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"Veracity and politics of the allegations aside, we may be witnessing the side effects of what happens when the worlds of government and the private sector collide."

Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and CEO of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), offered his perspective on the complex dynamics between the Indian government and the private sector, using the recent controversy surrounding Madhabi Puri Buch, SEBI Chairperson, as a launchpad for a broader discussion. Sitapati took to LinkedIn to share his views.

The controversy centers on allegations that Buch's husband, Dhaval Buch, received significant sums of money for consulting work with high-profile companies, which some have implied and alleged could have been quid pro quos for favours extended by SEBI.

Sitapati, however, was quick to defend Dhaval Buch's integrity, having worked with him for over two decades at Hindustan Unilever. "In a company known for its integrity, his reputation for integrity stood out," Sitapati stated, affirming Dhaval's professional standing and demand in the corporate world post-retirement.

Beyond the specific allegations, Sitapati highlighted the inherent tensions between the government and the private sector, especially when professionals transition between the two worlds. "In the West, especially the US, it's very common for folks from the private sector to move into government jobs, and vice versa," Sitapati pointed out. 

Sitapati shared a personal anecdote to underscore the vast differences in remuneration between the sectors. Recalling his early career days, he noted that as a young management trainee, his salary surpassed that of his uncle, a Cabinet Secretary, illustrating the stark contrast in financial rewards.

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He also addressed the differing ethical frameworks that govern these sectors. In the private sector, the guiding principle is often "trust and declare," where professionals disclose potential conflicts of interest and proceed under transparency. In contrast, the government sector operates with a stricter adherence to rules, where even the hint of private sector engagement can raise eyebrows. 

Sitapati's broader concern is that India's talent pool from the corporate world could remain untapped if biases and misunderstandings persist. "Given the cusp of change India is at, there's a lot of talent in the private sector that the government could use," he observed, warning that unless these differences in context and culture are respected, professionals from the corporate world may be deterred from taking up government roles. 

The post ends with a reflective note, underscoring the importance bridging this divide. For India to truly benefit from its corporate expertise, a shift in mindset is essential. Otherwise, as Sitapati cautions, "We could have a situation where no senior person would ever consider a government job. That would be a real pity."

GCPL boss Sudhir Sitapati on Dhaval Buch and what happens when govt and pvt sector worlds "collide"

Australia’s workforce is experiencing a significant shift following the introduction of the ‘Right to Disconnect’ law, a legislation aimed at promoting better work-life balance by empowering employees to disengage from work-related communications post working hours. This law marks a pivotal change in the Australian employment landscape, where digital connectivity had increasingly blurred the lines between professional and personal life. 


<strong>What is the 'Right To Disconnect' law?</strong>


Australia has implemented new legislation on August 26, advancing workers' rights by allowing employees the right to disconnect from work-related communications after their designated work hours. Employees are now protected from disciplinary actions for not responding to calls, messages, or emails from their employers outside of their regular working hours.

 
Storyboard18 reached out to a few working professionals in Australia for their perspective on the new law. 

 
A clinical research manager at Tigermed Australia, who requested anonymity, shared an enthusiastic perspective. “Australia’s new law is definitely a very positive step towards improving work-life balance and keeping our mental health in check. It is such a welcoming change and rightfully allows you to disengage from work-related communications,” she shared. The law acknowledges the importance of boundaries and personal time, allowing a healthier work environment with less burnout. Further praising the law, she stated, “The work culture in Australia, based on my experience, has generally encouraged employees to disconnect from work during non-office hours, but for the people who did not have this luxury, it will result in a happier work environment overall.” 

 
However, not everyone sees the law through an entirely positive lens. Mazher Mogul, a Senior Bank Officer, outlined both the benefits and drawbacks he perceives. He mentioned, “There will be a better balance between work and personal life. If anyone wants to pursue a hobby, or let’s say go for a physical well-being activity, this law rightfully lets them do it without them worrying about missing any important work-related communication.” 


But every coin has two sides. Mogul also underlined the not-so-good part about the law, “There could be an event when there’s unfinished work that could be carried over to the next day. There’ll be risks of failing to meet targets, eventually leading to a possible decline in client/customer satisfaction.” He also pointed out how the likelihood of missing deadlines could damage the brand and result in the loss of potential and existing clients. 

 
Mustafa Netterwala, Senior Manager at a leading consultancy services firm, emphasized the positive aspects of the law, “By allowing the employees to set boundaries and disconnect from work outside of their official hours, the law promotes a healthier and more sustainable work environment.”  

 
However, Netterwala also acknowledged potential pitfalls, “There may be challenges in defining what constitutes ‘reasonable’ contact outside of office hours, potentially leading to disputes between employers and employees.” 

 
As Australia navigates the early days of this new law, its success and the balance it aims to achieve will primarily depend on careful implementation and enforcement. Both employers and employees will need to adapt to these changes, which could redefine the nature of work in an increasingly connected world. 

Unplugging Down Under: Working professionals react to Australia’s new law

The Government of India is gearing up to host the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), aiming to bolster India's Media & Entertainment industry and extend its global influence. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched 25 Challenges under the ‘Create in India Challenge - Season 1’ on August 22, 2024, as WAVES is poised to become a significant platform for icons of the M&E fraternity worldwide, focusing on entertainment economics and technology.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) will give opportunities to all the finalists in all of the 25 events to come together at the main WAVES Platform and showcase their best. The final selected people from across various challenges will be given an opportunity to participate in some of the biggest relevant platforms across the world. For instance, the winner in the animation film making will complete their project by tying up with some of the biggest production houses. Their final project will then be supported by the Ministry of I&B and be taken to renowned festivals like Annecy animation film festival etc. The winners of the Anime contest will be supported to participate in the biggest anime event in Japan.

Waves Challenges are aimed at engaging the entire creator community throughout the country over the next few months. These challenges are being organised in the run up to the main event and aimed at engaging the entire creator’s community throughout the country over the next few months.

Here are some of the 25 challenges. 

<strong>Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster is hosting The Battle of the Bands and The Symphony of India challenge.</strong>

The Battle of the Bands, in particular, provides a platform for bands to experiment with combining modern music and traditional folk pieces. The Symphony of India competition, on the other hand, is dedicated to celebrating the virtuosity of soloists and ensembles specializing in traditional Indian classical music. "By providing a platform for these talented artists to showcase their skills, Prasar Bharti aims to promote the appreciation and preservation of India's classical music traditions. This is particularly important in today's fast-paced world, where traditional arts are often overlooked in favor of popular culture," the ministry said. 

<strong>The Animation Filmmakers Competition</strong>

The Animation Filmmakers Competition aims to revolutionize India's animation industry by providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent, connect with industry leaders, and develop their skills. Organized by Dancing Atoms, an LA-based animation development studio renowned for its powerful storytelling, the competition provides participants with access to industry experts, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can propel their careers forward. By nu

The process involves online selection and masterclasses, followed by pitch deck submissions and refinement. Personal mentorship and video pitch submissions narrow down the field to 15 finalists. Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience, connect with key stakeholders, establish their reputation, attract opportunities for collaboration and distribution, and secure funding to bring their ideas to fruition. Additionally, winners will have the chance to collaborate with renowned studios, producers, distributors, and broadcasters like DD.

<strong>The Anime Challenge</strong>

The Anime Challenge aims to provide a platform for creators to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and connect with industry professionals. These art forms are rapidly growing in popularity but still face challenges in terms of visibility and support. Organized by the Media and Entertainment Association of India, the competition features multiple stages, including state and national levels, held across 11 cities. By offering various categories for participation, including Manga, Webtoon, and Anime, the challenge ensures that creators of all backgrounds and styles have a chance to showcase their work.

Through mentorship, visibility, and networking opportunities, the 'Anime Challenge' aims to foster growth in the anime industry and build a vibrant fanbase. By nurturing and supporting emerging talent, this competition has the potential to elevate the quality and diversity of Indian anime and manga, establishing the country as a global player in these creative fields.

<strong>The Game Jam</strong>

The Game Jam, organized by the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), is a national-level competition aimed at igniting creativity and innovation in India's burgeoning game development industry. The competition is structured in two rounds: an initial virtual game jam across six zones in India, where participants compete over 48 hours, followed by a physical game jam for the top 10 finalists from each zone. The top winners will earn a place in STPI's IMAGE COE cohort, providing them with further opportunities for growth and development. For game developers, this compeition offers invaluable exposure, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to advance their careers through high-profile platforms and industry connections. 

<strong>The AI Art Installation Challenge</strong>

The AI Art Installation Challenge, by Internet and Mobile Association of India, is a competition that is poised to revolutionize the intersection of art and technology. By inviting artists, designers, and AI enthusiasts to create immersive and interactive installations using AI, the challenge encourages experimentation, innovation, and the exploration of new artistic frontiers.

Beyond its artistic significance, the competition serves as a platform to showcase the innovative applications of AI in the arts, fostering awareness and interest among potential investors, collaborators, and consumers. 

<strong>Adspend Optimizer Competition</strong>

WAVES Hackathon: Adspend Optimizer Competition by Advertising Agencies Association of India aims to improve ROI, drive efficiency, foster data-driven decision making, promote innovation, and enhance consumer experience. In today's competitive digital landscape, advertisers face the challenge of effectively allocating their ad spend to maximize ROI. Data overload, channel complexity, dynamic market conditions, and attribution challenges hinder decision-making. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advertisers and the industry. Inefficient ad spend allocation can lead to wasted resources, diminished brand reputation, and missed opportunities.. By participating, teams can contribute to a more efficient, effective, and consumer-centric digital advertising ecosystem.


Anime, AI art, adspend optimizer: Govt launches creator competitions under ‘Create in India Challenge’

By 2050, one in every five Indians will be a senior citizen, translating to 347 million senior citizens over the next 25 years. In an interaction on the "What India Needs" podcast, hosted by Shutapa Paul, Rajinish Menon, Founder and CEO of Sukino Healthcare Solutions, shared his insights on this demographic shift. 

"India is a quick-learning country and has begun to understand the impending challenges faced by the elderly. We anticipate a 40% decadal growth in the elderly population. This demographic shift is significant, with the number of people over 80 expected to equal those aged 0-15. Are we ready? The answer is no, but we are mentally preparing and gearing up for the change,” he said.

"The machinery is working towards addressing this shift. The government has shown focus, and private players are actively promoting good health among elders. CSR activities from corporates are playing a crucial role in this transition, and we see promising initiatives in urban areas being replicated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” he added.

Menon identified several pressing challenges faced by senior citizens in India, including financial security, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Shutapa Paul also raised concerns about the isolation and loneliness that many seniors experience. Highlighting the growing safety concerns, she pointed out the increasing percentage of crimes against seniors, including elder abuse by family members. "We see a growing percentage of crimes against senior citizens, whether physical, mental, or cybercrime. The numbers are huge and shocking. As per reports, almost 35% of senior citizens face abuse from their sons and 21% from their daughters-in-law," she said. In response, Menon stressed the need for awareness and self-protection among elders.

The discussion also touched upon India’s home healthcare market that is expected to be worth $21.3 billion by 2027, up from $6.2 billion in 2020, according to a 2021 NITI Aayog report. Factors driving this growth include the increasing demand for better quality postoperative and primary care, advancements in technology, rising disposable incomes, and the shift from communicable to lifestyle diseases.

Addressing the state of home healthcare in India, Menon said, "Home care has great potential and is a resource-augmented model, especially where business is concerned. The infrastructure is developing, but there are significant challenges. Home care is currently in a nascent stage, often relying on labour from less developed states, who are trained briefly and then deployed. This model will evolve as society becomes more accepting and technology progresses. Home care is essentially the last-mile delivery of healthcare."

"Adequate compensation is necessary for good home healthcare services. There are affordable options available, but consumers must understand the minimum requirements for quality care. It is a combination of proper training, technology, and consumer awareness that will improve home healthcare. Sukino is committed to playing a pivotal role in this transformation, providing multidisciplinary out-of-hospital inpatient recuperative, rehabilitative, and palliative care that feels like home, ensuring that the elderly can age with dignity and receive the care they deserve,” he said.

Elaborating on Sukino’s growth plan, Menon highlights that the company will not only expand its geographical presence across various cities in India but will also explore new models of care. This includes areas such as oncology, ambulatory care, and other advanced healthcare services beyond traditional home and continuum care. Menon states, “Our focus is not only on organic growth but also on exploring strategic opportunities for inorganic expansion. We see significant potential in collaborating with promising startups and technology providers that align with our vision for advanced healthcare solutions. Our technology adoption strategy is centered on integrating meaningful advancements to enhance patient care and streamline processes. We aim to leverage technology as an enabler to deliver practical and impactful healthcare solutions.”

347 mn seniors by 2050; India's home healthcare market to soar to $21.3 bn by 2027

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) held a meeting with Regulatory Heads of all the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) on August 8. The meeting was attended by the Chief Regulatory Officers of Airtel, BSNL, Quadrant Televentures Limited (QTL), Reliance Jio, Tata Teleservices Limited, Vodafone Idea Limited and V-CON Mobile & Infra Private Limited. Representatives of MTNL and Reliance Communications Limited didn’t turn up for the meeting.

Key issues discussed were spam calls by Entities sending bulk commercial communications through PRI/SIP or Bulk Connections and migration of all Telemarketers and Enterprise making bulk calls to DLT platform. Also discussed was Entity and Telemarketer Chain Binding for traceability of messages and whitelisting of URLs for blocking of messages containing malicious links. 

After detailed deliberations, the following decisions were taken by the authority. 

If any entity misuses its SIP/PRI lines for making spam calls, all the Telecom Resources of the entity shall be disconnected by its Telecom Service Provider (TSP) and the entity shall be blacklisted by it. This information shall be shared by the TSP with all other TSPs who will, in turn, disconnect all the telecom resources given by them to that entity and blacklist it for a period of up to two years. No new telecom resources shall be allocated to it by any TSP during the period of blacklisting.

With effect from 1st September 2024, no message, containing URLs/APKs that are not whitelisted, shall be allowed to be delivered.
The technical implementation of Entity and Telemarketer chain binding for ensuring traceability of the message flow shall be completed by the TSPs latest by 31st October 2024.

TRAI emphasized that there is an urgent need to take firm action on spammers using PRI/SIP connections for voice calls/Robo calls/Pre-recorded calls without further delay. All the TSPs promised to extend full support to TRAI in curbing the menace of spam calls and implement all the Directions of TRAI within timeframe.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/trai-urges-telcos-to-take-immediate-action-to-curb-pesky-calls-38967.htm">Read more: TRAI urges telcos to take immediate action to curb pesky calls</a>


TRAI's warning: Urgent need to take firm action against spammers using PRI/SIP connections for calls

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics after she weighed over the limit in the women's 50kg competition. She missed the mark by 100 grams. Phogat's historic rise through matches and into the final was shockingly cut short by the disqualification. 

Speaking of the champion wrestler's despair, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described Phogat as a "champion among champions."
"Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each Indian," Modi posted on X.

"Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on," he said. 

"Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you," Modi said.

President Droupadi Murmu also shared words of consolation and encouragement for the elite athlete. She shared on X: "Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people."

The President added, "Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable spirit of Indian women, and her epic fortitude and resilience are already inspiring future world champions from India. I wish her many laurels in the future." 


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India&#39;s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. <br><br>Today&#39;s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.<br><br>At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…</p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1821083814363591059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable…</p>&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1821103905314631988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phogat_Vinesh</a>, you will always be a champion in our eyes. I was deeply hoping you could win the gold. The little time I spent with you at PDCSE was watching a woman with a superhuman will fight to get better. It was inspiring. I am here for you always, sending all the…</p>&mdash; Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1/status/1821102350813295015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m deeply heartbroken after learning about my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phogat_Vinesh</a> . It’s a cruel twist of fate, and no one can truly understand the depth of her suffering right now. After losing my own Olympic bout, I thought that was the hardest experience an athlete could face, but seeing… <a href="https://t.co/tsuvf64t7C">pic.twitter.com/tsuvf64t7C</a></p>&mdash; Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikhat_zareen/status/1821134147298992334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No matter what happens from here on, the journey of Vinesh Phogat is the most compelling narrative ever in Indian sport. <br>From Asian Games &amp; Commonwealth glory to a career threatening injury in Rio to public enemy for standing up against perhaps the most intimidating figure in… <a href="https://t.co/YqLmNzQ632">pic.twitter.com/YqLmNzQ632</a></p>&mdash; Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) <a href="https://twitter.com/joybhattacharj/status/1820947442860253518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phogat_Vinesh</a> You are pure Gold to every Indian rooting for you. A champion of champions &amp; a hero to all the women of India. I’m so sorry for how things turned out for you. Chin up &amp; be strong. Life is not always fair ? Tough times don’t last but tough people do. Wish I… <a href="https://t.co/xuFS4l12GN">pic.twitter.com/xuFS4l12GN</a></p>&mdash; Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) <a href="https://twitter.com/realpreityzinta/status/1821126751545946476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reactions to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking exit from 2024 Paris Olympics

GIPSI, the HI+AI insights division of Tonic Worldwide has launched The Festive Report Part-1.
 
Speaking on the finding of The Festive report, Anjali Malthankar, National Strategy Director and GIPSI Co-Head, says, “Part-1 of the report can be a marketers ready reckoner for the 2024 festive calendar. This year’s report highlights several, specific, actionable insights relevant to the festive season which marketers can benefit from. My favourite is ‘Unusual Activities’ as it explores unique, untapped pockets of festive activities. We will soon be releasing Part-2 of The festive report which will focus on the performance insights of the festive season. Every year GIPSI produces festive reports in unique avatars eg. last year we produced Indian Festive Gifters. This year we have The Festive Report in 2 parts to delight marketers.”

Unmisha Bhatt, Co-Founder and CSO at Tonic Worldwide, expressed, "In the ever-evolving digital world, there is an opportunity for brands to deepen their engagement with consumers during the cluttered festive season.  With Gipsi’s festive edition, we aim to share ways to deepen the engagement, building consideration. In the next edition, we focus on the business side by highlighting ways and means to constantly nurture leads further translating to conversions and advocacy. The goal is to enable brands to maximise their share of the basket when consumers are in a mood to indulge”

<strong>Report Highlights:</strong>

Festive Season Hacks on Digital: In recent times, digital has introduced new updates & new content formats for brands to experiment with. It is revealed that notifications are desirable with a 8x rise in conversations about innovative notifications by apps since Jan’24. 

Match My Lingo: With over 6 million GRWM posts on Instagram, 120K mentions of the phrase ‘just dropped’, the next generation’s dictionary of lingos keeps updating every passing day. By tracking and incorporating emerging lingo into festive strategy brands can optimize content for the season with the right keywords and resonate with the audience. 

OG vs AG: Consumers are having mixed feelings about AI and how it may be used this festive season. While 30% conversations happened around using AI as a festive planner, there is a 189% increase in negative memes around AI which suggests a corresponding rise in apprehension. With a 629% rise in conversations about learning to identify AI generated content, consumers are increasingly questioning the authenticity of digital information, asking the question, “Is it safe or sus?”

Unusual Festive Activities: Festive dating is likely to replicate last year’s pattern of rise (171%) in matching with partners during the festive season. Indians will not just travel home this festive but also explore other locations and new experiences. There is a 23% rise in discussions around planning cruise holidays with family. This season, there might also be a dual-spending scenario by consumers as the wedding & festive seasons’ timeline overlaps.

Discover New in Content & Commerce: With a 16x rise in discussions around livestream shopping, consumers hop to shop at a new destination. Seeking inspiration from festive content, consumers are increasingly exploring ‘eco chic fashion’ and healthier alternatives to festive snacking. Moreover, they are loving ‘cheat sheets’ for hard-to-find products from offline & online stores as we see a 278% rise in conversations around ‘festive finds’, making this a festive season of discovery and conscious consumption.

629% surge in AI content verification: Consumers demand authenticity

Google, in partnership with Kantar, released a new research report titled, "The Indian News Consumer: Willingness to Pay and Key Drivers" at the third edition of the Google News Summit.

The study shines a light on the levers that drive online news subscription and how these vary across languages. The study incorporates qualitative and quantitative data from over 2000 respondents and nine languages. The insights aim to equip publishers with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, capitalize on reader revenue opportunities, and foster sustainable growth, particularly in local language markets.

Biswapriya Bhattacharjee, Director - B2B & Technology, Kantar, said, "Indian digital news consumers increasingly crave immersive, more relevant news consumption experiences, creating a prime opportunity for premium offerings. However, the price-sensitive nature of the market necessitates a diversified revenue strategy. What also comes out strongly is that in order to expand the user base, a meaningfully different and well-communicated value proposition is essential.”

Durga Raghunath, Head of India News Partnerships, Google India, said, “The Indian digital news market is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by increasing internet penetration and an expanding ecosystem of local language publishers. Understanding the nuances of reader revenue models is crucial for the sustainability and growth of digital news. As part of our on-going efforts to support the news ecosystem, this research provides valuable insights into reader preferences and behaviors, empowering publishers to make informed decisions about their monetization strategies and build stronger connections with their audiences." 

<strong>Understanding barriers and opportunities for reader revenue in India</strong>

Users, while recognizing the value of quality journalism, are overwhelmingly driven by convenience and deterred by cost and a lack of clarity regarding the value proposition of paid subscriptions.

67% of current subscribers in the study cited "reliable content" as a primary factor in their decision to subscribe.

Among those who haven't subscribed, the top three barriers cited are "overwhelmed by too many plans/prices" (39%), "limited budget" (35%), and "lack of flexible payment/cancellation options" (33%). This contrast underscores the need for publishers to clearly articulate the value proposition behind each while addressing pricing and flexibility concerns.

Once again, user preferences vary interestingly by language. The study consistently reveals that "news in the preferred language" is a highly valued content element across various language groups, including Hindi (67%), Bengali (75%), Tamil (63%), and Gujarati (79%). 
 

While subscription and other revenue models have varying appeal, the overall willingness to pay for digital news content, whether through subscriptions or other models, is comparable between local language and English language news consumers in India.

Both Kannada and Tamil speakers are relatively more receptive to subscriptions. They are also open to sharing first party data and micro-transactions in form of either pay per content or mini access pass.

In contrast, first party data is likely to be the way to unlock value with Bengali and Malayalam speakers. This diversity provides publishers with a wider range of revenue models to explore.
 

<strong>Opportunities for news publishers</strong>

Marketing a clear value proposition: Publishers need to bridge the gap between subscription offerings and audience understanding of the key value proposition. Highlight the unique value of content, emphasizing features like in-depth reporting and specialized coverage not available for free.
Simplify and streamline subscription: Prioritize transparent pricing, simplification, and flexibility. Offering clear pricing, easy cancellation, and sufficient free trials can build trust, demonstrate value and drive conversions.

Diversify revenue streams: One size doesn't fit all. Experiment with micro-transactions, first-party data sharing, and ad-supported models alongside subscriptions.

While users value ad-free experiences, affordability is an important consideration. Consider a hybrid model offering a small subscription fee with limited ads. Invest in robust newsletters to cultivate a loyal audience and provide additional value.

Offer flexibility and control: Empower users with flexible payment options like shorter billing cycles and customizable plans. While free trials attract new subscribers, focus on long-term value through bundled plans to ensure retention. Features like saving articles and content filtering provide greater control over their news experience.

Elevate the Indic language experience: The research also reveals that Indic language publications often encounter difficulties navigating subscription processes and accessing content. Dedicate resources to build a seamless experience for Indic language users, including intuitive interface design and easy language-switching functionality.
 

67 percent prioritize reliable content in subscriptions: Report

GoDaddy announced its Global Entrepreneurship Survey 2024, offering a dive into the motivations, challenges, and successes that shape the entrepreneurial journey. The survey provides a comprehensive look at how entrepreneurs are navigating their paths and adapting to a rapidly changing business landscape.

<strong>Motivations and Early Challenges</strong>

The survey results showcase the diverse backgrounds of today’s entrepreneurs. The majority (48%) of entrepreneurs are Millennials, followed by GenZ (25%), GenX (24%), and Baby Boomers (5%) with 27% of all respondents having some university or less, 40% completed university, and 33% completed graduate school.

 
The primary catalysts for entrepreneurs to start their business were: following a passion (33%), motivated by market opportunities such as having an idea for a new product or service (21%), and needing a career change (14%).

 
Reflecting on their journey, 67% of respondents' businesses have been operational for five years or less, indicating a vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Regardless of starting up recently or having more tenure, the early stages of entrepreneurship can pose multiple challenges. The top hurdles for Indian small business owners as they started their business included marketing their business online (48%), marketing using traditional methods (33%), and finding employees with the right skills (27%).

As these obstacles require strategic resource allocation to overcome, Indian entrepreneurs were thoughtful about their finances, making some of their very first investments in ways to address their early challenges such as online marketing (17%), hiring employees (16%), and developing new products and services (13%).

 
<strong>Present Challenges and Digital Transformation</strong>

As businesses grow, challenges evolve. Currently, 34% of business owners report customer-related issues as their primary challenge, followed by marketing (31%), and technology challenges (26%).

 
While recent investments continue to place importance on developing new products and services (17%), and marketing through traditional means (13%), it also reflects their shift toward a digital transformation, with most funds now directed towards enhancing digital infrastructure with online marketing (21%). For entrepreneurs, this transition to a more digital-centric approach can be the key to unlocking new growth opportunities and sustaining long-term success.

Apurva Palnitkar, Senior Director Marketing, GoDaddy India said, “GoDaddy is committed to providing the online tools and resources entrepreneurs need to thrive in the digital age. Our goal is to support and empower business owners every step of the way, helping them turn their visions into reality”.

 
<strong>Seeking Guidance and Measuring Success</strong>

Mentorship has been a crucial component of the entrepreneurial journey, with 76% of business owners seeking guidance. Indian entrepreneurs recognize that this type of support is helpful for them to navigate the complexities of running a business and has potentially contributed to their overall success and satisfaction.

94% of respondents agree that their lives have improved since they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey.

 
68% of respondents report up to half of their annual revenue comes from online sales and 95% of those whose business is currently a supplemental income hope to make it their primary source of income. Such aspirations highlight the growing reliance on digital platforms and the determination to achieve greater financial independence.

 
Measuring their future success, 87% of respondents have a positive outlook for their business over the next 3–5 years, showcasing their confidence and optimism in their ventures.

 

87 percent Indian entrepreneurs expect growth in next 3-5 years: Survey

Airbnb has partnered with the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) to help consumers book safely online and avoid travel scams. This comes as new consumer research from YouGov shows Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to admit to having fallen for a scam with victims losing on average Rs 1,02,233.

The research, which was commissioned by Airbnb, also uncovers that amid the rising cost of living, finding deals has become increasingly important with nearly half of the Indian travellers willing to be less vigilant when booking a holiday if it meant saving a significant amount of money, while over 40 percent would take a risk to save money, even if they think a deal is too good to be true.

As online scams become more sophisticated with the advent of technology like AI, fraudsters may try to take advantage of those searching for a travel deal by using fake websites, texts and emails or social media to trick people into believing they’re booking with a legitimate company. In 12 months, Airbnb detected and mitigated almost 2,500 third-party phishing domains globally.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said: “We want to ensure Indian travellers know what to look for when booking travel and the red flags to avoid. When it comes to booking on Airbnb, we encourage our guests to only communicate, book and pay on the platform, where we have secure processes and support like Aircover in place to help protect against scams and ensure issues are rare.”

Missy Coyne, International 1st Vice President at IAFCI, said: “Don’t let scammers get away with stealing what you’ve worked so hard towards. When in doubt, talk it out. If what they are asking you to do doesn’t make sense or seems too good to be true, talk to a trusted friend or family member before acting on the request.”

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