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In a major move to enhance the <keyword id="23342045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-experience" source="keywords">tourism experience</keyword> across India, the <keyword id="20246604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Tourism" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Tourism" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Tourism">Ministry of Tourism</keyword> has launched an ambitious initiative titled '<keyword id="23342044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paryatan-Mitra" source="keywords">Paryatan Mitra</keyword>' and 'Paryatan Didi' on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The initiative is designed to foster responsible tourism and create local ambassadors who will serve as guides and hosts, enriching the travel experience for visitors while promoting <keyword id="20467200" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-tourism" source="keywords">sustainable tourism</keyword> practices. The program, which was launched as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of using tourism for social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress, is aimed at empowering locals in some of India’s most visited destinations. The Ministry of Tourism is seeking to build a network of <keyword id="22391259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-ambassadors" source="keywords">tourism ambassadors</keyword>, rooted within <keyword id="21350228" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="local-communities" source="keywords">local communities</keyword>, to act as proud custodians of their regions. Initially piloted in six diverse tourist hotspots — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands) — the program has already begun training locals in these areas. By August 15, over 3,000 individuals had undergone training, becoming official Paryatan Mitras, dedicated to offering tourists a more informed, friendly, and memorable experience. <h2>Enhancing hospitality and local storytelling</h2>The key objective of this initiative is to make tourism a vehicle for local pride and storytelling. By offering specialised training to those who frequently interact with tourists — such as cab drivers, hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, street vendors, and even police personnel — the Ministry hopes to elevate the tourist experience to new heights. The training program emphasises the importance of cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and top-quality hospitality, all aligned with India’s age-old philosophy of 'Athithi Devo Bhava', meaning “The guest is equivalent to God.” This initiative goes beyond mere hospitality training. Each participant is also educated about their destination's hidden gems, historical significance, and <keyword id="19911712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cultural-heritage" source="keywords">cultural heritage</keyword>, turning every local into a knowledgeable storyteller. This not only improves the quality of the tourist experience but also helps locals take pride in their heritage and contribute meaningfully to the country’s tourism ecosystem. <h2><keyword id="20646064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering-women" source="keywords">Empowering women</keyword> and youth</h2>One of the most remarkable aspects of the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs is their focus on empowering women and young people. By training them to offer new tourism experiences such as heritage walks, food tours, craft experiences, and nature treks, the initiative opens up exciting employment opportunities. Many of these individuals are also trained to become homestay operators, tour guides, and food and culture experience providers, allowing them to monetize their skills and knowledge in tourism-driven local economies. In a nod to modern technology, the initiative also incorporates <keyword id="20055241" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-literacy" source="keywords">digital literacy</keyword> training, equipping locals with the tools to make their tourism offerings more discoverable to both national and international visitors. By leveraging digital platforms, trained individuals can now market their homestays, tours, and cultural experiences online, allowing for a broader reach and better economic opportunities. At its core, this program reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to creating a collaborative tourism experience that benefits both visitors and locals. The initiative is not just about training individuals to work in tourism but is also about fostering a sense of community and ownership over the tourism experience, which in turn helps preserve cultural and natural heritage. As more individuals join the program, tourism in India could see a shift toward more sustainable practices, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping how tourists experience their destinations. By connecting visitors to trained locals with a passion for their culture and environment, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a major step toward creating memorable, responsible, and sustainable tourism across the country. (With inputs from ANI)

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

<ul><li><keyword id="6151051" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tencent-Games">Tencent Games</keyword> and PUBG Group announce <keyword id="7818414" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pubg-mobile-india-tour">PUBG Mobile India Tour</keyword>, a multi-city tournament for mobile gamers </li><li>The Mobile India tour has a prize pool of ₹15 million </li><li>Regional events are scheduled in Jaipur, Guwahati, Pune &amp; Vizag with the Grand Finale in Kolkata </li></ul>The biggest gaming company in the world <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-biggest-video-game-company-in-the-world-has-pulled-a-blockbuster-game-in-china-replacing-it-with-a-patriotic-version-where-players-wave-when-they-die/articleshow/69238082.cms">Tencent Gaming</a> and PUBG Group are set to unveil the Oppo <keyword id="7307958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PUBG-Mobile-India">PUBG Mobile India</keyword> tour, a multi-city gaming tournament with a prize pool of ₹15 million. The event <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA5fGkN3YII">kicked off</a> on July 1st, with the regional heats scheduled in Jaipur, Guwahati, Pune and Vizag and a grand finale in Kolkata in October. The contest is open to Indian residents who have a Platinum 5 (Level 20) PUBG mobile account. While there are no restrictions to the number of players registering in a group, the number of registrations by an individual participant is limited to one. The squad members of a team are not restricted by geographical region and can hail from any city across India. Here's how to get in on the action In the squad-only format, the matches will be played across four maps spread over various rounds, with a mix of both first-person and third-person gaming modes. Based on the points secured by the registered squads during this in-game qualifier phase, the top 500 teams from each group will be selected for the 'Online Playoffs'. This pool will be further filtered to 20 of the best teams across groups, who will compete at the group finals. The Top 4 teams from each group will receive direct promotions to the grand finale of the India Tour. The newly introduced wild-card round will allow the top 64 teams (16 teams from each group final) eliminated during the online playoffs to receive another opportunity to prove their might. 4 squads from the wild-card round will make it to the grand finale. <div type="Youtube" id="SA5fGkN3YII" title="OPPO X PUBG MOBILE India Tour - How to register &amp; Join a Squad!" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SA5fGkN3YII/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

 Show me the money With a total cash pool of ₹15 million, the top ranking team wins ₹5 million while the first and second runners-up walk away with ₹2 million and ₹1 million, respectively. Cash prizes will also be awarded to all the teams who make it to the finale. Players who qualify for Group Final and Grand Finals will receive a total of ₹2.5 million in logistical support. Group Finalists will also receive ₹1 million worth of PUBG MOBILE merchandise. The most popular teams, as voted by the public, will receive ₹1 million as well. There are also individual awards with cash prizes ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹100,000 for achievements such as the highest damage score, maximum foot travel, squad with most kills and players with most headshots, to name a few. Aneesh Aravind, General Manager for Tencent in India said they want to develop eSports in the country and Tencent are collaborating with YouTube and Facebook content creators to stream the matches live. He also added that "by bringing the finals to 5 cities we are hoping to engage and excite our player base across India and make PMIT, uniquely Indian." Rules and regulations for each phase of the tournament can be found <a href="http://www.pubgmobile.in/esports/indiatour2019/#/termsAndEngagement/:General_Rules">here</a>. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pubg-gamer-in-india-salary-sponsorships-and-opporutnities/articleshow/69952705.cms">Here's what it's like to be a gamer in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pubg-ban-leads-to-arrests-in-rajkot-india/articleshow/68404164.cms">Teens are getting arrested for playing PUBG in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pubg-ban-india-healthy-gaming-experience-proposed/articleshow/68058605.cms">Faced with ban threats, PUBG is trying to placate Indian parents and the government</a>

PUBG announces Mobile India Tour with a prize pool of ₹15 million

The capital city of Sikkim is a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modernity. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, <keyword id="20144246" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gangtok" source="keywords">Gangtok</keyword> offers an unforgettable experience to every visitor. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a culture buff, Gangtok has something special in store for you. Here's a simplified guide to the top 10 places you must visit when in Gangtok in 2024. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to Reach Gangtok?" comment="suhead" text="How to Reach Gangtok?"><keyword id="21579154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="How-to-Reach-Gangtok" source="Orion">How to Reach Gangtok</keyword>?</cmsannotation> By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 125 kilometres away. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gangtok, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. By Road: Gangtok is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Sikkim and neighbouring states. You can drive to Gangtok from Siliguri or Darjeeling, or take a bus from nearby cities. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located approximately 120 kilometres away. From New Jalpaiguri, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gangtok, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Weather Around the Year in Gangtok" comment="subhead" text="Weather Around the Year in Gangtok"><keyword id="21579155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Weather-Around-the-Year-in-Gangtok" source="Orion">Weather Around the Year in Gangtok</keyword></cmsannotation> Spring (March to May): Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming rhododendrons to Gangtok, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (June to August): Summer is pleasant in Gangtok, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It's an ideal time for trekking and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Monsoon (July to September): Monsoon brings heavy rainfall to Gangtok, enhancing the lush greenery but also causing landslides and roadblocks. It's advisable to avoid visiting during this time. Autumn (October to November): Autumn offers clear skies and cool temperatures, making it a great time for trekking and enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas. Winter (December to February): Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall to Gangtok, creating a magical winter wonderland. It's a perfect time for snow lovers and those seeking a cosy retreat. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Top 10 Places to Visit in Gangtok:" comment="subhead" text="Top 10 Places to Visit in Gangtok:">Top 10 <keyword id="8653818" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="places-to-visit-in-Gangtok" source="Orion">Places to Visit in Gangtok</keyword>:</cmsannotation> <ul><li><keyword id="18607" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nathula-pass" source="Orion">Nathula Pass</keyword> - Gateway to Tibet</li><li>Rumtek Monastery - Seat of Tibetan Buddhism</li><li>Tsomgo Lake - Jewel of Sikkim</li><li>Ganesh Tok - Scenic Viewpoint</li><li>Enchey Monastery - Abode of Deities</li><li>Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park - Natural Retreat</li><li>Tashi Viewpoint - Sunrise Spectacle</li><li>Do Drul Chorten - Sacred Stupa</li><li>Hanuman Tok - Spiritual Haven</li><li>Flower Exhibition Centre - Floral Extravaganza</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Nathula Pass - Gateway to Tibet" comment="subhead" text="Nathula Pass - Gateway to Tibet">Nathula Pass - Gateway to Tibet</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="109950298" hostid="261" sizebytes="1483173" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Witness the ethereal beauty where mountains meet the sky at Nathula Pass&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located at an altitude of 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass is a historic mountain pass that connects India with Tibet. You can witness breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and visit the border trade market. Note: Entry to Nathula Pass requires a permit from the Sikkim Tourism Department. How to Reach: Located approximately 54 kilometres from Gangtok. You can hire a shared taxi or book a guided tour to reach the pass. Due to its high altitude and sensitive border location, access to Nathula Pass requires a permit from the Sikkim Tourism Department. Things to do: Experience the thrill of standing at the "roof of the world" visit the border trade market and shop for traditional Tibetan artefacts and souvenirs and Witness breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the Indo-China border <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rumtek Monastery - Seat of Tibetan Buddhism" comment="subhead" text="Rumtek Monastery - Seat of Tibetan Buddhism">Rumtek Monastery - Seat of Tibetan Buddhism</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="109950486" hostid="261" sizebytes="2166372" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Step into serenity amidst ancient murals and sacred rituals at Rumtek Monastery&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim. It's home to precious Buddhist artefacts, ancient murals, and a vibrant community of monks. You can attend prayer ceremonies and soak in the spiritual ambience. How to reach: Rumtek Monastery is located approximately 24 kilometres from Gangtok. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the monastery. Things to do: Attend prayer ceremonies and rituals conducted by the resident monks and Visit the Golden Stupa, which houses the relics of the 16th Karmapa <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tsomgo Lake - Jewel of Sikkim" comment="subhead" text="Tsomgo Lake - Jewel of Sikkim">Tsomgo Lake - Jewel of Sikkim</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="109950505" hostid="261" sizebytes="1114387" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Reflect upon nature&amp;#39;s splendor mirrored in the tranquil waters of Tsomgo Lake&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Situated at an altitude of 12,310 feet, Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake surrounded by steep cliffs and lush forests. You can enjoy yak rides, stroll along the lakeshore, and marvel at the pristine beauty of the surroundings. How to reach: Tsomgo Lake is located approximately 38 kilometres from Gangtok. You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from Gangtok to reach the lake. Things to do: Enjoy a yak ride around the lake or along the lakeshore and Capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the turquoise blue waters and snow-clad mountains <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ganesh Tok - Scenic Viewpoint" comment="subhead" text="Ganesh Tok - Scenic Viewpoint">Ganesh Tok - Scenic Viewpoint</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="109950515" hostid="261" sizebytes="1988174" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Marvel at panoramic vistas and find solace amidst the colourful prayer flags at Ganesh Tok&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched at an altitude of 6,500 feet, Ganesh Tok offers panoramic views of Gangtok city and the snow-capped Himalayas. You can explore the small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the mountains. How to reach: Ganesh Tok is located approximately 7 kilometres from Gangtok city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the viewpoint. Things to do: Visit the small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and admire panoramic views of Gangtok city. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Enchey Monastery - Abode of Deities" comment="subhead" text="Enchey Monastery - Abode of Deities">Enchey Monastery - Abode of Deities</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="109950552" hostid="261" sizebytes="1271837" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Embark on a spiritual journey surrounded by mystique and reverence at Enchey Monastery&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Enchey Monastery, founded in the 19th century, is a revered religious site in Gangtok. It's known for its unique architectural style, ancient scriptures, and religious festivals. You can seek blessings from the resident monks and witness traditional Cham dances. How to reach: Enchey Monastery is located approximately 3 kilometres from Gangtok city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a leisurely walk to reach the monastery. Things to do: Participate in religious ceremonies and witness traditional Cham dances performed by the monks. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park - Natural Retreat" comment="subhead" text="Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park - Natural Retreat">Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park - Natural Retreat</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="109950573" hostid="261" sizebytes="2506216" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Surrender to the cascading beauty of Banjhakri Falls amidst the lush greenery of the Energy Park&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Banjhakri Falls is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations. The adjacent Energy Park features landscaped gardens, statues of Himalayan deities, and picnic spots. You can relax amidst nature and rejuvenate your senses. How to reach: Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park are located approximately 10 kilometres from Gangtok city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the falls and park. Things to do: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool formed by the waterfall and rejuvenate your senses amidst nature's beauty. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tashi Viewpoint - Sunrise Spectacle" comment="subhead" text="Tashi Viewpoint - Sunrise Spectacle">Tashi Viewpoint - Sunrise Spectacle</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="109950610" hostid="261" sizebytes="2349801" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Greet the dawn in hues of gold against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga at Tashi Viewpoint&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Tashi Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers seeking tranquillity amidst nature's beauty. How to reach: Tashi Viewpoint is located approximately 8 kilometres from Gangtok city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the viewpoint. Things to do: Witness breathtaking views of the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range and Enjoy a serene morning between nature's beauty and soak in the peaceful ambience of the mountains. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Do Drul Chorten - Sacred Stupa" comment="subhead" text="Do Drul Chorten - Sacred Stupa">Do Drul Chorten - Sacred Stupa</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="109950622" hostid="261" sizebytes="1629177" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Spin prayers into the wind and feel tranquility envelop you at Do Drul Chorten&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Built-in 1945, Do Drul Chorten is a prominent Buddhist stupa adorned with prayer wheels and religious relics. You can circumambulate the stupa, offer prayers, and experience a sense of peace and serenity. How to reach: Do Drul Chorten is located approximately 2 kilometres from Gangtok city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a walk to reach the sacred stupa. Things to do: Circumambulate the stupa and spin the prayer wheels, offering prayers for blessings and good fortune. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Hanuman Tok - Spiritual Haven" comment="subhead" text="Hanuman Tok - Spiritual Haven">Hanuman Tok - Spiritual Haven</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="9" msid="109950639" hostid="261" sizebytes="1566318" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Ascend to spiritual heights and soak in panoramic serenity at Hanuman Tok&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Hanuman Tok is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, perched atop a hill overlooking Gangtok city. You can climb the staircase adorned with colourful prayer flags, offer prayers at the temple, and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. How to reach: Hanuman Tok is located approximately 11 kilometres from Gangtok city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple. Things to do: Enjoy panoramic views of Gangtok city, the Teesta River, and the surrounding mountains from the temple's vantage point and offer prayers at the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Flower Exhibition Centre - Floral Extravaganza" comment="subhead" text="Flower Exhibition Centre - Floral Extravaganza">Flower Exhibition Centre - Floral Extravaganza</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="10" msid="109950653" hostid="261" sizebytes="1944239" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances at the Flower Exhibition Centre, where nature&amp;#39;s beauty blooms&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>The Flower Exhibition Centre showcases the rich floral diversity of Sikkim with its vibrant orchids, rhododendrons, and other exotic flowers. You can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and admire the colourful blooms. How to reach: The Flower Exhibition Centre is located in Gangtok city centre, near Ridge Park. You can easily walk to the exhibition centre or hire a taxi for convenience. Things to do: Learn about Sikkim's rich floral diversity and horticultural practices through informative displays and exhibitions at the Flower Exhibition Centre. Gangtok, with its scenic beauty, rich culture, and spiritual heritage, offers a memorable experience to every traveller. Whether you're exploring ancient monasteries, marvelling at majestic waterfalls, or soaking in panoramic views of the Himalayas, Gangtok never fails to enchant its visitors. So pack your bags, embark on a journey to Gangtok, and create timeless memories amidst the charm of the Himalayas. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the best time to visit Gangtok? The best time to visit Gangtok is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and October to November, respectively. During these times, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. 2. How can I obtain permits for visiting restricted areas like Nathula Pass? Permits for visiting restricted areas like Nathula Pass can be obtained through authorised travel agents or the Sikkim Tourism Department. Visitors are required to submit valid identification documents and may need to provide additional information depending on the specific permit requirements. 3. Are there any trekking opportunities near Gangtok? Yes, Gangtok and its surrounding areas offer numerous trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Popular trekking destinations include Dzongri Trek, Goecha La Trek, and Singalila Ridge Trek, among others. These treks offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas, pristine landscapes, and opportunities to explore remote villages and monasteries along the way. 4. What are some must-try local dishes in Gangtok? Gangtok is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, influenced by Tibetan, Nepali, and Bhutanese cuisines. Some must-try local dishes include momos (steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), thukpa (noodle soup), gyathuk (stir-fried noodles), phagshapa (pork belly stew), and sel roti (traditional rice flour bread). Visitors can sample these delicious dishes at local eateries, street food stalls, and restaurants throughout Gangtok. 5. What cultural experiences can I expect in Gangtok? Gangtok boasts a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism, Nepali traditions, and indigenous Sikkimese culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences such as attending monastery festivals and religious ceremonies, exploring traditional handicraft markets, learning about local customs and rituals, and participating in cultural performances like Cham dances. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/top-places-to-visit-in-sikkim-in-2024/articleshow/109132780.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Best places to visit in Sikkim</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/10-must-do-activities-in-sikkim/slidelist/109125056.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Top things to do in Sikkim</a>

10 tourist places to visit in Gangtok: Distance, weather, tips

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is set to mark a historic occasion on August 23 with the celebration of its first-ever <keyword id="22301946" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="National-Space-Day" source="keywords">National Space Day</keyword>. This day was declared by the Indian government to commemorate the anniversary of <keyword id="19915128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandrayaan-3" source="keywords">Chandrayaan-3</keyword>’s successful soft landing on the <keyword id="19899207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Moon" source="keywords">Moon</keyword>'s south pole in 2023 — a momentous achievement that placed India among the elite group of nations capable of such a feat. With events and activities planned across the country, National Space Day is designed to foster public engagement in <keyword id="19929542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-exploration" source="keywords">space exploration</keyword>. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a complete novice, this is the perfect time to delve into the fascinating world of <keyword id="21072131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="astrophotography" source="keywords">astrophotography</keyword> and <keyword id="21808035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sky-watching" source="keywords">sky watching</keyword>. This guide will help you get started, offering tips and insights to make the night sky more accessible and awe-inspiring than ever before. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112625183" title="India set to celebrate first National Space Day on August 23" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Getting started with astrophotography</h2>Astrophotography might sound intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you begin: <h3>Basic Equipment</h3>Astrophotography might sound like an expensive hobby, but beginners can start with surprisingly simple equipment. The essential tools include a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens. The camera allows you to control key settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, which are critical for capturing faint celestial objects. If you're just starting out, even a smartphone with a good camera can be used, provided you download specialised apps such as StarTracker or SkyView, which help in aligning and tracking celestial objects. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109921023" title="Here’s what falling inside a black hole would look like, according to a NASA supercomputer simulation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>For those ready to invest a bit more, a wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm) is ideal because it captures more of the sky in each shot. A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable; it keeps the camera steady during long exposure shots, preventing blurriness. As you advance, consider purchasing a star tracker, which compensates for the Earth's rotation, allowing for even longer exposures without star trails. This can be particularly helpful in locations with minimal light pollution, which are abundant in rural India <h3>Choosing the Right Location</h3>In astrophotography, location is everything. The clearer and darker the sky, the better your shots will be. Light pollution from cities is the biggest enemy, as it washes out the stars and makes it difficult to capture the <keyword id="20080902" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Milky-Way" source="keywords">Milky Way</keyword> or faint celestial objects. India, however, offers some excellent locations that are relatively free from light pollution. Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and the deserts of Rajasthan are renowned for their crystal-clear skies. These places, far from urban centres, provide ideal conditions for both sky watching and astrophotography. However, if travelling to these remote areas isn’t feasible, consider venturing to the outskirts of your city or visiting a local hill station. Even areas just a couple of hours outside major cities like Bengaluru or Pune can offer much darker skies. Additionally, checking weather forecasts and moon phases is crucial before heading out. A clear night with no moon (New Moon phase) is perfect for capturing stars and other deep-sky objects <h3>Perfect Timing</h3>Timing is crucial when it comes to astrophotography. The best time to photograph the night sky is during the new moon phase, when the absence of moonlight allows fainter stars and celestial objects to be visible. In India, the Milky Way is most visible between April and September, making this period ideal for astrophotography. The core of the Milky Way, which is the most photogenic part, is visible just after sunset during these months. Moreover, consider the time of night as well. The hours immediately after sunset and before sunrise are known as the "golden hours" in <keyword id="22383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="photography" source="Orion">photography</keyword>. However, for capturing the night sky, "astronomical twilight" (the period when the sky is dark enough for all astronomical observations) is the best. You can use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to find the exact times and positions of celestial objects based on your location <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112647806" title="Investments made in space program have benefited society, says ISRO Chairman Dr S Somnath" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h3><keyword id="20890294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="camera-settings" source="keywords">Camera Settings</keyword></h3>Getting the camera settings right is essential for capturing stunning astrophotographs. Start by setting your camera to manual mode, which allows you to control exposure settings independently. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to allow as much light as possible to hit the sensor. Set the ISO between 1600 and 3200; while higher ISOs make the sensor more sensitive to light, they can also introduce noise, so it's important to find a balance. Shutter speed is another critical setting. A good starting point is 15-30 seconds; longer exposures capture more light, but if you go beyond 30 seconds, the Earth's rotation will cause stars to appear as trails rather than points. To avoid blur from camera shake, use a remote shutter release or set a short timer on the camera. Finally, focus manually on a bright star, zoom in using the live view mode, and fine-tune the focus until the star appears as a sharp point of light <h3>Post-Processing</h3>Post-processing is where your astrophotography truly comes to life. Even with perfect settings and conditions, raw images might look underwhelming straight out of the camera. This is where software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop comes in. Start by adjusting the exposure and contrast to bring out the details in the Milky Way or other celestial objects. Noise reduction is also crucial, especially if you use a high ISO setting. This helps to clean up the grainy appearance that can detract from the image’s clarity. You can also enhance the colours in your image by adjusting the white balance and saturation. Tweaking these settings can make the Milky Way pop against the dark sky. For those serious about astrophotography, stacking multiple images is a technique used to reduce noise and increase detail. There are free software options like DeepSkyStacker that allow you to combine several exposures into one high-quality image <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112569406" title="ISRO targets first Gaganyaan mission launch by December: Chairman" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Sky Watching: The Beginner’s Guide</h2>But if you’re more of an observer than a capturer, why not just sky watch? Sky watching is the more laid-back cousin of astrophotography and requires minimal equipment. Here’s how you can start: <ol><li>Know Your Sky: Begin by familiarising yourself with constellations and prominent stars. Mobile apps like SkySafari and Star Walk can help you identify celestial objects and track events like meteor showers.</li><li>Best Viewing Spots in India: Urban areas are often too bright for proper sky watching. Instead, head to rural areas or designated dark-sky parks. Popular spots include Coorg in Karnataka, Lonar Crater in Maharashtra, and Nubra Valley in Ladakh.</li><li>What to Look For: Start with easy targets like the Moon, planets (especially Jupiter and Saturn), and bright constellations. As you grow more confident, you can look for fainter objects like nebulae and galaxies using binoculars or a small telescope.</li><li>Join a Community: Connect with local astronomy clubs or online communities. This not only enhances your knowledge but also offers opportunities to participate in group sky-watching events and astrophotography workshops.</li></ol>Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, National Space Day is the perfect time to look up and appreciate the vastness of our universe. With India's growing interest in space, there has never been a better time to start your journey into the night sky. So grab your camera or simply your eyes, and begin exploring the cosmos from your own backyard.

National Space Day: Here’s the beginner’s guide to astrophotography and sky watching in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ligia Morera, based in Costa Rica, leads virtual tours on the Japanese platform Dokodemo Door Trip.</li><li>She started when travel was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and she needed a new revenue stream.</li></ul>Ligia Morera, 32, lives in San Ramón de Alajuela in the Central Valley of Costa Rica with her husband, Rodrigo Santamaria, 35. She studied tourism at university before working in hotels and travel agencies. Six years ago, she and her husband founded <a href="https://exploretikizia.com/">their own travel-planning business</a>.When COVID-19 put international travel on pause — and thus dried up their main source of income — they cast around for other employment, including browsing the freelance marketplace Upwork. That's where they stumbled on the chance to become pioneers in the travel space: virtual-reality tour guides.Since November of last year, the couple have been operating as virtual guides via the platform provided by <a href="https://trip.dokodemodoors.com/en/introduction-tdx-vrtour">Dokodemo Door Trip,</a> a subsidiary of the Japanese company Metareal Corporation. Santamaria serves as videographer and editor, while Morera focuses on guiding.Their first tour, all shot on Santamaria's GoPro Max 360, features a rare natural phenomenon: turtle nesting on <a href="https://nicoyapeninsula.com/naturereserves/ostional/">Ostional beach in the Nicoya Peninsula</a>. Hundreds, often thousands, of turtles come up by moonlight from the ocean along a 1-mile stretch of beach and then proceed to dig into the black sand and carefully lay a haul of eggs."We prerecorded the turtle nesting together. The biggest one is in October, so we did that in 2021," Morera told Insider. "I play the video, with all the natural sounds as we walk along the beach, and I started telling them about how the turtles lay their eggs." Her guests pay $12 each for a 30-minute tour through this immersive video.Morera sees potential in the niche for many reasons, beyond attracting people cautious to leave their homes in the wake of COVID-19. Many travelers are reassessing trips amid a growing awareness of travel's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/workers-want-companies-to-make-business-travel-more-sustainable-2022-5">environmental impact</a> and are looking for more sustainable options. And for businesses, virtual tour guiding may provide an easy new revenue stream that could also add stability in the event of another pandemic or wave of lockdowns.<h2>A VR tour guide needs AI software to reach a worldwide audience</h2><div type="image" title="A woman with a Go Pro" height="667" width="889" msid="96133015" hostid="261" sizebytes="57280"></div>Though Dokodemo's platform is available worldwide, Japan has been Morera's main source of clientele so far, she said, thanks mostly to the company's location. Morera is fluent in English and Spanish but doesn't speak a word of Japanese — and that's where Dokodemo can help.Dokodemo's parent company is a barely two-year-old artificial-intelligence-based translation firm. "It's designed to break down the so-called language barrier between Japanese businesses and the rest of the world with an AI translation in real time," Stephen Black, the company's guide-support manager — who helps creators ready their videos for use — told Insider. "That AI translation and interaction like that between guides and guests is a big point of what sells the idea." In other words, these VR tours are as much a marketing program for its core business as a standalone revenue stream.Black said the firm spent six months or so developing the VR tourism platform and then opened it up for nine months to contributors like Morera. At consumer launch, he said, it had 500 or so individual tours, and it's now close to 1,000. "We paid the guides to create the content, so we own it and can utilize it outside the platform," he added — think the Singapore Tourism Board paying for the right to deploy it in marketing efforts.<div type="image" title="A virtual tour in Greece" height="1037" width="1920" msid="96133019" hostid="261" sizebytes="100708"></div>Popular tours, he said, are often the most colorful, like a visit to the Holi festival in India, or offer the chance to see well-known locations — Santorini, for instance, has sold well. He added that engagement tended to fall off in tours longer than 30 minutes.Any aspiring metaverse travelers who don't own a headset can register and receive a Meta Quest free for a week before choosing whether to buy one from Black's firm. On average, he said, one in five customers opts for this, with Japanese users paying 37,000 yen, or about $271, to rent the hardware. Half the company's active monthly users reside in the country, while most of the rest are elsewhere in Asia. "We're among the biggest sellers of Meta Quest in Japan," he said.<h2>A new way to tour guide</h2><div type="image" title="A shot of a VR tour around turtles" height="562" width="750" msid="96133022" hostid="261" sizebytes="49480"></div>Morera has embraced the new medium with gusto. She and her husband have shot and uploaded eight videos from Costa Rica — one is a hummingbird tour, as requested by previous participants — as well as eight in neighboring Panama, where she has family. She's particularly proud of the shoot they planned with the Guna Yala indigenous people, who were marking a festival in Panama. "It's important for your culture to show that," she said, "and now something that happens once a year is available year-round virtually."She's also aggressively marketing to audiences beyond Japan via social media and other avenues, like local universities in her country — she just led 30 students around the turtle-hatching event thanks to a directive from their biology professor at the University of Costa Rica. Another source of referrals is other VR tour guides. "There's a community now," she said, "and we support each other, showing how to promote — we can connect as individuals from different countries and background and give each other tips, like a Japanese girl who lived in Belize who helped me out."<div type="image" title="Turtles on a beach overhead shot" height="562" width="750" msid="96133024" hostid="261" sizebytes="91974"></div>It was up to Morera to choose how much to charge. She's dropped her prices from $15 a person when starting out to $12 a person now — from that, Dokodemo Door Trip takes a 20% handling fee, so her profit is $9.60 a head, or about $300 a month. "It's trial and error," she said. "We just had to see how it went, and it took about six months to decide to charge $12 instead."Morera fixes her group sizes at two to 10 people — any bigger, she said, makes it harder for participants to engage and ask questions effectively.The biggest issue, she added, is the reliability of broadband locally. "In Costa Rica, sometimes we get little problems with that," she said. Scheduling also presented its challenges. She usually plans for tours to happen on Friday or Saturday nights, Japan time, once every two weeks, as these have proved the most popular periods for bookings."Many of my guests sign up saying they're enjoying their beer in the evening, and they're in a mood for relaxation," she said. "It's better to be learning something than just scrolling through social media. That way they're not only relaxing but learning from other humans around the world."

People are paying $12 to go on VR tours of turtle nesting in Costa Rica or India's Holi festival from their couches. Meet a tour guide who's cashing in on this travel niche.

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6462365" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="spectrum-auction">spectrum auction</keyword> has the potential to change the landscape of the Indian telecom industry – both for the telcos as well as subscribers.</li><li>As a 2G or 3G user, this could result in better offers as Airtel and Vodafone Idea look to switch their users over to 4G.</li><li>As an existing 4G user, this auction could result in better quality of service thanks to improved network capacities.</li><li>For those waiting for 5G, do not expect the same kind of competitive tariffs because 5G could be a duopoly between Jio and Airtel.</li></ul>The 2021 spectrum auction witnessed participation from Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea, with Jio emerging as the biggest bidder, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total spectrum sold in the auction. How much spectrum the companies add to their existing kitty, and how much they pay for it, has a direct impact on your mobile bills, and the offers that you get as a prepaid customer. The Indian government sold a total of ₹77,800 crore worth of spectrum, out of which Jio accounts for approximately ₹57,100 crore, Airtel for ₹18,700 crore and Vodafone Idea for ₹2,000 crore. Here’s a summary of the spectrum auction: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Spectrum purchased </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Amount </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Reliance Jio </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">488.35 MHz </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹57,123 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Airtel </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">355.45 MHz </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹18,699 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Vodafone Idea </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">11.80 MHz </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,993 crore </td></tr></tbody></table> It is worth noting that this was an auction of 4G spectrum, but both Reliance Jio and Airtel hold spectrum in the sub-GHz band – 800MHz and 900MHz – which they say can be used for 5G services as well. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="81107239" title="Mittal vs Ambani battle heats up as Airtel beats Reliance Jio to become the top telco in the country" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spectrum auction – what does it mean for my phone bills?" comment="subhead" text="Spectrum auction – what does it mean for my phone bills?">Spectrum auction – what does it mean for my phone bills?</cmsannotation> With the technicalities out of the way, let’s decode the cues that the spectrum auction holds for your future phone bills. 1. Possible offers for 2G and 3G users to switch to 4G The switch to 4G and beyond is inevitable and this spectrum auction could further accelerate it. Jio has only 4G subscribers, so it leaves only Airtel and Vodafone Idea with the legacy 2G and 3G networks. Switching over their 2G and 3G customers to 4G will also help Airtel and Vodafone Idea bring down their cost of operations, as they will have to maintain only one network instead of the existing three. To make the switch to 4G, Airtel and Vodafone Idea could offer targeted plans to make it lucrative enough for their subscribers. This could help them boost their average revenue per user (ARPU), since a 4G plan with a daily data limit is more than four times expensive when compared to a standard 2G plan. (₹219 vs ₹49). For subscribers, switching to 4G will result in an increase in phone bills. According to Nitin Soni, Director, Fitch Ratings, 4G penetration is still around 50-55% in India, so that leaves plenty of room for telcos to improve their ARPU. 2. For existing 4G users – an improvement in quality of service Both Jio and Airtel have purchased spectrum in the sub-GHz band and 2300MHz to improve their network coverage and expand their capacities. This, according to an Edelweiss Research report dated March 2, will help both the telcos in improving the quality of service as well as enhancing network capacity. “Reliance Jio’s subscriber addition has decelerated lately; hence, improving spectrum holding can help it improve subscriber addition,” the report noted. As the competition narrows down to Jio and Airtel⁠— and the tariffs being competitive already⁠— the quality of service will give one operator the edge over the other. And as data shows, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-adds-record-5-5-million-and-reliance-jio-added-3-2-million-subscribers-in-december-2020-month/articleshow/81107239.cms">Airtel has performed better in the previous two quarters</a>. “We believe Bharti has made adequate investments in the spectrum as well as network; hence it is likely to continue to gain market share in the smartphone segment,” the report said. If you have been noticing call drops and lower data speeds, this spectrum auction might just improve your experience. 3. 5G could end up as a duopoly It has been argued for some time now that the Indian telecom sector could become a duopoly between Jio and Airtel, since Vodafone Idea has been in a bad shape for a long time now. Both Jio and Airtel have already <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/simply-put-airtel-says-all-it-now-needs-is-spectrum-to-deliver-5g-services-at-a-speed-of-up-to-900-mbps/articleshow/80511946.cms">announced</a> that they are ready for 5G, at least on the network side of things. Now, with both the telcos acquiring sub-GHz bands – 800MHz and 900MHz – they have the spectrum to start testing out their 5G networks, subject to government approval. Vodafone Idea, on the other hand, is staring at a bleak outlook. “Vodafone idea has very limited financial flexibility to invest in 5G in future,” Soni added. This could result in 5G being dominated by two private players – Jio and Airtel. “Recent spectrum auction and 5G launch in next 2 years will further accelerate revenue market share consolidation in the hands of Jio and Bharti,” Soni explained further. And with the number of companies likely to reduce to just two, users like you and me could be a relative disadvantage. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/the-indian-government-reaped-a-record-77000-crore-on-the-first-day-of-2021-telecom-spectrum-auctions/articleshow/81290489.cms">India reaps a bounty on the first day of spectrum auctions – but it's a lot less than what the government wanted</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-adds-record-5-5-million-and-reliance-jio-added-3-2-million-subscribers-in-december-2020-month/articleshow/81107239.cms">Mittal vs Ambani battle heats up as Airtel beats Reliance Jio to become the top telco in the country</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/simply-put-airtel-says-all-it-now-needs-is-spectrum-to-deliver-5g-services-at-a-speed-of-up-to-900-mbps/articleshow/80511946.cms">Simply put, Airtel says all it now needs is spectrum to deliver 5G services at a speed of up to 900 Mbps</a>

Here’s how the latest spectrum auction may affect your mobile phone bills and quality of service

<ul><li>India's former telecom regulator Pradip Baijal has explained how India has had trouble managing its spectrum roll out for next-gen communications technology over the last few decades.</li><li>The latest in this telecom - 5G - is also facing similar hurdles in India, with the government yet to finalise guidelines and announce auction of airwaves.</li><li>He also explained how different use-cases of 5G are relevant and important to India - from the point of view of consumers as well as the industry.</li></ul>India always had problems in dealing with spectrum. We wasted valuable wireless spectrum for fixed line services in 1995, unlike any other country, after the erroneous decision that expensive mobile phones were not for the poor Indians. The decision was reversed in 2004, but led to a lot of inspired criticism by mobile incumbents. Earlier, the government approved a Convergence Bill in 2001, for more efficient use of spectrum, but was not approved. The government/regulator, therefore, approved a Unified Access License in 2004, reduction in interconnect charges and tariff forbearance. But, it took inefficiently long to bring in these changes (it had to be done in stages, by many regulatory efforts). Unified License reduced tariffs 50 times, but increased government revenues. Mobile numbers growth immediately increased 10 times, and gradually 200 times, three times ever the leader, China. 3G spectrum auctions were efficient later, though delayed, and showed the huge loss in 2G allocation and crony capitalism involved, the basis of the CAG report. The allocations led to litigation and differing and controversial judgments by the Supreme Court/CBI Court, the issue still remaining open, but this was one of the issues on which the UPA lost heavily to NDA, in the ultimate court of elections in 2014. 4G auctions were conducted efficiently, even though they were delayed, and now we have come to 5G auction issues, with an ET news item commenting, "India is set to miss the '5G bus' following the lack of preparedness, unavailability of sufficient spectrum, absence of encouraging use cases, and uncertainty around radio waves sale for the next generation of telecom services." This is despite India appointing A.J. Paulraj (winner of the Marconi Prize) Committee to give the recommendations to the steps required. They gave the report in mid-2018, and despite giving the schedule, we have not moved fast. In the past, Prime Minister Modi-led government maintained that it "won't afford to miss 5G bus" like in the case of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies that were deployed in India way later than many countries, thus losing the many early user advantages. 5G and India Before we discuss, let us understand the nature of use of 5G. For a layman, 5G is just next generation wireless infrastructure which will provide them voice and data services. However, it will impact much more due to its bit-level intelligence characteristics. 5G will provide an array of network intelligence which will get translated into precise and demand-led resource allocation. 1G came in 1980s and provided basic voice services, 2G in 1990s and enabled voice and SMS services due to its digital standards, 3G came in 2000s and introduced data services along with voice and SMS that enabled multimedia services. 4G pure IP network, came in 2010s, and enabled the application services and partially merged the telecom and information technology which gave boom to platform services. The architecture of 5G is designed to handle the connection of billions of devices including industrial machines with seamlessness and reliable data transfer with much faster speed. 5G is not only about high speed boost but it is about the intelligence at the bit level and low latency which will make it the foundational tech for multiple new tech., including self-driven cars, AR &amp; VR, telemedicine, robotic surgery, powering future smart cities, IoT, m2m, AI and manufacturing. 5G will change the future war fighting too due to increased situational awareness to increase the command and control of the battlefield. Once these networks come, 2G and 3G networks can be abolished, like in other countries for better overall spectrum utilization. We have not started. Industrial revolutions and change It has been shown that industrial revolutions change the world. Hirschman had said that these revolutions occur every 70 years. This was proved in IR 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. The US and the West's GDP went up five to six times in IR 1.0 &amp; 2.0, while India and China went down 10 times (colonial loot was also the reason). Growth reversal with IR 3.0 But IR 3.0 changed the world with the technology being on a connected net and with globalization, available to the Third World (right from the beginning). Of course, the US helped China a lot post 1980, in technology dispersal, and helping China with accelerated WTO membership in 2001. This led to China growing eight times and India 2.5 times in a few years. IR 4.0 and 5.0 The world is now moving to the fourth and the fifth industrial revolutions in quick succession. Providentially, these revolutions are also happening on the same wire or wireless lines as in IR 3.0, and we have bright Indian minds working in the digital sector like Nadella, Pichai, Arvind Kuar, Banga, Tata, Kohli, Nilekani, Narayana Murthy, Patni, Soota, Premji, and millions of others located in Silicon Valleys around the world. The most exciting additions to the list are Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Mittal and Kumar Mangalam Birla. They have kept the mobile sector alive despite crony capitalism, and given the appropriate ambience, should do very well now. Through them, and despite Covid, the world has shown confidence in the Indian economy. China should do well because of enormous investment, past technology thefts, uninhibited US support till 2015, and R&amp;D. The fifth IR will happen with IT getting connected to human minds (AI and beyond). IR 5.0 having reached the human mind, perhaps cannot move beyond, and the 6th IR has to be in another area, maybe the planets, as visualized by Jeff Bezos. Again, India is well-placed. Creating an appropriate environment is the key. Role of private sector It may also be recalled that the 2G rollout had created strong private sector companies and from 10 per cent private network, it had gone to 80 per cent (though the public sector had grown too). Later, despite crony capitalism, they had survived, and are today, India's main hope to take us forward. With 5G networks being more powerful, they will surely impact GDP growth much more than the earlier generation networks and move the country towards Namo's $5 trillion economy in 2024. Fiscal pressure on the government - we can ill-afford to ignore: We are today also hit by Covid, huge bank NPAs, financial crisis, fiscal deficits and fall in investments. 5G rollout is an opportunity for huge network (and downstream) investments by existing private sector companies and their networks all over the country, without putting any fiscal deficit pressure on the government. I had, therefore, anticipated in my China book and articles, that the present is 'providence' for India, like it was 'providence' for China in the 80s with an imaginary 'cold war'. Pricing issues A word about pricing here - our entire 2G revolution came after tariff forbearance, and liberal availability, connectivity and regulatory reforms. Obviously, once 5G revolutions get moving, the disruptions would be higher. Indian economy/GDP did well during IR 3.0, its DNA being more IT-centric, demonstrated by high growth in these sectors during some periods of IR 3.0, when regulations were right (2004 to 2010), particularly vis-a-vis China, and also the Indian minds being more IT-centric, demonstrated by the success of IT (software) and mobile revolutions. World digital economy In 2019, the world celebrated the first full year when more than half of the world (51.2 per cent, or 3.9 billion people) had begun to participate in the global digital economy by logging onto the internet, from almost zero a couple of years back. The world is turning fully digital, and networks converging very fast. China has touched 840 million subscriber base and will be 1 billion at the end of 2020, with superior speed, whereas India has only touched 600 million broadband subscribers. The world will thus transform itself to a form that during IR 4.0 and 5.0 the versatile 4 and 5G networks will be more valuable than all other infrastructure, like roads, rail and air transportation systems etc. Looking at the future, China has created companies which are leading in 5G, AI, quantum computing and other digital products and shaping up the digital behaviour of the people because they are deploying networks faster and learning by doing it. China is also leading in the standardization and patents of the digital ecosystem, manufacture of equipment etc. In contrast, the Indian 5G process is yet to commence (allocation of spectrum and installation of 5G equipment), though we have done extremely well despite late start in the past. India can grow in IR 4.0 given its human capital pool, the start in the use of algorithm prowess and an established IT hub, only if we install 4G and 5G systems adequately. But expensive and presently unviable (for India, since IR 4.0 and 5.0 industries and services have not started) 5G systems are likely to come in slow. Also, the spectrum and equipment prices are anticipated to be high. Unless both spectrum and equipment prices are low and heavily backloaded, I do not see India coming out of the jigsaw puzzle, and not falling back severely in the digital war. And if we miss India's turnaround moment, India's vast market and trained manpower will be used by advanced countries to develop 5G / IR4.0 and 5.0 networks fast. The Paulraj Committee recommended that 5G will mature between 2019 and 2024. India should take lead and become an innovator in 5G applications. (Pradip Baijal is former Secretary, Disinvestment and former Chairman, TRAI. This article is in continuation of his book, Containing the China Onslaught, published by Quadrant, and available on amazon.in and walmart, and further to a review of China's growth in Defensive Offence) <div type="Youtube" id="gFmRP3whXmU" title="Pradip Baijal Explains History of China's Economic Rise." thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gFmRP3whXmU/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

India's former telecom regulator shows how much India is lagging behind in the 5G pursuit

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Britney Spears had an estimated net worth of $60 million as of 2021, according to Forbes.</li><li>During her 13-year conservatorship, she wasn't in control of her finances, but she is now.</li></ul>Britney Spears is a pop icon.But Spears' time in the limelight hasn't always been positive. After several public mental breakdowns, the singer was put on a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/inside-britney-spears-conservatorship-freebritney-movement-2020-12">court-approved conservatorship</a> in 2008. The legal arrangement put her estate, financial assets, and some personal assets under the control of her father and a lawyer.That conservatorship, however, came to an end in 2021."It's my wish and my dream for all of this to end," Spears said during a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-statement-trial-conservatorship-free-britney-2021-6">court testimony in June 2021.</a> In November 2021, that wish was granted when a Los Angeles judge<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-officially-freed-from-conservatorship-2021-11"> dissolved Spears' conservatorship.</a>Now, Spears is finally in control of her money again. Here's everything we know about how the pop star has made and spent her fortune over the years.Hillary Hoffower contributed reporting to a previous version of this story.<h2>Forbes reported in 2021 that Britney Spears' net worth was $60 million.</h2><div type="image" title="Britney Spears smiles in a black lace dress" height="2193" width="3000" msid="104780871" hostid="261" sizebytes="271418"></div>In February 2021, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2021/02/17/britney-spears-net-worth-revealed--and-its-shockingly-low-compared-to-her-pop-peers/?sh=7b6d468718ac">Forbes reported</a> that Spears had a net worth of $60 million. At the time, Spears was still under the conservatorship, and wouldn't be fully in control of her own finances until November of that year when it ended.Citing 2020 court documents, Forbes deduced that Spears' financial assets were mostly in cash, real estate, and brokerage accounts. While her net worth lagged behind some of her pop music peers — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/rihanna-net-worth-how-she-makes-her-money-2022-8">Rihanna, now a billionaire</a>, was reportedly worth $600 million at the time, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/beyonce-net-worth-fortune-spending-2018-8">Beyoncé</a> had a reported $420 million net worth then— Forbes attributed the lower figure in part to the conservatorship, which cost her millions in legal fees.<h2>Spears has made money selling records, including her acclaimed debut album.</h2><div type="image" title="Britney Spears, Baby One More Time dance" height="958" width="1277" msid="104780874" hostid="261" sizebytes="34000"></div>Spears' debut 1999 album "...Baby One More Time" had sold 10.6 million US copies as of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/britney-spears-career-sales-baby-one-more-time-20th-anniversary-ask-billboard/">Billboard's report in January 2019</a>. Her sophomore album, 2000's "Oops… I Did It Again," had sold 9.2 million copies by that time. Per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rcarecords.com/artist/britney-spears/">RCA Records in 2023</a>, citing Nielsen Music, Spears has sold over 70 million albums, singles, and songs, and close to 150 million records worldwide.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/business/media/25britney.html">The New York Times reported in 2008</a> that, following the success of her first two albums, she received close to $10 million as an advance for the 2003 album "In The Zone." Per the Times, citing reports following Spears' leaked prenup, she earned $6.5 million after production costs. <h2>Spears also has made money through touring and residencies.</h2><div type="image" title="britney spears piece of me tour" height="1484" width="1979" msid="104780876" hostid="261" sizebytes="321968"></div>Spears, who has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-says-shell-never-perform-again-after-conservatorship-1234590364/">said</a> she probably won't ever tour again, executed 10 concert tours over the course of her career. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2021/02/17/britney-spears-net-worth-revealed--and-its-shockingly-low-compared-to-her-pop-peers/?sh=6f22a2fc18ac">According to Forbes in 2021</a>, citing Pollstar, Spears made $485 million total in touring.According to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/britney-spears-piece-of-me-residency-final-figures/">Billboard</a>, citing ticket sales reported by event producer Caesars Entertainment, Spears' 2013 to 2017 Las Vegas residency grossed $137.7 million over the course of nearly 250 shows. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/reports-britney-spears-to-make-500k-per-show-in-las-vegas/">Las Vegas Review-Journal </a>reported in 2018 that the final show of that residency, which took place at the Axis Theater, grossed $1,172,200 alone — a record for the venue at the time.Spears launched a new Las Vegas residency, "Domination," that was meant to begin in 2019 and saw a reported raise from $400,000 a show (for her previous Vegas residency) to $507,000 a concert, <a target="_blank" href="https://variety.com/2018/music/news/britney-spears-las-vegas-residency-paid-1202986621/">Variety reported, citing the Daily Mail</a>. However, Spears announced in January 2019 that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/britney-spears-domination-las-vegas-residency-cancellation-cost-millions/">she was canceling the residency</a> in light of her father's hospitalization following a colon rupture.<h2>Spears has made millions on film and TV roles, and a book deal.</h2><div type="image" title="Zoe Saldana, Taryn Manning, and Britney Spears look off into the distance in a still from &quot;Crossroads.&quot;" height="1416" width="1888" msid="104780880" hostid="261" sizebytes="113076"></div>Spears starred in the 2002 movie <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/crossroads-movie-britney-spears-director-interview-2023-10">"Crossroads,"</a> which grossed $61 million worldwide, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/crossroads-movie_n_5589354">HuffPost</a>. The film was re-released in 2023 timed to the release of Spears' memoir. She has also appeared on TV shows like "Glee" and "Will &amp; Grace."That's not to mention reality TV. Spears had her own show with ex Kevin Federline, and served as a judge on "The X Factor" in 2012. She reportedly earned $15 million for her one-season stint on "The X Factor," per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/its-been-real-the-most-memorable-reality-rocks-moments-of-2012-93485/">Rolling Stone</a>.In 2022, <a target="_blank" href="https://pagesix.com/2022/02/21/britney-spears-set-to-write-tell-all-in-15-million-book-deal/">Page Six</a>, citing anonymous publishing sources, reported that Spears' deal with Simon &amp; Schuster for her memoir was valued at $15 million. (Representatives for Spears and the publishing house did not respond to Page Six's requests for comment on the deal amount.) The week of the book's October 2023 release, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vulture.com/2023/10/britney-spears-celebrates-historic-memoir-sales.html">Spears claimed on Instagram</a> that "The Woman in Me" was "the highest selling celebrity memoir in history," though that claim hasn't been verified. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/25/britney-spears-net-profits-percentage-memoir-sales-woman-in-me/">TMZ</a> reported that Spears was getting 25% of the net profits from the memoir.<h2>Spears has earned money from endorsement deals, fashion ventures, and even a mobile game.</h2> By 2008, Spears had earned $12 million from endorsements from companies including Skechers and McDonald's, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/business/media/25britney.html">The New York Times</a>. Per the Times, $9 million of that figure was from her Pepsi deal alone.In 2018, Spears landed her first luxury fashion campaign with French brand Kenzo, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/britney-spears-kenzo-la-collection-memento">Vogue reported</a>.She also had a <a target="_blank" href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/denim/britney-spears-designs-for-candies-3158596/">clothing line at Kohl's</a> ranging from $14 to $78 and an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/britney-spears-designs-an-affordable-lingerie-collection-for-change-lingerie-9625783.html">intimates line with the Danish company Change Lingerie </a>ranging from $17 to $79.Spears ventured into the virtual world in a five-year deal with Glu Mobile in 2015 to develop a free-to-play mobile game using her voice and likeness, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11690996/britney-spears-american-dream-glu-mobile-game">The Verge reported</a>. She eventually released "Britney Spears: American Dream" in 2016.<h2>One of Spears' biggest moneymakers is her fragrance line with Elizabeth Arden.</h2><div type="image" title="britney spears in 2005 holding a bottle of her curious fragrance. she's smiling, holding the bottle close to her face" height="1613" width="2151" msid="104780881" hostid="261" sizebytes="152166"></div><a target="_blank" href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/taylor-swift-smells-sweet-success-38784/">According to The Hollywood Reporter</a>, a deal with Elizabeth Arden to release Spears' first fragrance Curious in September 2004 earned the pop star $52 million. That year, Curious sold over 700 million units and was the top-selling department store fragrance.In 2008, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/business/media/25britney.html">New York Times</a> reported that Spears was still receiving at least $2 million to $3 million annually for the perfume deal.Spears has since launched dozens more fragrances, and it's become one of her biggest income streams. In 2016, a representative from Elizabeth Arden told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.racked.com/2016/10/20/13260722/curious-britney-spears-perfume-fantasy-fragrance">Racked</a> (a now-shuttered Vox media fashion vertical) that Spears' perfumes were a "billion-dollar franchise." Spears' brother Bryan similarly claimed in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS9Gyo7JdO8">a July 2020 podcast appearance</a> that the fragrance line had "done over $100 billion in sales."But in 2011, Spears was sued for $10 million by the brand management company Brand Sense Partners, claiming that it was not paid its 35% commission for closing the deal with Elizabeth Arden, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-sued-for-10-million-over-perfume-line-232021/">Rolling Stone reported.</a> In 2012, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tmz.com/2012/02/17/britney-spears-perfume-lawsuit-settled-brand-sense/">TMZ reported</a> that Spears settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount of money.<h2>Following public mental health episodes in 2008, Spears was put under a conservatorship.</h2><div type="image" title="Britney Spears in December 2007." height="1581" width="2108" msid="104780885" hostid="261" sizebytes="160218"></div>From 2008 to 2021, Spears' financial assets weren't <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/inside-britney-spears-conservatorship-freebritney-movement-2020-12">under her control.</a> The conservatorship required documentation of all of her financial records.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-estate-who-was-paid-conservatorship-2021-11#lynne-spears-britneys-mother-has-been-living-in-a-mansion-paid-for-by-her-daughter-5">Insider previously reported that</a>, based on legal filings, Spears' financial estate has paid costs tied to the conservatorship to people including Spears' parents and their lawyers. Per Insider's reporting, her father Jamie Spears may have earned over $2 million over the course of the conservatorship through his personal salary and concert commissions.Spears' estate also paid for the maintenance and upkeep of the Louisiana home where her mother, Lynne Spears, was living. Spears' father Jamie claimed in court documents previously reviewed by Insider that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-estate-2-million-mom-house-court-filing-2021-8">Spears was paying "upwards of $150,000 per year"</a> for Lynne's living costs. <h2>Previously reported documents from Spears' conservatorship disclosed some of her personal spending habits.</h2>Spears' most recent spending habits are private, now that she's no longer under a conservatorship. But while she was under the legal arrangement, documents filed in court detailed some of her expenses.In 2008, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/business/media/25britney.html">New York Times</a> reported that, according to an income statement filed as part of her divorce from Kevin Federline in May 2007, Spears was spending an average of $102,000 monthly on entertainment, gifts, and vacations and about $16,000 monthly on clothes.Citing legal documents they'd obtained, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tmz.com/2013/08/13/britney-spears-conservatorship-accounting-2012-money-bargain/">TMZ reported in 2013</a> that Spears spent $6.8 million of the nearly $14 million the conservatorship had earned in 2012. Specific amounts detailed by TMZ, citing the court docs, included $33,959 on "grooming and wardrobe," a $500 manicure, and $3,400 on Christmas lights.According to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/american-chronicles/britney-spears-conservatorship-nightmare">The New Yorker's 2021 investigation into Spears' conservatorship</a>, Spears' living expenses in 2019 totaled $438,360. In sealed court records obtained by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/arts/music/britney-spears-conservatorship.html#:~:text=Even%20as%20she%20earned%20millions,added%2C%20according%20to%20the%20report.">New York Times</a>, Spears claimed she was limited to a $2,000 per week allowance during the conservatorship, a claim she reiterated in her memoir.Spears also paid her ex-husband Kevin Federline $20,000 a month in child support, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eonline.com/news/957513/britney-spears-is-worth-56-million-but-her-shopping-habits-prove-she-s-just-like-us">E! News reported, citing court documents, in 2018.</a>Spears also spent money on her legal team, a full-time bodyguard, and maintaining her home's elevator, according to E! News.<h2>Spears has owned a variety of real-estate properties over the years.</h2>According to The New Yorker's conservatorship report, in 2000, Spears spent $4.5 million to build a custom estate for her mother, Lynne, in Kentwood, Louisiana, the small town where she grew up.Spears has since bought and sold properties worth millions in the Hollywood Hills, New York's NoHo, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/entertainment/a45571410/britney-spears-homes-real-estate/">House Beautiful</a>.Spears' most recent real-estate purchase was a Calabasas home that she purchased for $11.8 million after her wedding to Sam Asghari, <a target="_blank" href="https://people.com/music/britney-spears-loves-her-new-house-says-source/">People reported in 2022</a>. They <a target="_blank" href="https://people.com/home/britney-spears-sells-calabasas-home-for-more-than-10-million/">sold the home</a> for $10 million only nine months later, in March 2023. Five months later, in August 2023, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-sam-asghari-divorce-separation-wedding-2023-8">Asghari filed for divorce.</a>Spears currently lives in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-top-real-estate-sales-20151013-story.html">the Thousand Oaks mansion she bought in 2015</a>, which is worth an estimated $10 million and was previously owned by actors like Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone, according to House Beautiful.<h2>Spears also participates in charity efforts.</h2>The artist sold a painting she created for $10,000 and donated it to the Vegas Cares Memorial Fund, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/this-painting-by-britney-spears-raises-10k-for-charity-252347">Apartment Therapy reported</a>. She also raised $1 million for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, which opened the Britney Spears Campus in 2017, <a target="_blank" href="https://people.com/music/britney-spears-nevada-childhood-cancer-foundation-donation/">per People.</a>

How Britney Spears makes and spends her millions

Telecom giant <keyword id="2003276" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jio" source="Orion">Jio</keyword> and chip maker MediaTek have joined hands to launch 'Gaming Masters 2.0', an e-sports event with one of the most popular game titles called <keyword id="11197652" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="battlegrounds-mobile-india" source="Orion">Battlegrounds Mobile India</keyword> (<keyword id="11923507" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bgmi" source="Orion">BGMI</keyword>), targeted at new and existing online gaming enthusiasts and the professional gamers in the country. After a successful run in the first season with 'Free Fire' earlier this year, which attracted over 14,000 team registrations, the second season of 'Gaming Masters' is set to commence with prize pool of Rs 12.5 lakh on November 23. 'Gaming Masters 2.0' will feature Krafton's hit battle royale game title, BGMI India, which will be made available to both Jio and non-Jio users via the JioGames platform, according to industry insiders. There will be a 'Play &amp; Win Daily' series where gamers can participate every day, get rewarded, and also stand a chance to compete with professional teams for the ultimate championship. Jio recently launched its new smartphone JioPhone Next. The 5.45-inch JioPhone Next that houses Pragati OS, an optimised version of Android, has a multi-touch HD+ screen, a 13MP camera at the rear and an 8MP front camera. The device with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage offers Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with anti-fingerprint coating. The internal storage can be expanded up to 512 GB. It houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip called QM-215 (quad-core up to 1.3 Ghz). There will be a 3,500mAh battery and 2 Dual-SIM Nano slots, along with a 3.5mm audio jack. The device offers easy access and consume content in 10 languages. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-new-state-now-available-how-to-play-whats-new-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/87639212.cms">PUBG: New State now available – how to play, what’s new and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/battleground-mobile-india-players-can-compete-in-the-asian-games-2022/articleshow/87603914.cms">Battlegrounds Mobile India players can compete in the Asian Games 2022</a>

Jio and MediaTek announce Battlegrounds Mobile India tournament with ₹12.5 lakh prize pool

<ul><li>If your <keyword id="6355272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bank" source="Orion">bank</keyword> does not resolve the <keyword id="42974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="complaint" source="Orion">complaint</keyword> within a month, you can approach the <keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword> Ombudsman</li><li>You can file your complaint online through the RBI's CMS portal or send it via email or post to the Ombudsman office </li><li>Make sure to include all relevant details and documents supporting your complaint while raising it</li></ul>If you are a regular user of banking services in India, you are likely to have faced some hassle when doing banking transactions. These could be levying charges without notice, credit card-related issues, no cash disposal at an ATM even after the money is deducted and so on. You are not alone! Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that the complaints to the Ombudsman have gone up by 68 per cent in 2022-23, with a total of 7,03,544 complaints. One-fifth of the complaints were concerning mobile and internet banking, while another-fifth were concerning loans and advances. The central bank’s “One Nation One Ombudsman” principle provides a single window for complaints against regulated entities, including banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Payment System Participants and Credit Information Companies. So, if you have any grievance, what can we do to get it resolved? First, register your complaint with the bank The first line of complaint is the bank branch. One may call up the customer care service for resolution of the complaint. If that does not address the problem, one needs to approach the respective bank branch. “Fill in your complaint at the complaint register of the bank. If not available, ask for it or fill it up online on the bank’s website,” says Hina Shah, director, of LUHEM, a financial planning firm. Next, complain to the nodal officer To address unresolved complaints with a bank, customers can contact the nodal officer of the bank, designated to handle escalated issues. Locate the nodal officer's details on the bank's official website, typically found under "Customer Grievance Redressal”. Prepare a detailed complaint, including relevant dates and transaction details. Draft a formal complaint letter or email, specifying your expectations for resolution. Include previous complaint reference numbers if available. Submit the complaint to the nodal officer through the provided contact details. Approach the ombudsman if not resolved in a month If the bank does not resolve the complaint within a month, approach the ombudsman. “If you are not satisfied with the resolution or if you don't receive a response within 30 days, you can approach the RBI Ombudsman. You can file your complaint online through the RBI's complaint management system (CMS) portal or send it via email or post to the Ombudsman office jurisdictional to your bank's location,” says Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar. Make sure to include all relevant details and documents supporting your complaint while raising it. As a general guideline, the <keyword id="339657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="banking-ombudsman" source="Orion">Banking Ombudsman</keyword> aims to resolve complaints within a reasonable time frame. The ombudsman should address the complaint within one month. However, this may be extended to two months in certain cases, considering the complexity of the matter. It's important to note that the timeline can also be affected by the cooperation of the complainant and the bank involved in providing necessary information promptly. If there are delays or additional information is required, the resolution process may take longer.

Did you know the RBI Ombudsman received 68% more complaints in FY2023? Here’s how to file your grievance

<ul><li>The <keyword id="11924074" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shark-tank-india" source="Orion">Shark Tank India</keyword> judge says gatekeepers of the app ecosystem – Apple and <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="google" source="keywords">Google</keyword> – are the new East India Company and they operate with complete arrogance and impunity.</li><li>Just as startup founders are coming under pressure, venture capitalists and auditors too need to be held accountable for their behaviour.</li><li><keyword id="20225195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shark-tank" source="keywords">Shark Tank</keyword> India has become a catalyst for driving entrepreneurship and giving it legitimacy. </li></ul> <keyword id="127971" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="anupam-mittal" source="Orion">Anupam Mittal</keyword> is India’s original internet entrepreneur, who is the founder and CEO of People Group. Way before platform economy became a buzzword, Mittal built a platform for Indians seeking life partners. And even today one million Indians find their partners on shaadi.com every year. Call him the OG of startups or a serial entrepreneur, he is a man who does not mince words. In a free wheeling chat with Business Insider’s Malini Bhupta, Mittal talks about unfair trade practices of Google, his investment in Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal and what he thinks is the biggest achievement of Shark Tank India. Edited Excerpts: With some high profile startups like Paytm and Byju’s coming under lens, what do you think is wrong with the startup ecosystem? I think the Paytm issue is a little different. There are two issues there in my view – one is valuation. The company came out with its IPO at the height of the unicorn boom and as a result, their valuation was corrected when the pvt. market corrected. This is part of the pricing game and one can hardly blame them for it. Eventually, they would have grown into their valuation is what I believe. However, the second issue which is regulatory in nature is far more serious. Whether it is justified or not I don’t know. I think there is a little heavy-handedness here as what you are talking about is a payments bank KYC stuff being the reason to shut them down, which could be seen as over-reach since they are not a significantly important lending institution. Talking about what is wrong with India’s ecosystem and why founders are behaving badly is a common issue that occurs when there are high levels of greed. When there is massive liquidity in the system people think they can take advantage of the situation. In the US you have seen Theranos, crypto frauds and an industry that was created around SPACs. Billions of dollars have been lost on that. What is happening in India is a small reflection of that. Greed manifests in two ways – one is the founders who are ambitious who see the ecosystem celebrating unicorns and that gets weaponised. Over time a few start with minor refractions and very soon they start fabricating revenues and manipulating auditors to keep up with the image that has been created. They are riding tigers they can't get off. The venture capitalists too want to see their investments being marked up as their future fund raises depend on the portfolio's net asset value and so they play along and at times actually drive the founders at a velocity that is unsustainable. I think they need to be held accountable by their LPs. Auditors have a very important role here and are perhaps the ones who need to pay the highest price through government censures. They are market participants who have been entrusted with a certain job for which they get paid hefty fees. When they start looking the other way, the system breaks. You have been waging a pitched battle against the unfair trade practices of Big Tech companies in India. What, in your view, are the steps that need to be taken by the government to prevent such unfair practices by large global players? Fundamentally the experience of the internet is through apps – two companies control the entire app ecosystem Google and Apple. Both operate with complete impunity. Two years ago the CCI passed an order against Google around <keyword id="963171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="google-play" source="Orion">Google Play</keyword> Billing System (GPBS). Now they have changed the name to User Choice Billing. If you look at the order CCI says there will be no discrimination at all. Being on the App Store means nothing unless you advertise on Play Store. Startups spend anywhere between 10-50% of revenue on advertising on these platforms already. Essentially, the app store is worth nothing if you don’t have content. What choice does a company have but to adhere to their unfair practices… Now they say that any transaction that happens on apps downloaded via the store will be subject to 15-30% tax/commissions. What this means is that they want 50% of the revenues of the startups. It is the new East India Company and they operate with complete arrogance and impunity. The problem is in getting these companies to comply. Their strategy is to stretch out the legal process and tire the system. Our government and regulators have the right intent but sometimes democracies are messy. As a government, we have to ensure that nobody becomes the gatekeeper to our economy which is what these companies are trying to do. There should be penal provisions for anybody who abuses the law or twists and turns it while violating the very spirit of it. Non-compliance with judicial orders is contempt of court and so there is an opportunity to send a very strong message. These bullies need one arm chopped off in the form of penalties, a rap on the knuckles will not work as they are too big to care about a couple of hundred million in penalties. What is the biggest achievement of Shark Tank, which has now become a huge hit in India? In life timing is everything. Shark Tank’s first season was in December 2021, which was the peak of the startup hype cycle, and it demystified the whole conversation around startups and funding. Shark Tank has become a catalyst for driving entrepreneurship and giving it legitimacy. India is a land of entrepreneurs with every second person running some small business, many from home. A decade ago, if you told someone you are an entrepreneur, you would be told to come back when you get serious. The show has played an amazing role in celebrating entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem. A lot of companies have done very well. About 8-10 companies that got funded in Shark Tank are doing very well out of 180 companies that came to the show. This is an early stage game and will play out the same way. When you invest in 100 early stage companies, 4-5 will do very well and help recover the investments and some will become very big. A majority will fail. What I found amazing was that the companies that came to the show were not the elites who came from IIT or IIM. These are small businesses founded by housewives and family members. Entrepreneurship is not the reserve of the few. The next decade will be defined by Indian entrepreneurs globally and so there is no better time to be an entrepreneur than now. Shark Tank has put belief in every Indian that they can do it and that changes the game. Many of the founders that come to Shark Tank can do even better than the founders who have come from an IIT or an IIM. I believe that these people understand commerce and ‘dhandha’. The elitist founders are used to being served everything on a platter. Many professionals who come out of large companies or consulting firms cannot start without large funding. Out of the 100 unicorns we have, many will spectacularly fail in 2024 as they were built on the wrong foundations. These companies were built on a template of Ivy League founders and old school networks and so they got funded. Of the businesses that come to Shark Tank, what sectors can do well and stand a better chance of being funded? Indians now have the same aspirations as people in other parts of the world. Anybody who comes in and can bridge the gap between aspiration and affordability will do well especially in lifestyle. For example - Companies in the clothing and jewellery space will do well if they can deliver high aspiration at a value pricing. Last year a company called Snitch came with a revenue of Rs 60 crore and is now doing Rs 250 crore in sales. A company called Skippy, which makes ice pops was funded on Shark Tank too and has a run rate of Rs 50 crore from a few lakhs before ST. I funded a company called Sharmaji Ka Atta which has a revenue run rate of Rs 20 lakh a month in less than 12 months from less than 1 lakh. Another one called Whatsapp Wellness just got funded by HUL. Fundamentally, companies that can build premium products but don’t break the bank on affordability in categories like fashion, lifestyle and food will do well. People read labels now and the young generation is focused on what they are eating. Beauty and wellness products will do well as a secular trend for most of our history Lakme meant beauty, that’s how unbranded we were. Do you feel Shaadi.com is still relevant after Tinder and other dating apps came about? Let’s understand why Tinder is used, it is for hookups and is struggling to grow its revenue in India. Shaadi.com is not an arranged marriage platform. Shaadi.com is a planned marriage platform. Indian culture has four stages of life and marriage is one of the life stages. When you are planning to marry you look for compatibility and it is not about a chemical reaction. On Shaadi.com the family and parents collaborate to find a partner. The old community networks are now dying and we replace those networks. We are bringing together people in the same life stage to find a like-minded partner. The hook-up sites don’t do that and don't understand the Indian ethos. They are applying the same global model to India which does not work beyond a certain point. You were the original internet entrepreneur with a disruptive product. Why did you not create a large business that went on to become a decacorn or a unicorn? It depends on how you define success. If the definition is labels such as decacorn and unicorn, then that's not the game we are playing. Those are vanity labels that I would rather not pursue. Our definition of success is value creation and we are long-term compounders, much like Berkshire &amp; LVMH, so in a sense our ‘overnight’ success story is still waiting to become obvious to the world. From that lens, our ROCE is perhaps the best in the industry we have only ever raised about $20 mn but created several billion in value between our operated and invested cos. Our investee companies employ thousands, have raised over $20 bn and will go on to create $100 bn in value over time, in the bargain generating tremendous wealth for the country and hopefully for us too. We boast an IRR of 52% consistently for more than a decade which is extraordinary by any standards and a testament to our approach and story. Many people build businesses but we were fortunate to create entire industries such as online matchmaking via Shaadi.com, which we still run; proptech company Makaan.com which we sold to NewsCorp very handsomely; India’s first &amp; still the largest digital ad agency, Interactive Avenues, which we sold to IPG at a benchmark price that is yet to be crossed; India’s first mobile gaming company, Mauj Mobile which spawned a massive industry. So, whether it is our customers, employees, shareholders, the country or society at large, I think we have already impacted 10s of millions and while we don’t have a market listed entity like Jio or TCS to show for it, we have delivered massive national and global level impact. Keep in mind that we are most often the first to check into investee cost and every company we have founded has been the first in its industry. Our innovations have generated billions of dollars in wealth and given rise to innumerable founders and entrepreneurs who have learnt at our companies and gone on to build massive companies of their own. Further, I am still very young and the Indian opportunity is only now unfolding. In the next couple of years, you will see some of our other bets in space exploration, mobility real edtech, &amp; sustainable fintech come into the limelight besides something very special we are building on our own. So, in short, I still remain the OG and if you force me to use your labels we have birthed not one or two but several Unicorns &amp; Decacorns and that too with very limited capital. It is perhaps one of the most spectacular untold stories of value creation in the digital economy. Ola is one company that is headed for an IPO and you own 2% in the company. How did that happen? When we invested in Ola, there was not much of a concept of venture funding and the company did not have any suitors so we were able to get in at a very attractive valuation and hold an extremely healthy minority stake which obviously has been diluted over time. I think the network effects are so large that it is hard for others to get into it. I am still a shareholder and looking forward to the initial public offering. I invested in 2012 and when I met Bhavish first, I did not understand the problem he was solving as I live in Mumbai where cabs are available. So I did not think there was a problem. A few days later when I was in Delhi and needed a cab, I was told that they would call a taxi stand. After I came back from Delhi, I realised there was a problem everywhere. And I used to call the call centre and Bhavish used to answer the call centre, which showed me his commitment and reminded me of myself when I had started and so I invested.

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