Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> highlighted India's significant progress in electrification, <keyword id="23692737" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-accessibility" source="keywords">water accessibility</keyword>, and <keyword id="20879840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-empowerment" source="keywords">economic empowerment</keyword> during a fireside chat with John J Hamre, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington, DC. Highlighting the progress made in <keyword id="23003732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-electrification" source="keywords">rural electrification</keyword>, <keyword id="19916494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sitharaman" source="keywords">Sitharaman</keyword> highlighted that every village in India now has access to electricity. She noted that in 2014, many villages across India, including those near state capitals, lacked even basic infrastructure for electrification. She said "I don't think any village in India is unelectrified today. Households have received the connections. So, if I remember the situation in 2014, there were still many villages in many parts of India, some even very close to the state capital, provincial headquarters, without even a pole to receive the electric wires. Now, all that has been overcome. Houses have got their electricity." The Finance Minister also discussed the <keyword id="19971121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jal-Jeevan-Mission" source="keywords">Jal Jeevan Mission</keyword>, a program initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide tap water connections to every household. She explained, "Earlier, one tap water connection was provided to a village, from where everyone would take water to their home. But under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission,' each and every house gets a tap water connection." Sitharaman emphasized the positive impact of this initiative on health, sanitation, and convenience for millions of Indian families. Turning to the economic empowerment of <keyword id="20101496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="municipalities" source="keywords">municipalities</keyword> and urban centers, Sitharaman noted that these local governments are receiving increased autonomy and financial support. She explained that municipalities receive a portion of taxes collected by the central government, along with additional funds based on the Finance Commission's recommendations. "Over and above, today, we are enhancing their capacities to raise resources from the market. Municipalities are a very powerful instrument of economic development and they, on their own, are raising a lot of resources," she added. Sitharaman also expressed confidence in India's economic growth and its appeal to <keyword id="20632552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-investors" source="keywords">global investors</keyword>. "The policies are working, reforms are happening, and they shall continue to happen," she stated, adding that "greater liberalisation of the economy will be there and, in a way, we are accessing newer markets and speaking about the <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword> in more avenues and platforms that will attract more investors." With ongoing reforms and increased global engagement, Sitharaman noted, India is solidifying its position as a significant player on the world stage, expanding its economic reach and inviting foreign investment.

No village in India left without access to electricity, claims FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Market watchdog SEBI has come out with a consultation paper in a bid to ease the functioning of <keyword id="22476006" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ESG-Rating-Providers" source="keywords">ESG Rating Providers</keyword> (ERPs), pushing for the development of a <keyword id="23760035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="subscriber-pays-model" source="keywords">subscriber-pays model</keyword>. As of July 2024, nine ERPs are registered with SEBI to operate in the country. These include <keyword id="23760037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CRISIL-ESG-Ratings" source="keywords">CRISIL ESG Ratings</keyword> &amp; Analytics, ESG Risk Assessments and Ratings, GlobeTrend Climate Impact Institutional Investor Advisory Services, <keyword id="23760038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NSE-Sustainability-Ratings" source="keywords">NSE Sustainability Ratings</keyword> and Analytics, PGS Impact, Pragati Development Consulting, CARE ESG Ratings, and SES ESG Research. Per the paper's proposal, ERPs won't be required to disclose ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings to the bourses, provided they confirm that there is no non-public information that could potentially affect the rating. Another proposal was the simultaneous sharing of the ESG rating reports both to the rated companies and to the subscribers who pay to access these reports. ERPs should ensure that rated entities, their group companies, or associates cannot subscribe to their own ESG ratings, SEBI said in its consultation paper. Some of the other suggestions put forth by SEBI include: 1. Companies will have a specific timeframe to respond to the ESG report, and any such comments should be included in the report as an addendum. 2. In case the ERP does not agree with the remarks issued by the rated company, they can add their comments to the report as well. 3. ERPs can rate unlisted issuers or other products, provided they meet specific guidelines from relevant regulators. SEBI is receiving public comment on these proposals until November 15, 2024. <h2>Steady returns </h2>Of the 11 ESG mutual fund schemes available to Indian mutual fund investors, the Quant ESG Equity fund has generated the highest returns of about 45.44% over one year, data from ValueResearch showed. Simply put, had you invested Rs 10,000 every month in this fund for three years, you would have accumulated a corpus of Rs 5,47,525. Over three years, the returns on this fund come to around 26%. This was followed by the ICICI Pru ESG Exclusionary Strategy fund, which yielded 44.73% returns over the same period. However, over ultra-short terms, i.e., 1-3 months, ESG funds have largely delivered negative returns, underscoring their suitability only as a long-term investment avenue. Only the SBI ESG Exclusionary Strategy Direct Fund and Quantum ESG Best In Class Strategy Direct Fund have been around for 5 years, during which they have generated returns of about 16.67% and 18.7%, respectively. <keyword id="23760036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ESG-mutual-funds" source="keywords">ESG mutual funds</keyword> typically select and invest in companies that are ESG-compliant, i.e., who weave in environmental conversation, social welfare, and robust <keyword id="20392393" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="corporate-governance" source="keywords">corporate governance</keyword> practices into their working philosophy and work ethos, while simultaneously generating decent financial returns for stakeholders as well.

