons, it might be a good idea to use the device with a case. <div type="image" title="Camera" msid="115487108" hostid="261" sizebytes="28950" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The pill-shaped camera module&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It comes with a large pill-shaped camera module that houses the triple camera setup, a temperature sensor and the LED flash. Apart from the camera module, the device comes with Google’s logo at the back. <div type="image" title="Right" msid="115487125" hostid="261" sizebytes="62716" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Power button and volume rockers on the right&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The power button and the volume rockers are placed on the right side. Unlike a lot of other devices, the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues to place the power button on top and the volume rockers below it. <div type="image" title="Bottom" msid="115487162" hostid="261" sizebytes="47264" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Ports at the bottom&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> At the bottom, you get the speaker grille, a USB Type-C port, a microphone and the SIM tray. <div type="image" title="IMG20240818172922" msid="115487276" hostid="261" sizebytes="46502" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL top&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> At the top, you get the mmWave antenna cover and a microphone. <div type="image" title="Ch" msid="115487285" hostid="261" sizebytes="30756" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Made in China text on the Pixel 9 Pro XL&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> On the left, apart from antenna lines, the device comes with “Made in China” written for some reason. Coming to the display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes equipped with a large 6.8-inch Quad HD+ LTPO OLED display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,000 nits brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. <div type="image" title="Display" msid="115487313" hostid="261" sizebytes="72596" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL display&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device sports a good display, which offers accurate colours and offers good visibility, even in direct sunlight. The display is excellent, with the high refresh rate offering a good experience while gaming and watching content. <h2>Software and performance</h2>The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14 out of the box and is promised to get seven years of Android updates and security patches. The software is the highlight of the Pixel lineup and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no different. The device offers an Android experience as imagined by Google, the operating system maker. As expected, the device comes loaded with AI features in the form of Gemini. To enable users to make the most out of the AI features, Google is offering a one-year premium subscription to Pixel 9 Pro XL users, giving them access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of Google Drive storage and more. The device comes pre-installed with Pixel Studio, a new GenAI image generation app from Google, allowing users to generate images easily on the go. You also get access to Gemini Live, a live-chat version of Gemini, which allows for voice-enabled interactions. In what might excite most photography enthusiasts like myself, the device also comes with a more powerful Magic Editor, giving access to a ton of new tools. Talking about AI and photography, the new Add Me feature is excellent, especially for those who often end up being the ones to take group pictures and regret not being in them. The new Add Me feature allows you to take a group picture and then hand your phone to your friend and then join the group for another picture, then using AI to blend them into one image to make the perfect group picture. I used this feature during one of my trips and found it to be quite useful. Once you get the hang of it and remember to stand in the correct place, it works quite well. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset built on Samsung’s 4nm process. It comes with 16GB of RAM and offers up to 512GB of internal storage. If you are hoping for a drastic performance improvement compared to the predecessor, you might be disappointed. It offers an incremental improvement in performance but can easily handle everything that you throw at it. One area the chipset and the device has improved a lot over the Pixel 8 Pro is thermal management and proper connectivity. These were some of my biggest issues with the last-gen devices and Google has made a significant improvement in this aspect. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by a 5,060mAh battery with 37W wired and 23W wireless charging support. The device offers a day’s battery life with normal usage. <h2>Camera</h2>The camera is the strongest selling point of Pixel smartphones, and unsurprisingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in this regard. <div type="image" title="Rear cam" msid="115487382" hostid="261" sizebytes="53002" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL rear camera&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Coming to the camera department, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a triple camera setup at the back, consisting of a 50MP primary camera with Samsung GN2 sensor with OIS, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Sony IMX858 sensor and a 48MP 5X telephoto camera with Sony IMX858 sensor with up to 30x digital zoom. <div type="image" title="PXL_20240818_123753737" msid="115487547" hostid="261" sizebytes="186394" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured while moving&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The smartphone supports zero shutter lag, which means it captures photos at the same moment you tap on the shutter button. This is very handy when trying to capture moving subjects, especially kids and pets. <div type="image" title="PXL_20240818_124521580" msid="115487564" hostid="261" sizebytes="84032" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured in natural lighting&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The smartphone’s daylight camera performance was excellent, with accurate colour reproduction, dynamic range, and well-defined details. The portrait mode is excellent in both daylight and indoor conditions. <div type="image" title="n" msid="115487621" hostid="261" sizebytes="147076" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured using night mode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Pixel 9 Pro XL also performs excellently in low-light and night conditions, capturing well-detailed, colour-accurate photos despite the challenging lighting conditions. The images turned out to be sharp and clear, with adequate details and minimal noise. On the front, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 42MP selfie camera. The front camera can easily capture good selfies in normal lighting and low light conditions. <h2>Verdict</h2>The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best device in the current Pixel lineup and one of the best Android smartphones out there. The device offers an excellent user experience, a premium design and good cameras. It offers good performance and ample storage, ticking off a lot of the boxes. At the same time, the Pixel 9 Pro XL commands a premium price and while enthusiasts may like the stock Android experience, the lack of customisation may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you are looking for a stock Android experience with powerful hardware and are willing to pay a premium, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent option. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review/articleshow/112497472.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review – the complete package</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-12-review/articleshow/108723955.cms">OnePlus 12 review: A feature-packed device with promising battery back-up</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-review/articleshow/115054981.cms">Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop review – With a big AI boost</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review – the best Android experience

Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days. With their promise of lower emissions and smooth, quiet rides, it’s no wonder that the global demand for EVs has been soaring. However, if you live near the coast — or anywhere prone to flooding — there’s a less-talked-about risk that could make you rethink that shiny new electric car parked in your driveway: saltwater-induced fires from flooded EV batteries. <h2>Saltwater and EV batteries</h2>When it comes to EVs, the heart of the vehicle’s power lies in its battery, usually a lithium-ion (Li-ion) pack. These batteries are highly efficient, but they’re also sensitive to water, especially the salty kind. In September and October 2024, the Southeast U.S. was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused catastrophic flooding. Thousands of homes were damaged, and in a particularly frightening twist, 11 electric cars and 48 lithium-ion batteries caught fire after being exposed to salty floodwaters. Saltwater is a conductor of electricity, which means it can get into the EV battery packs, triggering a dangerous reaction. When water seeps into the battery, it can cause a short-circuit between the battery's terminals, which may lead to overheating, violent fires, and even explosions. In many cases, the fire doesn’t start right away — it can take hours or even days after the exposure before a thermal runaway event occurs, causing a dangerous blaze. Once the fire starts, it’s nearly impossible to put out with regular fire-fighting methods. Firefighters often have no choice but to let the battery burn itself out. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113906136" title="Planning to purchase an EV? Here&amp;#39;s how to ensure it never catches on fire" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In 2022, during Hurricane Ian in Florida, 36 EVs that had been flooded reportedly caught fire, even some that were being towed on flatbed trucks. The problem lies in how lithium-ion batteries react to saltwater. The metal terminals in these batteries, when exposed to salty water, can corrode and build short-circuiting paths that lead to fires days later. The fire hazard remains even in fully discharged batteries, meaning even seemingly "safe" vehicles after flooding could still pose a serious threat. <h2>The risk to coastal cities</h2>This issue is especially concerning for coastal cities where rising sea levels and hurricanes are becoming more frequent. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly in many parts of the world, including India, where EV sales increased by around 50% in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi are embracing EVs due to their environmental benefits and growing infrastructure support. However, these coastal cities are also at higher risk for flooding, making the combination of increased EV adoption and rising sea levels a perfect storm for potential disaster. In fact, areas prone to heavy rains and floods, like India’s coastal cities, are facing unique challenges. The combination of frequent monsoon floods and rising sea levels presents a scenario where more and more EVs could end up submerged in salty floodwaters, increasing the risk of battery fires in the region. <h2>What does this mean for you?</h2>While electric cars are generally safe under normal conditions, the growing risk of battery fires due to flooding is an important factor to consider if you live in flood-prone areas, especially near the sea. The key takeaway here is that EV owners should take extra precautions when natural disasters loom, particularly hurricanes and floods. Here's what you can do to protect your EV: <ul><li>Move your EV to higher ground: If you're in a flood zone, take your EV to higher ground or evacuate it if possible. This will help prevent it from being submerged in salty water.</li><li>Evacuate early: Be proactive and evacuate before the floodwaters hit. Don't wait for the last minute to move your vehicle to safety.</li><li>After the flood, treat submerged EVs with caution: If your EV has been submerged in water, especially saltwater, it’s essential to avoid using it, charging it, or even moving it until it’s been inspected by professionals. Contact the manufacturer for a thorough inspection of the battery.</li><li>Do not attempt DIY fixes: If your vehicle has been exposed to saltwater, do not try to start it, charge it, or fix the battery yourself. The risks of fire are too high, and professionals are trained to handle such situations safely.</li></ul><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

Imagine a volcano so special that it’s been granted the same legal rights as a person. While this might sounds like something straight out of a quirky sci-fi movie, this is no fictional tale. It’s a real, living, breathing part of New Zealand’s landscape — Mount Taranaki. Tucked away on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Taranaki is not only a towering 8,261 feet (2,518 meters) of volcanic might, but it also holds a sacred place in the hearts of local Māori tribes. In 2017, New Zealand made history by granting the volcano legal personhood — a first in the country. This means Mount Taranaki has the same legal rights as you, me, or any other human being. No, it can’t file taxes or sue anyone just yet, but it is now legally protected in a way that’s tied directly to the cultural significance it holds. <h2>Why does Mount Taranaki get all the attention?</h2>First, let’s talk about the volcano itself. Its snow-capped peak is stunning, poking up through a lush, dark green forest. This forest, known as Egmont National Park, forms a near-perfect circular ring around the volcano, and within it, you’ll find the curious "Goblin Forest." The kāmahi trees here are twisted and warped, growing around fossilized tree remains from past eruptions. The trees are also covered in hanging moss and liverworts, giving the whole place a hauntingly magical vibe. The volcano itself is a near-perfect cone, which is so symmetrical it served as the double for Mount Fuji in The Last Samurai (yes, Hollywood can’t get enough of this beauty!). But don’t let its picturesque shape fool you — Mount Taranaki has been through some serious transformations. Over the past 135,000 years, it has erupted multiple times, changing its shape dramatically and leaving behind signs of its violent past. In fact, studies suggest there have been at least 16 major shifts in the volcano’s structure. Talk about a dramatic personality! <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="115475455" title="From skin injections to swallowing a camera, here are some things Bryan Johnson has done to age in reverse" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>And yes, Mount Taranaki is an active volcano. While its last major eruption occurred about 200 years ago, the mountain is far from dormant. Scientists estimate there’s a 30% to 50% chance of a major eruption within the next 50 years. For the 100,000+ people living nearby, this is a real concern. But don't worry — the volcano isn’t planning on exploding any time soon (hopefully), though it does occasionally spit out volcanic mudflows, also known as lahars. <h2>A sacred ancestor</h2>Now, you might wonder, why does this mountain get its own legal rights? The answer lies with the Māori people. For centuries, the Māori have considered Mount Taranaki to be more than just a mountain. They see it as a relative, even an ancestor. The relationship between the Māori people and the mountain is rooted in deep respect and cultural significance. In 2017, the New Zealand government recognized this profound connection by giving the volcano legal personhood, meaning that harming the volcano could be treated the same as harming a member of the tribe. It’s a powerful statement of the Māori worldview, where the land, mountains, rivers, and nature are seen as living, breathing entities deserving of respect and protection. By granting Mount Taranaki personhood, New Zealand is acknowledging this deep-rooted cultural connection and ensuring that the volcano’s rights are taken seriously. Having a mountain with human rights may sound like a quirky twist, but it’s part of a larger global movement towards recognizing the rights of nature. Similar legal actions have been taken in places like Ecuador and India, where rivers, forests, and even specific animals have been granted personhood to ensure their protection. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Do you know about the volcano that has the same rights as a human person?

