Managing the rise of general artificial intelligence. Achieving true decarbonization in time to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Keeping critical computing systems — and by extension, the infrastructure that keeps society humming — safe from next-generation cybersecurity threats. These are just three of the massive challenges facing humanity. They’re also massive business opportunities for entrepreneurs with the vision and technical know-how to develop solutions at scale. The work those entrepreneurs do wouldn’t be possible without support from legions of investors who share their vision and values — and who are willing to put up their own money to bring solutions to life. Some of these investors are household names, or close to it. You’ve probably heard of Sergey Brin, for sure. But most of them work under the radar, out of view of the general public. Well-known in investor circles though they might be, you wouldn’t look twice if they passed you in the grocery aisle. Their stories deserve telling all the same. Here’s what five of the most ambitious are working on right now. 1. Sky Dayton photo credit: SkyDayton.com Sky Dayton made his name (and his first fortune) as a dial-up internet pioneer. He founded EarthLink, which internet users of a certain age will no doubt remember, and eventually scaled the company into the United States’ biggest dial-up internet provider. Dayton later made big bets on the future of WiFi and smartphones, but his days as an in-the-trenches founder appear to be behind him. Now, he’s known in disruptor circles as one of the most innovative, out-of-the-box investors and advisors around. He’s involved with promising startups in personal aviation (yes, air taxis will be a thing sooner or later) and next-generation flight simulation, along with slightly more conventional e-commerce and structured data plays. 2. Craig Venter photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC 2.5 Craig Venter shot to fame as a key member of the team that sequenced the first human genome. With a biotech background and a researcher’s meticulous, low-key demeanor, he’s not the first person you’d imagine as the face of revolutionary medicine. But he leveraged his success in the lab to build support for his Human Longevity startup, which offers personalized health solutions and eventually aims to radically lengthen human lifespans. 3. Sergey Brin photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC 2.0 Sergey Brin will always be known as one of Google’s cofounders. He’s still involved with the company, now known as Alphabet, but not in any of its core businesses. Instead, he’s using a portion of Alphabet’s considerable revenue stream — along with plenty of his own money — to fund a grab-bag of speculative “moonshots” that could transform the way we live, work, and recreate. Not all of these moonshots have been successful. Google’s biotech record is mixed at best, and its exciting Project Loon effort to bring high-speed internet to hard-to-reach locales (including disaster-hit cities and rural areas) was quietly shelved amid technical challenges. But Brin has the drive and resources to achieve real breakthroughs, so stay tuned. 4. Larry Fink photo credit: Wikimedia Commons | CC 3.0 Larry Fink is the chairman and chief executive of Blackrock, the private equity behemoth. He’s a household name in the finance industry. He’s also the face of ESG (environmental, social, governance) investing, which rewards companies that do right by their workforces, customers, and the planet. ESG has sparked a political backlash in the United States, to the point that Fink has stopped using the term in public, but the cat is out of the bag. Many competing private equity firms (and independent investors) now incorporate ESG logic into their process. That’s accelerating the transition to more people- and planet-friendly technologies, especially in the sustainability and clean energy spaces. 5. Peter Diamandis photo credit: Diamandis.com Peter Diamandis is the driving force behind the X Prize, which is widely credited with jumpstarting the commercial spaceflight industry back in the 2000s. That alone qualifies him as a forward thinker. But Diamandis’ real long-term value add could be his work with Singularity University, where he’s executive chairman. Singularity University is an accelerator hub for disruptive technology, with special focus on what its backers (and a growing number of tech investors) believe is a looming artificial intelligence explosion. Even as for-profit entrants like OpenAI make public breakthroughs, Singularity University stands to play a big role in a world where truly intelligent AI systems are accessible to all. The Future Is Waiting These five investors are doing more than most to pull the future forward into the present. They’re working on some of the biggest challenges humanity has ever faced. They believe that we have the power to solve these challenges with real, scalable solutions that employ existing and soon-to-exist technologies. They have a lot of capital at their disposal. But given the scale at which they’re working, it’s not enough. They need help from like-minded founders, investors, and allies. Because the future can’t will itself into existence — that’s our job.

Microsoft introduced a side-panel in Edge with a handful of options like ability to run apps, Apple Music, share files, etc. But, the most important addition was the Bing integration in the form of Discover. Google is introducing something similar to its Chrome web browser. Google has been testing the side panel since 2022It’s not that Google has just got the idea to introduce something like this. The feature has been in test for almost over an year and now, the company is rolling it out to Chrome with the latest update. Now, Chrome already has a side panel that has options like Reading List, Bookmarks and Journeys and Customise. With the Chrome 116 update, Google has introduced Search in the side panel as well. The side panel now shows a search field along with a Lens shortcut. The search bar lets users run a search without actually leaving the webpage. And, the Lens lets users drag and upload an image or select a particular area of a web page to run a search.The user interface is more or less similar to what we see on mobile phones. Expect there’s a dedicated button that lets users move the search result in a new tab. The side panel search result remains active as clicking on links opens in the current tab. This will allow users to quickly open a new page and look for information or broaden your search for a particular topic. Google Chrome side panel with search integration is available in Chrome 116 update. Users will need to install the latest version available to get this feature. To do this, open Google Chrome on your PC, click on the three dots at the top right corner and head to About Chrome option. Here Chrome will automatically check for updates and promote users to restart it to install the update.

Cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009, has emerged as a revolutionary concept, captivating mainstream conversations and influencing consumer decision-making. As a digital medium of exchange, it operates independently of banks and governments, traded around the clock, and increasingly recognized as a legitimate payment method. However, before making a decision on whether to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment from customers, small business owners must meticulously consider both technical and pragmatic factors. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into the various aspects of cryptocurrency acceptance and explore how innovative blockchain startups are pushing the boundaries in this rapidly evolving space. Did you Know? A fascinating statistic reveals that a staggering 3 out of 4 retailers are gearing up to embrace cryptocurrency payments, driven by the desire to project a cutting-edge image and harness the significant marketing influence of this tech trend. Understanding Cryptocurrency At its core, cryptocurrency operates on peer-to-peer blockchain technology, facilitating direct transactions without the need for intermediaries. Users retain control of their encrypted funds, adding an extra layer of security in an age when data breaches and cyber threats have become all too common. Have you Fallen Victim to Crypto Scams? Assistance is Available If you’ve been targeted by a crypto scam, it’s essential to understand that assistance is accessible. Despite the distress of being scammed, there are services dedicated to aiding you in regaining control. Reaching out for support is the initial step towards reclaiming your stolen funds. Cyberclaims is committed to a cyber theft-free world and is dedicated to achieving tangible outcomes for financial crime victims and those affected by online fraud. This transformative solution is geared towards helping you locate lost digital assets and potentially restoring what’s rightfully yours. Backed by cutting-edge cryptocurrency intelligence and blockchain analytics, Cyberclaims specializes in cryptocurrency tracing solutions for both individuals and businesses impacted by cybercrime. Advantages for Small Business The integration of cryptocurrency into your business model can offer numerous benefits: Tech Innovation: By embracing cryptocurrency, your business can demonstrate its technological acumen and forward-thinking approach, positioning itself at the forefront of financial innovation. Attracting New Customers: Accepting cryptocurrency opens doors to a vast community of enthusiasts who prefer utilizing digital currencies for their transactions, broadening your customer base significantly. Fraud Prevention: One of the most appealing aspects of cryptocurrency transactions is the mitigation of chargebacks and other payment-related frauds, as transactions are final and irreversible, much like cash exchanges. Global Reach: Cryptocurrency empowers small businesses to break geographical barriers and cater to international customers without the complexities and limitations associated with traditional financial systems. Customer Convenience: Offering cryptocurrency payments provides customers with added payment options, enhancing their convenience, while also safeguarding their sensitive information through encryption. Potential Risks While there are undeniable advantages, it is essential to remain vigilant about potential risks: Technical Barriers: Embracing cryptocurrency may require small business owners to navigate the process of setting up digital wallets on digital currency exchanges, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the technology. Cryptocurrency, being an information-rich domain with a relatively steep learning curve, may prove to be a substantial obstacle when managing day-to-day business operations. Price Volatility: Perhaps one of the most notorious characteristics of digital currencies is their inherent price volatility, leading to unpredictable fluctuations in value. For instance, the value of Bitcoin experienced dramatic swings, surging from mere pennies in 2009 to over $64,000 per coin in February 2021, only to plummet to less than $28,500 per coin in May 2023. Security Issues: While cryptocurrency transactions enhance security by eliminating the risk of stolen credit card numbers, they are not entirely impervious to cybersecurity threats. Cybercriminals may still exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to users’ digital wallets. Unlike fiat currencies, backed and insured by governments, cryptocurrencies lack such safeguards. Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrency’s regulatory landscape remains dynamic as lawmakers seek to establish new regulations governing its use. This ever-evolving environment demands adaptability from businesses to navigate emerging challenges effectively. Securing your Business To safeguard your foray into the world of cryptocurrency, consider implementing the following measures: Enhancing Security: Bolster cybersecurity by adopting multifactor authentication, adding an additional layer of protection against potential breaches. Exploring Cold Storage: Consider offline storage solutions such as cold wallets to enhance the security of your cryptocurrency assets, protecting them from online threats. Staying Informed: Remain up-to-date with common crypto scams and potential threats to shield your business from adverse consequences. Embracing the Future Given the growing traction of cryptocurrency, digital wallets are poised to emerge as a preferred payment option for customers. If you decide to incorporate cryptocurrency into your payment repertoire, take the time to understand the technology, set up digital wallets, and effectively communicate this payment option to your customers. However, prudence must guide your actions in this nascent landscape. As potential legislative changes loom, and governing bodies may emerge to monitor cryptocurrency firms, your business must approach this transformation with caution, making well-informed decisions. Support and Recovery In the unfortunate event of encountering crypto scams, services like Cyberclaims can be invaluable allies. Cyberclaims specializes in recovering lost assets, guiding victims through the recovery process, and providing expert assistance in dealing with crypto-related fraud. In a fast-paced world where knowledge and vigilance are critical, Cyberclaims is here to support you in navigating potential financial setbacks. In conclusion, embracing cryptocurrency payments can unlock new financial opportunities for small businesses. However, it is essential to weigh the advantages and risks carefully, taking the necessary precautions to protect your business from potential threats. With the right approach, cryptocurrency can become a powerful tool for enhancing your business’s efficiency, security, and global reach in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance. Stay informed, stay cautious, and embrace the future of finance with measured confidence.

Experts say there’s a balance to strike in the academic world when using generative AI—it could make the writing process more efficient and help researchers more clearly convey their findings. But the tech—when used in many kinds of writing—has also dropped fake references into its responses, made things up, and reiterated sexist and racist content from the internet, all of which would be problematic if included in published scientific writing. If researchers use these generated responses in their work without strict vetting or disclosure, they raise major credibility issues. Not disclosing use of AI would mean authors are passing off generative AI content as their own, which could be considered plagiarism. They could also potentially be spreading AI’s hallucinations, or its uncanny ability to make things up and state them as fact. It’s a big issue, David Resnik, a bioethicist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, says of AI use in scientific and academic work. Still, he says, generative AI is not all bad—it could help researchers whose native language is not English write better papers. “AI could help these authors improve the quality of their writing and their chances of having their papers accepted,” Resnik says. But those who use AI should disclose it, he adds. For now, it’s impossible to know how extensively AI is being used in academic publishing, because there’s no foolproof way to check for AI use, as there is for plagiarism. The Resources Policy paper caught a researcher’s attention because the authors seem to have accidentally left behind a clue to a large language model’s possible involvement. “Those are really the tips of the iceberg sticking out,” says Elisabeth Bik, a science integrity consultant who runs the blog Science Integrity Digest. “I think this is a sign that it’s happening on a very large scale.” In 2021, Guillaume Cabanac, a professor of computer science at the University of Toulouse in France, found odd phrases in academic articles, like “counterfeit consciousness” instead of “artificial intelligence.” He and a team coined the idea of looking for “tortured phrases,” or word soup in place of straightforward terms, as indicators that a document likely comes from text generators. He’s also on the lookout for generative AI in journals, and is the one who flagged the Resources Policy study on X. Cabanac investigates studies that may be problematic, and he has been flagging potentially undisclosed AI use. To protect scientific integrity as the tech develops, scientists must educate themselves, he says. “We, as scientists, must act by training ourselves, by knowing about the frauds,” Cabanac says. “It’s a whack-a-mole game. There are new ways to deceive.” Tech advances since have made these language models even more convincing—and more appealing as a writing partner. In July, two researchers used ChatGPT to write an entire research paper in an hour to test the chatbot’s abilities to compete in the scientific publishing world. It wasn’t perfect, but prompting the chatbot did pull together a paper with solid analysis.

Contiinex raised $2 Mn in Pre-Series A round from YourNest and Refex Capital The startup plans to use the funds to strengthen its tech team and expand its presence in the US market Its generative AI based offerings can analyse voice files to assist agents and provide post-call quality audit automation to identify key insights Speech AI startup Contiinex on Thursday said it has secured $2 Mn in Pre-Series A round from YourNest and Refex Capital.  The startup plans to utilise the fresh capital to strengthen its tech team and expand its presence in the US market, it said in a statement. Founded in 2020 by Prateek Mehta and Vijay Krishna BS, Contiinex operates in the speech AI segment. It analyses voice files and helps businesses understand their customers better and make strategic business decisions. Currently, the startup works in insurance and healthcare sectors, and plans to foray into the retail and banking segment soon. The startup aims to capture the English-speaking global speech market with its proprietary speech-to-text engine and large-language model driven Contiinex Open Framework for Insights (COFI).  Contiinex is also looking to expand its generative AI product offerings to address the space of unstructured data across all mediums like voice, chat, email, videos and visuals. Commenting on the funding round, Prateek Mehta, CEO of Contiinex, said, “This investment will go a long way in setting a strong base for Contiinex in the global market across business verticals of healthcare and insurance with two of its flagship gen AI offerings.”  The startup offers two products currently – AgentNex and AuditNex. AgentNex enables live agent assistance, prompting them with the next set of questions to be asked or supporting them in answering the questions posed by the customers. On the other hand, AuditNex does post-call quality audit automation, identifying the key insights for process improvement or supporting the agents with key training needs. With increasing dependence on process automation across industries, a number of AI-based startups have caught investors’ attention recently. Kapture CX, a competitor of Contiinex, raised $4 Mn in July to expand its presence in international markets, enhance its product offerings and strengthen its team.  Recently, AI powered skill development platform Disprz bagged $30 Mn for global market expansion and product development, including integrating generative AI across the learning and skilling cycle.

Smartphone maker iQoo has announced the appointment of its first chief gaming offer. iQoo has appointed Shwetank Pandey as the chief gaming offer after a nationwide search of 3 months. Shwetank was appointed after a rigorous selection process that spanned across criterions of gameplay, gaming knowledge, and personality and communication skills. Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO said, “This is an iconic moment in the Indian Smartphone industry and we are over the moon to have found the person who embodies our vision for this role. The DNA of iQOO is to bring in ‘I Quest On and On’ and Shwetank was never short of his peak performance across all rounds of the hunt. With him joining us, we intend to drive a more dynamic and fresher perspective to our products and initiatives for the younger gaming enthusiasts in the country. All of us at iQOO are excited to have him on board, and we are confident that he will excel in fulfilling the duties aligned for him.”The smartphone maker revealed that Shwetank will now be working closely with the leadership team at iQOO and will be assisting in sharing gaming insights to build a complete smartphone package for gamers. Not only that, he will also get an opportunity to collaborate with top gamers across India, all this while earning a remuneration of Rs 10 Lakhs. In addition to the Chief Gaming Officer role, iQOO has also appointed 2 zonal CGOs to the dynamic team. Aojesh Shrivastava from Delhi and Battu Nikhil Reddy (Shoutout YT), Hyderabad. They will be working directly with Shwetank. They will earn a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh each for their pivotal roles.

TikTok, the popular short-video app has once again come under international scrutiny. Worries have emerged regarding its Chinese ownership and the potential for Beijing to misuse it for collecting data on users from Western countries or spreading pro-China narratives and misleading content. A new online report revealed that New York City has decided to ban TikTok from the city-owned devices used by BYC employees. As reported by The Verge, New York City is banning TikTok from the city-owned devices and it has also asked various agencies to remove the app within the next 30 days. The report reveals that the New York City Cyber Command mentioned that TikTok is a security threat to the technical networks of the city. The city employees are now not allowed to download or use the TikTok app on the city-owned devices. Along with this, the employees are also not allowed to access the TikTok website of the devices. TikTok was previously prohibited on devices issued by the state of New York, yet certain employees managed to continue its use for marketing objectives.“While social media is great at connecting New Yorkers with one another and the city, we have to ensure we are always using these platforms in a secure manner. NYC Cyber Command regularly explores and advances proactive measures to keep New Yorkers’ data safe,” a NYC City Hall spokesperson told The Verge. Legislators within the US government have been supporting a proposed law that could lead to a TikTok ban across the entire nation. Apprehensions have arisen regarding the storage of US TikTok data in China. FCC chairman wants the world to ban TikTokRecently, the United States (US) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr praised India’s approach of dealing with Chinese apps through a complete ban. In an interview with the Economic Times, Carr said that India’s early and thoughtful approach to insecure Chinese apps set a standard that the rest of the world should adopt. “Apps that are ultimately beholden to the Communist Party of China have a proven track record of surreptitious data collections and accessing more data than necessary for the app to function. None of that can be separated from the broader security threats posed by those apps,” said Carr. In June 2020, India implemented a ban on TikTok and more than 50 other Chinese applications. Subsequently, additional bans on several other Chinese apps were enforced in the subsequent months. In total, the nation has prohibited the usage of over 100 Chinese apps.

By Market Capitalisation.Net Sales.Net Profit.Total Assets.Excise.Other Income.Raw Materials.Power & Fuel.Employee Cost.PBDIT.Interest.Tax.EPS.Investments.Sundry Debtors.Cash/Bank.Inventory.Debt.Contingent Liabilities. Screen Crit AbrasivesAerospace & DefenceAgricultureAir ConditionersAirlinesAluminium & Aluminium ProductsAmusement Parks/Recreation/ClubAquacultureAuto AncillariesAuto Ancillaries – Air Conditioning PartsAuto Ancillaries – Auto, Truck & Motorcycle PartsAuto Ancillaries – Axle shaftsAuto Ancillaries – BearingsAuto Ancillaries – BrakesAuto Ancillaries – Bus BodyAuto Ancillaries – Castings/ForgingsAuto Ancillaries – ClutchesAuto Ancillaries – Diesel EnginesAuto Ancillaries – Engine PartsAuto Ancillaries – GearsAuto Ancillaries – Head lamps & lightsAuto Ancillaries – OthersAuto Ancillaries – PistonsAuto Ancillaries – Seating covers & partsAuto Ancillaries – Sheet MetalsAuto Ancillaries – Shock absorbersAuto Ancillaries – Spare Parts & AccessoriesAuto Ancillaries – SpringsAuto Ancillaries – Tyres & Rubber ProductsAuto Ancillaries – WheelsAuto AncillaryAutomobile – 2 & 3 WheelersAutomobile – Auto & Truck ManufacturersAutomobile – Dealers & DistributorsAutomobile – LCVS/ HVCSAutomobile – Passenger CarsAutomobile – TractorsAutomobile – Trucks/LCVsBank – PrivateBank – PublicBatteriesBeveragesBiotechnology & Medical ResearchBPO/ITeSBreweries & DistilleriesCable & D2HCablesCarbon BlackCementCement & Construction MaterialsCeramics/Marble/Granite/SanitarywareChemicalsCigarettes/TobaccoCoalCommodity ChemicalsCompressors / PumpsComputer PeripheralsConstruction – InfrastructureConstruction – Real EstateConstruction – Residential & Commercial ComplexesConsumer FoodContainers & PackagingCourier ServicesCyclesDefenceDetergents & SoapsDiamond & JewelleryDiversifiedDiversified ChemicalsDomestic AppliancesDyes & PigmentsEducational InstitutionsElectric EquipmentElectric Equipment – Boilers / TurbinesElectric Equipment – SwitchgearsElectric Equipment – TransformersElectrodes & Electrical EquipmentsElectrodes & Welding EquipmentElectronic GoodsElectronics – ComponentsEngineeringEngineering – ConstructionEngineering – Industrial EquipmentsETFFastenersFerro ManganeseFertilizersFilm Production, Distribution & EntertainmentFinance – HousingFinance – InvestmentFinance – NBFCFinance – OthersFinance – Stock BrokingFinance Term LendingFish/Poultry & Meat ProductsFood & Drug RetailingFood ProcessingFootwearGas DistributionGlass & Glass ProductsGoldGold ETFGround Freight & Logistics ServicesHospital & Healthcare ServicesHotel, Resort & RestaurantsHousehold & Personal ProductsInfrastructureIron & SteelIT – EducationIT – NetworkingIT Services & ConsultingLabs & Life Sciences ServicesLaminates/DecorativesLeatherLeisure ServicesLife & Health InsuranceLogisticsLPGLubricantsMediaMedical Equipment/Supplies/AccessoriesMetals & MiningMetals – Castings/ForgingsMetals – Non FerrousMisc. Commercial ServicesMiscellaneousMultiline Insurance & BrokersOil Exploration and ProductionOnline Servicesother agriculture productsOther Construction MaterialsOthers-Industrial Gases & FuelsOthers-ManufacturingPackaging – FilmsPackaging – Packaging MaterialsPackaging – PolyfilmsPackaging – Sacks and BagsPackaging Materials-Containers & PackagingPackaging Materials-Plastic ProductsPaintsPaper & Forest ProductsPaper & Paper ProductsPesticides & AgrochemicalsPharmaceuticals & DrugsPhotographic ProductsPlastic ProductsPlastic Products – OthersPlastics – Moulded Articles and FurnituresPlastics – Pet Bottels, Jars & ContainersPlastics – Self Adhesive TapesPlastics – ThermoplasticsPlastics – Tubes/Pipes/Hoses & FittingsPortsPower Generation/DistributionPrinting & PublishingPrinting & StationeryPrinting And PublishingRailways WagonsRatingsReal Estate OperationsReal Estate Rental, Development & OperationsRefineriesRefractoriesReinsuranceRenewablesRetailingRubber ProductsShip BuildingShippingSoftwareSolvent ExtractionSpeciality ChemicalsSpeciality RetailersSpecialty Mining & MetalsSugarTea/CoffeeTelecommunication – EquipmentTelecommunication – Service ProviderTelecommunications ServicesTextile – MachineryTextile – SpinningTextilesTextiles & ApparelTradingTransmission Towers / EquipmentsTransport InfrastructureTravel ServicesTV Broadcasting & Software ProductionVegetable Oils & ProductsWatches & AccessoriesWood & Wood Products Screen Code

Of the total estimated cost, the centre will infuse INR 20,000 Cr into the project The initiative will support bus operations in select cities for a period of 10 years The project is expected to generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (August 11) approved a new scheme under which 10,000 electric buses (ebuses) would be deployed in 169 cities on a public-private partnership (PPP) model.  Called PM-eBus Sewa, the scheme will have a total estimated cost of INR 57,613 Cr. Of this, the Centre will offer INR 20,000 Cr. The initiative will support bus operations in select cities for a period of 10 years. The initiative will cover cities with a population of more than 3 Lakh people, encompassing all capital cities, the North-Eastern region and hill states. The scheme will prioritise cities with no organised bus service. As per an official statement, the government said that the project will generate anywhere between 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs via the deployment of ebuses.  The project will be divided into two segments. While Segment A would see the deployment of ebuses in 169 cities, Segment B will entail the upgradation of related infrastructure in 181 cities.  Segment A has been envisaged with augmenting bus operations in the city. In addition, the government believes that associated infrastructure connected with the deployment of buses will provide support for the development of depot infrastructure and the creation of behind-the-meter power infrastructure (such as substations) for ebuses. Meanwhile, Segment B, which has been termed ‘Green Urban Mobility Initiatives’ (GUMI), will cover 181 cities. These initiatives aim to create allied green infrastructure such as charging infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, and NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)-based automated fare collection systems, among others initiatives.  Under GUMI, state (or city) authorities would be the nodal agencies for operating the ebuses and making payments to bus operators. Meanwhile, the Centre’s role will only be restricted to offering subsidies for bus operators under the scheme. As per the government, the project will give a major boost to the promotion of electric mobility and will accelerate the proliferation of energy-efficient electric buses in the country. The scheme also aims to foster innovation in the e-mobility sector and to fuel the development of a resilient supply chain for electric vehicles. “This scheme shall also bring in economies of scale for procurement of electric buses through aggregation for ebuses… Adoption of electric mobility will reduce noise and air pollution and curb carbon emission…. Modal shift due to increased share of bus-based public transportation will lead to GHG (greenhouse gas) reduction,” an official statement read.  The development comes amid reports that the government has prepared the first draft of the FAME-III scheme, with a proposed outlay of INR 40,000-50,000 Cr. The scheme is expected to provide substantial allocation to support the adoption of electric buses. Not just this, state-backed agencies have pumped thousands of crores into local ebus manufacturers to spur the adoption of electric mobility in the country.  

iOS 17 is bringing some nifty new features to iPhones; among them are some changes to the Phone app, including Contact Posters, live voicemail transcriptions, and a position for the ‘end call’ button, which had been moved from the centre of the screen to the right. Now, the ‘end call’ button has been moved back to the centre, after it caught some flak from users over the last week. The ‘end call’ button is back to its usual centre position in the iOS 17 sixth developer beta and fourth public beta.In the latest betas, the end call button has been repositioned to a more central location, similar to iOS 16, but it is still surrounded by other call actions, which were previously separate. So, there might not be much muscle memory training needed once the iOS 17 update drops in the fall. However, those using the iOS 17 beta for a few weeks now, who would have adjusted to the new layout, would have to train their muscle memory again.Apple often releases beta versions of their software to test for bugs and gather feedback. It is not necessary that these changes will show up in the final version and may undergo changes based on user feedback. In iOS 17, Messages is receiving numerous new features such as Live Stickers, audio message transcription, and Swipe to Reply. However, Apple has redesigned the way users interact with iMessage apps by hiding the app list under a “+” button that expands when tapped. The Camera and Photos buttons are also hidden under this menu, making it more difficult to access these features that previously had their own shortcuts.Sending a photo now requires extra taps. Despite this, Apple has added a discreet shortcut to alleviate this issue. By tapping and holding the “+” button, iMessage will automatically show the Photo Picker.iOS 17 is set to release in September alongside the iPhone 15.