SEBI mulls measures to facilitate ease of doing business for ESG Rating Providers (ERPs)

Google's new report on <keyword id="19904566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="keywords">artificial intelligence</keyword> (AI) emphasizes responsible AI development and suggests recommendations for policymakers, companies, and civil society. The report titled "An AI Opportunity Agenda for India" outlines how artificial intelligence can drive <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword>, social progress and global leadership for the nation. The report says India with its rapidly growing economy, outstanding tech talent, young demography and vibrant start-up ecosystem, is poised to reap the immense benefits of artificial intelligence. A comprehensive and responsible approach to AI can unlock significant economic growth and societal progress in India. "The potential economic impact of AI in India is substantial - reports estimate that at least INR 33.8 lakh crore of economic value from <keyword id="20037918" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-adoption" source="keywords">AI adoption</keyword> can be achieved in India in 2030. While these achievements signify a promising beginning, unlocking the full potential of AI hinges on the strategic decisions we make today," says a Google's press release. The report suggests that to maximize the AI opportunity for India collaborative efforts are needed across government, industry, and civil society. They need to prioritise three key areas which include investments in infrastructure and innovation, building human capital and an AI-powered workforce and promoting wide adoption and universal accessibility. AI is already addressing some of the most pressing challenges like revolutionizing farming practices and improving <keyword id="20646060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare-access" source="keywords">healthcare access</keyword>. The <keyword id="20214323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture-sector" source="keywords">agriculture sector</keyword> is getting the benefits of AI through minimizing climate risks, optimizing productivity and sustainability, and providing access to real-time crop pricing information and early warning of potential crop threats. Many <keyword id="23569666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-powered-platforms" source="keywords">AI-powered platforms</keyword> are empowering farmers to boost crop yields and encourage sustainable practices. In the healthcare sector, AI is being used for better diagnosis, bigger access, and personalized care, especially for underserved communities. Google has partnered with <keyword id="23569667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ARMMAN" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ARMMAN" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="ARMMAN">ARMMAN</keyword> to use AI to identify women at risk of dropping out of their health information program, allowing for personalized interventions to improve maternal health outcomes. ARMAAN seeks to address the pervasive systemic problems underlying maternal and child mortality and morbidity in India.

AI adoption can unleash Rs 33.8 lakh crore of economic benefit to India in 2030: Google Report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Soula app has an AI chatbot, Dua, that aids mothers with postpartum depression support.</li><li>AI chatbots like Dua aim to reduce healthcare burdens and improve mental health access.</li></ul>Caring for a month-old newborn and two-year-old son felt overwhelming for LeRonika Francis.During her first postpartum period, Francis said she experienced a heavy wave of depression while dealing with a baby with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/parenting/why-is-my-newborn-crying">colic</a>. She ultimately sought the help of a counselor. It was not until her most recent pregnancy that she also started to use an AI chatbot on the fem-tech app Soula, which she said helped with reducing depressive symptoms and reassuring her about her mental health."It tells me: 'Welcome back, LeRonika. Your reactions are natural,'" said Francis, who is based in New Iberia, Louisiana.The AI chatbot called "Dua" also sent her some videos that she could watch about self-hugging, a practice that could reduce stress levels."I feel like Dua is there more than anything. It really showed me: OK, this is what you could do. Make sure you make time for yourself, too, because that's important as well," said Francis.Soula was co-founded by Natallia Miranchuk and Andrei Kulik, who conceptualized a 24/7 AI doula that could close the gap in mental health support for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Rather than replacing medical providers, apps such as Soula aim to increase broader access to maternal healthcare. Healthcare providers said that these apps could also help reduce the burden on the healthcare system, where wait times can be long and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-nurses-strike-labor-union-staffing-shortage-covid-2023-1">workers face burnout</a>.Business Insider spoke with OB/GYN doctors and doulas, who largely welcomed the rise in AI chatbots because they can make information more accessible to patients.According to data obtained from Sensor Tower, Soula now has more than 35,000 downloads. The startup has fundraised over $750,000 and is backed by investors such as Andrey Mikhaylyuk, the former vice president of product at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/unicorn-pitch-deck-flo-health-raises-200-million-series-c-2024-7">Flo Health</a>, a period tracking app.Miranchuk told BI that her experiences as a single mother of two and her work as a former maternity photographer inspired her to develop a supportive app for women. Initially conceptualized as a hub to connect doulas worldwide to those in need, the generative AI boom shifted the startup's focus to integrating a chatbot that could serve more populations."Women are shy to ask questions, even in the community, because they have the feeling that maybe 'as a mom, I should have known that, but I don't.' And she doesn't know where to go," Miranchuk said.The ease of customizing ChatGPT has spurred a wave of new AI-based chatbots like Soula. According to Sensor Tower, the companion apps <a target="_blank" href="http://Character.ai">Character.ai</a>, Talkie, and Paradot have more than 73 million collective downloads, soaring more than 130% between 2023 and 2024. AI therapy apps such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wysa-mental-health-startup-raises-fresh-vc-funding-expand-coverage-2021-5">Wysa</a> and Woebot received over 1 million downloads, the data said.Corenia Smith, director of the Birth Justice Collaborative in Minnesota, said that while popularizing tools like chatbots can help broaden healthcare access, it is important to avoid a "one size fits all" and ensure that AI can reflect the communities it serves."There are cultural practices that exist and have existed for thousands of years that people still use," Smith said. "A human could talk about all their experience and what they've seen and give referrals. When you reach that limitation with an AI, it has to have the ability to hand over care or make a referral in a way where people don't feel dropped."<h2 id="245c9b56-b4a4-4a1a-abbc-5f6bbf950f49">The role of a doula</h2>The AI chatbot Dua aims to function like a doula, providing mothers with information about the pregnancy experience during a time of transition.Doulas are trained professionals who can provide non-medical, continuous physical, emotional, and information support for women before, during, and after childbirth, helping to <a target="_blank" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10292163/">reduce</a> mental health-related morbidity for the mother and reduce infant mortality rates.Access to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/what-is-a-doula">doulas</a> can be costly. While there's Medicaid coverage for doulas in several states, not all private health insurance plans cover these expenses. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266613821003120">Long wait times and socioeconomic inequality</a> also contribute to increased levels of stress and lack of healthcare usage among mothers and pregnant people."Traditionally, it's been something that's been available only to folks with a lot of money and a lot of resources. The people that benefit the most from doula care are those that might not trust the healthcare system," said Dr. Devon Rupley, an attending physician and OB/GYN specialist at NYC Health. "That tends to be people of color who've had previously negative experiences with racism and bias that can really harm their experience in the healthcare system generally."Rupley added that using an AI healthcare app to address basic questions can allow patients to spend higher-quality time with doctors by asking high-level questions and discussing their healthcare issues.<div type="image" title="Dua, an AI chatbot, talks to the user with texts." height="3000" width="4000" msid="114502558" hostid="261" sizebytes="72158"></div><h2 id="7b015d0f-002f-4d99-8f8d-2ae73851d6bc">How to design an empathetic AI chatbot</h2>Soula enlisted real-life doulas to help train its chatbot and strike the right tone."We can't create it to be as personable as talking to a real-life person, but we can try to create that as much as possible," said Lexi Pacheco, a doula from Arizona who worked to help refine the dialogue in Soula's chatbot Dua. For $22 per hour, she helped improve the chatbot by using it "hand-in-hand" during her pregnancies, adding in her expertise.While asking questions on Google could yield more informational responses, Pacheco said mothers would want something that provided "more of that reassurance that Google wouldn't."For Armani Grant, a Soula user who became pregnant at 18, Google felt overwhelming. The chatbot allowed her to ask questions that she wouldn't feel comfortable asking her mother. Pacheco said many women she's worked with reported similar experiences."They might even feel incompetent to ask the question, which no woman should ever feel, but with my history of working with people, they definitely tend to revert to: I'm sorry, I'm asking this question for some reason, and that might just be because of the societal pressure that more medicalized doctors have put on people that they don't give the time and day to us," Pacheco said.The app isn't meant to completely replace a doula. Moreover, retention rates of AI healthcare chatbots can be low, said Johannes Eichstaedt, a computational social scientist and assistant professor of psychology at Stanford University. The high dropout rates for healthcare apps are "an elephant in the room," he said.At the same time, Pacheco said AI bots can help "calm nerves" and fill the gaps when patients feel they are "bothering" their healthcare providers."AI isn't like a healthcare provider to give you guidance, but it's supposed to be there to give you a little bit more comfort," Pacheco said.