The smartphone industry continuously pushes the boundaries of fast charging, with companies launching new and improved charging technologies at an impressive pace. Recently, Realme announced a new system, called the 320W SuperSonic charge that can charge a 4,420 mAh battery from 1% to 100% in just 4 minutes and 30 seconds. This raises an important question: Do these fast chargers damage your phone’s battery, or are they totally safe to use? In this article, we'll explore the science behind battery function and the technologies that manufacturers are developing to protect your device's battery. <h2>How does a smartphone battery work?</h2>Smartphone batteries are typically made of lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells, which operate through chemical reactions. When charging, lithium ions flow from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode), generating energy that powers the device. Batteries absorb the most energy when they are almost empty. As they are near their full capacity, they absorb less power. This is why smartphone charging slows down once the battery reaches around 80%. With a fast charger, this process happens much faster, but it’s important to note that fast chargers don’t consistently operate at their peak output. The charger only delivers its maximum capacity for a brief period, while the power input adjusts depending on the battery’s current charge level. <h2>Fast charging explained</h2>Fast charging uses higher power levels to recharge a battery more quickly by increasing the voltage or current supplied. Modern fast-charging systems rely on specialised chargers and batteries that can handle the increased power without causing damage. Technologies such as USB Power Delivery (USB-PD and Qualcomm Quick Charge help regulate power delivery by communicating between the charger and the device, adjusting based on battery capacity and charge level. Fast charging starts quickly when the battery is low, but slows as the battery nears full capacity to prevent overheating and protect battery longevity. <h2>Why Do Batteries Degrade Over Time?</h2>Repeated charging and discharging take a toll on batteries, but the primary factor behind battery degradation is heat. Excessive heat can cause the battery's internal structure to crystallise, reducing its efficiency. This is why the goal of many manufacturers is to minimise heat generation during the charging process. Over the years, companies have developed technologies to reduce heat in the battery and mitigate its negative effects on the overall battery health. While fast charging is convenient, it can degrade the battery over time if not managed properly. The higher power levels generate more heat, accelerating battery wear and reducing capacity over multiple charging cycles. Modern batteries and chargers are equipped with features, such as temperature sensors and power regulation systems, to minimise damage. Although fast charging can shorten battery lifespan when used frequently, devices often slow the charging speed as they approach full capacity to mitigate these effects. As a result, the battery may not last as long as with slower charging, requiring more frequent recharges over time. <h2>Charging technologies over time</h2>Smartphone brands, especially in India, have been at the forefront of charging technology innovations: OnePlus launched Warp Charge in 2019 with 30W charging, and now offers solutions up to 150W. Xiaomi introduced HyperCharge in 2021 with 120W, and is working on a 300W solution for full charges in under 10 minutes. Oppo debuted SuperVOOC in 2018, starting at 50W, and is aiming for 300W charging. Realme launched Dart Charge in 2020 with 65W and in 2024, showcased 320W SuperSonic charging. Samsung has used Adaptive Fast Charging since 2014, and now focuses on wireless charging and long-term battery health. Apple introduced MagSafe in 2020, prioritising eco-friendly wireless charging advancements. <h2>Consumer perceptions and misconceptions</h2>Many consumers believe fast charging always damages batteries, but modern devices are designed with features to manage heat and voltage, minimising harm. Another common misconception is that using third-party chargers will destroy the battery, but reputable third-party chargers that meet safety standards are safe to use. Some people worry that fast charging is inherently unsafe, but certified chargers follow strict regulations to prevent damage. It’s also often assumed that fast charging continues at high speeds until the battery reaches 100%, but in fact, most systems slow down near full capacity to protect the battery. Lastly, people may believe that all chargers offer fast charging, but fast charging only works with devices and chargers that support the same technology, like USB-PD or Quick Charge. <h2>Best practices for charging</h2>To extend battery life, it’s best to avoid letting your battery drop below 20% or charge above 80% frequently, as extreme charge levels can strain the battery. Always use certified chargers and cables to ensure stable power delivery. Keep your device cool while charging, as excessive heat can cause damage. Avoid heavy usage during charging, as it generates heat. Enable "optimised charging" feature, available on many devices, to regulate charging speed and patterns. If fast charging is necessary, use it sparingly and rely on slower charging for routine use. Finally, unplug the charger once the device is fully charged to prevent unnecessary trickle charging over time. <h2>The future of smartphone batteries</h2>Looking ahead, the future of smartphone batteries includes promising advancements in solid-state and graphene technologies, which could offer faster charging, longer battery life, and higher energy density. Additionally, sodium-ion and lithium-sulphur batteries are being investigated as eco-friendly alternatives. GaN (gallium nitride) technology is paving the way for ultra-fast chargers, and wireless and over-the-air charging innovations promise to provide smarter, greener, and more efficient solutions. By understanding how batteries work, the impact of fast charging, and best practices for maintaining battery health, consumers can make informed choices that balance convenience and long-term battery performance. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Speed vs. Longevity: The impact of fast charging on your smartphone battery life

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das and leading captains of industry cast their votes in the financial capital for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday. Das exercised his franchise with his wife at a booth near his official residence in south Mumbai and complimented the election officials for the arrangements they had made. Former chairman of HDFC, Deepak Parekh, also voted at a booth in a south Mumbai neighbourhood and appealed to everybody to vote, pointing to his swift experience at the booth. Amid concerns about low turnouts repeatedly in the financial capital, the outspoken financial services industry veteran questioned the reasons for the reluctance to participate in the process despite incentives like a public holiday being thrown in. Keki Mistry, Parekh's long-time colleague who retired as the vice chairman and chief executive of HDFC, also exercised his franchise at another booth nearby. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran also cast his vote in south Mumbai and called voting a privilege that everybody should exercise. Industrialist Ajay Piramal also voted along with his wife Swati near his residence in the financial capital. After stepping out, Piramal also urged all the voters to come out and exercise their franchise. Swati Piramal, an author, said the new government needs to focus on children, women's issues, and health. Textile and realty major Raymond's Gautam Singhania and construction-focused HCC's Ajit Gulabchand were also among the other notable captains of the industry who had voted till about 3 pm. Not just industry stalwarts, but even Bollywood stars also came out to cast their votes during the day. Actors Shradha Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Tusshar Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Sonu Sood, Akshay Kumar, Rajkumar Rao, and Genelia Deshmukh exercised their right to vote. Cricketer Surya Kumar Yadav also cast his vote.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

RBI Governor Das, industry leaders and film stars cast votes in Maharashtra Assembly Polls

India's insurance sector is set to witness remarkable growth, with its Assets Under Management (AUM) projected to surge to $11 trillion by 2047 from $0.7 trillion in 2023, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and India InsurTech Association (IIA). This expansion aligns with India's broader economic goals, including achieving "Health for All" by 2047, as the country's GDP is expected to reach $ 30 trillion by then. The report also highlighted that India's financial assets are also anticipated to grow significantly, climbing to $120 trillion by 2047 from the current $6.4 trillion. However, despite the promising outlook, insurance penetration in the country remains low, particularly in the health and non-life insurance segments. As per the data in the report, India's health insurance penetration is just 0.31%, far below the levels seen in countries like the United States (5.26%) and China (0.77%). Non-life insurance penetration in India stands at 1%, compared to 1.8% in China and 9.3% in the US. On the other hand, life insurance penetration in India is relatively strong at 2.8%. However, it still falls short of the global average of 2.9%. The report stressed the need to increase insurance coverage, particularly in health insurance, where 45% of medical expenses are still borne out-of-pocket by individuals. Multiple macroeconomic tailwinds are already driving growth in the industry. The goal is to achieve 100% coverage for all citizens and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses to less than 10%. India envisions becoming the world's third-largest insurance market, with over 10 companies in the global top 50 and more than 100 insurtechs operating at scale. It said, "Driving penetration is a key focus area; Health insurance is most underpenetrated, with 45%+ medical spends still out of pocket." The report highlights that while India has made significant strides in improving insurance penetration, there is considerable scope for growth, especially in the health and non-life insurance segments. Achieving these goals will be crucial for securing the financial health and well-being of the country's population in the coming decades. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

India's insurance sector AUM is projected to grow to $11 trillion by 2047 from $0.7 trillion now, says BCG Report

Equity investments in Indian real estate may rise 49% to $11 billion this calendar year amid strong demand for properties, according to CII and CBRE. In the 2023 calendar year, the equity investments in real estate stood at $7.4 billion. Industry body CII and real estate consultant CBRE on Wednesday released a joint report titled 'Leading the Charge: Crafting the Skylines of Tomorrow' at the annual CII Realty 2024 conclave. Equity capital inflows touched $8.9 billion between January and September, registering a 46% year-on-year growth. "Overall equity investments in 2024 in the real estate sector are set to hit a new record surpassing $10 billion for the first time," the report said. With a resurgence in investment inflows in built-up office assets and a strong acquisition pipeline for land in the residential sector, the overall equity investments in 2024 would be in the $10-11 billion range. During January-September, institutional and collective vehicle investors accounted for nearly 40% of the overall investments. Developer companies led the total capital inflows with more than 41% share in this period. Domestic investors (predominantly developers) invested nearly USD 6 billion during the first nine months of the calendar year, dominating the overall capital inflows with an almost 65% share. In comparison, foreign investors contributed about $3.1 billion during the same timeframe. Notably, North American and Singaporean investors were the significant contributors, representing about 85% of all foreign capital inflows. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman &amp; CEO, India, South-East Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE, said, "Projection for 2024 equity investments between $10-11 billion, highest-ever, underscores continued investor interest in the growing real estate market in India." With SEBI's SM-REIT framework, he said, smaller but high-quality assets in Tier-II markets would also present new avenues for strategic capital deployment. "We believe this regulatory support will add much-needed transparency, enabling a more diversified investment base and encouraging institutional participation across these markets," Magazine said. Going ahead, he said this growing diversification will not only solidify India's real estate sector but also pave the way for future growth across emerging asset classes.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Equity investments in Indian real estate may rise 49% to record $11 billion this year, says CII-CBRE report

Google Play has revealed its annual Best of 2024 awards for India, celebrating the apps and games that defined the year. With five of the seven top apps developed by Indian creators, the awards underscore India’s rising prominence in the global tech ecosystem. Mobile gaming also continues to boom, as the country solidifies its position as the second-largest market for gaming downloads worldwide. In a blog post announcing the winners, Google also shed light on how India is the world's second largest market in terms of mobile gaming downloads. "On the gaming front, the Indian gaming scene continues to thrive, with India adding 23 million new gamers in FY24, reaching a total of 590 million. In fact, India now boasts the world's second-largest market for mobile gaming downloads, with average weekly playtime increasing by 30%." Leading Apps: India at the Forefront of AI Innovation The blog post revealed that this year’s top apps showcased India’s innovative spirit, particularly in harnessing AI to meet user needs. Alle - Your AI Fashion Stylist, developed by Hey Alle, emerged as the year’s Best App and also won the Best for Fun award. Leveraging AI, Alle provides personalised fashion advice tailored to users’ occasions, body types, and preferences, reflecting the growing trend of AI-powered app experiences in India. Prateek Agarwal, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Alle, said in a statement, “We noticed that the recent developments in Gen AI, combined with evolving consumer preferences for visual inspirational content, will create a massive opportunity to reimagine &amp; rebuild how people discover and shop for fashion. This realization led us to start Alle...As a new startup, Google Play has been crucial in helping us reach our early users organically. The platform's detailed analytics and crash reporting have been invaluable - they've helped us quickly identify and fix issues, improving our app stability.” Other app winners included: • Headlyne: Daily News with AI (Best for Personal Growth), offering curated news tailored to individual preferences. • Sony LIV: Sports &amp; Entertainment (Best for Large Screens), delivering immersive content on tablets and other big-screen devices. • WhatsApp Messenger (Best Multi-device App), enabling seamless communication across devices. • Fold: Expense Tracker (Best Everyday Essential) and Rise: Habit List (Best Hidden Gem) also captured user interest with practical and engaging features. The blog post added that India’s dominance in the AI app space is significant, accounting for 21% of global AI mobile app downloads this year, with nearly 1,000 Indian apps and games incorporating AI. Games that thrilled millions India’s gaming industry continued its upward trajectory, adding 23 million gamers this year, taking the total to 590 million. With gaming preferences increasingly reflecting local culture, many award-winning titles integrated Indian storylines and visuals. Squad Busters, a fast-paced multiplayer game, won Best Game for its simple yet engaging design. Meanwhile, Indus Battle Royale Mobile by SuperGaming earned the Best Made in India title for the second year running. Roby John, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperGaming, said in a statement, "We are committed to making Indus a standout Battle Royale experience. Our team has spent over three years thoughtfully crafting its characters, environments, and gameplay features to represent Indian Art and Culture authentically. The community's enthusiasm validates our vision of Indian games thriving globally. Winning this award is an incredible honor, not just as a milestone but also a motivation to keep striving for excellence. Google Play’s expertise and responsiveness have empowered us to deliver world-class gaming, pushing the boundaries of Indian gaming. We’re more committed than ever to raising the bar and making Indian gaming shine on the global stage.” Other top games included: • BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) (Best Ongoing), for its India-centric updates featuring cricket, festivals, and celebrity collaborations. • Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure (Best Indie), for its unique mechanics and creativity. • Clash of Clans (Best Multi-device Game) and Yes, Your Grace (Best Story) also stood out for their engaging gameplay. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Google Play announces best apps and games of 2024 in India: All you need to know

India's investment ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift, with index investing gaining unprecedented traction among investors, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. The younger generation, including Gen Z and Millennials, shows a stronger inclination towards index funds as compared to older investors. They also prefer index funds over ETFs for better returns and liquidity. A recent report by Axis AMC also highlighted the growing appetite for ETFs, which witnessed net sales of Rs 15,403 crore in October 2024. While 46% of younger investors favor index funds, only 35% of Gen X and Boomers do so. Millennials and Gen X investors also have a keen interest in factor or smart beta funds, reflecting their appetite for innovative, albeit aggressive investment strategies. Passive funds have become a core component of investor portfolios, with 80% of investors increasing their allocation to these funds in 2024, compared to 53% last year. The Axis report echoed similar sentiments, noting that net sales in the passive category inched up to Rs 8,025 crore in October 2024. The combined assets under management (AUM) of passive funds have surged from Rs 7 lakh crore in September 2023 to over Rs 11 lakh crore by September 2024—a 1.5x growth in just one year. The survey also noted a growing popularity of ETFs, with 57% of respondents investing in them, up from 41% in 2023. Of these, 26% invest solely in ETFs, while 31% have diversified between ETFs and index funds. This rising preference is matched by a commitment to long-term investment. A significant 81% of investors plan to hold their passive investments for over three years, highlighting sustained confidence in the growth potential of these funds. Sectoral indices like Nifty IT and Nifty Bank dominate as the top choice for passive fund investors, selected by 67% of respondents. Benchmark indices such as the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 follow closely, preferred by 61% of investors. A recent, similar report by stock broker Angel One also throws a spotlight on how young India plans and prefers mutual funds when it comes to savings and investments. The report, titled "Young Indians' Saving Habits Outlook 2024," compiled by Fin One, stated that 45% of respondents aged 22-35 have made it a point to save up some of their savings in mutual funds. A year ago, this figure stood at just 32%. Most of these investors make their way into mutual funds via SIPs, or systematic investment plans. 52% of respondents in the age cohort of 22-35 are now using SIPs to invest in mutual funds, up from 44% in the previous year. As for what was the driving factor behind beginning their investment journey, 42% underlined the past performance of funds, while 38% noted that advice from financial advisors remained a key consideration. 38% of young Indians are now increasingly focusing on building an emergency corpus, compared to 28% the year before. This shift underscores the drastic change in financial sensibilities brought forth by the pandemic and the consequent desire for greater financial resilience. In fact, approximately 4 out of every 5 surveyed investors maintained a dedicated, separate savings account. Out of the 1,650 individuals studied under the FinOne survey, a staggering majority made their first foray into the stock market in their early twenties. Nearly 2 in every 5 investors pick stock as their preferred choice of investment, followed by mutual funds and then savings bank accounts. While 45% of those surveyed picked stocks as their chosen investment avenue, 20% preferred mutual funds, and 15% wanted to keep their money in a savings bank account. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Gen Z and Millennials prefer stocks and mutual funds; index funds trump over ETFs, say recent reports

<ul><li>Xiaomi has launched the Redmi A4 5G, the company’s latest budget smartphone in India.</li><li>The Redmi A4 5G is priced starting at ₹8,499 and is available in two variants.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the latest budget 5G smartphone from Xiaomi.</li></ul> Xiaomi today launched its latest budget smartphone, the Redmi A4 5G in the company’s A series. It is the successor of the Redmi A3 that was launched in India in February 2024. The Redmi A4 is a 5G smartphone, aimed at users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone or a secondary smartphone. This is now the most affordable 5G smartphone from the Chinese smartphone maker in India. <h2>Redmi A4 5G price in India</h2>The Redmi A4 5G smartphone has been priced at ₹8,499 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant and ₹9,499 for the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The device comes in Starry Black and Sparkle Purple colour options and will be available from Amazon India, Mi Home Store and the company’s authorised retail stores from November 27. <h2>Redmi A4 5G specifications</h2>The Redmi A4 5G runs on Android 14 with the Xiaomi HyperOS skin on top. It will get two years of Android updates and four years of security updates. The Redmi A4 5G features a 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Redmi A4 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset. It comes in two variants – 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant and 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. It comes with a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion. Coming to the optics, the device features a dual camera setup at the back consisting of a 50MP primary camera and a secondary camera. On the front, the device sports a 5MP selfie camera. The smartphone is powered by a 5,160mAh battery with 18W charging support. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms">Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Redmi A4 5G with 120Hz display launched starting at ₹8,499

The National Capital Region (NCR) leads the country in terms of residential real estate growth, registering an impressive 56% rise in the average ticket size of homes sold, according to the latest ANAROCK report. In HIFY24, the average ticket of homes sold across the top 7 cities in the country stood at Rs 1 crore, which slightly inched up to Rs 1.23 crore in the first half of this financial year. The shift towards luxury real estate is evident, with a jump in the average ticket size from Rs 93 lakh in the first half of FY24 to Rs 1.45 crore in the first half of FY25. In the first half of this financial year, around 32,120 units worth Rs 46,611 crore were sold, as compared to 32,315 units worth Rs 30,154 crore that were sold in the first half of FY2024. Despite a 1% dip in the total number of units sold, the overall value of the sold inventory surged by a massive 55%. Across India's top seven cities, the real estate market witnessed sales of approximately 2,27,400 units worth Rs 2,79,309 crore during FY2025. This marked a slight 3% decline in unit sales compared to 2,35,200 units worth Rs 2,35,800 crore in H1 FY2024. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) retained its leadership in overall sales value but saw no change in its average ticket size, which remained steady at Rs 1.47 crore. MMR registered a marginal increase in unit sales to 77,735 in H1 FY2025, with a total sales value of Rs 1,14,529 crore, up from Rs 1,12,356 crore in H1 FY2024. Bengaluru saw the second-highest growth in average ticket size among the top seven cities, rising 44% from Rs 84 lakh in FY2024 to Rs 1.21 crore in FY2025. The city recorded stable unit sales at 31,381, while the total value of these sales rose significantly to Rs 37,863 crore. In Hyderabad, the average ticket size grew by 37%, reaching Rs 1.15 crore in H1 FY2025 from RS 84 lakh in H1 FY2024. Despite a 7% decline in unit sales to 27,820, the city's total sales value increased to Rs 31,993 crore. Chennai also experienced significant growth in average ticket size, which rose by 31% to Rs 95 lakh in FY2025. While unit sales dropped to 9,531, the total value of these sales climbed to Rs 9,015 crore, highlighting the impact of the shift towards premium homes. In Pune, the average ticket size increased by 29% to Rs 85 lakh. The city witnessed sales of 40,190 units worth Rs 34,033 crore in H1 FY2025, compared to Rs 28,590 crore for 43,560 units in H1 FY2024. Kolkata also saw a relatively modest 16% increase in its average ticket size, which rose to Rs 61 lakh in H1 FY2025. However, both unit sales and sales value declined, with the city recording Rs 5,265 crore in H1 FY2025 compared to Rs 5,851 crore in H1 FY2024. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

NCR leads with 56% surge in average ticket size of homes in H1 FY2025, highlights ANAROCK report

<ul><li>Google has announced the first Android 16 Developer Preview.</li><li>The search giant is moving towards an earlier update cycle, to align with device launches.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Android version.</li></ul> Google has announced the rollout of the first developer preview of Android 16, the company’s next Android release. This time around, the developer preview has been announced a few months early as Google is moving towards an earlier rollout and more frequent updates. “This is the start of Android having more frequent API releases as part of our effort to drive faster innovation in apps and devices,” said Matthew McCullough, VP of Product Management, Android Developer. <h2>Android 16 update rollout</h2>Starting with Android 16, Google plans to roll out two major Android API updates. The Android 16 is planned to be launched in Q2 2025, with a secondary update in Q4 2025. The revised update timeline is designed to better align with device launch schedules. “We’re planning the major release a quarter earlier (Q2 rather than Q3 in prior years) to better align with the schedule of device launches across our ecosystem so that more devices can get the major release of Android sooner,” McCullough said. Users will get smaller updates with features between the two API updates. “We'll continue to have quarterly Android releases. The Q1 and Q3 updates in-between the API releases will provide incremental updates to help ensure continuous quality,” McCullough added. <h2>Android 16 Developer Preview features</h2><h3>Embedded photo picker</h3>Google has added a new photo picker that allows users to grant apps access to certain images and videos, instead of granting access to the entire media library. <h3>Health records</h3>The developer preview of Health Connect contains an early version of APIs supporting health records. This allows apps to read and write medical records in FHIR format with explicit user consent. This API is currently in an early access program. <h3>Privacy Sandbox on Android</h3>Android 16 incorporates the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox on Android, allowing SDKs to run in a dedicated runtime environment separate from the app they are serving, providing stronger safeguards around user data collection and sharing. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/jiostar-announces-plans-starting-at-15-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115326701.cms">JioStar announces plans starting at ₹15 – here’s everything you need to know</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know

<ul><li>Apple might be working on its thinnest iPhone yet</li><li>The device could be called the iPhone 17 Air</li><li>It might launch next year</li></ul> Right after iPhone 16 launched in September this year, the tech world started speculating about the iPhone 17 lineup. In the last two months, we have heard many rumours about the upcoming iPhone and the latest news is that it might introduce the thinnest iPhone ever, with just 6mm of thickness. If this turns out to be true, this iPhone might just set a new benchmark in smartphone design. As per reports, the device could be called the iPhone 17 Air and could see the light of day as soon as next year. Currently, the iPhone 6 holds the crown as Apple’s slimmest phone at 6.9mm, a record unchallenged since its release in 2014. Comparatively, the latest iPhone 16 Pro models measure 8.25mm, with the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus coming in at 7.8mm. If the rumours prove accurate, the iPhone 17 Air could represent a significant leap in Apple’s pursuit of minimalist aesthetics. Renowned Apple analyst Jeff Pu has supported the speculation surrounding the iPhone 17 Air, hinting at a revolutionary design approach. He suggests the device will feature an aluminium body, offering a lightweight alternative to the titanium-clad Pro models. The new material choice aligns with Apple’s reputation for blending sleekness with durability. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to come with a 6.6-inch display, designed to balance its ultra-slim form with a generous screen size. This makes it a compelling option for users who prioritise portability without compromising on visual experience. Performance enthusiasts might find plenty to admire in the iPhone 17 Air’s rumoured specifications. Reports suggest it will run on Apple’s 3-nanometer A19 chipset, potentially sharing the same architecture as the A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, this setup could deliver a seamless and powerful user experience. Apple’s commitment to photography innovation appears to extend to the iPhone 17 Air. The device is rumoured to feature a 48MP rear camera, which could provide sharp and vibrant image quality despite having a single lens. For selfie enthusiasts, a 24MP front-facing camera is anticipated, promising crisp and detailed shots. In keeping with Apple’s standards, the phone is expected to support Face ID, ensuring secure and convenient user authentication. Additionally, whispers of new Apple Intelligence features suggest the iPhone 17 Air might introduce advancements in AI-driven functionalities, enhancing usability and personalisation. If Apple follows its traditional release schedule, the iPhone 17 Air could make its debut in September 2025. However, as with all rumours, these features and specifications are subject to change. Apple’s official announcement will ultimately determine the final design and capabilities of this much-anticipated model. For now, the prospect of an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts, and all eyes will be on Apple as it potentially reshapes the smartphone landscape once again. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Apple could introduce the thinnest iPhone ever with iPhone 17 series, all we know

Bryan Johnson, a tech mogul turned biohacker, has embarked on an ambitious mission to reverse aging through his “Blueprint,” a meticulously designed regimen blending cutting-edge science, technology, and sheer willpower. He claims to have reduced his biological age by years, supported by epigenetic testing and biomarker tracking. His day-to-day life is a structured experiment in longevity that pushes the boundaries of health optimisation. <h2>Food and pills</h2>Johnson begins his day with a strict routine, starting with sleep. He adheres to a disciplined bedtime, relying on wearable tech to monitor his heart rate variability, sleep cycles, and recovery. This consistency is crucial, as quality sleep plays a significant role in cellular repair and cognitive function. His morning meals are a far cry from traditional breakfasts, featuring a nutrient-packed “Green Giant Smoothie” rich in collagen, creatine, and spermidine. Later, he consumes a “Super Veggie” blend of plant-based ingredients, chosen to minimise inflammation and support metabolic health Supplements are another cornerstone of his protocol, with Johnson taking over 100 pills daily, each targeting specific areas like stress reduction, energy optimisation, and anti-aging. Ingredients such as ashwagandha, nicotinamide riboside, and spermidine feature prominently, though some experts question the efficacy and necessity of such high quantities. His dietary and supplement strategy is paired with a high-tech exercise regimen designed to balance strength, endurance, and recovery. <h2>Biohacking and mental health</h2>Johnson’s dedication to data is perhaps the most striking aspect of his routine. Through wearable devices, blood tests, and even whole-body imaging, he tracks his biological markers to ensure that every action he takes has a measurable impact. Some of his practices venture into biohacking territory, such as red-light therapy and electrical stimulation, which aim to rejuvenate cells and promote tissue repair. He also prioritises mental health, integrating mindfulness practices and stress-reducing techniques into his day to complement his physical pursuits. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110256586" title="Longevity fanatic Bryan Johnson says &amp;#39;sleep is the new coffee&amp;#39;" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Johnson claims his lifestyle has reduced his biological age, evidenced by metrics like epigenetic tests. However, critics argue that such methods are expensive and not universally accessible. Many of his practices, while fascinating, come with the caveat that the science supporting them is still evolving. <h2>Skin injections and swallowing a camera</h2>Beyond his regimented diet and exercise routine, Bryan Johnson has embraced several unconventional and wacky practices in his quest to reverse aging. For instance, Johnson's skin regimen goes far beyond basic skincare. He undergoes intense and often painful skin rejuvenation treatments, claiming his skin now resembles that of a 20-something. This includes slathering on a variety of scientifically-formulated creams daily and utilising specialised therapies to stimulate collagen production and reverse aging effects. Recently however, after undergoing fat injections from a donor to restore facial volume lost due to extreme calorie restriction, Johnson suffered a severe allergic reaction, causing his face to swell to the point of temporary blindness. The treatment, part of his “Project Baby Face” initiative to stimulate natural fat growth without fillers, highlighted the importance of facial fat for a youthful appearance despite optimal biomarkers. Though the ordeal resolved in a week, Johnson remains undeterred, reformulating plans for future attempts to combat the effects of aging By collecting data from regular tests on his organs — such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and even reportedly swallowing a “baby carrot-sized” camera for internal imaging — he adjusts his lifestyle based on the "biological age" of each organ. He refers to this as allowing his organs to be their "best selves". <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="106352466" title="Millionaire Bryan Johnson who wants to live forever shares his recipes for anti-aging lunch and dessert" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>A surprising result of his extreme protocol has been what he describes as the reversal of graying hair. While not a confirmed or widely replicated outcome, Johnson claims he has stopped needing to dye his hair thanks to his strict diet, supplementation, and overall health strategy. All in all, Johnson tracks over 1,000 health metrics daily, making him arguably the "most measured man" alive. This includes monitoring biomarkers, oxygen efficiency, heart function, and even metrics as specific as his body's biological age compared to an average 18-year-old's. <h2>Can you try it (without breaking the bank)?</h2>While Johnson’s results are impressive, his methods are often critiqued for their accessibility and scientific backing. With an estimated $2 million annual cost, the Blueprint isn’t feasible for most people. Nevertheless, many of his principles — such as prioritising sleep, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and regular exercise — are scalable and can be adopted by individuals on a budget. <ul><li>Eat smarter: Focus on plant-based, nutrient-rich diets.</li><li>Exercise regularly: Even a brisk walk is better than none.</li><li>Prioritise sleep: Invest in a quality mattress or simply stick to a consistent bedtime.</li><li>Embrace mindfulness: Look for free apps that can help get you started.</li></ul>Bryan Johnson’s experiment has captured attention worldwide, not just for its audacity but also for its implications. His journey raises profound questions about the future of health and longevity. Is this the dawn of a new age in human optimisation, or merely a glimpse into the indulgences of the ultra-wealthy? Time and science will ultimately decide. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

From skin injections to swallowing a camera, here are some things Bryan Johnson has done to age in reverse

Delhi’s escalating pollution crisis has forced the government to implement work-from-home measures for half of its employees in an effort to reduce emissions, an ANI report says. Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the decision on Wednesday, citing the urgent need to address the alarming air quality levels in the national capital. The move comes as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the ‘severe’ category, recording a grim 424 on the pollution scale early Wednesday. This level far exceeds the World Health Organization’s safe threshold of 15 mg/m³ for PM2.5 exposure, leaving Delhi shrouded in a thick blanket of smog that has reduced visibility and posed significant health risks. Sharing the decision on his X handle, Rai wrote, “To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to work from home in government offices. 50 per cent employees will work from home.” He further announced a meeting with officials to finalise the implementation of this directive. This is not the government’s first attempt to combat pollution during critical periods. Rai revealed that the Delhi government had previously explored cloud seeding as a measure to induce artificial rain, which could help disperse the smog. However, efforts to convene an emergency meeting with central agencies for cloud seeding had been delayed, despite requests made since August. “Until the smog layer is broken, pollution levels will remain critical. We’ve banned older vehicles, restricted diesel buses and trucks from entering Delhi, and staggered office timings,” Rai said. Schools for grades 10 and 12 have also been closed, and the government is weighing the possibility of reintroducing the odd-even vehicle rule. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already activated the highest stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a halt to public construction projects, bans on trucks entering the city, and other stringent restrictions. Experts, however, remain divided on the impact of these measures, with concerns that they may not be enough to bring immediate relief. Despite the restrictions, PM2.5 levels in Delhi remain alarmingly high, raising fears of prolonged health hazards for its residents. As the crisis deepens, the Delhi government is seeking urgent collaboration with the central government and institutions like IIT Kanpur to deploy all possible measures, including cloud seeding. “We are continuously working on solutions within our reach, but we need coordinated action to make a significant difference,” Rai emphasized. For now, Delhiites brace themselves for the smog while hoping these measures provide some respite from the choking air enveloping their city. (with ANI inputs) <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Delhi's air quality worsens, 50% government employees turn to work-from-home

Nagpur: With the Maharashtra assembly polls underway on Wednesday, the young voters and first time electors in Nagpur appreciated the infrastructure development here, but raised concern over lack of job avenues and inflation. Some of them also raised the issue of women's security. A number of youth flocked the polling booths in Nagpur, located in the state's Vidarbha region, from early morning to exercise their democratic right. First-time voter Manswi Admane, an engineering student, carried a placard outside a polling booth with the message highlighting the need for women's safety. Ishita Tiwari, another first-time voter and a working professional, was quite disturbed when her name did not figure in the electoral rolls before the Lok Sabha elections held in May this year. But this time before the assembly polls, her joy knew no bounds when she received her voting card. Tiwari, who left for work after casting vote, said it was a good experience to exercise her franchise for the first time and she was very happy about it. Manzari Pinjarkar, an MBA student who voted in Nagpur, appreciated the present government's welfare schemes, but raised concern over layoffs in jobs and inflation. Pinjarkar said the government should work to address these problems. She also said everyone should vote as it their duty and responsibility. Vedant, a management course student who was one of the early voters, said he took time out of his exam preparation and came to exercise his democratic right. The student said that while voting, he kept in mind the development work done in the city as well as the image of candidates in his constituency.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />