The Transformative Power of Voice Training: Why Anyone Can Improve Their Singing

Daily writing prompt
What is the last thing you learned?

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself humming along to your favorite song and wishing you could sing it better? Perhaps you’ve been told you’re “tone-deaf” or feel hopeless about your singing abilities. The truth is, anyone can improve with the right voice training, and this article will explain why. Voice training is not just for aspiring professionals; it’s for anyone who wants to sing with confidence, accuracy, and joy.

Whether you dream of singing on stage, joining a choir, or just impressing friends at karaoke, voice training can help you unlock your vocal potential. Thanks to advancements in technology, training your voice has never been more accessible. From apps that provide real-time feedback to structured courses, there are countless ways to improve. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of voice training, the best formats to choose, and why consistency is the real secret to progress.


Hitting the Right Notes: A Skill Anyone Can Learn

Hitting notes accurately might seem daunting, especially if you’ve struggled in the past. However, just like any physical skill, it can be trained. The ability to match pitch is not an innate talent but a skill that develops with practice. Voice training focuses on ear training, pitch matching exercises, and muscle memory to help you hit the right notes and intervals consistently.

Thanks to recent advancements in technology, voice training has become more interactive and user-friendly. Many apps now offer visual feedback and recording features to help you assess your pitch accuracy.  Unlike traditional methods, these tools gamify the process, making practice feel more like a game than a chore. By turning practice into a series of small, achievable challenges, they help you stay motivated and track your progress. 

One such online voice training service, Singing Carrots, has shared data showing that consistent practice—even just 2-3 days a week—can lead to noticeable improvements in a few weeks. According to their data, users often manage to hit one semitone or even a whole tone higher after just 4-6 weeks of practice. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll see the same rapid progress with any online voice training, it’s worth noting that Singing Carrots goes a step further by integrating theory explanations with visual feedback. This approach helps users understand why they hit or miss certain notes. At the very least, their data suggests that this method is effective. You can explore their program here.


Expanding Your Vocal Range: It’s Like Going to the Gym for Your Voice

One of the most sought-after benefits of voice training is expanding your vocal range. Whether you aspire to hit those soaring high notes or develop a richer, lower tone, voice lessons can help. Just like going to the gym to build muscle, expanding your range requires consistent practice. Effective singing exercises that focus on breath controldiaphragmatic support, and resonance can gradually help you unlock new notes. Incorporating fun exercises can also make the process more enjoyable, helping you stick to your routine.

Voice training not only improves range but also enhances vocal agility—the ability to switch between notes smoothly and accurately. It helps you understand and navigate through different vocal registers—chest voice, head voice, and mix voice. By mastering these registers and practicing appropriate pitches, you can sing higher and lower notes with more control and less strain. Learning to manage vowel sounds and articulation effectively can also refine your technique, ensuring that each note sounds clear and intentional.

Regular practice is crucial here. Similar to a workout routine, sticking to your exercises and keeping track of your progress will help you see results. Apps and platforms like Singing Carrots make it easy to keep track of progress by offering instant feedback and progress-tracking tools. By setting small, incremental goals—like adding one note to your upper or lower range every few weeks—you can stay motivated. These platforms also provide pitch analyses and even pitch challenges to help you refine your skills over time.

For those preparing for music grade exams or aiming to sing at advanced levels, structured voice training can make a significant difference. Tools that offer effective pitch detection and immediate feedback can help you correct mistakes in real-time, making your practice sessions more productive. By following a systematic approach, you can move beyond just hitting the right notes to achieving great singing with confidence and precision.


Boosting Confidence Through Voice Training

Voice training doesn’t just enhance your vocal skills—it also builds confidence. As you learn to hit the right tune and master diction and articulation, you’ll naturally feel more assured in your singing. This newfound confidence can extend beyond music, positively impacting other areas of your life such as public speaking, social interactions, and overall self-esteem. Developing a sense of harmony and mastering prosody can also help you express emotions more effectively, making your singing more compelling and authentic.

The act of learning and improving is itself a confidence booster. Each time you hit a challenging note, navigate a pitch challenge, or master a tricky exercise suggested by professional vocal coaches, it reinforces the idea that you’re capable of growth. Practicing in a singing class environment or using platforms that offer backing tracks and note games can make your practice sessions feel more dynamic and engaging.

Online platforms provide progress tracking and milestone achievements, helping you see just how far you’ve come. They also incorporate suggested famous singing riffs and exercises at appropriate levels, making it easier to set and reach realistic goals. This tangible evidence of progress can be incredibly motivating, encouraging you to keep practicing. For those who aspire to reach advanced levels or even become professional singers, these tools offer a clear path forward.

By following a structured practice routine that includes diaphragmatic breathing and mastering different vocal registers, you can transform your singing skills and your self-confidence. Whether you’re preparing for singing lessons with a professional singing teacher or working independently, voice training can help you achieve a sense of perfection and control in your performances.


Choosing the Right Format for Your Voice Training

Voice training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your goals, budget, and schedule, different formats might work better for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

  1. Online Courses: Best for those who want a structured approach with video lessons and clear learning paths. Ideal if you like self-paced learning but need some guidance.
  2. Apps: Great for busy schedules. They offer gamified learning with visual feedback, making practice both convenient and engaging.
  3. In-Person Lessons: Recommended if you thrive with direct feedback and personalized coaching. Working with a teacher can accelerate your progress but can be more costly.
  4. Self-Study: Perfect for independent learners who enjoy exploring techniques and exercises on their own. However, it requires more discipline to stay on track.

Regardless of the format you choose, the key to effective voice training is regular practice. Consistency is more important than how much time you spend in each session. Even short, focused practice sessions a few times a week can yield significant results over time.


The Importance of Consistency and Practice

Consistency is the cornerstone of effective voice training. Just like building any other skill, small but regular efforts produce the best results. Setting aside time for practice, whether it’s 15 minutes a day or a few focused sessions each week, makes a big difference. Voice training apps that offer reminders and streak features can help you maintain a routine.

It’s also important to measure your progress. Keeping a practice journal or using progress-tracking features on apps can show you how much you’ve improved, which in turn boosts your motivation. Voice Training Platforms not only track your pitch accuracy and range but also provide feedback on areas that need improvement, helping you practice smarter, not just harder.


Conclusion

Voice training is for everyone—whether you’re a complete beginner who’s been told you can’t sing or an experienced vocalist looking to refine your skills. By focusing on consistent practice, choosing the right format for your learning style, and leveraging modern tools that provide real-time feedback, you can unlock your vocal potential.

So why wait? Start your voice training journey today and discover just how far your voice can go!

What is HPC

High-Performance Computing (HPC): Unlocking Computational Power

High-Performance Computing (HPC) refers to the use of advanced computing systems, architectures, and software to solve complex computational problems in various fields, including science, engineering, finance, and more.

Characteristics of HPC

  1. Scalability: Ability to process large amounts of data and scale up to meet increasing computational demands.
  2. Performance: Fast processing speeds, typically measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS).
  3. Parallel Processing: Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously, leveraging multiple processors or cores.
  4. Distributed Computing: Breaking down complex problems into smaller tasks, executed across multiple systems or nodes.

HPC Applications

  1. Scientific Research: Climate modeling, molecular dynamics, and genomics.
  2. Engineering: Finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and structural analysis.
  3. Finance: Risk analysis, portfolio optimization, and high-frequency trading.
  4. Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
  5. Weather Forecasting: Numerical weather prediction and climate modeling.
  6. Cybersecurity: Cryptanalysis and intrusion detection.

HPC Architectures

  1. Clusters: Groups of interconnected nodes, often using commodity hardware.
  2. Grids: Distributed computing environments, leveraging geographically dispersed resources.
  3. Clouds: On-demand, scalable computing resources, provided by cloud service providers.
  4. Supercomputers: Custom-built, high-performance systems, often used for large-scale simulations.
  5. GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, optimized for parallel processing.

HPC Technologies

  1. MPI (Message Passing Interface): Standard for parallel programming.
  2. OpenMP: API for multi-threaded programming.
  3. CUDA: NVIDIA’s parallel computing platform.
  4. OpenACC: Directive-based programming model.
  5. InfiniBand: High-speed interconnect technology.

Benefits of HPC

  1. Increased Productivity: Faster simulation and analysis times.
  2. Improved Accuracy: Enhanced modeling and simulation capabilities.
  3. Competitive Advantage: Faster time-to-market and better decision-making.
  4. Innovation: Enables research and development in new fields.
  5. Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption and infrastructure costs.

Challenges in HPC

  1. Scalability: Managing complexity and ensuring scalability.
  2. Power Consumption: Reducing energy consumption and heat generation.
  3. Cooling: Efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating.
  4. Security: Protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure access.
  5. Skill Gap: Addressing the shortage of skilled HPC professionals.

Real-World Examples

  1. NASA’s Pleiades Supercomputer: Simulates complex aerospace phenomena.
  2. IBM’s Watson: AI-powered system for healthcare and finance.
  3. Google’s DeepMind: AI research and development.
  4. Climate Prediction Center: Weather forecasting and climate modeling.
  5. CERN’s Large Hadron Collider: Simulates particle collisions.

Future of HPC

  1. Exascale Computing: Next-generation supercomputing, targeting 1 exaflop performance.
  2. Quantum Computing: Leveraging quantum mechanics for computational advantage.
  3. Artificial Intelligence: Integration of AI and HPC for accelerated insights.
  4. Edge Computing: Distributed computing for real-time analytics.
  5. Cloud-Native HPC: Scalable, on-demand HPC resources.

Conclusion

High-Performance Computing (HPC) plays a vital role in driving innovation and advancements across various industries. As computational demands continue to grow, HPC will remain essential for solving complex problems, accelerating discovery, and transforming industries.

What is VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN): Enhancing Online Security and Privacy

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server, protecting your online activities from unauthorized access, surveillance, and censorship.

How VPN Works

  1. Your device establishes a connection with a VPN server.
  2. The VPN software encrypts your internet traffic.
  3. The encrypted data is transmitted through the internet.
  4. The VPN server decrypts the data and forwards it to its final destination.

Benefits of Using a VPN

  1. Enhanced Security: Protects against hacking, eavesdropping, and data breaches.
  2. Improved Privacy: Conceals your IP address, location, and online activities.
  3. Access to Restricted Content: Bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship.
  4. Secure Public Wi-Fi: Safeguards against public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities.
  5. Anonymity: Masks your online identity.
  6. Faster Internet: Optimizes internet speed by avoiding ISP throttling.

Types of VPNs

  1. Consumer VPNs: For individual use.
  2. Business VPNs: For organizations and enterprises.
  3. Free VPNs: Limited features, often with ads.
  4. Paid VPNs: Offers advanced features and better performance.

VPN Protocols

  1. OpenVPN: Highly secure and customizable.
  2. PPTP: Fast, but less secure.
  3. L2TP/IPSec: Balanced security and speed.
  4. SSTP: Secure, but limited compatibility.
  5. WireGuard: Modern, fast, and secure.

Key Features to Consider

  1. Encryption: Look for strong encryption methods (AES-256).
  2. Server Locations: Multiple servers worldwide.
  3. Speed: Fast connection speeds.
  4. Logging Policy: No-logs policy.
  5. Customer Support: Reliable support.
  6. Compatibility: Supports various devices and platforms.

Top VPN Providers

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. NordVPN
  3. ProtonVPN
  4. Surfshark
  5. TunnelBear

Common VPN Uses

  1. Streaming: Access geo-restricted content.
  2. Gaming: Reduce lag and improve online gaming.
  3. Remote Work: Securely access company networks.
  4. Travel: Stay secure on public Wi-Fi.
  5. Privacy: Protect online activities from surveillance.

Potential Drawbacks

  1. Slow Speeds: Depending on server distance and protocol.
  2. Cost: Paid VPNs require subscription.
  3. Complexity: Setup and configuration.
  4. Blocking: Some websites block VPN traffic.

Conclusion

A VPN is an essential tool for anyone concerned about online security, privacy, and freedom. By choosing the right VPN provider and understanding its features, you can safeguard your online activities and enjoy a secure and private internet experience.

Important Terms

  1. IP Address: Unique identifier for your device.
  2. Encryption: Scrambling data to protect it.
  3. Tunneling: Creating a secure connection.
  4. Server: Computer hosting VPN software.
  5. Protocol: Set of rules for VPN communication.

Creating a Pandemic-proof Infrastructure

During the last few years, the world saw a crisis that shook every aspect of human life. A crisis that comes once in many decades. Almost every country experienced a complete lockdown at some point in time. Many countries with previously thought-to-be world-class health-care systems have also been tried, pushed to the limit, and in some respects found wanting. The pandemic took all countries by surprise and the discussion on appropriate national and global strategies is very diverse. The COVID-19 epidemic has demonstrated what is at risk, upending the lives of families worldwide. Millions of people have died, and a generation of kids has experienced a learning catastrophe.

The two years of the pandemic highlighted the current inadequacies of our healthcare delivery system and the need for urgent improvisation. The two years have seen us go through harrowing times—patients died for want of hospital beds and oxygen; the ventilator supply ran dry; high infections led to a severe manpower crunch at hospitals; there were not enough vaccines available then. Our healthcare system had crumbled under pressure, and our frontline workers, both in public and private hospitals, had burned themselves out. And now with cases rising, there is fear of a return to the past among healthcare workers.

Although the pandemic has eased, the virus is still alive and mutating and more pandemics are expected to follow. In the wake of this scenario, it is important for the world community to better equip ourselves to tackle such situations in the future. It is the moment that we realise the importance and need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure globally. It is time to work on making a pandemic-proof healthcare system for the future. Below are the areas that need to be focused on:

  • ·         Curative services – there is a need for the expansion of telemedicine from triage, diagnosis, and follow-up services covering all conditions (acute to chronic). Making institutions adapt and become centres of knowledge dissemination- telemedicine and all possibilities of e- and m-health and provide knowledge to people at home, on what symptoms to look out for, where to test, how to self-care, etc for not only Covid-19 but for other conditions too.
  • ·         Improve primary health care – Better primary health care will help us protect against future pandemics. Improving primary health care includes recruiting, training, and prioritising healthcare workers, and establishing effective surveillance and response systems, building confidence in health services through community outreach.
  • ·         Improve logistics and supply – There are a lot of logistics that are needed in a healthcare system. Some examples include masks, gloves, PPEs, disinfectants, etc. Apart from there’s also the supply of syringes and the cold chain storage that’s been necessary to make sure that the vaccines are stored at the proper temperature and don’t go to waste.  Increased investments in this type of infrastructure will assist to guarantee that communities obtain the immunizations they require while also protecting them from future outbreaks.
  • ·         Promotive and preventive healthcare services – The pandemic has demonstrated that having an underlying condition like diabetes, hypertension or obesity predisposes one to complications, long hospital stays, and mortality. Because of all these reasons, COVID-19 has been categorised as a syndemic rather than a pandemic. It is necessary to provide preventive and promotive health services like boosting one’s immune system through diet, exercise, and supplements, in different formats, online, face-to-face, or through home visits.
  • ·         Mental health services – Mental health issues during the pandemic are threatening to become the next pandemic. Stress and mental health issues related to lockdowns affect everyone but tend to affect the weaker segments of society more severely. It is necessary to create awareness about mental health and make mental health services available, accessible, and affordable to all.

It is true that we need to build pandemic-proof health infrastructure. But does Covid-19 expose our health sector only or show us the reality of other aspects also? Working only on health will not be sufficient. We also need to improve our social, educational and political infrastructure. The world saw a huge dropout of students because of online classes during pandemic. Some of the major reasons given for dropping are fairly obvious: technology problems, lack of support, poorly designed courses, and technologically inexperienced educators. This demands due consideration and commitment. The epidemic has impacted numerous nations’ governmental and political systems, resulting in declarations of emergency, suspensions of legislative activity, isolation or death of multiple lawmakers, and postponing of elections owing to worries of viral transmission.Furthermore, in certain areas, the epidemic has posed various problems to democracy, causing it to be weakened and harmed. Hence, building a pandemic-proof political infrastructure will not only ensure an efficient response to tackle the crisis but also provide basic institutional support to the nation and to the world as a whole.

This is a unique moment where we have an opportunity to learn from this pandemic and prevent others in the future. The legacy of COVID-19 mustn’t be one of disruption and disparity, but instead a moment of monumental change.

General Science

General science is a field of study that encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. It is the foundation upon which many scientific discoveries and advancements are made. In this article, we will explore some of the key concepts and branches of general science.

Biology:
Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. It covers a wide range of topics, from the structure and function of cells to the behavior and ecology of entire ecosystems. Biology plays a crucial role in many areas of our lives, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental management.

Chemistry:
Chemistry is the study of matter and its properties. It covers topics such as the structure of atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, and the properties of different elements and compounds. Chemistry is a key discipline in many fields, including materials science, medicine, and engineering.

Physics:
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions with each other. It covers topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Physics is essential to many areas of modern technology, including telecommunications, electronics, and aerospace.

Earth Sciences:
Earth sciences cover a wide range of topics related to the planet we live on, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography. These fields of study help us understand the physical processes that shape the earth’s surface and climate. They are also important in managing natural resources, predicting and mitigating natural disasters, and understanding the impact of human activity on the environment.

Scientific Method:
The scientific method is a systematic approach to scientific inquiry. It involves observing phenomena, formulating hypotheses, testing those hypotheses through experiments, and drawing conclusions based on the results. The scientific method is a key tool for scientists in all fields, allowing them to gather reliable data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Scientific Discoveries:
Science has led to many important discoveries throughout history. Some of the most notable include the discovery of penicillin, the development of the theory of evolution, and the discovery of the structure of DNA. These discoveries have had far-reaching impacts on our understanding of the world and have led to many important advancements in medicine, agriculture, and technology.

Science Education:
Science education is crucial in developing scientific literacy and promoting scientific thinking. It helps individuals understand the natural world and the scientific principles that govern it. Science education is also essential in preparing individuals for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, general science is a vast field that encompasses many different scientific disciplines. It is the foundation upon which many scientific advancements are made, and it plays a crucial role in our lives. Through the scientific method, scientists are able to make important discoveries and advancements that help us understand the world around us. Science education is also critical in developing scientific literacy and promoting scientific thinking, which is essential in preparing individuals for careers in STEM fields.

By:- Baibhav Raj Maharana

BharOS : India’s indigenous mobile Operating System.

With the advent of the smartphone era, majorly two OS (Operating System) which are Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS have been dominating the market. India has a population of more than 140 crore people and smartphone users account for more than 75 crores and we are dependent on the big tech giants for OS services. Also, the problem with renowned names such as android and iOS is that they come primarily with pre-installed apps and users have limited alternatives to switch to, which creates the issue with user privacy. So, there is a need for our own indigenous OS for Indian smartphone users. An IIT Madras Incubated organization has developed BharOS, a made in India Operating System.

BharOS is an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Operating System based on the Linux kernel. It is developed by JandKops (JandK Operations Private Limited), which is a non-profit organization incubated at Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

BharOS is basically a really clean fork of AOSP that provides an NDA (No Default Apps) setting, which means that users do not have to keep or use pre-installed apps in this mobile operating system. NDA is key as many pre-installed apps that currently ship with other smartphones can slow down the device or take a toll on battery life by acting as bloatware. Going with an NDA design for BharOS was intentional as it will let users have more control over the apps on their mobile phones based on the user’s trust in the app and the kind of data they store on their phone.

BharOS also provides access to a Private App Store Service called PASS, which is a list of apps that have been thoroughly vetted and have been verified to comply with businesses’ privacy and security needs.

BharOS would offer NOTA (Native Over the Air) updates, meaning that security updates and bug fixes will be automatically installed rather than users having to check for updates and implement them on their own.

As of now, BharOS is not rolled out for public use but developers claimed that they have given access to the OS to certain organizations with stringent privacy and security requirement. BharOS developers claim that BharOS is better than both Android and iOS in terms of features and security. On top of that, they also claim that BharOS could even improve the battery life of the device. It will also allow users to install apps of their interest and will ship with an India-based app store. BharOS is a contribution towards the idea of a self-reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by creating a secure OS environment for India-based users.

Know about TRAI’s proposal of displaying name with phone number.

In November last year, TRAI floated a consultation paper seeking comments about the potential introduction of Caller Name Presentation (CNAP).

The feature will allow users to know the identity of the person calling them. The basic idea is that if people are aware of the person who is calling them, they can make an informed choice about those calls. At the same time, such a feature could potentially help in curbing harassment and other spam calls.

The proposal CNAP will also be difficult to execute from a technical perspective given that a number of phones in the Indian market may not be able to support it, telcos have said.

Meanwhile, Truecaller, which already offers a similar service albeit through a crowdsourcing model has said since several people purchase SIM cards using forged identity cards, TRAI’s proposal to use SIM registration data to display callers’ names might be fraught with inaccuracies since “the identity of the actual user of a mobile number may not be the same as the subscriber”.

By 2027, India could assemble 1 in 2 Iphone according to a report.

India is projected to assemble up to 50 per cent of Apple’s iPhones by 2027, which will be a significant increase from the current rate of less than five per cent. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, it will bring India’s level of production in line with that of mainland China.

India could produce one in two of the world’s iPhones by 2027 as compared to the current percentage which stands at less than 5 percent, as per a latest  forecast by Luke Lin.

Here Luke Lin is an analyst at the research unit of Taiwan’s DigiTimes newspaper, in the South China Morning Post.

It appears that this  forecast is more aggressive than JPMorgan’s earlier prediction that India would assemble 25 percent of total Apple iPhones worldwide by 2025.

India’s first underwater tunnel to be built in West Bengal, expected to start by december 2023.

The first underwater tunnel in India is being built as part of the East-West Metro Corridor’s project, and it will take about 45 seconds for trains to cover the 520-meter stretch. The tunnel that goes under the Hoogly river in West Bengal is being touted as the Indian version of Eurostar’s London-Paris corridor. An estimated cost of Rs 120 crores is being spent on the project.

The tunnel, which is about 2.5 kilometres long, is expected to be commissioned in 2023 following the completion of the section between Sealdah and Esplanade.

The tunnel runs through the Salt Lake Sector V IT hub metro station in the east to Howrah Maidan in the west under the river. The construction of the tunnel has already been completed, and it is expected to be operational in December 2023 following the completion of a 2.5-kilometer section between Sealdah and the Esplanade.

India to become a hub of drone technology.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur this week said that India will become a hub of drone technology and the country will require at least 1 lakh drone pilots by next year. He was speaking at the gathering after flagging of the ‘Drone Yatra 2.0’, in Chennai.

Stating that India will require at least 1 lakh pilots in 2023, he said that each pilot will earn at least Rs 50-80 thousand a month. “If you take the Conservative Average even Rs 50,000 × 1 lakh youth × 12 months = Rs. 6000 crores a year worth employment could be created in the Drone sector,” he said

Apart from this, Industries and Government agencies which use Drones will also be impacted. He appreciated the that Garuda Aerospace’s plan to make one lakh ‘Made in India’ drones in the next two years.

Garuda’s Drone Skilling & Training Conference which is to be conducted in 775 districts across the country hopes to reach 10 lakh Youth. With an aim to train 1 lakh Youth to significantly impact not just the Drone ecosystem or generate employment for Youth, but hopes to create a massive impact in agriculture, mining, government departments and Other industries.

While noting that currently there are over 200 drone start-ups operating in the country, the minister said that this number will increase to generate lakhs of new job opportunities for the youth.

Indian telecom sector to hire staffs laid off by big tech MNCs.

According a report by Economics Times : The Indian telecom eco-system could absorb up to 30% of the workforce laid off at the big tech firms and who chose to return to India. These include employees across technical and service profiles, say staffing experts.

Companies like Meta, Amazon, Twitter, Microsoft and Stripe among many others have laid off employees and rationalised their employee base. According to estimates by TeamLease, over 62,000 employees have received the pink slip in 2022.

While employees at tech firms are facing headwinds in light of the pink slips being dealt out, the Indian telecom eco-system has increased its hiring over the past few quarters in light of the 5G rollout.

Given the hiring impetus that the telecom sector is seeing, one would expect it to absorb a majority of the employees laid off. However, there is only so much of a skill overlap between the workforce being laid off, and the requirement at the telecom companies say experts.

How roll out of 5g services will help Indian economy?

The transition to 5G will unlock new use cases and revenue streams through innovative business models. It will bolster the startup ecosystem and enable India to be an R&D hub for 5G technology and use cases. Developing 5G applications is likely to have a huge impact across industries.

In India, the engineering/advanced manufacturing segment offers the largest 5G/IoT opportunity. Multiple use cases exist in this segment with benefits of increased efficiency, productivity, better safety standards, and highly efficient production. In healthcare, 5G’s benefits can immediately be realized in home-based care and connected hospital devices as 5G facilitates real-time data transfer.

The Indian M&E sector is transitioning from passive consumption to participative consumption fueled by the popularity of immersive technologies such as AR and VR, networked gaming, and interactive game shows. 5G may help accelerate this trend and completely transform the consumer experience.

Further, the advent of 5G may significantly enhance connected car features and usher in the age of autonomous vehicles (AV) in India.

India to test Agni-V missile.

India recently issued a NOTAM notice declaring the Bay of Bengal a no-fly zone ahead of another Agni-V ballistic missile test scheduled for December 15-16 from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

The development comes amid the reported movement of a Chinese research vessel in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). According to data collected by the Norwegian company Maritime Optima, as reported by ThePrint, Yuan Wang 5 re-entered the Indian Ocean region. The report stated that the Yuan Wang 5 was currently southbound in the Indian Ocean off the coast of the Indonesian island of Java.

Agni V is India’s long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, capable of hitting a target 5,000 kilometres away with pinpoint accuracy. This range puts almost the entire country of China within the missile’s range. Though an ICBM requires a missile with a range of at least 5,500 km, India’s closest contender for an ICBM is the Agni 5, which can reach countries on other continents, including parts of Africa and Europe.

Though the government claims that it has a maximum range of around 5,000 kilometres, several reports indicate that it can hit targets as far away as 8,000 kilometres, according to the report. The nuclear-capable missile can carry a warhead weighing around 1,500 kg and has a launch weight of 50,000 kg, making it one of the country’s most powerful missiles.

UPI payments remains favourite mode for Indians.

UPI has once again emerged as the most favoured mode of payment in India. The UPI transactions volume and value has almost doubled since last year and recorded about an 88 per cent increase in volume and over 71 per cent increase in value in the third quarter of the current fiscal as compared to the same quarter last year, according to Worldline India’s ‘Digital Payments Report’ for the third quarter.

UPI clocked over 19.65 billion transactions in volume and Rs 32.5 lakh crore in terms of value in the third quarter this year. The top three UPI apps in terms of volume and value were PhonePe, GooglePay and Paytm Payments Bank App.

UPI, Debit and Credit cards, Prepaid Payment Instruments like Mobile Wallets, and Prepaid Cards executed a total of 23.06 billion transactions amounting Rs 38.32 trillion. 

India will witness a rise in gamers by 2025.

The number of Indian gamers is expanding at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% and is expected to jump to 700 million in FY25 compared with 507 million in 2021, said a new report by Dentsu titled Gaming Report India 2022 – For the Game.

The report said that 46% of gamers in India are women and that overall, ‘Real Money Game’ revenues currently constitute 57% of market size but future growth is projected to be driven by in-app purchases growing at a 34% CAGR. There were 120 million paying users in FY22, which represents a 24% conversion rate.

Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India & lead at Dentsu Gaming, said, “Gaming’s growing cultural impact, combined with the promise of the metaverse, has generated endless opportunities for advertisers. With the meteoric expansion of esports and streaming platforms, gaming has shifted from solitary play to spectator sport. Gaming platforms are now the main avenue for social connections and self-expression. One cannot follow the cookie-cutter approach anymore given the fluidity & dynamism of the industry.”