The AI app Soula seeks to improve healthcare access for pregnant women

In the age of satellite-powered communication, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have rapidly grown into a crucial backbone for global <keyword id="21088925" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="internet-access" source="keywords">internet access</keyword> and communication networks. Companies like <keyword id="19905255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SpaceX" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="SpaceX" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="SpaceX">SpaceX</keyword> and <keyword id="19904608" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amazon" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> are racing to launch <keyword id="23169958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-constellations" source="keywords">satellite constellations</keyword> to bring high-speed connectivity to millions of people across the world, particularly in remote regions. However, as the number of satellites in orbit rises, a pressing question emerges: do we really need so many? Low-orbit satellites offer remarkable potential. Positioned just 100 to 1,200 miles above the Earth, these satellites can deliver fast, reliable communications by bouncing data from space to ground, circumventing the limitations of traditional infrastructure like cell towers. SpaceX’s Starlink, for example, currently operates more than 6,000 LEO satellites, with plans to add tens of thousands more. But why so many? The answer lies in a fundamental technological limitation: each satellite's antenna can only handle signals from one user at a time. To serve millions of users worldwide, companies like SpaceX have had to launch entire constellations of satellites, constantly orbiting the planet to provide continuous coverage. Each satellite is responsible for just a small patch of Earth, handing off signals from user to user, like a relay race across the skies. The result is a crowded, expensive race to space as constellations are technically complex, costly to launch and maintain and increasingly contribute to the risk of overcrowded orbits and <keyword id="20715750" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="space-debris" source="keywords">space debris</keyword>. <h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Overcrowded orbits </h2>Space, despite its vastness, is becoming a bit cramped — at least in the low-orbit band where these satellites reside. As companies deploy hundreds or even thousands of satellites, the risk of collisions grows. When satellites crash, they can break apart, generating debris that orbits the Earth at high speeds, threatening other satellites or spacecraft. The implications for future space travel, satellite operations, and even human exploration are serious. Each piece of debris could trigger a cascade of collisions, further cluttering space with hazardous fragments. While the possibility of debris crashing down to Earth remains slim, the growing risks in space have sparked discussions about the long-term sustainability of the satellite boom. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112780639" title="Space startup GalaxEye, started by IIT Madras alumni, eyes private satellite launch in 2025" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">A breakthrough: Fewer satellites, more efficiency </h2>But what if we didn't need so many satellites? A recent breakthrough in <keyword id="20354487" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-technology" source="keywords">satellite technology</keyword> could dramatically reduce the number of satellites required to provide global coverage. Researchers at Princeton University and Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan have developed a technique that allows a single satellite antenna to manage signals for multiple users simultaneously — something previously thought impossible for fast-moving, low-orbit satellites. Their method, described in a paper titled "Physical Beam Sharing for Communications with Multiple Low Earth Orbit Satellites," allows satellite antennas to split their signal beams without requiring additional hardware. This could mean fewer satellites are necessary to provide the same level of coverage, leading to smaller constellations and less crowded orbits. In practical terms, a conventional LEO satellite network may require around 70 to 80 satellites just to cover the United States. With this new technique, that number could drop to as few as 16, greatly reducing costs, complexity, and the likelihood of space debris. <h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">The future of space </h2>While the technology is still in its early stages, the potential is clear: fewer satellites, fewer risks, and less debris cluttering our atmosphere. This development doesn’t just offer cost savings — it also provides a more sustainable approach to the rapidly expanding satellite industry. Instead of the current approach, where the more satellites launched, the better, we might be entering a new era where the goal is to make satellite technology smarter and more efficient. By designing satellites capable of handling more tasks with less hardware, companies could still provide the coverage and connectivity the world needs, without overwhelming low-Earth orbit with debris. The answer to whether we do need these many satellites, thanks to new research, may soon be no. As satellite technology evolves, we could see the need for massive constellations decrease, ensuring a future where global communication needs are met without overcrowding the sky. As the world increasingly relies on space for essential services, from internet access to GPS navigation, finding a balance between technological innovation and environmental stewardship will be critical. We may not need more satellites — just better ones. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111747705" title="20 Starlink satellites rained down on Earth yesterday; turbulent space weather doomed mission recovery" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Do we really need so many satellites?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>AI and robotics are driving innovation in assistive technology.</li><li>But there's still work to be done to ensure that the tech is affordable and widely available.</li></ul>The first time Esther Klang tried the Atalante X, a self-balancing robotic exoskeleton, she was elated.Klang, who is quadriplegic, works with Fable, an accessibility-testing platform that pairs product developers and people with disabilities who test and give feedback on assistive technology.At first, Klang was skeptical. It took a few minutes for physical therapists to strap her into the exoskeleton. "It empowered me to stand up and walk independently for the first time in 18 years," she told Business Insider. She credited assistive technologies more broadly with saving her from "desperation and extremely dark thoughts."The Atalante X is made by Wandercraft, a company founded by a group of engineers in 2012 that develops mobility technologies. The exoskeleton recently gained attention when Kevin Piette, a Paralympic athlete, wore it to carry the Olympic torch.