India was a much dimmer country before 2016. Not in terms of lights or minds — of which we certainly boast no dearth — but in the vast number of smartphone users that remained muffled under the oft-unreachable cost of network and <keyword id="22362423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-prices" source="keywords">data prices</keyword>. Then <keyword id="19906886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio" source="keywords">Jio</keyword> entered the market, and nothing was ever the same. With the price of 1GB of data the same as a packet of chips, browsing the internet was no longer just a luxury exclusive to urban residents. The massive disruption that <keyword id="19896911" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Jio" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> wrenched into reality with its hyper-competitive prices paid off well, with the company commanding 35% of the market a mere five years after launch. Meanwhile, a struggle to compete with private players eroded the government telecommunication firm <keyword id="19970536" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BSNL" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BSNL" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BSNL">BSNL</keyword> to a paltry shade of its former glory. By 2019, reports showed that <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47537201">India had the cheapest mobile data</a> in the world. However, fast forward about eight years since Jio’s launch, and we seem to be on the brink of a nationwide preference reversal. Earlier this month, Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone announced massive <keyword id="20635946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tariff-hikes" source="keywords">tariff hikes</keyword> in their prepaid and postpaid plans, increasing data rates by around 30% in some cases. Further, the telcos even removed the ‘unlimited 5G’ features from many of the more affordable plans. These changes, quite understandably, did not sit well with the networks’ users, many of whom had become dependent on <keyword id="164095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-data" source="Orion">mobile data</keyword> for daily work. <h2>Netizens call for boycott of private providers</h2>As a result, #JioBoycott quickly began to make rounds on social media. Many also advocated for a move towards BSNL, as evidenced by the ‘BSNL ki ghar wapsi’ trend, noting how the state-owned telecom company had far cheaper plans compared to these private organisations. However, BSNL has suffered from a shrinking subscriber base for years now, a pattern stemming from many factors, such as an inability to keep up with advancements in technology. For instance, the company is still working on the rollout of its pan-India <keyword id="20280303" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="4G-network" source="keywords">4G network</keyword>, while private players such as Jio not only have the same established but have also deployed next-gen <keyword id="20041753" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="5G-services" source="keywords">5G services</keyword> in hundreds of cities. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111331794" title="Reliance Jio and Airtel price hike – new plans and how you can save money" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, BSNL has since taken matters into their own hands and has offered two new affordable plans in a bid to push unsure netizens back into their backyard. In response, Jio quietly introduced three new ‘True Unlimited Upgrade’ add-on plans. As the second network war grinds into gear, let’s look at whether the decision to port to BSNL will prove to be a good one. <h2>BSNL pricing and comparison</h2>From a price standpoint, BSNL certainly seems like the best choice. While Jio, Airtel, and Vi all provide monthly data packs for Rs 299, a similar BSNL pack — with arguably better features — only costs Rs 199. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111512587" title="Jio vs Airtel vs Vi recharge plans comparison – plan benefits and price comparison after tariff hike" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Further, the state-owned network has introduced a new plan for Rs 249, which allows for 2 GB of internet usage per day for 45 days. For comparison, a similar Rs 249 plan from Jio and Airtel only allows 1 GB for 28 days. Vi allows a slightly higher per day usage at 1.5 GB, but still falls short of the BSNL precedent. All of these packs come with unlimited calls and the same number of SMS allowances. <h2>How fast is BSNL compared to other providers?</h2>If you’re downloading a ton of stuff, go for BSNL. However, if you need it done quickly, you’re probably better off with another provider. As per data published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in 2022, Jio continues to lead the pack with an average 4G download speed of 21.21 mbps. VIL and Bharti Airtel follow at 17.9 mbps and 13.7 mbps. Our underdog BSNL caps out at 6.1 mbps. However, the gap is significantly smaller when it comes to upload speed. While VIL takes the lead this time at 8.2 mbps, the remaining private providers clocked somewhere between 7.3 and 6.1 mbps. BSNL, once again, was the slowest at 5.1 mbps. It may also be notable that the post-cap speed — the speed after you reach your daily data limit — is slightly higher for private providers. While Jio and Airtel provide a post-cap speed of 64 Kbps, BSNL’s speed falls to just 40 Kbps. <h2>How fast does my net even need to be?</h2>With all these speed discussions, it’s natural to ask: how fast does my net even need to be? The answer differs from usage to usage and from platform to platform. If you ask streaming apps such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, they recommend at least 12 mbps for regular use and at least 40 mbps for HD streaming. But you can also make do with 8 mbps if you’re streaming at a lower quality. However, if you want to play online mobile games such as PUBG, many recommend a minimum download speed of 24 mbps and an upload speed of 8 mbps. If you are a regular video-conferencer and want an HD experience, Google recommends a minimum bandwidth of at least 4 mbps if there are 10 video call participants present. Outbound signals must be at least 3.2 mbps. <h2>Coverage and consistency</h2>BSNL has garnered somewhat of a reputation as the network for the adventurer, especially in rural parts of India. While it is difficult to find statistics for that conclusion, the people of rural India have a clear favourite. As per 2023 TRAI data, <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/jio-cements-rural-dominance-in-july-jiobharat-likely-adding-to-growth-analysts-say/articleshow/104092156.cms">Jio commanded the largest number of rural users in July</a>, far higher than its private competitors as well. However, it may be notable that the government has announced phase-wise plans to provide 4G connectivity to India’s some 45,000 odd villages. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111519009" title="Reliance Jio IPO – Mukesh Ambani-led telco might be gearing up for India’s biggest IPO" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Meanwhile, there is a clear and resounding winner when you look at the figures for common locations, such as places where most users live, work, and travel. <a href="https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2023/04/india/mobile-network-experience">Opensignal’s April 2023 industry report </a>gives the crown to Jio for all coverage and consistency metrics in this matter. Some of these categories include Availability (percentage of time connected to 3G or a better signal), 4G Coverage Experience (mobile coverage experience in users’ everyday locations), and Consistent Quality metrics (percentage of tests that meet minimum performance expectations, such as watching videos, playing games, and attending video conference calls). It may be notable that BSNL scores poorly on all of these Opensignal metrics. For instance, Jio passed 63% of the tests conducted to see how the network performs under pressure, such as in the case of streaming HD videos. While Vi and Airtel scored in the 50s, BSNL scraped through an abysmal 13% of the tests. Even when the tests weren’t very demanding, such as in the case of general browsing, Jio passed 84% of the tests, while BSNL only passed 37%. A similar story arises when the 4G Coverage Experience is discussed. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111129665" title="Reliance Jio and Airtel add nearly 3.5 million subscribers in April 2024" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>These figures make more sense when you look at the infrastructure involved. While BSNL is working on installing 1 lakh 4G base stations by the end of this year, Jio already boasts approximately 5.32 lakh 4G LTE stations that cover 95% of India’s population. These results do little to paint BSNL in an exceptional light. However, there are promising plans in motion that could improve the quality of services. For instance, BSNL authorities <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-bsnl-4g-stack-to-be-upgraded-to-5g-by-year-end-vaishnaw-3100885/">told the Financial Express</a> that its 4G network will serve as the foundation for future upgrades to 5G, which could help with the provider’s speed issues. However, only time — and perhaps a little bit of trust — will decide the outcome.

As netizens trend #BoycottJio, can BSNL capitalise to reclaim past glory in new telecom war?

<ul><li>Leaders of the 13 farmer unions protesting in New Delhi against India’s new farm laws have rejected the government’s latest proposal. They maintain that it’s all or nothing — the three new laws must be repealed completely.</li><li>They are now calling for nationwide protest, starting December 14, which will include boycotting Reliance Jio products as well as Adani and Ambani projects.</li><li>The unions plan to start with blocking the Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agri highways starting December 12.</li></ul>Fourteen days have gone by since farmers arrived at the border of India’s national capital, New Delhi, to protest the country’s new farm laws. And, no breakthrough is in sight, with the farmer unions unanimously rejecting the government’s latest proposal. They have now called for a nationwide protest on December 14. The farmers announced that they will be boycotting Adani projects, malls, toll plazas and other projects that provide revenue to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on December 14. And, on December 12, they plan on blocking the Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways. Terms of the nationwide protest: <ul><li>Boycotting Jio products at a national level</li><li>Protests at district headquarters of BJP across the country on December 14</li><li>Adani and Ambani projects, malls and toll plazas will also be targeted with protests and made free for travellers</li><li>Toll plazas will be made free for everyone on December 12</li><li>Delhi’s neighbouring states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh will also protest on December 14 under the slogan of ‘Delhi Chalo’ to surround the national capital</li><li>Farmers in other parts of the country South India and the North-East will continue to protest after December 14</li></ul>“If the government sends another proposal, which may consider it, but for now we reject the terms entirely,” said one of the leader’s at a press conference. The government’s draft proposal was shared with 13 farm union leaders suggesting certain amendments to the farm laws after the union leaders cancelled the sixth round of talks with the government scheduled on December 9. Government’s ‘assurances’ to the farmers The government’s proposal offers to give ‘written assurance' that the existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime for procurement will continue. It has also assured farmers that all private mandis will have to register, and there is an option to impose fees on them, which will result in the strengthening of AMPCs. Some of the other apprehensions addressed include farmers having the option to go to courts, and their land will not be attached to any loans by big corporates. The government said it would come up with a proper arrangement on the farmers’ demand to take back the law on stubble burning. And, that Electricity Amendment Act 2020 will not be implemented, the situation will remain status quo. “The government has tried to address the concerns of farmers with an open heart and with respect for the farming community of the country. The government appeals to the Kisan unions to end their agitation,” said the proposal. Standoff between farmers and the Indian government continues "It is work in progress," says Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, on being asked about talks between government and farmers over the farm laws during the cabinet briefing on December 9. However, the negotiations between the two sides seem to have hit an impasse. On December 8, the farmers initiated a nationwide lockdown or Bharat Bandh. Yet, the meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah — held on the same day — failed to break the deadlock. A joint delegation of Opposition parties, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind to discuss the ongoing agitation against the farm laws later today. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/icertis-helps-google-microsoft-and-apple-manage-their-contracts-is-hiring-for-techies-and-people-in-sales/articleshow/79640659.cms">EXCLUSIVE: This Indian unicorn helping Google, Microsoft and Apple manage their contracts is hiring⁠— it needs techies as well as people in sales</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/what-is-pm-wani-public-wifi-platform-launched-by-union-cabinet/articleshow/79642267.cms">Government’s plan for public Wi-Fi lets anyone from the kirana store owner to tea shop stalls sign up to provide the internet</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/the-33-billion-itc-one-of-indias-most-trolled-stock-in-recent-weeks-seems-to-have-turned-a-corner/articleshow/79641456.cms">The $33 billion ITC, one of India’s most-trolled stock in recent weeks, seems to have turned a corner</a>

Farmers call for nationwide protest on December 14 — plan to block Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways starting December 12

<ul><li>It’s been over 30 days since farmers protesting India’s new farming laws have gathered at New Delhi’s borders.</li><li>Since the December 8 nationwide Bharat Bandh, farmers’ protests have also erupted in other parts of the country. </li><li>The farmers’ agitation is on the rise and they refuse to give into the government’s narrative. </li><li>Asking supporters to boycott Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani businesses, protestors have also reportedly been damaging telecom towers in agitation against Reliance Jio.</li></ul>It’s been over a month since farmers arrived at the border of India’s national capital, New Delhi, to protest the country’s three new contentious farm laws. What started out as peaceful protests centered around one city have now expanded to other cities with pockets of violence emerging in places. The critical sixth round of talks scheduled to take place on December 29 has now been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/government-calls-for-a-sixth-round-of-talks-with-protesting-farmers-organisations-on-december-30/articleshow/79993405.cms">postponed to December 30</a> at the government’s request. The delay comes even as the agitation among protesting farmers is on the rise, and they refuse to give into the government’s narrative. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempts to assuage them thus far have failed. <div type="image" title="protests" msid="80006747" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Protestors at Singhu border during farmers&amp;#39; protest against India&amp;#39;s new farm laws&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The farmers claim that the laws are biased to play into the hands of big corporates, who only care about the bottom line in the long run. The government, on the other hand, believes that the new laws will fetch the farmers better prices and more options to sell their produce. The lack of trust between the two sides seems to be widening. It has even captured the attention of international governments — some of whom have questioned India's government’s handling of the situation. <div type="image" title="protests1" msid="80006770" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Kisan Mall has been set up at Singhu border, which sells everything from thermals to desi geysers to toothpaste&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Farmers’ protests in India turn violent in agitation against Reliance Jio Farmers in India have called for a boycott of products by companies owned by billionaires Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Since last week, farmers have reportedly been damaging telecom towers in Punjab to protest the monopolistic practices of Reliance Jio, owned by Ambani. According to the protestors, India’s new arm laws play in favour of the giant corporates and will cause farmers more harm than good in the long run. <div type="image" title="protests3" msid="80006789" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A woman holds a placard at Singhu border where the farmers protest against the Center&amp;#39;s farm laws, in New Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> According to the government, over 1,500 telecom towers have been ‘impacted’ by farmers in Punjab. But, only 23 towers have sustained actual damage. Nonetheless, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh issued a warning, directing the police to take strict action against anyone seen participating in vandalism or the disruption of telecom services. <div type="image" title="protests7" msid="80006801" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers during the protest against Farm bills at Ghazipur in New Delhi &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It seems to have done little to dissuade some parties. In Punjab’s Moga, farmers were reportedly spotted damaging telecom towers on December 29, even after Singh’s warning. This is the same region where Adani had already set up silo for crops, well before the new laws came into being. Before the march to Delhi, one of the protests to get the government’s attention was outside the same warehouse. The farmers have one main demand — repeal the laws Some farmer’s unions have localised issues that they want addressed. However, the primary cause of impasse between the Indian government and the farmers is that the latter is firm on its main demand — repeal the three new laws. <div type="image" title="protests8" msid="80006811" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers during a protest against the Center&amp;#39;s farm laws at Singhu Border&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Their other demands include, but are not limited to: <ol><li>A written assurance that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme will continue in the future</li><li>The central government should drop amendments to the Electricity Ordinance 2020</li><li>Reduce and amend the penalties for stubble burning</li><li>Release farmers arrested on charges of stubble burning in Punjab</li><li>No impact on land ownership of farmers</li></ol>Farmers protests spread beyond the national capital — and beyond India Small scale protests started in Punjab as early as August when the new farmer laws were made public. It was only two months later that the unions issued the call for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ (Let’s go to Delhi) march. After the first few rounds of talks between the government and union leaders, the centre issued a new proposal agreeing to all of the farmers’ demands but one — repealing the new farm laws entirely. <div type="image" title="protests2" msid="80006828" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers sitting against India&amp;#39;s new farm laws performing yoga on the Chilla border&amp;lt;span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The farmers shot down the government’s proposal and called for a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-farmers-call-for-bharat-bandh-on-december-8-amid-protests/articleshow/79567981.cms">nationwide Bharat Bandh on December 8.</a> Thereafter — even though most widespread protests continue to be centred around Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh — demonstrations were also reported in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala and other states. A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/farmers-protest-farmers-from-maharashtra-joined-protestors-at-delhi-border/articleshow/79966263.cms">group of farmers from 21 districts in Maharashtra</a> started on a ‘vehicle march’ from Nashik and have joined the protestors along Delhi’s borders. <div type="image" title="protests5" msid="80006849" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;New tents placed by farmers at Gazipur border during a protests in New Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Several Indian-American protests were also held outside Indian consulates in San Francisco, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, Houston, Michigan, Atlanta and Washington D.C. Even in New Zealand, 1,500 protesters gathered around Auckland’s Aotea Square to raise their voice against the new laws. Labour party members in the UK have also expressed their support and raised concerns as to how the Indian government is handling the crisis. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/three-anil-ambani-companies-accused-of-fraud-ten-times-more-than-vijay-mallya/articleshow/80002892.cms">Three Anil Ambani companies have reportedly been accused of fraud by banks⁠ — the amount at stake is nearly ten times more than what Mallya owed</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/jack-ma-ant-group-asked-to-overhaul-its-business-model-by-china-central-bank/articleshow/79987683.cms">China's central bank wants Jack Ma's Ant Group to overhaul its business model</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/top-10-most-expensive-natural-disasters-of-2020-in-the-world/slidelist/79986294.cms">Cyclone Amphan was the most expensive cyclone of 2020 and the fourth most expensive natural disaster overall</a>

From uprooting mobile towers to cries of #BoycottJio— the farmers’ protests in India are heating up and spreading far and wide

<ul><li>India may not have officially declared a ban, but Chinese network equipment manufacturers Huawei and ZTE are being pushed out of the country. </li><li>The impetus on driving China’s technology out of the country comes amidst border tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that has crossed the three-month mark.</li><li>Jio is planning to build its 5G network in-house, but for Airtel and Vodafone-Idea, the next-gen telecom network may get more expensive to deploy. </li></ul> India hasn’t come right out and said it, but Huawei and ZTE don’t have a very bright future in the country. In the absence of any official ban, government officials are <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/55642551-f6e8-4f9d-b5ba-a12d2fc26ef9">reportedly</a> telling telecom operators to avoid using equipment from the two Chinese giants in their networks. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77734318" title="Airtel wants to increase data prices to ₹100 per GB, Sunil Mittal asks subscribers to ‘prepare to pay a lot more’" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> What could be a blessing in disguise for <keyword id="3820" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>’s <keyword id="6354504" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> may well make deploying 5G more expensive for India’s two other players, <keyword id="6354287" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="bharti-airtel">Bharti Airtel</keyword> and Vodafone-Idea. “It’s open now that the government is not going to allow Chinese equipment,” a telecom executive told the <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/55642551-f6e8-4f9d-b5ba-a12d2fc26ef9">Financial Times.</a> Greyhound Research founder and CEO Sanchit Vir Gogia agrees that the intent of the Indian government is evident regardless of any official notice being in place. The silent boycott of Huawei and ZTE comes as India and China are locked in a faceoff in Ladakh. Even after five rounds of talks, the progress of disengagement and de-escalation has been going at snail’s pace. 5G gets more expensive for Airtel and Vodafone-Idea Yes, there are alternatives to ZTE and Huawei when it comes to 5G networks. However, despite the popularity and authority of legacy equipment manufacturers like Ericsson and Nokia, they don’t have one thing that Chinese companies are known for — keeping it cheap. Without ZTE and Huawei in the mix, Airtel and Vodafone-Idea are likely to end up shelling out more money to get their 5G networks set up. Another hurdle in their plans of taking on Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio. Airtel especially has relied mostly on Huawei for its networking needs in the past. Jio, on the other hand, is already 5G ready. "I have great pride in announcing that Jio has designed and developed a complete 5G solution from scratch,” said <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/jio-creates-made-in-india-5g-solution-teams-up-with-google-to-develop-affordable-smartphones/articleshow/76981086.cms">Ambani</a> at Reliance Industries’ Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month — the wait is only for the government to officially start making the airwaves available. The dispute between India and China may be in the Himalayas, but the real action is taking place in the technology space. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government first banned 59 Chinese apps, and now it’s going after the telecom operators. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-wants-to-increase-data-prices-to-100-per-gb-sunil-mittal-asks-subscribers-to-prepare-to-pay-a-lot-more/articleshow/77734318.cms">Airtel wants to increase data prices to ₹100 per GB, Sunil Mittal asks subscribers to ‘prepare to pay a lot more’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/india-startup-founders-are-opting-for-money-in-the-bank-instead-of-high-valuations-as-they-look-to-survive-this-pandemic/articleshow/77733965.cms">India's startup founders are opting for money in the bank instead of high valuations as they look to survive this pandemic</a>

Without Huawei and ZTE in India, Airtel and Vodafone-Idea's battle against Jio to become tougher

<ul><li>Facebook top advertisers have been pulling money away and the company is hoping that Jio and Novi will come to its rescue. </li><li>The job openings at the social network have dipped by 50% over the last six months, but Facebook continues to hire at senior level positions within its financial services. </li><li>GlobalData analysts believe this because Facebook is looking to strengthen its advertising platform to ensure revenue going forward. </li></ul>The Facebook boycott came to an end and barely managed to register on the social networking behemoth’s balance sheet. However, Facebook has its eye on the ball and is betting on its recent investment in <keyword id="3820" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>’s Reliance and digital wallet Novi — formerly known as Calibri — to continue bringing in ad revenue. The number of job openings at Facebook that used to pop up were down by nearly 50% at the end of July. GlobalData job analytics database estimates that there were about 1,102 job postings in January but only 551 in July. Even though the overall number of jobs at Facebook dipped, prominent openings were spotted for senior-level positions at the company within payments, e-commerce and advertising. “Though it has not yet had a big impact on the company's earnings, Facebook seems to be concerned that more companies will join the bandwagon, prompting the social media giant to hire senior personnel in the advertising space,” Autojyoti Bose, the lead analyst at GlobalData said in a statement. Facebook job openings at senior level positions Facebook investment in Jio Platforms is in conjunction with JioMart — an online grocery delivery platform. The deal is seen as a strategic move by Facebook to roll-out its payments platform, WhatsApp Pay, in India where other players have already established themselves like Google, Paytm, and PhonePe. In May, Facebook rebranded Calibra to Novi to distance itself from the bad press around its cryptocurrency project. While Libra will continue to operate independently from the company, Novi is purely a Facebook project. The plan is for Novi’s first product to be a cryptocurrency wallet. While one doesn’t need a Facebook or WhatsApp account in order to sign up for the digital wallet, it will be directly accessible from either app. In addition to Novi and Jio, Facebook Financial is a new division that was created to add payments and financial services to the company’s existing line of products. Researchers at GlobalData believe the underlying reason is the drive commerce and advertising bottom line — bring in more money. Here are some of the positions that Facebook was seen hiring for over the last three months: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Post </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/public-policy-director-novi-at-facebook-1967971811/">Public policy director</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Novi </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/treasury-director-calibra-at-facebook-1832530539">Treasury director</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Calibra </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/director-business-development-calibra-financial-services-at-calibra-1861218098">Director of business development</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Calibra financial services </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/careers/jobs/914933279022178/">Director of WhatsApp payments in India</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">WhatsApp </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/careers/jobs/745569989344909/">Product marketing director of payments and commerce in the US</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/careers/jobs/810262572713932/">Product marketing lead direct of e-commerce marketplace in the US</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://sg.linkedin.com/jobs/view/director-of-payment-partnerships-apac-at-facebook-1801485586">Director of payment partnership for the APAC region</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/job-listing/revenue-accounting-director-ads-facebook-JV_IC1147371_KO0,31_KE32,40.htm?jl=3580098354">Revenue account director of ads in the US</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/data-engineering-manager-analytics-ads-business-platform-at-facebook-1855914307">Data engineering direct for ads</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/product-management-lead-business-opportunities-at-facebook-1505199517/">Director of advertising onboarding programs and small business group</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/1993138244/?eBP=NotAvailableFromVoyagerAPI&amp;recommendedFlavor=IN_NETWORK&amp;refId=4d53b561-3629-486d-8fbc-5813b92f871b&amp;trk=flagship3_search_srp_jobs">Product Growth Manager - India</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/1975370693/?eBP=JOB_SEARCH_ORGANIC&amp;recommendedFlavor=SCHOOL_RECRUIT&amp;refId=4d53b561-3629-486d-8fbc-5813b92f871b&amp;trk=flagship3_search_srp_jobs">Small Businesses (SMB) Research Manager</a> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Instagram </td></tr></tbody></table> The boycott, called #StopHateForProfit, led to over 1,000 companies pulling their millions from Facebook. Of the social network’s top 20 advertisers, five are keeping their money away. This includes Microsoft, Unilever, Diageo, Coca-Cola and CVS. In 2019, these companies combined spent a total of $237.4 million on ads on Facebook, according to data by Pathmatics. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/the-heat-is-on-mark-zuckerberg-in-india-as-facebook-and-whatsapp-incur-the-ire-of-modis-rivals/articleshow/77575358.cms">The heat is on Mark Zuckerberg in India as Facebook and WhatsApp incur the ire of Modi's rivals</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/its-not-just-tiktok-its-clone-apps-in-india-too-have-a-beeline-of-investors/articleshow/77606019.cms">It's not just TikTok, its clone apps in India too have a beeline of investors</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/it-and-media-employees-are-in-no-hurry-to-get-back-to-office-not-until-there-are-proper-policies-in-place/articleshow/77486082.cms">IT and media employees are in no hurry to get back to office — not until there are proper policies in place</a>

Facebook is hiring senior execs for its digital wallet Novi and its partnership with Jio

New Delhi, With the Centre-farmer talks ending in a stalemate, thousands of <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">farmers</keyword> stayed put at Delhi borders on Wednesday to press for repeal of the agri marketing laws. A meeting called by Home Minister <keyword id="6355521" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amit-shah">Amit Shah</keyword> ended in failure on Tuesday night as farmer leaders rejected the government's offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations. The sixth round of talks between the government and farmer unions to end the protests on Delhi's various borders, which was scheduled on Wednesday, has been cancelled. This comes after many farm leaders had threatened to boycott the talks. As the protests continued, traffic was disrupted at border points with farmers agitating on the the <keyword id="10347936" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="singhu">Singhu</keyword>, TIkri and Ghazipur borders of Delhi. Taking to Twitter, <keyword id="9602467" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-delhi-traffic-police">the Delhi Traffic Police</keyword> alerted commuters about that the Tikri, Jharoda, Dhansa Borders are closed for any traffic movement. However, Jhatikara border is open only for two wheelers and pedestrian movement. It also said that those travelling to Haryana can take <keyword id="2669169" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="daurala">Daurala</keyword>, Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera Borders. "Singhu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh borders are closed. NH-44 is closed on both sides. Take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli, NH8/Bhopra /Apsara borders /Peripheral expressway, the Delhi Traffic Police tweeted. It also said that the traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK road and suggested commuters to avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK road, NH-44. Farmer leaders have been firm on their demand for repeal of three new farm laws enacted in September. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/checkout-effects-of-bharat-bandh-in-haryana-delhi-gujarat-maharashtra-karnataka-rajasthan-and-chhattisgarh/slidelist/79619898.cms">From Haryana, Delhi to Maharashtra and Karnataka — here’s how Bharat Bandh is affecting the common life in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/mukesh-ambani-says-jio-will-rollout-5g-services-by-june-2021-and-it-will-go-beyond-india/articleshow/79619222.cms">Mukesh Ambani says Jio will rollout 5G services by June 2021 – and it will go beyond India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-canara-bank-sun-pharma-titan-nbcc-gujarat-state-fertilizers-coffee-day-and-others/articleshow/79617464.cms">Top stocks to watch — Canara Bank, Sun Pharma, Titan, NBCC, Gujarat State Fertilizers, Coffee Day, and others</a>

Farmer leaders insist on scrapping of agri legislations, fresh talks cancelled

<ul><li><keyword id="276564" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Satya-Nadella">Satya Nadella</keyword> was reportedly calling India’s new citizenship law ‘bad’ and ‘sad’ but soon issued a more diplomatic official statement on Twitter.</li><li>Nadella flip-flop on the issue could owe to the fact that one of Microsoft’s primary contenders, Amazon CEO <keyword id="191583" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jeff-Bezos">Jeff Bezos</keyword>, is scheduled to meet India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow.</li><li>India’s importance for Microsoft is also growing as it hit the $1 billion mark in revenue last year and expanding collaborations with the government.</li></ul>Within hours of calling the <keyword id="6564012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="citizenship-amendment-act">Citizenship Amendment Act</keyword> <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-digital-governance-tech-tour-accelerate-digital-india/">‘bad’ and ‘sad’</a>, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella decided to take a more diplomatic approach. Aside from the big bucks at stake in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Nadella may have to rethink his critique of the Indian government’s policies given his rival, Amazon’s top boss Jeff Bezos, is headed to India to meet none other than the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="MicrosoftIndia" handlename="Microsoft India" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/884640054622040064/D-yhyh7L_normal.jpg" favoritecount="12558" retweetcount="5159" status="Statement from Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft https://t.co/lzsqAUHu3I" createdat="1578940526000" id="1216790874639589376"></div>





 Since his initial statements, some followers of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Twitter have been calling for a boycott of Microsoft products. Considering India’s importance for Microsoft, it’s understandable that he chose to flip-flop on his statement. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="BuzzFeedBen" handlename="Ben Smith" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1154905038755700737/GnV1kdPz_normal.jpg" favoritecount="19277" retweetcount="7967" status="Asked Microsoft CEO @satyanadella about India's new Citizenship Act. &quot;I think what is happening is sad... It's just… https://t.co/TWkoEW8egt" createdat="1578931068000" id="1216751208037261312"></div>





 India’s importance for Microsoft Last year, <keyword id="28250" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Microsoft-India">Microsoft India</keyword> reported more than $1 billion in revenue, according to business intelligence platform <a href="https://www.tofler.in/microsoft-corporation-india-pvt-ltd/company/U74899DL1988PTC032549">Tofler</a>. However, Microsoft’s billion-dollar business in India also faces intense competition. The company grew 13% last year but just a year earlier, the revenue had clocked a 12% drop. According to analysts, a lot of the company’s growth comes from enterprise solutions — the like expansion of its cloud business, Azure, and Office 365. Even <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/cloud-revenue-is-now-50-of-microsoft-india-revenue/articleshow/67567328.cms">Anant Maheshwari</a>, president of Microsoft India, admits that more than 50% of the company’s revenue comes from cloud and cloud-based services. However, the company has roughly a third of India’s estimated <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-11-05-gartner-says-end-user-spending-on-public-cloud-servic">$3 billion cloud market</a> despite being an early mover ⁠— Microsoft set up its first data centres in India in 2015 a year before Amazon Web Services. The day before Bezos meets Modi Nadella’s appraisal of India’s Citizenship Amendment Act also came a day before his rival Bezos is set to meet the country’s Prime Minister. Indian government has repeatedly said that it is looking to make big investments in digital infrastructure and that would be a big opportunity for the likes of Microsoft, Amazon, Google and the likes. Politicians are a sensitive lot, particularly in India. Nadella’s criticism at this juncture may allow the government to take a more charitable view of Microsoft’s rival Amazon for future opportunities. In the US, an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/enterprise/mobile/someone-is-spreading-an-amazon-smear-campaign-as-cloud-giants-compete-for-a-10-billion-defense-cloud-contract/articleshow/67185920.cms">anti-Amazon smear campaign</a> was spread around Washington D.C. that reportedly was one of the primary reasons why the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/microsoft-just-scored-a-huge-upset-over-amazon-by-winning-the-fierce-battle-over-the-10-billion-jedi-contract/articleshow/71768668.cms">Bezos-owned cloud service lost</a> the Joint Enterprise Defence Infrastructure (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/ceo-satya-nadella-says-microsoft-beat-amazon-for-the-10-billion-jedi-cloud-contract-because-of-its-leadership-in-connecting-data-centers-to-the-cloud/amp_articleshow/73236458.cms">JEDI</a>) contract to Microsoft. Microsoft’s other engagements with the Indian government Last year, Microsoft <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-digital-governance-tech-tour-accelerate-digital-india/">announced</a> the ‘Digital Governance Tech Tour’ to help skill government officials in charge of IT services across the country. “Microsoft’s first-of-its-kind Digital Governance Tech Tour for government officials reiterates our commitment to be a trusted partner to the government by enabling and empowering officials to do more with technology in service of the citizens,” said Maheshwari at the time. In a collaboration between the Indian government and the French government, Microsoft and other global tech giants — like Google, Facebook and Amazon — have helped set up the PaRis Artificial Intelligence Research (PRAIRIE) institute. In education, Microsoft is also helping the state government of Andhra Pradesh lower the rate of dropouts by trying to determine predictive patterns — the reasons behind why students leave school without completing their degree. Microsoft also has its fingers dipped in water management and urban planning when it comes to setting up smart cities, like Surat in Gujarat. It’s is also working with <a href="https://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/document_publication/NationalStrategy-for-AI-Discussion-Paper.pdf">NITI Aayog</a> on a pilot project for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy as well as with ICRISAT to develop an ‘AI sowing app’ to help farmers determine the best time to plant their crops. With so much at stake, it’s understandable why Satya Nadella decided to take a more centred stand on the issue of CAA rather than weigh heavy one side. Microsoft’s other investments beyond core business The American tech giant’s also partnered with Reliance Jio. <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/data-centres-may-prove-to-be-the-next-big-opportunity-in-india-/articleshow/71714171.cms">Reliance</a> said it would offer Microsoft cloud services to small and medium enterprises through its telecommunications network, Jio. In addition, it would set up data centres that would run Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform. The American tech giant is also giving Indian startups a push. Last year, it announced a new venture fund, M12 to invest to help emerging business ideas grow. “Microsoft has been playing a vital role in shaping and nurturing the startup community in India and across the world... We remain excited about India’s entrepreneurial startup potential and will continue to accelerate it as a growth engine for the economy,” explained <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-digital-governance-tech-tour-accelerate-digital-india/">Maheshwari</a>. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/jeff-bezos-likely-to-attend-amazon-smbhav-event/articleshow/73239043.cms?src=hp_ts">There are 20 million reasons for Jeff Bezos’ likely personal appearance at Amazon’s mega event in India tomorrow</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/satya-nadella-answers-call-to-speak-on-caa-i-think-whats-happening-is-sad-its-just-bad-/articleshow/73237638.cms?src=hp_wh">Satya Nadella answers call to speak on CAA, 'I think what’s happening is sad. It’s just bad.'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/thousands-of-angry-indians-are-planning-to-disrupt-a-visit-from-jeff-bezos-by-staging-mass-protests-over-amazons-disruption-of-retail/articleshow/73241576.cms">Thousands of angry Indians are planning to disrupt a visit from Jeff Bezos by staging mass protests over Amazon's disruption of retail</a>

Bezos’ India visit and a billion-dollar business ⁠— many reasons why Microsoft may have had to retract Satya Nadella’s statement on India’s new citizenship law

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