The Knowledge to Decide

Can a network of floating balloons offer internet services? It seems to be a scene right from a science-fiction movie. Tech giant Google has launched a network of balloons that travel 20 km above ground level to deliver signals using LTE technology making the internet available at 4G speeds even in rural areas. First launched in New Zealand in 2015, the balloons later made their way to Brazil, Australia and recently Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The Indian government is still apprehensive about this technology, in the face of claims that it could lead to technical glitches due to interference with cellular transmission. Nonetheless, the government is yet to come back with a conclusive response. Will balloons bring the internet to every square inch of the world’s second most populous country? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/googles-project-loon-balloons-to-provide-internet-in-india/

To invest in Hindi content makes business sense. There are around 500 million Hindi speakers in India and across the globe. DB Corp Ltd. – India’s largest print media company – is pursuing this strategy. Internet users in Hindi are on the rise in rural India where 87 million mobile-internet users and 134 million internet users are based (as of 2014). However, developers find it difficult to create a standardized interface language setting and the lack of standard phonetic translations makes it harder to type Hindi characters. Moreover, with many other official languages across India, propagating Hindi content is still an uphill task. Will Hindi digital content take off any time soon? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/digital-content-in-hindi-gaining-momentum/

India is struggling to provide adequate healthcare to its rural citizens. However, necessity spawns innovation. Several Indian hospitals have taken the initiative to work with globally trained specialists to reform existing healthcare approaches. Some Indian hospitals have devised a business model which will enable them to provide world class facilities at affordable rates. The model will enhance revenue generation and hence sustainability in rural hospitals through funds raised from wealthy patients – reducing the burden on the government. According to the Economics of National Security Bureau, the Indian government spends only USD43 on healthcare per person while 70% of healthcare expenses are usually borne by individuals and families. Is India’s Robin Hood healthcare business model set to revolutionize rural healthcare? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/better-healthcare-access-for-the-rural-poor-in-india/