<div type="image" title="Kevin Piette wearing Wandercraft's robotic exoskeleton device and carrying the Olympic Torch on a street in Paris." height="853" width="1280" msid="114293346" hostid="261" sizebytes="96656"></div>The Atalante X is one of many game-changing developments in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-assistive-technology">assistive technologies</a>, a market predicted to exceed $12 billion by the end of 2036. Innovations like AI-powered or robotic mobility aids and communication tools are poised to transform everyday life for millions of people. But widespread adoption hinges on ensuring that the tech is affordable and reaches the people who need it.<h2 id="6b8634a2-d442-4b58-b920-512b06194598">Advancing rehabilitation</h2>Dr. Laurent Metz, Wandercraft's global chief medical officer, described the Atalante X as a "walking robot full of sensors." The exoskeleton uses AI to predict which motions are needed to keep the user upright and moving, translating these into commands that are sent to a series of motors. "It's an interactive process that's repeated a thousand times a second," Metz said.This process takes place in rehabilitation hospitals and walking centers across the US, Europe, and Brazil under the guidance of medical professionals. One rehabilitation center said it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/villa-beretta-rehabilitation-research-innovation-institute_prof-matteo-parsani-during-a-training-session-activity-7188120806672003073-f1UX/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">conducted 750 sessions with more than 60 patients</a> in just over nine months and that its patients had taken more than a million steps in the Atalante X.Wandercraft is preparing to move out of hospitals and launch a personal exoskeleton. While the company hasn't provided a timeline for the tech, its work is part of efforts to expand the availability and capabilities of assistive technology.ReWalk Robotics has also been modifying an at-home exoskeleton to help users mount stairs and curbs. The exoskeleton was approved for personal use in 2014, but until recently it could be used only on flat ground. ReWalk says the modifications are designed to make more daily environments and activities accessible to people with spinal-cord injuries.<h2 id="5b8f2dff-a16f-4f8d-a003-2319b441fd59">Assistive tech for everyday use</h2>Accessibility technologies are already being used in homes nationwide. "You probably don't think of a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-robot-vacuum">Roomba vacuum </a>cleaner as an assistive technology, but it is," said Elaine Schaertl Short, an assistant professor of computer science at Tufts University.While the tech can be a quick fix for people who don't have time to vacuum, Short said, it also aids those with physical challenges. "I also have a mobility impairment, so vacuuming isn't the best use of my energy — I have this robot do it for me," she said.Other assistive technologies are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virtual-reality-physical-therapy-pain-relief-coordination-exercises-2024-8">redefining accessibility and mobility</a>. For example, the Tatum T1, developed by Tatum Robotics, is a robotic hand designed to translate live voice and text output into American Sign Language. And Chronus Robotics has developed Kim-e, what it calls a hands-free "invisible wheelchair" with an adjustable seat that can be raised to standing height.Robotics are also advancing the capabilities of prosthetic limbs. Dani Clode, an augmentation designer based in the UK, has worked alongside neuroscientists for several years to create and fine-tune <a target="_blank" href="https://www.daniclodedesign.com/thethirdthumb">the Third Thumb</a>, which she describes as a "flexible, 3D printed thumb extension for the hand."<div type="image" title="Person looking sideways at the Third Thumb device attached to their right hand." height="3394" width="4751" msid="114293347" hostid="261" sizebytes="252202"></div>Clode said developing the Third Thumb was a trial-and-error process, involving "several iterations and prototypes, refining both the mechanical design and the wireless control system." The tech was the result of Clode's quest to "design something that could be an extension of the body, accessible to everyone."<h2 id="91e6fa93-4c34-4672-9b64-06447b95f8f9">The road to accessibility</h2>While there are small-scale examples of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-does-a-personal-assistant-robot-cost-roomba-humanoid-2023-12">assistive robots</a> offering help in the house, technologies like robotic exoskeletons, limbs, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_1043333_en.html">guide dogs</a> have a long way to go before they become widespread.In the meantime, researchers like Short and product testers like Klang work alongside engineers to ensure that marginalized people are factored into the development process.Klang said it's crucial that product-development teams "listen to and incorporate the insights of people with disabilities" as early in the process as possible. "We know what works for us and what doesn't," she added, describing it as "deeply frustrating" when products claim to be accessible but fall short.Assistive technologies can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. That's a problem for many Americans with disabilities, whom the National Disability Institute has found are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/disability-race-poverty-in-america.pdf">more likely than their able-bodied counterparts to live below the poverty line</a>.Short said she's confident that prices will decrease. Fifteen years ago, assistive robots like the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/a-look-back-at-willow-garage-2016-2">PR2</a>, which is no longer available, cost about $400,000. Now, similar tech — such as the Stretch 3 by Hello Robot — is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://hello-robot.com/stretch-3-product">available online for $25,000</a>. "It's still not accessible to most people," she said, "but it's an improvement."Still, Short told BI she considers most robots to be decades away from reaching the American home.Short said she urges tech developers to consider "nonnormative users," or people who aren't able-bodied. Short pointed to the cellphone as an example of how technology can evolve to serve a wider range of users. "This is an incredible piece of assistive technology, but it wasn't invented for disabled people," she said. "There was a lot of catch-up work that had to happen on accessibility, but that work transformed a cellphone into something that could be used as assistive technology."While accessibility improvements take time, they can result in meaningful progress. Klang said her experience with the Atalante X has been life-changing.Klang credits assistive technologies with enabling her to walk independently, adding that her work as an advocate and consultant for disabled communities feels life-affirming."I'm filled with anticipation for the continuous and rapid advancements in the assistive technologies which have significantly enriched my life," Klang said.

Robots and AI-powered assistive tech are poised to transform accessibility and mobility   

A team of environmental scientists and physical limnologists has published a fascinating study that may provide a scientific explanation for one of the most famous stories in the Bible: Jesus’ miraculous “multiplication” of fish. This research investigates natural events that may have created an abundance of fish in <keyword id="23812630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lake-kinneret" source="keywords">Lake Kinneret</keyword>, also known as the Sea of Galilee, without any need for divine intervention. <h2>The story behind the miracle</h2>The New Testament recounts two instances where Jesus multiplied a small amount of food to feed the hungry. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells Simon Peter to cast his nets in the Sea of Galilee, leading to an overwhelming catch of fish. In the Gospel of John, Jesus supposedly turned a few loaves of bread and a handful of fish into a meal for thousands of followers. For nearly two millennia, Christians have interpreted these events as miracles, showcasing Jesus’ divine power. But could there have been a natural phenomenon behind these "miraculous" catches? The new study doesn’t aim to discredit these ancient accounts but rather to explore what might have been happening in the lake at the time. Using a range of modern scientific techniques, the research team examined Lake Kinneret’s unique conditions to see if there might be another reason for these “miraculous” catches of fish. <h2>What happens in Lake Kinneret</h2>The researchers found that Lake Kinneret is naturally stratified, with two distinct layers of water: a warmer, oxygen-rich upper layer, where most fish reside, and a colder, oxygen-poor lower layer. Normally, these two layers remain separate, but every once in a while, a unique combination of environmental conditions causes them to mix. This phenomenon, known as “thermal stratification,” results in a sudden and dangerous depletion of oxygen throughout the lake, leaving fish unable to breathe at any level of the water. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114938626" title="&amp;quot;Sugar early in life is the new tobacco&amp;quot;: Scientists urge food companies to reformulate baby foods and tax sugary options" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>When this mixing happens, the fish die off en masse and float to the surface. To someone on the shore, this could look like an abundance of fish suddenly appearing, ready for easy collection. Imagine standing by the lake as hundreds or even thousands of fish rise to the surface — the scene could easily inspire stories of miraculous bounty. <h2>A coincidence or a miracle?</h2>To investigate the phenomenon, the research team deployed temperature sensors, oxygen metres, and even tested wind speed and direction in the lake. These instruments confirmed that Lake Kinneret experiences regular die-offs of fish due to stratification, followed by these mass appearances of fish near the surface. According to their findings, similar environmental conditions existed around the time of Jesus, making it possible that such a die-off event occurred then, too. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114885489" title="A 14-year-old took home $10,000 for his award-winning investigation into train derailments. Here&amp;#39;s what he found." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The team’s research also indicated that strong winds across the lake could drive oxygen-poor waters to the surface, killing off fish in greater numbers. They observed that specific types of fish in Lake Kinneret are especially prone to this kind of die-off and tend to end up along the shore, where they could be easily collected by a hungry populace. While the study’s findings don’t rule out the possibility of miracles, they suggest that at least some of the stories of miraculous catches might be explained by natural processes. If Jesus and his disciples happened to be fishing in Lake Kinneret during one of these die-offs, the sudden appearance of fish may have seemed miraculous. From a modern perspective, it’s a reminder that ancient people often attributed unusual natural events to divine intervention simply because they lacked the scientific knowledge we have today. Rather than taking away from the significance of these stories, the scientific findings highlight the powerful ways in which natural events can intersect with human experience, shaping beliefs and narratives that endure through millennia. The findings of this research have been published in Water Resources Research and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024WR037894">here</a>.

How did Jesus 'multiply' his fish? A new study provides an answer that is more science than miracle

<ul class="summary-list"><li>GM is the latest company to get access to Tesla's Superchargers.</li><li>Most major automakers said last year they would adopt Tesla's NCAS.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chevrolet-ready-to-close-gap-with-tesla-silverado-equinox-2024-5">General Motors</a> is the latest car company to grant its drivers access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network.The company announced Wednesday that GM electric vehicle drivers, including those from brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac, can charge at any of Tesla's 17,800 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-supercharger-map">Supercharger</a> stations using a $225 adapter. This is the latest move by GM to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ev-charging-stations-explained-levels-plugs-tesla-supercharger-2022-12">improve charging access</a> for its EV customers. With the addition of the Supercharger network, GM drivers can now charge at more than 231,800 Level 2 and DC fast chargers across North America, according to the Detroit-based automaker.That number is expected to grow even more in the coming months as GM expands its network of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gm-ev-chargers-look-like-gas-stations-2024-9">public charging stations with EVgo</a>. Earlier in September, the companies announced they are working together on a network of fast-charging hubs that will look and operate like gas stations (minus the gas). These back-to-back charging announcements from GM should signal to customers that the Detroit car company is committed to improving the public charging experience, said GM Energy Vice President Wade Sheffer."It is our intent to be the leader in providing fast, convenient, and safe charging in the public infrastructure," Sheffer told Business Insider.<h2 id="cb4e0e8a-ed18-4c61-a275-f9d027c4619c">Car companies working together is rare — but necessary for EV charging</h2>GM was among the many car companies that partnered with Tesla last year to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NCAS). Crosstown rival <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-to-bring-supercharger-network-to-rival-ford-musk-says-2023-5">Ford was the first to join Tesla</a> on NCAS in May 2023, and companies like GM, Rivian, Volvo, and BMW later followed suit.Adoption has been slow, however, as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gm-recruiter-wants-to-hire-interns-impacted-by-tesla-cuts-2024-5">Tesla shrank its Supercharger team</a> earlier this year. GM is only the third company to gain access after Ford and Rivian drivers started using Superchargers earlier this year.Efforts to patch holes in the US charging infrastructure have been haphazard over the past decade, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ev-charging-range-improving-americans-still-dont-want-electric-cars-2024-9">access to public charging</a> on longer drives has long been a pain point for electric vehicle drivers.The last few years have seen rapid improvements, with the number of charging stations in the US more than doubling since 2020 and $7.5 billion in promised federal funding for 500,000 new EV stations by 2030.In the meantime, though, Sheffer says otherwise aggressive competitors will have to work together to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/electric-vehicle-range-ev-charging-station-infrastructure-issues-2024-5">solve the charging problem</a>."Even though there is fierce competition when it comes to our vehicles, we can all align on wanting to provide the best charger experience for our customers collectively," Sheffer told Business Insider.

GM's EV drivers are finally getting access to the Tesla Supercharger network

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Elon Musk's X says it inadvertently restored access to the platform in Brazil on Wednesday.</li><li>The social media network changed network providers, causing a temporary service restoration.</li></ul><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk">Elon Musk's</a> X says it accidentally restored temporary access to the social media platform in Brazil on Wednesday, just weeks after it was banned in the country. The company's Global Government Affairs account <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GlobalAffairs/status/1836567745229365552">posted</a> on Wednesday night that it had changed network providers, resulting in "an inadvertent and temporary service restoration to Brazilian users."The post said, "While we expect the platform to be inaccessible again shortly, we continue efforts to work with the Brazilian government to return very soon for the people of Brazil."The Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers (ABRINT) said in a <a target="_blank" href="https://abrint.com.br/nota-sobre-o-funcionamento-do-aplicativo-x/">statement</a> on Wednesday that access to the platform was temporarily restored following an overnight update.X users who had the app on their phone in Brazil got an automatic update, ABRINT said, which meant they were now accessing X via an IP addresses linked to cybersecurity firm Cloudfare. This made "blocking the app much more complicated," the country's trade group for internet service providers added. However, Basílio Rodriguez Pérez, an advisor to ABRINT, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4dn4z02emo">told the BBC</a> that X's actions seemed intentional. "Everything that happened during the day led us to believe that it was on purpose," Pérez said. The incident comes amid a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-brazil-x-ban-feud-content-moderation-free-speech-2024-9#:~:text=Musk%20closed%20X%20offices%20in,a%20legal%20representative%20for%20X.">feud between Musk and Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes</a> that centers around content moderation concerns and free speech. X initially agreed to remove over 100 accounts flagged for hate speech, misinformation, and attacks on democracy but <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GlobalAffairs/status/1776729732970594483">said</a> it would "challenge the orders legally when possible."Musk then said in April that he was reversing the restrictions, saying in an X post that "principles matter more than profit." Moraes responded that Musk would face a hefty fine each time an account was reactivated, French news outlet AFP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20240408-brazil-supreme-court-judge-orders-probe-on-elon-musk-for-censorship">reported</a>.Moraes also said the billionaire would be investigated for obstruction of justice after refusing to remove the accounts and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-defies-brazil-order-to-block-x-accounts-2024-4">content related to far-right groups</a>. X was then banned in Brazil last month following an order from Moraes. In response, Musk closed X's Brazil offices and refused to comply with an order to name a legal representative in the country.The Supreme Court judge threatened Brazilians with daily fines of about $8,900 if they <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vpn-demand-surges-brazil-x-banned-legal-threats-fines-2024-9">tried to bypass the ban by using VPNs</a> to access the platform, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/31/technology/x-blocked-brazil-reactions.html">The New York Times</a> reported.X didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours.

X users in Brazil temporarily regained access. Elon Musk's company says it was accidental.

<keyword id="20812331" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="telecom-service-provider" source="keywords">Telecom service provider</keyword> <keyword id="19951944" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharti-Airtel" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharti Airtel" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bharti Airtel">Bharti Airtel</keyword> on Friday denied reports of any breach of its <keyword id="19966946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="customer-data" source="keywords">customer data</keyword> and said that such a claim was a desperate attempt to tarnish the brand's image. "There has been a report alleging that <keyword id="19896909" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airtel" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Airtel" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Airtel">Airtel</keyword> customer data has been compromised. This is nothing short of a desperate attempt to tarnish Airtel's reputation by vested interests. We have done a thorough investigation and can confirm that there has been no breach whatsoever from Airtel systems," the telco said in a statement. The statement comes after an account named 'xenZen' on the dark web claimed to have access to the latest database of over 375 million Airtel India customers, including phone number, email address, parents name, and government IDs including Aadhar, and put it up for sale. "The original threat actor that made the claim has been banned from the hacking forum for scamming people," sources from Airtel told PTI. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111304902.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111304902.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in July 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms" target="_blank">HP Envy x360 14 review – feature-packed laptop with a sleek design</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-razr-50-ultra-flip-phone-launched-in-india-for-99999/slidelist/111504950.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-razr-50-ultra-flip-phone-launched-in-india-for-99999/slidelist/111504950.cms" target="_blank">Motorola Razr 50 Ultra flip phone launched in India for ₹99,999</a>

Reports of data breach desperate attempt to tarnish brand's image: Airtel

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="19921999" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Education-Department" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Education Department" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Education Department">Education Department</keyword> said student-loan company MOHELA failed to process <keyword id="23618290" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="borrower-applications" source="keywords">borrower applications</keyword> for <keyword id="23618289" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="income-driven-repayment" source="keywords">income-driven repayment</keyword> plans.</li><li>The department is not assigning new accounts to MOHELA until it corrects its actions.</li></ul>The Education Department notified <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fire-student-loan-company-mohela-remove-borrowers-from-roster-biden-2024-5">student-loan company MOHELA</a> on Tuesday that it would be facing penalties for failing to perform the servicing obligations required in its contract. According to a document from the Education Department reviewed by Business Insider, MOHELA has failed to process over 460,000 applications for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans, preventing those borrowers from accessing more affordable <keyword id="23618291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monthly-payments" source="keywords">monthly payments</keyword>. The department also said Mohela had failed to stop capitalizing interest on borrowers' accounts, incorrectly marked some borrowers for negative credit reporting, and failed to process forgiveness in a timely manner for borrowers who met the threshold. "The Department continues to take swift action in response to errors that cause confusion or unnecessary difficulty for borrowers," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told BI in a statement. "<keyword id="23618292" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="federal-student-aid" source="keywords">Federal Student Aid</keyword> has determined, through its oversight of federal <keyword id="21652556" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="student-loan" source="keywords">student loan</keyword> servicers, that MOHELA has not consistently met the Department's standards for serving borrowers. MOHELA's continued challenges have resulted in less-than-satisfactory quality of servicing for borrowers." The Education Department requested that MOHELA provide a "corrective action plan" within 10 business days, Cardona said, along with weekly meetings with Federal Student Aid to review the servicer's performance . In the meantime, the department will not assign new borrower accounts to MOHELA until it can demonstrate that it can properly serve borrowers, which could impact the servicer's revenue. A Mohela spokesperson told BI that the servicer "is surprised by FSA's sudden change in direction and communication" after the Education Department recently gave it new borrower accounts. "As one of FSA's critical partners and contractors, MOHELA has and will continue to work closely with FSA," the spokesperson said. Since <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/student-loan-repayment-issues-debt-relief-broken-industry-2023-9">student-loan payments resumed last October</a> after an over three-year pause, MOHELA has been under scrutiny from the Education Department, lawmakers, and advocates over its handling of borrowers' accounts. It was the first servicer to receive a punishment from the department last year — on October 30, 2023, the department <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/student-loan-company-mohela-late-statements-borrowers-biden-withholding-pay-2023-10">withheld $7.2 million in pay from MOHELA</a> over its failure to deliver on-time billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers. This is the second time Mohela has faced changes to the accounts it manages.In April, the Education Department transferred over 1 million borrowers to new servicers to allow for borrowers to have "the best service." This is the second penalty MOHELA has faced this year.In January, the department <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/student-loan-borrowers-missing-billing-statements-servicers-punishment-nelnet-mohela-2024-1">withheld pay from the remaining three major federal servicers</a> over failure to deliver on-time billing statements to borrowers. Still, MOHELA has remained in the spotlight as borrowers have continued to report challenges with the servicer, prompting Sen. Elizabeth Warren to hold a hearing in April over the servicer's performance and later calling for the Education Department to consider terminating the servicer's contract altogether. 'We've organized, we've held hearings, we've done everything possible to hold these student loan servicers accountable for their misconduct," Warren <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/student-loan-borrowers-fire-their-servicer-elizabeth-warren-mohela-navient-2024-9">previously told BI</a>. "And it's beginning to bite. Last year, the department released <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/student-loan-borrowers-bad-customer-service-education-department-oversight-repayment-2023-11">an accountability framework</a> that outlined enforcement actions it would take over servicers who failed to meet their obligations. It's unclear what action the department will take next over MOHELA if it does not correct its actions. Correction: October 18, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated one of the Education Department's accusations against Mohela. The department said the company had failed to process forgiveness in a timely manner for borrowers who met the threshold. The story was also updated to clarify who the Mohela spokesperson said was "surprised by FSA's sudden change in direction and communication." It was Mohela, not the Education Department.

A major student-loan company is being punished for preventing over 460,000 borrowers from accessing cheaper monthly payments

<keyword id="21354159" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-government-bonds" source="keywords">Indian Government Bonds</keyword> are set to be included in the JP Morgan Government Bond Index, <keyword id="20036608" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Emerging-Market" source="keywords">Emerging Market</keyword> (GBI-EM) from June 28. The inclusion will take place over a period of 10 months starting June 28, 2024, through to March 31, 2025. India will have a 1% weightage in the <keyword id="19967624" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JPMorgan" source="keywords">JPMorgan</keyword> Emerging Market (EM) Bond index, which will gradually rise to 10% over a 10-month period, at an inclusion rate of about 1% weight per month. The inclusion is estimated to bring $20-25 billion of inflows into the Indian bond market. However, India's index-eligible bonds have already attracted $10 billion since the inclusion was announced in September last year. On September 21, 2023, Global index provider JPMorgan announced that it would include Indian government's bonds in its emerging market indices. Only Indian government bonds issued by the Reserve Bank of India (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>) under the <keyword id="12313402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fully-Accessible-Route" source="Orion">Fully Accessible Route</keyword> (FAR) will be included in the indices. All FAR-designated IGBs maturing after December 31, 2026, will be eligible to be included in the JPMorgan Emerging Market (EM) Bond index. In the post-monetary policy press conference on June 7, RBI Governor <keyword id="6359111" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shaktikanta-Das" source="Orion">Shaktikanta Das</keyword> said the central bank is not worried about the big <keyword id="20072947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-fund-inflows" source="keywords">foreign fund inflows</keyword> from global bond inclusion. "The RBI has a number of instrumentalities to manage the flows. We have managed it in the past and we will manage it in future also. No worries on that," Das said. Experts believe the index inclusion-related heavy flows is likely to boost demand for Indian government securities in the current fiscal, once short-term liquidity issues in certain papers get sorted. Vishal Gupta, Co-founder of IndiaBonds.com says the inclusion of Indian government bonds in JP Morgan Index is a watershed moment for the <keyword id="22201110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fixed-income-markets" source="keywords">fixed-income markets</keyword> in India. "This compulsorily puts Indian bond markets on the radar of global bond investors and although initial investments are supposed to be to the tune of $25-30 billion, index inclusion paves the way for this number to keep growing in the next few years," said Vishal Gupta. Gupta further added that it is important to grow the investor base for any market, and index inclusion helps in expanding the number of players, which further benefits everyone in the form of additional market liquidity. "Global investors have been looking to allocate capital to emerging markets given their reluctance to invest in other large countries like Russia or China in the past couple of years. Hence, the timing of this index inclusion is also almost perfect. I reckon investments will start via government bonds initially, but filter into AAA to lower credit ratings as well in the years to come", he continued.

Indian government bonds to be included JP Morgan Govt bond Index from June 28

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="20241342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="buck" source="keywords">Buck</keyword> and <keyword id="23582845" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gracie-close" source="keywords">Gracie Close</keyword> are funding a basic income program for victims of unjust policing.</li><li>They view the program as a form of reparations for their family's history as slave owners.</li></ul>Buck and <keyword id="23582843" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gracie" source="keywords">Gracie</keyword> <keyword id="20071130" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="close" source="keywords">Close</keyword> aren't shy about their family history. The siblings, both in their 70s, are the descendants of slave owners who operated lucrative cotton mills in South Carolina. "We were raised with the myth of the Old South and how wonderful everybody was, and kind, and family-like with the slaves that they did hold," Gracie Close, a 72-year-old based in Washington state, told Business Insider. "The role of slavery in creating generational wealth was not something that we discussed or thought about growing up," said Buck Close, who is 74 and now resides in Louisiana. "We were always immersed in the valor of the Old South. At that time we were, anyways." The two siblings are now privately funding a yearlong basic income program in Louisiana focused on transferring wealth to people who were victims of racist policing, an act they view as a form of reparations. The Truth and Reconciliation Project was brought to life by the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, which selected 12 people who were "survivors of police misconduct who did not receive restitution in the courts," the ACLU of Louisiana website says. Program recipients told the ACLU they had spent thousands of dollars on court and legal fees while trying to fight charges and clear their names. Since November 2023, each recipient has received $1,000 a month in no-strings-attached payments. They also get access to free financial coaching, mental health counseling, and legal expungement services. The monthly checks will conclude this month, but the services will continue being offered for at least another year. "Those services were very important," Gracie said. "I think it puts a foundation under them that they've never had access to before." In a progress report after the program's sixth month, recipients of the guaranteed monthly income said they had better access to healthier food and basic necessities (such as transportation, housing, and healthcare). They were also significantly more comfortable withstanding surprise expenses. "I am proud of the GMI program we funded at the ACLU and look forward to the culmination of it in December. We will get to spend a day with the recipients and hear how they feel it has worked for them," Gracie said. <h2>Unraveling generations of hard truths</h2>In 2019, Buck, a donor to the ACLU of Louisiana, met for coffee with <keyword id="23582844" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maggy-baccinelli" source="keywords">Maggy Baccinelli</keyword>, a senior director. They stayed in touch and continued their conversations in the following years. "She started talking about the roots of your generational wealth. She brought the subject up, and that was the spark, really, for me," Buck said. "I was very acquainted with racism and the evils of that. But I never focused on the history of my own family." Buck and Gracie grew up on the property of the White Homestead in Fort Mill, which is the site of the last full meeting of the Confederate Cabinet in 1865, according to the family's archives and The Rock Hill Herald, a local newspaper. While it wasn't a secret to Buck and Gracie that their generational wealth had been earned using slave labor centuries prior, it also wasn't something that they felt they had taken accountability for as a family. "I don't think my mother and father hid anything from us. I think this was just the milieu of the South at that time. Nobody was questioning the methods by which ancestors had become prosperous," Buck said. At the ACLU of Louisiana, Baccinelli and her colleagues started "discussing what it would be like to go deeper into the family history and to study the arc of slavery to mass incarceration and overlay the family history onto that arc," Baccinelli told BI. "We presented to Buck our idea about it, and he agreed, and he said that he wanted to invite his sister, Gracie, to participate," she said. With funding from Buck, the ACLU hired a genealogist to research the Close family history, including records of people their ancestors had purchased and enslaved. "It is time to spread the wealth and admit responsibility for our ancestors' participation in slavery," said Gracie, who noted she acts out of responsibility rather than guilt. "To work for justice today, we have to consider our past." In November, the two siblings <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.newsweek.com/learning-truth-reconciling-past-deep-south-opinion-1847646">published an op-ed</a> urging other descendants of slave owners to take similar action to investigate their pasts. <h2>Basic income as a form of reparations</h2>When considering how to address past wrongs, Buck and Gracie "latched on" to the idea of a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-opposition-discriminatory-universal-basic-income-argument-2024-4">guaranteed basic income</a>. Small-scale <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/los-angeles-guaranteed-basic-income-pilot-ubi-partner-violence-employment-2024-7">guaranteed basic income programs</a> have sprouted around the country in recent years, inspired in part by the success of pandemic-era cash handouts. These basic income programs offer unrestricted cash payments to specific groups of vulnerable low-income residents for a limited time period. The programs differ from a universal basic income, which would offer regular cash payments to all residents regardless of their financial status. "Our goal is to try to transfer wealth gained by us through the enslavement of others to descendants of the enslaved," Buck said. "So it fit that marker pretty well." American police systems can trace their <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-police-in-the-us-photos-2020-6">roots back to slave patrols</a>, Baccinelli said. "The reason why it's reparations is because policing started in the 1600s as slave patrols," Baccinelli said. "That's the beginning of the arc to where we are now, and so we see racist and unconstitutional policing as a vestige of slavery. I would venture to bet that every person in the program is a descendant of somebody who was enslaved, but I don't have confirmation on that." To that end, Buck and Gracie hope to establish a similar reparations-based program in South Carolina, the site of their ancestral home, that "transfers wealth from us as descendants of enslavers to other people who were descendants of the enslaved." "We're optimistic," Buck said. October 13, 2024 — A previous version of this story misstated where Buck and Gracie Close are from and what their future plans are. They are from Fort Mill, South Carolina, not North Carolina. In the future, they hope to implement a reparations-based program in South Carolina, not a basic income program.

You Searched For "access providers" and got 13 results

No village in India left without access to electricity, claims FM Nirmala Sitharaman

ANI

SEBI mulls measures to facilitate ease of doing business for ESG Rating Providers (ERPs)

Ira Alok Puranik

AI adoption can unleash Rs 33.8 lakh crore of economic benefit to India in 2030: Google Report

ANI

The AI app Soula seeks to improve healthcare access for pregnant women

Helen Li

Do we really need so many satellites?

Ashmita Gupta

Robots and AI-powered assistive tech are poised to transform accessibility and mobility

Jake Hall

How did Jesus 'multiply' his fish? A new study provides an answer that is more science than miracle

BI India Bureau

GM's EV drivers are finally getting access to the Tesla Supercharger network

Nora Naughton

X users in Brazil temporarily regained access. Elon Musk's company says it was accidental.

Jyoti Mann

Reports of data breach desperate attempt to tarnish brand's image: Airtel

PTI

A major student-loan company is being punished for preventing over 460,000 borrowers from accessing cheaper monthly payments

Ayelet Sheffey

Indian government bonds to be included JP Morgan Govt bond Index from June 28

ANI

A basic income program funded by descendants of slave owners provides $1,000 a month as a form of reparations

Katie Balevic

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides