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Apple has officially launched iOS 18.2, introducing a wave of innovative features that redefine personalisation, creativity, and AI-powered user interactions. The update, available across compatible iPhones, places a spotlight on advanced capabilities like <keyword id="22547841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Image-Playground" source="keywords">Image Playground</keyword>, GenMoji, and <keyword id="21995043" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Siri-enhancements" source="keywords">Siri enhancements</keyword>, setting the stage for a more immersive and intelligent iOS experience. One of the standout features of iOS 18.2 is Image Playground, a dynamic tool that turns user prompts into visually striking creations. Leveraging advanced AI technology, this feature allows users to generate unique images by describing their vision in text. Whether crafting personalised holiday cards or brainstorming creative concepts, Image Playground ensures that every output is polished and tailored to the user’s imagination. Another exciting addition is GenMoji, a next-generation avatar builder that blends realism with extensive customisation. From lifelike facial expressions to intricate accessories, users can create avatars that resonate with their individuality. These GenMojis integrate seamlessly across Apple services, including messaging and social media sharing, making communication more expressive than ever. Siri also receives a significant upgrade in iOS 18.2. The virtual assistant now offers enhanced contextual understanding, allowing it to deliver smarter recommendations and more precise real-time translations. For example, Siri can provide tailored suggestions for navigating through apps or managing daily tasks, thanks to its improved understanding of user behaviour. The update also highlights Apple’s commitment to creativity and inclusivity. For instance, iOS 18.2 introduces accessibility features that cater to users with diverse needs, ensuring the operating system remains user-friendly for everyone. iOS 18.2 is not just about individual features—it’s about delivering a cohesive experience. The update integrates AI-powered tools to create a system that feels intuitive, engaging, and innovative. Apple is positioning this release as a bridge between personalisation and practicality, empowering users to explore their creativity while making everyday tasks more seamless. The rollout of iOS 18.2 aligns with Apple’s broader vision of enhancing its ecosystem with smarter tools and inclusive technologies. The company continues to raise the bar for mobile operating systems, ensuring that iPhones remain at the forefront of technological advancement. With iOS 18.2 now available for download, users can experience the future of personalisation, creativity, and AI-driven interactions right at their fingertips.

Apple unveils iOS 18.2: Here are the new Apple Intelligence features

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

The Karnataka government is considering proposals to allow tents and <keyword id="21356640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alcohol-sales" source="keywords">alcohol sales</keyword> on the state's beaches, similar to <keyword id="19895061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="keywords">Goa</keyword>, in an effort to boost tourism. Speaking at the 'Connect 2024' event in <keyword id="19936741" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mangalore" source="keywords">Mangalore</keyword> on Wednesday, Rajendra K V, tourism department's director, emphasised that changes are necessary to attract tourists. "We need to relax restrictions on alcohol consumption along the beaches of Karnataka, which may bring more influx of tourists just like in the state of Goa," he added. According to him, to enhance safety and encourage people to spend more time at the beaches during the night, the department is contemplating the installation of additional lights along the coast. District officials have been instructed to identify government and private lands near beaches to promote <keyword id="23668481" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tent-tourism" source="keywords">tent tourism</keyword> in the state. Rajendra also revealed that a facilitation centre would soon be established to expedite approvals for tourism projects, including CRZ (<keyword id="20495401" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coastal-Regulation-Zone" source="keywords">Coastal Regulation Zone</keyword>) permissions. He added that the new <keyword id="20021259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-policy" source="keywords">tourism policy</keyword> will include specific guidelines for coastal tourism. Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Mullai Muhilan, said tourists should be allowed access to beaches late at night. "Restaurant and licensed business operating hours in Mangalore city have already been extended to 1 am and the same should apply to the beaches as well," he added. He further stated that discussions would be held with the police department to resolve issues regarding the current restrictions on <keyword id="22266283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beach-access" source="keywords">beach access</keyword> after 9 pm and appropriate action would be taken.

Karnataka to go Goa way and allow alcohol sales in coastal cities to lure tourists

<keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> Photos is rolling out significant upgrades to its search functionality, aiming to make it easier for users to find specific images using more natural, descriptive queries. With the new improvements, users can now enter queries like "Gigi Hadid playing with daughter" to locate relevant photos quickly, according to <keyword id="22926112" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GSM-Arena" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="GSM Arena" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="GSM Arena">GSM Arena</keyword>. The updated search experience allows users to sort results by either date or relevance, enhancing the speed and accuracy of <keyword id="23065933" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="image-retrieval" source="keywords">image retrieval</keyword>. This feature is currently being released in English for both <keyword id="23065934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Android-and-iOS-users" source="keywords">Android and iOS users</keyword>, with plans to support additional languages in the coming weeks, according to GSM Arena. In addition to this, select users in the US are gaining early access to a new feature called 'Ask Photos,' available through Google Labs for those who are on the waitlist. This feature leverages the advanced capabilities of <keyword id="20508685" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gemini-AI" source="keywords">Gemini AI</keyword> to enhance search by understanding the context of users' photo galleries. For instance, you can ask 'Ask Photos' questions such as "When did we eat at the airport in Delhi?" and it will provide relevant details based on the context of your photos, such as the people, places, and activities depicted. 'Ask Photos' functions similarly to a chatbot, offering a conversational interface where users can refine their queries if the initial search does not yield the desired results. This AI-driven feature can summarize trip highlights, suggest the best photos from specific events, and more, all powered by Gemini's sophisticated models, as per GSM Arena. Google emphasizes that while human reviewers may examine Ask Photos queries to refine the service, this process occurs after queries are disconnected from users' Google Accounts to ensure privacy. Responses generated by 'Ask Photos' are typically not reviewed by humans unless feedback is provided or in cases where abuse or harm needs to be addressed.

Google Photos upgrades Search with conversational AI, enhanced query capabilities

<keyword id="19945815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="startups" source="keywords">Startups</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> have high expectations from this year's upcoming <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword>. Early-age startups hope for the removal of angel taxes, while <keyword id="20677283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-tech-startups" source="keywords">health tech startups</keyword> expect increased <keyword id="19913964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="funding" source="keywords">funding</keyword> for the sector. Startups function as engines of economic growth, playing a crucial role in generating new jobs, ideas, products, and services. As of December 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had recognised 1,17,254 startups. These startups have reportedly created over 12.42 lakh direct jobs, significantly impacting the economy. Eklavya Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Recur Club, stated, "We are confident that India's business credit landscape is on the brink of a major digital overhaul. FinTechs are at the forefront of this change, deploying innovative technologies and utilising in-depth data analytics to streamline and expand <keyword id="20974354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-access" source="keywords">credit access</keyword>." He added, "While the current allocation of Rs 10,000 crore is an excellent initial step, realising the full capabilities of India's SME and startup ecosystem will necessitate greater investment, especially in credit guarantee schemes." Vinod K Singh, Co-Founder and CTO of Concirrus, expressed his expectations from the budget: "As the Union Budget 2024-25 approaches, we hope the government will address the pressing issue of the 'angel tax.' Eliminating this tax will enhance capital formation and attract vital <keyword id="19895633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investments" source="keywords">investments</keyword>. Streamlining the duty structure and reducing high tariffs on electronic inputs are also crucial to bolstering the startup ecosystem and driving innovation. Expanding the Fund of Funds and introducing low-interest loans would be beneficial." Rajiv Lamba, co-founder and CEO of AI-enabled customer feedback platform Surveysensum, added, "Just as the government has prioritised financial inclusion, it should now focus on <keyword id="22405441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="technological-inclusion" source="keywords">technological inclusion</keyword> to propel India to the next stage of growth. By training youth in AI, the government can make a strategic investment in the nation's technological future. Given the rapidly evolving job market, a substantial increase of 20 to 25 percent in budget allocation should be considered for AI-based skill development and entrepreneurship." He further emphasised, "Incentivizing investment in <keyword id="20328842" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-startups" source="keywords">AI startups</keyword> and R&amp;D initiatives can boost local innovation in the AI space. The last budget introduced a deep tech fund of Rs 1 lakh crore with a 50-year interest-free loan period; the government should now establish a clear and transparent mechanism for access to this fund." Raja S, founder and MD of Hearzap, highlighted the expectations of health tech startups: "Health tech startups are eagerly anticipating increased funding that could usher in transformative advancements. This crucial investment holds the promise of extending cutting-edge healthcare solutions to rural and underserved areas, effectively bridging existing gaps in care. The upcoming budget ensures that every individual in our diverse population, from the youngest to the oldest, can access essential health services, including specialised care." Discussing taxation for startups in India, Vvihan Gulati, Director of Mediagraphics PR, commented, "Removing the angel tax is a highly anticipated move that would benefit early-stage startups and their investors. It would foster a more favourable environment for innovation and growth, allowing startups to attract much-needed capital without the burden of excessive taxation. This change could significantly enhance the ease of doing business and contribute to the overall growth of the startup ecosystem in India." The Union Budget 2024 will be tabled on July 23 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. With this, she will become the first Finance Minister to deliver seven consecutive budgets, surpassing Morarji Desai. She presented the interim budget on February 1 of this year.

Startups demand angel tax elimination, incentives on investments in upcoming budget

<ul><li>Recognised startups in the gaming and related sectors witnessed huge growth.</li><li>A task force was set up on April 8 this year for the promotion of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) industry, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som <keyword id="48288" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="parkash" source="Orion">Parkash</keyword> said in a written reply to the <keyword id="6355187" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="Orion">Lok Sabha</keyword>.</li></ul>Recognised startups in the gaming and related sectors have grown from five in 2016 to over 1,330 as on November 30, 2022, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. A task force was set up on April 8 this year for promotion of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) industry, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The mandate of the task force includes facilitation of skilling initiatives, promotion and market development activities to extend global reach of the Indian AVGC industry, boosting of employment opportunities and incentives to attract foreign direct investment in the AVGC sector. "Sustained government efforts in this direction have resulted in increasing the number of recognized startups from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 in 2022 (as on 30th November 2022). This includes startups in gaming and related sectors, which have grown from about 5 in 2016 to over 1,330 startups in 2022 (as on 30th November 2022)," he said. Replying to a separate question, the minister said, comprehensive reforms have been undertaken by <keyword id="6355548" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="public-sector-banks" source="Orion">Public Sector Banks</keyword> (PSBs) under <keyword id="15725883" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="enhanced-access" source="Orion">Enhanced Access</keyword> and Service Excellence reforms agenda to improve the ease of doing business. He also said, the objective of amalgamation of the banks was to facilitate consolidation among PSBs to create strong and competitive banks capable of achieving economies of scale and realisation of synergy benefits with wider product and service offering to customers. As a result of this effort, he said, customers of amalgamated banks received access to increased number of branches and ATMs from which they can now avail banking services. Customers have also received access to a larger bouquet of products and services through harmonization of the same across banks being amalgamated together and enhanced their lending capacity for loans of a larger size, Parkash said. Further, the increased scale and customer base in the amalgamated banks has also enabled banks to opening/reorganizing controlling offices and processing centres, equipping them to better serve customers, he added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/best-ai-powered-apps-and-websites-that-will-increase-your-work-experience/articleshow/96051415.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Here are some free AI-powered apps and tools to try right now</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/upcoming-new-games-in-2023/articleshow/95999256.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Top upcoming games in 2023: Here’s what PC, PlayStation, and Xbox users should expect</a>

1,330 recognised startups from gaming and related sectors as on Nov 30: Som Parkash

Sometime in 2022, while working out at an Equinox gym in Miami, Aron D'Souza, a tech founder, overheard gymgoers shamelessly talking about juicing and taking "tren," short for trenbolone, an anabolic steroid.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fitness-influencers-steroids-secret-dangerous-body-dysmorphia">Using steroids</a> — Schedule 3 drugs in the US — without a prescription is illegal but not uncommon. One study estimated that 3 million to 4 million Americans used anabolic-androgenic steroids for athletic or cosmetic purposes.So when people told D'Souza they were indeed on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/corticosteroids">steroids</a>, he had an idea: Why don't I put all these juiced-up folks under one roof and start my own Olympics-style event?D'Souza knew people on social media often described those who took <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/olympics-drugs-banned-affect-athletic-performance-kamila-valieva-shacarri-richardson-2022-2">performance-enhancing drugs</a> as "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-fitness-influencers-steroids-downplay-risks-dangers-2022-7">enhanced</a>." He named his event accordingly: the Enhanced Games.The competition, introduced last June as the "first international sporting event without drug testing," brings up legal quandaries around the drugs and is likely to face pushback from the public and athletes who believe that doping compromises the integrity of sports.In the Enhanced Games, D'Souza said, athletes would be able to use performance-enhancing drugs under "clinical supervision" as they compete and would be paid for their participation with a base salary and a prize pool ranging from seven to potentially nine figures.While the Olympics brought in almost $8 billion in revenue from 2017 to 2021, the International Olympic Committee <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-much-olympic-athletes-really-get-paid-2012-7">doesn't pay participating athletes</a>. Several countries pay bonuses to medal winners, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/simone-biles-net-worth-how-the-olympic-gymnastics-great-spends-money-2022-11">high-profile athletes</a> may get brand deals and sponsorships, but many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/winter-olympic-athletes-day-jobs-team-usa-barista-dentist-artist-2022-2">Olympic athletes</a> live quiet lives. Some medalists have said they're <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-olympic-athletes-broke-how-they-make-money-tokyo-2020-2021-7">homeless</a>.D'Souza told Business Insider he believes this gives him the moral high ground.He described the Olympics as "corrupt," run by a cabal of "blood-sucking bureaucrats who earn millions of dollars a year" and "fly around the world in private jets." He specifically called out <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/olympic-boss-bach-slams-wimbledon-ban-on-russian-players-2022-6">Thomas Bach</a>, the president of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/olympics-inc-inside-the-business-of-the-ioc">IOC</a>."The IOC president literally lives in a palace, and the athletes earn nothing," D'Souza said. "So if you want an Olympic gold medal, sure, go and do it, but get financially exploited while you're at it."While Bach, a former foil fencer for West Germany's Olympic team, is considered a volunteer for the nonprofit IOC, the organization said in its 2022 annual report that the IOC president received an annual "indemnity" payment of 275,000 euros. He also receives free accommodation at the Lausanne Palace, a luxury hotel in Switzerland.Bach's role is to maintain the Olympics' relevancy in the world, but his 11-year tenure as president has not been without controversy. His critics have described him as an autocrat because of his <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/general-news-international-news-484a40aa8d1041c79c9288b111090793">singular influence</a> on the games and condemned his relationships with dictators. In 2021, The New York Times called him "one of the most powerful people in global sports."When reached for comment regarding D'Souza's statements, an IOC spokesperson said in an email to Business Insider, "The idea does not merit any comment."D'Souza dismissed the IOC's statement. "I'm sure when Uber launched, the taxi monopoly said the same thing," he said.<div type="image" title="Aron D'Souza and Christian Angermayer" height="5146" width="4504" msid="108917397" hostid="261" sizebytes="611922"></div>The Enhanced Games announced on January 31, eight months after its unveiling, that the project had received <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/peter-thiel-invests-enhanced-games-olympics-without-drug-testing-2024-1">financial backing from venture capitalists</a> including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fbi-peter-thiel-vladimir-putin-russia-christian-angermayer-daniil-bisslinger-2023-11">Christian Angermayer</a>, the founder of Apeiron Investment Group; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/venture-capitalist-balaji-srinivasan-suggested-doxxing-journalist-nyt-2021-2">Balaji Srinivasan</a>, Coinbase's former chief technology officer; and, notably, the former PayPal CEO Peter Thiel, a close associate of D'Souza's.Angermayer, whom D'Souza described as deeply committed to the project, told Business Insider that his investment in and cofounding of the Enhanced Games was a "natural extension" of his work in the "field of human enhancement." Apeiron's investments heavily focus on biopharma, psychedelics, and human longevity."I expect to see the Enhanced Games grow into an unmissable event series, with world records regularly broken, athletes performing at new peaks, and a huge community of devoted fans around the world," he wrote in an email to BI.Srinivasan did not respond to a request for comment.An Oxford alum with a doctorate in jurisprudence from the University of Melbourne, D'Souza describes himself as an "academic lawyer" and venture capitalist who manages his own capital "into a variety of portfolio companies."But D'Souza gained notoriety for quietly spearheading the takedown of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gawker-files-for-bankruptcy-2016-6">Gawker Media</a> in 2016, sparking what would become a fruitful relationship with Thiel.Thiel bankrolled <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hulk-hogan-versus-gawker-lawsuit-explained-2016-3">Hulk Hogan's lawsuit</a> against the media organization alleging invasion of privacy — but behind the scenes, D'Souza provided the blueprint for the billionaire's plans, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanmac/this-is-the-man-who-helped-peter-thiel-demolish-gawker-mr-a">BuzzFeed News reported in 2018</a>."I developed the whole strategy for the Gawker lawsuit," D'Souza told BI.The BuzzFeed News report said D'Souza approached the billionaire VC around 2011 with the idea to either "pay someone or create a company to hire lawyers to go after Gawker."He enlisted the help of an entertainment lawyer named Charles Harder, who would file the lawsuit on Hogan's behalf and then represent the wrestler under a law firm he founded in 2013, Harder Mirell &amp; Abrams, which now operates as Harder Stonerock.A source told BuzzFeed News that Hogan's lawyers didn't know that Thiel funded the wrestler's lawsuit. The report described sources as saying Thiel kept his role under wraps by using D'Souza as a middleman who'd take the money and meet with Hogan's attorneys.The lawsuit was settled for about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gawker-settles-with-hulk-hogan-2016-11">$31 million</a>, and Gawker went bankrupt. The lawsuit's success may have proved financially beneficial for D'Souza.In 2015, D'Souza founded Sargon Capital, a financial-services company his website says is "for the pensions and superannuation industry." Two years later, the Australian Financial Review reported that Sargon claimed in a pitch deck for investors that it had secured millions of dollars in backing from none other than Thiel. "Peter and I are good friends, and we have worked together on many projects," D'Souza said.D'Souza suggested he received funding for the Enhanced Games in the "single-digit millions" but declined to specify the amount. He added that other VCs had floated term sheets — nonbinding agreements that express serious interest in investment — for more backing. He declined to share which VCs had shared term sheets, saying they're "confidential."Thiel hasn't publicly said why he's interested in the Enhanced Games. D'Souza described all the investors as "willing to go against the grain." Thiel did not respond to a request for comment.D'Souza told BI that none of the athletes would be expected to take performance-enhancing drugs. The competition, he said, is coming from a "very freedom-first libertarian attitude" in which "everyone is entitled to healthcare privacy."D'Souza contrasted his games with countries that mandated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-vaccines-compared-vaccine-pfizer-oxford-moderna-astrazeneca-side-effects-2021-2">COVID-19 vaccination</a> for certain groups, suggesting that people who declined to get vaccinated were wrongly "excluded from society." And he likened the games to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/online-communities-roe-leak-tiktok-pro-abortion-2022-5">abortion-rights movement</a> and its mantra "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anti-vaxxers-mask-skeptics-invoked-bodily-autonomy-support-overturning-roe-2022-5">My body, my choice</a>.""No one, no government, no sports federation should be telling individuals what they have to do with their own bodies," he said.So far, it's unclear what kind of talent Enhanced Games will attract. D'Souza said his team was in talks with "several Olympic medalists whom we're going to guarantee minimums to come and compete on our side."<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/swimmer-agrees-to-juice-gills-1m-steroid-olympics-prize-2024-2">James Magnussen</a>, an Australian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, recently said on a podcast that he'd come out of retirement and "juice to the gills" if the Enhanced Games put up a $1 million prize for the 50-meter freestyle.D'Souza told BI his team was "very excited to have James involved" and later said he'd write Magnussen a million-dollar check if he broke the race's world record.The monetization plans he described were broad but vague; he told BI the games would monetize through "traditional sports rights: broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticket sales."Angermayer told BI in an email that he expected the Enhanced Games to become a "significant and profitable revenue generator that pays those who compete fairly, and, possibly most importantly, act as a catalyst for extending the evident benefits of human enhancement science to the wider population."D'Souza also said he'd been approached in commercial negotiations to host the games at several professional-team stadiums, removing the need to spend billions of dollars to build elaborate stadiums as some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-lasting-legacy-of-the-olympics-2012-6">Olympic host cities</a> have done. He didn't specify which stadiums had been considered.The founder envisions hosting popular sports that are already featured at the Olympics — such as aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, and weightlifting — as well as some that aren't, such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-mma-trainer-khai-wu-unsure-win-musk-fight-2023-6">mixed martial arts</a>."The UFC has done an amazing job of pushing boundaries about performance enhancements," D'Souza said, pointing to the MMA promoter's split last year with the US Anti-Doping Agency.The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-rogan-suspects-conor-mcgregor-weight-could-be-drugs-ufc-2022-12">UFC</a> still conducts drug tests through its own program, but D'Souza said he felt the breakup was a "very public condemnation" of the broader <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamila-valieva-people-who-dope-child-athletes-evil-wada-chief-2022-2">World Anti-Doping Agency</a>.The UFC has said its new anti-doping program enlists Drug Free Sport International to obtain "no-notice sample collections" from athletes. That organization's partnerships include the NFL, the NBA, and MLB.D'Souza said Enhanced Games would closely examine its athletes, but for entirely different purposes.He described <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/olympics-drugs-banned-affect-athletic-performance-kamila-valieva-shacarri-richardson-2022-2">drug testing at the Olympics</a> as about fairness of competition, not athlete safety. He said that at the Enhanced Games, athletes would get comprehensive health checkups to monitor the effects of "whatever enhancement protocols" they're on and ensure they're fit to compete.The International Testing Agency, an IOC affiliate that administers anti-doping programs, pushed back on some of D'Souza's claims and his proposal.In an email to BI, Marta Nawrocka, a spokesperson for the ITA, listed risks that could come with an event that promotes drug enhancements."It encourages risky behavior and ignores the clear scientific evidence that doping is clearly harmful to the athlete's body," she wrote. "It ignores the impact that such an event could have on young people and children, encouraging them to prioritize results over their health, potentially leading to a culture of doping that goes beyond professional sport. It also ignores that athletes with greater financial resources or access to better doping techniques would have an unfair advantage over those who cannot afford or do not have access to such improvements."She added, "There are many more arguments against an event that allows and encourages doping."Health experts told BI's Gabby Landsverk in 2022 that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bodybuilding-steroid-use-leads-to-deaths-sport-experts-say-2022-4">using performance-enhancing drugs like steroids</a> could come with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/side-effects-of-steroids">litany of health risks</a> — including hair loss, erectile dysfunction, liver damage, and heart disease — that can increase as an athlete ages.The Enhanced Games could also face legal hurdles, especially if the games are based in the US, where <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bodybuilding-steroid-use-leads-to-deaths-sport-experts-say-2022-4">anabolic steroids</a> are classified as Schedule 3 drugs and illegal to use without a prescription.Jim Walden, the lawyer for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/drugs-used-in-russian-doping-scandal-2016-6">Grigory Rodchenkov</a>, the whistleblower who led the state-sponsored doping program in Russia, told CNN last year that the Enhanced Games seemed to be "advertising their disregard of the law" on its website."They wrap themselves up in what I will call the cloak of legitimacy by using phrases like body autonomy and coming out as an enhanced athlete," he told the outlet. "I hope they're thinking hard about how they're going to pull this off in the world in which the FBI has a specific unit that is called the Sports and Gaming Initiative that's focusing on these very issues."An FBI spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.When asked about legal issues, D'Souza said his team was looking at the "many opportunities and challenges in numerous jurisdictions."He also suggested that some performance-enhancing drugs were "available under clinical supervision," pointing to synthetic testosterone, part of some gender-affirming hormone therapies. He added that anabolic steroids are legal in several countries.In D'Souza's view, the challenge for getting the Enhanced Games off the ground isn't the critics; he insisted that most were just "bureaucrats who are earning big salaries" and are on the "gravy train." Instead, it's been funding.With the recent round of VC investments, though, D'Souza said some investors who'd previously ignored him were circling back. The buzz on social media, he added, has been nonstop.D'Souza said he planned to announce more details about the Enhanced Games this summer — right around the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tickets-paris-2024-olympics-opening-ceremony-sticker-shock-sold-out-2024-1">Paris Olympics</a>."We see that as a major platform for us to highlight the moral superiority of our event," he said.

The Enhanced Games wants to take on the Olympics by embracing steroids and athlete pay. Meet the founder.

India's space and <keyword id="20691202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-sector" source="keywords">satellite sector</keyword> is poised for a significant transformation following the recent decision to permit local satellite companies to utilise foreign orbital resources for the first time. This landmark move, orchestrated by India's national space regulator <keyword id="20028218" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IN-SPACe" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="IN-SPACe" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="IN-SPACe">IN-SPACe</keyword>, is set to revolutionise the landscape of <keyword id="21282723" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-communications" source="keywords">satellite communications</keyword> (<keyword id="19936238" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="satcom" source="keywords">satcom</keyword>) services within the country. If you have experienced your mobile signal weakening during road trips, this is because our devices rely on terrestrial mobile towers that transmit and receive data. As you move away from built-up areas, you also move away from these towers, which hinders your device’s ability to access networks. On the other hand, satellite devices (as the name suggests) directly tap into the satellites orbiting our Earth, meaning they have access to some network from just about anywhere on the planet. This is extremely useful for communication in remote areas, such as lesser-developed villages and mountainous regions. Satellite devices are especially important in emergency situations since they aren’t relying on fragile land-based communication infrastructure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="More affordable communication?" comment="subhead" text="More affordable communication?">More affordable communication?</cmsannotation> Previously, Indian satellite players — an industry still very much in its nascent stage — were constrained by reliance solely on domestic orbital resources, which often proved to be limited and costly. However, with the new IN-SPACe guidelines, Indian entities can now leverage surplus international satellite capacities to deliver satcom services at competitive rates, promising better services and affordability for end-consumers. This initiative opens doors for Indian companies to access non-Indian orbital slots and associated frequencies, a crucial development that fosters competition and innovation in the satcom sector. By tapping into global capacities, Indian players can expand their service offerings and enhance their competitiveness in the market. Pranav Roach, President of Hughes Network Systems India Ltd, lauded the decision, emphasising the greater flexibility it provides to satcom players in delivering <keyword id="21433895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="broadband-services" source="keywords">broadband services</keyword> across India. Similarly, industry executives anticipate a surge in local participation in the Indian space services sector, driven by the newfound commercial options enabled by access to non-Indian orbital resources. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Reliance, Starlink, OneWeb, Globalstar express interest" comment="subhead" text="Reliance, Starlink, OneWeb, Globalstar express interest">Reliance, <keyword id="7612156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="starlink" source="Orion">Starlink</keyword>, OneWeb, <keyword id="4771035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="globalstar" source="Orion">Globalstar</keyword> express interest</cmsannotation> The implications extend beyond the domestic market, with global satellite giants such as Bharti Mittal-backed <keyword id="20253140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eutelsat-oneweb" source="keywords">Eutelsat OneWeb</keyword>, Amazon and <keyword id="6354504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-jio" source="Orion">Reliance Jio</keyword> expressing interest in leveraging India's burgeoning satcom market. Elon Musk’s Starlink — which was instrumental in emergency communications during the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza — is also eyeing the country’s satcom market. Globalstar, the American satcom company behind the emergency SOS services in Apple iPhones, has also been seeking clearances to launch similar services in India. If approved, upcoming handsets by the tech giant could be equipped with the potentially life-saving tech as well.

India's satcom sector to take off as IN-SPACe allows Indian players access to international orbital data

<keyword id="6354427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple" source="Orion">Apple</keyword> has just unleashed <keyword id="6903543" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iOS-17" source="Orion">iOS 17</keyword>, and it's brimming with exciting updates that promise to take your digital experience to the next level. If you're a tech aficionado always on the lookout for the latest innovations, you're in for a treat. In this article, we'll walk you through the standout features of iOS 17, from revamped communication tools to cutting-edge entertainment options, enhanced privacy measures, productivity enhancements, and more. Let's dive in and explore how this update will reshape your digital world. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Revolutionizing Communication" comment="subhead" text="Revolutionizing Communication">Revolutionizing Communication</cmsannotation> iOS 17 is set to transform the way we connect. The Phone app introduces Contact Posters, allowing you to personalize your calling experience with unique posters. Messaging gets a facelift with the introduction of Live Stickers, turning your photos and videos into captivating animations. Finding that one crucial message is now a breeze with improved search functionality. And if you're a fan of FaceTime, prepare to be amazed by the addition of 3D effects and video adjustments that will make your calls pop. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Entertainment and Convenience" comment="subhead" text="Entertainment and Convenience">Entertainment and Convenience</cmsannotation> iOS 17 focuses on making your life more entertaining and convenient. The new StandBy mode brings full-screen excitement to your devices, ideal for when you're charging up or just need a quick glance at the time, photos, and widgets. Widgets have also become interactive, turning your Home and Lock Screens into command centers. Music enthusiasts will love SharePlay in Apple Music, ensuring the party never stops in the car, while the Crossfade feature keeps the musical vibe flowing seamlessly. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Privacy at the Forefront" comment="subhead" text="Privacy at the Forefront"><keyword id="18875548" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Privacy-at-the-Forefront" source="Orion">Privacy at the Forefront</keyword></cmsannotation> Your privacy takes center stage in iOS 17. The update introduces Sensitive Content Warnings to shield you from unexpected explicit content. Communication Safety features have been upgraded to detect inappropriate videos, giving you peace of mind. With enhanced sharing permissions, you gain more control over your data, and link tracking protection ensures your online trail remains private. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Boosting Productivity" comment="subhead" text="Boosting Productivity">Boosting Productivity</cmsannotation> iOS 17 is a productivity boost for multitaskers. The keyboard gets smarter with improved autocorrect accuracy and inline predictive text, reducing embarrassing typos. Safari's profiles help keep your work and personal browsing separate, while password sharing simplifies your life. Traveling? You're covered with offline maps and EV routing updates. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Accessibility for All" comment="subhead" text="Accessibility for All"><keyword id="18875547" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Accessibility-for-All" source="Orion">Accessibility for All</keyword></cmsannotation> iOS 17 continues its commitment to accessibility. Assistive Access streamlines app interfaces for smoother navigation, while Live Speech lets you turn typed messages into spoken ones. Personal Voice is a game-changer for those who may have difficulty speaking. The Point and Speak feature in Magnifier Detection Mode assists in reading tiny labels on objects like keypad buttons or appliance switches. Whether you're all about staying connected, enjoying your favorite tunes, or staying organized, this update has something for everyone. With added privacy features and accessibility options, Apple has your back on multiple fronts.

Discover what's new in iOS 17: Your ultimate guide to the latest features

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Olympic Games, a showcase event on the sporting calendar, will come to Paris next year.</li><li>Games organizers plan to use a 5G mobile network to make sharing high-fidelity video more seamless.</li><li>5G connections could also power haptic tablets for blind people to follow the events.</li></ul>Few sporting events on the calendar match the Olympic Games in technical complexity. At the next Olympics, which will be in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024, there will be a mind-boggling amount of tech underpinning its smooth running.According to organizers, there will be 12,000 connected screens, 8,000 WiFi terminals, and 13,000 computers connected by nearly 250,000 miles of fiber-optic cable, which will transmit the games from the stadiums. 5G and other connections will also power access to the venues: The 2024 Paris Olympics will be the first to operate solely with digital — not paper — tickets.<h2>5G testing is already underway for the Paris Olympics</h2>Bertrand Rojat, the chief technology innovation officer at Orange Events, an event-tech company, told Business Insider that Orange is currently testing tech solutions across future Olympic sites to ensure they can handle the games' demands. He said the first wave of tests successfully took place this summer, showing that the network could withstand the kinds of traffic required around a major event such as the Olympics.Those trials will help inform how organizers use 5G throughout the games, with operators deploying <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/las-vegas-private-5g-network-2023-9">private 5G networks</a> in some venues. "These networks will be used, for example, to help deliver high-quality video coverage of the event," Rojat said. Small cameras will get close to the athletes to provide viewers with an immersive experience.That's important, Bruno Marie-Rose, the chief information and technology officer of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, said in a press release. "We want technology to have a direct benefit on the event," he said. "One example of 'useful' innovation is private 5G, which would allow us to broadcast mobile TV images, where wired cabling would be too unwieldy." In that case, 5G could help distribute high-fidelity video over mobile internet.The opening ceremony will also use 5G: At the Paris Olympics, instead of the traditional parade around a stadium, the athletes will move down the Seine River in boats. "To provide immersive video to spectators around the world, we'll have to position cameras on each boat and transmit the footage using Orange's private 5G," Marie-Rose said. It's not possible to run physical cables or fiber optic to moving boats, so instead, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/private-5g-network-cybersecurity-threats-2023-10">private 5G network</a> will come into play."There's also the issue of mobile coverage, with a huge number of spectators gathered along the quays who will want to share the event live and simultaneously around the world, which is something we're working with all mobile operators on," Marie-Rose added.The trial this summer has helped Orange expand its connectivity beyond Paris, Rojat said. "Ahead of the Olympic Games, Orange is reinforcing its 5G coverage across France, including on all Olympics sites," he added."It will enhance the consumer experience and, for example, how spectators can share with family and friends videos and photos from their phone."But the 5G mobile capacity won't just be useful for those who want to share moments. It'll also help expand access to the excitement of the Olympics for those who might have previously felt excluded. "Our 5G mobile capacity will also allow additional services, such as haptic tablets for blind people to follow the events in real-time," Rojat said. "This innovation will make the Games more accessible and enjoyable for all."It'll also help the athletes, Marie-Rose said. "Our mission is to allow athletes to perform at their peak during the four weeks of Olympic and Paralympic competitions," he said. "Technology must serve this purpose."

5G is set to make watching the Paris Olympics more accessible and intimate

<ul><li>Debt collection has always been an obstacle-ridden course for most organisations. </li><li>The steep rise in <keyword id="9171740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-debt" source="Orion">consumer debt</keyword> and a hoard of laws and regulations governing the process have made it even more challenging. </li><li>In this context, we talk about some best practices to enhance the <keyword id="7165297" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="debt-recovery-process" source="Orion">debt recovery process</keyword>.</li></ul>Debt collection is one of the most challenging tasks for businesses and organisations. They must not only effectively collect outstanding debts but also navigate a virtual minefield of regulations and compliance issues that can be difficult to understand. For example, <a href="https://www.infosysbpm.com/offerings/industries/financial-services/documents/automating-financial-spreads.pdf">financial services</a> providers, by law,must adhere to the stringent rules set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) when handling classified personal information. Those dealing with online payments or credit card transactions have additional requirements under the data security standards drawn by ombudsmen, which dictate how calls containing personal financial data should be monitored, recorded, transmitted, and stored. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to hefty fines from government regulators like CFPB, not to mention reputational damage. It’s crucial that organisations take extra care while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and adherence to proper procedures when dealing with sensitive consumer information to deliver the best results. The current economic climate poses many challenges for organisations, particularly in terms of debt collection. With the rise of consumer debt and tightening credit standards, companies are increasingly finding it difficult to collect overdue payments. Organisations that implement an effective debt collection approach will boost revenue and significantly ensure their company's financial stability and growth. Let’s explore some of the best strategies for improving <keyword id="413045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="debt-recovery" source="Orion">debt recovery</keyword> through efficient and ethical debt collection practices using an efficient call centre solution, that will help businesses recover what's rightfully theirs while maintaining a positive relationship with their customers. Communication efficiency through the omnichannel approach In today's fast-paced digital world, businesses need to adopt an omnichannel approach to communication to stay relevant and competitive. This means providing customers with a seamless experience across multiple channels such as email, social media, chatbots, phone calls, and even in-person interactions. However, choosing the right mix of communication options can be challenging for businesses as each channel has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of message being conveyed or the target audience being addressed. For instance, the younger generation may prefer texting or messaging while the older may still prefer phone calls or emails. Addressing this challenge effectively requires understanding customer preferences and behaviours through artificial intelligence and feedback mechanisms such as surveys or user testing. It also involves developing personalised content tailored to specific channels while maintaining consistency across all touchpoints. Targeting customers based on various factors, including location, age group, or gender and creating personalised preferences like the right message at the right time through the right channel, has long been the holy grail of marketing. A firm’s technological capabilities, data, and resource availability play a vital role in achieving this and by implementing this approach, businesses can successfully enhance customer satisfaction levels resulting in increased loyalty and revenue growth over time. Automated dialling systems <a href="https://www.infosysbpm.com/offerings/functions/accounts-payable-on-cloud/insights/documents/accounts-payable-automation-insights-for-2023.pdf">Automated</a> dialers help agents quickly reach out to customers to collect past-due amounts more effectively than manual methods allow. This technology also facilitates faster follow-up with delinquent accounts so businesses can stay ahead of their collections efforts without having to sacrifice additional resources or personnel time. Payment plans Offering payment plans helps make collecting from consumers easier because they have the option of paying off their balance over time, instead of all at once. This helps consumers who may be struggling financially. It’s important that both the customer and the business understand at the outset what is expected throughout the duration of an agreed payment plan and are aware of any fees associated with it (if applicable). Offering payment plans helps make collecting from consumers easier while providing them with the financial assistance that they need during difficult times. However, it is necessary to establish clear communication beforehand to ensure successful repayment by consumers and protect both parties involved in the transaction process. Credit reporting Reporting negative information about consumers who fail to pay debts owed is another way businesses protect themselves against future losses while simultaneously incentivising individuals to make timely payments. This improves the overall cash flow operations and reduces delinquencies across broader portfolio base(s). Accurate documentation is essential for any business, especially in the highly regulated world of debt collection. The best debt collection call centres are equipped with cutting-edge technology that makes comprehensive record-keeping simple yet effective enough to establish accuracy at every stage of the process – from initial contact toresolution (if necessary). This includes features such as automatic logging of incoming calls; automated recording capabilities; detailed reporting functions; customisable templates for creating standard documents like letters and emails; secure storage options so everything remains organised and accessible over time, etc. All these features help streamline communication between collectors and customers while also providing real-time data about how well a team is performing overall for each account/case they work for on a day-to-day basis. Apart from utilising these strategies, organisations can adopt other best practices such as providing helpful reminders before overdue notices go out and offering online portals where people can manage account balances securely via a web browser. This enables them to be well-positioned in the competitive marketplace and capitalise on all opportunities. Centralised Data Management Systems with Analytics As businesses continue to struggle with the challenges of a volatile economy, it is more important than ever that they maximise their revenue recovery process. By centralising customer information in a single repository, debt collection teams can be better positioned to automate and personalise this process. Centralising customer information in a single repository can be a game-changer for debt collection teams. The benefits of such an approach are numerous: not only does it reduce operational costs associated with collections staff manually searching through multiple databases for account information; but also reduces time spent on resolving conflicts between customers and creditors due to incorrect or outdated data being used by the collection staff. When all customer data is stored in one place – including payment history – organisations can easily identify which customers may need extra attention during the collection process as well as those who may be eligible for special payment plans or discounts based on their past performance records. Additionally, deploying Machine Learning and <a href="https://www.infosysbpm.com/offerings/business-transformation-services/insights/documents/linear-algebra-in-ai.pdf">Artificial intelligence</a> enables companies to track customer behaviour over time, so they can better anticipate future needs. This ultimately results in improved efficiencies. As businesses continue to scale and grow, they need to find ways that allow them to maximise their ROI while excelling at their service delivery. Fortunately, there are a variety of techniques available today that can help businesses achieve this goal. When these techniques are combined into an integrated strategy, the potential opportunities become even more powerful. Disclaimer: This article is authored by Sourav Ghosh, Senior Industry Principal, Infosys BPM and Rajanna AP, Senior Lead Analyst, Infosys BPM. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Business Insider India.

Debt recovery best practices: Lessons learned from successful business experiences

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In his first column for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cmo-insider">CMO Insider,</a> Mastercard CMO Raja Rajamannar surfaces the four biggest challenges that are facing CMOs. </li><li>Digital disruption, the downgrading of the CMO role, and talent acquisition are among the issues he describes. </li></ul>I believe there is no better time to be a marketer.Yet, as an industry, we're facing any number of challenges that threaten the very essence of what we do and how we do it. It's this intersection—as detailed in the five areas below and far more—that I'll cover in depth in future CMO Insider columns. First, we face an existential crisis. CMO roles are getting eliminated, with key responsibilities getting parsed out to next-generation titles. Chief growth officer, chief customer officer, chief revenue officer. If you take away growth, the customer and revenue, why else would marketing exist? This is truly a marginalization of marketing. As today's marketing leaders, and tomorrow's, we need to revisit and revitalize the function. Marketing is not just as a brand multiplier but a force multiplier for the business, and one that can pioneer sustainable competitive advantage for the company.Second, we are in the midst of an unprecedented disruption led by more than two dozen emerging technologies. AI is just one. We have AR, blockchain, 5G telecommunications, the list goes on. The confluence of these technologies has a profound impact on how marketing will be transformed, changing along with it nearly every facet of the relationship between a brand and its consumers.The time for marketers to stay ahead of the game by testing and learning these technologies is now. These tools offer us a tremendous opportunity – if we truly understand how to use and maximize them. The risk if you don't: you'll become obsolete.Third, marketing has a trust problem. Over the years, the field has gotten a bad rap as being deceptive and manipulative. Marketing is viewed as a con game. Meanwhile, roughly 7 out of 10 consumers (and nearly 8 out of 10 GenZers) say it's more important to trust the brands they use or buy today than in the past. Winning back trust is essential. We need to change perceptions. Marketers don't need to resort to deceptive practices – such as designing or labeling products so shoppers mistakenly believe they're getting more. People see through us from a mile away. Good, ethical marketing is critical.Fourth, talent is an industry imperative. As I see it, there are classical marketers and contemporary marketers. They don't seem to cross over. Classical marketers excel at areas such as psychology and sociology, creative design and brand positioning. Contemporary marketers are more performance driven, focused on data and innovations like precision targeting. The two run on parallel tracks, but — today and into the future — you need both together. We need to be Leonardo Da Vinci marketers! We cannot just be creatives; we need to be analytical and get ahead of the inevitable trends and emerging technologies. Embracing the art and the science, or "whole-brain thinking," is critical to competing, succeeding and thriving into the future. Even more important, we need to teach the next generation of marketers these same skills.Finally, science itself is changing. Neurology, behavioral economics, social sciences and other areas have seen significant evolution in recent years. These areas have been around for decades but not fully understood by marketers. Even more so, they haven't been fully embraced.By immersing ourselves in the latest research, innovations, and applications in these areas, we can enhance the field of marketing itself – and the work we do for our brands.So, what path will we choose? I look forward to navigating the future of marketing – together.Raja Rajamannar is chief marketing and communications officer and president, healthcare, at Mastercard

Accessing your inner "Leonardo da Vinci" &mdash; Mastercard's CMO on navigating the transforming landscape of marketing

In a digitally transformed world, skills [acquisition] level the playing field. They provide an equal opportunity for large and small enterprises to grow and push the envelope of innovation. Hence, it is imperative that enterprises invest in their talent, and upskill them to stay ahead of the competition. While large enterprises are able to deploy their employees’ <keyword id="16027542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="upskilling-and-skills-enhancement-strategies" source="Orion">upskilling and skills enhancement strategies</keyword> through dedicated learning and development (<keyword id="2000019" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ld" source="Orion">L&amp;D</keyword>) activities, small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) find it difficult to accommodate and sometimes, even afford this critical function. And hence, what could provide a real edge for smaller businesses is diluted, limiting these businesses from showcasing innovation in the competitive landscape. The main barrier to development of these high-growth businesses is limitations when it comes to funds, access to solution providers and a skilled workforce. These often result in them choosing short-term approaches towards skills development like deploying upskilling initiatives only during employee on-boarding, relying on a limited set of experts for training, or even deploying tools which might not be effective and productive. While SMBs already found it challenging to deploy L&amp;D initiatives, the pandemic added more dimensions to consider: a digitally transformed world and a hybrid workforce. Digital skilling turned essential for a workforce that may, or may not come into the office. “Today, SMBs cannot afford to ignore the strategic need for L&amp;D function and the need for a long term approach. However, this has to work within the typical budget constraints an SMB would need to work under”, says Amit Gautam, CEO of UpsideLMS, <a href="https://www.upsidelms.com/?utm_source=BI+article&amp;utm_medium=article+referral">a unique upskilling platform</a> that has been designed for businesses who want to embark on a long-term L&amp;D strategy for their workforce. <keyword id="16027543" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smart-learning-solutions" source="Orion">Smart learning solutions</keyword>: Need of the hour for SMBs An LMS, or a Learning Management System is a digital tool to enable the delivery and management of educational courses and programmes. However, an effective LMS is capable of accomplishing more than just helping provide educational content to users. It should deliver structure to a business’ L&amp;D agenda, adapt to an organisation’s upskilling approach and culture and also integrate into organisations and their diverse digital environments. And from an SMB’s perspective, it should also be cost effective. UpsideLMS innovated to develop <a href="https://saksham.cloud/home?utm_source=BI+article&amp;utm_medium=article+referral">an SMB-focussed learning management system</a> that delivered effective solutions to the L&amp;D demands that these small businesses faced. saksham is a ‘Free Forever’ LMS for SMBs across the world. It is designed to offer a learning platform for SMBs who are keen to embark on the upskilling trajectory by developing a culture of learning and building a future-ready workforce. “saksham - Free Forever” was launched specifically to cater to smaller businesses who have very limited L&amp;D budgets. It’s a complete learning solution that can be used by any company of any scale or size and most importantly, it’s free forever”, notes Vivek Garg, SVP-Sales, UpsideLMS. What sets ‘saksham’ apart? saksham’s power-packed set of features make it domain, sector and size agnostic. The platform can on-board unlimited numbers of learners and courses, and the integrated AI engine is capable of delivering suggestions that are best suited for the employee and the organisation. With the hybrid working environment emphasising the importance of adaptability, saksham can deliver upskilling programmes via the mobile or a larger screen, with gamification and social learning adding an element of fun to the process. The platform is also easy to set up, simplifying the process for SMBs as they implement the platform in their businesses. And with a zero-cost setup, small businesses can stay clear of worries about making large investments in their L&amp;D functions. “saksham - Free Forever is a <a href="https://saksham.cloud/home?utm_source=BI+article&amp;utm_medium=article+referral">smart learning solution for organisations, especially smaller and mid-sized</a>, to establish a learning culture and build a future-ready workforce. In fact, companies of all dynamics can set it up on their own. It’s that easy.” says Sandeep Bhoyar, SVP - Technology, UpsideLMS. As technology evolves, and the courses on an LMS are upgraded to help the business, saksham is also set to receive updates. It runs on the core of UpsideLMS and the platform benefits from the continuous innovations and updates in UpsideLMS, which are aligned to the changing learning and development needs of SMBs. With upskilling turning from good-to-have to an imperative, platforms such as saksham are intent on delivering industry essentials to businesses which are the most in need of these innovations. And with SMEs playing a crucial role in the country’s economy, a future-ready Learning Management System will position this sector in a path of continual growth. Gautam adds, “Our vision is to take saksham to every organisation in the world and empower them in developing their capability holistically.” Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>

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

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Karnataka to go Goa way and allow alcohol sales in coastal cities to lure tourists

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The Enhanced Games wants to take on the Olympics by embracing steroids and athlete pay. Meet the founder.

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India's satcom sector to take off as IN-SPACe allows Indian players access to international orbital data

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Debt recovery best practices: Lessons learned from successful business experiences

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Accessing your inner "Leonardo da Vinci" Mastercard's CMO on navigating the transforming landscape of marketing

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SMBs can easily upskill their workforce using this effective learning management solution

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