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<ul><li>Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vi have all reported a significant decline in their subscriber base in September 2024</li><li>BSNL has recorded an increase in its subscriber base in for the third month.</li><li>This comes after the tariff hike in July 2024, which increased tariffs by up to 25%.</li></ul> State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) continued to gain subscribers in September as private telcos continued to report a decline in their subscriber base for the third month in a row after the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-price-hike-new-plans-and-how-you-can-save-money/articleshow/111331794.cms"> tariff hike</a>. Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio had announced a tariff hike, which was followed by Airtel and Vi. The telcos had announced a tariff hike of up to 25%, which came into effect from July. The three telcos have lost significant subscribers during the July-September quarter. In September 2024, there was a net decline of 5.02 million users in the total subscriber base, taking the total subscribers to 1.153 billion at the end of the month. <h2>Reliance Jio records a huge decline in subscribers</h2>Reliance Jio recorded a decrease of 7.97 million subscribers in September 2024. With this, the telco’s subscriber base has declined from 471.75 million in August to 463.78 million in September 2024. Out of the 463.78 million subscribers, the company’s active subscriber base stood at 444.49 million, which is 95.84%, marking a steady increase in its active subscriber base. Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel has also recorded a significant decline in its subscriber base in September at 1.43 million users. The telco’s subscriber base declined from 384.91 million in August 2024 to 383.48 million in September 2024. The telco continues to enjoy a high active subscriber base. The company's active subscribers stand at 380.68 million users out of its 383.48 million users, which is 99.27% of its total user base, the highest among all the telcos. <h2>Vi continues to bleed subscribers</h2>Vi, which is yet to launch 5G services in the country has once again reported a huge decline in subscribers. The company lost 1.55 million users in September 2024. The company’s subscriber base decreased from 214 million in August 2024 to 212.45 million users in September 2024. Out of the 212.45 million users, the company’s active user base stands at 179.52 million users, which is 84.50%. <h2>BSNL gains subscribers</h2>BSNL, the only telco that did not raise its tariff continues to gain subscribers. The telco recorded a growth of 0.85 million subscribers in September 2024, taking its total subscriber base from 91.05 million users in August 2024 to 91.90 million in September 2024. <h2>MNP requests continue to grow</h2>Mobile number portability (MNP), which allows users to shift from one telecom operator to another, recorded 13.32 million requests during September 2024. With this, the total number of MNP requests received since the introduction of this in November 2010 has reached 1.04 billion. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oppo-find-x8-and-find-x8-pro-launched-in-india-starting-at-69999/articleshow/115521010.cms">Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro launched in India starting at ₹69,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-16-developer-preview-announced-new-features-timeline-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115476441.cms">Android 16 Developer Preview announced – new features, timeline and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-wearables-market-declines-20-7-in-q3-2024-smartwatch-and-earwear-categories-struggle/articleshow/115447720.cms">Indian wearables market declines 20.7% in Q3 2024, smartwatch and earwear categories struggle</a>

Jio, Airtel and Vi lost nearly 11 million subscribers in September 2024

It is no secret that women often outlive men. The global average life expectancy in 2021 was about 68.4 years for men. In contrast, this stood at 73.8 years for women. As such, it is far more important for women to begin planning for their golden years as early as possible. Perhaps realizing this, more women are getting into investing than ever before! Even better, women save about 5% more each month than men. A recent Max Life's India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 4.0) also highlighted a similar sentiment: women are increasingly taking charge of their retirement and finances. Per the study, urban Indian working women are now keeping pace with men, with 66% being confident that their current investments will guarantee a financially secure retirement life. In terms of health, 48% of urban Indian working women feel confident that they will continue to stay fit and healthy in their retirement years. Encouragingly, a whopping 68% of urban Indian women have already started investing for their retirement. Amongst their preferred investment avenues are life insurance (65%), bank FDs/RDs (45%), medical insurance (36%), and mutual funds and SIPs (14%). The awareness is not limited to women; young urban Indians are awakening to the realization that retirement planning should be kicked off as soon as possible. Per IRIS 4,0, 44% of Indians consider the right age to start planning for retirement to be before 35 years, a jump from 38% in IRIS 3.0. An overwhelming 93% of respondents aged above 50 regret delaying their retirement planning. Says Priyanka Bhatia, Co-Founder of Women on Wealth, "Women, by and large, live longer than men and may confront professional interferences, which influence retirement reserve funds essentially. Beginning in your 20s permits women to create strategies that account for longevity risks and potential income gaps. Investments like annuities and dividend-paying assets guarantee a consistent income stream post-retirement, permitting ladies to explore monetary freedom even in later years.". Not to mention, beginning early also permits individuals to take advantage of tax-efficient investments over a more drawn-out period. In India, instruments like the National Pension Scheme (NPS) offer tax benefits that develop over the long haul. By expanding these exceptions from a young age, women can grow their retirement reserve funds while reducing taxable income in each financial year. Bhatia notes that even if one is planning to retire early, it does not only mean putting something aside for your 60s. It is also about adaptability to pick semi-retirement choices, work in sectors driven by passion, or even pursue entrepreneurial ventures without financial pressure. "Beginning in your 20s allows you to amass funds that can allow for early retirement, empowering a change to lifestyle-oriented work or community contributions later in life," Bhatia signs off.

Planning for your retirement in your 20s? Here's why it is a smart move!

<ul><li><keyword id="19896911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Jio" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> and The <keyword id="19986269" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Walt-Disney-Company" source="keywords">Walt Disney Company</keyword> have announced the completion of their merger.</li><li>JioStar will be the new destination for their content, with plans priced starting at ₹15 per month.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about JioStar and the company’s new plans.</li></ul>Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company have finally completed the much-awaited merger of their media businesses. With this, Star India Private Limited has emerged as the new joint venture (JV) between the two companies. Nita Ambani has been appointed as the chairperson of the JV valued at $8.5 billion on a post-money basis. After much speculation about the website, the company has announced jiostar.com as the new hub for its digital content. The company has also announced plans for different languages, starting as low as ₹15 per month. At present the company has offered several plans in standard definition and high definition, with more plans expected to be added in the coming days. <h2>JioStar standard definition packs</h2><ul><li>Star Value Pack Hindi – ₹59 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Hindi – ₹105 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Marathi Hindi – ₹67 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Marathi Hindi – ₹110 per month </li><li>Star Value Bengali Hindi – ₹65 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Bengali Hindi – ₹110 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Odia Hindi Mini – ₹15 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Odia Hindi – ₹65 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Odia Hindi – ₹105 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Malayalam – ₹57 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Malayalam – ₹105 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Tamil Malayalam – ₹63 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Tamil Malayalam – ₹105 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Kannada Malayalam Mini – ₹45 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Kannada Hindi Mini – ₹45 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Kannada Hindi – ₹67 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Hindi Kannada – ₹67 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Telugu Hindi – ₹81 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Hindi Telugu – ₹81 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Telugu Hindi Mini – ₹70 per month </li><li>Disney Kids Pack – ₹15 per month </li><li>Disney Hungama Kids Pack – ₹15 per month </li></ul><h2>JioStar high-definition packs</h2><ul><li>Star Value Pack Lite HD Hindi – ₹88 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Lite HD – ₹125 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Marathi Lite Hindi HD – ₹99 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Marathi Hindi HD – ₹145 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Bengali Lite Hindi HD – ₹99 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Bengali Lite Hindi HD – ₹145 per month </li><li>Star Value Pack Odia Lite Hindi HD – ₹99 per month </li><li>Star Premium Pack Odia Lite Hindi HD – ₹135 per month </li><li>Disney Kids Pack HD – ₹18 per month </li><li>Disney Hungama Kids Pack HD – ₹18 per month </li></ul>Apart from this, users also have the option to Ala-carte plans, selecting the channels they want and only paying for them, similar to what most dish operators already offer. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-review/articleshow/115054981.cms">Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop review – With a big AI boost</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/skoda-kylaq-suv-launched-in-india-starting-at-7-89-lakh/articleshow/115013668.cms">Skoda Kylaq SUV launched in India starting at ₹7.89 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6500mah-battery-to-launch-in-india-on-november-26/articleshow/114945858.cms">Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,500mAh battery to launch in India on November 26</a>

JioStar announces plans starting at ₹15 – here’s everything you need to know

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Trump wants to cut taxes on Social Security benefits, impacting current and future beneficiaries.</li><li>Experts warn these cuts could deplete the Social Security fund three years earlier than expected.</li></ul>Donald Trump plans to make changes to America's Social Security system with his return to the White Housein January. The president-elect promised on the campaign trail to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-tax-plan-social-security-retirement-medicare-2024-8">cut taxes on Social Security benefits</a> in his second term. "People on Social Security are being killed, and one of the things I'm doing is no tax for seniors on Social Security, and I'll get it done quickly," Trump told "Fox &amp; Friends" in August. For some baby boomers, lower <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">Social Security</a> taxes could mean larger monthly checks in the short-term. But experts predict that the <keyword id="23944791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Social-Security-tax-cuts" source="keywords">Social Security tax cuts</keyword>, along with other campaign promises made by Trump, could quickly drain the national Social Security fund. That would put benefits at risk for low-income retirees and younger generations, who may <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">rely on that income</a> as they age. "It's designed to help retirees, but the people it's going to hurt are people that rely on Social Security the most," Taylor Lee, a certified financial planner at Belmont Capital Advisors, told BI of Trump's Social Security tax cut. More than 72 million Americans receive Social Security and the estimated average monthly check is <a target="_blank" href="https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01903">$1,92</a>4.35 a month, per the Social Security Administration. Americans can begin taking Social Security at age 62, or wait until their full benefits kick in at 67, the national retirement age. Trump's campaign promise comes as Business Insider has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/older-americans-regret-retirement-savings-taking-social-security-early-investments-2024-10">heard from older adults</a> with limited retirement savings, many of whom are struggling to afford necessities like housing and groceries on their fixed Social Security income. Income taxes on Social Security apply to all beneficiaries with an annual household income above $25,000, and most pay taxes on at least <a target="_blank" href="https://www-origin.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html">50%</a> of their benefits. Lower-income beneficiaries pay less in taxes. <h2>Social Security tax cuts would hurt low-income retirees, younger generations</h2>US Social Security will be depleted<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-will-social-security-benefits-run-out-retirement-crisis-boomers-2024-5">in the next decade</a> without Congressional action. The fund is largely financed through payroll taxes that Americans contribute to throughout their career. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/what-would-trump-campaign-plans-mean-social-security">A report</a> published in October by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said that Trump's campaign promises — which alsoincludes ending taxes on tips, reducing <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tax-plan-tarriffs-benefits-top-earners-study-2024-10">some income taxes</a>, expanding deportations, and imposing tariffs — would take a toll on the Social Security fund, making it "insolvent" within the next six years. That's three years earlier than the Congressional Budget Office's current estimation. Those policies would also lead to a 33% <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/what-would-trump-campaign-plans-mean-social-security">benefit cut</a> in 2035, a 10% increase from what the Congressional Budget Office projects under the current law. Lee said that low-income boomers and younger generations are likely to feel the brunt of these cuts. Low-income boomers living on Social Security already pay less income taxes, so they wouldn't see the benefits Trump promised. Lee said that many don't have other <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-no-savings-snap-benefits-debt-boomers-experiences-2024-6">retirement savings </a>to fall back on if their benefits are slashed. He added that older Americans who are wealthy or middle class would feel less stress from Social Security cuts, and may benefit in the short term from Trump's tax plan. "It would help people in the middle class, people that have the luxury of having a 401(k) or an IRA and have multiple sources of retirement income," Lee said. "But the people that's going to hurt the most are people that don't have that traditional retirement income." Lee said it's possible that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-social-security-insolvency-medicare-donald-trump-biden-mcconnell-2023-3">younger generations</a> will have lower Social Security benefits, requiring them to rely more heavily on retirement savings. To be sure, any changes Trump hopes to make the tax or Social Security systems would need to be approved by Congress. Working in his favor is that the<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/republicans-win-senate-election-majority-election-2024-11">Senate will have a Republican majority</a>.(Votes for House representatives are still being counted.) Lee added that tax funding is also not the only challenge facing Social Security: people are living longer, meaning that more benefits funding is required per person. As for other retirement finances, like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-is-401k">401(k) accounts</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-election-victory-impact-investments-costs-housing-taxes-childcare-2024-11">investments</a>, it's unclear what impact a second Trump term will have. The president-elect plans to impose tariffs on foreign goods and make broad tax cuts, a move that is likely to drive inflation and make the cost of living <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariffs-higher-inflation-fed-interest-rates-taxes-mortgage-rates-2024-11">more expensive</a>. With the <keyword id="23944794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="future-of-Social-Security" source="keywords">future of Social Security</keyword> uncertain, Lee said it's important for retirees to build a strong financial plan. "There's a lot of planning that we can still do," Lee said. "Government policy — we really can't affect that. So we just have to control what we can control." Are you relying on Social Security in retirement? Are you adjusting your retirement plans based on Trump's return to office? If so, reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" class="" href="mailto:allisonkelly@businessinsider.com">allisonkelly@businessinsider.com</a>.

Trump's plan for Social Security will help baby boomers in the short term and cut benefits for anyone younger

A recent report by Axis AMC shed light on the burgeoning Indian mutual fund industry. Since March 2021, the MF industry has grown at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 23.65%, touching an AUM (asset under management) of Rs 67.25 lakh crore in October 2024. <keyword id="20300870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Equity-Mutual-Funds" source="keywords">Equity mutual funds</keyword>, which garnered Rs 41,886.69 crore during the month, saw a 58.96% YoY growth. The biggest contributor to the equity segment was sectoral funds, which captured 29.3% of net equity sales in October 2024. In all, they brought in Rs 12,278.78 crore during October 2024. The AUM of <keyword id="20890471" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hybrid-Funds" source="keywords">hybrid funds</keyword> also stood at Rs 9.24 lakh crore during the month, registering an annual growth of 47.8% and inflows worth Rs 16,863.30 crore during October 2024. Amidst this, the arbitrage funds led in net sales, capturing 3.61% of their AUM with monthly inflows worth Rs 7,181.70 crores. There and more people are entering the Indian markets, as is evident in the growing SIP corpus (Systematic Investment Plans), which saw contributions worth Rs 25,323 crore in October 2024, a 54.7% year-over-year growth. In October 2024, about 63,69,919 new SIPs were registered, taking the number of SIP accounts to a record high of 10,12,34,212 The growth in equity investments was largely led by retail investors and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals). Since March 2021, the retail segment in mutual funds has seen a 31.2% CAGR, while banks and foreign investors have recorded a CAGR of 31.8% during the same period. Corporations were the biggest contributors to debt mutual funds. Notably, the AUM of debt funds grew 14.8% over the previous year to stand at Rs 10,65,037 crore as of October 2024. The category saw net sales worth Rs 47,699 crore last month. Also testimony to the growing interest of investors in mutual funds were the figures of <keyword id="23958398" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Passive-Mutual-Funds" source="keywords">passive mutual funds</keyword>, which recorded net sales worth Rs 8,025 crore during the month. Out of this, just index funds observed net sales of Rs 7,931 crore in the previous month. AUM from the top 30 Indian cities grew at 22.6% CAGR, whereas other cities grew at 27.8% CAGR since March 2021. FY25 also seemed to be the year where NFOs received an enthusiastic response from investors. So far, a total of 124 NFO schemes have managed to collect a total of over Rs 77,932 crore.

Mutual funds in spotlight: Industry grew at 23.65% CAGR since March 2021

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Michael Johnston was making six figures in a remote job he enjoyed when his second child was born.</li><li>He fell in love with <keyword id="23944982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="full-time-parenting" source="keywords">full-time parenting</keyword> and his wife, a successful editor, was keen to keep working.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michael Johnston, 41, a <keyword id="23944981" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="stay-at-home-dad" source="keywords">stay-at-home dad</keyword> who lives in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Johnston's financial claims have been verified with documents. It has been edited for length and clarity. I graduated from Boston University in 2006 with a degree in mechanical engineering. I then got a job in the semiconductor industry. The role allowed me unlimited creative freedom and had crazy big budgets. Life was good. A few years into this amazing job, things shifted. The 2008 recession hit, and though I survived layoffs, everything changed. Money dried up for creative projects, and suddenly, I was doing paperwork all day. After my wife Maddie finished school, we wanted a fresh start. We moved coasts onto a ranch in California. I found a new role at KLA Corporation, in manufacturing, with much less paperwork. When my wife told me she was pregnant, I had a steady job with a manageable workload, but I traveled frequently to China, Taiwan, and South Korea. I was grateful for the income when our son Lincoln was born. <div type="image" title="Dad with baby in a carrier." height="4032" width="2268" msid="114981391" hostid="261"></div><h2>The impossible task of pandemic parenting</h2>Like many parents, March 2020 was a very difficult period for my family of three. Lincoln was around three years old, and suddenly my world narrowed to just four walls during lockdown. Instead of traveling and working in the office, my role was being permanently on the phone. I had meetings the entire day and would try to get my actual work done in the evening. Calls from around the world pushed late into the night. At some points, I worked almost 24 hours a day. Maddie, Lincoln, and I tried to maintain daily family life while we kept up with our careers. Now we were both fully remote, so we bought a beach house in Maine in 2020 and left California in 2021. But that wasn't the only reason we were moving back closer to home: our second baby was on the way. <div type="image" title="Michael Johnston and his kids." height="3357" width="1888" msid="114981168" hostid="261"></div><h2>Crunching numbers on <keyword id="21017792" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paternity-leave" source="keywords">paternity leave</keyword></h2>I fully intended to go back to work after paternity leave. I was making six figures doing work that I loved — prior to the pandemic shift — and my team was great. But over 12 weeks of leave, I fell in love with being a full-time dad. If I was up at 3 a.m. I was comforting a sleepless kid, not fielding international calls. It was some of the best times we'd had as a family. My wife has a successful career in editorial work, and we began examining whether we could afford to be a one-salary family. We'd spent our early career days digging out of student and credit card debt from moving around. Right before kids, we'd finally paid off our debt, which was tough even with two incomes. Moving back to Maine was a major savings opportunity. We streamlined our spending on our mortgage, rental property, two cars, and everything else it takes to run a family in California. We no longer had to pay for flights back, preschool or daycare. We dug into what life would look like on one income, and my financial projections showed it was doable in Maine. We walk the kids to school and don't have a pricey commute. We no longer pay for any day care — a drastic change from the insanely California options at around $2,000 for one child. Maine also has free breakfast and lunch at school. <h2>Deciding to stay home</h2>It came down to how we viewed our work. After maternity leave, my wife was excited to see her coworkers and jump back into her job. I saw work as a means to an end. My future wasn't ever really tied up in my workplace. I'd missed so much of my first child's youngest years that I was determined not to repeat that with my second. On the work front, I'd used my degree for 17 years and accomplished what I wanted to. A week or two before the end of my leave, I set my team up for success and gave my boss my two weeks' notice. <div type="image" title="Michael Johnston and his family." height="1690" width="2253" msid="114981165" hostid="261"></div><h2>Settling into full-time dad life</h2>The first few months were awesome. We knew we'd made the right choice. I walked the kids to school every day and got to experience small moments I'd previously been too busy to enjoy. I did have misconceptions about stay-at-home parenting life. I thought I'd renovate our 1954 Airstream during naps. Instead, I get up at 5:30 a.m., make lunches, have a cup of coffee for 15 minutes in peace, and then get everyone ready for school. Once my oldest is at school, my new mission is potty training. I'm lucky to grab a shower during naptime. I clean and reset the house for the evening, getting dishes under control and dinner started. My wife and I always split the cores, her taking the mental labor of organizing school and social life comms and I did more physical chores. This is now just more official – I manage school runs and all the household tasks. When others find out I'm a stay-at-home dad, they always ask: "When are you going back to work?" Maybe I will, maybe I won't. If I do, I'll have different boundaries. I spent too long wrapped up in my job. We are trained to graduate, get a good job, work that job forever, then retire at 65. I plowed along for long enough. Now I know a corporate job isn't a mandatory trajectory. It was a choice. I'm happy doing something different. Correction: November 8, 2024 — A previous version of this story misstated that the Johnston family didn’t have a car. They do have a car in Maine.

I quit my 6-figure job to be a stay-at-home dad. After leaving California, we could afford to be a single-income family.

For most of us, heading out used to be an everyday ritual, but COVID-19 has left an unexpected impact — many people are staying home more often, and this shift might just be the “new normal.” A recent study reveals that, compared to pre-pandemic life, people are spending almost an hour less each day on activities outside the home. Additionally, people are spending about 12 fewer minutes a day on travel. Researchers analysed a survey of 34,000 Americans, finding that this trend toward staying home reflects a larger shift that had already begun but has accelerated significantly due to COVID-19. The study shows a lasting change: while some out-of-home activities have slightly bounced back since the peak of the pandemic in 2021, Americans are still spending about 53 minutes less outside the home than they did in 2019. In 2023, the amount of time people spend outside remains considerably lower than before the pandemic, with <keyword id="23763147" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="in-home-activities" source="keywords">in-home activities</keyword> taking up more of the day. <h2>The new routine</h2>This drop in out-of-home time is partly due to more people working and shopping from home. The study found a marked decrease in out-of-home activities like work and shopping. With <keyword id="20665553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="remote-work" source="keywords">remote work</keyword> becoming more popular and online shopping more efficient than in-person errands, people are finding fewer reasons to go out. The researchers suggest that cities may need to rethink their policies around commercial and residential spaces, relaxing restrictions on converting offices into housing and creating more space for delivery services rather than traditional commuter parking. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114823699" title="Uber drops after its bookings results and forecast fail to impress" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The authors of the study see this as an opportunity for cities to embrace a new role as “centers of consumption.” Since office workers are no longer essential to urban economies, central cities may focus more on their appeal as hubs for recreation, culture, and dining — areas that can attract residents who choose to live in more urban settings. This shift could also make cities more affordable by reducing housing and transport costs. Technology advancements played a significant role in this new preference for staying in. During the pandemic, people adapted quickly to working, socialising, and even exercising at home. For example, sales of <keyword id="20751231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="home-gym" source="keywords">home gym</keyword> equipment surged, and now many people are working out at home rather than visiting gyms. Meanwhile, activities like TV watching did not rise post-pandemic as much as one might expect, with only a brief increase in screen time at the height of COVID. <h2>Less commuting, fewer emissions</h2>The study also shows a continued decrease in travel time, which initially dropped due to fewer commutes. Even as the world reopens, travel hasn’t bounced back completely, indicating that people are limiting outings beyond work as well. This decrease in driving and public transport use could have <keyword id="21198065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-benefits" source="keywords">environmental benefits</keyword>, including lower emissions and fuel consumption. However, it raises questions about the potential downsides of extended time at home, such as <keyword id="20787438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-isolation" source="keywords">social isolation</keyword>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114822872" title="I&amp;#39;m an American who&amp;#39;s lived in South Korea for 10 years. Here are 9 things I don&amp;#39;t miss about the US." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As more people choose to stay in, the researchers suggest that cities may need to adapt by focusing less on peak travel demands and more on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as accessible services for lower-income residents. These adaptations could improve urban life, particularly in dense areas where the need for safer and more walkable spaces is high. The study’s authors point out that, although this trend toward “cocooning” at home has been growing for years, the pandemic has caused a much steeper drop than expected. Moving forward, cities and communities may need to embrace this new lifestyle by designing policies and spaces that cater to a society that prefers staying home— whether it’s about creating vibrant urban hubs or ensuring services are available to all residents. While only time will tell if this trend endures, one thing is clear: staying in has reshaped our daily lives and could change the face of our cities in the years to come. The findings of this research have been published in the Journal of the American Planning Association and can be accessed <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2024.2385327">here</a>.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more reluctant to go out, study finds

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Burberry's CEO Joshua Schulman says the brand is undergoing an urgent "course correct."</li><li>The strategy aim comes as the luxury brand reports revenue plummeted 22% in its interim results. </li></ul>Things have gone from bad to worse at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-burberry-became-fashions-biggest-fail-stock-drop-ceo-ousting-2024-8">Burberry</a>, the beleaguered British <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-valuable-luxury-brands-2011-5">luxury brand</a>.On Thursday, the company's CEO said he is "acting with urgency" to stabilize the luxury brand as it reported a 22% revenue decline in the six months ending in September in interim results. CEO Joshua Schulman said the company is implementing a "course correct" strategy to address its long-standing woes and "position Burberry for a return to sustainable, profitable growth.'"Dubbing the strategic shift "Burberry Forward," the market has responded positively, with shares rising 14% in early trading on Thursday.Schulman said the company's underperformance stems from its "inconsistent brand execution" and a "lack of focus" on its outerwear category and core customers.The report also indicated the brand's attempt to modernize came at the expense of its heritage and identity and suggested that it has priced out many customers in its bid to pursue "brand elevation." "They pushed the pricing where the brand didn't feel legitimate," Jelena Sokolova, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, previously told BI. "I've heard from some people, with a $2,500 bag, you might as well just go for Louis Vuitton, you wouldn't buy Burberry."<div type="image" title="Cara Delevingne at Burberry Flagship Store Reopening Cocktail Party - Inside on October 16, 2024 in New York." height="853" width="1280" msid="115296336" hostid="261" sizebytes="72366"></div>Part of Burberry's new strategy to right the ship includes the appointment of new leaders across its marketing and product teams and the launch of new campaigns that show the brand is going back to its roots.These include the "It's Always Burberry Weather" outerwear campaign starring British and Irish celebrities like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barry-keoghan-saltburn-shocking-scenes-freak-child-man-2024-1">Barry Keoghan</a> and longtime ambassador <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cara-delevingne-most-daring-red-carpet-looks-photos">Cara Delevigne</a>.Many brands are hurting from an industry-wide slump in luxury, fueled partly by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/whats-behind-china-luxury-goods-slowdown-economy-changing-consumer-tastes-2024-10">waning demand in China</a>, but Burberry has been one of the hardest hit. In July, after reports emerged that the brand planned to cut hundreds of jobs, it then reported a decline in sales and said it would suspend its dividend payments to shareholders. Shortly after, the company announced it was ousting its CEO, Jonathan Akeroyd.Earlier this month, rumors swirled that the brand was facing an acquisition from Moncler. However, this has since been denied.

Burberry launches urgent turnaround plan to save the brand

If you're looking for some inspiration on how to spend the upcoming holiday season, it's time to take cues from fellow Indians. A recent study by American Express has highlighted that a staggering 97% of Indians have their travel plans set for the forthcoming festive season, and more than 30% have already made their bookings. What's more, around 93% won't shy away from spending a few extra bucks if it means making their trip more comfortable and fun. A recent <keyword id="23687478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner-report" source="keywords">Skyscanner report</keyword> titled Travel Trends 2025 also underlined this growing preference for <keyword id="23687479" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="comfortable-travel" source="keywords">comfortable travel</keyword> among Indians. Per the report, 57% of Indians were okay spending a little extra to get a good quality in-flight meal. For 47%, good seats and hence, seat selection was a priority, and 42% of surveyed Indians preferred comfort right from the trip's start-valuing access to airport lounges. Per the <keyword id="23687477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="American-Express-study" source="keywords">American Express study</keyword>, while most people (63%) just want to let their hair down and relax, 54% want to don their explorer hats and see new places. About 27% just want to get away from the chaos of their daily lives and spend time with their near and dear ones. Most of us (around 88%) just have Bharat Darshan on our itinerary, while 61% felt like the world was calling us, which is why they plan to travel internationally. Irrespective of destinations, a staggering 91% of Indian travelers believe holidays can help build resilience and strength, so they’re better able to handle the stresses of everyday life. But even amidst all this traveling, Indians do not forget to be budget-conscious, which explains why 73% of Indians won't shy away from generously using their <keyword id="23687480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-card-points" source="keywords">credit card points</keyword>, <keyword id="23687481" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airline-miles" source="keywords">airline miles</keyword>, or loyalty rewards. Soak in the festivities and experience The American Express study, which spanned Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, apart from India, only reinforced that pretty much everyone across the world is in a mood to travel and relax. Globally, 58% of respondents from these countries had plans to visit their family and friends. For those few who had no travel plans but rather wanted to lounge and laze in their homes, 40% had family or friends visiting them. But quality time with loved ones was not the only thing on the list, with 55% also taking trips outside of visiting family. Also, buying gifts during the season is seemingly passe. Every 1 in 3 respondents chose gifting their loved ones an experience rather than a material gift. Atop this gift list are entertainment-related experiences, preferred by 59% of respondents. Travel-related experiences come next, chosen by 54% of those surveyed, followed by food and drink-related experiences, which were opted for by 49% of respondents. The Skyscanner also highlighted that 66% of Indian travelers plan to travel more in 2025. As to the deciding factors for choosing the next travel destination, food, culture, and weather played a crucial role for 63%, 58%, and 57% of respondents, respectively. Skyscanner's report also highlighted this trend, noting that people were increasingly looking forward to having unique experiences. 53% of Indians surveyed wanted to travel to watch a live game or sporting event in 2025. At 54%, this number was slightly higher amongst the 25-34 age cohort.

Travel, Eat, and Have Fun: How Indians plan to spend their holidays

<ul><li><keyword id="19925254" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="YouTube" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="YouTube" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="YouTube">YouTube</keyword> is testing a new subscription tier called <keyword id="23629619" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="YouTube-Premium-Lite" source="keywords">YouTube Premium Lite</keyword></li><li>The <keyword id="23644277" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Premium-Lite-plan" source="keywords">Premium Lite plan</keyword> could cost $8.99 per month</li><li>However, it comes with limitations</li></ul> Be it listening to a new song, watching a web-series, searching about a new topic or just casually browsing, YouTube is the go-to app for many users. Earlier this year, a report by Axios had said that Gen-Z is turning towards YouTube and TikTok for research purposes instead of Google. But there's one thing about YouTube that at times leads to frustration - ads. Even though these ads help content creators in making money, users aren't really fond of them. The video platform, addressing such concerns, had launched <keyword id="20184157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="YouTube-Premium" source="keywords">YouTube premium</keyword> back in 2014. This is a premium service that results in many benefits for users at a price - including enjoying ad-free videos. Just recently, the prices of YouTube Premium saw a rise, raising a few eyebrows. Now, if you don't want to pay YouTube Premium fee but still want to get rid of (at least some) ads, there's good news for you. The company might just be working on a new subscription tier that could cost half the price of YouTube Premium and get rid of some ads. <h2>YouTube Premium Lite in works? </h2> According to a report in The Verge, YouTube is testing a new subscription tier called YouTube Premium Lite, offering users a more affordable way to enjoy the platform with fewer interruptions. The Premium Lite plan could cost $8.99 per month, nearly 50% cheaper than the regular Premium subscription, which is priced at $16.99. However, it comes with limitations, including fewer ad-free features and restricted access to <keyword id="19912392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="YouTube-Music" source="keywords">YouTube Music</keyword> and background play. Currently being tested in select markets like Germany, Thailand, and Australia, YouTube Premium Lite aims to strike a balance for users who want an ad-reduced experience without paying for the full Premium perks. While it provides an ad-free experience for most videos, ads will still appear in music and short-form content. <h2>The Indian scenario </h2> As of now, it’s unclear if YouTube will offer an annual subscription option for Premium Lite or whether it will launch in India. If introduced in India, the service could cost around Rs 75, as per an Indian Express report, which is a significant drop from the Rs 149 charged for the full Premium plan. With this new tier, YouTube seems to be hoping to attract users who want fewer ads but don’t require features like offline downloads or YouTube Music’s ad-free experience. YouTube previously tested a similar subscription in 2021 across Europe, but the service was discontinued before it could officially roll out. Whether Premium Lite will prove to be a long-term addition remains to be seen, but it offers an intriguing middle ground for users looking to pay less while enjoying fewer ad interruptions. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/meta-ai-will-be-able-to-remember-your-whatsapp-chat-with-a-new-feature-know-all-about-it/articleshow/114424676.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Meta AI will be able to remember your WhatsApp chat with a new feature, know all about it</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/adobe-collaborates-with-coursera-and-others-to-help-people-develop-ai-skills-announces-new-ai-powered-marketing-tool/articleshow/114268779.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Adobe collaborates with Coursera and others to help people develop AI skills, announces new AI-powered marketing tool</a>

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