Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

The smartphone industry continuously pushes the boundaries of <keyword id="1658654" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fast-charging" source="Orion">fast charging</keyword>, with companies launching new and improved charging technologies at an impressive pace. Recently, <keyword id="19985864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="realme" source="keywords">Realme</keyword> announced a new system, called the 320W SuperSonic charge that can charge a 4,420 mAh battery from 1% to 100% in just 4 minutes and 30 seconds. This raises an important question: Do these fast chargers damage your phone’s battery, or are they totally safe to use? In this article, we'll explore the science behind battery function and the technologies that manufacturers are developing to protect your device's battery. <h2>How does a smartphone battery work?</h2>Smartphone batteries are typically made of lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells, which operate through chemical reactions. When charging, lithium ions flow from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode), generating energy that powers the device. Batteries absorb the most energy when they are almost empty. As they are near their full capacity, they absorb less power. This is why smartphone charging slows down once the battery reaches around 80%. With a fast charger, this process happens much faster, but it’s important to note that fast chargers don’t consistently operate at their peak output. The charger only delivers its maximum capacity for a brief period, while the power input adjusts depending on the battery’s current charge level. <h2>Fast charging explained</h2>Fast charging uses higher power levels to recharge a battery more quickly by increasing the voltage or current supplied. Modern fast-charging systems rely on specialised chargers and batteries that can handle the increased power without causing damage. Technologies such as <keyword id="22604355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="usb-power-delivery" source="keywords">USB Power Delivery</keyword> (USB-PD and Qualcomm <keyword id="24069276" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quick-charge" source="keywords">Quick Charge</keyword> help regulate power delivery by communicating between the charger and the device, adjusting based on battery capacity and charge level. Fast charging starts quickly when the battery is low, but slows as the battery nears full capacity to prevent overheating and protect battery longevity. <h2>Why Do Batteries Degrade Over Time?</h2>Repeated charging and discharging take a toll on batteries, but the primary factor behind battery degradation is heat. Excessive heat can cause the battery's internal structure to crystallise, reducing its efficiency. This is why the goal of many manufacturers is to minimise heat generation during the charging process. Over the years, companies have developed technologies to reduce heat in the battery and mitigate its negative effects on the overall battery health. While fast charging is convenient, it can degrade the battery over time if not managed properly. The higher power levels generate more heat, accelerating battery wear and reducing capacity over multiple charging cycles. Modern batteries and chargers are equipped with features, such as temperature sensors and power regulation systems, to minimise damage. Although fast charging can shorten battery lifespan when used frequently, devices often slow the charging speed as they approach full capacity to mitigate these effects. As a result, the battery may not last as long as with slower charging, requiring more frequent recharges over time. <h2>Charging technologies over time</h2>Smartphone brands, especially in India, have been at the forefront of charging technology innovations: OnePlus launched <keyword id="24069277" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="warp-charge" source="keywords">Warp Charge</keyword> in 2019 with 30W charging, and now offers solutions up to 150W. Xiaomi introduced <keyword id="24069278" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hypercharge" source="keywords">HyperCharge</keyword> in 2021 with 120W, and is working on a 300W solution for full charges in under 10 minutes. Oppo debuted SuperVOOC in 2018, starting at 50W, and is aiming for 300W charging. Realme launched Dart Charge in 2020 with 65W and in 2024, showcased 320W SuperSonic charging. Samsung has used <keyword id="24069279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adaptive-fast-charging" source="keywords">Adaptive Fast Charging</keyword> since 2014, and now focuses on wireless charging and long-term battery health. <keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple" source="keywords">Apple</keyword> introduced MagSafe in 2020, prioritising eco-friendly wireless charging advancements. <h2>Consumer perceptions and misconceptions</h2>Many consumers believe fast charging always damages batteries, but modern devices are designed with features to manage heat and voltage, minimising harm. Another common misconception is that using third-party chargers will destroy the battery, but reputable third-party chargers that meet safety standards are safe to use. Some people worry that fast charging is inherently unsafe, but certified chargers follow strict regulations to prevent damage. It’s also often assumed that fast charging continues at high speeds until the battery reaches 100%, but in fact, most systems slow down near full capacity to protect the battery. Lastly, people may believe that all chargers offer fast charging, but fast charging only works with devices and chargers that support the same technology, like USB-PD or Quick Charge. <h2>Best practices for charging</h2>To extend <keyword id="158949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="battery-life" source="Orion">battery life</keyword>, it’s best to avoid letting your battery drop below 20% or charge above 80% frequently, as extreme charge levels can strain the battery. Always use certified chargers and cables to ensure stable power delivery. Keep your device cool while charging, as excessive heat can cause damage. Avoid heavy usage during charging, as it generates heat. Enable "optimised charging" feature, available on many devices, to regulate charging speed and patterns. If fast charging is necessary, use it sparingly and rely on slower charging for routine use. Finally, unplug the charger once the device is fully charged to prevent unnecessary trickle charging over time. <h2>The future of smartphone batteries</h2>Looking ahead, the future of smartphone batteries includes promising advancements in solid-state and graphene technologies, which could offer faster charging, longer battery life, and higher energy density. Additionally, sodium-ion and lithium-sulphur batteries are being investigated as eco-friendly alternatives. <keyword id="20016522" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gan" source="keywords">GaN</keyword> (gallium nitride) technology is paving the way for ultra-fast chargers, and wireless and over-the-air charging innovations promise to provide smarter, greener, and more efficient solutions. By understanding how batteries work, the impact of fast charging, and best practices for maintaining battery health, consumers can make informed choices that balance convenience and long-term battery performance.

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

Every night, millions of us plug in our phones before bed, letting them charge to 100 percent. While convenient, this habit might be shortening the lifespan of our phone batteries. Recent insights reveal that for optimal <keyword id="19920068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="battery-health" source="keywords">battery health</keyword>, it's better not to fully charge your phone every time. <h2>The science behind battery health</h2>Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most smartphones, degrade over time due to chemical ageing. Charging your phone to its maximum capacity and keeping it there is like overfilling a saturated sponge. This practice accelerates wear and tear, reducing the battery’s longevity. Experts recommend hitting that sweet spot between 20 and 80% to minimise stress on the electrons, thereby preserving battery health. This is not to say that you're necessarily at the risk of a battery-fuelled explosion either. Phone makers generally add tech that helps make battery charging safer, such as via custom alerts at certain charging points, or even setting the device to stop charging at 80%. Even without these added features, modern smartphones have smart charging technology that "halts" the charging process once at capacity. Thereafter, it only kicks in occassionally to keep the battery at 100%. <h2>How phone manufacturers are helping</h2>To address this, phone manufacturers have introduced <keyword id="22712180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adaptive-charging" source="keywords">adaptive charging</keyword> technologies. These features manage the charging process more carefully, only fully charging the battery when necessary. Google Pixel Phones: - Navigate to Settings &gt; Battery &gt; Adaptive Charging. - Enable Adaptive Charging to allow your phone to learn your <keyword id="21494082" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="charging-habits" source="keywords">charging habits</keyword> and only charge fully when it predicts you'll need it. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112164963" title="Nothing Phone (2a) Plus with Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset launched in India starting at ₹29,999" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Samsung Galaxy Phones: - Go to Settings &gt; Battery &gt; Battery protection. - Choose Adaptive or Maximum to prevent the battery from charging above 80 percent. - Set up custom alerts by creating a new routine in Settings &gt; Modes and Routines. For other <keyword id="22712186" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Android-handsets" source="keywords">Android handsets</keyword>, various apps can help manage charging levels and set alerts when specific levels are reached. <h2>Practical steps for iPhone users</h2>iPhone users aren't left out, as iOS also offers optimised battery charging. This feature learns your routine and delays charging past 80% until you need it. You can Enable Optimised Battery Charging by going to <keyword id="22712185" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="settings-battery-battery-health" source="keywords">Settings &gt; Battery &gt; Battery Health</keyword>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111487855" title="Hey, Apple! We want much more battery life in the new iPhone 16." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>By adopting these smarter charging practices, you can significantly extend the life of your phone’s battery. This not only ensures your device remains reliable for longer but also reduces the frequency of needing costly <keyword id="22712184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="battery-replacements" source="keywords">battery replacements</keyword> or new phones. In conclusion, making small adjustments to how you charge your phone — such as utilising adaptive charging features and setting appropriate charge limits — can lead to a healthier, longer-lasting battery.

Charging smarter: How to extend your phone battery’s lifespan

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="23944870" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonya-Moore" source="keywords">Sonya Moore</keyword> decided that if Trump won in 2016, she would leave the US.</li><li>She followed through and has been living abroad for seven years.</li></ul>"If Trump wins this election, I'm <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-reelected-americans-are-planning-to-flee-in-droves-2024-3">moving out of the country</a>." I said those words in November 2016. So did a lot of other Americans: so many, in fact, that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canadian-immigration-site-crash-election-2016-11">Canada's immigration website crashed</a> as votes were being tallied due to increased traffic. No joke. I don't know how many others <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-who-left-us-because-of-trump-talk-biden-presidency-2020-12">followed through on that declaration</a>, but I did. Trump won the election, and 9 months later, I left the US. Full disclosure: Trump becoming president was not the only reason I left — it was also about being fed up with my corporate job, coupled with a strong desire to explore the world. I was 37, single, with no children or pets, so I was free to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-mom-quit-job-expat-move-abroad-qatar-singapore-2023-12">quit my job</a>, uproot myself, and take off. I did own a house at the time, which I sold a few months after I left. Upon my departure, I didn't have much of a plan other than the intention to spend some time slowly exploring Asia and teaching English when I needed to make money. This no-plan thing was out of character for me, but I was very comfortable with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/southeast-asia-travel-mistakes-packing-weather-clothing-traditions-medicine-2024-4">solo international travel</a>, thanks to previous study abroad experiences and 14 years of intensive overseas work-related travel. <div type="image" title="Sonya Moore in Siem Reap, Cambodia" height="1280" width="1600" msid="115071450" hostid="261"></div><h2>The move opened a new chapter in my life</h2>As months unfolded, I discovered that when you leave space for it, life guides you to the places, people, and opportunities that are meant for you. Seven years later, I'm still living <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-couldnt-afford-retirement-in-california-moved-abroad-travel-happy-2024-10">happily outside the US</a>. While my decision to leave opened up a horizon of experiences beyond my wildest dreams and led me to the man of my dreams, it hasn't all been a bed of roses. The first year, I lived off savings while traveling slowly through Asia. I started my travels in India, where I spent 10 days at a silent meditation retreat, attended teachings by the Dalai Lama, and took a <keyword id="20626363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yoga-teacher-training" source="keywords">yoga teacher training</keyword>. I promptly got hooked on teaching yoga. After four months in India, I continued <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-pack-traveling-in-southeast-asia-singapore-thailand-bali-2023-9">making my way through Asia</a> for eight more months. I swam in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives, visited healers in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-family-kids-bali-decompress-relocate-slow-life-work-remote-2024-10">Bali</a>, witnessed breathtaking sunrise views from mountaintops in Laos, went island-hopped through the Philippines, rode motorbikes around Thailand's islands, and discovered ancient pagodas in Myanmar The cost of living in much of Asia is so low that savings can stretch a long way. I have high standards for my accommodations, and while traveling, I usually spent around $20 to $25 per night on hotels. Lower-maintenance friends of mine found simpler places for $6 per night in India. Meals usually cost around $3. After six weeks in India, I considered a lunch bill of $5 to be expensive. <h2>There have been times along the way when I've felt lost </h2>From time to time, I experienced stretches of feeling <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relocation-moved-to-milan-living-abroad-emotionally-exhausting-unspoken-truths-2023-9">unsettled and lacking a sense of purpose</a>. Over the years, I learned that those periods of doubt and uncertainty will continue to surface. But I also learned to just keep trusting, and the way forward would eventually reveal itself. People often ask me if I was ever afraid while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-women-need-to-know-traveling-solo-southeast-asia-tips-2022-12">traveling alone through Asia</a>. I never was — except a couple of times in India when riding on some precariously high Himalayan roads with no guardrails. But of people? I never had a reason to be. After a year away, I found an opportunity to teach yoga in a small mountain town in Myanmar. Life there was quiet, simple, and beautiful. I lived there for 9 months, and I was profoundly happy most of the time. But there were times <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/loneliness-how-to-make-friends-remote-worker-freelancer-new-city-2024-2">I felt lonely</a>. The locals were sweet and kind, with love in their eyes and actions, but I missed friends who spoke my language fluently, with whom I could have deep conversations over a glass of wine. And the dating scene? Nonexistent. <div type="image" title="Sonya Moore kissing a man at the airport" height="2118" width="1754" msid="115071453" hostid="261"></div><h2>I found love during my travels</h2>Another yoga teaching opportunity took me to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is not a big city, but after my small-town Myanmar life, it felt like Manhattan. There were so many restaurants, bars, social events, friends, and even some attractive single men. I fell in love with the town, the quality of life, and the locals. It was easy to get a tourist or work visa to live here long term, and it was almost as inexpensive as India and Myanmar. I was living in Siem Reap when COVID-19 hit. By that time, I was in a <keyword id="20752574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="long-distance-relationship" source="keywords">long-distance relationship</keyword> with a French man I met during my travels. After the closed borders of the pandemic kept us apart for 7 months, I moved to France to be with him. Our story was long and winding, but it felt like destiny. He <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/my-partner-couple-travel-together-full-time-one-date-2024-5">loves global travel</a> like I do. We've been together for four years and are living together in Papua New Guinea. Our plan is to go back to a nomadic slow-travel lifestyle. My career has gradually evolved to encompass creative pursuits that light me up inside: retreats, writing, photography, and yoga. I am deeply grateful to my former self for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-abroad-cheap-low-cost-living-high-quality-life-2024-1">choosing to leave the US</a>. I sometimes miss family and friends, but thanks to technology, our connection stays alive across the distance, and I go back to visit once a year. I still love America and feel lucky to have been born and raised there. But there's a big world out there waiting to be discovered. Do you have a personal essay about relocating to Asia that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:akarplus@businessinsider.com">akarplus@businessinsider.com</a>. November 11, 2024 — An earlier version of this story mentioned Trump becoming president was not the reason Moore left, it was not the only reason.

I swore I would leave the US if Trump won the 2016 election. Here's how that worked out for me.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/iphone-16">new Apple iPhone 16 </a> could have a slightly improved battery, some credible rumors say.</li><li>Apple says there will be fancy new AI features, but what about what we REALLY care about?</li></ul>We are still about two months away from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apples-iphone-16-heres-what-we-know-ai-battery-i2024-7">iPhone 16's September release</a>, but rumors are already starting to trickle out about certain aspects of the phone's build.Yes, the iPhone 16 lineup will have all those fancy and fun new AI ("<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-intelligence-coolest-new-ai-features-announced-wwdc-2024-6">Apple Intelligence</a>") features that Apple is excited about. But what about the stuff that really matters? Folks, I'm worried.As my colleague Jordan Hart reported earlier this week about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apples-iphone-16-heres-what-we-know-ai-battery-i2024-7">what to expect for the iPhone 16</a>, there's something new potentially going on with the battery. <a target="_blank" href="https://medium.com/@mingchikuo/%E4%BF%A1%E7%B6%AD%E9%80%9A%E4%BF%A1%E7%82%BA%E6%96%B0%E6%AC%BEiphone-16-pro-max%E7%9A%84%E9%9B%BB%E6%B1%A0%E8%83%BD%E9%87%8F%E5%AF%86%E5%BA%A6%E5%8D%87%E7%B4%9A%E7%9A%84%E4%B8%BB%E8%A6%81%E5%8F%97%E7%9B%8A%E8%80%85-sunway-is-a-major-beneficiary-of-the-new-iphone-16-pro-9df9c5cd3913">Ming-Chi Kuo</a>, an analyst based in Taiwan who looks at Apple's supply chain, has surmised there will be a new type of steel-cased battery that will be removable to comply with European standards.The good news is this could mean longer battery life (or the same battery life, but with a lighter battery). But a steel-cased battery instead of the current aluminum one might also mean it's more prone to getting hot — something my older phones did a lot. My iPhone 14 Pro Max is fine (for now), but with some of my older phones, I'd find myself cooling down my fingertips on the sweat of a cold drink if I was using my phone for a long time.<h2 id="adb9dc32-d34d-4bfc-be77-924244cfcd8e">What to expect from the new iPhones</h2>Before you get too excited about the potential for longer battery life — the thing we all want — it's not totally clear just how much longer we're talking. According to one <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-16-battery-capacity-tipped-for-increase-apart-from-one-model">report on the rumors about the new phones</a>, the difference in how much charge the battery can store is expected to vary only slightly compared to the iPhone 15 lineup — and in the case of the 16 Plus, it may actually go down.Look, most likely, the battery life will be slightly improved compared to an iPhone15. How much, we don't know yet.But if you're considering buying an iPhone 16, chances are your current phone is way older, right? In the last few years, it's made more sense to hold onto a phone for more years instead of upgrading every cycle or even every two cycles (if you do upgrade every year, congrats to you and your checking account). The changes in phones have been incremental — a slightly better camera, maybe a brighter screen.<div type="image" title="A &quot;Low Battery&quot; message on an iPhone." height="683" width="1024" msid="111485055" hostid="261" sizebytes="21190"></div>The one thing we all want, that we all crave, is much better battery life, not just a small boost. The new AI features might be cool — even more optical zoom would be — but what I really REALLY want is for my phone to last all day without needing to charge by 9 p.m.I recently got a Series 9 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple">Apple</a> Watch after losing my previous Series 8. And the upgrade in battery life in the Series 9 is — I do not exaggerate — life-changing. I've had several Apple Watches and for the first time, I don't ever have to worry about it running out of charge by the end of the day.My current phone can't make it through a busy workday without a midday charge — and if I forget to do it on a day I commute into the office I'm really in trouble for my (long) commute home at night. I've caught myself thinking, "I should get a new portable charger." Shudder.<h2 id="2ebd72c4-3ae4-48ef-b0d5-cc7bcb4ee732">Claim our independence from the iPhone charger</h2>Imagine all the brain space you could claim back if you didn't have to ever worry about your phone battery. If you could just charge it overnight, wake up, use it all day long — even running Maps for a car trip as well as watching half of a four-hour YouTube video about the Disney Star Wars Hotel without your battery level sinking to 5%.You and I could win Nobel Prizes and learn the viola with all our regained brainpower!On this Fourth of July, I'd like you to imagine a beautiful land of freedom, the promise of independence from the charging cord. The American Experiment is about ideals and dreams — and we can dream of a world with really, really long battery life.

Hey, Apple! We want much more battery life in the new iPhone 16.

Smartphones have changed how we connect, work, and entertain ourselves, but they might also be silently reshaping our closest relationships. A recent study titled ‘Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Relationships’ sheds light on a growing concern: the excessive use of smartphones is creating barriers between parents and children in India. The sixth edition of the vivo Switch Off survey, conducted in collaboration with CyberMedia Research (CMR), highlights how technology, while indispensable, has become a source of conflict in family dynamics. The findings are a stark reminder of the need for balance in a world increasingly dominated by screens. <h2>Children are more aware of smartphone impact </h2> One surprising revelation from the study is that children appear more aware of the negative impact of <keyword id="24400365" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="excessive-smartphone-use" source="keywords">excessive smartphone use</keyword> than their parents. About 69% of children acknowledged that smartphone overuse has led to conflicts with their parents, and an overwhelming 94% suggested that their ideal phone for parents should focus on basic features like calling, messaging, and a camera—stripping away apps for entertainment, gaming, or social media. Children also demonstrated a desire for collective change: 66% said they would give up social media if their peers did the same, while over 90% wished that some popular social media platforms had never been created. <h2>Parents spend more time on their phones than children </h2> While 75% of parents worry about their children’s ability to build meaningful relationships, the irony is evident. Many parents overlook how their own smartphone habits are affecting their bond with their kids. On average, parents spend more than five hours daily on their phones, compared to four hours for children. A striking 73% of parents admit that their device use has caused friction at home. Even during significant moments like family vacations or celebrations, both groups confess to using their phones, underscoring how deeply ingrained this habit has become. <h2>Yearning for stronger bonds </h2> Despite the challenges, there’s a shared longing for deeper connections. About 76% of children and 84% of parents expressed a wish to strengthen their relationships through meaningful family time, free from digital distractions. Both groups are exploring solutions such as creating “phone-free” zones at home and setting mutual screen-time limits. One-third of children believe the world would be better off without certain apps, reflecting their frustration with the digital environment they’ve grown up in. Yet, they also see hope in collective action—if their families and friends embrace healthier smartphone habits, they’re ready to follow suit. <h2>Expert opinion </h2> Highlighting the issue, Riddhi Doshi Patel, a child psychologist and parenting counsellor, noted, “Excessive smartphone use is silently eroding emotional bonds between parents and children. Campaigns promoting mindful tech use aren’t just helpful; they’re transformative. They can foster genuine connection and create homes where relationships flourish beyond screens.” To address these challenges, vivo has collaborated with experts like Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up with Your Phone, and Riddhi Doshi Patel to offer practical advice. Their guidance includes actionable steps like setting screen-time boundaries, creating phone-free zones, and prioritising face-to-face interactions. What are your thoughts on this growing issue? Can families bridge the digital divide, or is it a price we’ll continue to pay for staying connected?

Parents spend more time on their smartphones than children and this might be straining relationships, new study suggests

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Women voters could prove key to Kamala Harris' election bid.</li><li>Women tend to register and vote at higher rates than men.</li></ul>With the US election drawing ever nearer, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are turning their attention to a few specific voter groups in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/battleground-states-2024-presidential-election-road-white-house-2022-12">a number of key swing states that will likely determine who will be sitting in the White House come January</a>.One group where Harris will hope to make big gains is women, who tend to register and vote at higher rates than men.And it seems to be going well for the vice president so far.Since President Joe Biden dropped out of the running for the election in late July, a number of polls have shown women leaning increasingly toward the Democrats. A recent national Suffolk University/USA Today poll showed women favored Harris by 21 points.A key area closely connected to gender voting patterns — and which has helped tip elections toward the Democrats in recent years — is abortion rights.After the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned in 2022, ending women's right to abortion nationally, the US saw a rise in reproductive rights activism as many states imposed abortion restrictions or bans. Harris' campaign has sought to build on their concerns and activism.Harris reshaped the election race by "advocating for women's health, reproductive freedom and abortion access more vocally and more powerfully than Biden did and than the Trump/Vance ticket is," Shana Gadarian, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://news.syr.edu/blog/2024/07/25/not-all-women-will-vote-for-kamala-harris-but-a-lot-might/">said</a>."She ties access to reproductive care to a theme of progress and freedom in ways that Biden did not," she added.Women-led political action committees (PACs) and organizations have also been rallying behind the vice president over the issue.Ali Monge, the head of the Women for American Values and Ethics PAC, told Business Insider that in a post-Roe world, women "want our voices heard.""Women are fired up again, and [Harris] being a minority as well says a lot. It's pretty empowering and a lot of youth are excited about that," she added.Jessica Mackler, the president of EMILY'S List, another PAC that supports abortion rights, said, "The energy and excitement that we see around the vice president's candidacy are because she has led her whole life on issues that really matter to women voters and matter to voters across the country, like reproductive freedom."For his part, Trump seems well aware of the threat the gender gap poses to his election bid, and he has continued to try to walk a fine line on issues like abortion by keeping the Evangelical voters in his base enthused without sacrificing women who support abortion access. He has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060">avoided answering</a> repeated questions about whether he would veto a national abortion ban.In August, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights" — that's despite his previous claims that he was the most "pro-life president" in history.<h2 id="93477451-47aa-4c91-8e85-5b4066e6e158">Greek life</h2><div type="image" title="Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at their first presidential debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." height="768" width="1024" msid="113548355" hostid="261" sizebytes="34600"></div>Harris is also looking to her sorority sisters for support as the election looms.The vice president is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the US's oldest Black sorority and part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council — more commonly known as the Divine Nine.The roughly 4 million members that make up the council could play an important role in drumming up support for Harris, with members having <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/11/09/933117256/in-harris-black-sororities-and-fraternities-celebrate-one-of-their-own">previously backed her</a> as she rose through the political ranks."We have nine organizations, and if we all mobilize as we have, we're going to get the vote out," Tonya Ly, a founding member of the Run Sister Run PAC, told BI."They've already sent out a statement to mobilize because they can't directly endorse a candidate, but they can mobilize and get voters out. So they're having voter registration drives. They're figuring out how to get people to the polls. This happens every year, but it's on a larger scale now because we want change in the country," she added.Black women are also getting behind Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, who has established himself as a reproductive rights messenger in his own right.As governor of Minnesota, Walz has signed legislation to establish a new Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls and has also sought to protect abortion laws."He is the right white man for the job," Brenda Coles, a Virginia-based activist told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/21/black-women-tim-walz-00175662">Politico</a>.Walz has also opened up about his own family's fertility journey."Even if you've never experienced the hell of infertility, I guarantee you know somebody who has," Walz said at the DNC in August. "I remember praying each night for a call with good news, the pit in my stomach when the phone would ring, and the agony when we heard the treatments hadn't worked.""I'm letting you in on how we started our family because that's a big part of what this election is about—freedom," he added.Walz also offers a sharp contrast to Trump's VP pick, JD Vance, who has faced public backlash over a number of controversial resurfaced comments about women, including his now infamous labeling of Harris and other high-profile Democrats as "childless cat ladies."Announcing her endorsement of Harris on Instagram, pop star Taylor Swift made particular note of the two candidates' running mates, saying she had been "heartened and impressed" by Harris' selection of Walz as he had "been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman's right to her own body for decades."She also took the opportunity to take a jab at Vance, signing off her post: "Taylor Swift ... Childless Cat Lady."<h2 id="f2aedbc2-a106-42fb-82c5-614b14e86171">The Swift effect</h2><div type="image" title="A composite image of Taylor Swift smiling as she performs with a guitar onstage and of Kamala Harris speaking from a podium and pointing upward." height="1500" width="2000" msid="113548356" hostid="261" sizebytes="216592"></div>Harris has received a host of major celebrity endorsements since Biden dropped out of the race, including <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-kamala-harris-instagram-twitter-elon-musk-2024-9">big names like Swift</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hollywood-endorse-kamala-harris-george-clooney-charlixcx-2024-7">Billie Eilish</a>. Beyoncé has also seemingly shown her support for the vice president, allowing her to use her song "Freedom" for her presidential campaign — the same song <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonce-threatens-cease-and-desist-trump-campaign-freedom-video-1235084830/">she moved to block Trump from using</a>.While celebrity endorsements are typically unlikely to have too much of an effect on voting, there are exceptions.And Swift and Beyoncé have the kind of global followings that could generate a sizable impact.As Darrell West, a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-beyonce-and-taylor-swift-endorsements-could-help-harris/">writes</a>: "The musicians' strong followings among young people, African Americans, and women, combined with their demonstrated ability to amplify another individual's messages, would suggest they could be very helpful to Harris.""In a close race, little things matter so it is possible that Swift/Beyoncé endorsements could be decisive in areas where the vice president needs a boost," he continued, adding: "These superstar endorsements could matter in exactly the same way as when Winfrey helped Obama more than a decade ago."

How reproductive rights, Greek life, and celebrity endorsements could prove key to Kamala Harris' bid for women voters 

<keyword id="22053621" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Insurance-regulator-IRDA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Insurance regulator IRDA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Insurance regulator IRDA">Insurance regulator IRDA</keyword> has introduced sweeping reforms for various <keyword id="19936531" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="life-insurance" source="keywords">life insurance</keyword> products. In its master circular dated 12th June, 2024, the insurance watchdog laid out a slew of customer-friendly directives for life insurance companies to follow with immediate effect. Read on to know all about how these new rules will impact you : <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Customer information sheet" comment="subhead" text="Customer information sheet"><keyword id="22033784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="customer-information-sheet" source="keywords">Customer information sheet</keyword></cmsannotation> Going ahead, all life insurance companies will have to mandatorily provide their policyholders with a CIS, or Customer Information Sheet. This will serve to explain to them the basic features of the policy in very simple terms, and will include essential details like sum assured, benefits, policy loan options, free-look period and procedures for making claims and redressing grievances. In addition, benefits payable to the policyholder if they survive the policy tenure (maturity benefits), upon death and surrender of policy should also be clearly spelt out. Along with this, the policyholders are also entitled to a customised illustration of how the policy will benefit them while they are being sold the policy. CIS should also be made available to the policyholder in their local language on request. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Free-look and grace period" comment="subhead" text="Free-look and grace period"><keyword id="22053620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Free-look-and-Grace-Period" source="Orion">Free-look and grace period</keyword></cmsannotation> Policyholders will now have a 30-day window from the day they receive the policy document to review and cancel the policy if they want. If the policy is cancelled within this period, they will be entitled to a full premium refund. Earlier, this period only lasted for 15 days. For grace period, which basically refers to the additional, penalty-free window given to the policyholder to make premium payment post due date to avoid losing coverage, the windows will differ depending on premium payment frequency. If you pay the policy premiums on a monthly basis, you will get a 15-day grace period. For premium payments made on a quarterly/half-yearly or annual basis, the grace period will be of 30 days. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Penalty on violating Ombudsman’s word" comment="subhead" text="Penalty on violating Ombudsman’s word">Penalty on violating Ombudsman’s word</cmsannotation> The insurer is bound to comply with the <keyword id="960887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Insurance-Ombudsman" source="Orion">Insurance Ombudsman</keyword>’s award within 30 days of receiving the same. In case the same is violated, the insurer will have to pay a penalty of Rs 5,000 per day to the complainant. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Higher value on early policy surrender" comment="subhead" text="Higher value on early policy surrender">Higher value on early policy surrender</cmsannotation> Often, policyholders ended up with a low, negligible amount as refund upon surrendering their insurance policy. This is set to change with <keyword id="21879234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IRDA" source="keywords">IRDA</keyword>’s latest directives. Now, policyholders will be eligible for <keyword id="885219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="surrender-value" source="Orion">surrender value</keyword> even if they decide to surrender their policy after just one year. Previously, only 50% of <keyword id="2939473" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="policy-premium" source="Orion">policy premium</keyword> would be refunded, provided the policyholders surrendered their policy between years 4-7 of the policy tenure. Moreover, they would lose the entire premium amount if they surrendered their policy within a year. Customers will also be entitled to higher special surrender value (SSV) from now on. This SSV should be at least equivalent to the expected present one of the these three: <ol><li>Paid up sum assured, or present value of your sum assured after you stop paying premiums</li><li>Paid up future benefits</li><li>Accrued benefits</li></ol>Also, it will be compulsory for life insurers to offer loans to policyholders as per the eligible surrender value of the policy. Says Vivek Jain, Head, Investments, Policybazaar.com, "The provision for higher Surrender Value (SV), calculated at a prevailing 10-year government securities rate with a limited spread, significantly increases the value returned to policyholders in the event of a policy surrender, after the completion of first year. The mandatory facility of policy loans across all life insurance savings products and the allowance of partial withdrawals under pension products will provide vital financial flexibility, which will enable policyholders to meet liquidity needs and specific financial goals. These measures will certainly enhance trust and transparency in the industry." <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Partial withdrawal allowed from pension products" comment="subhead" text="Partial withdrawal allowed from pension products">Partial withdrawal allowed from pension products</cmsannotation> Policyholders will be allowed to make partial withdrawals, provided they have 3 years of continuous coverage under their insurance-cum-pension plan. Also, these withdrawals cannot be more than 25% of the total premiums paid till date. The insurer cannot use this withdrawal towards making any adjustments in the policy's sum assured. However, this withdrawal will only be allowed for specific situations, like funding children’s higher education/marriage, constructing a house, treating critical illnesses, starting a new venture or for skill development purposes.

Here’s how your life insurance plans are set to change

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Dana Blue is an estate-planning attorney who helps families navigate assets after a loved one dies.</li><li>Inheritances can create an opportunity to purchase a house, return to school, or run a business.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with <a target="_blank" href="https://danabluelaw.com/">Dana Blue</a>, a 44-year-old estate planning, probate, and real estate attorney in Philadelphia. The following has been edited for length and clarity.When I started my law practice in 2017, I <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/how-to-make-a-will-without-a-lawyer">drafted simple wills</a> for free. Since then, I've expanded my practice to offer trust-centered estate planning and probate administration services.I value the opportunity to support families during their times of grief, but sometimes, when you mix grief, money, and family dynamics, it can be a very volatile cocktail.I work closely with heirs or beneficiaries to navigate them through the probate process. Once the assets are distributed, clients are often left with money, property, or a business. Some people inherit just a few thousand dollars, and others walk away with life-changing money.After almost a decade of being an attorney, I've witnessed the variety of ways <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inheritance-estate-lawyer-saddest-stories-families-fighting-2024-5">inheritance has changed people</a>, both positively and destructively.<h2 id="980af646-d571-42d1-be99-f97a371c38a5">It can bring on newfound wealth, but it might come with more responsibilities</h2>When you inherit a business, learning its operational, financial, and legal aspects is crucial. I've seen cases where people inherit their family's business with no experience and bankrupt it in just months due to poor financial management.If you plan to keep the business within the family, developing a succession plan that details how the business will be transferred to the next generation, including training and mentoring the future leaders, is vital.During the pandemic, a college-aged client's father died, and she inherited his printing business. Suddenly, she had to manage orders and payroll, pay vendors, and understand contracts, service delivery, hiring, and firing. Luckily, her father left a comprehensive succession plan, documented company policies and procedures for her to follow, and a list of trusted advisors to leverage for help.<h2 id="34d88fe4-df12-4325-a41b-671fb2030dc5">It can change the trajectory of a person's life, especially their career</h2>One of the most impactful ways I've seen people use their inheritance was for education. Using some of it to pursue a degree could be an investment that yields a higher payout over time.About four years ago, I had a client who started college but withdrew after two years when she became pregnant. She wanted to return to school and earn her degree but couldn't re-enroll due to unpaid tuition bills and past-due student loans she couldn't afford to pay.When she <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/received-250000-inheritance-regret-how-spent-it-2024-8">received an inheritance</a> from her grandfather's wrongful-death lawsuit, she was able to pay off her debts and go back to school full-time without acquiring new student loan debt.<h2 id="1880a406-b69c-41ea-abce-a52dc2380786">It can isolate you from family members</h2>Inheritances can impact family members in different ways and even tear them apart. I've seen situations where a parent added only one child of many to their property deed. Sometimes, adult children may be excluded from the will altogether.If you're the only family member or sibling who received assets, others may perceive that as unfair. This can yield mistrust, separation, or arguing within the family. Understanding these potential issues can help families plan better and communicate their intentions and expectations openly.<h2 id="90230ac2-2a6c-43d2-8730-d07eeb29a889">It can cause additional conflict if there's not a will</h2>Family dynamics are disrupted the most when a loved one dies without a will. Without a will or trust, your state's intestate laws determine how your loved one's assets are distributed.When an estate goes through probate, family members sometimes feel a loss of control because we must distribute the assets according to state laws and not how their loved one may have wanted. This can mean stepchildren and longtime unmarried partners are not entitled to receive any part of the estate.A brother who moved away 20 years ago and cut himself off from the family will still receive his 50% inheritance. Examples like this empower me to keep telling as many people as possible that you must create your estate plan to ensure the people in your life get your assets in the way you want them to, not how the state will divide them.<h2 id="60ca058e-ecca-4f58-a71f-5c893d3f9b01">It can cause a person to be consumed by sudden wealth syndrome</h2>In some cases, when a person gets an inheritance and didn't have very much money before, it can cause them to be consumed by sudden wealth syndrome, my term for coming into a lot of money fast and spending impulsively or simply not understanding how to manage or invest it.A few years ago, a client used a $90,000 inheritance from her grandmother to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inherited-money-mistake-regret-2024-3">buy her first house in cash</a> but didn't consider the cost of rehabbing or maintaining it within her salary means. The house needed immediate repairs on top of homeowners insurance, maintenance, and taxes.She had a pool added to the backyard but was shocked by the cost of maintaining it and her increased insurance premium. She bought a pre-owned Range Rover that quickly depreciated and was draining her inheritance with repair costs. At one point, she was considering <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-score/what-does-bankruptcy-mean-definition">filing for bankruptcy</a> because she was essentially using credit cards to maintain her post-inheritance lifestyle.If you're creating an estate plan and know that a family member might be susceptible to sudden wealth syndrome once they receive the assets, you can set up a trust with specific conditions or staggered distributions to manage how and when they receive them.<h2 id="5efa705e-ce24-4509-a299-144de4ef8baa">Meet with professionals who can help you plan for the future to avoid negative consequences</h2>If you just found out that you'll be receiving an inheritance, consulting with estate attorneys and financial planners can be helpful. You can then make informed decisions about your inheritance, ensuring it's managed and preserved effectively for your and your family's future.If you have children, you might be able to use some of the money to establish their future generational wealth by putting some in vehicles like a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-is-a-529-plan">529 college savings plan</a>, funding a trust, or purchasing life insurance policies.Receiving an inheritance can be an overwhelming and daunting moment in your life. Take the time to do estate planning and encourage family members to do the same. It will ensure their legacy is mapped out in the best and most beneficial way possible for the loved ones they will leave behind.Want to share your inheritance story? Email Lauryn Haas at lhaas@businessinsider.com.

Inheritance can destroy a family or be a life-changing gift. Here's how I advise my clients as an estate-planning attorney.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ron Allanach and his partner Ben Lorgeranon moved from New England to Vancouver to Mérida, Mexico.</li><li>They've found Mexico has much lower prices, better healthcare, and high-quality food.</li></ul>Ron Allanach, 74, and his partner Ben Lorgeranon moved to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-xer-moved-japan-build-house-countryside-slow-life-expat-2024-9">Vancouver</a> from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/small-town-in-maine-hidden-gem-northeast-belfast-2024-7">New England</a> in 2005, thinking they would stay there for their retirements. However, the city's rising prices and their desire to explore the world pushed them much further south.After a year abroad, the couple purchased a home in 2017 in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-to-mexico-from-us-merida-safety-cost-healthcare-2023-11">Mérida</a>, a large city in southeast Mexico, and split their time between there and Vancouver. In 2020, they moved there permanently.Allanach said with each day, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-us-to-mexico-what-surprised-me-2021-7">Mérida</a> feels more like home. The city is safer than he imagined, prices for nearly everything are much lower, and healthcare is more reliable. Allanach said they've tried to immerse themselves in the local culture instead of keeping just to fellow expats."Mérida has significantly improved its infrastructure, and many people are moving here. There is also a very significant gay community," Allanach said.<h2 id="9cf8a6cf-f8fd-44b6-bd65-c0ea999b3b66">Moving to Canada, then Mexico</h2>Allanach was born and raised in Portland, Maine, where he started his career as a journalist. He worked on the police beat for a local newspaper, which led him to become a police officer after a short stint at the US Postal Inspection Service.For over twenty years, Allanach worked in the police force, eventually becoming a police chief in the Portland area. He then earned master's degrees in public policy and education psychology and held positions as an education administrator and behavioral therapist.He met his partner in his master's program, though Lorgeranon, who is from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/expat-bangkok-thailand-better-life-low-cost-living-culture-home-2024-5">Thailand</a>, couldn't secure a residency in the US. Allanach suspected life in the US would be challenging as a same-sex couple, noting he became "quite disenchanted" with the country.Ultimately, they decided to move to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/living-in-city-where-tv-shows-are-filmed-vancouver-canadian-2024-2">Vancouver</a>. Allanach found work in the educational psychology department of various schools. Allanach and Lorgeranon agreed they lived a "wonderful life" in Vancouver with many friends and cultural opportunities.However, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-boston-nyc-brooklyn-worth-increased-costs-genz-2024-9">living expenses</a> started to rise, and he said his income was taxed at $12,000 one year. Even with a consistent salary, he couldn't see a comfortable future in Vancouver, knowing how rapidly the city was developing. At the time, he said healthcare was expensive, especially for dental care, and it was difficult to find open slots for medical appointments.Additionally, he found his area's politics shifting more toward the conservative viewpoint, and he felt increasingly uncomfortable.After retiring from the school board, Allanach put their 820-square-foot Vancouver condo on the market, selling for over a million Canadian dollars, and decided to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visited-all-50-states-best-worst-nyc-weather-kansas-washington-2024-8">travel the world</a> for a year, figuring expenses would be more or less equivalent to staying in Canada. They owned another apartment that sold for almost $600,000 CAD in 2014, though it's now valued at over $1.4 million.They traveled to many European countries, staying in France for four months, and they spent time in Thailand with Allanach's partner's family.Allanach wanted to move to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relocate-chiang-mai-thailand-affordable-quality-of-life-best-city-2024-7">Thailand</a> for his retirement, but Thailand only grants permanent residency to 100 people per country each year. Allanach added the country often changes its rules surrounding visas, meaning living there long-term wouldn't be feasible.They visited Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state in southeast Mexico, a few times starting in 2015, noting it was popular among expats but still had a vibrant local community. Allanach said they felt safer in Mérida than in the US or Canada, and prices were lower. Mérida has a population of about 1.2 million as the financial capital of the Yucatán Peninsula.In 2017, they bought a 1920 colonial home in Mérida from a Vancouver couple. They stayed there between trips back to Vancouver, and they moved to Mérida fully in 2020."One of the things that's just a disaster for people moving to a foreign country is going there and expecting that you're going to make it like your home where you came from, and that's just not what happens," Allanach said.<div type="image" title="View from Ron Allanach's home" height="3024" width="4032" msid="113093468" hostid="261" sizebytes="1302272"></div><h2 id="d22c938b-122c-4810-a317-f51331644007">Getting accustomed to Mérida</h2>Once Mexico opened to tourism after easing pandemic-related restrictions, Allanach met an architect from Los Angeles who moved to Mérida and brought his practice with him. The architect built them a 2,800-square-foot home, which they have lived in for three years. The home cost them $238,000 and has three bedrooms, a full bath, a dining room, gardens, and a pool in the city center. Still, Allanach said home prices have risen fast as more expats come.Allanach and Lorgeranon bought a car to explore the city and surrounding areas — which they park outside their home without any worries. They have tried to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-moving-living-mexico-what-expats-should-stop-doing-2024-1">immerse themselves</a> in the culture and history of the Mayan people; Allanach said they became very close with a local Indigenous family and paid tuition for their kid's school."We meet people who say, I'm moving to Mérida, but I know nothing about it," Allanach said, noting he's valued integrating into the community instead of only staying in expat areas.Allanach said he's been impressed by Mérida's medical system, as he's often able to see a physician within an hour without being rushed. Many pharmacies near him are open 24/7, and he often gets 30% to 45% off his prescriptions. He said doctors often make house calls in his part of the city, and seeing a doctor at a pharmacy costs just $2.50.<div type="image" title="A Mérida street with vintage cars" height="3024" width="4032" msid="113093471" hostid="261" sizebytes="900368"></div>They often get fresh produce at the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, though they often shop at Costco for larger purchases. He estimates their grocery bill is much higher in Mérida than in Vancouver, given many items are imported. While there are many affordable restaurants, he said some restaurants catering more to tourists are "very expensive."He saves hundreds of dollars yearly on auto insurance, which is $500 in Mexico for a new SUV, whereas he paid over $2,500 in Vancouver. Whereas property taxes were about $1,700 a year in Vancouver, they're just $160 a year in Mexico. They use solar energy, which was a one-time expense of $5,500, though Allanach said the electric bill during the summer could cost $250 to $500, as the heat is sometimes difficult.Other costs include $38 yearly for trash pickup, $30 monthly for 5,000 TV channels, $35 for pool service, and $60 monthly for their phone plan."We love the routine here. We love the predictability," Allanach said. "I see what Canada is offering for $900,000, and it's half my living room. I almost feel nauseous."Have you recently left the US for a new country? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com">nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</a>.

A boomer who lived in the US and Canada before retiring to Mexico shares how life down south is much cheaper and safer

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday voiced concern over increasing <keyword id="20715750" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-debris" source="keywords">space debris</keyword> as a result of numerous satellites being placed in orbit and lauded <keyword id="19915124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISRO" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ISRO" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="ISRO">ISRO</keyword> for setting itself a target to make future <keyword id="20018231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-missions" source="keywords">space missions</keyword> debris free by 2030. Murmu was speaking at the celebration of the maiden <keyword id="22301946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Space-Day" source="keywords">National Space Day</keyword> celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 project. "Space debris can cause problems for space missions," she said during the event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi that was attended by Union minister Jitendra Singh, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath, engineers, ISRO scientists and representatives of the country's nascent space industry. The president appreciated the ISRO System for Safe &amp; Sustainable Operations Management facility, which ensures continuous progress of space research activities. "I am also happy to note that India is moving forward to make all its space missions debris free by 2030," Murmu said. The president presented awards to winners of the Robotics Challenge and the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon on the occasion. The president said ISRO had made remarkable achievements in the space sector as well as invaluable contributions to the country's social and economic development. She appreciated the dedicated scientists who placed India's space programme among the best in the world by using minimum resources. Murmu also expressed confidence that the country would make continuous progress in space science and continue to set new standards of excellence. The president said the progress of India's space sector was extraordinary. "Be it a successfully completed Mars mission with limited resources or the successful launch of more than a hundred satellites at once, we have made many impressive achievements," Murmu said. The president said space exploration had increased the capabilities of human beings and transformed imagination into reality. "But space exploration is a challenging task. Research conducted to solve the problems during space exploration accelerates the development of science and improves human life," she said. The president said many sectors, including health and medicine, transportation, security, energy, environment and information technology, had benefited from developments in the space sector. The president pointed out that with the opening of the space sector to private entities, the number of start-ups had increased at a very rapid pace. "This has not only brought progress in space research but also given new opportunities to our youth to showcase and hone their talents," Murmu said. The president said she was happy to note that just a few months ago, an Indian company successfully launched a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket, the first such achievement. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/2024-tvs-jupiter-vs-honda-activa-6g-which-110cc-scooter-should-you-buy/slidelist/112730069.cms">2024 TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa 6G – which 110cc scooter should you buy?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-add-music-to-instagram-profile/articleshow/112732934.cms">You can now add music to your Instagram profile – here's how</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/audi-q8-facelift-launched-in-india-with-a-1-17-crore-price-tag/slidelist/112707701.cms">Audi Q8 facelift launched in India with a ₹1.17 crore price tag</a>

