boAt has launched the Storm Call 3, an affordable smartwatch with turn-by-turn navigation. The device is the first smartwatch in India to offer independent navigation, powered by Mappls MapmyIndia. It can provide accurate and detailed doorstep-level guidance across tens of thousands of cities and villages in India.
The Storm Call 3 features a sizeable 550-nit dial with a resolution of 240*296 dots and various downloadable watch faces that can be personalized with preferred designs, photos, or themes. The device is also equipped with a highly sensitive microphone and clear onboard speaker, enabling seamless calling directly from the wrist. It also features camera/music controls, notification alerts, quick replies, and weather updates.
In addition to these features, the smartwatch encompasses a comprehensive array of health and activity applications. Users can access Fitness Buddies, Wellness Crew, Gamification and Badges, and even devise Custom Run Plans. Onboard sensors monitor heart rate, SpO2, and sleep while tracking energy and sleep scores.
The Storm Call 3 is available in four stylish colours: Cherry Blossom, Active Black, Olive Green, and Silver Metal. It is IP67 certified, safeguarding it against water, sweat, and dust damage, and comes with an internal battery providing up to 7 days of charge-free usage (up to 2 days with BT Calling).
“At boAt, we believe in democratizing technology and bringing cutting-edge innovation within the reach of every individual. With Storm Call 3, we have revolutionized accessibility to cutting-edge technology, making it affordable for all,” said Aman Gupta, Co-Founder of boAt.
The Storm Call 3 is currently available for an introductory price of INR 1099/- and can be purchased from the boAt website (boat-lifestyle.com), Flipkart and Blinkit.
Well, you are in the market looking to upgrade your gadgets to meet your needs and fit your budget of ₹35000. In that case, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the suitable gadget that delivers exceptional performance, impressive features, and great value for your money. I’m here with the best suggestions to help you find the gadget of your dreams that will make your life easier.
Nothing Phone 2(a)
Price: ₹22999
The Nothing Phone 2a is an affordable smartphone that delivers excellent value for money. It has a sleek and durable design, a powerful processor, ample RAM, and sufficient storage capacity, ensuring a smooth multitasking experience. The vibrant display with crisp visuals is perfect for watching videos or browsing the web, and the camera setup captures stunning photos and videos. The battery life is commendable, and the regular software updates from Nothing enhance the user experience. One of the major highlights of this phone is its transparent back and LED lighting, which enhances its appearance. Overall, the Nothing Phone 2a is the top choice for those on this budget seeking a reliable, feature-packed smartphone.
OnePlus Buds 3
Price: ₹5499
The OnePlus Buds 3 are the best TWS earbuds in this budget range. These amazing earbuds offer top-of-the-line audio quality, advanced noise-cancellation technology, and comfortable usage for hours. You’ll never miss a beat with their incredible battery life and lightning-fast charging. The seamless connectivity means you can pair them with any Bluetooth-enabled device to enjoy uninterrupted playback wherever you go. All of this is wrapped up in a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. Take advantage of the OnePlus Buds 3 – the perfect choice for smart consumers who demand the best in wireless headphones.
StuffCool Nomad
Price: ₹4299
The packaging of Nothing Phone 2(a) does not include a charger, which means you need to have a charger to power up your phone and TWS before heading out to enjoy the technology. The Nomad GaN charger is an excellent option for this purpose, with a massive power output of 102W available from three ports. It also comes with three interchangeable plugs, making it suitable for use in over 100 countries. The Nomad can provide up to 100W of power from a single type C port, making it capable of charging most smartphones and laptops. Additionally, it supports Super-Fast Charging for flagship Nothing phones and other smartphones.
Writer’s note: In my years of watching anime and learning about filmmaking, I become more and more impressed with the creativity and process of animation. Animation provides endless possibilities from colours to storytelling. The impressive visuals leave us in awe and Japan is leading the animation industry. Anime is one of the best entertainment media in the world and now is the best time to get into it.
One Piece (1999 – ongoing)
One Piece might be daunting as it’s currently at 1100 episodes and still ongoing. But this series is guaranteed to be one of the best experiences of your life. Following the 17-year-old Luffy, his one dream is to be the Pirate King and find the mysterious titular treasure of the previous Pirate King, the “One Piece”. He finds crewmates along the way and the adventures are hilarious but while this series looks lighthearted on the outside, it’s a direct mirror of our morally corrupt world and the journey is not easy. It deals with serious topics such as racism, abuse of power, slavery, morally corrupt governments, and so on.
Haikyu!! (2014 – 2020)
Haikyu!! is a sports anime that not only creatively represents volleyball but also teaches the viewer about friendship and compromise. The series follows the team, Karasuno, and the two protagonists, Hinata and Kageyama, as they learn to work together after a bitter encounter but realise their playstyles are compatible. You meet other characters and their dynamics and learn so much about friendship, and how beautiful it can be but how ugly it can get. The anime series has ended but two upcoming movies will wrap up the finale of the manga.
Death Note (2006 – 2007)
A much shorter but impact watch of 37 episodes, Death Note is a classic you cannot miss. It’s arguably one of the best suspense thriller TV series in media and amongst the best in anime history. It is an unforgettable story with unique characters and grave rules that they must follow. The stakes are high for rivals, Light Yagami and L, who constantly try to outsmart one another.
Your Lie in April (2014 – 2015)
Maybe the most devastating anime out there, Your Lie in April is a beautiful romantic series about two teenage musicians who learn freedom and love through their performances together. It’s a short 22-episode anime that will leave you in tears but the story and music will awe you.
Spy x Family (2022 – ongoing)
Spy x Family is a much more recent anime series that took the internet by storm. With a unique plot and clever writing, Spy x Family is a lighthearted watch with memorable characters–Anya, Loid and Yor. The three have strange jobs and abilities–Anya has telepathic powers, Loid is a spy and Yor is an assassin and they are all pretending to be a family due to Loid’s current mission. It’s a recipe for chaos and a wholesome anime.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 – ongoing)
There is no doubt that Jujutsu Kaisen has entered the anime world as one of the biggest in the industry. Their iconic characters like Gojo Satoru, Nanami Kento, Geto Suguru, and many more have stolen the hearts of anime fans. The plot and rules of Jujutsu Kaisen might be confusing and dark but the animation style and quirky personalities make it a great watch.
Gintama (2005 – 2021)
Gintama is an extensive watch with 367 episodes but the absurdity and randomness of the plot is worthwhile. The premise is interesting enough but the chaos takes the cake. The characters, especially the main character, Gintoki Sakata, are constantly doing random acts that will catch you off guard but in a funny way. It’s an easy watch that makes you want to binge it.
Bungo Stray Dogs (2016 – ongoing)
Bungo Stray Dogs has a very unique concept and premise. The characters are all based on literary figures in history, be it Japanese, American, British, you name it. More than that, these characters have superpowers based on their real-life counterparts’ works of literature. For example, the famous character, Osamu Dazai, has a power called No Longer Human, based on the book of the same name by the same author. However, what draws you in is the depiction of morality and the value of human life that the anime explores.
Monster (2004 – 2005)
Pretty much on par with Death Note, Monster is a suspense thriller but with one of the most iconic, well-written villains in anime. While the villain’s backstory is pitiful, it is meant to make you even more terrified of his potential for evil. The protagonist, Dr Kenzo Tenma, takes responsibility for putting a stop to the villain, Johan Liebert and we meet several characters affected by his Tenma’s kindness and Liebert’s evil.
Attack on Titan (2013 – 2023)
This is an anime that will mess with your mind. A story about war, loyalty, politics, and morality, Attack on Titan has cemented itself as one of the best anime in history. The plot’s twists and turns will leave you indecisive about which side is right and wrong (the answer is probably neither). The nuances behind every decision are well-written and while the plot is complicated, it also has the best anime characters in history.
My New Boss is Goofy (2023)
My New Boss is Goofy is a short and sweet anime of 12 episodes that will hopefully be renewed for a second season. The anime explores mental health, friendship, office dynamics and power harassment in the Japanese workplace. It’s another easy watch but more importantly, the characters are incredibly kindhearted people, especially the boss in the title, Yuusei Shirosaki. His kindness and clumsiness are the main attraction of the anime but it’s seriously underrated how healing this anime is.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016 – 2018)
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. has an absurd format. Some of the episodes are compilation episodes, cut into 5-minute episodes so while the total is over 100, the anime is actually around 26 episodes. Saiki K. has telepathic abilities and his inner thoughts about the events around him are straightforward and humorous. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is yet another lighthearted anime with a funny plot and even funnier characters but the overall story is incredibly wholesome.
Death Parade (2015)
A twisted anime about your fate after death, Death Parade is a thought-provoking anime. People who die are sent to a mysterious bar named Quindecim, run by the lone bartender Decim and his assistant. They are forced to play Death Games to figure out why they ended up there and the result will determine if their souls reincarnate or are lost forever. The anime points out that nobody is truly angelic or truly evil.
Hunter x Hunter (2011 – 2014)
Acclaimed as one of the greatest anime ever, Hunter x Hunter follows the protagonist, Gon Freecss, who learns his “deceased” father is alive and a world-renowned Hunter (who can trace beasts, treasures and rare creatures). Gon aspires to become a Hunter like his father. The main highlight that makes this anime one of the greatest is the character-driven storyline rather than the plot just fitting the characters in.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019 – ongoing)
Demon Slayer is an anime with a massive growth in popularity since 2019. The characters are interesting, the story is thrilling and the animation is top-notch. It’s colourful, fluid and a spectacle to watch. It’s especially known for its amazing fight sequences and some funny moments that balance out the anime’s intensity. The series is complicated but easy to get into.
Nana (2006 – 2007)
Nana has a devastating take on the intricacies of human relationships. It’s an important binge-watch for people who want a realistic anime. Named after the two protagonists, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, it follows the lives of the roommates who grow close, despite being polar opposites. Their relationship gets more complicated when adult life and decisions get in the way.
Terror in Resonance (2014)
Terror in Resonance or Zankyou no Teroru is a complex anime. While the main criticism lies in the structure of the show, the character designs, music, and the thrill of the chase are amongst the best. It handles moral ambiguity and anti-heroism with a grace never seen before. The duo of Twelve and Nine are iconic for their strong personalities and well-written backstories.
Cowboy Bebop (1998 – 1999)
A classic amongst legends of anime, Cowboy Bebop is a neo-noir space Western anime. It’s a cool, intelligent series with witty dialogue and thrilling action sequences. The jazz and other cultural references make it even richer. It’s also one of those rare anime series where the English dubbing is impressive and can be watched without losing immersion.
Writer’s note: This list of releases will include movies and TV series alike that you definitely should not miss. I have observed most of these are sequels, remakes or spin-offs of huge franchises but regardless, they are all promising. Let’s look at what’s hot in 2024.
Joker: Folie à Deux (4 October 2024)
Undoubtedly, Joker: Folie à Deux is the most anticipated movie release in 2024. With the massive success of 2019’s Joker, people are excited to see Lady Gaga’s performance as the new Harley Quinn. We have no doubt Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his role as The Joker, will give a fantastic performance for the ages. Notably, the style of Folie à Deux in trailers so far mimics the aesthetic of La La Land (2016).
Deadpool & Wolverine (26 July 2024)
What’s better than one iconic superhero? Two iconic superheroes. Deadpool and Wolverine join forces in Deadpool & Wolverine. The premise we know so far is that the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will capture Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, to change the history of the MCU. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine.
Fly Me to the Moon (12 July 2024)
Fly Me to the Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in a rom-com based during the Cold War and the 1960s Space Race. A relationship between the two develops during their collaboration to fix NASA’s public image.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (1 May 2024)
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, or Heeramandi, is a Hindi-language period drama TV series. The series follows the Indian Independence Movement and the lives of tawaifs (successful female courtesans) in the red-light district of Heera Mandi, Lahore. It was created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his other period movies like Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018).
The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2 May 2024)
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a historical drama based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Heather Morris. It tells the real-life experience of the Holocaust survivor, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. He was tasked with tattooing his fellow prisoners’ arms with identification numbers. The Tattooist of Auschwitz highlights how he found love along the way but also the immense trauma of genocide and the survivor’s guilt he felt.
Speak No Evil (13 September 2024)
Blumhouse Productions will release yet another horror film in 2024. Starring James McAvoy, Speak No Evilshows how a dream vacation in a gorgeous country house can turn into a nightmare. This is a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. You are in for a treat if it’s anything like the original or improves on it.
Dune: The Prophecy (Late 2024)
Dune: The ProphecyorDune: Prophecy is an upcoming TV series that prequels the 2021 film Dune by 10,000 years. The TV series will focus solely on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a sisterhood of powerful women who mentally and physically train themselves to gain superhuman abilities. There is no release date announced yet.
Mother of the Bride (9 May 2024)
Mother of the Bride is an upcoming rom-com with Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove as the mother-daughter duo. Cosgrove’s character, Emma, returns home to announce she will be getting married in a month. Upon meeting the groom’s family, the mother finds out the groom’s dad is the person who broke her heart years ago. Where will this rom-com go?
The Acolyte (4 June 2024)
Another expansion of the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte, also known as Star Wars: The Acolyte, will follow a Jedi investigation of multiple crimes at the end of the High Republic era and before the Star Wars films. The TV series stars notable actors like Amandla Stenberg (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Rue from the Hunger Games series), Lee Jung-Jae (Squid Game), and Manny Jacinto (The Good Place).
Moana 2 (27 November 2024)
The sequel to the 2016 Moana, Moana 2 will follow the titular character receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Similar to the first, Moana will again embark on a dangerous journey through the seas of Oceania. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles.
All We Imagine as Light (Cannes, May 2024)
Directed by Payal Kapadia, we don’t know much about the plot and journey of All We Imagine as Light. The summary revealed before its debut at the Cannes Film Festival implies that the main characters will go through an intense and passionate journey to a beach town after their subsequent plot points get complicated. Kapadia’s film will be the first Indian film in 30 years to enter the main competition at Cannes.
When Life Gives You Tangerines (2024)
With an unknown release date, When Life Gives You Tangerines (also known as Thank You for Your Hard Work and You Have Done Well) is a Netflix distribution South Korean TV series. Featuring the famous IU (Lee Ji-Eun) and Park Bo-Geum, it’s a slice-of-life series that follows two very bright and spirited individuals through an adventure.
Lee Ji-Eun (IU) and Park Bo-Geum
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (6 September 2024)
A long-anticipated sequel to the 1988 Beetlejuice, the horror comedy movie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, will feature familiar faces and new characters. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara are back again for another Beetlejuice instalment with Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe in the lineup. Let’s hope Tim Burton can live up to the first.
A Quiet Place: Day One (28 June, 2024)
A Quiet Place: Day One is the origin and spin-off story of the A Quiet Place series. It will hopefully answer the mystery behind how everything in A Quiet Place happened. The new film features Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (13 December 2024)
This is a call for allThe Lord of the Ringsfans. The wait is over with The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, set 261 years before The Lord of the Rings movies and 200 years before The Hobbit. The movie will tell the story of the legendary King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, played by Brian Cox, and how he defended his kingdom against the Dunlendings.
Inside Out 2 (14 June 2024)
This year is filled with sequels. Bringing you yet another, Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 Inside Out by Disney. Now that the protagonist, Riley, is 16 years old and feeling new emotions, Maya Hawke enters the picture as the voice actress for the personified emotion of Anxiety. The film involved lots of care towards representing teenagers’ mental health as they consulted with teenage girls on areas they could improve the film before the final version.
The Crow (23 August 2024)
The Crow is the fifth instalment of The Crow series as well as the remake of the original film (1994). It combines the weird and the wonderful within the horror genre as Bill Skarsgård, playing Eric Draven / The Crow, will take the reigns as the titular protagonist.
Megalopolis (17 May 2024)
With an enticing plot, Megalopolis features a cast of talented actors–Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Giancarlo Esposito most notably. The epic sci-fi film depicts a New York-esque metropolis decaying due to an accident and Driver’s character, Caeser, is seeking to rebuild it against the mayor’s desires.
The acclaimed musical drama film, My Fair Lady, deserved all the awards it received. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, the performances were perfect in every aspect and the songs are catchy. The only gripe was Audrey Hepburn’s songs were dubbed over and gained a lot of criticism at the time.
Total Academy Awards: 8
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
While it might be absurd to pick out one movie of a trilogy that is so extensive and connected, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King deserves the spotlight. The extraordinary performance and action made the film win all of their nominations.
Total Academy Awards: 11
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
A24’s most experimental and overwhelming film, Everything Everywhere All at Once swept the box office at $143.4 million and won several other awards. Michelle Yeoh’s performance was one for the ages and her chemistry with Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan was outstanding. The movie will make you laugh, cry, and cheer at the same time.
Total Academy Awards: 7
Forrest Gump (1994)
Who still quotes “Run, Forrest, run!” whenever you see a friend or someone else running? Forrest Gump made us cry our eyes out at the heartfelt scenes but it is argued that, if it were released today, we may not feel the same. The particular way Forrest Gump is portrayed by Tom Hanks is questionable. However, it’s still an inspiring movie worth watching.
Total Academy Awards: 6
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Dev Patel killed it in his debut film as Jamal Malik. Slumdog Millionaire opened the eyes of people around the world towards the state of poverty and its consequences in India. However, the Indian audience found the film more offensive and enforcing stereotypes.
Total Academy Awards: 8
Moonlight (2016)
We can still feel the aftershocks of the impact of Moonlight’s story as well as their sweep at the Oscars. It explores the life of Chiron in three stages, all played by 3 different actors. It’s an intense yet beautiful film and a realistic depiction of the cultures represented. It has been named one of the best films of the 21st century and of all time.
Total Academy Awards: 3
Schindler’s List (1993)
The tragic Holocaust film revolves around the real-life figure Oskar Schindler (portrayed by Liam Neeson) and how he saved more than 1,000 Jewish people, most of them of Polish origin, by employing them in his factory. It is a must for those interested in Holocaust history.
Total Academy Awards: 7
The Last Emperor (1987)
The Last Emperor is a biographical film that tells the life of Puyi (John Lone), the final Emperor of China. The epic film has a booming soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Byrne. However, the film’s history accuracy was questioned.
Total Academy Awards: 9 (all nominations)
West Side Story (1961)
A classic romance musical about star-crossed lovers, West Side Story is still garnering adaptations. Although nobody could ever top Rita Moreno’s performance as Anita, it’s exciting to musicals being revived. The story of Maria and Tony is a tale as old as time and its cultural significance in the musical industry remains strong.
Total Academy Awards: 10
Parasite (2019)
Parasite is a South Korean dark comedy, and thriller film around the themes of social class, wealth disparity and inequality. The brilliance behind every aspect of the film’s creation and characterisation will leave you in awe. It’s also the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards and the first South Korean entry.
Total Academy Awards: 4
Avatar (2009)
With its expansion in more recent years, Avatar is one of the highest-grossing films to win an Oscar. The visual effects and worldbuilding were the best at the time of release and still hold up to this day. It can be a bit dragged out but the action and anticipation of the result are worth it. Not to mention, Zoe Saldana does an incredible job at portraying Neytiri with the motion capture tech back then.
Total Academy Awards: 3
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Based on the 1853 slave memoir by Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave recalls the story of the author’s experience after being kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. The actor for Solomon Northup, Chiwetel Ejiofor, won a BAFTA Award for his performance. Doing justice to the brutal journey Northup had been through must have been quite the feat.
Total Academy Awards: 3
Oppenheimer (2023)
This had to be included on the list. Oppenheimer was the biggest film of 2023 and for all the right reasons. This is arguably the best work by Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy nailed his performance. The movie is garnering criticism from Japan for its incompetence in expressing remorse towards the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings of 1945.
Total Academy Awards: 7
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is the only horror film, to date, to receive Best Picture. The iconic performance by Anthony Hopkins as Dr Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling cemented their names in the horror genre. Hopkins’ ability to bring Lecter’s menacing and intuitive nature to life is well-respected amongst horror fans.
Total Academy Awards: 5 (All major categories)
Nomadland (2020)
The authenticity of Nomadland shook people to their core. A poetic commentary on lives affected by the economic recession, the film portrays the lives of nomads realistically and genuinely. The film also features some real-life nomads as fictional versions of themselves, namely–Charlene Swankie, Linda May, and Bob Wells. Chloé Zhao is also the first Asian woman and second woman to win Best Director.
Total Academy Awards: 3
The Sound of Music (1965)
The Sound of Music is a fictional retelling of Maria von Trapp’s introduction to the Trapp Family as a governess to the children and her eventual marriage to Georg von Trapp. It’s an emotional journey with cheesy tones and unforgettable music sung to this day.
Total Academy Awards: 5
Ex Machina (2014)
The science fiction film has cemented its influence on the discourse around androids and AI. Ex Machina follows Nathan Bateman, played by Oscar Isaac, who invites a programmer to administer the Turing Test to their prototype humanoid robot. I’m sure you can guess the rest. It shows the intricacies of the Turing Test and the deadliness behind humanoid tech.
Total Academy Awards: 1
Life of Pi
Filmed in 3 different locations, Life of Pi depicts the intriguing journey of Pi Patel as he navigates the seas after surviving a shipwreck with an untamed Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. It delivers a powerful message and has a powerful quote you will never forget, said by the adult version of Pi (Irrfan Khan): “I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.”
Byju’s had humble beginnings. Byju Raveendran, a hopeful and talented tutor to his peers, began Byju’s with his wife, Divya Gokulnath, in 2011. Before that, he was a service engineer who learnt of his teaching penchant by helping his friends crack the CAT exam in 2003. 2007 is when he decided to expand his services. The company started with a much smaller class size but saw significant growth. The focus was on online video-based learning programs catering to K-12 and preparations for competitive exams.
In 2015, Byju’s launched an app, Byju’s: The Learning App, as smartphone screen sizes grew. They also launched a Parent Connect app and a kid-oriented app. But more importantly, they expanded to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and other international markets. They estimated at least 150 million users, 900,000 paid users, and an average of 71 minutes of screen time in 2018. They became the first Ed-Tech unicorn in the same year, earning $1 billion in revenue.
We have observed all this success in the past but they seem to be on the news all the time and not for good reasons. So where did Byju’s go wrong?
Byju Raveendran
COVID-19 and The Struggle to Catch Up
Ed-Tech undeniably rose during the COVID-19 pandemic and Byju’s was a leading example for the Ed-Tech industry. They acquired several Ed-Tech startups, including those in the international market. Byju’s expanded but at what cost? Their expansive plans created major cash-flow problems and a $1.2 billion loan caused disputes with their creditors. More seriously, there were allegations of a toxic work culture. Employees were unable to leave until 10 pm, sick leaves were not a concept, and verbal abuse was a daily observation. There was immense pressure to acquire more customers by any means to regain revenue.
In 2023, their valuation of $22 billion in 2022 was cut by 75%, causing layoffs as well as accusations of financial mismanagement. Their parent company, Think & Learn Pvt Ltd., was scrutinised for being unable to pay PF money to their employees. Moreover, Facebook and Google discontinued their ads after they failed to pay their ad dues.
Aggressive Marketing and Sales Practices
Relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the disaster at Byju’s continued strong. Seeing their online presence getting strong, they went all out with marketing. However, their strategies were overwhelming. They were endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan and included several advertisements featuring the superstar. But in 2023, Shah Rukh Khan and Byju’s did not want to be associated with one another and mutually ended their contract.
Byju’s had already moved on to Lionel Messi as their brand ambassador in 2022 with a 3-year contract. However, this move was met with severe criticism by the public. Employee layoffs were at a peak with 2,500 losing their jobs. Their deal with Messi backfired as their previously mentioned financial mismanagement caused them to have inadequate funds. They have now kept Messi’s ambassadorship on hold. We don’t see chances of it recovering. They ended up sponsoring several events, like the Indian Premier League and FIFA.
After the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted, students began to prefer and resume offline classes. Being physically present has proven to be the more effective method of studying. Byju’s method of learning turned out to be less relevant with this sudden change. They had no game plan and resorted to an aggressive style of marketing.
Messi’s sponsorship of Byju’s
Loan Fraud: They Went That Far
As mentioned earlier, employees were pressured to acquire customers through any means. An example of this is a report of an employee telling parents their children would fail if they didn’t subscribe to Byju’s program. This is incredibly manipulative but not unheard of for businesses. There were other strategies, like following up constantly with people they forced to download the app as well as opt for the 15-day free trial. Again, following up is a common strategy. However, if you fail to live up to those expectations, that’s another story.
The quality of Byju’s classes also took a major fall with their financial struggle. Students and parents felt cheated and misled. Moreover, their courses cost as much as 1.35 Lakhs. Pushing these courses onto people, especially those of low income, is unjustifiable. It also turns out that lower-income customers were taken advantage of and taking loans to afford these courses. Considering it is incredibly tedious to get a loan in India, it was questionable how their customers would be able to get a loan. Byju’s had lending partnerships and essentially acted as guarantors for their customers. This strategy is known as the First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG). In short, if the customer fails to pay, Byju’s is held responsible and pays for them.
Massive Financial Mismanagement and Legal Issues
Byju’s acquired companies as if it were a hobby for them. They acquired Aakash Institute for $950 million, WhiteHat Jr for $300 million and 17 other companies. This made them face an increase in expenses, not making it worth the increase in users. Except for Aakash Institute, not all of them were profitable. Byju’s faced significant losses because of their overzealous acquisition.
Byju’s also failed to repay a $300 million loan from Singaporean firm Redwood Global Investments but was undertaken after a deal of a $500 million loan was given in 2022. However, these financial mishaps caused Deloitte to pull back from Byju’s and subsequently Prosus, Sequoia, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative also left Byju’s board. Byju’s fell into legal trouble due to these factors, facing a lawsuit filed by
Redwood Global Investments. Moreover, as of February 2024, Byju Raveendran has a lookout notice issued to him by India’s economic intelligence and law enforcement entity Enforcement Directorate.
What are the key lessons learned from Byju’s and how can you apply them to your business?
Proper accounting practice: To especially avoid financial irregularities and legal troubles, businesses should maintain a healthy cash flow and debt ratio, keep contingency plans in place, and avoid overwhelming their assets. Byju’s were overzealous in both marketing and taking out loans to meet dues. This is a terrible move that can sink your company.
Maintain trust and respect: Byju’s lost respect in two important ways: Respect of their customers and their board members. Not only did parents and students feel completely cheated, but their board members were frustrated by their financial incompetence. Choosing quantity over quality can jeopardise the trust you keep with your partners.
Healthy work culture: The employees make the company. Treating your employees like robots will get you nowhere and Byju’s proves that. Pressuring them, keeping them until 10 pm, no sick leaves, and verbal abuse are the only public knowledge we have of Byju’s deeds. Make sure your employees have a great work-life balance and maintain a patient attitude.
India has become an essential player in the global electronics market, especially when it comes to manufacturing televisions. Few companies have their own manufacturing unit, but Thomson stands out for its remarkable progress. Under Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of Super Plastronics Private Limited(SPPL), had an exclusive brand licensee of Thomson in India. The company’s success is attributed to its focus on innovation, quality, and scalability while producing a wide range of televisions that cater to diverse consumer preferences, including LED and QLED TVs. I recently visited the Thomson Factory, where I gained insight into TV manufacturing in India, showcasing the journey from raw materials to finished products.
Upon entering the factory premises, the first impression was the organized chaos, with machinery humming, workers bustling about, and raw materials stacked neatly in designated areas. The tour began with an overview of the manufacturing process, starting from the assembly line where the various components of the TVs come together.
The assembly line is a carefully orchestrated dance of human and machine, with each worker assigned a specific task, such as placing components, attaching screens, and quality control checks. It was fascinating to witness the precision and efficiency with which the workers operated, ensuring that each TV met the highest quality standards.
One of the main highlights was observing the skilled labour force in action. The TVs are assembled at various stations going through a roller belt. Each section had specific tasks, such as attaching backlight LEDs, panels, installing motherboards, WiFi and conducting inspections. The integration of components tracking technology in the manufacturing process increased efficiency and reduced the margin of error, resulting in the production of high-quality products.
As we walked through the assembly line, we witnessed the transformation of raw materials into sleek and beautiful televisions. The factory produces TVs ranging from 32 inches to 75 inches, catering to different market segments. The process for manufacturing LED and QLED TVs follows a similar path, after which specialized techniques are employed for QLED panels to test picture quality and colour accuracy.
Quality control is a crucial requirement in the manufacturing process, with strict measures in place to ensure that every TV meets the highest standards. Random spot checks are conducted at various stages of production to ensure the quality is maintained. This commitment to quality is reflected in the final products, with TVs made in India gaining recognition for their reliability and performance. Moreover, during our visit, we saw a machine with a complete TV unit placed on it to test its ability to withstand the bumpy Indian roads while delivering the products across the country.
The tour ended with a glimpse into the SPPL warehouse, where rows upon rows of fully packaged TVs were neatly stacked and organized. It was an impressive sight, with each TV is ready for delivery across India. The warehouse was bustling with activity as workers were busy preparing the items for shipment, ensuring they were properly secured and labelled for their final destinations. It was clear that SPPL took great care in delivering their products to their customers, and seeing their dedication firsthand was truly inspiring.
Overall, the factory visit provided valuable insights into the complexities of TV manufacturing in India. Every aspect of the process, from the assembly line to the fully assembled package units, is geared towards producing high-quality televisions that compete in India. With a focus on innovation, automation, and sustainability, Thomson TVs will continue significantly contributing to the electronics industry.
STM Goods has recently launched a new product called the OPP case for the iPad 10th generation. The product offers a perfect blend of versatility, protection, and style.
The OPP case is not just an ordinary case; it offers a unique experience inspired by the Japanese art form, Origami. The case provides a slim and drop-protective design with an extra feature: it can easily turn into a vertical or horizontal stand, making it an ideal case for various purposes such as business, travel, or entertainment, thereby opening up new possibilities for life on the move.
The origami-inspired cover of the OPP case is ingeniously designed to transform into a sturdy stand, allowing portrait and landscape viewing modes. Whether you are watching a captivating movie, browsing the web, or showcasing your artistic vision, the OPP folio case adapts to your needs.
Faiz Rahman, Director, India at STM Goods, said, “At STM Goods, we aim to inspire our customers to explore the full potential of their devices. The OPP case is an extension of this vision by providing a seamless combination of a protective cover that is affordable yet empowers users with creativity and functionality.”
The OPP case is ultra-slim, protective, and exclusively designed for the iPad 10th gen. It has a crystal-clear back that allows the iPad’s elegance to show through, innovative folding cover that provides stable portrait or landscape viewing options, easy access power and volume buttons, and an integrated Apple Pencil holder.
The STM Goods OPP case is now available in three different colors: black, pink, and grey. Customers can purchase it at select Apple Premium Reseller (APR) stores and online at Imagine Online Store and Amazon.in at an MRP of ₹2690/-. With this launch, STM Goods has once again proven its commitment to innovation and providing customers with the best quality products.
In a world that needs to address the climate crisis, sustainability is at the top of everyone’s mind. Sustainability is achieved through maintaining proper ecological systems and one of the biggest problems to tackle is electronic waste (E-waste). Despite the goal of reducing waste, every year millions of electronic devices get thrown away after they no longer serve their purpose, whether due to broken components that make it unusable or people’s desire to upgrade. It is imperative now more than ever to learn how to manage E-waste.
What is Electronic Waste?
E-waste is electronic devices and appliances that are disposed of. These can include computers, phones, TVs, tablets, and many more. These devices have components of harmful substances, such as cobalt, lead, mercury, etc., that do not decompose and become extremely toxic to the environment. When mixed with soil, it can negatively affect living beings and organisms. That is why it’s important to know how and where to recycle them to make them useful and safe.
How Does E-Waste Pose as a Problem?
Newer technology has become an endless loop. People are more enticed towards upgrading their tech rather than being satisfied with their existing products. E-waste will be found, unfortunately, more likely in working condition than broken equipment. While new tech is built to be more convenient and sharper, it doesn’t compensate for the adverse environmental effects. E-waste presents health hazards to the public when not recycled. Moreover, it contributes to air pollution in the form of fine dust or toxic gasses after going through the process of shredding or dismantling. Not to mention when in contact with water bodies, it also harms our aquatic life that already faces plenty of mistreatment.
Reducing E-Waste: Easy Steps You Can Take
Checking the product’s lifespan before buying: Avoid trendy products with short lifespans which will predictably die out soon. This is a very simple step you can check yourself.
Check the packaging: Does the product have an environmental seal? The packaging will usually have the seal of approval from respected organisations or government agencies.
Learn about electronic components: Being conscious about the different components and what they are made of will make you more aware of what toxins you might get exposed to. This can prevent unnecessary complications later on.
Donations: Sometimes when you are done with an electronic device but can’t sell it off, the best alternative is to donate. This way someone who needs it can use it for longer rather than being disposed of in a landfill.
Limiting your electronic use: This tip is easier said than done but limiting purchasing of electronic devices can also help bring down the excess demand happening in the market.
Normalise recycling into your daily life: This is the most important and easy tip to practise. Recycling ensures that your products are safely converted into something new as well as do not end up in landfills and harm the environment.
Maintain the electronics you currently use: This might seem difficult but learning how to maintain different electronics and their components will help extend their lifespan. You can get the most out of your equipment by practising sustainability yourself.
Asad Abdullah, a 22-year-old Indian entrepreneur from Uttar Pradesh, has demonstrated the future of environmental security with his new solar-powered electronic bike. Abdullah claims that he made the bike from scraps with his KTM bike.
What is the Solar Powered E-Bike?
Abdullah recently posted a video on his Instagram account (@asadabdullah62), showcasing the e-bike. The video shows a seven-seater e-bike, one for the driver and six passengers. What makes it stand out even more is the solar panel canopy over the heads of the people in the vehicle. It charges the e-bike while also providing shade for people in the vehicle. It looks comfortable to drive and ride in, all the while being completely safe for the environment.
Abdullah has estimated an amount of ₹8000 to ₹10,000 for its creation, a fairly affordable and convenient vehicle. His invention can also top 125km/hr and covers at least 130km on a single charge. It has impressed people like the current chairman of RPG Enterprises, Harsh Goenka.(Link)
So much sustainable innovation in one product – produced from scrap, seven seater vehicle, solar energy and shade from the sun! Frugal innovations like this make me proud of our India! pic.twitter.com/rwx1GQBNVW
How Have E-Vehicles Improved Climate and Economic Conditions?
It’s not new that the climate crisis is getting worse day-by-day and actions need to be taken. One of the largest contributors to climate change is vehicular emissions. Not only is the danger level rising but also prices have become pretty much unreasonable. Due to the urgency of finding a solution, electric vehicles have become popular around the world. They have played a major role in improving traffic conditions and reducing carbon emissions.
Another unspoken advantage is how much quieter electric vehicles are and Abdullah’s e-bike is not only great for the environment but also protects their riders from the sun with its convenient canopy. Noise pollution greatly impacts people’s health, and the increase in electric vehicles tackles this directly. The quieter, the better! Abdullah’s e-bike is also much more affordable than gas-powered vehicles. He decided to tinker with his original bike after spending nearly ₹6000 per month on fuel alone and wanted a more economical alternative.
Learning DIY Tech Yourself
Abdullah’s passion for inventing and DIYing knows no bounds. His YouTube channel, Homemade Creative, has a range of products that he has modified himself. The best part about his channel is its informative nature. His description box has all the gear you need to make these products yourself. More importantly, he has a website dedicated to teaching you how to make your own electronic bike. This is incredibly helpful and only costs ₹599 and is guided by him. He also does reviews of the best accessible technology.