President Murmu voices concern over increasing space debris

<ul class="summary-list"><li>At 30, I reluctantly <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-phones">bought a smartphone</a> once life with my flip phone became too difficult.</li><li>Now that I text so much and use social-media apps, I have less to talk to friends about in person.</li></ul>I held off on getting a smartphone for as long as I could.Having grown up in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adults-who-used-smartphones-younger-teens-report-more-distress-now-2024-2">age of cellphones</a>, my flip phone felt more than good enough since I could call and text anytime, anywhere.When I used it in public, people would ask if I was "detoxing" or making some sort of political statement by not having a smartphone. My answer was simple: I just did not trust myself with unfettered access to the World Wide Web in my pocket.As smartphones became ubiquitous for things like boarding passes and concert tickets, life became increasingly hard to navigate. Even dining out became an obstacle because my phone couldn't scan the QR code to reveal the menu.In the summer of 2023, as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service">major carriers began shutting down older 3G and 4G networks</a> in favor of sparkly new 5G ones, my flip phone fully stopped working.Defeated, I walked into the Verizon store and left with a brand-new iPhone 13 and a sinking feeling that my life would be forever changed.<h2 id="20264c72-3db9-43d5-9cc4-30406b522dd1">I quickly became glued to my phone </h2>Within the first week of having an iPhone, I was averaging four to five hours on it daily. I was almost hit by cars when walking because I was glued to my phone screen.My screen-time and usage report also showed that I was picking my phone up an average of 57 times a day. With my old phone, I'd be surprised if I used it for 30 minutes or checked it more than a handful of times in a day.Repulsed with myself, I silenced all notifications. I tried leaving the phone in another room to avoid distraction, but I couldn't resist. After an hour of peace, I'd give in and be rewarded with 24 missed messages — none of them important.After a few weeks of using my smartphone, I began having neck pain from spending hours hunched over the precious device. I swear I could feel my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-texting-does-to-your-spine-2014-11">spine starting to curve</a>.<h2 id="767e1089-855f-47c4-a821-d60c388e6b6e">Despite being more connected than ever, I feel so isolated</h2><div type="image" title="A woman takes a photo with a cellphone" height="4032" width="6048" msid="114661605" hostid="261" sizebytes="287486"></div>Texting was so much easier on my smartphone with a full keyboard — I found myself in constant communication with friends via message threads and group chats.I love exchanging updates and sending silly photos, but now, when we meet in person, I find there isn't much to discuss. We've already covered everything while being in touch 24/7. When it came to actual real-life conversations, my comprehension took a hit — I wasn't truly listening anymore.The other day my sister came over, sat on the couch, and launched into a diatribe about her workday. Without thinking, I reached into my pocket and began to scroll. I was displaying the same antisocial behaviors I had previously scorned in others.At the same time, with hundreds of apps at my fingertips, I found myself seeking connection on apps instead of in person.Instead of going to a bar, I swiped on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-tinder">Tinder</a>. It was fun, but I quickly became horrified by how I could use the dating app's filters to find a human tailor-fit to my exact preferences. Within an hour of downloading it, I had a date on the books for that evening.While I'd like to think this is a nod to my own prowess, it's really just a testament to how easy smartphones have made it to order human interactions with a few clicks.The date was fine, though it lacked a certain substance. Having met on an app meant we had no shared context in the organic world. We hadn't met through our community or at work — there was no social fabric connecting us.Our hopeful romance fizzled as quickly as it started.<h2 id="56123928-dba9-4cd2-a517-876190f63340">I miss my flip phone, but there's no going back</h2>I now view my life in two distinct eras: before and after the iPhone.Life was simpler with my flip phone, but having a smartphone isn't all bad.I can fire up Google Maps to get around instead of stopping at a gas station to ask the clerk for directions. Spotify helped introduce me to some of my favorite artists. And yes, I do need all 200 photos of my cat backed up to the Cloud.Yet I still find myself yearning for simpler times — when I communicated with words instead of emojis, when I wasn't reaching into my pocket every 15 minutes looking for another cheap dopamine hit, and when I could fully immerse myself in the world around me.There are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gave-up-iphone-dumb-light-phone-2-comparison-2023-12">smartphone alternatives</a> ("dumb" phones) available that harken back to the days of old, promising to "curb your screen addiction" by restricting apps and web browsers, but we're only kidding ourselves.There is no going back. Now that I've had a smartphone, I rely on it far too much to give it up.

You Searched For "how to increase battery life" and got 11 results

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

Kapil Yadav

Charging smarter: How to extend your phone battery’s lifespan

BI India Bureau

I swore I would leave the US if Trump won the 2016 election. Here's how that worked out for me.

Sonya Moore

Hey, Apple! We want much more battery life in the new iPhone 16.

Katie Notopoulos

Parents spend more time on their smartphones than children and this might be straining relationships, new study suggests

Divyanshi Sharma

How reproductive rights, Greek life, and celebrity endorsements could prove key to Kamala Harris' bid for women voters

Rebecca Rommen,Nathan Rennolds

Here’s how your life insurance plans are set to change

Ira Alok Puranik

Inheritance can destroy a family or be a life-changing gift. Here's how I advise my clients as an estate-planning attorney.

Jen Glantz

A boomer who lived in the US and Canada before retiring to Mexico shares how life down south is much cheaper and safer

Noah Sheidlower

President Murmu voices concern over increasing space debris

PTI

I got my first smartphone at 30. It ruined my life.

Kelly Filush

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides